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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.

The "choke points" of embracing Paul's doctrine of grace.

Part 2 of 3: Some primary reasons why most bible-believing Christians reject the apostle Paul's distinctive message.....    (Part 1)

I have again listed the the major "choke points" below as well as the solution (just click on it):

• Eternal Security

• Forgiveness

• Water Baptism

• Prayer

• The Church (When did it begin?)

In this issue we will resume the article on the "choke points" of believing Paul's doctrine after leaving off with water baptism from part one. Let's take a look at the choke point  of prayer....

Prayer - The Question: The topic and discussion of prayer can be just as volatile as discussing forgiveness! In the past I have been accused of telling people that prayer is not relevant or that I am somehow limiting God by what I teach and believe.

I do understand that this forum may not give this topic the justice it deserves but from either position you might hold we can cover enough ground in order to provoke us to let the scriptures decide; which is reading God's word in its context, rightly divided. Let's examine three books of the bible and some verses on the topic of prayer:

23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. 24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. - John 16:23-24

22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. - Matthew 21:22

I believe God's word and I believe it to be true. I will assume that you feel the same way I do. So far, we can agree that the above scriptures tell us that whatsoever we ask in the Father's name He will give unto us. In Matthew the bible tells us that whatever we ask for in prayer....believing...we shall receive.

Let's examine the last of the three scriptures now:

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6,7

Friends, I already told you I believe God's word and I believe it to be true....but if I read the passage in Philippians and compare it with the verses in John and Matthew when I pray there are different outcomes that a believer can expect. One passage says that if I pray, I will get whatsoever I ask for. Another passage says that in everything through prayer let us make our requests known unto God and the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep our hearts and mind through Christ Jesus.....I know that its not God so it must be me...what I can expect out of the passages above differs!

WHICH WAY IS THE CORRECT WAY TO PRAY? IF I PRAY WILL I RECEIVE EVERYTHING I ASK FOR?

THERE IS A SOLUTION TO THIS CONTROVERSY SO READ ON!!!

The Church (When did it begin?) - The Question: The last major "choke point" of embracing Paul's doctrine has to do with the origination of "The Church". Most fundamental, bible-believing Christians agree that in Acts 2 the start up of what we know as today's church occurred at Pentecost:

1 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.

However, later on we learn about a new term used when the bible refers to the word "church". The apostle Paul tells us of a new creation called the Body of Christ and it is also referred to as "the church". Is this the same "church" that Jesus had in mind for those that followed Peter?? Why do we read about healings, signs, miracles and wonders in Peter's church but in what Paul describes as the Church "The Body of Christ" he tells Timothy to take a little wine for his stomach with no mention of healing. He doesn't say; "Timothy, come by to the prison and I will heal you of your affliction." It seems to me that one church leader can heal and one leader cannot heal any longer. Further and in Acts 7:38, Stephen describes the "church" in the wilderness in referring to the nation of Israel; believers under the law! Friends, since "church" is used in the bible in this way (referring to Old Testament believers) are we part of that church? How in the world can I differentiate between the church of the Old Testament under the law and the church that I am a member of today in Christ?

"Confused??...if you are....you should be because that is the state of the church today and its exactly where our adversary Satan would have us ...in a state of permanent confusion!"

Since most bible teachers believe the church as we know it today started at Pentecost, why can't I heal like they did? And by the way, let's be honest with one another....if these "faith healers" really believe they can heal today friends....I have a sincere idea. Let's gather up these "great men of faith" (because that's what they will tell you as to whether or not you can heal) and go to the cancer houses, and go to the places where people are terminally ill and have one big healing fest since I do not make a distinction between what Peter was able to do in regards to healing and what today's church is able to do. Confused???...if you are....you should be because that is the state of the church today and its exactly where our adversary Satan would have us ...in a state of permanent confusion!

Friends, there is so much more that I can say on any these "choke points" but I I believe I have covered the major dividing points up through now.

Now....the hope, the cure, the solution.....where the power of the resurrection resides, where "the rest of the story" is told...what the risen Christ told Paul about...that which is called "the manifold (or revealed)" wisdom of God!

