Category: Pauline Dispensationalism / Dispensational Bible Study

Jeremiah 29:11 and Right Division #5

Friday, May 24, 2024

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV).

What is the truth about today’s Scripture?

If we resort to quoting Jeremiah 29:11 in a desperate attempt to be comforted that God will bless us with good fortune, we are also forced to “name and claim” these curses in Jeremiah!

“For I have set my face against this city for evil, and not for good, saith the LORD: it shall be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire” (Jeremiah 21:10). “Go and speak to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring my words upon this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished in that day before thee” (Jeremiah 39:16). “Behold, I will watch over them for evil, and not for good: and all the men of Judah that are in the land of Egypt shall be consumed by the sword and by the famine, until there be an end of them” (Jeremiah 44:27). God would curse unbelieving Israel for breaking the Old Covenant, but, as today’s Scripture asserts, He would then bless them under the New Covenant at Christ’s Second Coming and subsequent Millennial Kingdom.

As opposed to taking Israel’s verses and making them our own, we can see the writings of our Apostle Paul—God’s spokesman to us (Romans 11:13)—and rejoice in His promises to and about us. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:…” (Ephesians 1:3). “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:37). “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;…” (2 Corinthians 4:17). “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

There are still other Pauline promises to us….

Jeremiah 29:11 and Right Division #4

Thursday, May 23, 2024

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV).

What is the truth about today’s Scripture?

It is extremely easy to isolate Bible verses from contexts. After all, it has been done for centuries upon centuries upon centuries—and, blindly following this example, a great many sincere souls do not realize their error. Since whole theological systems and entire denominations have been constructed on these “proof-texts,” such a habit of ripping verses out of their settings is not so readily abandoned. To complicate matters, religious tradition is difficult to address because it is a personal, sensitive topic. Still, if we have any hope of understanding and enjoying the Bible, we must start treating the Scriptures with more respect.

All of the Bible is for us, it is all for our learning (Romans 15:4), but not all of the Bible is to us or about us. Whenever we find good news in Scripture—such as the promise of a blessing (see today’s Scripture, Jeremiah 29:11)—that does not automatically mean God the Holy Spirit is addressing us. If we will believe the verse, we must also believe the context when it restricts the verse to a specific audience, time, and/or place.

Since it is shoddy handling of the Holy Bible, we must forsake our tendency to leave all the curses for Israel while claiming all the blessings for ourselves. In Jeremiah chapter 29, both the blessings and the curses belong to Israel instead of us. If we do “name and claim” today’s Scripture as applicable to us, we must also “name and claim” the fact we will be deported to Babylon for 70 years (verse 10). Such Bible usage makes no sense, does it? At this point, someone inevitably voices a concern: “But is it not true that God has something good in store for us as members of the Church the Body of Christ?” Definitely, without a doubt, we have some wonderful promises from God—but we do not have to commit spiritual larceny (steal Israel’s verses) to “name and claim” them!

Let us see God’s Word to and about us….

Jeremiah 29:11 and Right Division #3

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV).

What is the truth about today’s Scripture?

So as to appreciate the full meaning of today’s Scripture, we have to look at it in context. Jeremiah’s focus is the Babylonian Captivity of the Kingdom of Judah, which commenced approximately 600 years before Christ. Judah’s people have violated the Law of Moses by engaging in idol worship, so the curses or punishments are now being meted out. Yet, false prophets were spreading lies about how no such chastisement was coming. They supposed Judah’s people exiled to Babylon would soon return to the land of Canaan. Such wrong information deceived their audience, and the LORD through Jeremiah exposed them. They needed to settle in Babylon because they would remain in that foreign territory for seven decades.

Re-read verses 5-10: “[5] Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; [6] Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished. [7] And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace. [8] For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed. [9] For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD. [10] For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.”

Now, today’s Scripture: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” This is Judah’s return to Canaan and restoration from the Babylonian Captivity….

NOTE: Regarding our New Testament Survey Project, we have now finished Romans verse-by-verse and will soon begin 1 Corinthians verse-by-verse. All Romans videos are archived here.

Jeremiah 29:11 and Right Division #2

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV).

What is the truth about today’s Scripture?

Today’s Scripture in context: “[1] Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which were carried away captives, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon; [2] (After that Jeconiah the king, and the queen, and the eunuchs, the princes of Judah and Jerusalem, and the carpenters, and the smiths, were departed from Jerusalem; ) [3] By the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent unto Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon) saying,

“[4] Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon; [5] Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; [6] Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished. [7] And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

“[8] For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed. [9] For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD. [10] For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. [11] For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

Here is how we comprehend today’s Scripture….

Jeremiah 29:11 and Right Division #1

Monday, May 20, 2024

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV).

What is the truth about today’s Scripture?

It is always commendable when people quote a Bible verse they feel agrees with the present occasion or their position. They have tried to be biblical, and this is wise: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5,6). However, it is always a real shame when people quoting the Bible have neglected the dispensational context of whatever verse they have chosen to use. Maybe they are deliberately being untruthful, such as those in 2 Timothy 3:1-9. Nonetheless, perhaps they just need to be taught the truth, as poor misguided Apollos was.

Acts 18:24-28: “And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.”

This preacher, Apollos, was “eloquent” (articulate, a persuasive speaker). He was also “mighty in the scriptures” (powerful in Bible knowledge). Furthermore, he was “instructed in the way of the Lord” (taught to follow the Lord’s path). He was “fervent in the spirit” (zealous, excited, passionate, enthusiastic). Additionally, “he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord” (circumspectly or carefully speaking and teaching information about the Lord). Yet, Apollos was “knowing only the baptism of John” (an outdated 20-year-old message or revelation).

As Apollos received instruction, may we be inclined to renew our mind with the truth….

