The BIG Picture (Shorts)

God’s entire redemption plan was determined long before the world was made. God knows the end from the beginning as we read in Isaiah 46:10. However, it is interesting how we can distinguish our grace doctrine from other dispensations based on what was prophesied versus what was kept secret. God revealed relevant parts of the plan systematically and slowly through dispensations. The majority of the plan to restore the earth was revealed through the prophets and unto Israel. Israel will be used to bring earth back in subjection under Christ in the Millennial Kingdom. The rest of the plan was kept secret by God and revealed in the perfect time to our apostle, Paul, who wrote the remaining details of God’s plan to restore the heavens under Christ through the agency of the Body of Christ. As we study the bible and learn God's will for us, we need to recognize these two programs and ensure we adhere to the principles of our doctrine, the mystery program, as written in Paul's 13-epis...

  Therefore Acts as a conclusion or a result of what has been previously stated. It points back to the preceding content, summarizing or drawing a conclusion from it. "Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom.5:1). "Therefore" connects the previous discussion about faith and justification in Romans chp. 1 to 4 to the resulting peace with God. Wherefore Acts as an introduction to new content or reasoning based on what has been previously mentioned. It often introduces a reason or explanation in what follows. "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: " (Rom.5:12). "Wherefore" introduces new instructions based on the preceding context. "Therefore" typically points back to summarize or conclude, while "wherefore" introduces new content or reasoning based on what was previously discussed. ...

Romans 5 is a transitional chapter, moving us out of Romans 1 to 4, concerning justification, and into Romans 6 to 8, which leads us into the beginning of sanctification.  Word statistics in the KJV confirms this fact because if you search for all variants of justification, there are 29 entries total in Paul's epistles. Out of those 29, 25 are in Romans and Galatians, and 4 entries in his other epistles. In Romans, 15 of the 17 matches are in chapters 1 to 5 and 2 in Romans 8. There are 8 in Galatians, because this letter is to do with correcting wayward understanding of salvation: see Gal.3:2-3.  My point is that we are educated in the understanding of justification in Romans, and then corrected in its practice in Galatians. So, barring these two books, Paul never teaches directly about justification again, because a believer, even by the end of Romans 5, should have settled on the truth of justification and moved past this serving of 'milk', into 'meatier' truths ...

Paul was a chosen vessel of Jesus Christ. He tells of his calling saying, "I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles." Friends, that's the title and the office Jesus Christ gave him. What was his office? Apostle of the Gentiles, given to him by Jesus Christ. Paul continues to say the following in Rom.15:16, "That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost." Now answer this: You know what makes Gentiles acceptable to God and sanctified by the Holy Ghost? The ministry given to Paul! Wow! Outside of Paul's ministry, you and I were a bunch of strangers and foreigners to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world, Eph.2:12. Then, in Eph.3:2-3, Paul tells us that the dispensation of grace was given to him for us that he may make known to us the mystery doctrine for the Bo...

1 Tim.1:15-16 ... that in me first ... The key word here is 'FIRST'. First in what? —Salvation of course! But how could this be since God had shown mercy to save many others before Paul? Paul was certainly not the first person to ever be saved! No, but we must understand that Paul's conversion started a brand new 'mystery' program, the program of grace, and he was the first to be saved into this new program. Paul is the first member immersed into the Body of Christ. He was divinely selected by the risen Christ to become the apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15; Gal.1:1). Christ would reveal to him the secrets of this new dispensation (Eph.3:1-5) and provide him the gospel of grace (Gal.1:11-12). This is why Paul says that in Christ Jesus he has begotten us through the gospel (1 Cor.4:15). ______________ Please share these with friends and family. Use this WhatsApp channel to receive these quick Bible lessons on your phone: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaGag8iJP212...

SOCIAL MEDIA COMMENT: Forget theology and let love be the primary function of your ministry. No need to tell others what they must believe or not believe, it will be evident what you believe when nothing but love flows from your lips. MY RESPONSE: One cannot just love another or do kind deeds alone for them to get saved. They need to learn the gospel. Rom.10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard [the gospel]? and how shall they hear without a preacher? ... Paul says it is the gospel that is the power of God to save (Rom.1:16). Showing love in deeds towards others is a great testimony of your faith, but those deeds cannot save anyone. Just being kind and doing good and loving others has great value and can soften their heart, but if the recipient never understands the message of the gospel concerning the cross and resurrection of Christ, all that love and care you give them is ultimately meaningle...

