The BIG Picture (Study)

Understanding and Interpreting the Bible (Part 4A ---  Dividing the AGENCIES ) Dividing the REALMS, defined in the previous post of this series, by phrases like, heaven and earth, and spiritual and physical,  provide an understanding of the end point of God's great redemption plan. However, leading up to this end point, there will be an agency to occupy the heavens and fill it with the glory of Jesus Christ, and there will be an agency to occupy the earth and fill it with the glory of Jesus Christ. The end of it all would be as the scriptures say, Col.1:19-20 For God [the Father] was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him [Christ] , 20 and through Him [Christ] to reconcile to Himself [the Father] all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven , by making peace through the blood* of His [Christ] cross. Eph.1:9-10 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Hi...

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...

The Faith Stream Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to ALL the seed. God started a new program when he called Abraham. If you look at the timeline in the banner at the top of this website, you will notice that from Abraham (AB), a new stream branches off from the main river of humanity . I call this new stream the "faith stream". Why? Well, that's quite easy to answer. It's called the faith stream because scripture refers to it by the same name . Once you have read this article, you too will recognize it and understand the significance of the faith stream in God's incredible plan of the redemption of believing humanity, and the restoration of creation. Before I can prove to you the faith stream , I need to...

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...

The Connection between Abraham and Paul (Part.2) This is  part 2  of the series Click here to start with  Part 1 Lets connect the dots between Abraham and Paul Having set the scene,  in part 1 , that creation is corrupt in both heaven and earth, we indicated that God predestined the cleansing of these two realms by two separate people groups.  Genesis 22:15-17  is an incredible verse that describes the two people groups in God's plan of redemption, but lets have a look at some  even more incredible connections  ( similarities or parallels ) within these two people groups. Both people groups belong to  a new faith stream  ( this is my own personal description ) that describes a branching off from the main undercurrent of unredeemed humanity.  In order to become part of  'the faith stream',  one needs to respond  'by faith'  to the gospel * , the good ne...

The Connection between Abraham and Paul (Part.1) Setting the scene There are 2 programs in God's PLAN of redemption; an  earthly  program and a  heavenly  program. We all know that Genesis 1:1 reads, Genesis 1:1  In the beginning God created the  heavens  and the  earth . Heaven and earth are two  separate  realms that make up God's creation. We should also be aware that both these realms are corrupt and need 'cleansing'.  The heavens were corrupted when God cast Satan out of the 3rd heaven as we read in  Isaiah 14:12  and  Ezekiel 28:16 , and the result of  this is confirmed in  Job 15 , Job 15:15  Behold, He  [God]  puts no trust in his saints  [angels, see Job 4:18] ; yes,  the heavens are not clean in His sight . The earth and everything in it is corrupt and under a curse as we read in, Genesis 3 . ...