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A letter from a friend: Special note to the reader: The following article is true. This is a reprint of the actual dialog that occurred nearly 3 years ago. The name has been changed in respect to the privacy of the individual involved. The following dialog and questions will edify anyone trying to understand the distinctive message the apostle Paul brought to believers today as he received it from the risen Lord Jesus Christ (2,000 years ago). This message is otherwise known as the Gospel of The Grace of God. ("Jim-Bob's" questions and dialog will be in BLUE. My responses and dialog will be in RED - Rick) Part I
Q: "I was
reading in Acts 18 this morning where Paul was ministering to both Jews
and Greeks alike and people believed and were baptized. I thought you
told me that Paul didn't baptize people. I could be wrong though it was
Friday :)"
Q: I don't understand where you get this whole "kingdom gospel" thing because nowhere in the Word as far as I know does God distinguish a difference between a "kingdom gospel" and a I guess what you would call a "grace gospel". A: Let’s look at some verses because you ask a good question: Kingdom Gospel: Matthew 4:23 - And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. Matthew 9:35 - And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. Matthew 24:14 - And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Mark 1:14 - Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, Grace Gospel: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. 1 Corinthians 3:10 - According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 1 Corinthians 15:10 - But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 2 Corinthians 9:14 - And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Ephesians 3:1-19
Please tell me if I am wrong. The Gospel of the Kingdom was that Jesus Christ preached that He was Messiah and would set up His kingdom (it was at hand…) if Israel as a nation believed He was the very Son of God. At that time, before Calvary, before Paul came on the scene to reveal what the risen Christ now had to say, you were saved if you believed that. Does simply only believing that Jesus is the Son of God save us today under grace? I believed that as a Catholic. In James 2:19, it says that even the devils believe that much. Do you think there is no difference? Do you think there is only one gospel or one set of good news? Read what Christ told Paul to tell us…. Galatians 1:6-12 - I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 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. 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. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.Galatians 2:1-9 - Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (there are two gospels her...- RICK (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) 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. It was at this time that the 12 led by Peter were beginning to recognize a change in marching orders. They had more to divide over than many, many ministries do today, yet they were unified in Christ though they had distinctively different marching orders or “gospels” which were: ministering to the circumcision and ministering to the uncircumcision as you just read. Paul condemned those who would bring the message of the circumcision to the uncircumcsion (you just read that also…), but Peter never reciprocated. In fact he said:
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Repentance:
It's a little different than what we've Curt Crist started Grace Bible Church in the 1990's and has served as its pastor since then. In addition, Pastor Curt is often a featured speaker for The Berean Bible Society. What a wonderful
topic of discussion! Repentance!! Who needs it and why? Much of the
controversy over the issue of repentance comes about first of all
because of the "misguided notion" often being taught in religious
circles as to the definition. Many believers and unbelievers alike seem
to erroneously already have that issue settled pretty soundly.
Repentance simply means "a change of mind". Repentance has always meant
"a change of mind". As you well know, most bible teachers say repentance
means a change of direction in life style. While repentance might lead
to a change of direction, a change of mind can indeed take place without
a change of direction.
Here, Paul says
that "Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation (deliverance) not to
be repented of." Repentance is not "the sorrow" Paul has in mind here!
Of course "Godly sorrow" (this has to do with believers) oftentimes
leads to a change of mind. But "sorrow" need not be present for "a
change of Leviticus 26:40-43
1 John 1:9
In these verses,
there
are two different "changes of mind" that would have to take place in
connection with Israel and the contract under which they were operating.
In addition, there is a third application of repentance where Israel was
concerned! They would have to change their minds about "who Christ was" Just Believe It!
