THE LIGHTSTREET JOURNAL

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But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ..... - 2 Corinthians 11:3

VOL. III    NO. I November / December 2005 Contact information
Believe The Gospel of The Grace of God: 1. God’s Son Jesus Christ died on the cross for all of your sin (past, present and future), He was buried, and gloriously rose again for your justification (1 Cor. 15:1-4)!  2. Not only did Christ die for the debt and penalty of your sin but at the moment you take God The Father at His Word concerning the finished and all-sufficient cross-work of Christ His Son, you take on His (Christ’s) very righteousness (justification) Rom. 3:21-26! 3. As a result of just simply believing the above (1 Cor. 15), God The Holy Spirit tabernacles in you, forever (Eph.1:13) until we die (to be with Christ) or meet Him in the air (1 Thes 4:16-20).  4. No strings attached, no outward expression of faith, no incremental forgiveness since it was taken care of all up front, no kidding!  

 

 

 

Acts

 

This book of the bible is frequently and erroneously referred to as the start of "The Church, The Body of Christ". 99.44% of fundamental, bible-believing teachers and pastors embrace this falsity as truth! The fact is, The Book of Acts is primarily about the unbelief of Israel and God's postponement of her program.

 

These books of the bible are where believers in this dispensing of God's grace should go for their day-to-day doctrine on living. These books contain the revelation of the mystery, otherwise known as the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Bible Commentary updated with some regularity....and always new!!!

 

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For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!  For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.  What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.   

1 Corinthians 9:16-18

 

The Lightstreet Journal 2005 Edition.......

 

January / February

March / April

May / June

July / August

September / October

November / December

REMEMBER, THE FOUR SYNOPTIC GOSPEL ACCOUNTS OF THE EARTHLY MINISTRY OF JESUS CHRIST WERE WRITTEN TO ISRAEL UNDER THE LAW:

  • Matthew 5:17

  • Mark 7:24-29

  • Luke 18-18-27

  • John1:29-31 (especially verse 31)

SINCE PROPHECY IS SUCH A HOT TOPIC THESE DAYS, DID YOU EVER WONDER WHAT THE TRIBULATION SAINTS WILL STUDY AFTER THE BODY OF CHRIST IS RAPTURED?

Doctrine for The Tribulation Saints after the rapture of the Body of Christ: Here Israel is now back at the forefront under the law against the imminent judgment and earthly return of The Messiah, Jesus Christ.

 

1 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 you-ward: 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: 7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory - Ephesians 3:1-13

 

The Hall of Faith and the faithful members of God's Inductees! - Part IV

This is the fourth part in a series of studies that will investigate members of The Hall of Faith. Hebrews 11 is an astounding chapter that gives us detailed information on those saints who took God at His Word without seeing a clear picture of what would lie ahead for them. Let me first say that under this wonderful dispensing of God's grace, there is no expression of faith required for us since Jesus Christ has accomplished everything we need! Unlike the saints that we will read about, an expression of faith or action was indeed required of them in their response to God's commands.

Hebrews 11:14-16 - These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that [country] from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.  But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. 

As we continue our series describing the heroes of the “Hebrews Hall of Faith”, one may ask about verse 14. More specifically, who are the “these all” who died in faith?  We must remember who has been discussed up until this point:

  • Abel

  • Enoch

  • Noah

  • Abraham

  • Sarah (through Abraham)

Each of these saints expressed faithfulness by acting upon God’s commands. Each saint was renowned by a particular testimony that demonstrated their faithfulness because it was required of God to do so! The only thing that they had was a belief that God would perform what He said He would friends and they died with the anticipation that He would fulfill what He promised to them!

These saints saw these promises from afar off to indicate the fact that these promises were not imminent but they were still true. The Greek word peitho (were persuaded of) reveals that these saints were so convicted of God’s promise that they moved upon it through their actions despite the gainsayers and the environment. They not only moved but they embraced this promise which means that they saluted God in the process while joyfully receiving His word despite the God-less environment that surrounded them!

