The BIG Picture (Study)

Understanding and Interpreting the Bible (Part 5B ---  Dividing the PROGRAMS ) In our last post, Part 5A , we took a high level look at the two programs, simply discussing what they are and how they are different. I'd like to wrap up this series of lessons on "Understanding and Interpreting the Bible", by confirming the scriptural proof of the divisions n the programs of Israel and the Body of Christ. As a reminder, the below picture illustrates that we have two main parts to God's overarching redemption plan. The realms of earth and heaven, physical and spiritual. Within each of these realms, we have a people group (or agency). Earth will be inherited to Israel, and heaven will be filled with the Body of Christ. We covered these details in depth in previous posts. To clarify the 'program' portions of the image below, I can describe it as follows. The programs are the actionable components of the two divided parts. They portray the 'modus operandi'

Understanding and Interpreting the Bible (Part 4B ---  Dividing the AGENCIES ) In Part 4A , we had a look at the 'secret' declaration of the two agencies in God's redemption plan as God spoke out referring to the stars and the sand in the promise He made with Abraham in Gen.22:15-17. In this 'part B' we'll investigate the differences between Israel and The Body of Christ (BoC) in regards to their role within God's plan. The contrast between Israel and the Body of Christ cannot be more apparent. Israel's 'active' time during God's redemption plan was from Abraham to Paul's conversion. The BoC has been 'active' for the last 2000 years (approx) and during the period of God's grace. The two charts below provide a visual aid of the periods. Israel's active time period The Body of Christ active time period The following table provides a detailed comparison of the different roles and attributes

Understanding and Interpreting the Bible (Part 1A --- Recognizing the NECESSITY of dividing the Word) In our previous study , we had a look at the two verses below, analyzing the contents of the verses to understand it properly. In this new study, I'd like to use the colour divisions in them to introduce a new, and very important topic . I'll make the topic clear as we progress in this post, but let's first look at the context of the two passages below, specifically based on their colour legends. (Focus on the Return) 1 Thess.4:16-17  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout , (<-- 7-yr Trib. -->) with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God : and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air : and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (Focus on the Rapture Event) 1 Cor.15:51-22  Behold, I shew