Letter from a friend (con't) 2 Peter 3:14-18 -Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 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; 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. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen Q: Why would Peter ask those people in Jerusalem to repent in conduct if they didn't have the power to do any of that... A: Of course they had the power to do it, we already read about it in Acts 2. Their outward conduct was a required expression of their faith as they ministered to the circumcision. Their signs, wonders, healings, washings and tongues were proof that Jesus Christ was God. The 12 were instructed by Christ to continue to minister as He did (WWJD) and if Israel believed then as Peter said in Acts 3:17-26 God The Father would send Christ back to earth: And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. 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. And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 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. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. Are we the children of the prophets? Can we say then truly that the “little flock” (ref. Luke 12:32) church (called out ones) led by Peter and the 12 to minister to the nation of Israel first and then the gentiles (like Cornelius) is the same message as Paul’s? Did the 12 preach 1) justification through faith alone (see James 2), our oneness in Christ, 3) the “sealing” of the Holy Spirit? If so, please have the scripture to back it up. The issue here Jim-Bob is not what God can do. It is what He says He is going to do in His Word. Anything outside of the scripture rightly divided is in fact dangerous and it is where many a cult is built upon. Am I saying if you don’t embrace grace as Rick views it you are in a cult? Of course not!! Then I would do what was done to me. A cult follows a man above God and unfortunately, there are many, many believers who have been blinded by that fact. All I am asking is that you meditate upon these matters “to see if these things are so”. You can take it or leave it Jim-Bob. It’s my prayer that the Holy Spirit in regards to understanding these things strengthens you. |
Today's World News
Galatia - The saints at
Galatia had allowed their own rebellion and pride to begin to influence
their conduct in regards to how God viewed them. Instead of trusting
in His grace and sufficiency for their walk, they began to gravitate
back towards legalism and the standard of the law in order to maintain
their righteousness before God! Paul Responds Paul responded in Galatians 3: 1-7: "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. 5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham" Paul Rebukes Paul spoke out against the believers at Galatia by asking them; "Who has spoken slander to you through praise while you know the truth about Christ"? He was evidently ( I love the sarcasm) crucified among these folks! The apostle provoked their reasoning by asking them questions that we can ask ourselves today. I also find it amazing how Paul reminds believers of the crucifixion and its accomplishment in Colossians 2:13-15: - And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Paul Reminds
Paul reminds his readers about how they
got where they are today. Was it by faith or works? Is the Spirit of God
impressed by our accomplishments brought on by duty or is Christ
magnified
Rome
- The Italian saints were growing weary from a wrongly, perceived confusion of what
When the woman acknowledged her humbled position, it was Christ who proclaimed that her faith in taking God at His word prompted Him to heal her possessed daughter! This story remains as a great example of the distinctive ministries of Jesus Christ and how he deals with mankind. Through time and eternity, man has always been required to respond to God as God instructed! Paul's letters to Rome equips believers in the fullest of ways while expounding on the doctrine of grace in regards to salvation and standing in Jesus Christ! In 3 remarkable chapters (9 through 11), believers can read about the great promises to Israel which are distinctly different from the promises given to Gentiles today under the dispensing of grace. The fulfillment of the former promises are conditional upon the completion of the Body of Christ and culminated by the coming of the Deliverer out of Zion! Another key point to remember is that God is not finished with Israel. Their program is on hold in order to provoke the unbelieving nation to jealousy so that all men can be saved through Christ! "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! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen." - Romans 11:33-36 Paul was the first to say: "But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested
Extortion in the Shortly before my family and I were asked to leave the church I pastored for 5 years for embracing the message of grace, the picture below was included in the church bulletin where we attended. Although the picture was a bit distorted, I had to find a way to publish it!
I came across the cartoon in an old handout which was between the pages of one of my bibles and I thought it was still very relevant today. If you can manage to read the caption held up by the dad, mom and child it reads: "Your job is safe pastor, so preach it brother!"
I had to chuckle a bit after reading it,
and then while reading through the old bulletin of what used to be, I
became more somber. The reason for this mood change was due to a
realization of what has happened to the Body of Christ. The truth of the
matter is that many pastors really can't preach what they should
in fear of retaliation of those who control the checkbook. In many other
instances, pastors and other church leaders will intentionally not
teach foundational truths such as man's sin, the accomplishments of
Christ and the riches of His grace because of the fear that people will
stop coming to their church! In my personal example, I was told my
position was safe but the "internal command media" rallied underground
in order to turn brother against brother and pastor against pastor. With
a looming new church on the horizon, position, power and greed were now
more important than doctrine, sound biblical hermeneutics (correct,
contextual interpretation of the bible) and brotherly love for one another.
The fact of the matter is clear. No job is "safe" in church's across the
country unless you are willing to "Our motivation to serve must come from understanding the "love of Christ which constrains us" as we grow in the knowledge of our weakness in the light of His greatness!" It is my prayer that all believers take the responsibility of searching the scriptures while proving the truth of what they hear. I pray that they will count those who labor in the word in doctrinal correctness with "double honor" while "guarding the backs" of such men. I pray that church leaders study the mystery according to Paul's prayer for the church in Ephesians 1 while boldly proclaiming its truths despite the "gainsayers". If the things above are done as Jesus Christ would approve of, then when fellow believers encourage their leaders to "preach it brother", truths can be proclaimed without a hidden agenda from anyone! 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. Romans 11:33 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!
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COFFEE CORNER
Books & Books about "The Book"!
As a new believer several years back I
would always look forward to listening to radio ministries and reading
commentaries about the bible! There are so many resources from which we
can learn today, there is really no excuse why believers shouldn't fully
be able to understand the revelation of the mystery of the grace of God.