The reason for why "Christians" fail to embrace Paul's doctrine, the reason for the "choke points" of division which in fact pervade across all denominations can fall into  basically one of two areas (maybe both too):

1. Mankind does not believe in the inerrancy or authoritativeness of the bible (in it's original Hebrew and Greek writings)

2. Mankind does believe in the inerrancy or authoritativeness of the bible but fails to rightly divide scripture as God graciously changed His dispensed instructions to man the further he fell into depravity and rebellion against God. In other words, man has not read the bible in its proper context, plain and simple.

The by product of the above two points translate to roughly 40,000 denominations across the United States.

You can certainly understand why Paul prayed for unity and why he told the Ephesian saints about the One Lord, One Faith and One Baptism that Christ desires us to know and embrace:

1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech (beg) you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. - Ephesians 4:1-6

My prayer for believers today:

15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. - Ephesians 1:15-22

THE SOLUTION!!!

Eternal Security - The Answer: In Part 1 of this article we compared bible verses out of Matthew, Romans and Ephesians in light of the topic of eternal security (whether or not a person is saved forever).

32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. - Matthew 10: 32,33

As noted in Matthew 10:32,33 a person who denies The Son before men will in turn be denied before The Father in heaven. The denial spoken of by Jesus here is not to be taken lightly and hermeneutically (biblical interpretation) cannot be explained away as many scholars and teachers would like to do. Therefore, if I do not pass emails that instruct me to talk about Christ OR if I do not testify of The Son in some way, I will be denied in heaven.

As a believer, I was always convinced of my eternal security once I trusted God in regards to the accomplishments of His Son on my behalf. I knew that Ephesians 1:13 said I was sealed by the Holy Spirit and that in Romans 8, nothing could  separate me from the love of God that is In Christ Jesus.

But friends, if you read the above verses in Matthew 10, there is a problem. According to those verses, if I do not confess Christ before God the Father OR if I deny Him in any way, I will be denied by Christ before His Father. I know of no other way to interpret that. How then do you reconcile those verses that came from the very mouth of Christ (even in red lettering) with the verses I mentioned above? Either I am sealed by the Holy Spirit or I am not.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 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

Either none of the above conditions in Romans 8:38,39 separate me from the love of God in Christ OR there is something not on the list that does separate me....you would have to agree after re-reading Matthew 10:32,33. Teachers trying to wrangle the verses in Matthew to fit their doctrine tell you that you could be denied by Christ and still be saved, but that is not sound bible hermeneutics (bible interpretation) in these passages. Either I am eternally secure in Christ or I am not. Salvation is not a revolving door based on my conduct since I had nothing to do with acquiring it in the first place:

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. - Ephesians 2:4-9

Which is it then??? Can I be denied by Christ in one book of the bible and eternally secure in another book? Is there a difference?

Both scriptures are correct friends but here is how we can reconcile seemingly difficult passages; passages that in one book of the bible say I can be denied by God, while other ones says I am eternal sealed by God or that nothing can separate me from the love God!

In Matthew (along with Mark, Luke and John) we need to ask ourselves some questions. Who is speaking? Who is the particular book of the bible to?  What do the surrounding verses say in the context of scripture? How is God dealing with mankind at the time of the writing or what are the dispensed instructions that man must adhere to and abide by? Let's examine the passage in Matthew with these guidelines to studying scripture....

1. Who is speaking? Matthew the tax collector recorded what Jesus said in chapter 10 through divine inspiration. Out of the 42 verses in this chapter, all except the first 5 verses are quotes from Jesus Himself.

2. Who is the Book of Matthew to? It is an account of the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ and it is 1 of 4 gospel accounts specifically to the lost sheep of the children of Israel (Matthew 10:6; 15:24).

3. What do the surrounding verses say? The verses of chapter 10 in Matthew's account are the Lord's instruction to the 12 apostles. He names them, ordains them and instructs them on what to do and where to go. The verses here have a very specific audience; instructions that are great to know of, great to study about but not for me to follow! As an example: v. 5 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 v. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: The verses (through verse 42) above are specific to the audience it was meant for.

