When ‘mid-Acts-ers’ get together .... like at a conference .... to make conversation, they commonly ask each other, "When did you get 'THE MESSAGE'?" Well, ‘the message’ they are talking about is not "the message" of the scripture, as we will see:
1 John 1:5 This then is the message [epaggelia]
which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
No, THIS is certainly NOT ‘the message’ that ‘mid-Acts-ers’ are speaking of, when they ask, "How long have you known ‘the message'?" They reject ‘the message’ in those verses .... because it comes from JOHN .... not PAUL. They are prejudiced against ALL Biblical writers, other than Paul.
1 John 3:11 For this is the message [aggelia]
that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
Furthermore, the Greek word [epaggelia] is written 53 times in the scriptures, and translated ‘promise’ 52 times, and ‘message’ 1 time. It means an announcement of a promise. (Similarly, [aggelia] is used only once, with the same definition and translated ‘the message’ also.)
1 John 2:25 And this is the promise [epaggelia] that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
‘Mid-Acts-ers’ refuse instruction from anyone except Paul, even though PAUL said:
2 Tim 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof,
for correction,
for instruction in righteousness:
‘The message’ that ‘mid-Acts-ers’ mean .... is what-they-consider to be ‘Paul’s mystery-message’ .... what-they-call ‘a secret revelation’ God gave ONLY to Paul to preach that ‘now’ Jews and Gentiles make up one body together --- yet COMPLETELY SEPARATE from the saints that were in what-they-say was ‘Israel’s kingdom program’ in the past and in the future, after what-they-think will be a ‘pre-tribulation rapture’ of just the saints saved by Paul’s message .... what-they-insist is ‘THE message’.
‘Mid-Acts-ers’ need to take a big dose of their own medicine.
Since they cry, ‘PAUL’ is the only one to follow (1 Cor 4:16) ....
then why don’t they practice what they preach ---
and follow PAUL (1 Cor 11:1 --- as Paul followed Christ).
Here are plenty of verses from PAUL about ‘the message’ [epaggelia] (also translated ‘the promise’) that ‘mid-Acts-ers’ refuse.
Abraham’s faith was counted for righteousness (Rom 4:3)
when he was in UNcircumcision (Rom 4:10),
"that he might be the father of ALL them that believe, though they be not circumcised" (Rom 4:11):
Rom 4:13-18 For the promise [epaggelia],
that he should be the heir of the world, (Gal 3:29) was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void,
and the promise [epaggelia] made of none effect:
15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.
16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace;
to the end the promise [epaggelia] might be sure to all the seed;
not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations,
according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
PAUL clearly explains WHO the seed includes .... the children of the promise:
Rom 9:6-8 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect.
For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:
7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children:
but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise [epaggelia] are counted for the seed.
PAUL specifically tells the saints (in the churches of Galatia), that WE are the children of promise .... actually, the children of ‘the message’. This is NOT ‘the message’ that ‘mid-Acts-ers’ want .... but, nevertheless, it is ‘the message’ (same Greek word as ‘promise’) that PAUL wrote:
Gal 4:28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise [epaggelia].
PAUL plainly described ‘the message’ (the promise) that was PROPHESIED to Abraham .... which is what we are still experiencing today:
Gal 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise [epaggelia] of the Spirit through faith.
Again PAUL showed the PROPHECY that the Gentiles who believed would get ‘the message’ by faith in Christ:
Gal 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin (Rom 3:23), that the promise [epaggelia] by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. (Rom 3:21-22)
PAUL expressed stated that ‘the message’ was for ALL who are ‘in Christ’:
Gal 3:26-29 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise [epaggelia].
PAUL taught that the Gentiles WERE strangers from the covenants of promise in time past ---
but now, the Gentiles are PARTAKERS of the SAME promise ....
that we WERE PREVIOUSLY EXCLUDED from:
Eph 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel,
and strangers from the covenants of promise [epaggelia],
having no hope, and without God in the world:
Eph 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs,
and of the same body,
and partakers of his promise [epaggelia] in Christ by the gospel:
Jesus Christ came to Israel first (John 1:11, 4:22, Rom 1:16) ....
and then EXPANDED God’s mercy and GRACE ....
on out to the Gentiles --- just like the PROPHECY said He would.
Though ‘mid-Acts-ers’ try to place these blessings on the Gentiles out in the future ‘ages to come’ .... they are wrong!
We Gentiles are rejoicing TODAY .... in the ‘but now’ ....
