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Post by Bud on Jul 19, 2013 6:05:18 GMT -6
The 400 Silent Years "We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long." (Psalm 74:9)
After 1100 years of progressive revelation by the prophet and the written word there was silence from Heaven for 400 years prior to the coming of John the Baptist.
When we leave the scene in Malachi,the Babylonian empire has fallen to the Media-Persian empire and a remnant of Israel are back in the land.Jerusalem,the wall and the temple have been restored.
EMPIRES (Ruling the Jews) Daniel Chapters. 2&7
Persian: (536-333 B.C.) Remnant returned,Temple rebuilt,Persians Tolerant,Samaritans (Mongrel people) spiteful with rival worship.
Greek: (333-165 B.C.) Alexander the Great fought and ruled for 12 years.After an untimely death his empire broke up under his 4 generals.
Egyptian Period: (323-204 B. C.) Egypt and Judea fell to the Ptolemies.
Syrian Period: (204-165 B. C.) Egypt,Judea and Syria under the Seleucidae Israel divided into 5 provinces. (N.T.) Judea,Samaria,Galilee,Peraea and Trachonitis.
Maccabean Period: (165-63 B.C.) Semi-Independent Revolt begun by an aged Priest,Mattathias,and developed by his son Judas the Maccebeus (Hebrew for hammer) and 4 other sons.
Roman: (63 B.C. to Christ) Roman conquest by Pompey.Herod the Great was appointed King Of the Jews by the Romans in 40 B. C.
During these 400 years,the groups Pharisees,Sadducees, Herodians,Essenes,and the Zealots came into being.The Sanhedrian and the Synagogue's were instituted. The Greek language and culture was spread through the known world.The Bible was translated into Greek and the Romans built roads throughout the Empire in preparation for the Gospel of Jesus Christ to go to the world.
(Galatians 4:4) "In The Fulness Of Time God Sent Forth His Son."
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Post by Keith on Jul 19, 2013 8:23:27 GMT -6
During these 400 years,the groups Pharisees,Sadducees, Herodians,Essenes,and the Zealots came into being.The Sanhedrian and the Synagogue's were instituted. The Greek language and culture was spread through the known world.The Bible was translated into Greek and the Romans built roads throughout the Empire in preparation for the Gospel of Jesus Christ to go to the world. Awesome how the Lord establishes the perfect timeframe... Thanks, brother Bud!
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Post by Bud on Jul 25, 2013 6:19:49 GMT -6
The O.T. and the N.T.
A Rabbi that new the O.T. by heart and before he came to faith in Jesus Christ wrote a letter to a friend. "It always seems to me as though the Holy Scriptures are lacking something,a focal point where all the divine beams come together.The building is splendid,but the spire seems to be lacking which should crown it.Oh my friend,I am on the brink of desperation.May God have mercy on me."
Without the N.T. we would be left wondering: Unexplained Ceremonies,Unachieved Purposes,Unappeased Longings,Unfulfilled Prophecies.
Then"That it Might be Fulfilled" begins to ring in our ears as we begin to unfold the pages of the N.T. With the last word in the O.T. being "curse" it would certainly seem there has to be more to come and there certainly is.
"The book of the generation of Jesus Christ"(Matthew 1:1) and what the learned Rabbi saw that was lacking begins to unfold. Before we begin to explore Matthew and the other books of our N.T.individually,it might be good to back off and look at the N.T.as a whole again and the Gospels (Matthew,Mark,Luke and John)collectively first.
THE New Testament Structure The Time Involved As to History:The birth of Jesus to the New Heaven and New Earth. As to Writing:(Approx.)A.D. 45-95 N.T.Canon Sealed:A.D.397(3rd Council of Carthage)
5 Historic:(Matthew-Acts) Divinely inspired accounts of the manifestation,death,burial,resurrection,and ascension of Jesus Christ:Providing the Gospel and it's propagation for the salvation of sinners by the coming and ministry of the Holy Spirit.These are FOUNDATIONAL to the Epistles,which are for the applying of the finished work of Christ to the life and experience of the believers by the Spirit.
9 Christian Church Epistles:(Romans -2Thessalonians). These are for the explaining of the finished work of Christ to the Church,concerning the Christians position and possessions with a view to the outworking of the "Life that is Christ"in the daily walk of the believer and the assembly,based on our union with Him in His death,burial,resurrection,ascension,and coming again.This "mystery"was given to the Apostle Paul,the writer of these Epistles.(Eph.3:4)
4 Pastoral Epistles:(1Tim.-Philemom)Written by the Apostle Paul to individuals (therefore personal)for the purpose of giving instruction and encouragement to those in Pastoral care.In a broader sense they are for every Christian in his or her particular calling or area of service.
9 Christian (Additional) Epistles:(Hebrews -Revelation) They naturally divide into a quartet,a trio,and a duet.
The first 4 are Christian Hebrew Epistles.They were written primarily to Jewish believers of the 1st century and have a distinctively Jewish flavor. (cf.James 1:1,1Peter 1:1.and references to O.T. passages and events. The middle 3 are General Epistles dealing with exhortations that would be general to all believers at any point in the church age and after.
The last 2 are End-time Epistles.It seems that these would be more applicable to those living near the end-time.There is scripture here that's applicable to the church,the 7 year tribulation,the 1000 year reign, the judgement at the end of the 1000 year reign and the eternal state.(cf Jude 18 and the content of Revelation)
Note:This is a structural view of the N.T. and does not infer that any passage,book, or section is unprofitable to any or all believers,regardless of their racial background.Nevertheless,any Scripture is better understood when viewed in it's natural setting,which seems to have been designed by the Author,Himself,the Spirit of God.(2nd Peter 1:21)
A Thought: The Gospels "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and BRING ALL THINGS TO YOUR REMEMBRANCE,whatsoever I have said unto you.John 14:26 The Epistles "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come,HE WILL GUIDE YOU INTO ALL TRUTH:John 16:13 The Revelation "and He will shew you THINGS TO COME".John 16:13
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Post by austinclarke on Jul 25, 2013 6:20:31 GMT -6
Hello! I am following the forum for two months and now recently joined the forum because it seems me interesting * informative.
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Post by Keith on Jul 25, 2013 6:29:37 GMT -6
Welcome Austin!
Keith
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Post by austinclarke on Jul 25, 2013 22:01:51 GMT -6
Bible is holly book of christian. It is brought by Isha Mashih. He is the best messenger of God.
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Murph
Moderator
Be kind to your web footed friends. Amen?
Posts: 69,148
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Post by Murph on Jul 26, 2013 7:31:08 GMT -6
Welcome Austin!
Will look forward to reading your posts...
I see your refer to Jesus as Isha Mashih. Are you Muslim?
Marilyn...
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Post by Bud on Aug 1, 2013 6:40:15 GMT -6
The 4 Gospels:Pen-Portraits of Jesus Christ
In Bible numerology 4 is the number of the earth,meaning world-wide. North,South,East,West Winter,Spring,Summer,Fall Width,Length,Depth,Height 4 becomes the number of man as he is related to the earth.(6 as he is related to God.Cf.No.7&(Revelation 13:18) Child,Youth,Adult,Elder (Genesis 10:5,20,31) Father,Mother,Son,Daughter (Revelation 5:9,7:9)
In the 1st century,when these accounts were written,there were 4 classes of society.It is evident that each of these Gospels were slanted toward one of these.
The Portraits Matthew:More to the mind of the Jew (Religion) King of the Jews,More Prophetic,Lineage to Abraham,Connects with David (Son of), Wise Men to see King,Kingdom Parables,Birth Announcement to Joseph,More of what He said. Ends with The Resurrection (Crowning Proof of Messiah-Ship)
Mark:More to the mind of the Roman (Attainment)Servant of the Lord,More Practical,No lineage of a Servant,Brief on Discourses,Active,(Straightway,Immediately) More of what He did.End's with Ascension (Lowly Servant Exalted )
Luke:More to the mind of the Greek (Culture) Son of Man,More Historical,More of His Manhood,Human Touches,More About Parents,Virgin Birth(Luke Medical Doctor),Babyhood,Childhood,Lineage to Adam,Shepherds Seeking a Savior,More of Who He was as a Man.Ends with Promise of the Spirit (Man---Spirit Indwelling Man)
John:More to the Mind of the Church (New Life)Son Of God,More Spiritual,More about His Deity,He is The Word,Life,Light,No Human Lineage Connects to Eternity,Key Words Verily,Verily 24 times (Truly,Truly), Ends with Promise of Return (For his Bride The Church)
The Likeness of the Divine Nature is Reflected in (Revelation 4:7) and in (Ezekiel 1:10) with the 4 living creatures. In Matthew:The LION of the tribe of Judah. In Mark:The OX Lowly service. In Luke:The MAN Love and Sympathy In John:The EAGLE Greatest in the Heavens,From the Heavens
The Purpose of the Gospels:The Manifestation.
