The BIG Picture (Shorts)

In Paul's day, traveling teachers relied on "letters of commendation" to prove their worth, but Paul challenged this status quo by pointing to the believers in Corinth. He argued that he didn't need parchment and ink when their transformed lives served as a "living epistle," known and read by all. What a statement! It moves us from external credentials to internal value.  Today, we must recognize that the validity of our faith is not found in formal titles, but in the visible fruit of the Spirit within us. God has moved His pen from the cold tables of stone to the fleshy tables of the heart, making our daily conduct the "living curriculum" of His grace.  If your life is the only Bible someone ever reads, what story is it telling? We are the "epistle of Christ," written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God. As the world observes our reactions, integrity, and love, let us ensure they are reading a message of life-giving power ...

Romans , Paul’s first epistle in the canon of Scripture, describes the Gospel of Grace by which we receive forgiveness, justification, sanctification, and redemption. His next three epistles— 1 and 2 Corinthians plus Galatians —expand on Romans and correct any misconceptions or confusions. Most church members, if they ever (!) grasp Romans through Galatians, never get beyond here. Remember, the Corinthians and Galatians failed to learn and apply Romans truth! Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians are a higher plane of understanding. Very few gain this maturity, “the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery” being the second step to establishment as per Romans 16:25,26. Finally, 1 and 2 Thessalonians are the ensample of established believers, operating in faith, love and hope. Paul’s last four epistles— 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon —are handbooks for running the local church efficiently, also rarely mastered. ______________ Join my WhatsApp channel...

We don't feature in all of the 6000-years of Bible history! When we study the Bible, we discover that God interacts with people differently according to the progression of His redemption plan. The moment this truth becomes real, it completely changes your understanding of scripture. In Matthew to John, we find the earthly ministry of Jesus for Israel. In Acts, Israel falls, and salvation goes to the Gentiles via Paul's ministry. Romans to Philemon contains our doctrine for this present dispensation. Lastly, Hebrews to Revelation focus on Israel's purpose in the ages to come, when God will fulfil His plan for both Israel and the Body of Christ. All of the Bible is for us, but it's not all to us, nor all about us. We are not the only people God's redemption plans. People in other ages needed scripture to instruct them in God's dealings with them, just as we do. If we fail to recognize this, we will never be able to properly understand what God is doing today, nor ...