WITH .... and AMONG (Rom 11:17; Acts 20:32, 26:18) .... ALL God’s people .... TOGETHER (1 Cor 3:9) --- not DIVIDED:
Rom 15:8-12 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises [epaggelia] made unto the fathers:
9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy;
as it is written, (‘Mid-Acts-ers’ do not want these promises .... ‘the message’ .... because IT WAS WRITTEN in the PROPHETIC scriptures .... and they dismiss EVERYTHING there as "not applicable" for them .... because they take only PAUL’s ‘MYSTERY’ writings as "for them" now.)
For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
I am glorifying God for His mercy NOW.
I am rejoicing with God’s people NOW.
I am praising the Lord NOW.
I am trusting in Him NOW.
2 Cor 1:20 For all the promises [epaggelia] of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
I’ve got ‘the message’ .... but NOT ‘the message’ that the ‘mid-Acts-ers’ talk about. I’m standing on ‘the promises’ of GOD.
This is David Dowell, saying, "Think about it!"
.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Are YOU a CHRISTIAN?
Peter referred to the Gentiles .... as DISCIPLES:
Acts 15:7-10 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago (back in Acts 10) God made choice among us (He chose PETER, not PAUL), that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them (the Gentiles) witness,
giving them (the Gentiles) the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them (the Gentiles),
purifying their (the Gentiles’) hearts by faith.
10 Now therefore why tempt ye God,
to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples (the Gentiles),
which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
The GENTILES were referred to as DISCIPLES (Acts 15:10).
The DISCIPLES were called CHRISTIANS:
Acts 11:25-26 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
26 And when he (Barnabas) had found him (Saul), he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people.
And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Paul nearly convinced king Agrippa to become a Christian:
Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul,
Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
‘Mid-Acts-ers’ teach that the word ‘Christian’ is a DEROGATORY term .... so they do not want to be labeled ‘Christian.’ They refuse to apply the holy words of scripture .... about Christian suffering .... because they are written by PETER. ‘Mid-Acts-ers’ think Peter’s writings have NO CONNECTION to them:
1 Peter 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian,
let him not be ashamed;
but let him glorify God on this behalf.
A disciple is a learner.
Since I am no longer a ‘mid-Acts-er’ ....
I have learned to rejoice that I am a CHRISTIAN!
This is David Dowell, saying, "Think about it!"
.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Was Paul the FIRST Member of the Body of Christ?
‘Mid-Acts-ers’ claim Paul was the 1st member of the body of Christ. When asked for a scripture verse to support that claim .... they give 1 Tim 1:16, and say, "Paul said ‘In me FIRST,’ .... so he was the first member of the body of Christ."
When we examine that position with the verse .... we see that the scripture makes NO MENTION of a member of "the church, the body of Christ":
1 Tim 1:16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
Now let’s look at it again, this time,
# 1) in CONTEXT with the verse before it,
and # 2) with ..... (oh, no!) .... the GREEK!
1 Tim 1:15-16 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am
chief [protos]
16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me
first [protos]
For an extra frame of reference, consider Jesus words to His 12 disciples:
Mark 10:43-45 But so shall it not be among you:
but whosoever will be great among you,
shall be your minister:
44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest [protos]
shall be servant of all.
45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto,
but to minister,
and to give his life a ransom for many.
When the prodigal son returned home, notice the ‘type’ of robe his father gave him:
Luke 15:22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best [protos]
Using "in me first" .... to try to convince people that Paul was the first member of the body of Christ .... does not look like a [protos]
This is David Dowell, saying, "Think about it!"
.
When we examine that position with the verse .... we see that the scripture makes NO MENTION of a member of "the church, the body of Christ":
1 Tim 1:16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
Now let’s look at it again, this time,
# 1) in CONTEXT with the verse before it,
and # 2) with ..... (oh, no!) .... the GREEK!
1 Tim 1:15-16 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am
chief [protos]
16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me
first [protos]
For an extra frame of reference, consider Jesus words to His 12 disciples:
Mark 10:43-45 But so shall it not be among you:
but whosoever will be great among you,
shall be your minister:
44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest [protos]
shall be servant of all.
45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto,
but to minister,
and to give his life a ransom for many.
When the prodigal son returned home, notice the ‘type’ of robe his father gave him:
Luke 15:22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best [protos]
Using "in me first" .... to try to convince people that Paul was the first member of the body of Christ .... does not look like a [protos]
This is David Dowell, saying, "Think about it!"
