patrick jane Posted May 17, 2018 Group: Senior Member Followers: 5 Topic Count: 27 Topics Per Day: 0.01 Content Count: 596 Content Per Day: 0.27 Reputation: 320 Days Won: 1 Joined: 03/16/2018 Status: Offline Birthday: 03/01/1969 Author Share Posted May 17, 2018 Pentecost Not the Beginning of the Mystery Church By Justin Johnson “…according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began…” – Romans 16:25 “This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” – Eph 5:32 The great mystery revealed in Paul’s writings consists of Christ and the church (Eph 5:32; Eph 3:6-9). Never before had God spoken of a joint body of Jew and Gentile, which would receive glory apart from national Israel, their covenants, or their law. This new creature, as Paul calls it, was unknown since the world began, unknown by the ancient prophets (Col 1:25-28). This is why he calls it a mystery until revealed to him. “How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery” – Eph 3:3 Yet and still many in the church think this new creature had its beginnings on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. Pentecost is where they find their pattern, their origins, and is the root cause of the widespread growth of Pentecostal charismatic belief today. Consistent dispensational teaching has stood alone in insisting that the church was not in operation in Acts 2. Why? The simple reason is that everything described in Acts 1 and 2 is the subject of what was prophesied since the world began, and was not a mystery kept secret. The church today is operating according to the mystery. The believers at Pentecost were fulfilling prophecy. Consider the content of these first two chapters of Acts. Jesus taught the twelve apostles pertaining to the kingdom of God that was already written in the prophetic scriptures (Acts 1:3; Luke 24:44-45). Jesus commands them to stay in Jerusalem, God’s prophetic city (Acts 1:4) Jesus tells them to wait for the promise of the Father which promise had been given by the old testament prophets (Acts 1:4-5) They were expecting the restoration of Israel’s kingdom (Acts 1:6) They were to preach salvation to Israel first, and then salvation to the world through Israel’s rise (Acts 1:8). This is the description of world salvation by the prophets. Jesus ascended to heaven to fulfill the prophecies (Acts 1:9; Ps 110:1; Acts 2:33-35). The angels explain about Jesus’ return to the earth according to the prophets (Acts 1:11-12) Peter explains that Judas’ betrayal and death was a fulfillment of prophecy (Acts 1:16-18) Peter explains that his office needs to be replaced according to the prophecies (Acts 1:19-20). The method of choosing the twelfth apostle was that which God instructed Israel in time past (Lev 16:8; Pro 16:33). There are twelve apostles in order to possess authority over twelve tribes of Israel (Acts 1:26; Matt 19:28) The Spirit coming on Pentecost fulfills the shadow of the holiday given to Israel (Acts 2:1; Lev 23). The Spirit is poured out on believing Israel as the prophecies had spoken (Acts 2:4; Isa 44:3; Prov 1:23) The kingdom restoration of language began as prophesied (Acts 2:5-8; Zeph 3:9). The apostles proclaim the wonderful works of God according to Ps 40; Ps 78; and Ps 107 (Acts 2:11) Peter identifies what happened as a fulfillment of the prophecy spoken by the prophet Joel (Acts 2:16-21). Peter preached to the men of Israel and the “house of Israel” (Acts 2:22; Acts 2:36) Peter preaches Jesus of Nazareth as Israel’s Christ according to David’s prophecy about the Messiah (Acts 2:22-31) Peter preaches the fulfillment of Ps 110:1 in Jesus resurrection (Acts 2:32-35). Peter commanded his hearers to be repent, be baptized, receive the Spirit, all according to the promises given to Israel (Acts 2:38-41). The believers sold all that they had in expectation of the coming kingdom, living communally, and continued daily in Israel’s temple (Acts 2:42-46). After the abundance of evidence that the events in Acts 1 and 2 were prophesied, the only argument that remains that the church began at Pentecost is Acts 2:47. “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. “ – Acts 2:47 This scripture clearly says that the church was present at Pentecost, but if we are not to throw out every other verse in Acts 1 and 2, we must allow the scriptures to just as clearly describe it to be the prophesied church, and not the church according to the revelation of the mystery. A study of the cross references found in Acts 1 and 2 to the events declared by the prophets can result in only one conclusion if the scripture is to be taken literally: the church at Pentecost was not the new creature that Paul describes which was kept secret since the world began. What was kept secret (Paul’s new creature) cannot be what was prophesied (the events of Pentecost). The operation of the body of Christ according to the revelation of the mystery began when the Lord revealed such a change in the dispensation first revealed to Paul (Col 1:25; 1 Cor 9:17). The body of Christ today does not find its pattern in what was happening at the prophesied Pentecost of Acts 2, but in the pattern of the apostle Paul’s mystery ministry concerning Christ and his church of today. