Discovery Church or Ignorant Brethren and The F-Word (part 3)

If you have read the original post entitled The F-Word (part 1), and then look at my commentary on the error in the teaching being presented on the topic of forgiveness, you will come to the same conclusion I am realizing as I continue this series....this is going to take quite a while due to the fact the Pastor uses so many verses that have absolutely nothing to do with anyone that has been alive for the past 2000 years. I may not choose to comment on part 2 and part 3 of Pastor Jason's blog post due to the amount of posts and time it would require to do an adequate job in demonstrating what is obvious to anyone that understands right division. You know, it is easy to do a word search in a Bible program , in this case the word is forgiveness, and then believe every time the word is mentioned it is right doctrine for yourself without taking into consideration as to when it was spoken, who is speaking, and to whom is the speaker speaking to. Clearly, that is the case with this Pastor's post, never considering the above mentioned criteria. Let's see to whom Jesus, while in His earthly ministry was speaking.

• Matthew 15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
• (instructions to His disciples) Matthew 10:6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
• John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
• John 1:31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
• Luke 1:69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
• Romans 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:

That is just a few, but if you believe your Bibles, you MUST believe Jesus only came to the lost sheep of the house of Israel in His earthly ministry. If you do NOT believe that, well, you will never get your Bibles right. I say that from experience and have no fear of contradiction. Let me get back on track now in the original post where the Pastor says....

Since that's the case, we know that all who call on the Lord will be saved, they'll be forgiven,

That is in the Bible, but that is not spoken to us. That portion of scripture is from Romans 10:13 saying...

• Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

The speaker is the Apostle Paul, but to whom is Paul speaking. The Apostle Paul is indeed the Apostle given the information by the risen Lord Jesus Christ for us in this present dispensation of the grace of God, but Paul does not always address only the body of Christ. For example....

• Romans 2:17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,

So when we approach the verse in Romans 10, we must determine to whom is Paul presenting the material. We can find the initial presentation beginning in Romans 9 where the Apostle Paul begins this material saying....

• Romans 9:1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
• Romans 9:2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
• Romans 9:3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
• Romans 9:4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;

Paul's brethren, his kinsmen according to the flesh, Israelites. Is it me, or is Paul speaking to Israel here? Continuing on...

• Romans 9:5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

Did Paul just say that Christ came in the flesh for Israel? Kind of sounded like Romans 15:8 once again.

• Romans 9:6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:
• Romans 9:7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
• Romans 9:8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

My, can there be any doubt to whom Paul is speaking? I am not going to post the whole chapter because that would take to much space and people tend to lose interest. Every verse in chapter nine has Israel's address all over it, and not only chapter 9, the material being presented continues in chapter 10.

• Romans 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
• Romans 10:2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
• Romans 10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
• Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
• Romans 10:5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

Seeing a pattern yet? Paul names the audience as Israel, also pay attention to the little words also such as "they" and "them". Words mean stuff and in this case they and them ain't us, it's Israel. I am going to stop here as we approach the scripture in question which is Romans 10:13. Digest what has been presented so far and I will pick up in Romans 10 about verse 6 next time. If you do not see with clarity to whom this passage is intended, read it again, it screams off the page having Israel's address all over it. Romans should be the first book taught to a new believer, if it was, we wouldn't have all the problems in the church machinery as we do today. Until next time.....Grace and Peace!!

Discovery Church or Ignorant Brethren and The F-Word (part 2)

This next section concerning the topic of "forgiveness" in the original post authored by the Pastor of Discovery Church is without a single doubt the root cause of the error in doctrinal understanding not only this church, but every church that fails to rightly divide the word of truth. Firstly, the Pastor states that for this series covering the topic of forgiveness, they are setting up "base camp" in Psalms 32. To base the teaching series on the Old Testament doctrines given to a nation under their covenant, under the law, before the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, before the dispensation of the grace of God, before the revelation of the mystery was known by anyone alive at that time......well, how can I say this without being hard? I'll just say it would be likened unto starting a race facing the wrong direction. It would be difficult if not impossible to end up in the right place. And as we continue, the direction never changes but stays exactly where it begins...in the doctrines associated and directed solely to the nation Israel under their covenant. To make this a little easier, I will re post this next section here for a quick reference.





