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'

OBS: ACTS, Searching for Grace  (Part 1) ACTS is a book of transition, but it's not just a change in program, but a significant change in the 'Good News', and how men would now come into right standing with God. Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he [Saul] had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the discipl

Our Doctrine Comes From Paul's Inspired Writings Let's not be ignorant of Paul's writings, but study them and apply them to your lives and walk worthy of our Lord. I came across this article written by Matthew McGee,  and I just had to share the second half of it ( shaded in gray below ) here on my blog, since I agree passionately with the point he raises. It is sad to say that too many people in our churches today are not aware that the content of Paul's epistles are written directly to them today, and are crucial for their edification and encouragement. People either think that Paul is a second rate apostle and dismiss his writings, or they set Paul's writings aside because they think it is of less importance than the red letter teachings of Jesus Christ. Little do they know that literally ALL of Paul

Q-A: The Bible - Why isn't all Scripture written TO You? I often use the phrase, "All Scripture is written FOR you, but not all Scripture is written TO you" , and this generally provokes a response of astonishment, if not a stronger aversion from the person. It does not however surprise me as there are not many who understand the Word rightly divided. So, lets delve into this phrase and explain it clearly and concisely. Think of a post office and a wall of mailboxes. If you had to pry open one of those mailboxes and read the mail from that box, you could learn something from the content of the mail, but it does not necessarily apply to you. For example, you could learn of an allergy that the mailbox owner has and even what medication to use from the doctors letter in that mailbox, but it would be incorrect (and possibly even detrimental) to dose yourself up on the medication prescribed to someone else. In the same way, the bible is a book written oven a