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – For more study on the events of Acts 1 and 2 listen to our verse by verse lessons here. Top of the Page Article Index Published: October 3, 2015 Last Modified: October 3, 2015 Related posts: -Was the Mystery Hidden in Prophecy? -Secret Since the World Began -When Did the Church Begin? -Apostles and Prophets of the Church -Did the Church Begin at Pentecost? -Black Swans and the Mystery -Things Old and Things New My Website : https://patrickjane3169.wixsite.com/website Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpzjN3dF-_PnAc81SQVjqhg?view_as=subscriber Twitter : https://twitter.com/patrickjane3169 Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007669219364 Google : https://plus.google.com/u/0/113527239869543729835 Hearing, believing and trusting the gospel of our salvation seals us with that Holy Spirit of Promise. The Lord is not slack concerning His promises. 2 Peter 3:9 KJV - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV - Ephesians 1:10-14 KJV - Romans 10:9-10 KJV - Romans 10:13 KJV - Romans 10:17 KJV - Ephesians 1:7 KJV - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick jane Posted May 17, 2018 Group: Senior Member Followers: 5 Topic Count: 27 Topics Per Day: 0.01 Content Count: 596 Content Per Day: 0.27 Reputation: 320 Days Won: 1 Joined: 03/16/2018 Status: Offline Birthday: 03/01/1969 Author Share Posted May 17, 2018 Pentecost Not the Beginning of the Mystery Church http://theologyforums.com/index.php?forums/mid-acts-dispensationalism.11/ By Justin Johnson “…according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began…” – Romans 16:25 “This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” – Eph 5:32 The great mystery revealed in Paul’s writings consists of Christ and the church (Eph 5:32; Eph 3:6-9). Never before had God spoken of a joint body of Jew and Gentile, which would receive glory apart from national Israel, their covenants, or their law. This new creature, as Paul calls it, was unknown since the world began, unknown by the ancient prophets (Col 1:25-28). This is why he calls it a mystery until revealed to him. “How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery” – Eph 3:3 Yet and still many in the church think this new creature had its beginnings on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. Pentecost is where they find their pattern, their origins, and is the root cause of the widespread growth of Pentecostal charismatic belief today. Consistent dispensational teaching has stood alone in insisting that the church was not in operation in Acts 2. Why? The simple reason is that everything described in Acts 1 and 2 is the subject of what was prophesied since the world began, and was not a mystery kept secret. The church today is operating according to the mystery. The believers at Pentecost were fulfilling prophecy. Consider the content of these first two chapters of Acts. Jesus taught the twelve apostles pertaining to the kingdom of God that was already written in the prophetic scriptures (Acts 1:3; Luke 24:44-45). Jesus commands them to stay in Jerusalem, God’s prophetic city (Acts 1:4) Jesus tells them to wait for the promise of the Father which promise had been given by the old testament prophets (Acts 1:4-5) They were expecting the restoration of Israel’s kingdom (Acts 1:6) They were to preach salvation to Israel first, and then salvation to the world through Israel’s rise (Acts 1:8). This is the description of world salvation by the prophets. Jesus ascended to heaven to fulfill the prophecies (Acts 1:9; Ps 110:1; Acts 2:33-35). The angels explain about Jesus’ return to the earth according to the prophets (Acts 1:11-12) Peter explains that Judas’ betrayal and death was a fulfillment of prophecy (Acts 1:16-18) Peter explains that his office needs to be replaced according to the prophecies (Acts 1:19-20). The method of choosing the twelfth apostle was that which God instructed Israel in time past (Lev 16:8; Pro 16:33). There are twelve apostles in order to possess authority over twelve tribes of Israel (Acts 1:26; Matt 19:28) The Spirit coming on Pentecost fulfills the shadow of the holiday given to Israel (Acts 2:1; Lev 23). The Spirit is poured out on believing Israel as the prophecies had spoken (Acts 