.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Is Jesus YOUR King?
Wise men knew Jesus was the King of the Jews:
Matt 2:1-2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
The daughter of Sion knew Jesus was their King:
Matt 21:4-11 All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
6 And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,
7 And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.
8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?
11 And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.
Pilate knew Jesus was King of the Jews:
John 19:19-22 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.
20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.
21 Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.
22 Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.
PAUL knew Jesus was King of kings:
1 Tim 6:15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
John also knew Jesus was King of kings:
Rev 17:12-14 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.
13 These (10 kings) have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.
14 These (10 kings) shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
Rev 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
John knew Jesus was King of saints:
Rev 15:3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
PAUL must not have been a ‘mid-Acts-er’ ....
because Jesus was Paul’s King:
1 Tim 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
I am a saint .... are YOU a saint?
Is Jesus YOUR King?
Now that I am no longer a ‘mid-Acts-er’ .... Jesus is MY King!
This is David Dowell, saying, "Think about it!"
.
Matt 2:1-2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
The daughter of Sion knew Jesus was their King:
Matt 21:4-11 All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
6 And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,
7 And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.
8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?
11 And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.
Pilate knew Jesus was King of the Jews:
John 19:19-22 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.
20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.
21 Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.
22 Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.
PAUL knew Jesus was King of kings:
1 Tim 6:15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
John also knew Jesus was King of kings:
Rev 17:12-14 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.
13 These (10 kings) have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.
14 These (10 kings) shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
Rev 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
John knew Jesus was King of saints:
Rev 15:3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
PAUL must not have been a ‘mid-Acts-er’ ....
because Jesus was Paul’s King:
1 Tim 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
I am a saint .... are YOU a saint?
Is Jesus YOUR King?
Now that I am no longer a ‘mid-Acts-er’ .... Jesus is MY King!
This is David Dowell, saying, "Think about it!"
.
Do You See Jesus as Your MASTER?
The unbelieving, religious Pharisees called Jesus "Master":
Luke 19:37-40 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;
38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.
39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.
40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
Jesus spoke to the multitude, and to His disciples, and referred to Himself as their "Master":
Matt 23:8-12 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Jesus’ friends spoke of Him as "Master":
John 11:23-28 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
28 And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.
He’s the Master of the Sea:
Mark 4:37-41 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Jesus’ disciples called Him "Master":
John 13:12-17 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
Paul wrote that our "Master" is in heaven:
Eph 6:9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
Col 4:1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
Paul made other references to God being our "master" and us being His "vessel":
2 Tim 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet (fit) for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. (also see Rom 14:4)
Have you ever heard anyone say, "I’ll never be caught dead doing that!"? Well, that’s the only time I expect we’ll ever hear any ‘mid-Acts-er’ calling Jesus "Master"!
"Peace, be still." As for me and my house, we will call Him "Master" now!
This is David Dowell, saying, "Think about it!"
.
Luke 19:37-40 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;
38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.
39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.
40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
Jesus spoke to the multitude, and to His disciples, and referred to Himself as their "Master":
Matt 23:8-12 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Jesus’ friends spoke of Him as "Master":
John 11:23-28 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
28 And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.
He’s the Master of the Sea:
Mark 4:37-41 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Jesus’ disciples called Him "Master":
John 13:12-17 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
Paul wrote that our "Master" is in heaven:
Eph 6:9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
Col 4:1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
Paul made other references to God being our "master" and us being His "vessel":
2 Tim 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet (fit) for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. (also see Rom 14:4)
Have you ever heard anyone say, "I’ll never be caught dead doing that!"? Well, that’s the only time I expect we’ll ever hear any ‘mid-Acts-er’ calling Jesus "Master"!
"Peace, be still." As for me and my house, we will call Him "Master" now!
This is David Dowell, saying, "Think about it!"
.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Unity or Division?
Even if ‘mid-Acts-ers’ engrave a plaque with a school logo based on Eph 4:4-6, don’t be fooled into thinking they support bringing all God’s people together in a unifying message. Far from it! They believe only ‘certain’ believers (specifically, just those who have been saved since Saul of Tarsus’ conversion in Acts 9, and by his words alone) are made ‘one’ in Christ. But God wants us to have, and make an effort to maintain, a unity of the Spirit:
Eph 4:3-6 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body, (also see Eph 3:6)
and one Spirit,
even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, (the SAME Jesus .... not 'another Jesus')
one faith, (Paul preached 'the faith' which once he destroyed - Gal 1:23)
one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
God wants us to have a unity of the faith:
Eph 4:13 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:
Chloe’s family told Paul about the strife in the church of God .... who were debating over which minster brought them into the faith. Quite frankly, ‘mid-Acts-ers’ .... it did not matter ‘WHICH MINISTER’ gave them the gospel .... whether it was PAUL .... or Apollos .... or Peter .... or Christ:
1 Cor 1:11-13 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith,
I am of Paul;
and I of Apollos;
and I of Cephas;
and I of Christ.