(John 1:14) "And The Word Was Made Flesh And Dwelt Among Us"
Besides giving the world a four fold portrait of The Lord Jesus Christ as King.Servant,Man and God slanted toward the Jew,Roman,Greek and the Church,The Gospels center in His three-fold ministry as Prophet,Priest and King.
As Prophet (whose ministry was both telling-forth the message of God and the foretelling of the future works of God),He came in fulfillment of (Deuteronomy 18:15-19).He was not only a voice for God as the O.T. prophet but He,being God the Son,was the voice of God Himself.(Hebrews 1:1-2).He told-forth the message for His days in the flesh and fore-told of the new age when the Messiah would be ruling on the earth.(The kingdom of Heaven Matthew 13) and of His Second Advent with the events that revolve around it.(Matthew Chapters 24 and 25)
As Priest He became both the Sacrifice and Sacrificer as He died at Calvary to "take away the sin of the world"and through His Resurrection,"He ever liveth to make intercession."(Hebrews 9:14;7:24-25)
As King He was born to the Davidic Throne (Luke 1:30-33),announced by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:2) rejected by His people (John 1:11)but will reign as King at His second Advent,fulfilling the Davidic Covenant. (2nd Samuel 7:8-16,Acts 15:13-18,Revelation 19:15-16)
Contrast The Creator -------- A baby The Sustainer------- Fed by a woman Created Man-------- Crawled and Walked Omniscient ----------- Learned as a Child Omnipresent -------- Limited Himself to a Body (permanent) Omnipotent -------- Allowed Himself to be Abused and Nailed to a Cross
Effects of The Manifestation 1.Sin Exposed-Light and Darkness (1John 2:8)"Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining."
2.Love and Mercy of God is Seen (1John 3:16)"By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren."
3.Fellowship with our Creator (1John 1:3)"That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ."
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Post by Bud on Aug 9, 2013 14:16:13 GMT -6
Matthew:
Matthew one of the 12 disciples and the writer of the book that bears his name.In the three accounts of his calling in Matthew,Mark and Luke,Mark and Luke refer to him as Levi.Then when the 12 are listed in Matthew chapter 10,Mark chapter 3,Luke chapter 6 and in Acts chapter 1 he is referred to as Matthew.He was a publican or tax collector for the Romans thus he wasn't a much "favored son"to the Jews. Matthew presents Jesus as "King of the Jews"thus he begins his account with: "The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham." This had to be established right at the beginning.Then after the recording of His birth we have Magi searching for the "King of the Jews." Then we have John the Baptist come on the scene and he is proclaiming the "Kingdom of Heaven"is at hand,so the King must be here. Then after His baptism and temptation Jesus begins proclaiming the same thing.They neither one had to explain what this "Kingdom of Heaven" was because the people knew.This was the Messianic Kingdom long-promised through the O.T. prophets.The Kingdom when the Messiah would be ruling this world from the throne of David. Matthew refers to the "Kingdom of Heaven"whereas Mark and Luke refer to it as the "Kingdom of God."In one instance Matthew in (Matthew 19:23-24) refers to both in the same breath. "Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Thus they are interchangeable.Even though God rules over His universe,there will be a specific time period that the Messiah (Christ)will rule this earth from the throne of David in Jerusalem.He is God the Son so that rulership can be referred to as the "Kingdom of God" and the "Kingdom of Heaven." In one sense He gives the Constitution for this kingdom in Matthew chapters 5-7 with what is referred to as the "sermon on the mount."Then when it begins to appear that He is being rejected,He starts speaking about the kingdom in parables in Matthew chapter 13.He begins to reveal truth to His followers and veil it from the others,possibly for their own benefit so they will have less to answer for. Basically the Parables of Jesus show different aspects of how the Kingdom of Heaven was offered to Israel in the King and rejected;offered in His disciples and rejected;but later to turn to Him their Redeemer,be restored and the Kingdom established. We need to be very careful in applying the parables,especially the ones in Matthew chapter 13 to the Church.He states very plainly in these parables that they are referring to the "Kingdom of Heaven,"not the Church.
To me it looks like Matthew is in three parts.The first chapter 1-chapter 4:11 which is introductory,then chapter 4:12 thru chapter 18,the ministry in Galilee,then chapter 19 thru chapter 28 and except for the last 5 verses in chapter 28 it is centered in Judea.When we come to the Gospel of John we will find that Jesus made several trips between Galilee and Judea,but in Matthew the ministries in each area are presented as one.
In the first part we have the lineage,the birth,the visit of the Magi,the flight to Egypt and back to Galilee (Nazareth),then the ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus's baptism and temptation.
"Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee."(Matthew 4:12)
This begins the second part with His Galilee ministry as recorded by Matthew.I believe in this section we are presented with the questions and answers that would be most frequently asked about Jesus.After finding out who He is in the first part,then the questions would come up,what did He say,what did He do and what was the reaction of the people?In chapter 5-7 we have what He said.In chapter 8-10 we have what He did with a series of miracles that He performs and gives power to His disciples to perform.In chapter 11-18 various reactions to what He has said and done and His counter-reactions or verdicts by His rebukes and further teaching and miracles.In chapter 13 He sees their rejection and begins speaking in parables.Then in chapter 19:1.
"Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these sayings, that He departed from Galilee and came to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan."
This third part Matthew brings us to the ministry in Judea.Matthew doesn't record very many miracles in this part.Actually he records only two,the healing of the two blind men at Jericho and the cursing of the fig tree in Jerusalem.He seems to dwell on more of what Jesus say's and the reaction.The religious leaders seem to be more concerned in tripping Him up by what He say's than what He does. In chapter 19-25,we have the journey from Galilee,down the Jordan river valley and probably on the east side,then up to Jerusalem by way of Jericho.Then He presents Himself and then the clash with the leaders,then that great discourse on the Mount of Olives to His disciples in chapter 24 and 25. Then in chapter 26:1 the statement: "Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings" From there on through chapter 26 and 27 it is centered on His death and burial.( The burial anointment,betrayal,supper with His disciples and the Lord's Supper instituted,agony in the garden,arrest,mock trial,crucifixion,death and burial). Then in chapter 28 the Resurrection and His instruction to His disciples.Note in Matt.28:11-15 we have recorded the buy off of the soldiers by the chief priests of what they had seen and were instructed to lie and say His body was stolen by His disciples. The King rejected but will return as "King of Kings" and rule this earth for 1000 years when the Kingdom of Heaven will be present on this earth.
"And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."(Revelation 19:16)
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Post by Bud on Aug 16, 2013 6:49:15 GMT -6
Mark:
In Matthew we see Jesus presented as the "King of the Jews."In Mark we see Him presented as the "Servant of the Lord."The key verse for the book that unlocks the presentation by Mark of our Savior is (Mark 10:45).
"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
In Mark I believe we can see Isaiah chapter 53 played out before our eyes in his "pen-portrait"presentation of our Savior.
Paul so rightly states it in his letter to the Philippians in (Philippians 2:5-8)
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross."
We'll look more at Mark's presentation of Jesus as servant when we touch on the structure of the book.Let's look at Mark himself for a moment as he is a study himself as we see how the Lord used him. We find in (Acts 12:12) and (Colossians 4:10 KJV) that his mother is Mary and is the sister to Barnabas.(Other translations state they were cousins and some just relatives).
"So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying."(Acts 12:12)
"Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)"(Colossians 4:10)
Evidently they were pretty well-to-do because Barnabas sold some land in Cyprus (Acts 4:36-37) and Mary,Mark's mother had a large house with a gate and room where "many could gather."
"And Joses,who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet."
