Category: The Nation Israel

The Case for Right Division #9

Sunday, May 28, 2023

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).

Can today’s Scripture deliver someone from absolute stupidity before he or she literally perishes in it? (Yes!)

Ephesians 3:1,2 relays the following: “For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:…” The “dispensation” (Greek, “oikonomia,” “house rules”) the Lord has in effect today was given to the Apostle Paul (cf. Colossians 1:25-28). This is the body of truth applicable to us, and it is located in the 13 Pauline epistles, Romans through Philemon. Through Paul’s ministry, the mystery program, God is manifesting His grace—His unmerited favor—to mankind in a new way. By faith in Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork as sufficient payment for our sins, we as Gentiles outside of Israel and her prophetic program can be made righteous in God’s sight. God the Holy Spirit is taking us believers in Christ and forming the Church the Body of Christ, separate and distinct from the nation Israel (see Ephesians 2:13–3:12).

Alas, denominationally-minded people are either unintentionally or deliberately blind to dispensational truth. To exclusively follow the Lord’s heavenly ministry through Paul means they must forsake their denominational system (built on Christ’s earthly ministry!). They would have to admit their preacher or teacher lied to them. In fact, those who wish to keep their church traditions have resorted to disparaging dispensational Bible study as a “cult,” “heresy,” and so on. That is their choice. If they are determined to stay in their chaos, we respect their free will and let them remain in that ignorance. They can continue claiming their physical healing, dying because they refuse to visit doctors and receive medication. They can keep their starvation by fasting, holding out and holding on for “answers” from God as to why this or that never came to pass.

Dear friends, in the wake of non-dispensational Bible study, billions are left perplexed, hopeless, and even spiritually, doctrinally, and physically dead. Here is the heavy price that must be paid for failing to apply today’s Scripture. Above all, here is the case for right division!

The Case for Right Division #8

Saturday, May 27, 2023

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).

Can today’s Scripture deliver someone from absolute stupidity before he or she literally perishes in it? (Yes!)

When the Apostle Paul addressed his second epistle to young Timothy (from which today’s Scripture was extracted), two particular false teachers had combined the prophetic program with the mystery program. They ultimately implied the Lord Jesus had already come and taken away the Church the Body of Christ to Heaven (an event we commonly call “the Rapture”). Hearing this misinformation, Christians still on Earth erroneously concluded they were not Christians at all, for Christ would have also removed them to Heaven via the resurrection of 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Today’s Scripture in context: “[14] Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. [15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. [16] But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. [17] And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; [18] Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.”

Such non-dispensational Bible study spreads like a cancer, growing into more and more apostasy (leaving the truth). The “faith” of some is overthrown, overturned, toppled, abolished. We observe this widespread confusion and discouragement in denominational churches—and how disgruntled church members finally turned to atheism, agnosticism, Satanism, or some other “ism.” They always pray for God’s will, but never discover it. Whereas they never cease to quote verses, they have yet to obtain any spiritual stability or lasting peace. All they can do is wallow in utter impotency and crushing dissatisfaction, worried about Bible contradictions and unanswered prayer. No pastor or teacher has anything meaningful to contribute either, for these church leaders are also victims of Satan’s policy of evil. Here is the case for right division, the absolute necessity for it….

The Case for Right Division #7

Friday, May 26, 2023

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).

Can today’s Scripture deliver someone from absolute stupidity before he or she literally perishes in it? (Yes!)

Undeniably, the most confused Bible Book is Acts. Though not complicated in and of itself, Acts has been confused courtesy of denominational nonsense. Acts is a transitional Book, God’s dealings with man switching from Peter to Paul, prophecy to mystery, law to grace, Israel to the Body of Christ, and so on. More times than not, however, these differences are smoothed over. Since the cliché “God never changes” has been mindlessly repeated in church circles for so long, no one really thinks there are any distinctions in Scripture at all. What alarming Bible ignorance!

“Whatever God did then, He must surely be doing now.” This is the wrong and ever so costly assumption that has led untold millions upon millions upon millions to a lost eternity in a perpetual Devil’s Hell, quoting verses that have nothing to do with them—though they believed these passages gave them a right standing before God. It is also the incorrect and ever so pricey assumption that has imprisoned countless millions upon millions upon millions of genuine (!) Christians (!) in spiritual kindergarten, their minds and hearts so filled and contaminated with useless, profitless, worthless teaching—and God the Holy Spirit has just as much influence over them as He does people who have no Bible at all.

Since the dispensational boundaries of Scripture are usually not appreciated in the average church or Bible study (it has been this way for almost 20 centuries!), the non-dispensational verses are hopelessly in conflict, so various and sundry clever excuses or gimmicks have been invented to sidestep “inconvenient” verses that cannot be adequately resolved. “This verse was not in the original manuscripts, it is a ‘poor translation,’ this does not mean what it says,” and on and on with the justifications as to why we must make everything in the Bible the same. Our King James Bible verses do not need to be reworded or retranslated—only re-read and re-examined within (!) their (!) dispensational (!) contexts (!)….

The Case for Right Division #6

Thursday, May 25, 2023

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).