That promise is available, but not guaranteed. This was by far the most troubling thought for many - that forgiveness is conditional. Look at Ephesians 4:32 where Paul writes "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" Our forgiveness of others (believers here) is to be modeled after God's forgiveness of us through Christ. Since that's the case, we know that all who call on the Lord will be saved, they'll be forgiven, but there are some who call, who won't repent, who won't believe and they won't be forgiven. Not because forgiveness wasn't offered, but because the conditions weren't met.





Did you see the conditions to be saved in that paragraph? Calling on the Lord, repenting, and believing. That all sounds good doesn't it? But is it right? Here lies the problems. First, No scripture directs us to "call on the Lord to be saved". Second, the word "repent" means to have a change of mind and does not speak to lifestyle modification as implied in the above paragraph. Third, "believe" is not specific, believe in what exactly? I would lean to the thinking the use of word "believe" would be referring to the belief in Jesus rather than believing, trusting and placing your faith in the Gospel of the grace of God wherein Jesus died for our sins, was buried and rose the third day which constitutes the Gospel as set forth by the Apostle Paul in 1ST Corinthians 15:1-4. If the uses of the word "believe" in the original post does indeed refer to the Gospel, than, the Pastor is saying that the finished work of Christ is insufficient and there is a list of work we must do to seal the deal. Either way you look at it, it is disturbing, even to the point of preaching another gospel.

Since there is a great deal of material to cover from that paragraph, there is no way to handle it in just one response, therefore, let's look at the scripture which was quoted, Ephesians 4:32 and next time I will handle the scripture which was NOT quoted but was suggested in the saying "calling on the Lord" which is Romans 10:13 and we will wee how that works out.

• Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

So from this great verse, can you tell for what sake we are forgiven? Is it for YOUR sakes? Could it be for the sake that there was a confession? How about for the sake since there was a change in lifestyle? Do you forgive others for their sakes seeing they came and asked for forgiveness? If my English teachers were correct, and I think they were way back then, the verse clearly says, we forgive as God forgave us, for Christ's sake. Isn't that fairly simple? Why and how could you make it anymore than what it so plainly says, we forgive for Christ's sake. Did not Jesus die for the forgiveness of ALL of our sins? Does the blood shed on Calvary's cross have the efficiency to forgive ALL of our sins or was it insufficient?

• Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
• Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Where is the forgiveness of sins? Is it in asking for it? Is forgiveness found in repenting as it is commonly used to mean a change in direction or lifestyle? Could this mean forgiveness is settled when you call on the Lord, or as the Pastor seems to imply, when someone comes to you and asks for forgiveness? I think not! It's in the blood that was shed ONCE nearly 2000 years ago settling once and for all the issue of forgiveness, for Christ's sake.

• 2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

Why does that verse say that God is not imputing trespasses unto us? Because God is not imputing trespasses unto us. God imputed them unto Jesus Christ on Calvary's cross. If I am not mistaken, that didn't happen yesterday or last week, it was nearly 2000 years ago and remains in effect unto this day. You certainly wouldn't expect Jesus to come back and die on the cross again and again and again would you? He did it once, for all. The reconciliation was put in place, you get in on that reconciliation when you place your trust and faith in what Christ did in His death, burial and resurrection. The issue is no sins, the issue is the Gospel of Christ, the power of God unto salvation. To tie this all together with where we started in Ephesians 4:32, our forgiveness of others is suppose to be based on the very fact that God forgave us for Christ's sake. So we are to also forgive others for Christ's sake. They do not have to earn our forgiveness , nor do we have to earn our forgiveness from God. If you hold to the belief system including turning from your sins to be saved, calling on the Lord, enduring unto the end, and whatever else you attach to the Gospel of the grace of God, the scripture is clear in Galatians 1:7 declaring that you are perverting the Gospel, in verses 8 and 9 declaring what you are doing is accursed. It is time to get it right, better yet, get it rightly divided and quit blending the doctrines of law and grace, prophecy and mystery, Israel's covenant doctrines with that given to Paul for usward, the doctrines of the grace of God in this present dispensation of the grace of God. We do not accept Christ, He makes us acceptable in the beloved by His grace.

• Ephesians 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

I hope I have made my point. If not, I'll take another swing at it next time as I pick up in the same paragraph where the Pastor of Discovery Church says "we know that all who call upon the Lord will be saved" which is in Romans 10:13. If I keep taking swings at the material I am bound to make contact at some point and this will all make perfect sense to someone wherein they will respond saying "why didn't I see this sooner" Until next time, Grace and Peace!