It looks like Paul and Barnabas were present at Mary's house that night when believers were gathered to pray for Peter's release.(Acts 12)When they left to return to Antioch,they took Mark with them.Mark accompanied them on the first journey,but when they arrived in Asia (Turkey today)Mark departed from them and returned to Jerusalem.We don't know for sure why Mark left but when Paul and Barnabas plan the second journey,Paul doesn't want Mark to go with them,so Barnabas takes Mark and goes to Cyprus and Paul takes Silas and goes to Asia. Some 20 years later,Paul now a prisoner in Rome writes to the Colossians and in chapter 4:10-11 he states:
"Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me."(Colossians 4:10-11) Here we find Mark back with Paul and he among 2 others are fellow-workers and a comfort to Paul.(also note (Philemon 24)Evidently Mark is planning a trip and would be coming to Asia,the very place that he had refused to go on the first journey some 20 years before.Paul in his last letter to Timothy just before his execution,he instructs Timothy to bring Mark to him "for he is profitable to me for the ministry."(2Timothy 4:11)
"Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry."
Peter also refers to Mark in (1PETER 5:13)
"She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son."
Some think that Mark in writing his gospel was highly influenced by Peter and the "Bringing to their remembrance" that the Spirit of God was promised to do when He come was probably what was brought to Peters mind.
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and BRING ALL THINGS TO YOUR REMEMBRANCE,whatsoever I have said unto you.(John 14:26)
Tradition has it that Mark went to Egypt and founded the first Christian church at Alexandria.Later tradition tells us that the Egyptians dragged him through the streets and with him bruised and bleeding was cast into a dungeon and later burned to death. Now let's take a look at the pen-portrait that Mark gives us of our Savior.Mark waste's no time in establishing who Jesus is.The first verse tells us that.
"The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God."(Mark 1:1)
There is no genealogy given (not needed for a servant.)Nothing about what preceded his birth,or at the time of his birth.No star and Magi looking for a King.No angel messengers or worship by shepherds.Nothing about Bethlehem or Nazareth or Mary or Joseph.Nothing about His childhood.Right off we are at the Jordan and John announces Him and He is baptized.The temptation is mentioned,then off to Galilee and a ministry of miracles begins. We are to see what the Servant of the Lord did and very little of what He said.There are no long discourses.The key words are immediately and straightway,from one place to another and one miracle after another. Mark covers in chapter 1 what it takes Matthew 8 chapters to cover.The whole Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapter 5-7)belongs between verses 39 and 40 of chapter 1 of Mark.The Lords commission to the Twelve which takes 42 verses of Matthew chapter 10 is only 7 verses in (Mark 3:13-19).The Olivet Discourse in Matthew chapter 24 and 25 is only about one third the size in Mark chapter 13. Mark is definitely the Gospel of what Jesus did.Of the 4 faces of the cherubim of Ezekiel and of John in Revelation 4:7 of the 4 living creatures,the Lion,the ox,the man and the eagle we can see our Lord portrayed as the 2nd face in Mark as the Servant of the Lord.In Matthew He was portrayed as the 1st face,the Lion,the King,the lion of the tribe of Judah. As for the structure of the book,Mark follows the same procedure as Matthew.The first 13 verses of chapter 1 we are in Judea,then off to Galilee and from there through chapter 9 we have a series of miracles and short discourses.Then we have Him in chapter 10 begin His journey to Jerusalem by way of the far side of the river.On the way He teaches and begins to talk of His death and resurrection.We have James and John,as He begins the journey up to Jerusalem,thinking He will bring in the Kingdom when He arrives and they are desiring to be seated at His side when He rules.As He passes by Jericho He heals blind Bartimaeus and just as in Matthew,this miracle and the cursing of the fig tree are all the miracles that are recorded in Judea. Here He is put to the test by the religious leaders,rejected and put to death,but not before He tells of His 2nd coming and judgement coming on Israel and the Nations. Yes in Mark we have the pen-portrait of the Servant of God ministering and giving His life.
"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."(Romans 5:8)
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Post by Bud on Aug 23, 2013 6:44:40 GMT -6
Luke
When we look at the 4 Gospels collectively,and it is agreed all the way back to the 2nd century who the writers of the 4 Gospels are,we find that Matthew and John were each,one of the 12 disciples and Mark was a younger man and was probably with the group that followed Jesus.Many believe and I tend to agree that Mark was referring to himself in (Mark 14:51-52).
"Now a certain young man followed Him, having a linen cloth thrown around his naked body. And the young men laid hold of him,and he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked."
He is the only one that refers to this incident and to me would stand to reason that he is referring to himself. Then we come to Luke and we find out he was a companion of Paul.There is no indication anywhere that Luke was with our Lord during His 3 year ministry and that he probably obtained much of his information from Mary and some of the other disciples and of course all he wrote was inspired of the Holy Spirit.When we observe the personal pronouns,"we" and "us"and "they" as they are used in the book of Acts we find that Luke links up with Paul on his 2nd missionary journey at Troas.(Acts 16:10)
"Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them."
He continues with Paul to Philippi and remains there until Paul returns there on the last leg of his 3rd missionary journey some 6 years later,and then joins Paul and his company and continues with him to Jerusalem.He is there when Paul is caught and continues with him to Caesarea and 2 years later he makes the journey with him to Rome.Evidently he remains with Paul during his first imprisonment and his trial before Nero.Paul refers to Luke in (Colossians 4:14 and in Philemon 24)as being with him and it is here we find out that Luke is a physician and is beloved,probably not only by Paul,but by everyone.
"Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you."(Colossians 4:14) "Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers."(Philemon 23-24)
I'm sure Luke's trained medical care was a blessing to Paul.Luke was very loyal to Paul as we find he is with him during his 2nd imprisonment and right up until his execution as Paul refers to him in (2Timothy 4:11)
"Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry."
"Behold the Man,"I believe is the portrait of our Lord that Luke presents to us.In Matthew He is "Israel's King,"In Mark "Jehovah's Servant"and in Luke "The Perfect Man."Not just repetition but different lights of our Savior and Lord.The 4 men that God chose to present to us in written form our Lord's time here on earth wrote independently of each other and probably had no idea of the fourfold presentation of the Lord they were presenting.But it is really there a fourfold design worked out through these 4 men by the power and direction of the Holy Spirit of God. Luke is giving us a portrait of the manhood of our Lord so we have more detail about His birth,babyhood and boyhood.We have shepherds coming to see a Savior,not wise men seeking a King.We see a young boy in the Temple questioning and learning from the elders.We see Him recognizing who He is but yet remaining in subjection to His parents. Luke even waits until after he describes His birth,babyhood,boyhood and even until He is grown and after His baptism to give His lineage.It seems that Luke's main concern is to describe His human birth and His growth up through His boyhood and on to perfect manhood before he establishes His ancestry.Whereas in Matthew he establishes His ancestry right at the beginning.Matthew was establishing the Lords lineage to David for His kingship.Luke gives Mary's lineage as she was the mother of His manhood. In Matthew the emphasis is more on what He said.In Mark it is more on what He did and Luke gives about equal space to what He said and what He did and they equally reflect back on "The Man"and who He is. As we read through the portrait that Luke presents of our Lord,we can't help but notice even in the teachings and the miracles He performs and His other actions we can see the perfect manhood of our Lord with His compassion,mercy and love.We can see this in His appearances to different ones after His resurrection,walking along with them,comforting and teaching them,eating with them and letting them see that He was in a body they could see and touch and that they could identify with. I believe when we look at the structure of Luke it appears to be in 4 parts or movements. The first part is from chapter 1:1-4:13.Here we have the introduction,birth of John the Baptist foretold,the announcement to Mary by the angel Gabriel of the birth of Jesus,Mary's visit to Elisabeth,birth of John,birth of Jesus,Jesus brought to the Temple and the words of Simeon and Anna,return to Nazareth,return to Jerusalem when Jesus was 12 years old,ministry of John the Baptist,baptism of Jesus,the genealogy and His temptation. The second part begins in chapter 4:14 with His return to Galilee.
"Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region."(Luke 4:14)
His ministry in Galilee as covered by Luke is from chapter 4:14 through 9:50. The third part begins in Chapter 9:51 and from there through chapter 19:44 we have His journey up to Jerusalem.
(Luke 9:51) "Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem." (Luke 13:22)"And He went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem." (Luke 17:11) "Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee." (Luke 18:31)"Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished." (Luke 19:11) "Now as they heard these things, He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately." (Luke 19:28) "When He had said this, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem." (Luke 19:37)"Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen," (Luke 19:41)"Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it." (Luke 19:45)"Then He went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in it."
The fourth part begins in chapter 19:45 when Jesus enters the Temple.From here we have His rejection,Olivet Discourse,His betrayal,the Lord's Supper,the garden,His arrest,trial,crucifixion,burial,resurrection and His appearances after His resurrection. Then just before His ascension the promise of His Spirit to indwell man.