Can today’s Scripture deliver someone from absolute stupidity before he or she literally perishes in it? (Yes!)

Re-read Ephesians 2:11,12. In “time past,” God dealt with mankind on the basis of physical circumcision (Jews, Israel) and physical uncircumcision (Gentiles, nations). While this “middle wall of partition” was in place (see verse 14), God’s blessings and salvation were on the circumcision side (cf. Romans 9:4,5). Christ’s earthly ministry belongs in “time past” (see Matthew 10:5-7; Matthew 15:24; John 4:22; Romans 15:8).

Beginning with the Apostle Paul—the “but now,” Christ’s heavenly ministry—the Lord eliminated “the middle wall of partition” (see Ephesians 2:13-18). Now, the nations of the world approach God, but not through the nation Israel, for Israel is now fallen. Read Romans 11:11-14. We come to God via Paul’s ministry (Bible Books of Romans through Philemon), faith in Christ’s finished crosswork as sufficient payment for our sins (see 1 Corinthians 15:3,4). In “the ages to come” (Ephesians 2:7), God will use us the Church the Body of Christ to glorify Jesus in the heavenly places as He will utilize the nation Israel to exalt Jesus in the earth (Ephesians 1:8-12,19-23; Ephesians 2:6,7; Colossians 1:16-20). “Time past,” “but now,” and “the ages to come” is how to “rightly divide the word of truth.” Remember, note it well (!): principles in effect during time past may not be true today, so be careful, lest you misapply to yourself non-Pauline (outside of Paul’s epistles) Bible truths that are no longer true!

Also, we can view Jesus Christ from two perspectives. Firstly, Peter preached Him according to prophecy: “Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:21). Secondly, Paul preached Him according to mystery: “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest,…” (Romans 16:25,26). “Prophecy” versus “mystery” is another way God “rightly divides the word of truth.” Let us elaborate….

The Case for Right Division #4

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).

Can today’s Scripture deliver someone from absolute stupidity before he or she literally perishes in it? (Yes!)

Recall our introductory remarks about the preacher who fasted for 51 days—and finally died by starvation! He was looking for answers from God as to “why the signs do not follow [his] ministry as Jesus said they would.” Obviously, this man was “naming and claiming” Mark 16:17,18: “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Why did these verses not work for the pastor? He could not understand what the problem was. This is just one of countless examples demonstrating even Bible users and church leaders can become disoriented, disappointed, and discouraged. Let us reflect on another distressing passage.

“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it” (John 14:13,14). Dear friend, are you one of the millions who have begged God for all sorts of positive outcomes—with physical healing and “miracle money” being the top requests—but constant prayers were never answered? Instead, financial difficulties worsened and ill people grew sicker and died. How many poor souls concluded Jesus lied and God did not care about them? In fact, who among them abandoned the Bible and Christianity altogether because of these headaches and heartbreaks?

Of course, we can “name and claim” all the favorite Bible passages we want—even fasting and praying earnestly when the promises fail to come to pass, demanding God give us His reasons for those unanswered prayers. We can go so far as to literally starve ourselves to death, engaged in an endless pursuit of solutions to such vexing puzzles. Or, we could apply today’s Scripture and have amazing clarity, stability, and tranquility….

The Assyrian #4

Thursday, May 18, 2023

“For through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod” (Isaiah 30:31 KJV).

Who is this “Assyrian?”

Remembering the Pharaoh who kept Israel in bondage and tried his hardest to annihilate the Jewish people (the “Assyrian” in Isaiah 52:4), recalling Sennacherib the King of Assyria who wanted to defeat Jerusalem but failed (2 Kings 19:34-37; 2 Chronicles 32:21,22; Isaiah 37:35-38), we reach the third Assyrian of Isaiah’s colossal Book—the “Assyrian” of today’s Scripture (the Antichrist).

This Assyrian, like ancient Pharaoh, purposes to do whatever is necessary to “cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance” (Psalm 83:4). Like Sennacherib, this Assyrian will come against Jerusalem in battle. Re-read Isaiah 30:27-33, Christ’s fiery Second Coming, yet future from us. The LORD’S voice roars from Heaven as He descends through Earth’s atmosphere. A violent storm accompanies Him—fire, hailstones, fierce winds. As Pharoah and Sennacherib were destroyed, so the LORD will kill the Antichrist.

“For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled [looted], and the women ravished [assaulted]; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the LORD [Jesus Christ] go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives….” (Zechariah 14:2-4a).

“And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;…” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:…” (2 Thessalonians 2:8; cf. today’s Scripture).

Christ Jesus returns to free Israel from Satan and sin, ready to rule the Heaven and the Earth from David’s throne forever (see a glimpse in Zechariah 14:9)!

The Assyrian #3

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

“For through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod” (Isaiah 30:31 KJV).

Who is this “Assyrian?”

Another “Assyrian” about which Isaiah the Prophet wrote is King Sennacherib: “Now it came to pass in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah, that Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the defenced cities of Judah, and took them” (Isaiah 36:1). This was approximately 702 B.C., some 20 years after Assyria had already captured Israel’s 10 northern tribes (2 Kings chapter 17). Now, in King Hezekiah’s day, another King of Assyria has come into power, and he seeks to conquer Jerusalem (southern tribes). “And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against Jerusalem,…” (2 Chronicles 32:1).