2:4; Isa 44:3; Prov 1:23) The kingdom restoration of language began as prophesied (Acts 2:5-8; Zeph 3:9). The apostles proclaim the wonderful works of God according to Ps 40; Ps 78; and Ps 107 (Acts 2:11) Peter identifies what happened as a fulfillment of the prophecy spoken by the prophet Joel (Acts 2:16-21). Peter preached to the men of Israel and the “house of Israel” (Acts 2:22; Acts 2:36) Peter preaches Jesus of Nazareth as Israel’s Christ according to David’s prophecy about the Messiah (Acts 2:22-31) Peter preaches the fulfillment of Ps 110:1 in Jesus resurrection (Acts 2:32-35). Peter commanded his hearers to be repent, be baptized, receive the Spirit, all according to the promises given to Israel (Acts 2:38-41). The believers sold all that they had in expectation of the coming kingdom, living communally, and continued daily in Israel’s temple (Acts 2:42-46). After the abundance of evidence that the events in Acts 1 and 2 were prophesied, the only argument that remains that the church began at Pentecost is Acts 2:47. “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. “ – Acts 2:47 This scripture clearly says that the church was present at Pentecost, but if we are not to throw out every other verse in Acts 1 and 2, we must allow the scriptures to just as clearly describe it to be the prophesied church, and not the church according to the revelation of the mystery. A study of the cross references found in Acts 1 and 2 to the events declared by the prophets can result in only one conclusion if the scripture is to be taken literally: the church at Pentecost was not the new creature that Paul describes which was kept secret since the world began. What was kept secret (Paul’s new creature) cannot be what was prophesied (the events of Pentecost). The operation of the body of Christ according to the revelation of the mystery began when the Lord revealed such a change in the dispensation first revealed to Paul (Col 1:25; 1 Cor 9:17). The body of Christ today does not find its pattern in what was happening at the prophesied Pentecost of Acts 2, but in the pattern of the apostle Paul’s mystery ministry concerning Christ and his church of today. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – For more study on the events of Acts 1 and 2 listen to our verse by verse lessons here. Top of the Page Article Index Published: October 3, 2015 Last Modified: October 3, 2015 Related posts: -Was the Mystery Hidden in Prophecy? -Secret Since the World Began -When Did the Church Begin? -Apostles and Prophets of the Church -Did the Church Begin at Pentecost? -Black Swans and the Mystery -Things Old and Things New Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick jane Posted May 18, 2018 Group: Senior Member Followers: 5 Topic Count: 27 Topics Per Day: 0.01 Content Count: 596 Content Per Day: 0.27 Reputation: 320 Days Won: 1 Joined: 03/16/2018 Status: Offline Birthday: 03/01/1969 Author Share Posted May 18, 2018 Secret Since the World Began By Justin Johnson - http://graceambassadors.com/mystery/secret-since-the-world-began Nearly two thousand years ago God revealed information that was secret since the world began to the chief persecutor of Christ and the twelve. “Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:” – Col 1:25-26 Paul was saved by God’s grace and was chosen to make known the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of this mystery. “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,” – Rom 16:25 This secret, albeit concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, stands in contradistinction to the information that the twelve disciples were preaching. Peter in his message in Jerusalem after Pentecost spoke of Jesus Christ according to prophecy “which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:21). Peter taught things that were spoken by the prophets and Paul taught things that were kept secret from the prophets. It was kept secret from the prophets that Gentile salvation would occur through Israel’s fall (Rom 11:25). Also kept secret was the new body of believers that was being created which was separate from the elect nation of Israel (Eph 3:6). Nor was it prophesied that there would be free salvation apart from the covenants and the law (Rom 3:21-22). While the prophets spoke about a promised land given to a chosen nation ruling in an earthly kingdom in Jerusalem, Paul spoke of both Jews and Gentiles reigning in heavenly places judging angels (Eph 2:6). There are many blessings yet future that will fulfill the writings of the law and the prophets including the coming kingdom to Israel. Yet since the secret information was not spoken by the prophets, we live in a period separate from the subject of prophecy. Instead of an age of law and prophecy, we