The blood shed by Jesus Christ on the cross was the pinnacle of sacrifice and love and accomplished our redemption through the forgiveness of sins. Romans 4:25 confirms this absolute fact, Rom 4:25  Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.  But there is more to that verse than being delivered from our offenses by the propitiation (appeasement, satisfaction) of His blood. There is also the power of God which raised up Christ from the dead for our justification. Not only did His resurrection justify us, declaring or making us righteous in the sight of God, but that same power also became the source for our ability to walk in newness of life, Rom 6:4  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.   Many believers think of the death and resurrection of Christ as the work done by God's grace to sa...

The Word says, “I’m not under the law but under grace,” but what does that mean? What's grace and how are you under grace? Well, consider this: The Bible says grace through what? Faith. Eph.2:8 "For by grace are ye saved through faith;". Then, faith comes by what? Hearing. Rom.10:17a "So then faith cometh by hearing,". Hearing by what? The word of God. Rom.10:17b "and hearing by the word of God."  So, ultimately, where is grace? It’s found in the Word. Thus, when you say you’re under grace, it means you are to place yourself under the authority of the written Word of God: study it, let it renew you, apply it in your life by faith. It's then that you'll experience God's grace, not only for justification, but for sanctification in this life too. 1Thess.2:13 "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the wo...

A BEAUTIFUL SOCIAL MEDIA STATEMENT: The gospel tells us that we must believe that Jesus died for our sins. The actual process of salvation is performed by the Holy Spirit which includes the Word of God renewing our mind and bringing us to obedience of Christ. So, it truly is good news. SOMEONE’S RESPONSE: Ridiculous! Show me a verse that says that!! MY REPLY: The bible tells us to study it line upon line, here a little, and there a little, Isaiah 28:10. No one verse is going to divulge the entire salvation process which involves justification, sanctification and glorification. Thus, one has to read the Bible and learn these things as the verses, throughout many pages, connect and confirm each other. I can give you a starting point by referring you to 1Cor.15:1–4 and Eph.2:8–9. Then, from these verses, allow the scripture to lead you into more cross-references and it will start to build a clear picture of the process of salvation in Paul’s epistles. ______________ Please share these wit...

Our principal duty as believers, which is also the will of God for us, is to come to the knowledge of the truth, 1Tim.2:4. How do we come to the knowledge of the truth? We study the written Word of truth and learn how to rightly divide it, 2Tim.2:15. We allow the Word of God to dwell in us richly, Col.3:16. We allow it to renew our mind so that it makes us wise unto its doctrine, allowing it to reprove, correct, and instruct us. Being led by the Spirit of God is not being led by some ethereal voice or premonitions, but rather, it is simply having a knowledge and understanding of the written Word within you. You walk by the Spirit (or walk by faith) when you obey the truth of God’s Word, applying it to your life circumstances and scenarios. Notice what Paul says here, Rom.6:16  Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17  But God be thanked, that ye were t...

Innocent ignorance: You have never been exposed to the information. Willing ignorance: You have been exposed to the content and you have willingly chosen to ignore it. Either way, you are going to stay simple.  Psa.19:7  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. Psa.119:130  The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. Pro.1:4  To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. Note what Paul says at the end of Romans, Avoid those that cause division, that deceive the hearts of the simple!! Rom.16:17-18  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.  (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. Romans was given to you to keep yo...

Rom 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Let me use ‘leading the blind’ as an example. If I'm a blind man, how do I live my life? I need someone else who can see to take me by the hand and lead me through this world. Now, in this context, who’s the blind man? That's us: we're blind. We need the Spirit to be out in front of us leading us through life saying, do this and don't do that. And where do those instructions come from? It’s all in the Word of God, and more specifically, in Paul’s epistles. This is not something that's given to us when we get saved. We are instantaneously justified by the grace of God when we believe the grace gospel, but our walk is a different matter. We grow in sanctification, through seeking to learn God’s Word, drinking it in, being filled with its knowledge, then submitting ourselves in obedience to it. This is the Spirit of God; it is holy and ...