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Post by Bud on Aug 30, 2013 6:53:16 GMT -6
John
It doesn't take but reading a few lines in this book to recognize that it is very unique.Just as I believe we see through all the books of the Bible,the Holy Spirit in authoring it blends in the personality of the writer He has chosen to reveal God's Word to us. In Matthew we can see at once that Jesus is King.In Mark it is ceaseless activity,God's Servant at work and crowning it by the perfect sacrifice for sin.In Luke it's "Behold The Man,"the perfect man.Three presentations of our Lord and they are full of beauty. But on this side of Calvary and looking back through "Born of the Spirit"eyes something is lacking.Where is the "SON?"The Eternal Son of God,the one we have died with and risen with in newness of life.The one we know now,not in the weakness of the flesh,but in the unlimited dimensions of His Resurrection and the new creation. The One "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." The One by whom all things were created and by whom all things consist.The one who has reconciled us to Himself.The highly exalted One that we can know and fellowship with.We are identified with Him as sons of God ourselves,indwelt of His Spirit,and being His purchased possession,longing for Him to come back and receive us unto Himself.We want a portrait of that "ONE,"the Son of God and John gives us that pen-portrait. John himself one of the 12,of the inner circle of Peter,James and John.The son of Zebedee and brother of James.They probably had a thriving fishing business,probably owned by their father and was known to the high priest Caiaphas. (John 18:13,15) He was on the Mount when Jesus was transfigured before Peter and James and himself.He is very active in the early part of Acts,arrested along with Peter(Acts 4) and goes with Peter into Samaria.(Acts 8) Years later he is exiled to the isle of Patmos,where he is given and writes the Book of Revelation and probably writes the letters 1st,2nd,and 3rd John and maybe even this Gospel from there. John presents us with the portrait of Jesus as the Son of God.No lineage to David or Abraham or Adam but connected with eternity,the Creator.God in the Flesh.The other three gospels (Matthew,Mark and Luke)emphasize the human aspect but John unveils the Divine.The first three seem to be a presentation of Jesus and the fourth interprets Him.For example in (John 3:16) is He still speaking to Nicodemus or is John interpreting or explaining Calvary and what Jesus accomplished for us there?I think the latter as does the better part of Christians.Another example is (John 7:39) where John is interpreting what Jesus just stated about "rivers of living water."Then in chapter 3 again (John 3:31-36),is John the Baptist still speaking or has John jumped ahead beyond Calvary and is interrupting or explaining especially in (John 3:36)?Jesus in much of His teachings presented to us by John in this Gospel seems Himself to jump beyond Calvary and to all that will be provided for us. The first three gospels deal with His public discourses the fourth with more of His private conversations especially with His disciples.The first three deal with much of His Galilean ministry while the fourth mainly with His Judean ministry. There is no account in John of Jesus's birth,His baptism is not described,nor His temptation or transfiguration or His ascension.Then again most of what John records is omitted by the other three. By the time we come through all 4 gospels,the choice is laid before us.John makes it very clear,we must make the decision,to receive and be saved or reject and perish forever.(John 20:31) really seems to be in the forefront throughout this book."That you might believe."
"But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."
We can't get through the first 14 verses of chapter 1 before we realize that this book is different.At once we are presented with four designations of our Lord,The Word,The Life,The Light and The Son.Then John goes on to express this through the rest of the book.We can readily see as we proceed through the book that these designations stand out as the subject matter of the book. Then how can we miss the 7 great "I Am's"that stand out in the book. 1.I Am the Bread of Life.(John 6:35,41,48,51) 2.I Am the Light of the World.(John 8:12) 3.I Am the Door of the Sheep.(John 10:7,9) 4.I Am the Good Shepard.(John 10:11,14) 5.I Am the Resurrection and the Life.(John 11:25) 6.I Am the Way,the Truth,the Life.(John 14:6) 7.I Am the true Vine.(John 15:1,5) Our Lord didn't come to just give bread,He is the bread.He didn't come to just shed light,He is the light.He didn't come to just show a door,He is the door.He didn't come to name a shepherd,He is the shepherd.He didn't come to just point the way,He is the way,the truth ,the life.He didn't come to plant a vine,He is the vine. In the other three we have the ministry of our Lord first in Galilee,then in Judea.In John we find that Jesus made several trips between the two.
"The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee,"(John 1:43)
"And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage."(John 2:1-2)
"And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem."(John 2:13
"He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee."(John 4:3)
"After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem."(John 5:1)
"After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias."(John 6:1)
"After these things Jesus walked in Galilee:"(John 7:1)
"Now the Jew's feast of tabernacles was at hand."(John 7:2)
"But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret."(John 7:10
"And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch."(John 10:22-23)
"And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode."(John 10:40)
"Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again."(John 11:7)
"Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead."(John 12:1)
"Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father"(John 13:1)
It's a good possibility from what we can see in John,that each year of Jesus's 3 year ministry began and ended with the Passover.(Just a thought)
We could use these movements to see divisions in the book and form an outline,but I believe there is a clearer division. I believe we can see four divisions in the book.In the first chapter we have the introduction of our Lord in the first 14 verses,then the witness of John the Baptist in the next 20 verses thru verse 34.Then in verse 35 of chapter one,part two where we have the public ministry of our Lord to the nation begin.Then in chapter 13 through chapter 17,we have part 3 with our Lords private ministry to "His Own."Then in chapter 18 thru chapter 21,part 4,the climax.His arrest,mock trial,crucifixion,entombment,resurrection and appearances.
Part One:Chapter 1:1-34-Introduction and witness of John the Baptist.
Part Two:Chapter 1:35-chapter 12-Our Lords public ministry to the nation.
Part Three:Chapters 13-17-Our Lords private ministry to "His Own."
Part Four:Chapters 18-21-The Climax.His arrest,mock trial,crucifixion,entombment,resurrection and appearances.
In Matthew we see His Credentials.King In Mark we see His Power.Servant In Luke we see His Nature.Man In John we see His Godhead.God
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Post by Bud on Sept 6, 2013 7:00:42 GMT -6
The Acts:
Written by Luke and addressed to the same person as the Gospel of Luke was written.
"Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us,just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us,it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus,that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.(Luke 1:1-4)
"The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen" (Acts 1:1-2)
We know from our study of the gospel of Luke that he was a companion of Paul and joined up with him on his 2nd missionary journey but remained at Philippi and later he accompanied Paul on the last leg of his 3rd journey when Paul came back to Philippi and Luke rejoined him and it seems that he remained close by Paul's side until Paul was executed.(2Timothy 4:11)
Acts becomes a bridge between the 4 Gospels and the Epistles.If we were to jump from John to Romans we would be left with many questions.Who is Paul?When did the gospel go to Gentiles?.Who are all these groups of people called "churches" and the cities they are in,come from?What happened to Israel and the kingdom that was supposed to come in?What about the 70th week of Daniel, prophecy that was supposed to be fulfilled after the Messiah was cut off?(Rejected and killed)What about the coming of the Holy Spirit that was promised in the prophecy of Joel?Jesus had also said that the Spirit would come after He departed and wouldn't just come but would indwell them forever.Some of the questions could be answered as we proceed on through the New Testament and some would still remain a void without the book of Acts.So let's see if we can get some of those answers as we try to understand the message that is presented in this most vital book.
1.We have learned:In the Primary Interpretation of Scripture the rule of Contextual Consideration is the prime factor.Or,what is the obvious meaning of a text in relation to it's context,to it's book and to it's structural setting in the Bible as a whole?
2.We have learned:In the Practical Application of a Scripture the Christian is to approach the passage involved from his own position dispensationally.
The structural setting for Acts is Transitional.(Between Law and Grace and between Israel and the Church)
1. For the Primary Interpretation we approach Acts from the direction of the 4 Gospels.
2.For the Practical Application we approach Acts from the direction of the Epistles.
Acts is one of the easiest books in the Bible to read,but yet it is one of the most miss-understood book in the Bible.If we want to know why there are so many cults,so many divisions in the Church,so many problems separating the Church and Israel and so many problems separating Law and Grace,then most of the problem lies in the miss-interpretation of the book of Acts.We should be very careful in going to Acts for doctrine especially for the Church.
