The Dispensation of the Grace of God did not begin with Peter and Pentecost, but with Saul after his name was changed to Paul. True or False? Please take a moment to respond at

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And now the answer to the LLM Question of 9-17-2011

Question: Stephen saw Christ standing in Heaven. Was Christ, STANDING, ready to come back as King then, at that moment. Yes or No?

Answer: YES! Note in Acts 3:16-18 and Acts 3:26, the fact that God was not only ready to pardon Israel's sin against the Son of man, but to send Him BACK to Israel, IF their rulers would repent. On this question, out of 643 responses, AMAZINGLY only 25.7% of you got it right. Another area where there is much work to be done! Therefore…

Today let us consider, Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study, part 9 of 10

Here are the next TEN Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study, but first, as always, here are the very important FIVE different groups or classes of people who are addressed from the first chapter of Matthew to the last chapter of Revelation:

1) To unsaved Israelites who were under the Law.

2) To saved Israelites who were under the Law before they became members of the Body of Christ.

3) To unsaved Gentiles who were aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel, and not under the Law.

4) To carnal saints and babes who were members of the Body of Christ.

5) To those who were of full age, called “the faithful in Christ Jesus.”

Remember, for an in-depth explanation of these five different groups I urge you to read “Super bible Facts for Super Bible Study, part 1”. Keep these five different groups in mind, and you will derive both blessing and benefit as you carefully study this eighth set of 10 Super-Facts.

Ok, here we go:

1) In Acts 1:16-26, we learn it was in fulfillment of prophecy, that Judas lost his place among the twelve apostles and that Matthias took that place. But in 1 Corinthians 15:8, we learn that Paul was a witness born out of due time. The important thing to note is, that there were eleven apostles present when the RISEN Christ gave to them the commission of Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:14-18; but there had to be TWELVE apostles ready for Pentecost. “PETER STOOD UP WITH THE ELEVEN.” Acts 2:14. When Judas died a successor was chosen. This is the ONLY case of Apostolic succession. Twelve men standing on the day of Pentecost addressed all the house of Israel, twelve tribes. Acts 2:36. They were devout Jews from every nation under heaven. “Unto all Israel, near and far off, through all the countries.” Daniel 9:7.

2) In Acts 12:1-2, we learn that when the second of the twelve apostles died, no successor was chosen to keep the number “TWELVE.” Why was a successor chosen when Judas died and NONE was chosen to succeed James, the brother of John? Let us remember, on the day of Pentecost TWELVE men stood up (Acts 2:11) to preach to all the house of Israel twelve tribes. Acts 2:36. THIS is the refutation of the “apostolic succession” heresy of Roman Catholicism. And also the answer to the Pentecostalists’ errors.

3) After James died, the Holy Spirit separated Barnabas and Saul for a new work. Acts 13:2. Saul had been testifying for several years before the commission of Acts 13:2. With the record of the commission of Acts 13:2, the RECORD of the ministry of the twelve apostles during the “Acts” period ends. Again, we say the record. They are never mentioned again in Acts except as they have dealings with Paul. In the last sixteen chapters of Acts, we have principally the record of the acts of one human, Saul of Tarsus, the Apostle Paul, who is mentioned more than 100 times.

4) In Matthew 12:27-33, we have the Lord's Word concerning Israel's sin against the Son of man, and their sin against the Holy Spirit, the “PARDONABLE” sin and the “UNPARDONABLE” sin. About eighty times in the Four Gospels Christ is called “the Son of man.” It was His title for Himself, not used by others until the words of Stephen in Acts 7:56, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God”. Is­rael sinned against the Son of man and had Him crucified. This sin was pardonable for He prayed from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34. Paul does not speak of Christ either as “the Son of man” or “Jesus of Nazareth” in connection with the Body of Christ.

5) Note in Acts 3:16-18 and Acts 3:26, the fact that God was not only ready to pardon Israel's sin against the Son of man, but to send Him back to Israel, if their rulers would repent. When they killed Stephen he was filled with the Holy Spirit when he saw the Son of man whom Israel had crucified. Israel sinned against the Holy Spirit. Acts 7:51. That was the unpardonable sin. Note in Acts 5:32 that the Holy Spirit was God's witness concerning Israel's sin against the Son of man, His death, and resurrection. Note also Acts 18:5-6 and Acts 13:40-41. Ephesians 2:1-9 teaches that no Gentile did or could commit the unpardonable sin. Very important to understand!

6) Then note the dispensational miracle in Acts 13:6-16. The three characters: “Bar-Jesus,” a Jew, “Sergius (Paul) Paulus,” the Gentile, and Saul (the Apostle Paul), the preacher. “Paulus” (Paul) wanted to hear the gospel from Saul (the Apostle Paul). “Bar-Jesus,” (meaning the son of Jehovah-Savior) sought to turn the Gentile AWAY from the Faith. God sent blindness upon the Jew and the Gentile believed and Saul became Paul: “Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord” Acts 13:12. “Saul” became “Paul”. Therefore the truth of Acts 13:46. And God sent blindness on Israel. Israel fell, and salvation was sent to Gentiles by Paul. Read Romans 11:8-11. Never forget the tremendous significance of this dispensational miracle.