The following (linked below) are some responses to the previous post uploaded concerning Paul's "my gospel" and rightly dividing the Word. If one does not rightly divide the Word, it will become confusing, as is evident in this person's comments. The comments are all directly related to mixing up the Kingdom and Grace doctrines. It is not only sad to see such confusion, but it is dangerous to spread such false doctrine because anyone out there who is uninformed about sound doctrine will believe it and get all twisted up in confusion and contradiction too. We are to STUDY the Word for ourselves, not rely on things we have learned from preachers, or books, or YouTube. Our ONLY source of truth in the King James Bible. Read it, cross reference scripture, learn its true context, and be edified by it alone. If you find content outside of the Bible, don't believe it until you have searched the scriptures yourself.  https://thebigpictureask.blogspot.com/2024/08/did-paul-p...

Between the Kingdom and Grace programs, provision works differently when you study and compare the two. In the Kingdom program the Lord told His disciples they can ask for anything (for ex: Matt7:7-8, Matt.18:19, Matt.21:22) and it will be given them. This is actually a command that will be more relevant in the Millennial Kingdom, when the law is written upon their hearts according to the New Covenant (Jer.31:31-34; Ezek.36:24-28). Nevertheless, even when Peter, and the other 11 prayed, their prayers were answered and the dead rose, the sick were healed, and necessities were provided. Today in this grace age, God, in His wisdom and purpose, can work miracles today, but it is not the primary focus. We live by faith today. Paul prayed many times for help, needs and relief, but he did not get it, 2Cor.12:7-10. Today, we can pray all kinds of prayers and supplications, but our faith is in His grace and not in favourable answers for provision, comforts, and necessities. Whether God provides...

Anyone NOT born again of The Holy Spirit is NOT Saved - John 3:3, 5 Anyone Who Doesn't Have the Same Spirit as Jesus is NOT Saved - Romans 8:9 Anyone NOT Led by the Holy Spirit is NOT Saved - Romans 8:14 The above responses are typical of people who comment on doctrine and bible studies through ignorance and immaturity. God saves people because they believe in His Son, not because they are ‘led by the Spirit’. Being led by the Spirit is a product of studying the Word and getting it into your soul. To the extent that the Word of God is in you, is the extent that it flows out of you. When the Word flows out of you and influences your thoughts, behaviours, reactions and speech, then you are led by the Holy Spirit. Walking by the Spirit is the outflow of the Word of God within you. Nothing more, nothing less. Salvation occurs BEFORE being led by the Spirit. Salvation does not depend on being led by the Spirit. Details: https://thebigpicturelink.blogspot.com/2023/07/disputing-ignorance-...

Rom.16:25-26 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, ... The words "my gospel" are of great interest. Paul personalized the gospel he was preaching. This makes it different to the gospel that John the Baptist, Jesus, and the twelve Apostles taught. They preached the Kingdom gospel, the good news that the Kingdom of Heaven was near. And that was true, as the King was in their midst and He was willing and able to usher in His kingdom if they would repent and believe. But due to the unbelief of Israel's rulers, this kingdom was placed on hold based on Rom.11:25. Paul, on the other hand, was preaching a grace gospel. A gospel where one could place one's trust in the cross-work of Christ and that through His death, burial, and resurrection, (through His work of righteousness, not our attempts), one receives forgiveness and is completely justified before God. In order to recognize the difference between these gospels, one needs to divide them, ...

The book of Romans can be divided into 4 primary pillars of truth. God's righteousness, (ch.1-3), God's grace, (ch.4-8), God's dispensational wisdom, (ch.9-11), and God's mercies over our Christian living, in (ch.12-16). Understanding these 4 pillars, in proper order and context, is critical for faith and spiritual maturity. Consider the effects on the growth and maturity of a Christian if we review the order of these pillars in reverse. A believer's faith, identity, and stability (aka, the 4th pillar) are negatively affected if they do not have a grounding in dispensational truth. Dispensational truth, (aka, the 3rd pillar), cannot be appreciated without a firm knowledge of God's grace, and purpose, for both Israel and the Gentiles. God's absolute grace (aka, the 2nd pillar), is barely comprehendible if one has a good understanding of God's righteousness, but since many people do not even grasp the fact that they are hopelessly lost in their sins, the m...