The Internet has
During the Y2K
"...I am certainly not attempting to minimize the tragedies and problems that we have in this life, but I am worried that sound scriptural teaching is being replaced by man's philosophy as we try to deal with life's issues.."
Pastor Gary Hedrick from "Messianic
Perspectives" had informed people that a pastor friend of his asked him
about his share of the gold mine that was ready for the taking (if I
could paraphrase a bit...).
Romans 5:1-5 - Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. One of the many good things that came out of this experience allowed me to appreciate the above verses in Romans 5. Although I was truly convinced that all men (including believers) are sinners as we continue to fall short of the glory of God, I guess I had deceived myself in thinking that this type of treachery only happened to the unsaved and unregenerate! However, God opened my eyes (yet again). The older I get the more I realize how sure, steadfast and true the promises of God are and that He will always be someone who can be trusted! Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Gems throughout the
bible: (ref. Acts 7 & 13 Let me first make it clear that the entire word of God is the "gem of gems". However, within the bible, chapters, verses and other passages may seem to hit us with more clarity and relevance at various times of our personal bible study. While recently reading through the book of Acts, something wonderfully awesome occurred to me. Specifically, Acts chapters 7 and 13 provide solid, condensed, historical facts of God's past dealing with Israel as a nation! Both Stephen and Paul present a different "spin" on each account as the Holy Spirit moved them to speak. Stephen starts with Abraham in Charran while Paul starts with the fathers of Israel in Egypt. Both audiences reacted differently as Stephen was thrust out and stoned to death while Paul and Barnabas were persecuted and expelled from the coasts of Pisidia. In both cases, God was in the midst of postponing Israel's program as He would eventually reveal the ushering in of an entirely new dispensing called grace (through Paul) only made possible by Jesus Christ's victorious cross-work! Within the book of Acts, many may ponder specifically which chapter grace is officially dispensed. But the bible teaches us that through Paul, the risen, glorified Christ revealed an entirely new message for believers in that Paul could proclaim: "that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting." I personally believe that when Paul was converted, God had his dispenser and ambassador to the Gentiles! In these fact-filled chapters, bible
students new and old can
"Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." |
been taught! - by Curt Crist
For
instance, when dealing with God under "a law contract" repentance from
sin was an absolute requirement! And why not? The law contract demanded
obedience. So the Israelites while under the law would of a necessity
have to "change their minds about their behavior" and get back to the
contract! In other words...they would have to see their behavior as
wrong. Not an easy thing to do when "self-justification" is a constant
companion. And they were always "justifying themselves"! But "under the
contract" they would need ANOTHER change of mind as well. And that
change of mind would have to do with the fact that they were continually
unable to live up to the dictates of the contract. The confession of
Leviticus 26:40 and 1 John 1:9.
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You see, Israel did NOT believe Jesus Christ was "their messiah" much
less "the very Son of God"! They would certainly have had to change
their minds about that. How about "repentance today"? Under God's
special dispensing of grace committed to the apostle Paul, repentance
would have to do with "a change of mind" for those who are ALREADY
SAVED! To be SAVED...does not always mean "from the debt and penalty of
ones sins". As an example, to be "delivered from false 
by our rest in and through Him? When the love of Christ constrains us to
want to serve Him, it is true love displayed the way God intended! Paul
uses the account of the faith of Abraham as a great example of
righteousness by simply taking God at His word. Further, we identify
ourselves as those in Abraham's time (the children) who through simple
faith were accounted as righteous. Please note that Paul does not use
this example to testify that Abraham trusted in the finished work of
Christ for his salvation. We must remember that Abraham only knew what
God revealed to him at that particular dispensing. We must not make the
same mistake many, many bible teachers make by "reading into" what God
has dispensed to us today! In all of God's dispensings to mankind, man
has always been saved by faith, through God's grace. However, today
under the abundant grace shed upon our hearts through Christ Jesus, we
have exceeding grace that we need to examine, study and then proclaim as
we comfort one another n this common faith only proclaimed through the
distinctive message of Paul.
Paul
was trying to tell them in his letters! This is what we now know today
as chapters 9 through 11. Here Paul, prior to his impending visit to
Rome, takes a dispensational view of what
God's future plan is for Israel. In other words, Paul dedicates 3
chapters worth of information so that Jewish and Gentile grace believers can further
understand what Jesus Christ had revealed to him as concerning the nation
of Israel. It is important to remember that prior to God's super,
special dispensing of grace through Jesus Christ, the world was under
the Mosaic Law. If you were Jewish, you had to abide by the law and its
commandments. As an example, if you were a Gentile, you had to come
through Israel in order to be saved. This was why Christ did not
acknowledge the initial request of the Syrophenician woman who besought
Him to cast out the devil from her daughter in
Mark 7:24-30.