The bible goes on to say that they 'conceded and agreed' with God that they were nothing more than strangers and pilgrims on this planet. They “spoke” openly of it through their actions. Literally speaking they were aliens or foreigners, holding out for the hope of God, in order to await for the preparation of a new city and a better country, so much so that they were not mindful of the city from where they came from since it was not their home!

Before we move on it is worth pointing out that believers today under God’s glorious dispensing of grace are not required to perform any type of faith expression. Why is that? Because Jesus Christ is our “expression of faith”. There is no outward manifestation that pertains to our salvation friends because that is a false gospel.

"Literally speaking they were aliens or foreigners, holding out for the hope of God, in order to await for the preparation of a new city and a better country, so much so that they were not mindful of the city from where they came from since it was not their home!"

We are saved through a change of mind which should change our deeds, but the two are not relational! Under previous dispensings when God dealt with man, faith resulted in actions such as the following examples:

  • Abel brought the sacrifice that God required and testified to his righteousness unto his own death.

  • Enoch walked and had fellowship with God which was known by all at that time  especially when they could not find him!

  •  Noah being warned of God, moved with fear and built the ark.

  • Abraham sacrificed his son Isaac knowing nothing more than trusting in God's word.

  • Sarah (through Abraham) believed that God could give her a son judging him to be faithful according to His promises!

17By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 Of whom it was said,  in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

By faith, (to denote an action) Abraham when he was tried or tested by God offered up his only son Isaac. One must remember how difficult this was with Abraham now over 100 years old being asked of God to sacrifice his pride and joy! What a glorious picture of God the Father and The Lord Jesus Christ.

The Greek word logizomai is used to describe how that in accounting or financial terms Abraham reconciled past experiences with God to conclude that factually speaking God would deliver! Somehow, someway he believed his beloved Isaac would be raised form the dead and by doing this Abraham received Christ’s resurrection figuratively. (This is not to imply that Abraham knew of Christ’s death on the cross. – RICK)

20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

In verse 20, the bible tells us simply that “by faith” Isaac performed some action to demonstrate that he had taken God at His word. In this example he blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. We must not read anything else into this demonstration of faith other than the fact that Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come! Because they were both blessed does not mean that both men embraced the blessing for as we read in Romans and Malachi that Esau was hated by God.

For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son. And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. - Romans 9:9-16

The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.  I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob's brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob,  And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness. Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the LORD hath indignation for ever.- Malachi 1:1-4

For a detailed account of Isaac’s blessings to his sons, please read Genesis 27 as the relationship of Jacob and Esau would be forever changed impacting the nations existing today!

21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

In a demonstration of faith, Jacob sick and dying positioned himself up on the bed to administer the blessings to his grandsons begotten from Joseph. In Genesis 48 and 49, he accounts of his life, his trials and his faithfulness to God and hereby became a member of “The Hall”  “having obtained a good report through faith, while not yet receiving of the promise of God”!  In like fashion Joseph:

22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

Joseph’s life, suffering and rule typified the life of Jesus Christ and we can do an entire study on it! But it is interesting how the author of Hebrews took note of only the death of Joseph in roughly 12 chapters of Genesis which described his life’s account. But the fact is his expression of faith in response to God was that before he died and despite being almost the highest ranking official in Egypt, his desire was to be buried (therefore identified) in the promised land and with the people who worshiped the One, True and Living God of Israel!  For we read in Genesis 50: 22-26:

22 And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he, and his father's house: and Joseph lived an hundred and ten years. 23 And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph's knees. 24 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. 25 And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence. 26 So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.

23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.

As recorded In Exodus 2 and despite the king's edict to kill the firstborn in each household, Moses' parents Amram and Jochebed (Exodus 6:20), hid the infant three months in their house and did not follow the commandment of the king! Although not mentioned by name in Hebrews 11, these two saints were members of the Hall of Faith. Their "expression of faith" was to obey God rather than sacrifice their son to an evil king. They did not know at that time that their son would be God's instrument of salvation for the nation of Israel!

Continued in the next column under "Hall of Faith"......