For the Primary Interpretation we need to keep in mind what we have read in the 4 Gospels.We need to get into the frame of mind of the Disciples.They were still looking for the Kingdom with Christ ruling on the earth.They understood by now that the Messiah had to come and die and be resurrected and take care of the sin problem before the kingdom could come in,so they began preaching salvation and expecting Jesus to come back and set up the Kingdom. The Holy Spirit came just like the prophet Joel had prophesied and now they were waiting for the Davidic throne to be re-established.As far as they knew from the prophecy in Daniel of the Messiah being cut off,the next event would be the 70th week of Daniel and Christ would come back and set up the Kingdom.Everything that happened that we read about in Acts that was unusual(Holy Spirit coming,miracles,speaking in tongues,unusual judgements,Gentiles believing,etc)they would go to the O.T. and would see that it was prophesied. After the Disciples asked Jesus if He was going to restore the Kingdom in (Acts 1:6) Jesus told the disciples in (Acts 1:8) that they would be witnesses in Jerusalem,Judea and Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the earth.The Kingdom was being offered to the Jews in the land and in the dispersion.With the death of Steven in Chapter 7,the Jews of the homeland had rejected the kingdom.Paul carried this offer to the Jews of the dispersion.In his journeys where there were Jews,he went to them first.
What did the Bereans do in (Acts 17:11).It say's: "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." What Scriptures did they search and what were they searching for?Well they were searching the O.T.that's all they had.James and Matthew might have been written by now but they wouldn't have been considered part of the Scriptures.What were they searching for? They were searching out this salvation Paul and Silas was preaching.
" Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES:" (1Corinthians 15:1-4)
"And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed." (Galatians 3:8)
"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures."(Romans 1:1-2)
That the Messiah must come and die and be resurrected and the Holy Spirit come and they must be born again before the kingdom can come in.Yes justification by faith.
1st journey,(Acts 14:22) Kingdom message to Jews,rejection and goes to Gentiles Acts 13:46.
2nd journey (Acts 17:7),Kingdom message (Jesus as King),rejection and goes to Gentiles Acts 18:6.
3rd journey (Acts 19:8) Kingdom message,rejection and goes to Gentiles (Acts 19:9).
Then to Rome and Kingdom message (Acts 28:23),rejected and withdraws to Gentiles (Acts 28:28). And in (Acts 28:31) Kingdom message.
I believe this offer of the kingdom in Acts extended until 70 AD when the temple was destroyed and the Jews scattered throughout the world.The destruction of the temple in 70 AD was prophesied in (Daniel 9:26). Jesus also say's this in (Matthew 24:2). In (Matthew 22:2-14) Jesus gives a parable describing the Kingdom offer.In verse 3 the offer by the disciples in the Gospels and the rejection,in verse 4 the offer by the disciples in Acts and the rejection,the destruction of the city in verse 7 (70 AD) then the offer in the tribulation in verse 9 by the 144,000,then the judgement of Israel and the nations at His coming in verses 11-14.So in 70 A.D.the nation of Israel had rejected the King at Calvary and the Kingdom in Acts. With the abrupt ending of Acts and had we not the Church Epistles,the record of the offer and rejection of the Kingdom to Israel would clearly be seen as the first purpose of the book.
Then for the Practical Application we need to keep in mind who we are in Christ,the Church as a Body,Building And Bride of Christ,a parentheses hidden in God ( A Grace Period like no other age) and not prophesied in the O.T. With this in mind we approach Acts with what we have read and learned about who we are in Christ from the epistles of Paul.With this in mind we can see the beginning of the Church in Acts through the eyes of the Apostle Paul.
With the Church Epistles it is clearly seen that the Church of Jesus Christ came not out of Judaism,but out of Judaism's rejection of their rightful King and Kingdom.(Romans 11:30) I believe God is doing 2 things in Acts at the same time.He is offering the kingdom to Israel and building His Church,because He knew that Israel would reject the Kingdom and it would be postponed for these 2000 years so far and the ones that were saved during this offer of the Kingdom in Acts became the nucleus of the Church. You see the salvation that we have was prophesied in the
O.T.,The Mystery is the Church,it's function in regard to it's
relationship to Christ and other members of the body,it's purpose in
the special dispensation of grace as a separate body of believers
from all other believers in other dispensations,a
Body,Bride,Temple,it's special type of removal from the earth at it's
completion when the Father presents the church to His Son for
what He did in being obedient unto death all are mysteries.Even
the setting aside of Israel and the fulfillment of prophecies
concerning her and the nations until this special body of believers is
complete is also a mystery.
In a real sense we the Church are a special gift to the Son for what He accomplished in providing an eternal salvation for the whole world and is offered to anyone who will believe, and the easiest way to see this is to sit down and read Acts once from the Primary Interpretation viewpoint from the direction of the Gospels and then read it again from the Practical Application viewpoint from the direction of the Epistles. Now let's look at the structure of the book.
Acts: Time: Approx. 33 years (A.D. 30-63) Theme: Offer of Kingdom to Israel. Part 1: To the Jews of the Homeland. Part 2: To the Jews of the Dispersion.
Part 1 Jerusalem the Center Peter the Central figure. Jerusalem to Antioch. Message:"Jesus is Messiah." Miracles and gifts with message. Many Gentiles believe. Peter imprisoned. Message and messengers rejected by Jews of the Homeland.
Part 2 Antioch the Center. Paul the Central figure. Antioch to Rome. Message:"Jesus is Messiah." Miracles and gifts with message. Many Gentiles believe. Paul imprisoned. Message and messengers rejected by Jews of the dispersion.
With the offer of the Kingdom rejected by the Jews of the Homeland and the Dispersion,we can see that the Church has been born out of this rejection and Israel has been set aside temporarily until the Church is complete and the Church is now ready for the explaining of the Body of Christ in the Epistles of Paul.
"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" Rom.11:33
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Post by Bud on Sept 13, 2013 6:56:14 GMT -6
The Christian Church Epistles: Paul begin these letters approx. 16 years after his conversion (around A.D.36) and wrote for about 16 yrs.,until his death around A.D.68.
He Wrote: 1st and 2nd Thessalonians on his 2nd missionary journey from Corinth around A.D.52-53 Romans from Corinth on his 3rd missionary journey around A.D.57-58 1 Corinthians from Ephesus on his 3rd missionary journey around A.D.57-58 2 Corinthians from Macedonia on his 3rd missionary journey around A.D.57-58 Galatians from Corinth on his 3rd missionary journey around A.D.57-58 Ephesians,Philippians and Colossians from Rome during his first imprisonment around A.D.62-63
The 9 Christian Church Epistles make up that body of truth written to the churches and about the Church.Each one was a product of necessity at it's writing,yet they became the provision for "doctrine,reproof,correction, and instruction in righteousness"for the Church throughout it's age. For this reason Christians should be more thoroughly familiar with them than any other Scripture.They are a complete course of education in Christian faith,hope,love,life,conduct,prayer,service and reward. They have to do with our past,present and future;or basically with JUSTIFICATION,SANCTIFICATION and GLORIFICATION. They aren't arranged in our Bible in their chronological order but in their progressive order by Divine Providence. They fall naturally into a 3 fold grouping of a quartet,a trio and a duet:
Romans,1Corinthians,2Corinthians and Galatians: Here the emphasis is on: Living in Christ, Justification, The converted life, The salvaging of the spirit, Christ has come and gone, Christ and the Cross, Faith is strengthened.
Ephesians,Philippians and Colossians: Here the emphasis is on: Christ living through us, Sanctification, The deeper life, The salvaging of the soul life, The Spirit of Christ has come and is here, Christ and the Church, Love is deepened.
1Thessalonians and 2Thessalonians:
Here the emphasis is on: Living with Christ Glorification, The future life, The salvaging of the body, Christ is coming again, Christ and the Coming, Hope is brightened.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is taught in all 9 of these epistles,including justification,sanctification and glorification.As a manner of fact,the whole gospel of Jesus Christ concerning the Church is taught in the book of Romans.What I'm saying is that emphasis seems to be put on certain aspects in each group.Sanctification is taught in Romans and justification taught in Thessalonians.But just notice how much emphasis is put on Christ coming back in the letters to the Thessalonians.It is mentioned in every chapter.He seems to go into more detail about explaining the Church being the Body,Temple and Bride of Christ in Ephesians,Philippians and Colossians even though it is mentioned in the other letters.
There are 3 great truths taught in the New Testament.
1.Jesus has come and is gone. 2.The Holy Spirit has come and is present. 3.Jesus is coming back.