Church!
compromise the word of God in order to placate those who handle the
money.
The only other option is having the ability to fund a ministry yourself
so that when people reject the liberty that we have in Christ and its
message of grace, men of God can "stand firm". We must
remember that law, bondage and
legalism appeals to the flesh as people attempt to rehabilitate the "old
man". It appears that there are those who want to "help God" rather than
rest in Jesus Christ. Our motivation to serve must come from
understanding the love of Christ which constrains us as we grow in
the knowledge of our weakness in the light of His greatness! It is this
core concept that the apostle Paul revealed as he received it from
Christ. As we learn about the riches of His grace and our unchanging
position in Christ despite our sin and failure, we become more prepared
and equipped to serve Him. This "renewal of the mind" prompts believers
to serve God not out of duty or pride, but out of a sound mind
and heart. Unfortunately, this reasoning flies in the
face of 99% of the ministries in the world who would scoff at this
reading today. However, it is God's word that testifies of an "election or
remnant" saved for this present time according to the election of grace
(ref. Romans 11:5)
provided
an additional medium for believers to study. However, with all of these
wonderful resources available, we must exercise great caution! For as
many books as there are that are about the bible, there is
nothing like the bible! Many popular radio ministries have given way
from expository teaching to topical teaching. This type of teaching
seems to be the most common approach to bible study these days. There is
literally a book for every problem that the believer has. I am certainly
not attempting to minimize the tragedies and problems that we have in
this life, but I am worried that sound scriptural teaching is being
replaced by man's
philosophy on how to deal with life's issues. Even Christian-based
psychology can be just as devastating to those who struggle with
emotional issues if they are given bad counsel. Just because things have
a Christian" label on them doesn't mean that they are good. After all,
businessmen can call themselves Christian just to appeal to that faction
of people (and I knew one that did just that)! Without getting
into a discussion on the relevance and meaning of the word "Christian",
we must understand that nothing can ever replace the word of God!
Many authors who write about the word of God would probably agree
with me in most cases but there are still an ever, growing number of
books and books about "The Book". I challenge you to take a look at the
shelves of Christian book stores or to thumb through the catalogs of
religious book distributors with this in mind. Please understand that
I am not saying that believers should not
read any other spiritual book or be able to glean counsel from biblical
commentaries! There are still many biblically sound ministries out
there who really want to help people. I plainly suspect that the
pendulum of balance and discernment on the issues of bible study have
swung far from the foundational truths that come only from cracking open
the bible and letting the Holy Spirit lead, teach and guide us!
All other methods of study are too easy for our own good. 
pending
meltdown in the late 1990's, thousands of Christian book stores
packed their shelves with books on planning, prophecy, and other
assorted world-ending novels in order to equip people when January 1,
2000 hit. Many, many ministries invited guests in to speak of the
possible, pending doom. I must admit it was a scary time for our family
with all of the perceived panic. As close friends talked with one
another about sharing resources if all of the computers should explode
instantaneously, the summer began to close. By September of 1999,
nothing had really happened as of yet.
Hedrick was horrified at what he was asked and told the pastor that he
would not take advantage of this issue in order to "pad his own
personal coffer"! Hedrick went on to inform his listening audience that
the Christian book business had exploded to a billion dollar business
at the close of the 1990's! This increase was attributed to the panic
that was in full swing as the year 2000 approached. I am sure others
were just as horrified as I was when we all realized that the depths of
greed was in our churches as well after listening to this broadcast.
Worse, innocent people were being taken advantage of. I recall several
of my elderly friends who were very scared of the uncertainty during
these times. However, there weren't many ministries that pointed
to the Lord the way that should have. Honestly, many pastors were scared
but there were also many who knew that there was money to be made! After
this, I began to study the Y2K issue even closer and realized that
hundreds of other businesses had their fiscal years end in June, July,
August, and September. Companies around the world were doing just well.
When the ball fell on Times Square on that New Year's night, many held
their breath, but nothing happened. The gainsayers just pretended that
nothing ever happened. And thank God, nothing did!
)
sharpen
their teeth on these foundational, historical facts. Because of chapters
like these, believers can revert back to the Old Testament and review
the failures of men and the greatness of God. But the amazing thing
about these chapters is the detail and briefness of thousands of years
of history. Friends, God does not want us to make the same mistakes
again and again. If we need the detail of these mistakes, we can start
by reviewing the "readers digest" version of Israel's failures in Acts 7
& 13. If we need more, God has kindly obliged starting in Genesis 12!