1 Thessalonians 4:14-18  - 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 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.

Jesus Christ died on the cross for our past, present and future sins; (as implied since He accomplished this 2,000 years ago...) was buried (taking those sins with Him and nailing them to His cross), and gloriously rose again! But...it gets better!....because of His intercession on our behalf, we now take on His perfect and complete righteousness! In summary, Christ died for the debt and penalty of our sins but rose again for our justification (that awesome pefect rightousness that I just spoke about). Romans 5:1-10: 1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 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. 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.....and by the way....if you believe these requirements of Christ that he gave to the apostle Paul as our doctrine today...you have just become a grace believing Christian and now have a reservation in heaven awaiting you!

"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."

3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. - 2 Corinthians 11:3,4

 

BIBLE - Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.......

Today's World News

Ephesus - The saints at Ephesus had been given something to watch over and they passed it to us 2,000 years later!

Please note that this is an excerpt from our "Empowerment Through Ephesians" series. For the comprehensive study on this glorious book, click the link!

God has entrusted to us His “roadmap” for this age so that we would understand all things in Christ. It is no longer a mystery! This does not present any conflict since we are in Christ and this is part of our inheritance as believers of “the faith”.  Christ has entrusted to us knowledge (complete and perfect) of what he intends to do. It is there for us to find out if we want to roll up our sleeves! We are to study in order to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman, that does not need to be ashamed by correctly partitioning or dividing God’s counsel from our Lord’s previous instructions to mankind! God has pre-determined (before Genesis 1:1) to do this according to His counsel.

We are sealed with the Holy Spirit as proof positive (verse 13). God’s pledge or promise to us, is not a covenant of something to come, it is God Himself, The Holy Spirit living in us. This verse indicates that we are marked as "His possession" according to God's word. This "sealing" is eternal for since we did nothing to earn it, we could certainly do nothing to remove it! The only thing we can do to assure salvation is to simply take God at His word concerning the accomplishments of His Son Jesus Christ on our sinful behalf!

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THE HOLY SPIRIT AT PENTECOST
by Cornelius R. Stam

The one hundred twenty disciples in the Upper Room had, of course, been much like any other group of believers in history. They had not all been equally spiritual or devoted, or faithful. Some had been more so than others, and where some had excelled in one virtue, others had excelled in another. Yet now they were all FILLED with the Spirit, from the least to the greatest of them.

The thoughtful student of Scripture will, of course, ask why all these believers were now filled with the Holy Spirit. Was it, perhaps, because they, as a group, had been more godly than those before them? The gospel records prove that this is not so. Peter boasted, Thomas doubted, James and John sought personal gain, and when our Lord was taken prisoner, "they all forsook Him and fled."

Was it then because they had prayed long enough or earnestly enough for the Spirit to come upon them and take control? No; they had been instructed to go to Jerusalem, not to pray for the Holy Spirit to come, as some suppose, but to "wait for the [fulfillment of the] promise" regarding the Spirit (Acts 1: 4,5) -- and right here is the answer to our question.

The believers at Pentecost were filled with the Holy Spirit, not because they had prayed long or earnestly enough for the Spirit to come, but because the time had arrived for the fulfillment of the divine promise. The Old Testament prophets and the Lord Jesus had promised that the Holy Spirit should some day come to take control of God’s people (Ezek. 36:26,27), and that day had come. They were filled with the Spirit because God, according to His promise, had baptized them with the Spirit (Acts 1:5).

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Hall of faith (continued)

24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

In like fashion, Moses when he was come to years (Hebrew - ginomai: to come upon the scene or to be know of) refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. As the son of royalty, Moses would have had to experience preferential treatment and training. Although Exodus does not go into the details of this, God would use this network of training and experience for His purpose in providing liberty to Israel. Once the truth was revealed to Moses, the bible tells us in Exodus 2:11 that he went out to his brethren and looked on their burdens to the point of killing a man in defense of them! In addition Moses by and through faith:

  • Chose affliction with the people of God rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.