Discovery Church or Ignorant Brethren and The F-Word (part 1)

This post is a commentary based on the blog from the Pastor of Discovery Church in Winterville, NC. in which he tackles the subject of forgiveness in a 3 part series. This is not a personal attack on anyone involved with this establishment, the fact is I have never met anyone even remotely connected to this church . The issue being discussed here is doctrinally based alone. As sure as I am writing this, someone from Discovery Church will take this personally and never consider what is being presented in order to demonstrate the error in their belief system which needs corrected, even saying something like "we must be doing something right" because we are being attacked or criticized. That approach to a serious matter such as forgiveness is not only sophomoric but is just silly. You can agree or disagree with what is about to be presented, I only ask that you consider what I say first before you come to any defensive conclusion based upon friendships or association.

• 2 Timothy 2:7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

Before getting started , I recommend going here and read part one of the series entitled the "F-Word" so you will have an understanding to the material being presented in this commentary.

Now, if you read the original post, or if you have it onscreen, take note of the first mention of scripture being referred to as the base camp, Psalms 32. Ask yourself this, is the church, the body of Christ mentioned in Psalms 32 or any of the other 149 Psalms? Does David mention the dispensation of the grace of God anywhere in the psalms? How about the Gospel of Christ which is the power of God unto salvation? Does Psalms 32 speak to our sins being imputed to Jesus Christ on Calvary's cross? Does David make mention of any people other than Israel in a positive manner? Does David mention the blood of Christ being beneficial for forgiveness? Then what is David talking about? Let's see.

• Psalms 14:7 Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.
• Psalms 22:3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.
• Psalms 22:23 Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.
• Psalms 25:22 Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
• Psalms 59:5 Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah.
• Psalms 73:1 Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
• Psalms 135:4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.
• Psalms 147:19 He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel.

You can close your eyes and jump in the book of Psalms anywhere and hit on to whom the Psalms are written to and concerning. It doesn't take a scholar to see that Psalms is written about the nation Israel and not the body of Christ. It is difficult at best to end in the right place if you are starting in the wrong place. In Biblical exegesis, it is impossible to do and at the same time retain scriptural integrity without twisting and wresting scripture and doctrine. So, as we start this commentary a major problem has surfaced. The failure to "rightly divide" the word of truth is not optional, it is vital in getting it right.

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

It requires study, and in this passage you can see it also is noted in the word "workman" as work. It isn't easy at first, until you see the clear doctrinal distinctive and purpose associated with the two, Israel and the body of Christ. The lack of study is one obstacle to overcome, another obstacle is what Paul refers to in 2ND Corinthians 4:3-4 saying....

• 2 Corinthians 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
• 2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Doctrine doesn't mean anything to a lost person. It is impossible to have a doctrinal discussion with someone that hasn't been saved and it is useless to try, it would be like explaining the color blue to a blind man, you cannot do it. You cannot say it is like the color of the sky when they haven't seen the sky. The god of this world, Satan, is not engaged in sin encouragement ie "the devil made me do it " mentallity, Satan is engaged in doctrinal issues as seen in ....

• 1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

Am I saying the Pastor of Discovery Church isn't saved? Well, according to the post entitled "F-Word", why would I believe he is saved at all? As you read his blog, you see in the third paragraph him equating salvation with calling on the Lord. But, we will look into that as this commentary continues in my next post. I will leave this one where it is and pick up on his use of Ephesians 4:32. Let me say this in ending, I am not judging one's salvation fore I also am not capable of passing the sentence, but I can discern from a person's own words as to what they are trusting for their salvation, and this Pastor hasn't indicated anything other than confusion pertaining to salvation as it is activated in this present dispensation of the grace of God. Keep checking back as I will endeavour to demonstrate the rightness of Mid Acts dispensational right division of the authorized KJB. Grace and Peace!

Discovery Church or Ignorant Brethren?

Did I just call Discovery Church the Ignorant Brethren? You could say that I did, but I wasn't the first. The Apostle Paul made the same statement to those who are ignorant of the revelation of the mystery, the dispensation of the grace of God given him through Jesus Christ. In Romans 11, the Apostle Paul, speaking to his kinsmen in the flesh explains to them that their favored nation status, according to their covenant, has been set aside.

• Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

Israel today has no standing, they have stumbled, blinded and have fallen. Salvation has now come to the Gentiles.