4. How is God dealing with mankind? Israel was the channel of blessing to a lost world. They were to take the dispensing of law to the Gentiles and to be witnesses of the God of Israel; Jesus Christ as their Messiah!

Let's now examine the passage in Ephesians 1:13 with the same guidelines to studying scripture....

1. Who is speaking? Paul the apostle of the Gentiles.

2. Who is the Book of Ephesians to? It is addressed to members of the church, The Body of Christ (all people who have believed in Christ's vicarious work at Calvary on our behalf...me and you!)

3. What do the surrounding verses say? The verses of chapter 1 in Ephesians introduce believers to its author and his distinctive message to the saints at Ephesus. Let's look at the message and see what is ours:

   • v. 1 Grace and Peace from God Our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

   • v.2 We are benefactors of having all spiritual blessings in heavenly places.

   • v. 4 We are holy and blameless in  love through Christ

   • v.5 We are adopted children of Jesus Christ

   • v. 6 We are accepted in the beloved

   • v. 7 we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace

   • v. 8 we have abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence

   • v.13, 14 in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance

4. How is God dealing with mankind? God is dealing with mankind through the riches of His grace (as noted above). Paul was instructed by Jesus Christ to take the dispensing of grace to the Gentiles and for us to be ambassadors of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world.

In our example, while both scripture sets in Matthew and Ephesians are biblical only one set is to us; our doctrine for Christian application which fuels our living, our latest marching orders from Paul! These "orders" supersede any other orders that God has given us (including the words of Christ in red)!

In a similar  example, if I was doing repair work on my home which is about 90 years old, the electrical, plumbing and building codes were correct during 1920 but would not apply to today's safety standards. Any repairs then would have to adhere to the "latest marching orders of building code for 2008" or whatever current year we are in.

CONCLUSION: As far as eternal security is concerned then, our latest marching orders under grace say that I am saved and sealed forever! Even if I sin, deny Christ or God forbid, if I do not send the emails to 25 people or more! All the scriptures are correct and right and while all scripture is for us, it is not all to us!

In Matthew or any of the synoptic gospel accounts, Old Testament saints (or Kingdom Saints: because they awaited Christ to establish His rule and reign on the earth) were required to act upon their faith to testify of their salvation. If they denied Jesus Christ they did not have the eternal security we have under grace. If Peter, or any of the apostles who fled at the capture of Jesus Christ stayed in a state of unbelief, they too would have perished! We cannot impose the riches of what we have on them, they did not have what we have in Christ Jesus! Friends, this is why grace is so amazing!

Our current marching orders, our to mail, reside in the epistles of Paul from Romans to Philemon.  

Forgiveness - The Answer: Unfortunately, nothing seems to stir up more anger and strife with today's church leaders and Christian circles when you begin to proclaim complete and total forgiveness! Most churches teach forgiveness on the "Installment Plan" where one has to beg and plead for each sin while being led to believe that fellowship with God has been broken. Rather than accept the merits of Jesus Christ, this false doctrine is touted amidst many bible-believing churches. The bible plainly tells us in many of Paul's letters that we have (past tense) all-inclusive, upfront forgiveness!

In Part 1 we listed the scriptures in Matthew and Mark that told readers that forgiveness was conditional and based upon the ability of one to forgive in order to be forgiven by God:

14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. - Matthew 6:14, 15

Friends, re-read the above. If we do not forgive men for their trespasses, our heavenly Father will not forgive ours! Then later as noted in Colossians Jesus Christ reveals something completely contrary to what we just read:

13 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; - Colossians 2:13,14

Logically speaking, something had to have changed! Now re-read the above in Colossians. Do you see the end of verse 13? We have been forgiven (past tense) ALL TRESPASSES! In fact, THE HANDWRITING OF ORDINANCES THAT WAS (past tense) AGAINST US AND CONTRARY TO US WAS (past tense) TAKEN OUT OF THE WAY AND NAILED TO HIS CROSS! Friends, these passages should make us levitate with joy!

Using the same formula as above, let's ask the same questions about the parts of the bible I am reading in Matthew 6 with these guidelines to studying scripture....