Justification has absolutely nothing to do with us. It is a work of God, not men. It is found in the completed cross work of Christ, 2000-years ago, and God declares justification to a person when they respond to the gospel of Christ, believing in Jesus for their salvation. Furthermore, justification has nothing to do with sin, since that is already defeated at the cross. It has nothing to do with trying to live righteous by the law, since the law brings death and condemnation. It has nothing to do with repentance, since God has already forgiven us when we believe in Christ. It has nothing to do with one's works, past, present, or future, since it is Christ’s work that justifies us.  The only condition for justification, is believing in Jesus Christ. Thereafter, one serves God willingly, in the newness of the spirit, which is the increasing knowledge of His Word within us, and the blessed assurance that His grace through Christ is abundantly more than your limitations and weaknesse...

Repenting from sin is not what saves us; instead, we are saved by God's grace through faith, as explained in Eph.2:8-9. This faith means we believe in the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. Repentance is something we do to show our obedience to God and to thank Him for His grace and mercy, and this starts after we believe in the gospel. As Christians, we will still make mistakes and sin throughout our lives, and we should repent—altering our mindset: by renewal in mind and application of our doctrine, as instructed in Rom.12:1-2. Paul says in Rom.1:16, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." It is not correct to say that some people who believe won’t be saved just because they haven’t repented from their sins, because that would go against what Rom.1:16 and other similar verses say, which assure us that everyone who believes will be save...

In Romans 1:16, Paul wrote, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." To be saved, we need to believe the gospel. The word "gospel" translates to "good news." But before we can believe this good news, we need to understand what it is. I paraphrase what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4: "Brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you... that Christ died for our sins, as the Scriptures said; He was buried, and He rose again on the third day, as the Scriptures said." This is the good news we must believe to be saved. Unfortunately, many sincere Christians often use popular phrases instead of sharing the true gospel message. Some common phrases include, "Ask Jesus into your heart," or "Make Jesus your Lord and personal Savior." Another phrase you might hear is, "Say yes to Jesus today." These phrases don’t have the p...

Dictionaries are crucial for understanding word meanings, especially when delving into the King James Bible. However, the challenge arises when modern dictionaries don't always reflect the original connotations of words used in historical texts. The Bible itself, due to its extensive nature, often defines terms contextually across different verses. For example, the term "oracle" can be better understood by examining its application in various scriptures such as, 1 Kings 6:16 And he built twenty cubits on the sides of the house, both the floor and the walls with boards of cedar: he even built them for it within, even for the oracle , even for the most holy place. Acts 7:38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us: Romans 3:2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. While contemporary dictionaries ...

An incorrect approach to Bible study begins with preconceived notions, seeking out verses to support existing beliefs. For instance, to demonstrate a revival, one might cite verses about the Spirit's power and revival. Similarly, to argue against Jesus' divinity, one might select verses highlighting his humanity, submission to God, and prayers to the Father. This method overlooks context, ignores contrasting verses, and the author's intent, aiming instead to validate personal opinions with scripture. Conversely, the correct method involves allowing the Bible to shape one's beliefs. Rather than cherry-picking verses to match our ideas, we should strive to comprehend the Bible's messages within their original context. The Bible enlightens us on God, the identity and mission of Jesus, the revelation of mystery, of grace, salvation, and judgement. The scripture itself advocates for these doctrines; our role is simply to convey its teachings. Hence, the Bible should not ...

The bible is the ONLY source of truth! All other materials are interpretations of that truth. Some interpretations might be accurate, some might not, some might be biased and become false teachings. It becomes important to weigh up the material with the Bible and eliminate content that disregards scripture or that clearly misinterprets scripture. A rule of thumb is that "scripture must interpret scripture"; in other words, that a fact must be accurately confirmed by multiple other scriptures. If a fact is based on only one verse and clearly disregards the context of the verse or violates other scriptures, that fact is probably an opinion or a false (or biased) interpretation by the author. It is imperative that one keeps this in mind as you read, study, and apply what you've learned, into your life or writings or teachings. ______________ Please share these with friends and family. Use this WhatsApp channel to receive these quick Bible lessons on your phone: https://whats...