• Romans 11:11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

So does this mean the Church, the body of Christ has replaced the nation Israel? No, not at all. The church which is His body is not a nation, is not "born again" Israel receiving their New Testament, we are something totally different with a different purpose. We are the "new creation" and not something "born again" Something that is "new" cannot be the same as something that is "again". That should be so easy to understand and yet it goes right over every one's head, especially those who have the red ink of the OT books of Mathew, Mark, Luke and John all over their fingers.

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Old things are passed away would not be you having stopped cussing, smoking 3 packs of cigarettes a day and having that Budweiser after work, although I don't believe those things are good ensamples of someone that is Christ's ambassador. The old things passed away would be referring to Israel, the law, commandment keeping, sabbath observing, tithing, and the other statutes God had put in place for Israel according to their covenant. The next verse should tie the rag on the bush saying:

• 2 Corinthians 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

Certainly, your bad habits were not of God. It could only be the things associated with the nation Israel seeing they have stumbled, blinded and have fallen. So what does all of this have to do with Discovery Church? Easy. If you are instructing your people according the OT doctrines associated with Israel's covenant concerning their "kingdom at hand" Gospel, you would qualify yourself as the "ignorant brethren" of Romans 11:25. And that is exactly what is going on in this institution called Discovery Church in Winterville, NC. The pastor of this establishment has posted a 3 part series on his blog entitled "The F-Word" dealing with forgiveness. The approach this Pastor takes is not uncommon for someone that thinks their marching orders come from the red letters. The belief that you can go anywhere in the Bible for doctrine is not surprising in any way, but it demonstrates the failure to distinguish that the Bible is progressive in revelation and does not have the same instruction for every audience at all times. The next few posts will be dealing with the posts by http://www.jasonebeling.com/ on his blog where I will be demonstrating the dangerous doctrine being taught in this church. It will be presented not only to warn ,but also as a teaching tool to show the rightness of Mid Acts Pauline dispensational right division of the authorized King James Bible.

• Colossians 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Compare and Contrast (part 6)

This will be the last post comparing and contrasting verses to demonstrate the different message given to Israel according to their covenant, commandment keeping, performance oriented doctrines with that of the grace doctrines given to the church, the body of Christ through the Apostle Paul for this present dispensation of the grace of God. The next two verses were two that got me to realize the importance of 2ND Timothy 2:15 which says:

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

These next two verses for comparison deal with the forgiveness of trespasses. One is conditional, the other is unconditional. Can you determine which is which?

• Matthew 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

COMPARE TO:

• Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

I know, that was too easy. Mathew 6:14 is so clearly conditional on your performance it jumps off the page. The next verse makes it even clearer in:

• Matthew 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Forgiveness of trespasses based upon your own forgiveness of others. That is so plainly a covenant position and could not be twisted to say otherwise. The key word in any covenant is "IF". If you do something, then God will do something. We can look at a vast number of verses demonstrating the covenant doctrines given to Israel but one that everybody should be familiar with is a bumper sticker verse from 2ND Chronicles saying:

• 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Notice the very first word, "If "followed by the response to the correct action, "then". If and then constitute a covenant relationship. We today have no leverage over God by following the doctrines associated with Israel's covenant. We have a more excellent way. We place our faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ, His death, burial and resurrection for the total payment for ALL of our trespasses and sins. That is why Colossians 2:13 states He has forgiven us ALL our trespasses. Our trespasses had not even occurred when this passage was written, yet they were already forgiven. When you make that statement to your church friends, they look at you like you have two heads or have gone off the deep end with no water in the pool. The answer is easily found in 2ND Corinthians 5 stating:

• 2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

It has been nearly 2000 years since the dispensation of the grace of God was instituted and yet, your church going friends go to churches where they will pray the Mathew 6 disciples prayer saying "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive others their trespasses against us". How sad that is when the truth is God hasn't imputed trespasses unto men for nearly 2000 years. Talk about a steep learning curve, mercy. The truth is, this is a vital understanding of the revelation of the mystery given to the Apostle Paul for us ward. If a person dies and goes to Hell during this present dispensation of the grace of God, it isn't because of their sins, it would be because they have failed to put their faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, His death, His burial, His resurrection.....alone. God placed our sins upon Christ on Calvary's cross, imputation. When we trust in what He did, God places His righteousness to our account, imputation.