1. Who is speaking? Matthew the tax collector recorded what Jesus said in chapter 6 through divine inspiration. All 34 verses in this chapter are quotes from Jesus Himself.

2. Who is the Book of Matthew to? It is an account of the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ and it is 1 of 4 gospel accounts specifically to the lost sheep of the children of Israel (Matthew 10:6; 15:24).

3. What do the surrounding verses say? The verses of chapter 6 in Matthew's account are more commonly known as the Lord's "Sermon On The Mount".  Some key topics he discusses are about giving, prayer and forgiveness. This is a wonderful account to His people Israel and it is necessary and profitable FOR us to understand including how He dealt with man in the past. But we cannot apply these verses to our day-to-day lives! Many teachers and ministers try to wrangle these verses to fit by taking them out of context using replacement events of life, but this is wrong. We have to exercise biblical discernment and understanding and differentiate between a principal and doctrine. As an example: v. 19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The principal is for us is to not over emphasize the importance of treasures for one day they will vanish amidst the threat of being stolen. Christ equates their heart with their (true) treasure. However, Christ continues to de-emphasize the importance of daily sustenance for good reason. He wants to rule and reign right then and there! Who would need food, drink, money (mammon) or a place to live because Christ would provide that! If I apply this today folks, I starve! Paul certainly differentiated this concept after Christ ascended and left different instructions to believers as noted in 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10:  7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; 8 Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: 9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. 10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

4. How is God dealing with mankind? Remember we are reading from Matthew as part of the 4 synoptic gospel accounts and Israel was the channel of blessing to a lost world. They were to take the dispensing of law to the Gentiles and to be witnesses of the God of Israel; Jesus Christ as their Messiah!

Please go to the next column entitled " Part 2 -Choke Points"

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

Today's World News

New Jerusalem, Heaven -

Better Yet!
- Cindy Hess Kasper

Sir Francis Bacon said, "I do not believe that any man fears to be dead, but only the stroke of death." Woody Allen said, "I'm not afraid to die. I just don't want to be there when it happens."

It's not death that's so frightening. It's the dying that scares us. As Paul faced imprisonment and the prospect of dying in a jail cell, he shared his view about life and death: "To live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Phil. 1:21). What a perspective!

Death is our enemy (1 Cor. 15:25-28), but it does not possess the finality that so many dread. There is something waiting for believers beyond this life-something better.

Someone has said, "What the caterpillar thinks is the end of life, the butterfly thinks is just the beginning." George MacDonald wrote, "How strange this fear of death is! We are never frightened at a sunset."

I love this paraphrase of Philippians 1:21, "To me, living means opportunities for Christ, and dying-well, that's better yet!" (TLB). During our physical life, we have opportunities to serve Jesus. But one day, we will actually be in His presence. Our fear will melt away when we see Him face to face.

That's the "better yet" the apostle Paul is talking about!

Death? - Christ said not death;
He called it sleep;
A vast awaking, a new day breaking,
A bright way taking, with visions deep. - H. Frost

For the Christian, the fear of death will give way to the fullness of life.

19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; 26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again - Philippians 1:19-26

(Part 2 - Choke Points of Doctrine - con't)

Again using the same formula as as we did in reading Matthew 6 Let's ask the same questions while trying to understand forgiveness in Colossians...

1. Who is speaking? Paul the apostle of the Gentiles

2. Who is the Book of Colossians to? This letter is addressed to members of the church, The Body of Christ (all people who have believed in Christ's vicarious work at Calvary on our behalf...me and you!) More specifically: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3. What do the surrounding verses say?  Also known as the prison epistles since Paul wrote these while being incarcerated at Rome. It is interesting to note that Paul tells saints about liberty in Christ, forgiveness because of Christ and a heavenly place for those who would set their mind on the things of Christ! (3:1,2) Paul tells us of these things while he sits in a rat infested prison!  Paul tells us to beware of those that would spoil our liberty, grace forgiveness and freedom in Christ through philosophy, vain (empty) deceit after man's traditions!  Please remember that these words were spoken after Paul encouraged believers about forgiveness in chapter 1 verse 14.