7) Now look at what followed this dispensational miracle? “Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold and said, It was necessary that the Word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves un­worthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.” Acts 13:46. Here was a very definite turning point in God's program. This was in Asia. The same definite change in Europe is indicated in Acts 18:5-6, “And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. And when they opposed themselves and blasphemed, he shook his raiment and said unto them, Your blood he upon your own heads: I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.” Thus we learn that Bar-jesus (the child of Jehovah-Savior) speaks of Israel. The unbelief and blindness of “Bar-jesus” speaks of the blindness of Israel that brought salvation to the Gentiles. Romans 11:30 and Romans 11:11-17.

8) In the verses just quoted we have the truth of Romans 11:8, Romans 11:11, and Romans 11:30: “According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear; unto this day.” “I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.” “For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief.” Remember Acts 13:12, when the Gentiles saw the blindness of the Jew, he believed. “Astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.” Do YOU see the doctrine?

9) Note carefully, in Acts 14:1, that many Greeks believed. This is the first mention of the salvation of Greeks. Grecians were different from Greeks. Grecians were Greek Jews. After the record of the “salvation” of these Gentiles, we have the words of Acts 14:27, “And when they were come, and had gathered the Church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how He had opened the door of Faith unto the Gentiles.” We must not have this door open before God opened it. Acts 14:27 marked a change in God's program. We must study all Scripture as to whether the preaching and events were before or after the truth of Acts 14:27.

10) Note again Matthew 10:5-8, “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: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go preach, saying, The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” And Acts 10:28, “It is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to come unto one of another nation.” Now compare this with Acts 14:27, “And when they were come and had gathered the Church together they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how HE HAD OPENED THE DOOR OF FAITH UNTO THE GENTILES.” This was about 13 years after Pentecost!

More Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study coming up quick!

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31, while there is still time!

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide. The time is short

Thanks Pastor David for a valuable lesson on God's Word. I find there is so much to learn but time flashes past and there are just too many distractions with family and friends. Solitude and time to be with my Lord is something I aim for each day.

Grace and Peace in Christ,
Ken

Dear Brother Ken,

Well, PRAISE the LORD, and thank you for those kind words!

Here is the NINTH set of Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study, but first, as always, here are the very important FIVE different groups or classes of people who are addressed from the first chapter of Matthew to the last chapter of Revelation:

1) To unsaved Israelites who were under the Law.

2) To saved Israelites who were under the Law before they became members of the Body of Christ.

3) To unsaved Gentiles who were aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel, and not under the Law.

4) To carnal saints and babes who were members of the Body of Christ.

5) To those who were of full age, called “the faithful in Christ Jesus.”

Remember, for an in-depth explanation of these five different groups I urge you to read “Super bible Facts for Super Bible Study, part 1”. Keep these five different groups in mind, and you will derive both blessing and benefit as you carefully study this ninth set of 10 Super-Facts.

Ok, here we go:

1) Note Acts 28:28, “Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.” And Ephesians 3:8, “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.” The word “unsearchable” is literally “untraceable” or “not to be traced.” It means NOT prophesied in the Scriptures. After the Apostle Paul's statement in Acts 28:25-28, salvation was sent to the Gentiles with a program and order NEVER BEFORE mentioned. Paul preached to Gentiles a two fold message; namely, Divine Truth prophesied in the Old Testament Scriptures and Divine Truth which had NEVER been revealed to one single person UNTIL the RISEN Christ revealed it to Paul; hence, the “mystery” (secret). Paul preached the “searchable” riches AND the “unsearchable” riches of Christ.

2) Now note Ephesians 3:1-2, and Ephesians 3:9, “For this cause I, Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye heard of the dispensation of the Grace of God, which is given me to you-ward.” “And to make all men see what is the fellowship (Dispensation) of the Mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, Who created all things by Jesus Christ.” Surely these messages were not proclaimed before Paul told of the door opened by God for the Gentiles. Acts 14:27. Take note, for preaching THESE messages was the jail door was opened for Paul and closed ON him. Colossians 4:3-4, Ephesians 6:19, Ephesians 6:29, 2 Timothy 2:6-9. IF YOU proclaim them very few if ANY denominational doors will be opened for you. Galatians 1:10.

3) In connection with these glorious truths, we have God's message against sectarianism (denominations), against any and all divisions of the Body of Christ. Ephesians 4:3-6. “There is one Body.” And remember that by the ONE Divine baptism of Ephesians 4:5, the member of that ONE Body, of which Christ is the Head, has been raised to sit in the heavenlies in Christ. He is complete in Christ, identified with Him in crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection, with heavenly citizenship, waiting to appear with Christ in glory.

