The BIG Picture (Study)

Understanding and Interpreting the Bible (Part 3 ---  Dividing the REALMS ) In previous posts of this study, we have investigated the NEED to recognize divisions in the Bible. We have also determined the PURPOSE for divisions in the Bible. It is important to remember that the purpose for dividing the Word originates in all things to do with Israel. In this post we will have a look at the first of three overarching 'Israel related' categories that need to be rightly divided in God's greater redemption plan. Within the three categories of (1) Realms, (2) Agencies, and (3) Programs, we will start by dividing the REALMS; defined by phrases like, heaven and earth, and spiritual and physical . Genesis 1:1 famously starts with the statement, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth..." . In the context of this verse, we know that the heavens and the earth are the physical realms that God created. However, as we progress through this study, and in cont...

Understanding and Interpreting the Bible (Part 2 --- The PURPOSE for divisions in the Bible ) In the last two lessons, we've had a look at the necessity (or importance) of understanding and exercising right division in the Word. In this short post I simply want to ask the question, "Why is there a dual purpose in God's plan?" What is the reason why we have to split up the content in the Bible? The answer lies in the design of God's plan. As in the image below, you'll see that the end of the plan involves two realms . The lower part (in blue) represents the 1000-year Millennial Kingdom, in which Christ will reign on earth . The part above that represents the heavens . We will look at these two realms in greater detail in the next post, but it is the fact that we have two realms that requires us to divide the Bible between two distinct and unique programs. An Earthly and Heavenly Hope The prophetic program, specific to Israel, is an earthly program which w...

The Stages of Christ's Ascension and Return (Part 4) In Part 3 of this post series , we had a look at the continued ascension of Jesus from the clouds (the position in which Stephen saw Jesus in Acts 7:55-56 ), to the position in light which He occupied according to  1 Tim.6:16 . Between these two scripture references, it clearly identified Jesus in two different places. However, I won't be dogmatic and claim that these two positions are separated by the "waters above the firmament", but based on my current convictions, I'll illustrate it as such in my diagram below. (The purpose of the diagram is simply to show the eventual symmetry between Christ's ascension and return. I don't claim it to be accurate in depicting locations or positions in the heavenly ascension).  In this 'short' post, I'd like to identify one final position, as quoted from scripture, in which Jesus ascended to. This I believe is the throne of God and the ultimate position...

The Stages of Christ's Ascension and Return (Part 3) As mentioned in Part 2 of this multi-post topic , it is important to look at the ascension of Jesus, and the stages that it occurred in, in order to fully understand the stages of Christ's return. We'll continue therefore, in this part, to look at the details of the second stage of Christ's ascension , and later, when we look at Jesus' whole second coming, we will see how this part will mirror the same stage of His multi-part return. There are some very interesting things to learn from these stages and the events that tie into them. The second stage of Christ's ascension into a new position and glory. It is clear and evident in scripture that Stephen (in Acts 7:55-56) saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. This is an important fact, as it provides us with information regarding Jesus current position of ascension. God gave...

The Stages of Christ's Ascension and Return (Part 2) The Ascension of ACTS 1 Acts 1:9-11 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight .  10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;  11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven . As mentioned in the opening post of this series , the ascension of Jesus in Acts 1 is only the beginning of Jesus departure back into glory. The bible provides us with much more insights if we study the scriptures and piece together additional verses that detail his return to heaven. The reason for putting focus on Jesus' ascension is not so much to learn what happened here as it is to provide insights into his glorious an...

The Stages of Christ's Ascension and Return When we delve into future events in the Bible, like the rapture, the tribulation, and Millennial Kingdom, one has to understand that there is a measure of assumption based on what the scriptures say, and how one interprets it. Even though the Bible provides details of the future, we do not fully understand how these events will play out, and in what order they will occur. We know from scripture that the Tribulation will happen. We know what the Tribulation is and we know its purpose. We know there will be an Antichrist and we know he will rule the world for a set period. But, although the scripture makes some things clear, there are still guesses around some cryptic details regarding this time, (see Deut.29:29 ). The fact remains that not even the best Bible scholars can accurately instruct us of exact times and details of future events in prophecy. It remains up to us to study the Word as best as possible an...

Where Would You Go If You Were To Die Right Now? The most important question one can ever ask! Where Would You Go If You Were To Die Right Now? Heaven or Hell?  What caused you to answer the way you did? Are you sure you are correct?   Alex Balingit walks us through just how simple salvation is, what it takes for a person to become a member of Christ's body, and what guarantees that you will enter Heaven once this life is over. This video and the caption text above is from the WWURD.com YouTube channel . I also encourage you to visit the  WWURD.com  website. It is a trusted site that provides further content that is honed around Mid-Acts Dispensational truth.    FYI: WWURD stands for, " W hen W e U nderstand R ight D ivision" And it is a statement that can be finished in a number of ways : ...

Two Programs for Two Realms (Part 3) There have been so many revelations in my dispensational journey, and one of the first (and biggest) that I learned of was the understanding of TWO programs in God's great plan of redemption. One will not see, let alone understand, this concept of two programs unless one recognizes the divisions in scripture, 2 Tim.2:15 . Without the divisions, everything will seem to flow into each other and merge with each other and then you miss the entire revelation all together! It all starts with Genesis 1:1, In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth . These are not just describing different physical realities but also refer to separate realms, one spiritual and one physical. Both these realms became corrupt; the heavens, due to the rebellion of Lucifer,  Job 15:15 , and then later the earth, due to the rebellion (or disobedience) of Adam, Genesis 3:6 . The redemption plan of God involves the setting up of two programs, one...

Our Destination is Different from O.T. and Gospel Saints Have you ever noticed that Old Testament and Gospel saints were NOT PROMISED HEAVEN as a destination? Instead they were promised an everlasting kingdom on earth . As a matter of fact, these saints never even had a concept of "going to heaven" when they died. The reason is because all through the Old Testament and prophecy it was spoken of a glorious new earthly kingdom ; one which would be restored and refreshed as it was before. In the verse below, Zacharias, John the Baptist father, when speaking of salvation, does not have the concept of "going to heaven"  as you and I would today. In his case, salvation is being saved from their earthly enemies and inheriting that promised 'earthly, terra firma' land mention in the covenant made to Abraham, Luke 1:67-75 Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:  68 "Blessed is the Lord God of Isra...