4. How is God dealing with mankind? God is dealing with mankind through the riches of His grace. Paul was instructed by Jesus Christ to take the dispensing of grace to the Gentiles and for us to be ambassadors of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world.

CONCLUSION: As far as forgiveness is concerned we have all-inclusive, paid for, up-front, complete and total forgiveness! We do not even have to ask God for forgiveness but simply believe it! Better yet, we can say we are sorry and should thank Him for forgiving us, but none of the above are pre-requisites to obtain it!  If we were truly honest with each other and with God we know that we are going to sin again....let's trust in His sufficiency to change our mind regarding sin unless we make the same miscues as the Colossians did:

20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. - Colossians 2:20 through 3:3

When comparing forgiveness today under God's mystery dispensing of grace with how men were instructed to forgive under the law, we should be able to comprehend the depth of the love of Christ and what He has done on our behalf. More importantly, it is my prayer that more leaders and teachers would speak on the magnificence of Jesus Christ's work rather than asking believers to cry hot, scalding tears, commanding them to beg God for forgiveness that they already have. The notion that our "fellowship" is impacted unless we ask for forgiveness is erroneous, has no merit and flies in the face of what Jesus Christ revealed to Paul as our doctrine for grace today concerning this matter!

Water baptism - The Answer: I never could understand why church leaders would stand so firmly in defense of this topic. I guess I am surprised it took me so long to realize that something had to be wrong to have so many differing opinions on this topic. Can 40,000 denominations hold a differing view? My experience has been that each denomination is usually associated with how water baptism is performed...but I haven't really explored if they differ 40,000 times...nor do I want to. The topic of water baptism is a choke point because of the volatility of the subject. In Orthodox teachings if a child is not baptized they will perish in limbo. In many denominations, water baptism "completes" salvation which constitutes a "work" and testifies that Christ's work at Calvary was NOT sufficient! Other denominations imply that maybe you really aren't saved if you have no desire to be baptized since it is believed in these instances that one is NOT expressing his or her faith in Christ.

THEN WHICH WAY IS THE CORRECT WAY TO BE WATER BAPTIZED? WHICH DENOMINATION IS RIGHT? WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT WE EVEN NEED TO BE BAPTIZED AT ALL?

There is no correct way to be water baptized friends! I know that this is not a very popular answer and would seem blasphemous to most religions and faith systems. However, no denomination is correct on this issue. Interestingly for hundreds of years, people have been dividing over a non-issue!

What does the bible say about this topic? I know from past experience, people would say things like: "If it was good enough for Jesus, then it's good enough for me!"  Well, that may sound romantic and Godly but friends, Jesus lived under the dispensing of the law. Keeping the law was good enough for Jesus too; should we in like manner attempt to do that under God's dispensing of grace? What does scripture say in regards to water baptism? In The Gospel of John chapter 1, the Pharisees spoke to John The Baptist and they asked him several questions about who he was:

24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. 25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? 26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; 27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. 28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. 29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. 31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water

John told the Pharisees explicitly the reason why he baptized in verse 31. He told them that he knew not Jesus but that He should reveal Himself to Israel...that's the reason why he (John) water baptized. Would believers baptism today be in accordance with Christ revealing Himself to Israel? As recorded in Matthew 28 while under the law, Jesus told the 12 apostles to teach all nations baptizing them in the name of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. If we are following the commands of Jesus under the model of the apostles as many teach, then why aren't we teaching the nations after being baptized? But let's review another scripture on this volatile topic:

14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. 16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect  - 1 Corinthians 14-17.   

Friends, how can it be that Paul takes such a cavalier attitude with water baptism in this passage? In fact, Paul mentions nothing of water baptism in any of his letters!

As a younger man I erroneously taught "water baptism" classes (thank God for His forgiveness...). I misused passages in Galatians, Romans and Ephesians that spoke of Holy Spirit baptism and made them water verses. Friends, tell me....Is the One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism of Ephesians 4 about getting wet? If we are buried with Jesus in water baptism as many teach in Romans 6, then isn't that a work? Prior to my eviction from a local assembly back in 2001 over this topic (and other grace-related topics) an old-time preacher chastised me on this issue but did not answer me when I asked about whether or not Romans 6 included "wet" or "dry" verses. He knows the truth now beloved as he went home about a year ago.... He now knows that we are "dry-cleaned" by the Holy Spirit and there is no water in Romans 6 or in any of Paul's letters to the saints as part of their doctrine!