Hezekiah advises his people: “Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah” (2 Chronicles 32:7,8).

Additionally, Hezekiah prays to the LORD to intervene and save Jerusalem from otherwise certain doom (2 Kings 19:15-19; Isaiah 37:15-20). “And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven. And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword. Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all other, and guided them on every side” (2 Chronicles 32:20-22; cf. 2 Kings 19:32-36; Isaiah 37:33-38).

When Assyrian King Sennacherib and his troops encircled Jerusalem, the LORD defended and spared the city for David’s sake. In today’s Scripture, yet future from us, JEHOVAH God will again deliver Jerusalem from an “Assyrian….”

The Assyrian #2

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

“For through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod” (Isaiah 30:31 KJV).

Who is this “Assyrian?”

In Isaiah chapter 52, verse 4, we read the following comment: “For thus saith the Lord GOD, My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the Assyrian oppressed them without cause.” Of course, Jacob and his household migrated down into Egypt in Genesis chapter 46 to meet his son Joseph and family. For centuries, the 12 tribes of Israel had a pleasant experience among the Egyptians because Joseph was in the favor of Pharaoh and his successors.

However, there came a turning point in Exodus chapter 1: “[6] And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. [7] And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them. [8] Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. [9] And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we: [10] Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land. [11] Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. [12] But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.”

Once Joseph and his brethren passed off the scene, a new Pharaoh came into power, and the Israelites were mercilessly persecuted and their male newborn babies were slaughtered (see Exodus 1:15-22). Isaiah 52:4, which we read already, designates this Pharaoh as “the Assyrian.” Moreover, Isaiah knows of another “Assyrian”—and, today’s Scripture, he writes of yet another “Assyrian.” The identity of the Assyrian of today’s Scripture can be better appreciated by looking at the other Assyrians of Isaiah’s massive Book….

The Assyrian #1

Monday, May 15, 2023

“For through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod” (Isaiah 30:31 KJV).

Who is this “Assyrian?”

Read today’s Scripture in context: “[27] Behold, the name of the LORD cometh from far, burning with his anger, and the burden thereof is heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire: [28] And his breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity: and there shall be a bridle in the jaws of the people, causing them to err. [29] Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel.

“[30] And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones. [31] For through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod. [32] And in every place where the grounded staff shall pass, which the LORD shall lay upon him, it shall be with tabrets and harps: and in battles of shaking will he fight with it. [33] For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.”

By carefully considering these words the Holy Spirit spoke through the Prophet Isaiah, it is clear to us the LORD is sorely displeased. This is a time of intense Divine judgment—yet supreme joyfulness. It is a period of severe tempestuousness—but unparalleled tranquility too. Destruction and salvation have been paired here. Where on the Bible timeline is this blend of contrasting events? Who is this “Assyrian?” Why is the LORD so upset with him? Let us study the Scriptures to ascertain the fascinating answers….

Mother: A Virtuous Woman

Sunday, May 14, 2023

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10 KJV).

Today is Mother’s Day, so we dedicate this devotional to godly women (specifically mothers). I especially dedicate this to the virtuous woman who has been in my life for almost 35 years… my mom!

Today’s Scripture is the first verse of the Bible’s “Virtuous Woman” passage (Proverbs 31:10-31). King Solomon explained that the virtuous woman:

  • has a husband who safely trusts in her (verses 11,12).
  • is not lazy, but is strong because she works to feed and clothe her family and herself (verses 13-19,21,22,24,25,27).
  • pities the poor and needy (verse 20).
  • has a husband who is well-known because of her godly lifestyle (verse 23).
  • opens her mouth with wisdom, and speaks kindly and lovingly (verse 26).
  • has children and a husband who praise her (verse 28).
  • excels in what she does (verse 29).
  • has works that praise her (verse 31).

Verse 30 explains the virtuous woman is “a woman that feareth the LORD.”

The Apostle Paul wrote that godly women should: not slander/gossip, not be controlled by alcohol and emotions (sober minded), be teachers of good things, love their husbands and children, be cautious and modest, maintain the home, be “good,” and should obey (respect) their husbands… “that the word of God be not blasphemed” (Titus 2:3-5). A Christian woman, especially a mother, should be a virtuous woman in beliefs as well as in deed. She needs to set an example for her children (especially her daughters).

A Christian woman and/or Christian mother places her faith in this sound Bible doctrine, the indwelling Holy Spirit will then take that doctrine and transform her for God’s glory (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Her mind will be renewed by sound Bible doctrine, and that will transform her outward activity (Romans 12:1,2).

Are you a Christian woman or Christian mother who desires to be the woman God intends you to be in Christ Jesus? Place your faith in this sound Bible doctrine, and God will take care of the rest!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO OUR READERS WHO ARE MOTHERS!

*Adapted from a larger Bible study with the same name. The Bible study can be read here or watched here.

Archived: “What does the Bible say about motherhood?”