All subjects in the New Testament fall in one of these truths.This is sound doctrine.This is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Our salvation in Jesus Christ is not complicated,it's not confusing,it's not hard to understand,It's so simple a child can understand it.We don't need a team of theologians to explain our salvation in Jesus Christ. Yes,after we are saved we can learn and grow and get to know our Savior,who He is,what He has done,what He wants to do now and what He will do future. Remember the Philippian jailer and what Paul answered him.He didn't say:"let me explain to you about the different covenants and the different dispensations and let me show you how to rightly divide the Word.No that wasn't what he said to him." If anyone comes our way and with their teaching and doctrine and theology makes our salvation in Jesus Christ complicated,confusing and hard to understand then throw up a red flag and be very leery of what they are teaching.If it's not clear and sound doctrine about our salvation,disregard it.
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Post by Keith on Sept 13, 2013 8:19:46 GMT -6
And quickly! Thanks, Bud.
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Post by Bud on Sept 20, 2013 8:02:30 GMT -6
Romans:
As Paul and Silas began his 2nd journey,they go back to some of the same places,he and Barnabus went on their first journey.Then along with Timothy and maybe Titus,they start to go into Asia Minor (Ephesus and that area of southern Turkey today)and God forbid him.He would go there on his 3rd journey.Then they turned east toward what today would be Iraq,Iran and maybe on further toward India and China but God closed the door in that direction also. Later we find out that Peter went that direction and ends up in Babylon where there were many Jews still living there.Church history tells us that Thomas carried the gospel into India,but that is another story. Paul and his group end up at Troas and in a dream Paul is told to come over to Macedonia and Paul along with Luke who was in Troas joins the group and they head west into Greece.On his 3rd journey when Paul comes back to Macedonia,Luke is there and joins the group and when Paul leaves Caesarea on his journey to Rome,Luke goes with him.When Paul writes 2 Timothy near the time of his death,he states "Only Luke is with me"God didn't heal Paul of his many infirmities,but He provided him with a medical doctor for the rest of his life. Now back to his 3rd journey and while in Corinth and realizing he had been through all those parts,Paul was planning to go to Rome and maybe on further west to Spain.So he writes the letter to the church at Rome.Paul hadn't been to Rome but he knew quite a few of the believers there.So he writes this letter and whether he realized at the time he wrote it,the true masterpiece that it was or not we'll probably never know. But it is here that God has chosen to reveal to us the Gospel of Jesus Christ.It is here that we learn the mechanics of our salvation.All his other letters deal with different aspects of our salvation and go into more detail,but it is here in Romans that he lays the foundation of our salvation.Maybe it was because he hadn't been to Rome is why he deals with the whole salvation in one letter and gives in one letter what he was preaching everywhere he went. Someone once said about Romans,"that if someone would have wanted to write this letter he couldn't have and if someone could have written this letter,he wouldn't have." I believe this book is the most vital book for the Christian.It is here we get established in our perfect salvation.When we get established here NOTHING can move us.
The book is divided into 3 sections: 1.Chapts. 1-8 are doctrinal. 2.Chapts. 9-11 are national. 3.Chapts. 12-16 are practical.
After the introduction in (Romans 1:1-17) Paul begins the doctrine of "Condemnation" in (Romans 1:18-3:20). Here he brings the whole world on trial and everyone is found totally guilty and without excuse before God and can do nothing to remedy the situation in their own power.
In (Romans 3:21-5:11) we have the doctrine of "Justification".God has provided the remedy for "condemnation" through His Son and His death on the cross.We are justified freely in Christ Jesus and God assures this by raising His Son from the dead.Here we have the "Basis,"the "Means",and the "Results"of our "Justification".
In (Romans5:12-8:1-39) we have the doctrine of "Sanctification",our life after we are Justified (Saved)We see the "Provision",the "Practice", the "Preventative" and the "Power" of our "Sanctification".Paul also goes into the doctrine of "Glorification"in Chapt. 8.
Then the question comes up (and every believer should ask this question) WHAT ABOUT ISRAEL.With this perfect salvation that has gone out to the whole world,what about all the promises made by God to the nation of Israel. Well Paul takes a "laying down rest" on the matter here in Chapts.9-11. Chapt.9 Israel's past. Chapt.10 Israel's present. Chapt.11 Israel's future. After these 3 chapters there should be no doubt that the promises made to Israel by God WILL BE FULFILLED WITH THAT NATION.
Then Chapters 12-16 deal with the Practical part of the Christian life. Chapt. 12 The Social aspect. Chapt. 13 The Civil aspect. Chapts. 14&15 The Mutual aspect. Chapt. 16 Greetings and Salutations
It's in this book that we will be rooted and grounded in our salvation.EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY GROUNDED IN ROMANS. Then we will be immovable in our understanding of our PERFECT SALVATION.
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Post by Bud on Sept 28, 2013 6:43:51 GMT -6
1 Corinthians
Corinth a city in southern Greece.Paul first came here on his 2nd missionary journey after a seemingly disappointing period of time at Athens a city described by Paul as wholly given to idolatry.(Acts 17:15-34) Very few believed in Athens.It is recorded that none of the Jews that Paul spoke to in the synagogues believed and none recorded of the ones he spoke to in the market-places and only a handful from the ones he spoke to at Mars Hill.There is no record of Paul returning to Athens or a church assembling there.All this happened after a disappointing departure from Berea in Macedonia and his concern for the young church there and their desire to learn and his having to leave Silas and Timothy there to comfort and strengthen the believers. So Paul leaves Athens and comes to Corinth which itself was a city given much to idolatry and even the believers there years later still had problems separating themselves from the effects of idol worship. The Jews in the synagogue resisted so much as Paul attempted to reason with them that he finally after being pressed so by their unwillingness to reason,he left the synagogue and stayed in a house next door to the synagogue owned by Justus a believer.Paul might have felt like leaving,but then the chief ruler of the synagogue Crispus believed and some others.Then the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and said: "Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them."(Acts 18:9-11) Paul remained there for 18 months teaching them.Can you imagine being under the instruction of the apostle Paul for 18 months?You would think the believers in Corinth would be the most matured of all the churches but they weren't.They had all kinds of problems and most of it resulted from immaturity.That's the main purpose for this letter to them and even after receiving his letter they still had problems and most of them were directed at Paul himself thus the reason for 2nd Corinthians. 1st Corinthians is full of reproof.There is reproof for divisions,envyings,contentions,unjudged sexual sin,selfish litigation between Christians and Christians,inconsiderate in their liberties and doubtful practices,questioning Paul's apostleship,social and ritual disorders in their meetings,errors in spiritual gifts,wrong attitudes toward the coming resurrection and instruction concerning collections for the saints. "Reproof" has to do with wrong practice and could result from immaturity in spiritual growth whereas in Galatians Paul has to "correct"which is a result of wrong doctrine or could be false doctrine and even mature believers can be lead away with this. Satan is no fool.He knows how to attack and deceive mature and immature.He can deceive and push immature in the wrong direction and he can deceive and push the mature overboard in the right direction.This is evident in many of the "ultra" doctrines being taught in our times.
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."(2Timothy 3:16-17)
It was about 2 or 3 years later after Paul had left Corinth that he writes them this letter.He was now on his 3rd missionary journey and had been back through Galatia and had come to Ephesus and had been there about 2 years.His plan was to remain at Ephesus until Pentecost which would have been about June,then go to Macedonia,then to Corinth and spend the winter with them.(Acts 19,20:1-3,1Corinthians 16:5-8) The occasion for the writing of the letter was some things that had been brought to Paul's attention.There was divisions and contentions among them along with problems of immorality and law suits among believers.He had also received a letter from them asking him some questions (1Corinthians 7:1)and he is also writing in regard to those.This really becomes the division for the book.The first part deals with the things that had been brought to his attention and the second part in answer to their questions. After an introduction in the first 9 verses of chapter 1 (1 Corinthians 1:1-9)Paul in the first 6 chapters deals with the things that had been brought to his attention concerning the church at Corinth. Then beginning with chapter 7 and on through chapter 16:4 he deals with the "things they wrote to him about."
"Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me."(1 Corinthians 7:1)also (1 Corinthians 7:10,7:25,8:1,12:1,15:1 16:1)
Then in the final verses of chapter 16,he tells his plans and of his coming to them.Then some last instructions concerning Timothy,Apollos and the household of Stephanas and also the coming of Stephanas,Fortunatus and Achaicus to him.They must have brought word to Paul and the letter to him from the ones at Corinth.Then some greetings from the ones with Paul to them and ends the letter reminding them of the grace of our Lord that is with them and of Paul's love for them.A very appropriate ending after all that Paul has to deal with in the letter. Always note in all his letters as Paul deals with problems or concerns that the churches were having in that day,he will broaden out into further teaching and instruction not only for their sake but for ours also in our day.But the key to understanding the teaching and instruction for them and for us is to stay in the context and if you do pull a verse or verses out make sure the context of those verses are always kept in your mind and understanding.
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Post by Bud on Oct 4, 2013 8:07:42 GMT -6
2nd Corinthians:
We found that Paul was at Ephesus on his 3rd missionary journey when he wrote 1st Corinthians.He had received word there were several problems in the church at Corinth and he had also received some questions from the believers at Corinth and that was the occasion for the writing of that letter. It seems his original intention was to go to Corinth after he left Ephesus then go into Macedonia and then return to Corinth on his return journey.(2nd Corinthians 1:15-16)(1st Corinthians 16:5)Then after hearing of the problems there and the way he had to deal with them in the letter to them,(1st Corinthians)he decided to go to Macedonia first then go to Corinth later evidently to give them time to read his letter to them and deal with the instructions he gave them and try to work out their problems before he came there.(2nd Corinthians 1:23) We find from the account in Acts chapter 19 and 20:1(Acts 19:1-20:1) that Paul had to leave Ephesus because of a fanatical uprising caused by shrine-makers of the goddess Diana (Artemis). Paul made his way to Troas and was evidently expecting Titus to meet him there with word from Corinth.But Titus didn't come.(2Corinthians 2:12-13).We can imagine Paul's concern at this time,with the uproar at Ephesus and the enraged populace there,Corinth with all their problems and Galatia falling away to another gospel. Then Paul goes on over to Macedonia where Titus comes to him but with more bad news from Corinth.Paul had many opponents in Corinth,mainly Judaisers and they had the church at Corinth stirred up against Paul.Corinth seemed to be in full revolt against him.It seems they were attacking Paul personally. His opponents were hinting at Paul's cowardice in not coming and that he was wavering and being insincere in coming to them by changing his mind.They insinuated doubts about his honesty and maybe he was fraudulent concerning the collections. The Judaisers were saying that he was bold only from a distance,his letters are powerful but his presence is weak.His presence was base but his absence was bold.His speech contemptible.That compared to them he was inferior and preached a poor grade of the gospel and that the church at Corinth was poor-grade as a result.That he wasn't truly an apostle.That he didn't have the qualifications and credentials from Jerusalem as they did.That his refusal of financial support proved he was inferior. It seemed that a minority in the church along with the Judaisers were attempting through a very systematic and cunning way to overthrow his authority at Corinth.They were very malicious and attacked very openly. Paul has to deal with all this in this 2nd letter to the Corinthians.He defends the ministry and the message and himself and in so doing he pours out his heart to them in this letter.For us we see the heart of the man like no where else in any of his writings.
We also find as we do in all of Paul's letters as he deals with the problems of that day in the churches,he broadens out and gives much more instruction not only for the ones then but also for us today.This of course all under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The book seems to be divided into 3 main parts.After a short introduction in the first couple of verses,he eases into a defense of the ministry and the message for the next 5 chapters and in the process pours out his heart to them and in doing so we are introduced to his ministry and message. Then in the next 4 chapters we see an appeal made to them and of course we continue to see the heart of the man reflected in the instruction he presents. Then in the last 4 chapters 10-13 we see the heart of the man poured out as he defends himself.Even though he felt bad for having to do this because he felt he was boasting,there is so much teaching and instruction for them and us.Just read through these chapters and see for yourself the comfort,strength and encouragement we can draw from them. Even though it is a very severe letter in many ways,the heart of the man is revealed all the way through it and the finality of it in the last 4 verses gives them blessings and reminders of who they are in Christ and the importance they are to others in Christ,let alone what that benediction can mean to us.
(2 Corinthians 13:11-14)
"Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen."
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Post by Bud on Oct 11, 2013 7:10:27 GMT -6
Galatians:
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness"(2Timothy 3:16)
If the book of Romans is doctrine and it surely is and the Corinthians letters are reproof and they surely are,then Galatians no doubt is correction.Reproof has to do with wrong practice and correction has to do with wrong doctrine.Just 6 verses into the letter and Paul makes the statement.
"I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ."(Galatians 1:6-7)
Then also in (Galatians 3:1)
"O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth,before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?"
A gospel that was of a different kind than what Paul taught and was perverting the truth of the gospel.The Greek word here translated pervert has to do with twisting and reversing.It wasn't another gospel of the same kind with superior features,they were twisting the Gospel of Christ and reversing it's meaning into something it was never meant to be. When Paul got word of this,he was so concerned,he didn't take time to get someone to dictate the letter to,he wrote it himself.Paul evidently had very bad eyesight,maybe as a result of the encounter on the Damascus road with Jesus and he would apparently get someone to write the letters and he instructed them as what to write.Note (Romans 16:22)
"I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord."
In (Galatians 4:15)Paul mentioned that the Galatians would have plucked out their own eyes and given them to Paul if they could have.
"What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me."
Paul also mentions in (Galatians 6:11)about writing the letter himself and had to use large letters evidently because of his eyesight.
"See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand"
Paul wanted no delay in writing to them about this problem and I believe he wanted them to know how much he cared for them and couldn't stand the very thought of someone teaching them this false doctrine,thus he is writing it himself. It is recorded in Acts that Paul had come to the Galatia area twice.(Acts 16:6) on his 2nd journey and in (Acts 18:23)on his 3rd journey.Galatia was an area in what would be central Turkey today.There are no specific cities,towns or villages mentioned but there were several churches established in the area because he addresses the letter to "The Churches of Galatia"in (Galatians 1:2) We aren't told when Paul wrote the letter or where he was when he wrote,but we can speculate.I believe it would have been after his second visit on his 3rd journey.If they had had the problems while he was there,he would have dwelt with them then.So to me that would indicate that he wrote it during the last leg of his 3rd journey.He spent some time in Macedonia and Corinth on that last leg of the journey,but he doesn't specify that he is in either of those places when he writes to the Galatians.Maybe it was at one of these places or maybe when he was making those last stops as he was making his way back to Jerusalem.He only mentions there are brethren with him in (Galatians 1:2). There was a group in Jerusalem and Paul refers to them as "false brethren"in (Galatians 2:4)that were determined on spreading a Judaistic form of Christianity.Their followers were causing problems in all the churches,but they seemed to have gotten a strong hold here in Galatia and Paul had to resort to very strong measures as we can observe in this letter.The very cross of Christ was in peril through this legalistic teaching.
"I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”(Galatians 2:21)
"Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace."(Galatians 5:4)
The Greek word for effect here means "rendered completely useless."Just an example of the strong terms presented by Paul here. I believe Paul attacks this problem and shows our Liberation through the Gospel in three ways by presenting the "Genuineness" of the Gospel, the "Superiority"of the Gospel and the "Liberty" of the Gospel and that becomes the 3 divisions of the book.
In chapter 1 and 2 we have the "Genuineness"of the Gospel: These two chapter are a narrative or a story in a sense.They are personal,pertaining to Paul himself and his receiving the Gospel not after man but through direct revelation and that he didn't confer with flesh and blood and that he didn't receive it second-hand.The authenticity of the Gospel.
Here we see "The Basis of our Liberty."
In chapter 3 and 4 we have the "Superiority"of the Gospel: These two chapters are a discussion.They are doctrinal,pertaining to the Gospel.We can see the Superiority of:
1.The "Spirit" as over the "flesh" 2."Faith" over "works" 3.Being "Justified" as over being "held"by the Law 4."Blessed"over being "cursed" 5.The "Promise"in Abraham over the "command"in Moses 6.The "Abrahamic covenant over the "Mosaic"covenant 7."Maturity" over "guardianship" 8."Sonship" over "bondmanship" 9."Adult Sonship Status" (adoption)over "legal infancy" 10."Liberty"over "bondage" Here we see the "The Truth of our Liberty."
In chapter 5 and 6 we have the "Liberty" of the Gospel: These two chapters are an exhortation.They are practical,pertaining to the believers in Galatia.We can see the Liberty of: 1."Love Service"instead of "bondage" to the law. 2."The "Spirit" instead of "bondage"to the flesh.
