There are several basic GUIDES of Bible
study. Once they are learned and practiced, the Christian will find that the
Bible is not such a 'hard and difficult book to understand' after all. The
rules are these.
1. WHO is speaking?
2. TO WHOM is he speaker speaking?
3. ABOUT WHAT is he speaking?
4. WHEN was it spoken? Remembering of
course that 'while all the Bible was written FOR you, it was not all written to
you, nor was it written ABOUT you.'
Notice also God's progressive program and
how He deals with different people through the ages. God never changes as far
as His character is concerned...but He does change His dealings with men. He
does not deal with people in the same way in every age. Notice how His program
changes beginning with the earthly ministry of our Lord.
THE
APOSTLE: THE MEN AND THEIR MINISTRY
In the Gospel records, we find our Lord
choosing twelve Apostles (Matthew 10:5-6. Later, however, these men were given
authority to act in the King's absence (Matthew 28:18-19), and were told to go to
the World, but go to the Jew first (Acts 1:8). However, still later, these
twelve confine their ministry to Israel and another is appointed to go to the
Gentiles Gal. 2:7-9). But compare this program with the ministry of Paul to the
Church (Acts 28:28 and Ephesians 3).
THE APOSTLES; THEIR MESSAGE
In the beginning they were to announce
'The Kingdom at Hand' (Matthew 3:12; 10:7). Then later in Acts 2:29-39 and Acts
3:19-21 they were to 'Offer the Kingdom.' It will also be noticed that when
they 'Announced "The Kingdom to be at Hand' they told the people to 'repent
and be baptized, confessing their sins' (Mark 1-5). But later when 'the Kingdom
was Offered.' they told the people to 'repent, be baptized, and receive the
Holy Spirit' (Acts 2:38). But compare this with the message of Paul as he
preaches to the Gentiles (Ephesians 2:14-15 and 4:4-5).
THE APOSTLES: THEIR MIRACLES
As they begin their ministry, miracles
abound (Matthew 10:1-8) and as they continue their ministry they do even greater
works (Acts 2:43) but then the miracles begin to vanish until there is no trace
of them at all (1 Timothy 5:23; 2 Timothy 4:20).
THE APOSTLES: THEIR MANAGEMENT
In the beginning of their ministry, God
provided everything (Matt. 10:8-9) as they continued, they practiced what they
preached (Acts 2:44-45). But, something changes; relief is sent to the poor
saints (Acts 11:29, 1 Corinthians 16:1-3, and finally the order completely changes (1
Timothy 5:8; 1 Timothy 6:17-19).
Now the question is: Why did God change
the program?
The Answer is: As long as God was dealing
with Israel...His earthly peoples..He dealt in an earthy manner, viz; gifts of
healing, many miracles, signs, tongues, wonders, water baptisms and all things
in common...... but, when Israel rejected Christ and the offer of the kingdom,
God turned from Israel (Acts 13:46), 18:6 and 28:28). He turned to the Gentiles
and began building the Church which is the Body of Christ. So today, God speaks
to us as Christians through the Apostle Paul and the Church is His Heavenly
people. Our ministry is according to 2 Corinthians 5
The
Coming Judgement
By
Les Feldick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsXi96tmoh4&feature=share
King James Bible
The Preserved and Living Word of God
(A 10 Minute Video)
Posted By Cecil and Connie Spivey
https://www.facebook.com/cecil.spivey
https://www.facebook.com/cecil.spivey
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UDY to all your friends
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