The BIG Picture (Study)

Understanding the New Testament Gospel Differences  (Part 4 --- Righteous Works) We continue with the comparison of the gospel of God and the gospel of Christ by looking at key elements that distinguish them from each other. I recommend to start at the beginning of this comparison to gain the necessary context of this series of posts. Righteous works Because the gospel of God was based on works , you will naturally see this works requirement manifest in the lives and actions of those who committed to, and were saved, under this gospel in the Acts period. For a Jew who believed in the gospel of God, that Jesus was risen and was the Christ , their works program did not change at all. They simply continued their routines based on the requirements of the Kingdom gospel, so there is not much we can learn from their accounts. However, by looking at examples from the saved Gentiles in this time, and what they did, we can glean an understanding that the gospel of God...

Understanding the New Testament Gospel Differences  (Part 3 --- By the Scriptures) In this post we continue with the comparison of the gospel of God and the gospel of Christ. I recommend to start at the beginning of this comparison to gain the necessary context of this series of posts. By the scriptures vs. Unsearchable  The gospel of God is the Kingdom gospel with the addition of one HUGE event; the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This gospel, preached by Peter in Acts 2, reignited the hope that the King could come and bring a restoration to Israel through His Kingdom. This narrative had been prophesied centuries before and many aspects of Jesus birth, life, death and resurrection can be found in the scriptures as proof of His identity and purpose. Before we continue with our point, I'd like to state one fact that is worthwhile mentioning at this time. We must understand that even if all of Jesus life and purpose was laid out in the prophetic scriptures, it was Go...

Understanding the New Testament Gospel Differences  (Part 2 --- To the Jews first) We continue, from this post , to work through the comparisons, differences, and nuances, between the gospel of God and the gospel of Christ through the transition period. To the Jews first, then to the Greek vs. to all men or nations During the Kingdom gospel, Jesus, on multiple occasions, mentioned that He had come for the lost sheep of the house of Israel, ( Matt.15:24 ). By saying this, He was excluding the Gentiles from His ministry. This was because of the plan of God to save the Jews first so that they, according to prophecy, could be the light to the Gentiles, ( Isa.60:3 ). The gospel of God was no different. Because this gospel was based on the Kingdom gospel, the audience was still the same. In the first few chapters of Acts, Peter and the other apostles were still going to the Jews only. The difference however was that the gospel messaged had changed to includ...

Understanding the New Testament Gospel Differences  (Part 1 --- Introduction) In the previous study we discussed how Paul, during the first half of his ministry, — that is, his missionary ministry represented in ACTS , —preached two gospels. The general trend that Paul would follow is; He would preach the gospel of God to those Jews and Gentiles (friends of the Jews) who came together, typically, but not exclusively, in the Jewish synagogues. The gospel of God in summary was, believe in Jesus' resurrection and 2nd coming, repent, be water baptized, receive the Holy Spirit, obey the law, prove your faith with works, and endure to the end. Then, to those who believed Paul's preaching of the above gospel, he would introduce them to the 'mystery' gospel of Christ . that Jesus died for their sins and that they could trust in nothing else but the all-sufficient cross-work of Christ (death , burial, resurrection) for sal...

How the Gospels Transitioned through ACTS (Part 5 --- The Gospel of Christ) As we build on the transition of the gospels through the book of Acts, it is important to keep in mind a progression of events that influenced its message. To do this, I'd like to reflect on the details we have already discussed, and just build it up again to get a good understanding of the progress of change, not only from the gospels, but also from the practicality and presentation of the good news to the people of that day. We can logically deduce that the lifestyle and mentality of a typical Jew (let's call him Jacob), who lived during the Acts period was as follows. Jacob was law abiding, —well, as far as possible! The main laws were no problem to keep as it was part of the routines that Jacob was used to. Jacob went regularly to the temple to offer sacrifices. He upheld the Sabbath and did the best he could to remember and practice the many intricate laws he learned from childhood from his f...

How the Gospels Transitioned through ACTS (Part 4 --- The Gospel of God) Before I get into the topic, I'd like to remind you of the infallibility of God's Word as printed in the King James Bible (1611). As I have written in other posts, we can trust that every word of every paragraph in this version is accurate and has inspired meaning and context.  So, when we read of the 'gospel of God' in some places, and in other places of the 'gospel of Christ', we, as students of the Word, should take note and understand that it's not just an inconsistency or a reference to the same gospel with two different names. No!   It's similar to the expressions, the "day of the Lord" ( Amos 5:18 ), the "day of our Lord Jesus Christ" ( 1 Col.1:8; 2 Col.1:14 ), the "day of God" ( 2 Peter 3:12; Rev.16:14 ), or "the last day(s), which are specifically used in the context of future events when Christ will intervene decisively for jud...

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 th...

How the Gospels Transitioned through ACTS (Part 1 ---  Introduction ) The transition period of Acts is a very intricate period, and one that can be expounded on in many different ways. One of the ways, to gain deeper insights into the transition period of Acts, is by studying the content of the gospels, and matching their differences up to the audiences who heard and responded to them. This study is going to delve into these topics to hopefully bring some meaningful insights to the transition period of Acts, and provide greater clarity regarding the different gospel messages and the people who were affected by them. Before we get into the details of four gospels, lets focus on what we know about the way of life before, and after, the gospel transition period. This will help us better understand the impact and conditions of the gospels and how they would affect the lives of those who lived during, and after this transition, which also includes you and ...

Gospel Transition vs. Gospel Dispensation Handling Gospel Transition Paul and John the Baptist taught two distinct gospels, both given by God: the gospel of the kingdom and the gospel of the grace of God. John the Baptist taught the good news of a coming Messiah to establish the long-promised kingdom to Israel. Anyone with sin could not enter the kingdom. He water baptized for the remission of sins and the promised priesthood, ( Mark 1:3-4 ). Paul's gospel taught Christ's blood payment for our sins and righteousness without the law.     Jesus, during his earthly ministry, taught the same message as John ( Mark 1:14-15 ). Yet, he added belief in himself as the Messiah. Anyone who did not believe Jesus was the Son of God was unacceptable with God ( John 6:40 ). The disciples of John may not have identified the Messiah. Followers of Jesus were required to.  Transition to Peter's Message  When Jesus died, his foll...