New Covenant: Transition Period (Jews To Gentiles)
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NEW COVENANT: TRANSITION PERIOD (JEWS TO GENTILES
(Covenants)
SECTION 1: IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS
* Jesus was introducing spiritual doctrine but Jesus does not say it clearly until the apostle Paul
* The apostles carried on what was thought by Jesus
* The apostles introduced spiritual doctrine while keeping in mind that their primarily ministry was the Jews
* Thats the understanding that they had and they carried it up to the best of their ability
* They go by the best of their understanding (however the Holy Spirit moved)
* We have to look at this as not people but as God moves. When we go by how God moves and remember the historical understanding of what the apostles went through. When we combine these together, we find out a lot of things why they thought it that way, why their ministry was that way and why its not false doctrine too when we keep in mind about God behind the scenes.
SECTION 2: RECEIVING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR JEWS VS NON JEWS
A. RECEIVING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR JEWS (PHYSICAL ACTION FIRST)
=> Jesus Promised To Give Them They Holy Spirit And The Finally Did Receive It At The Day Of Pentecost
Acts 2:1-4 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
1. Water Baptism To Receive The Holy Spirit
Acts 2:36-38 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
* Noticed they were all blur for a moment on what to do?
* Noticed the giving of the Holy Spirit was going to based on water baptism and this is different us from Christians
2. Laying Of Hands To Receive The Holy Spirit
Acts 8:14-17 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
* Noticed the giving of the Holy Spirit was going to based on laying on hands and this is different us from Christians
3. Speaking In Tongues After Filled With Holy Spirit
Acts 2:4-5 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
* They were speaking in tongues - audible language
Note:
* The Jews, they had to do a certain physical action first (like laying of hands or water baptism) then only able to receive the Holy Spirit
B. RECEIVING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR NON JEWS (BELIEVE FIRST)
1. Peter Was Speaking To The Italian Band (Non Jews)
Acts 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
2. Peter Said Whosoever Believeth Shall Receive Remission Of Sin
Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
* Holy spirit was not given by laying of hands or water baptism
3. Once They Believe, They Receive The Holy Spirit
Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
* believing first (faith), the physical things come after that
4. Jews Were Surprised Because This Is Not Normal Like How They Received It
Acts 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5. Water Baptism Is Done Only After They Receive The Holy Spirit
Acts 10:46-47 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
6. Believe First Then Only Perform Water Baptism
Acts 8:36-38 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Note:
* This time period is transitional from Jews to Christians
* The Jews, they had to do a certain physical action first (like laying of hands or water baptism) then only able to receive the Holy Spirit
* The non Jews received the Holy Spirit by believing first (faith, spiritual) then only does the physical things
* Why? Because Jesus warned the Jews that pretty soon, He's going to switch from the Jewish nation to a non Jewish nation if they don't accept His teachings
* But notice that its gradually shifting.
* God does that because He is giving them chance after chance,
* God is merciful and He does not cut us off immediately like that
SECTION 3: DEALING METHOD ON SAVED JEWS VS SAVED GENTILES
1. Saved Jews: They Were Still Observing Jewish Physical Things
Acts 21:18-24 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.
19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.
20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:
21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.
22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.
23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;
24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.
* They were many Jews saved by the apostles yet they still obeserve sacrifices, the law and circumcission but notice they kept the non Jews seperated from those Jewish physical things - see the next verse (verse 25)
2. Saved Gentiles: They Do Not Have To Observe Jewish Physical Things
Acts 21:25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.