13 Is Christ divided?
was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
Christ is not divided .... and neither should His body be!
We are ONE body:
Rom 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (also see 1 Cor 10:17, 12:12-13,20; Eph 2:16; Col 3:15)
Initially, Apollos knew only the water baptism of John the Baptist. Aquila and Priscilla expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. Then Apollos helped them much which had believed through grace (Acts 18:24-28). Obviously, Apollos preached the gospel to people at Corinth, since some of his converts were joined to the church of God there:
1 Cor 3:3-9 For ye are yet carnal:
for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions,
are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
4 For while one saith, I am of Paul;
and another, I am of Apollos;
are ye not carnal?
5 Who then is Paul,
and who is Apollos,
but ministers by whom ye believed,
even as the Lord gave to every man?
6 I (Paul) have planted,
Apollos watered;
but God gave the increase.
7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, (Paul is nothing.)
neither he that watereth; (Apollos is nothing.)
but God that giveth the increase. (also see John 3:30)
8 Now he that planteth (Paul)
and he that watereth (Apollos) are one:
and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
9 For we are labourers together with God:
ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
Paul and Apollos are one. So why won’t ‘mid-Acts-ers’ be ‘one’ with those ‘in Christ’ before Paul (Rom 16:7)?
After Paul detailed the gospel that he preached "unto you" (at Corinth in 1 Cor 15:1-4 .... just like "unto you" in Gal 1:9) .... he listed many other ministers (1 Cor 15:5-7) and showed again .... it did not matter WHICH MINISTER they got the gospel from:
1 Cor 15:11 Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
UNITY .... NOT DIVISION .... has been enjoyable among God’s people for a long time. I think I’ll be glad in that. "What about you?"
Psa 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
It is NOT ‘right division’ to divide God’s saints from each other.
It is wrong! There are no verses that teach that foolishness. 'Mid-Acts-ers' are protecting their paradigm, charts, etc.
This is David Dowell, saying, "Think about it!"
.
Eph 4:3-6 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body, (also see Eph 3:6)
and one Spirit,
even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, (the SAME Jesus .... not 'another Jesus')
one faith, (Paul preached 'the faith' which once he destroyed - Gal 1:23)
one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
God wants us to have a unity of the faith:
Eph 4:13 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:
Chloe’s family told Paul about the strife in the church of God .... who were debating over which minster brought them into the faith. Quite frankly, ‘mid-Acts-ers’ .... it did not matter ‘WHICH MINISTER’ gave them the gospel .... whether it was PAUL .... or Apollos .... or Peter .... or Christ:
1 Cor 1:11-13 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith,
I am of Paul;
and I of Apollos;
and I of Cephas;
and I of Christ.
13 Is Christ divided?
was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
Christ is not divided .... and neither should His body be!
We are ONE body:
Rom 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (also see 1 Cor 10:17, 12:12-13,20; Eph 2:16; Col 3:15)
Initially, Apollos knew only the water baptism of John the Baptist. Aquila and Priscilla expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. Then Apollos helped them much which had believed through grace (Acts 18:24-28). Obviously, Apollos preached the gospel to people at Corinth, since some of his converts were joined to the church of God there:
1 Cor 3:3-9 For ye are yet carnal:
for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions,
are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
4 For while one saith, I am of Paul;
and another, I am of Apollos;
are ye not carnal?
5 Who then is Paul,
and who is Apollos,
but ministers by whom ye believed,
even as the Lord gave to every man?
6 I (Paul) have planted,
Apollos watered;
but God gave the increase.
7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, (Paul is nothing.)
neither he that watereth; (Apollos is nothing.)
but God that giveth the increase. (also see John 3:30)
8 Now he that planteth (Paul)
and he that watereth (Apollos) are one:
and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
9 For we are labourers together with God:
ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
Paul and Apollos are one. So why won’t ‘mid-Acts-ers’ be ‘one’ with those ‘in Christ’ before Paul (Rom 16:7)?