  • Led the people of God and in essence (but unknowingly) put Christ's sufferings ahead of his own agenda. He focused on the plan of God rather than the power and position of Egypt.

  • Forsook or abandoned Egypt, its throne and its king while not being fearful of his wrath. Moses saw God who was invisible!

  • Kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of blood, so that the Angel of Destruction would not harm the firstborn in his household.

  • Led the nation of Israel through walls of water as high as the Empire State building while walking on "dry ground" of the Red Sea!

It is interesting to note the bible tells us by faith "they" passed through the Red Sea indicating that each member of the nation of Israel demonstrated faith by walking through those columns of water! The Egyptian army tried to do the same thing but perished as tons of water crashed down upon them.

30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

To be continued in the January / February 2006 edition of "The Journal".....


 

The Gospel of the Grace of God:

  1. God’s Son Jesus Christ died on the cross for all of your sin (past, present and future), He was buried, and gloriously rose again for your justification (1 Cor. 15:1-4)!

  2. Not only did Christ die for the debt and penalty of your sin but at the moment you take God The Father at His Word concerning the finished and all-sufficient cross-work of Christ His Son, you take on His (Christ’s) very righteousness (justification) Rom. 3:21-26!

  3. As a result of just simply believing the above (1 Cor. 15), God The Holy Spirit tabernacles in you, forever (Eph.1:13) until we die (to be with Christ) or meet Him in the air (1 Thes 4:16-20).

  4. No strings attached, no outward expression of faith, no incremental forgiveness since it was taken care of all up front, no kidding!

Have it His way.....

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness"  - II Timothy 3:16

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For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38,39

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COFFEE CORNER

The real meaning of the impending perilous times and last days of 2 Timothy! - Part VII
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their's also was. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.- 2 Timothy 3:1-17

After six issues totaling a year, we will have completed our last installment of the true meaning of end time events as Paul wrote to Timothy on our behalf. As displayed on previous studies we will discuss the red, highlighted scripture by expounding on each word.

It is interesting to note how Paul concludes this topic by taking a step back and stating to his readers that all scripture is given to us by God and all scripture is profitable! But the apostle peals this down to another level when he tells us specifically how God's word benefits us today. Paul uses the word profitable which in most circles has monetary associations with it. Simply speaking, all of God's word benefits us but not all of it is written directly to us! In the previous chapter, Paul was clear on how we are to study God's word; rightly divided. (I have been personally attacked by being accused of making too much out of this scripture. The fact of the matter is this verse is only one of many verses that magnifies the distinctiveness of Paul's message as he received it from Jesus Christ!)

Scripture inspired by God - All scripture from Genesis to Revelation is inspired (God-breathed) and it profits us, but not all of scripture is to us. This of course does not imply that it is not important. However, God's direction for our lives must be read literally, contextually and dispensationally (in other words readers must understand the "house rules" God has in place based on the audience spoken to)! I will now discuss in detail how specifically it profits us.

Profitable for doctrine - The bible tells us that all scripture profits us for doctrine. The Greek here is "didaskalia" meaning teaching, that which is taught or precepts. Dictionary.com tells us that "doctrine" is a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school. In this case, the bible is authoritative through God Himself who revealed it to 40 authors over several thousand years in perfect harmony with the Holy Spirit! Our "marching orders", latest instruction or doctrine today under grace is authoritative through Jesus Christ who revealed it to the apostle Paul in order to pass it down to us to live by. The rest of scripture that we cannot directly apply our lives to has principle value to learn from. In this case we learn what not to do! The entire Old Testament was given to us to read about the failure of man and the greatness of God.

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. - Romans 15:4

Profitable for reproof - The apostle Paul tells us that scripture profits us for reproof. This means that being rebuked, chastised or reprimanded by God's word ultimately profits us. In the book of Hebrews we can glean from the principles of the Lord's chastisements to His children:

 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.                                   - Hebrews 12:6-11

Please take note that under God's marvelous and glorious dispensing of grace, He does not chastise us through lightning bolts, sickness, death or other tragedies as many church leaders erroneously teach. Christ chastises us through His word friends. In both books of Corinthians, as He received revelation from Jesus Christ concerning a believers conduct, Paul reproved those saints for many issues that still remain problematic for The Body of Christ today! But under grace, God does not threaten us with death as He poured out His wrath on His Son on our behalf. Instead, He instructed Paul to remind us of our position in Him and that we should act in accordance of how God sees us; perfect and complete in the righteousness of His Son Jesus Christ!