4) We can never understand the Bible until we learn from God's Word and by God's Spirit that the “Dispensation of the Grace of God”, the “Dispensation of the Mystery” did NOT begin with Peter and Pentecost, but with Saul after his name was changed to Paul. The realization and application of this most important truth will keep God's children out of fanaticism and deliver them from religious delusions and dispensational blunders; and cause them to begin to understand the truth of Ephesians 4:13-14.

5) Now note 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife and DIVISIONS, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” Compare Ephesians 1:1 and Ephesians 1:17, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus. “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. That we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lay in wait to deceive.” Ephesians 4:13-14.

Please pay ATTENTION: From Matthew 1 to Revelation 22, five groups of people are addressed:

1. Israel under the law.

2. Individual saved Israelites from Matthew 1 to Acts 9, under the law.

3. Gentiles, not under the law.

4. Carnal members of the Body of Christ, babes in Christ.

5. To the faithful in Christ Jesus in Christ's Body; those of full age. Hebrews 5:12-14.

Only those in group 5 intelligently apply the Scriptures to the particular group for whom God intended them, and thus obey 2 Timothy 2:15, “rightly dividing the Word of truth.”

6) Note in 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, the sign-gifts found among the Corin­thian saints: “wisdom,” knowledge,” “faith,” “healing,” “miracles,” “prophecy,” “discerning of spirits,” “tongues,” “interpretation of tongues.” Note in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, and 1 Corinthians 6:8, that the Corinthian saints were CARNAL, able to take only the milk which belonged to babes in Christ, and that they were defrauding one another. But they exercised all the sign gifts. This is proof that the exercise of sign gifts by a saint does NOT prove that that saint is either unusually spiritual or peculiarly faithful. In fact, these sign-gifts can NOT be found among even the most spiritual members of Christ's Body today. Remember Christian teaching and prac­tice may be Scriptural but un-dispensational.

7) Again note that the Corinthians were addressed as “saints” and “sanctified” ones. 1 Corinthians 1:1. They had been washed, sanctified, justified (1 Corinthians 6:11). Here “sanctified” preceded “justified.” This is true also in 2 Thessalonians 2:13, “sanctified unto salvation.” Many of the sanctified Corinthians did wrong (1 Corinthians 6:8): they “walked as men” (1 Corinthians 3:3), they were carnal and defrauded one another. Some of them were chastened unto sickness and physical death for their disobedience; BUT THEY COULD NOT BE CONDEMMED WITH THE WORLD! 1 Corinthians 11:27-32. This is PROOF that sanctification, does not mean sinless perfection, or a Divine work subsequent to salvation!

8) Note, in 1 Corinthians 12:13, “For by ONE Spirit are we all baptized into ONE Body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bound or free; and have been all made to drink into ONE Spirit.” By (in) one Spirit believing Jews and Gentiles have been baptized into ONE Body. By that baptism they had put on Christ. Galatians 3:27. By that baptism they had been baptized into the death of Christ; their old man had been crucified, and they had been raised to walk in newness of life. Romans 6:3-7. Compare this “death” baptism with the death baptism of Christ in Luke 12:50 and the ONE baptism of Ephesians 4:5 and Colossians 2:12. Compare this ONE Divine baptism with the one baptism in the first chapters of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, “baptism unto repentance for the remission of sins.” There was one baptism while Christ was on earth. There was one baptism after Israel was set aside, as recorded in Romans 11:13 and Acts 28:25-28. These baptisms were different. Ephesians 4:5. John 1:31.

9) Note three reasons why believing Jews and Gentiles were NOT baptized in ONE Spirit in ONE Body while Christ was on earth in the flesh.

1. The Holy Spirit not yet given. John 7:39.

2. No mention of the Body of Christ until Saul became Paul.

3. Go not into the way of the Gentiles. Matthew 10:5.

In Romans 10:12 (about 60 A.D.) we see no difference between Jews and Gentiles as to God's salvation and blessing; BUT in Matthew 15:21-27, a GREAT difference.

10) Note that NOT ONE of the twelve apostles referred to the “Church” as the “Body.” The Greek word “Soma” is used exclusively in the writings of the Apostle Paul and is found in his Epistles many times, referring to the Church. The “Body” thus used is always the “Church,” but the “Church” is not always the “Body.” Some Christians endeavor to prove that the Body of Christ began, HISTORICALLY, on the day of Pentecost, because the Apostle Paul declared that he persecuted the Church of God. 1 Corinthians 15:9. Philippians 3:6. Galatians 1:13. The Body of Ephesians 1:19-22 began with the Dispensation of the Grace of God (Ephesians 3:1 to 3), and the Dispensation of the Mystery (Ephesians 3:9). The Body of Christ did NOT begin with Peter at Pentecost, but with the RISEN Christ's revelation to Saul AFTER he became Paul. Once the Church is called the Sussoma or joint-Body. Ephesians 3:6.

A BONUS number of Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study will be coming up, so stay tuned.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31, while there is still time!

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide. The time is short