Spiritual Calligraphy #12

Saturday, May 18, 2024

“And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isaiah 60:3 KJV).

What can today’s Scripture teach us about spiritual calligraphy?

Read this excerpt from the Sermon on the Mount, Christ’s Kingdom Constitution of Matthew chapters 5–7. It is Israel’s prospect in the ages to come, and complements today’s Scripture: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). Also, Matthew 13:43: “Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Our parallel passage as members of the Church the Body of Christ is Philippians 2:13-16, what we read earlier.

Whether the nation Israel living in accordance with the Law of Moses (time past), or we the Church the Body of Christ conducting ourselves in agreement with the Pauline epistles of Romans through Philemon (but now), or the redeemed nation Israel functioning under the New Covenant or Law of Messiah (ages to come), it is the life of the one true (Creator) God being revealed in and through His people. He is thus glorified in His creation. Yet, if they do not walk in their respective identities, they will give an occasion for Satan’s people to sneer, laugh, and discredit them.

Indeed, it can be spiritual calligraphy—God the Holy Spirit’s attractive handwriting on the pages of Scripture being brought into the very details of human existence. Or, it can be spiritual cacography—hideous words and repulsive deeds that are not even worth mentioning or thinking about. To state it another way, either it will be a “sinner’s gospel” or a “scoffer’s creed.” We would do well to remember grace living as taught in Romans 6:1-14, Ephesians 5:1-20, Colossians 1:9-13, and Titus 2:11-15. It is our choice to allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through us, so any poor decisions we make will not be God’s fault. May we choose spiritual calligraphy! 🙂

Spiritual Calligraphy #11

Friday, May 17, 2024

“And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isaiah 60:3 KJV).

What can today’s Scripture teach us about spiritual calligraphy?

Read Titus chapter 2: “[1] But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: [2] That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. [3] The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; [4] That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, [5] To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

“[6] Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. [7] In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, [8] Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. [9] Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; [10] Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

“[11] For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, [12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; [13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; [14] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. [15] These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.”

Paul wrote how members of the Body of Christ (especially young women) should carefully guard how they live, lest unbelievers “blaspheme [speak against] the word of God” (verse 5). Similarly, servants (employees) should “adorn [decorate, make attractive/appealing] the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things” (verse 10). Such precautions prevent hypocrisy (thereby avoiding ancient Israel’s sins of Romans 2:21-24).

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

Spiritual Calligraphy #10

Thursday, May 16, 2024

“And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isaiah 60:3 KJV).

What can today’s Scripture teach us about spiritual calligraphy?

It is no secret the Corinthians were the worldliest, most carnal (fleshly) believers in the entire canon of Scripture. They thought and acted like people who were lost and on their merry way to Hell! What makes it all the more ridiculous is that Paul had spent some two years teaching them the Gospel of Grace and grace living (see Acts 18:11,18)! One of their primary sins was abusing spiritual gifts—especially speaking in tongues. Three chapters of 1 Corinthians are therefore devoted to spiritual gifts (read chapters 12–14).

Consider 1 Corinthians 14:21-23: “In the law it is written [Isaiah 28:11,12], With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad [crazy, insane, lunatic]?”

The Corinthian assembly of Christians met in a building that shared a wall with the Jewish synagogue of Corinth. Read Acts 18:1-8, noting that “joined hard” in verse 7 references the common wall between them. Since the Corinthian saints were abusing the spiritual gift of tongues by engaging in gibberish or ecstatic utterances (just like the pagans in their worship services!), that spiritual gift was not serving its purpose of reaching unsaved Jews next-door as the Spirit of God had intended! It was the spirit of man trying to counterfeit God’s work, and even lost Jews could see the silliness! Instead of attracting unsaved Israel to Paul’s ministry and message, such frivolity was repelling them, keeping them antagonistic toward the Lord Jesus Christ whom those spiritual gifts should have glorified.

Exalting human “wisdom,” Corinth abounded with spiritual cacography, ugly handwriting, hideous words and deeds….

Spiritual Calligraphy #9

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

“And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isaiah 60:3 KJV).

What can today’s Scripture teach us about spiritual calligraphy?

Read Deuteronomy 4:5-8, Moses’ speech to Israel: “Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?”

God intended Israel to display His wisdom for all the Gentiles to see and admire. This was especially important since we will remember these Gentiles or nations were walking in the foolishness of satanic darkness and spiritual ignorance (Genesis 11:1-9; Acts 14:15-17; Acts 17:16-31; Acts 26:17,18; Romans 1:20-32; Ephesians 2:1-3,11,12; Ephesians 4:17-19). The nation Israel, however, did not value and esteem their Hebrew Bible (our Old Testament): they joined the Gentiles in their darkness!

Notice how, some 600 years before Christ, the LORD God spoke these words through Jeremiah the Prophet: “For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish [stupid!] children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge” (Jeremiah 4:22). Also consider Jeremiah 5:21,23: “Hear now this, O foolish [same Hebrew word translated ‘sottish’] people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not:…. But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone.”

While true of the ancient nation Israel, the Holy Spirit could also compose these Jeremiah verses to and about the professing church and even the genuine church. Spiritual folly and stupidity reign supreme in the majority of our “Christian” schools, local “Christian” assemblies, and “Christian” homes….

Spiritual Calligraphy #8

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

“And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isaiah 60:3 KJV).

What can today’s Scripture teach us about spiritual calligraphy?

Here is God’s grace expressed in and through members of the Church the Body of Christ: “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain” (Philippians 2:13-16).

“Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid [May God never let that happen!]” (Romans 6:11-15).

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:1-4). “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness” (Ephesians 4:17-19).

Here is spiritual calligraphy, beautiful writing we can apply to the details of our life….