* Gentiles which believe = saved gentiles
* we can see that for the saved Jews, there will be still some observing of some Jewish physical things that they need to do
* Non Jews (gentiles) are dealt differently. They don't have to observe those Jewish physical things
SECTION 4: HIGH COUNCIL MEETING IN JERUSALEM: CONCLUDING SALVATION IS BY FAITH ALONE IN JESUS CHRIST
1. There Is a Controversy Going On Among Jews And Paul's Ministry Because The Jews Were Insisting Physical Works Are Required For Salvation
Acts 15:1-3 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
* Because for thousands of years before hand, thats what the Jews did. They were taught to do physical things to gain their own righteousness
2. All The Apostles Assembled Together To Conclude That Through The Grace Of The Lord Jesus Christ We Shall Be Saved
Acts 15:9-11 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
3. They Wrote Letters To Inform Everyone About Their Concluded Decision
Acts 15:22-23 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
* See who are the witnesses. The apostles, the elders etc
4. The Content Of The Letter Says That There Is No Such Commandment That One Have To Do Physical Jewish Things To Be Saved
Acts 15:24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
* many are confuse about doing physical Jewish things - Circumcision, to keep the law etc
* noticed this verse: we gave no such commandment:
* See who are the others who witness this event in the next verse
5. The Whole Church And The Holy Ghost Concluded That Salvation Is By Faith And Grace Not The Law
Acts 15:25-28 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
* See who are the witnesses. Barnabas & Paul, Judas & Silas and most important witness is The Holy Ghost
SECTION 5: APOSTLE’S WERE ANTICIPATING THE RESTORATION OF THE PHYSICAL KINGDOM
* Because the apostles were primarily dealing with a Jewish ministry, they are anticipating God's physical Messiah and kingdom of heaven the physical kingdom promised to Israel
1. The Apostle's Were Expecting Their Physical Kingdom To Be Restored Any Moment During That Time
Acts 1:6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
* Kingdom to Israel: that means the physical kingdom which the Jews were promised of in the old testament
* Restore again: that means they have it before
* They were expecting it to happen any moment: thats why there were a lot of end time Jewish doctrine being mentioned during the apostle's ministry
2. They Were Anticipating Their Promised Physical Kingdom Of Heaven
Acts 3:19-21 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
* noticed verse 19: when the times of refreshing = restoration time shall come
* from the presence of the Lord = God is going to be present with them
* They were anticipating their king
* noticed verse 20: he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: = the Messiah which was preached by the old testament prophets which was saying about end times event, the physical messiah coming, the promised israel kingdom etc
* noticed verse 21: times restitution = restoration when their Messiah comes
* Book of Matthew mentioned so many times kingdom of heaven
* But we know God warned the Jews that if they reject, He's going to switch to another nation.
SECTION 6: TRANSITION FROM JEWS TO GENTILES
1. Jews Were Rejecting
Acts 13:45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
2. Word Of God Should Be First Spoken To Them, Since They Rejected, It Was Then Given To The Gentiles
Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
3. The Jews Rejecting More And More
Acts 14:19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.
4. They Went All Over To Preach
Acts 14:20-21 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
* Noticed in the cities they went to
5. The Spiritual Kingdom Of God Being Preached More And More
Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
6. Paul Was Preaching The Spiritual Kingdom Of God To Jews
Acts 28:23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
7. Some Believe And Some Don't & Paul Was Disgusted With The Stubborness Of The Jews
Acts 28:24-27 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
8. The Gentiles Will Now Get It
Acts 28:28-29 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.