After Paul detailed the gospel that he preached "unto you" (at Corinth in 1 Cor 15:1-4 .... just like "unto you" in Gal 1:9) .... he listed many other ministers (1 Cor 15:5-7) and showed again .... it did not matter WHICH MINISTER they got the gospel from:
1 Cor 15:11 Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
UNITY .... NOT DIVISION .... has been enjoyable among God’s people for a long time. I think I’ll be glad in that. "What about you?"
Psa 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
It is NOT ‘right division’ to divide God’s saints from each other.
It is wrong! There are no verses that teach that foolishness. 'Mid-Acts-ers' are protecting their paradigm, charts, etc.
This is David Dowell, saying, "Think about it!"
.
Who Will Inherit the Kingdom of God?
God’s kingdom is not for the unrighteous ....
but for the righteous .... those who are washed, sanctified, and justified:
1 Cor 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were some of you:
but ye are washed,
but ye are sanctified,
but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
God’s kingdom is the same kingdom as Christ’s kingdom.
There are not two separate kingdoms. We know who won’t be there:
Eph 5:5-7 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. (also see Col 3:5-7) Believers have no business partying with ungodly people:
7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
God’s kingdom is not for flesh and blood ....
but for those who are changed, incorruptible, and immortal:
1 Cor 15:50-53 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,
at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound,
and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption,
and this mortal must put on immortality.
There will be no workers of carnal deeds in God’s kingdom ....
but for those who have the fruit of God’s Spirit:
Gal 5:19-23 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
In the company of Jesus’ disciples, Peter asked the Lord about their inheritance. Jesus’ answer addressed the twelve, and went on to include everyone who has sacrificed for Him:
Matt 19:27-29 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
God’s kingdom is for the righteous .... those who have helped His saints:
Matt 25:31-40 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Jesus clearly identified ‘who’ were members of His family:
Mark 3:32-35 And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.
33 And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?
34 And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.
When the Son of Man comes .... it will be the resurrection of the dead (also see 1 Thes 3:13, 4:14-17). After He comes .... it will be the end .... and God’s kingdom will come:
1 Cor 15:21-26 For since by man came death,
by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
God’s kingdom is for the overcomers ....
those who are victorious, holding their faith even unto death against the power of their foes, temptations, and persecutions (also see Rev 12:11, Acts 21:13, 2 Tim 4:6-8):
Rev 21:7-8 He that overcometh shall inherit all things;
and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (also see 2 Cor 6:14-18)
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:
which is the second death.
Will YOU inherit the kingdom of God?
This is David Dowell, saying, "Think about it!"
.
but for the righteous .... those who are washed, sanctified, and justified:
1 Cor 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were some of you:
but ye are washed,
but ye are sanctified,
but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
God’s kingdom is the same kingdom as Christ’s kingdom.
There are not two separate kingdoms. We know who won’t be there:
Eph 5:5-7 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. (also see Col 3:5-7) Believers have no business partying with ungodly people:
7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
God’s kingdom is not for flesh and blood ....
but for those who are changed, incorruptible, and immortal:
1 Cor 15:50-53 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,
at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound,
and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption,
and this mortal must put on immortality.
There will be no workers of carnal deeds in God’s kingdom ....
but for those who have the fruit of God’s Spirit:
Gal 5:19-23 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
In the company of Jesus’ disciples, Peter asked the Lord about their inheritance. Jesus’ answer addressed the twelve, and went on to include everyone who has sacrificed for Him:
Matt 19:27-29 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
God’s kingdom is for the righteous .... those who have helped His saints:
Matt 25:31-40 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Jesus clearly identified ‘who’ were members of His family:
Mark 3:32-35 And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.
33 And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?
34 And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.
When the Son of Man comes .... it will be the resurrection of the dead (also see 1 Thes 3:13, 4:14-17). After He comes .... it will be the end .... and God’s kingdom will come:
1 Cor 15:21-26 For since by man came death,
by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
God’s kingdom is for the overcomers ....
those who are victorious, holding their faith even unto death against the power of their foes, temptations, and persecutions (also see Rev 12:11, Acts 21:13, 2 Tim 4:6-8):
Rev 21:7-8 He that overcometh shall inherit all things;
and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (also see 2 Cor 6:14-18)
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:
which is the second death.
Will YOU inherit the kingdom of God?
This is David Dowell, saying, "Think about it!"
.
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