If the short daily post does not appear on any day, it means that I have uploaded a link in the WhatsApp channel to a longer post in one of my other blogs which is also reflected in WordPress.  To view the latest WhatsApp message, click here . ______________ Please share these with friends and family. Use this WhatsApp channel to receive these quick Bible lessons on your phone: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaGag8iJP212QPSMmx2W

Our inheritance is in Christ, BUT…. the above scripture also tells us that Jesus Himself has an inheritance --which is US (ie: 'in the saints'). This should make you understand the context of the judgement seat of Christ, and the importance of having gold, silver, and precious stones, to offer Christ in that day. You are of His inheritance. When we know this, it's not just a matter of getting saved anymore! We should increase in value in order to increase His inheritance before the Father. WOW!!!  Let’s understand then that we ought not to be satisfied in just being a nominal Christian. We ought to press on in the doctrine of Christ and let it build up knowledge and wisdom of the doctrine within us, forming Christ in us, which are the riches of truth and glory, that we might be of value to the inheritance of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wood, hay and stubble have no value in the Kingdom! ______________ Please share these with friends and family. Use this WhatsApp channel to rec...

Rom 4:20 He [Abraham] staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; (21) And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. (22) And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. (23) Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; (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; (25) Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. What a beautiful passage. Abraham did not waver in faith, believing that God could perform what He said, and Abraham was imputed righteousness. So it is with us. We should have unwavering faith in the cross work of Christ, for our justification, because the power of God raised up Christ from the dead to confirm that we too are imputed this same righteousness unto salvation.  God is faithful and able to do that He promised. Hallelujah! _________...

Many believers today might be saved, but they do not grow up in Christ. They remain babes in Christ, carnal Christians, because they do not pick up God's Word and study it. According to our key scripture above, “Vanity of the mind” means that believers are empty concerning the truth about Christ, which is the cause of their carnal behaviours. Their understanding is darkened, and they are ignorant of the transforming life of God that can empower them to live a life that is pleasing to Him. Paul continues to confirm that, we have not learned Christ in this way.   It is through learning the Bible, studying it, understanding it, and through obedience to it, allowing it to renew us, and influence us, that we will be empowered to put off the old carnal man with his old desires and by being renewed in the knowledge of the Word, to put on the new man which can walk in an increasing measure of righteousness and godliness towards God. ______________ Please share these with friends and famil...

The Christian journey should be one of continual growth. Even the Apostle Paul, long after his conversion, confessed that he still had more to attain to and apprehend of Christ, Phil.3:12. Those who have been believers for a long time are expected to have a deeper understanding of the Scriptures than those who have been saved for less time. It is God's will that we develop in spiritual knowledge 1Tim.2:4, and we do that by first choosing to separate ourselves from traditions and denominational beliefs that we have been taught, and then to dig into the written Word for ourselves, to read it, to study its dispensations, to rightly divide its doctrines, and to learn of God's divine plan for both heaven and earth. To honor the Lord, we are to follow the example of Paul's life and ministry. The sound doctrine entrusted to Paul is crucial for allowing Jesus Christ to manifest His life within and through us. The key to our spiritual growth is parallelled only by our increasing kno...

V.25 highlights 2-crucial factors for our salvation: The death of Christ, which atones for our sins. The resurrection of Christ, guaranteeing our own resurrection and eternal life with God. Christ's resurrection was the vindication of God’s acceptance of the sacrifice for our sins. His resurrection brought about the reality of our justification before God. God raised Jesus as a preview of all those who follow Him. When we are raised from the dead, we will appear before God, wholly accepted in His sight. The resurrection is the assurance that Jesus has fully settled our debt with God. Without his resurrection, we would not know whether our account was paid in full. However, because Jesus lives, it will be fully evident, upon meeting God, that we have been justified. The sure proof of our salvation lies in our complete acceptance by God. He accepted the resurrection of Jesus and He accepts our resurrection. Jesus represents us in every respect, and God is satisfied with Him and us fu...

V.25 highlights 2-crucial factors for our salvation: The death of Christ, which atones for our sins. The resurrection of Christ, guaranteeing our own resurrection and eternal life with God. The crucifixion of Jesus as atonement for our sins holds a central position in God's plan of salvation. Without His death, we cannot receive justification or the imputation of God's righteousness to us. "Delivered up" signifies being handed over; God intentionally surrendered Jesus to die for our sins. This act was God's judicial response to our wrongdoings. Jesus bore the death penalty for our sins. It was not the Jews or the Romans who ultimately handed Jesus over for crucifixion—God was the one who did it, a decision made from eternity (Rev.13:8). Jesus' death was part of God's predetermined plan to deliver us from our guilt and offences, Isa.53:10; Rom.8:32; Act.2:22-23. Just as a judge orders the execution of a convicted murderer, so the Father ordered the execu...