Note:
* Jesus not only warned them that they should expect the kingdom of heaven, but they should also seek ye first the kingdom of God (the spiritual kingdom)
* Because the Jews all their lifetime it was based on primarily the physical dealings of God but God wanted them to start focusing on the spiritual things
* But because the Jews kept rejecting them, that spiritual side is going to be taken from them and given to a different group of people
* Noticed the transition it had to go through
* When we understand this, we can understand why the verses said some of those things in the books and Acts, General Epistles or Matthew to John
* When we understand the transition, as we'll be able to tell that some Jewish things that would refer to end times thats their doctrine and other things that will apply to a Christian a spiritual church
SECTION 7: MINISTRY OF APOSTLES VS PAUL
1. Apostles Ministry Is Toward The Jews & Paul's Ministry Toward The Gentiles
Galatians 2:8-9 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
* Apostles towards circumcission (Jews), Paul towards the gentiles
Note:
* When we read the apostles' writings since its going to the Jews, we got to keep in mind that there's going to be Jewish things mentioned
* That’s why Jewish leaders, pharasees etc cannot accept Paul's teachings and thinks he is teaching heresy because his teaching is towards non Jews
* Noticed the apostles could not deny the teachings that was given to Paul by God
* The apostle Paul is one who make the big change in Jewish physical teachings
* Because his teaching was focused on non Jewish Christian church where as the apostles were primarily focused on Jews
* That’s why when we read the apostle Paul's teachings, we will see that it directly matches up with our Christian church doctrine but when we read the General Epistles and the book of Acts we get confuse
* Remember, the apostles ministry was towards the Jews and the apostle Pauls ministry was toward non Jews
SECTION 8: PAUL IS THE MINISTER FOR THE GENTILES
1. God Told Paul To Minister According To The Order: Gentiles First And Last The Children Of Israel
Acts 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
2. Paul Declares Himself As Our Apostle: Apostle Of The Gentiles
Romans 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
Note:
* If we we want to understand our Christian doctrine, Paul is the one to go to (Pauline Epistles = Romans to Philemon)
* If we keep on turning to the writings of the apostles, its no wonder we’re going to be confused and based our salvation on their teachings
* And most important is people who don't know the covenants about God's physical dealings with the Jews about their physical kingdom that’s going to happen in the end times
* If they have that familiarity, they will have second thoughts when they read the apostle’s writings
* If we read every single writing of the apostle Paul, its going to be referred to churches
* Then we will know those writings are going to apply to us
* Its just as obvious when we read James chapter 1 verse 1 to the 12 tribes of israel will definitely be Jewish
a.James Is Written To The 12 Tribes Of Israel (Jewish)
James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
SECTION 9: PAUL HAS BURDEN TO MINISTER TO THE JEWS
1. Paul Wants To Go To Jerusalem: He Has A Burden For His People
Acts 20:22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
2. The Holy Spirit Said He Will Be In Trouble If Went To Jerusalem
Acts 20:23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
* We know Paul was then put into prison when he went there
3. Paul Has An Incredible Burden For The Jews
Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God
4. The Holy Spirit Didn't Want Paul To Go To Jerusalem
Acts 21:4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
SECTION 10: SOURCE OF PAUL’S TEACHING VS APOSTLE’S TEACHING
1. Paul's Gospel Was Revealed Directly From Jesus Christ
Galatians 1:9-12 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
2. Mystery Of Non Jews Becoming One In The Spiritual Body Of Jesus Christ Was Not Shown As Clearly In Ages Before
Ephesians 3:1-6 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward:
3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
* Paul was introducing a lot of things thats why his writings are dramatically different from the old testament, Jesus and the apostles
3. The Revelation Of The Mystery Was Kept Secret And It Was Not Given To The People From The Past Until Paul
Romans 16:25-26 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
* His teachings was not revealed as clearly before until now
4. God Dispenses Something That Was Not Reveal As Clearly To Others But Now Revealed To Paul
Colossians 1:25-27 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
5. As Far As Christian Doctrine Is Concern, The Other Apostle’s Could Only Give Out A Little Of What They Know But The Clearness Of It Was Given By Paul
2 Peter 3:15-16 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
* Paul was given something that the other apostles were not given and that was the clearness of Christian spiritual doctrine