If you are still wrestling with this, let me appeal to your analytical side for a moment. Why get water baptized? You cannot find one scripture outside of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John or the Old Testament that tells us that this is our marching orders. Many have stated that it provides an open door to invite lost loved ones to the ceremony. If that's the case and that notion works, I say let's have water baptism services several times a day then. In reality, this issue has only divided believers and un-believers alike as many religions and faith systems use water baptism as their battle cry to identify themselves. 

CONCLUSION: Remember, the issue we are discussing is not challenging the scripture, for the bible clearly says that water baptism was required in God's past dealings with mankind. This issue at hand is its relevance today under the dispensation of grace. Nowhere in Paul's letters will you find him discussing water baptism as something that must be done or that it is required of Jesus Christ!

Prayer - The Answer: The topic and discussion of prayer can be just as volatile as discussing forgiveness! In the past I have been accused of telling people that prayer is not relevant or that I am somehow limiting God by what I teach and believe.

Let's again examine some books of the bible and some verses on the topic of prayer by applying our existing study model:

23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. 24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. - John 16:23-24

22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. - Matthew 21:22

Let's examine these scriptures now:

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6,7

Now, in John with these guidelines to studying scripture....

1. Who is speaking?  As part of the four synoptic gospels, John recorded what Jesus said in chapter 16 through divine inspiration. In the 33 verses of this particular chapter, Jesus is instructing His faithful followers, His chosen apostles: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning. - John 15:27

2. Who is the Book of John to? It is an account of the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ and it is 1 of 4 gospel accounts. It is an outstanding book of the bible that focuses on the deity of Jesus Christ and its message to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

3. What do the surrounding verses say? The verses of chapter 16 in John's account are Jesus Christ's instruction to the 12 apostles. Some key topics he discusses are about the end time events that Christ describes. Please recall that Christ has this discussion after previously discussing the person and the work of The Comforter: The Holy Spirit. In this chapter and its surrounding verses, Jesus is warning the apostles against those that would do them harm. In this example, prayer can be sought by them and it is their responsibility to ask in the Father's name for provisions and sustenance. This is a reasonable request for God Himself will provide for their want since He will have established rule and reign with them on the earth during the kingdom dispensing. In like fashion, the verses in the Gospel of Matthew convey the same message.

4. How is God dealing with mankind? Remember we are reading from John as part of the 4 synoptic gospel accounts and Israel was the channel of blessing to a lost world. They were to take the dispensing of law to the Gentiles and to be witnesses of the God of Israel; Jesus Christ as their Messiah! Some of the ways we can truly know of how God is dealing with mankind is the significance and presence of signs, wonders, miracles and healings by not only Christ Himself, but by those whom He ordains. It is also of special note that these outward manifestations of God are done in and around Jerusalem: the epic-center. of such activity.

Let's now analyze Paul's letters to the saints at Philippi and some verses on the topic of prayer by applying our existing study model:

1. Who is speaking? Paul the apostle of the Gentiles.

2. Who is the Book of Philippians to? Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3. What do the surrounding verses say? On the topic of prayer, the surrounding verses of this passage give the reader information on what to expect from God when we pray. It' snot a matter of whether prayer is relevant or not for it most certainly is!. The issue at hand is what believers should expect from God when they pray. For this answer is different depending on who the audience is.

4. How is God dealing with mankind? God is dealing with mankind through the riches of His grace (as noted above). Paul was instructed by Jesus Christ to take the dispensing of grace to the Gentiles and for us to be ambassadors of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world.

If I go back to the verses in Philippians, I will find comfort as 'the peace of God' which passes all understanding will keep my heart and mind through Christ Jesus.

If I attempt to go back and read myself into God's past dealings with mankind through the nation of Israel I will drive myself crazy trying to claim promises He made for som