4-Aspects of Christ's death at Calvary: crucifixion, substitution, representation, and identification. Crucifixion: execution by being nailed to a cross and left to suffer in extreme agony until death. This humiliation stands as a testament to Christ's humility and obedience unto death, even death on a cross. We cannot fully comprehend the cross unless we recognize that Christ died there as our Substitute, atoning for our sins. He bore our sins in His own body on the tree, 1Cor.15:3. Christ served not only as our Substitute; He was our willing Representative at Calvary, assuming human form to stand in for humanity before God and to die as a Man for men. Identification: Christ became identified with us at Calvary, and in turn, we become identified with Him as we accept Him by faith. Paul writes, "I am crucified with Christ, yet 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...

The phrase "look to Jesus" typically means following or imitating Christ according to what He has taught us in scripture. However, this is not true for us today. Jesus' earthly ministry was directed to Israel, not to us. His call for those to follow Him was directed to His kinsmen, the Jews, Matt 15:24.  We look to Jesus by looking into His Word. The only way we can grow in Him, learn of Him, and become like Him, is to study His Word and allow it to change our mind and our actions in obedience to it. When we look into his word we are instructed to look into the revelation of the mystery, which is the doctrine that Jesus gave to Paul to teach. Consider why Paul says the following in 1Cor 4:16, “Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.” and in 1Cor 11:1 saying, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” In 1Tim 1:16 he also mentioned he is the pattern for all grace believers to imitate. So, to look to Jesus today, we follow Paul’s pattern and the princip...

Romans 8:1 refers to our daily walk as believers rather than our initial salvation. The term "condemnation" in Rom.8:1 refers to self-condemnation, not eternal damnation. When we are not walking in our identity under grace, we find ourselves falling into Law, which brings this condemnation. In Romans 7, Paul expresses misery due to legalism rather than grace, and the term "therefore" in our key verse connects to all those emotions in Romans 7, which depicts a believer overwhelmed by self-condemnation, mirroring the defeat and depression of many Christians today.  Believers should not continue in a mindset of ignorance to Paul's doctrine, as sin is inevitable. To live in accordance with the Spirit, we must align our thoughts with our new identity in Christ, and this comes by studying and applying our grace doctrine in Paul's epistles. When we become transformed by the renewing of our mind, we start to walk by the Spirit (of the Word), and we grow in conform...

The liberty of our grace doctrine, given by Christ, is not an invitation to indulge in fleshly desires, but it teaches a transition from carnal babes to the freedom and responsibility of spiritually mature sons, who grow up in godliness, Gal.3:24 and 4:1-7. Paul's grace doctrine challenges the false notions that grace allows believers the freedom to do as they wish. Paul faced false accusations of promoting this view, having been "slanderously reported" in Rom.3:8, but unfortunately, carnal believers continue to exploit their freedom as an excuse for self-indulgence, turning liberty to license, an error as severe as turning from liberty to law. In Eph.4:20, Paul states, "But you have not so learned Christ." This statement, of itself, informs us of the root and fix of this issue. It is only proper doctrine and teaching of the rightly divided Word of truth that can stablish the hearts of babes and motivate them to the deeper things of Christ; the work of faith, ...

Paul implored Timothy to adhere strictly to the teachings he had imparted, emphasizing the need to remain true to the doctrine which was divinely revealed to him. In 1Tim.6:3-5, Paul closes his epistle with the statement in the image above. Paul presses upon the need to be faithful to the message given him by revelation, which he says in Tit.1:2-3 was, "promised before the ages began" but made known "in due time… through preaching which is committed unto me…" Today however, it is sad to note how religious leaders have either replaced, or completely skewed, the doctrine that was committed to Paul by Jesus Christ. This has resulted in confusion and division within the Church, teaching a different doctrine that puts focus on Jesus of Nazareth, social improvement, and political reform, and keeps believers in an ignorant state towards truth, stunting their spiritual growth.  More than ever, we need to take to heart this warning and admonition of Paul and come back to tea...