• 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

These types of comparison and contrasting could continue for quite a while. Instead, start making a list of your own. Do the study and be the unashamed workman approved unto God, rightly dividing the word of truth. It gets easier and easier once you see the clear separation of law and grace, prophecy and mystery, Israel and the church the body of Christ. Oh, I forgot one. James 2:24 compared to Romans 5:1. I have an idea....you do the comparison and contrast the verses. It is enjoyable and more importantly, it is edifying. Grace and Peace!

Compare and Contrast (part 5)

When buying or selling a home, the three most important factors in determining the worth of the property are location, location and location. When studying the word of God as it pertains to the church which is His body, location is always a key factor to pay attention to as we look at the next set of comparison verses.

• Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

COMPARE TO:

• Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

The Kingdom mentioned in the passage from Luke 12 is the same as spoken of in the following passage from Mathew saying....

• Matthew 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
• Matthew 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
• Matthew 25:33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
• Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

The earthly, Davidic, Messianic Kingdom on this earth with Christ seated on David's throne with the 12 apostles sitting on twelve thrones judging the Assemblies of God, the Southern Baptist Convention, the Methodist, the Church of Christ, and let's not forget the emergent church which is ravaging so called Christian circles today. Well, if you think the OT books including Mathew, Mark, Luke and John are where you go for doctrine, as the night follows the day, you think Mathew 19:28 would have to include you. The remarkable truth is it is written to Israel and Israel alone as they await their kingdom on this earth.

• Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Even after the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, the apostles concern was about the timing of the restored kingdom to Israel as seen in....

• Acts 1:6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

Well, in short, Jesus told them to hold their pants on because it wasn't for them to know when it was to be given them.

• Acts 1:7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

Jesus didn't tell them things concerning the dispensation of the grace of God which was about to be revealed to another man named Saul. It was kept secret. That means he didn't tell anyone. When God keeps a secret, it is indeed a secret. Nobody before the Apostle Paul had any clue about going to heaven, being justified without the law, or that a gentile dog could gain favor with God without the institution of the nation Israel. Paul explains that our blessings today are in heavenly places and not an earthly kingdom. Paul distinguishes the earthly program from the heavenly in passages such as:

• Philippians 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
• Philippians 3:18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
• Philippians 3:19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
• Philippians 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

How many of your Church of Christ friends have their focus on the kingdom? How about your Baptist buddies? When they speak of the "kingdom" and use terminology about the kingdom and living in the kingdom, what do you think they are referring to? They believe either we are in Israel's earthly kingdom now, or, they are ushering it in. Both scenarios are dreadfully wrong. They draw no distinctions between the Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of Heaven or the kingdom of His dear son. Philippians 3:17-29 pulls no punches in calling them out as the "enemies of the cross of Christ".

In the OT book of Mathew, Jesus teaches His disciples in what manner to pray focusing on the kingdom being brought down to this earth in :

• Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Israel's focus is on the earthly kingdom. Our focus is not on the earthly kingdom but instead where Christ is seated.

• Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
• Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Things that are different are not the same, they are different. Rightly dividing the word of truth according to Mid Acts Pauline dispensational principals is the key to Biblical understanding.

Compare and Contrast (part 4)

The next set of comparison verses do not require a global positioning system to determine the seating position of Jesus Christ. One verse declares His future seating on David's throne which would be on this earth, the other declares Jesus Christ is seated in heavenly places. The difference is not only the location, but also to whom they are speaking to. Israel looks forward to Christ seated on David 's throne in Jerusalem, the church the body of Christ has Christ now seated in heavenly places as the head of the church. Things that are different are different. The earth is not heaven and heaven is not earth.

• Acts 2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

COMPARE TO:

• Ephesians 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

How could these two verses possibly be saying the same thing? If Christ is seated on David's throne now, let's pack up the minivan and drive to Israel because I cannot wait to see Jesus. But for that to be true, you would also have to believe the earth is "heavenly places" or we are living in the Kingdom now, right? All I can say is that if we are in the Kingdom now, it is a pretty messed up Kingdom and we need to find a new King. Okay, I was being sarcastic. The right way of taking these verses into perspective is to "rightly divide the word of truth". Israel's hope is not our hope and neither is our hope theirs. Jesus will indeed return to the earth and set up His kingdom and sit on David's throne. The apostle Peter gives the breakdown to the audience of his message in a few chapters later saying.....