SECTION 11: PAUL USED SOME SPIRITUAL DEALINGS FROM OLD TESTAMENT TO TEACH CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE
* Pauls had to prove his spiritual teachings with scripture
* Scripture he used was old testament (there was no new testament that time)
* He had to find every spiritual dealing of God in the old testament to prove that God's spiritual dealings were legitimate
* We saw those examples with Abraham, the law of Moses, blood sacrifices and David
* Many use those verses and automatically make a wrong assumption thats how the Jews were saved all this time
1. Abraham Believed God And Was Counted For Righteousness
Romans 4:2-3 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
2. No Works, By Believing, Our Faith Is Counted Righteous
Romans 4:4-5 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
3. Blessed Is The Man Imputeth Righteousness Without Works
Romans 4:6-8 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
4. Abraham Is Also Father To Those Unscircumcised But Of Faith
Romans 4:12-14 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:
5. No Man Is Justified By Law In God’s Eyes, We Are To Live By Faith
Galatians 3:10-11 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
6. If The Law Could Give Life, Our Righteousness Should Be The By Law
Galatians 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
7. The Law Is To Bring Us To Christ So That We Might Be Justified By Faith
Galatians 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
8. Jesus Sacrifice Is To Take Away Sins Once And For All
Hebrews 10:8-11 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
Note:
* Paul did not make this all up. He find God's spiritual dealings in the bible to prove its legitimacy
* Paul knows the non Jews are dealt by spiritual dealings and a lot of things is going to be different as how god dealt physical with the Jews
*Paul was given something by God that was going to be very different from other the other Jewish apostles
SECTION 12: PAUL RECOGNIZES JEWISH PHYSICAL DEALINGS ARE DIFFERENT FROM NON JEWISH CHISTIAN CHURCH
1. Bloods Of Animals Was A Requirement For Forgiveness Of Sins In The Old Testament
Hebrews 9:18-22 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.
19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,
20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.
21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.
22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission
* He realised one receive forgiveness of sins thru animal sacrifice which is different with the Christian church
2. Law Is Not Of Faith, Jesus Has Redeemed Us From The Law
Galatians 3:12-13 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
3. Before Faith From Jesus They Were Under The Law
Galatians 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
* Paul recognises that back then it was different from us Christians - it was based of law and they had to live in them, that was their life
4. Christ Ended The Law But Back In The Old Testament, Then They Had To Live In The Law
Romans 10:4-5 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
5 For /u>Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
5. To Them Well Doing Of Works Gains Eternal Life
Romans 2:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
6. If We Are Under The Law, We Have To Do Those Things To Be Justified For Salvation
Romans 2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
7. There Are 3 Distinct Groups - Jew, Gentiles & Church
1 Corinthians 10:32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
* Paul sees that there is a distinction and difference between these
* With this understanding that there is a distinction, then only we can find the right doctrine
Note:
* Paul did not make this all up. He find God's spiritual dealings in the bible to prove its legitimacy
* Paul knows the non Jews are dealt by spiritual dealings and a lot of things is going to be different as how god dealt physical with the Jews
* Paul was given something by God that was going to be very different from the other Jewish apostles
SECTION 13: PAUL USE PHYSICAL DEALINGS WHEN DEALING WITH JEWS
1. There Were Some Who Have Believed But Have Not Received The Holy Spirit
Acts 19:1-2 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
* If they believed, they should have received the holy Ghost but these are Jews (somebody need to give them physical water baptism or laying of hands to receive the holsy)
* Some churches take advantage of this verse to say that believing is not enough
2. These People Are From John The Baptist Baptism: They Are Jews
Acts 19:3-4 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
* John the baptist baptism is to prepare the way for Jesus as the Messiah
* That baptism had physical confessing of their sins, physical baptism and physical works of repentance that is required for the Jewish salvation
* These people are Jews from the Jewish system
3. Paul Laid His Hands And They Received The Holy Spirit
Acts 19:5-6 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Note:
* The way Paul ministers with Jews matches the same ways the physical dealings of God with the Jewish people and not the same with the non Jewish Christian church
* Jews received the Holy Spirit through physical water baptism and physical laying of hands and not done through spiritual (just by faith in Jesus Christ) like we christians today
* Physical laying of hands, physical water baptism was required for them to receive the Holy Spirit - why? - because they are Jews, not gentiles
* Transitional still going on, God deals with Jews different from gentiles
SECTION 14: PAUL INTRODUCES RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH FOR CHRISTIANS
1. Paul Talks About The Rapture For The Church In These 2 Passages
1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Corinthians 15:49-56 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
2. Paul Tells Us There Is An Order Of The Rapture: 1st: Christ The First Fruits, 2nd: They That Are Christ’s At His Coming, 3rd: Then Cometh The End
1 Corinthians 15:21-24 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
* 1st order = Christ the firstfruits: this is talking about when Jesus resurrected from the dead and He brought the old testment saints together out of Abraham’s Bossom
* 2nd order = they that are Christ's: this is talking about our rapture (rapture of the church) because we are part of Christ body
* 3rd order = cometh the end: this is about the rapture for the Jews
3. Paul Tells Us To Be Comforted Because We Are Not Appointed To Wrath, Nor Are We Are Part Of The People Overtaken Unawares And Drunken
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
* Noticed verse 9: Paul told us we are not appointed to wrath
* Noticed verse 4-7 Paul told us we are not part of the people overtakes us unawares and part of the drunken
* Noticed verse 11: Paul tells us to to be comforted
a. Tribulation Is A Time Period Of Wrath
Luke 21:21-23 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people
* Noticed verse 22: these be the days of vengeance
* Noticed verse 23: in those days, great distress in the land and wrath
* Luke 21 = Matthew 24 = Jews in tribulation & their physical kingdom & rapture
(i) How Do We Know Its Talking About The Tribulation? Because The Context Shows It
Luke 21:24-27 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
b. The People In The Tribulation Are Refered To As The People Part Of The Drunken And Overtaken Unawares
Luke 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
c. Jesus Tells Us There Is An Escape
Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Note:
* The rapture Paul talks about has to be before the tribulation
SECTION 15: SIGNS & WONDERS ARE FOR JEWS & ARE FADING AWAY
A. NON JEWS WERE ABLE TO PARTAKE IN SIGNS & WONDERS BECAUSE A PHYSICAL JEW IS INVOLVED
1. Once Non Jews Believed, They Receive The Holy Spirit And They Had The Signs And Wonders Of Speaking Of Tongues
Acts 10:44-46 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
* Non Jews partook in physical signs because God was not done with the Jews yet
* Jews saw gentiles receiving the gift and Peter (a Jew) was also there
* When there are non Jews participating in signs and wonders, its only because a physical Jew is involved
2. Paul Uses Signs And Wonders To Minister Non Jews
Romans 15:18-19 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
* Paul minister to a lot of non Jews and he does signs and wonders among them because he himself is a Jew and God was not done with the Jews yet
* God's physical operation was still on going
B. SIGNS AND WONDERS FADING AWAY
1. Paul Did Not Heal Timothy But Asked Timothy To Take Medicine For His Stomach Problem
1 Timothy 5:23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.
2. Paul Did Not Heal Trophimus But Left Him Sick
2 Timothy 4:20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
3. Paul In His Sorrow Did Not Heal Epaphroditus But Asked God For Mercy On Him
Philippians 2:25-27 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.
27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
* All these wouldn’t be a problem if he just healed them
* Its by God's mercy (same as Christians today) that we are able to have good health and its God that heals us and not through healers
* that’s why we pray for to God to heal people but we don't go seeking for healers
4. Paul Had Eye Problem And Could Not Even Heal Himself
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Galatians 4:15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
Galatians 6:11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
5. Paul Said If God Permit Only They Will Do The Signs And Wonders
Hebrews 6:2-3 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
3 And this will we do, if God permit.
* Seems to show that they don't have it anymore
6. The Apostle’s Power Of Signs & Wonders Were Immediate When They Were 100% Operational
Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
* Unclean spirits were immediately cast out, all sickness were immediately healed
7. Jesus Ministry Is Focus On Jews
Matthew 10:5-6 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.