Here we see "The Effect of our Liberty."
Legalism has always been a trap as far as salvation goes.It binds us as far as our spiritual growth and maturity is concerned.It doesn't allow us the liberty to investigate and experience what we have in our salvation.It limits us in getting to know our Savior and all that He has accomplished for us in His death and Resurrection.It even dampens our hope of Jesus coming back for us and our desire to be with Him,because it makes us insecure in our justification. The end result of trying to mix Legalism and Christianity,Law and Grace,Faith and Works,Spirit and Flesh,Truth and Error,Church and State,Christianity and Paganism is religion.It becomes an attempt to establish justification before God by the mixing of self-effort and human merit with Divine Grace.It say's that the cross is not enough and salvation requires good character also. The catholic church is full of this with their masses,crucifixes,confessionals,penances,ordinances,Mary-worship,saint-worship and all sorts of merit-works and superstitions.Sadly the Protestant churches that came out of that mess carried much of that religion with them and it is present today all through Christendom.Merit-works and religious observances have become part of the Christian message. All these observances,instead of making people more Godly,only feed the vanity of the human nature.This is what Paul had to contend with,with "Galatianism."Instead of them becoming more Godly by their embracing this so-called superior form of Christianity,Paul ends up rebuking them because of their very ungodly behavior.(Galatians 5:19-21)
"Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery,fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,envy, murders,drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
Then he gives them the fruit of the Spirit in (Galatians 5:22-23)
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law."
And then reminds them of living and walking in the Spirit because we are Christ's and have crucified the flesh with it's affections and lusts. (Galatians 5:24-26)
"And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another."
Because you see,Christianity is not a religion,but a life and that life is the person of Jesus Christ living in us and out through us by the power of His Spirit that indwells us.
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Post by Bud on Oct 18, 2013 7:13:20 GMT -6
Ephesians:
Paul in writing his letter to the church at Rome stated his desire to come to them and to be helped by them on his plans to go to Spain.He felt he had no other place to go in the area he was in and was planning to go further west.
"But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you,whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you.For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while."(Romans 15:23-24)
Paul probably had no way of knowing at the time what would befall him and how he would eventually come to Rome.He came to Rome two years later as a prisoner and would spend two years as a prisoner there.Whether he made it to Spain or not we don't know for sure,but it does seem to indicate he was released for a period of time and then imprisoned again in Rome,this time in a dungeon and eventually was executed. It's during this first imprisonment that Paul writes 4 of his inspired letters,called the prison epistles,Ephesians,Philippians,Colossians and Philemon.I'm sure being confined like this was a jolt to Paul,but I believe God used this time of Paul being settled and in one place to inspire through him 3 letters Ephesians,Philippians and Colossians that go into some of the richest truths concerning God's Grace in respect to the Church than in any other letters that had been written up until that time or after that time. The rich truths brought out in these letters are fathomless.In this letter to the Ephesians he will make a statement that is so simple,then broaden out into the riches of the heavenlies as he leads us into the eternal bliss of the hope and love and riches and glory and inheritance and power and wisdom and knowledge that we have now and forever.He lifts us up in the heavenlies then ever so gently brings us back down to our lives now and with instruction that makes us long to experience it worked out in our lives. We are left in awe at the truths displayed that should cause us not only to long for the experiences that await us,but that we can experience a taste of them now. We approach this book being established in the faith by the doctrinal food in Romans and then we are lead into the depths of truth in such a way that leaves us amazed and wondering in adoration. The depths explored here,the eternality of the Church in the mind of God right through His power operated in Christ when He raised Him from the dead by which power He builds His Church right through to the revealing in the ages to come the exceeding riches of His Grace.We are left with our finite human minds trying to grasp the riches of God's Grace poured out beyond measure. After being granted the taste of these riches,what else but bowing our knees as Paul and requesting:
"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."(Ephesians 3:14-19)
If Romans is the main course in our food of knowledge,then these three prison epistles are the dessert and Ephesians is the icing on the cake.In exploring the riches of the book we can be made to feel like a child tasting their first Swiss chocolate bar and then trying to latch on and allow your mind to comprehend that taste. So trying to explain and outline the thoughts in this book will be a most basic undertaking to say the least. Paul had come to Ephesus on the last leg of his second journey but didn't remain there long.(Acts 18:18-21)Then he came back there on his 3rd journey and spent over 2 years there.(Acts 19-20:1)Then on his last leg of his third journey,he met the Ephesian elders at Miletus and gave them instructions and warnings and encouraged them.(Acts 20:17-38)Then sometime after arriving as a prisoner in Rome,he writes them this letter. In his letter to Philemon,also written during his imprisonment,he was sure he was going to be released and it seems he was for a short time and it seems he did make another visit to Ephesus as in 1Timothy,which was written between imprisonments,he mentions that he left Timothy there while he went on into Macedonia.(1Timothy 1:3)Then later on when he was back in Rome as a prisoner and just before his execution he sends Tychicus to Ephesus.(2Timothy 4:12)The next time we hear about Ephesus is when John addresses a letter to them in (Revelation 2:1-7)and we find they have left their first love which would be Christ.Today as Ephesus would be in Turkey,we have no evidence of a church there. As I have mentioned trying to gain all the truths in this letter in this basic outline would be impossible but just maybe it will stir our desire to explore and be feed from the rich food for our spiritual growth that Paul through the inspiration of the Spirit of God has spread before us here in these 6 short chapters. The book is divided into two parts.The first part,chapters 1-3 are doctrinal and it is here we find our "Wealth"we have in Christ.After a short salutation in the first 2 verses we have the key verse before he unlocks our wealth.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3)
The second part of the book,chapters 4-6 are practical and give us instruction on our living now or our "Walk" based on all the "wealth"we have presented to us in the first part.The key verse where he unlocks our "Walk" is the first verse in chapter 4.
"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called"(Ephesians 4:1)
Ephesians is the letter of "Our Wealth"and "Our Walk" in Christ. Let's look at some of our wealth. Our Election: "just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,"(Ephesians 1:4)
Our Predestination: "having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself"(Ephesians 1:5)
Our Redemption: "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace"(Ephesians 1:7)
Our Revelation: "which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,having made known to us the mystery of His will"(Ephesians 1:8-9)
Our Inheritance: "In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will"(Ephesians 1:11)
Our Sealing: "In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,"(Ephesians 1:13)
Then look at all the things we can "Know"listed in Paul's prayer in (Ephesians 1:17-19)
"the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power"
Then in chapter two we have a series of contrasts.In verses 1-10 between our condition before and our condition now in Christ.Then in verses 11-22 contrasts between our relationship before and our relationship now in Christ.
Then in chapter three in verses 1-12 the revealing of the mystery that had been hidden,not the gospel even though the gospel includes the mystery.It was not a mystery that Christ was to come and bear our sins,nor that He was to be Prince and Savior to both Jews and Gentiles and to rule this earth,nor that the Holy Spirit was to be out-poured and the remission of sins was to be preached,nor that Christ was to take the throne of David. The mystery hid in God was the Divine purpose to make of Jew and Gentile a wholly new thing (the Church)which is His (Christ's)body formed by the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the distinction between Jew and Gentile would disappear until the completion of this Church and it's removal from the earth.The revelation of this mystery was given to the apostle Paul and it is in his writings that we find the doctrine,position,walk and destiny of the Church. Then in verses 13-21 of chapter three we have another prayer of Paul after his revealing of the mystery and then all the riches of our wealth in Christ.The first prayer in chapter one had to do with what we might KNOW.This prayer has to do with what we might HAVE.
"Strengthened with might","rooted and grounded in love","filled with all the fullness of God."
Then after instructing us in all this wealth we have in Christ and the mystery of this body that we are all part of and these two powerful prayers of praise of what we might know and have,he so ever gently leads us into the "WALK"in our daily life based on all this wealth,position and powerful intersession for what we can know and have. The next three chapters are instruction in our walk and all the provision that has been made for us to be successful in it.
"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called"(Ephesians 4:1)
Then after all this instruction on our walk he reminds us in verses 10-20 in chapter six of our spiritual warfare and of the equipment we have to overcome.No Satan is not going to allow all this wealth and walk go uncontested.With all this wealth of being seated in the heavenlies in Christ,we are walking in this world,standing against the wiles of the devil.That is why we are to take on the whole armor of God accompanied by our praying always.
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