• Acts 5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Pretty clear that the message of Acts 2 refers to the same audience of Acts 5 wouldn't you say? Israel. Our Apostle Paul on the other hand tells us where our affections are to be placed as stated in Colossians 3 saying....

• Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

I'll say it again, things that are different are different and not the same and should be respected as such and not wrested to fit your belief system. Let the word of God say what it says to whom it says, when it says, and the Bible will make perfect sense. The same God who inspired the scriptures which are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and instruction is righteousness gave to the Apostle Paul information that was never given to the Apostle Peter, but was kept secret since the world began. Paul's message is for us living today in this present dispensation of the grace of God. Peter's message is for the covenant kingdom people of the nation Israel concerning their future kingdom on this earth. How can you combine them and maintain scriptural integrity? answer: You cannot! Right division according the Mid Acts Pauline Dispensationalism is right, all other contenders fail miserably.

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

Compare and Contrast (part 3)

Comparing and contrasting verses is the method of study that turned the lights on in my thinking when I was first discovering the importance of rightly dividing the word of truth. The verse in 2ND Timothy that explains how study should operate is not optional but necessary in having the correct understanding of the Bible. The next two verses in comparison should jump off the page when you read them in that one person was speaking about what everybody knew, and the other speaking about what nobody knew. Pay close attention to the last four words in each verse beginning with Peter in Acts 3 compared to Paul in Romans 16. Both Apostles were on the scene at the same time and yet had entirely different messages.

• Acts 3:21 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.

COMPARE TO:

• Romans 16:25 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,

Since the world began. See it? How many times did you read these verses and not see the difference? It was quite a few for me. Peter was preaching according to what was spoken by all the holy prophets SINCE THE WORLD BEGAN. On the other hand, Paul was preaching Christ according to the revelation of the mystery, which was KEPT SECRET.....SINCE THE WORLD BEGAN. Now it isn't difficult to understand that if something was kept secret since the world began, it would not be the same as that which was spoken by all the holy prophets since the world began. What Paul was preaching was entirely new information never before revealed to anyone prior to the Apostle Paul. What was known and what was kept secret are mutually exclusive.

The Lord Jesus while in His earthly ministry confirming the promises made unto the fathers said in John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

Paul, on the other hand said that what he is preaching is unsearchable in Ephesians 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

The scriptures are progressive in revelation. What was correct doctrine in times past would not be correct in the "but now" dispensation of the grace of God. If your belief system has not progressed past the red letters of Mathew, Mark, Luke and John and the early part of the book of Acts, you need to get up to speed operating where God is operating today.

• Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

Paul preached Christ according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret since the world began. Paul did not preach baptism in water, tithing, enduring unto the end to be saved, commandment keeping, Sabbath observing, and so on. Paul preached only what was revealed unto him from the risen Christ, Acts 9 and after. What is your preacher preaching? Does your preacher preach Christ according to the revelation of the mystery? or does he preach the "any other gospel" as stated in Galatians 1:8? This is serious business and deserves to be respected as such.

Compare and Contrast (part 2)

As we continue to compare and contrast verses spoken to different audiences, I will be the first to admit the material was not installed into my inner man by a Holy Ghost unction or anointing, but rather through the process of study. In the next two verse comparisons, the contrast is stark. There is absolutely no way Jose that you can read the verses below and conclude they are saying the same thing. Let's take a look.

• Deuteronomy 6:25 And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us.

COMPARE TO:

• Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

This one is obvious is it not? Deut.6:25; Righteousness by DOING something, keeping the commandments. Romans 10:4; Christ is the END of the law for righteousness!

The Apostle Paul speaks to the fact that righteousness WAS by commandment keeping and validates Deut.6:25 in Romans 10:5 saying......For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

One of my favorite verses in the entire Bible is Galatians 2:20 , I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. The next verse is often ignored, verse 21 should be a cross reference for Romans 10:4 if it is not already.

• Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Today, as we operate under the doctrines associated with the dispensation of the grace of God, things have changed. We are not under the performance requirements under the law for our source of righteousness as seen in verses such as....

• John 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
• Acts 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
• Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
• Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

That is just a sampling of verses demonstrating the command to DO STUFF in order to be acceptable and counted as righteous. Our Apostle Paul ,for this present dispensation of the grace of God given to him for usward has an entirely different message, as we see in the following verses.

• Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
• Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
• Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
• Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Righteousness is not earned by doing stuff. Righteousness cannot be by keeping the commandments. Righteousness cannot be obtained by selling your stuff and giving to the poor and following Jesus footsteps any longer. There is a new message, new doctrines, new marching orders and new commandments given for us operating today in this dispensing of God's grace. Righteousness is imputed to our account when we trust the finished work of Jesus Christ in that He died for your sins, was buried, and rose the third according to the scriptures. It is a trade off, Christ took your sins on the cross, you trust in Him and He imputes His righteousness to your account. Paul speaks concerning Abraham in Romans 4 dealing with this imputation of righteousness.

• Romans 4:24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
• Romans 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Clearly, the Bible does not say the same thing to everyone at all times. Moses was given the information by Jehovah God for the nation Israel the same as Paul was given the information by the risen Lord Jesus Christ for the church, the body of Christ for this present dispensation of the grace of God. Things that are different are different and need not be wrested to fit your theology. If something does not fit into your belief system, your belief system needs adjusted, not the inerrant infallible word of God in the authorized King James Bible. Do not make the mistake so many folks fall into thinking you can go anywhere in the scriptures for your doctrine. Paul was clear in 2ND Timothy 2:15 saying the correct understanding of God's words are only improvable by implementing right division. It's so easy, what's Israel's is Israel's, what is for the body of Christ is for the body of Christ. They are different and demand to be "rightly divided.

• Ephesians 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Compare and Contrast (part 1)

An excellent method in demonstrating the Mid Acts Pauline dispensational distinctive is to compare side by side verses from Paul's gospel of the grace of God, and the other being from Israel's covenant kingdom gospel. Most church going folks who claim to be Bible believing Christians do not know the difference between the two gospels given to two different audiences which have two different marching orders with two different outcomes in two different locations. Sounds simple doesn't it? It is simple when you allow the words to say what they say to whom they say them. So, let's look at a few and break them down, then you can begin to see the importance of 2ND Timothy 2:15 wherein we can "rightly divide" the word of truth and be the unashamed workman approved unto God.

• 1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

COMPARE TO:

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

Does it get anymore obvious then these two verses? One has the unction or anointing of the Holy Ghost teaching you ALL things, the other requires study and work. Have you ever noticed the churches such as the Assemblies of God, the Church of God, all Pentecostal churches for that matter who claim to have the "anointing" also have Sunday School classes? Isn't that slightly on the double minded side? Even my former church which is named after an OT law abiding Jew (Baptist) would always pray before service for the "anointing" in the messages. If you have this anointing whereby you need no instruction, what's the deal with all the Sunday School programing ? Why does these same churches have Wednesday evening teaching services disguised as prayer meetings? So who are these anointed ones that need no teaching because they know all things? They are the audience of Ezekiel 36:24-27, Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Hebrews 8:8-10.

• Ezekiel 36:24 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.
• Ezekiel 36:25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
• Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
• Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

When did God take you (Israel) from among the heathen and gather you (Israel) out of all countries and bring them into their own land? Acts 2:1-12. God even gives the list of countries from which they were gathered. Again in Jeremiah, the same people are told of their NT promise which is implemented by Hebrews 9:15-17, the death of the testator which is Jesus.

• Jeremiah 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
• Jeremiah 31:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:
• Jeremiah 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.Jeremiah 31:34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

That should be obvious now that the audience of 1st John is the same audience of Ezekiel and Jeremiah .

God said behold the days come when I will make a new covenant with the Assemblies of God and the Baptists and the Methodists and the Non denominational emergent church and the Presbyterians and the Cambellites. No No No...it is with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. We simply do not fit into that audience. We are the church, the body of Christ. We have no association with the law program in which God writes on their hearts and causes them to walk in His statutes. If you disagree with that statement, begin reciting the 613 points of law from memory and see how far you can get. Remember now, if you still believe Ezekiel, Jeremiah and Hebrews is speaking to and about yourself, you would have the law written in your heart and mind. It is doubtful you will even get through the first ten commandments word perfect or in order. Paul instructs us over and over we are not under the law, but under grace. It is simply not the same.

• Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

I hope this demonstrates the error in believing all of the Bible is written TO you. All of the Bible is indeed written for you for your learning, but not for your doctrine. (Romans 15:4) I hope this post demonstrated the need to study rather than believing you have some kind of anointing which requires no need to study. God will not install doctrine in us by osmosis. We are required to do the work, rightly divide the word of truth to be the unashamed workman approved unto God. Until next time, Grace and Peace!