Our key verse above deals with the judgement seat of Christ after we have been caught up at the rapture and taken to heaven. Looking at the details of this verse, we can learn something new and interesting concerning the event that most people overlook. Christ's fiery judgement is to stablish us, making our hearts unblameable in holiness before God, our Father. Then, after this judgement, we are ushered into God's presence where it is likely that we will receive our reward; a measure of the glory of Christ.   How do I interpret this? Well, in 1Th.4:16-18, Jesus comes FOR his saints to meet them in the clouds and catch them up to heaven. But, in our verse above it says that Jesus comes WITH his saints.  Friends, this is not the rapture. How can it be if we are already WITH him. No. This detail describes a presentation to God (probably in the throne room) after we are made unblameable in holiness. It is at this presentation where we are rewarded with our measure of Christ's ...

Rom 3:21-22  But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;  22  Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: God’s righteousness demanded the fulfilling of the law, but after the cross of Christ, God’s righteousness no longer required the law. The law was fulfilled by Jesus Christ, and this was the propitiation that would appease God’s righteous requirement. Now, because of the cross, the grace of God is made available to all who believe in Jesus Christ. Faith in Jesus now allows God to impute the righteousness of His Son upon all who believe in Him.  The cross of Christ is the most remarkable event and symbol in the history of this world. The cross allows a righteous and just God to remain righteous and just yet be able to declare a verdict of innocence and righteousness upon the guilty. The wisdom and grace of God is...

God had chosen Joshua to lead the Israelites into Canaan. On the eve of the battle of Jericho, Joshua encountered a man wielding a sword. Despite the surprise, Joshua displayed no fear. He approached the man and asked, "Are you with us or our enemies?" The man's identity as the captain of the Lord's army, likely Michael, the angelic prince of Israel (see Dan. 10:21; 12:1), brought Joshua to his knees. The real question was not whether the angel was on God's side, but whether Joshua was aligned with God's will. This story serves as a lesson. In the struggle between truth and falsehood, Christians may challenge each other, asking, "Whose side are you on?" However, the critical question is not whether others are on our side, but whether we are on God's side. God's truth will triumph. His plans will succeed, and alignment with God's Word and will is crucial, regardless of human power or influence. Like Joshua, we should humble ourselves and...

The thought that God may be displeased with us can be frightening, but it is also the greatest joy when we know He is pleased with us. However, we cannot please God by doing things we think He wants. We must give Him what He says He desires, which is faith. Thankfully, God tells us in His Word that faith is what He desires the most. He wants us to trust Him and believe what He says. The Bible tells us how much God loves us, despite our sins, and how He sent His Son to die for us on the cross so that we can be saved. But sadly, many people don't believe Him and instead, turn away from His gracious offer, “going about to establish their own righteousness”, Rom.10:3. They think that God will accept their efforts and ignore their sins. But this is presumption, not faith. How can a just God ignore sin? We should be grateful that God, by His incredible love, paid for our sins Himself so that we can be free. Salvation is "the gift of God" that we can only receive through fait...

Men's wisdom is based on knowledge of physical reality which is temporary and opinionated, and this is why there are so many variations of it and why ultimately it becomes complicated and bloated. If we spend too much time gaining knowledge from too many different sources, we run the risk of stacking too much detail over the simplicity of the truth. It is advisable at times to stop and take stock of what we currently believe, —really! Evaluate what you have collected mentally and determine what info you may have hoarded up over time and if it has started to influence your thoughts, your views, and your stance on faith. Like the Galatians, have you knowingly or unknowingly added things to the pure uncomplicated grace gospel and to our 'mystery' doctrine of faith without works? Are we living ambassadors of the grace gospel and of simple obedience to the Holy Spirit, or have we become the advocates of a complicated and philosophical message and a lifestyle bloated with the ima...

The majority of Christians seem content in knowing just the basics of the Bible. Most of their knowledge is gained from listening to preachers, not reading the Bible for themselves. Interestingly, Bible skeptics are willing to read the Bible because their true motive is to “catch [God] in His words” Mk.12:13, “that they might accuse Him” Matt.12:10. Yet, compared to the minority of committed Bible students who find the deep truths of the Bible, these “self-confident” skeptics are ultimately blind to the truth and ignorant in spiritual understanding, 1Cor.2:14! Why is the Bible difficult to read? Why do Christians rarely read it? Why do skeptics hate the pure words of God? The problem is not with the King James Bible. The problem is with the heart of man. The Bible discerns his heart and motives, Heb.4:12. Reading scripture is like a mirror that reflects back his true image! Its only when 'self' dies, and Christ lives in us that the Bible makes sense and becomes a joy to stud...