Profitable for correction - The book of Galatians is an excellent model for correction in this context. Here, Galatian saints had been given wrong doctrine; trying to keep the law for their righteousness! Paul encourages Timothy by telling him that all scripture is profitable for correction against the backdrop of having all of scripture available to us in order to distinguish between what is written to us and what was written to others for an example! Friends, no other saints in recorded history had the benefit of having the complete canon of scripture ready to digest and read at their fingertips. We have all 66 books of the bible. We have the Holy Spirit indwelling and living inside us to guide us and teach us. We have the complete history of how God mercifully and gracefully dealt with mankind in books, CD's, DVD's and tapes. We have no excuse! The bible is profitable in that it is there to correct us when we are exposed to bad teaching and wrong doctrine which is different from wrong conduct (as in the Corinthian epistles).

Profitable for instruction in righteousness - The profitability of the bible as it pertains to our righteousness is probably the most neglected area of teaching across bible studies today. Paul successfully presented the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ to all those that simply believed and continually emphasized the accomplishments of Christ's finished cross-work on our behalf.

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. - Romans 5:1-3

There is no recorded scripture for The Body of Christ where Paul's writings threatened believers, warned them that they would lose their salvation or face some type of corrective wrath from God....no where! As evidenced by the church at Corinth, Paul only reinforced the glorious righteousness that was imputed to them as a result of Jesus Christ's death, burial and resurrection. Instead, he begged (beseeched) them to embrace their new identity which rested in Christ so as ambassadors, we can collectively present this "Ministry of Reconciliation" to a world blinded by the wiles of the devil .

I am crucified with Christ: neverthless 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 himself for me. - Galatians 2:20

"But under grace, God does not threaten us with death as He poured out His wrath on His Son on our behalf. Instead, He instructed Paul to remind us of our position in Him and that we should act in accordance of how God sees us; perfect and complete in the righteousness of His Son Jesus Christ!"

In closing this wonderful third chapter of 2nd Timothy, the apostle concludes his point by describing the benefit of learning and adhering to the profitability of understanding scripture "rightly divided". Believers of the gospel of the grace of God are equipped to perfection. Notice, Paul says that the man of God would be perfect in his understanding and "thoroughly furnished" unto all good works. This tells us that we are completely furnished with what we need in this life unto all good works for God as concerning our stewardship of the gospel of grace. Beloved, we have everything that we need to be of service to man for God so that when we stand before Him at the Bema Seat Judgment (2 Cor. 5), we can anticipate our rewards approved before Jesus Christ!

 

"If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God, how that by revelation He made known unto me, the mystery".....................    

Mail Call!   While at work, Joe Smith received an e-mail about some disturbing news that stated "Due to the expiration of important certifications, your access to area XYZ has been revoked". Joe knew that this could be a major problem in that he would not be able to get his work completed without access to area XYZ! However, after further review of the e-mail, the man quickly discovered that he was not the intended recipient but instead "copied"  or "cc'd" as a reference only! As it turns out, a collogue of his was the man who lost his access! Joe, as the superintendent of area XYZ, simply needed to be aware of this. For a brief moment, Joe confused his TO mail with his CC mail. Not understanding that distinction for those brief seconds after reading the message caused severe anxiety for Joe until he realized the message was indeed TO someone else!  In a much similar example, when we read the bible, identifying our TO  mail is very important lest we make the same fundamental mistake as the person above. Without understanding the distinction between our "to" mail and our "cc" or our "reference only" mail, believers inadvertently "read themselves" into areas of the bible that God did not intend. The result when this happens: confusion! (see The Introduction of Dispensationalism)

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