One Prayer 2009

One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism,.......One Prayer.

A global movement of churches standing together to pray, fast, learn, and love others.

If God would answer One Prayer for the church, what would you pray? So far, almost one million believers have come together to explore the answer to that question while joining forces through shared teaching, fasting, prayer, and service to others. And as we experience unprecedented unity in the body of Christ, we’re seeing God work through His Church in amazing ways.

The above is from the website of ONE PRAYER in which nearly 2000 churches worldwide have joined together in an ecumenical demonstration of unprecedented Biblical ignorance. In order for the church, the body of Christ to achieve this unity spoken of in the above message, one must check your brain and convictions at the door because doctrine is not the issue whatsoever. Seriously, can you come into agreement with someone that holds to the belief that salvation is obtained through turning from your sin, confession of sin, asking Jesus into your heart, saying a prayer and begging for forgiveness, making Jesus Lord of your life? Could you hold hands and sing Kumbayah with someone that believes salvation cannot be sure until you get there? or salvation can be lost whereby you have to repeat the process to be saved again? Could you depend on their Biblical exegesis when everyone of the churches involved is engaged in dunking their membership in a tub of water to gain membership? What happened to the verse they use as a banner in which it states "one baptism" in Ephesians 4:5 which is a spirit baptism whereby the Holy Spirit baptizes us into the body of Christ? What about the churches involved in this demonstration of ecumenical boneheadedness that hold fast to several baptisms such as water and the second blessing blunder of a baptism IN the Holy Ghost? Hostillashundai! Yes, the Assemblies of God and the Church of God are involved in this goofy display of a doctrinal disaster area.

If you want to get sick on your stomach, read the testimonial section here and look carefully for a clear presentation of the Gospel that saves your never dying soul. Even worse, see if you can find any mention of the Gospel of the grace of God whatsoever. What you will find are nothing more than circumstantial statements of weak or no faith at all in what Christ has already accomplished on Calvary's cross. This is so sad and yet nearly 2000 churches are rejoicing in this so called unity. I can agree they are most defineatly unified in scriptural ignorance in which they fail to distinguish between the prophetic and the mystery program God has so clearly set forth in His word. Unity cannot be achieved through disregarding the doctines associated and directed to the church, which is His body. What they have is a union, not unity. The Apostle Paul, which God gave the message for this present dispensation of the grace of God tells us in Romans 16:17 to avoid those which do not adhere to the specific doctrines associated with the church, the body of Christ. Again in Philippians 3, Paul tells us to mark them which have it right and follow Paul because the rest are the enemies of the Gospel. So, according to these two passages, who are these folks engaged in this global movement called One Prayer?

• Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
• Romans 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

Good words and fair speeches. Does that mean like God is good, God is great kinda stuff? How about using Luke 15 and the prodigal son as a salvation message when the passage is actually speaking to Israel getting their promised kingdom demonstrating the delay principal? Using Luke 15 as a salvation message which is well before the Gospel of the grace of God was known by anybody is not only poor Biblical understanding, it is just corrupt from any perspective.

• Philippians 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
• Philippians 3:18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

If these folks are what the Bible names as the enemies of the cross of Christ, we should all be weeping to according the next verse...

• Philippians 3:19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

Ask any of them where in the scriptures do you turn to find the gospel of your salvation and you will be stunned. They will go to the OT book of John, Luke, even Exodus. Ask them about baptism and it will be water instead of the ONE BAPTISM of 1st Corinthians 12:13 by which we are identified with Christ's body. The doctrinal divisions are many in this organization and yet they are proclaiming unprecedented unity. It is obvious to us that rightly divide the word of truth according to Pauline doctrine the underlying problem in the modern church machinery. It is spelled out with clarity in....

• 2 Corinthians 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
• 2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

We have our hands full in getting the Gospel out to those that are lost. Let's not be negligent in presenting the good news to those who claim to be a Christian forasmuch as we can discern the condition of their soul according to the word of God given to Paul for us. The Gospel of the grace of God according to 1st Corinthians 15: 1-4 is the power of God unto salvation. We present it, the word is the power.

Do you know what I would be if I wasn't a Mid Acts Pauline dispensational right divider of the KJB?

Ashamed.

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