The BIG Picture (Study)

How the Gospels Transitioned through ACTS (Part 3 --- The Gospel of the Kingdom) Where do we find the Kingdom Gospel? The gospel of the Kingdom of God (or the Kingdom of Heaven, which can be understood as the gospel of the Kingdom which is from heaven ), is proclaimed by different individuals throughout the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The message proclaimed in this Kingdom gospel is unique to these four books and to the period of time from John the Baptist to the cross of Christ.  The four gospel books provide different accounts of Jesus life and ministry from the perspective of prophecy and the manifestations of God's character traits ( Ezek.1:10 ). Matthew presents the kingship of Christ in the face of the lion . This is why only Matthew mentions, "the Kingdom of Heaven" in his writings, portraying the gospel as the good news that the King, which is from heaven, has come to set up His Kingdom. Matthew 4

How the Gospels Transitioned through ACTS (Part 2 --- Clearing up the gospel confusion ) Browse around on the internet and you will find that everyone has a different view on the gospel. It is so sad to say, but there is such confusion regarding the gospel today. The gospel is the message that has the power to save us, but if everyone has their own views and interpretations, WHO IS RIGHT? Some argue if there is one gospel or many. Others cannot agree on what the gospel message is. Still others battle to understand how Paul fits into the picture and if his gospel is different, since he claims it to be, "my gospel" in  Romans 2:16, Romans 16:25 , and 2 Timothy 2:8 . So, how do we get to the truth?  ——which we ALL KNOW is in the Bible; being God's infallible truth and the only valid reference we have!!!   This million dollar question is not difficult to answer! Think of it! There is only one answer! The confusion comes because everyone has their own opinions and theorie

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

Is John 3:16 the gospel? No . This verse depicts the Kingdom gospel and not the Grace gospel. The gospel is absent in this verse and therefore one cannot use this verse as a basis to present the gospel to someone. Why not? This verse lacks the information that one needs to know regarding the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and what that purpose is for us. John 3:16 is essentially the Kingdom gospel and had to do with the  identity  of Jesus Christ, and Jews [ at the time of John's writing ] had to acknowledge Jesus as their Messiah, (see John 20:31, Luke 12:8, Matthew 16:16, John 11:27 ). The Grace gospel today is not about the identity of Christ, but rather with the cross work of Jesus; not who He is, but  what He has done . For examples of the grace gospel, see 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Romans 4:25; 1 Thessalonians 4:14; Romans 14:9; 2 Corinthians 5:15.   (Note, these scriptures above reference the cross work of Je

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