live in the dispensation of grace which had been hid in God from the foundation of the world (Eph 3:9). Though the verse clearly says it was secret since the world began, many still try to search the prophets for clues about what is happening now. It’s time we continue what God started with Paul “to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery” the secret since the world began (Eph 3:9). Top of the Page Article Index Published: September 16, 2008 Last Modified: May 31, 2016 Related posts: -A Must-Use Verse to Teach Right Division -Was the Mystery Hidden in Prophecy? -Is Prophecy Being Fulfilled in the Dispensation of Grace? -The Greatest Division in the Bible -Apostles and Prophets of the Church -It is Right to Divide What is Different -Pentecost Not the Beginning of the Mystery Church My Website : https://patrickjane3169.wixsite.com/website Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpzjN3dF-_PnAc81SQVjqhg?view_as=subscriber Twitter : https://twitter.com/patrickjane3169 Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007669219364 Google : https://plus.google.com/u/0/113527239869543729835 Hearing, believing and trusting the gospel of our salvation seals us with that Holy Spirit of Promise. The Lord is not slack concerning His promises. 2 Peter 3:9 KJV - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV - Ephesians 1:10-14 KJV - Romans 10:9-10 KJV - Romans 10:13 KJV - Romans 10:17 KJV - Ephesians 1:7 KJV - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick jane Posted May 20, 2018 Group: Senior Member Followers: 5 Topic Count: 27 Topics Per Day: 0.01 Content Count: 596 Content Per Day: 0.27 Reputation: 320 Days Won: 1 Joined: 03/16/2018 Status: Offline Birthday: 03/01/1969 Author Share Posted May 20, 2018 Email Tips: The Greatest Division in the Bible http://graceambassadors.com/midacts/the-greatest-division-in-the-bible This "tip" was originally delivered on Saturday, November 7th, 2015 . Everyone divides the Bible. No honest student of the scripture, taking it literally, thinks all of the Bible is for their participation. The important issue, then, is right division. The most common division in scripture is between the old and new testaments. It is right to divide the old and new covenants given to Israel, but this is not the greatest division. The most important division in the Bible is between what God said he would do through the prophets since the world began, and what God is now doing described in the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began. If you want to see this division clearly start by comparing Acts 3:21and Romans 16:25. Peter preached in Acts 3:21 what “God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.” Later, Paul preached in Romans 16:25 that “which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest…” This is why it is right to divide Peter from Paul: they taught something different. Even if it is hard to see all that they taught differently, we know that they taught something different about what God was doing. Rightly dividing prophecy from mystery will eventually make the gospel, doctrine, pattern, walk, identity, and ministry of the church abundantly clear for you. If you are new to right division and are overwhelmed, then start here. See this difference between prophecy and mystery, and watch your spiritual understanding grow (Eph 3:9-10). For His glory, Justin “make all men see” Johnson Full List of Email Tips This "tip" was originally published in the weekly Grace Ambassadors Update sent free to subscribers. My Website : https://patrickjane3169.wixsite.com/website Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpzjN3dF-_PnAc81SQVjqhg?view_as=subscriber Twitter : https://twitter.com/patrickjane3169 Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007669219364 Google : https://plus.google.com/u/0/113527239869543729835 Hearing, believing and trusting the gospel of our salvation seals us with that Holy Spirit of Promise. The Lord is not slack concerning His promises. 2 Peter 3:9 KJV - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV - Ephesians 1:10-14 KJV - Romans 10:9-10 KJV - Romans 10:13 KJV - Romans 10:17 KJV - Ephesians 1:7 KJV - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick jane Posted May 21, 2018 Group: Senior Member Followers: 5 Topic Count: 27 Topics Per Day: 0.01 Content Count: 596 Content Per Day: 0.27 Reputation: 320 Days Won: 1 Joined: 03/16/2018 Status: Offline Birthday: 03/01/1969 Author Share Posted May 21, 2018 GRACE AMBASSADORS MINISTRY UPDATE March 17th, 2018 Christian Competition People love to compete. Apparently, this does not change with Christians. It is not uncommon to hear comparisons of the success of this ministry with that ministry, church with church, or pastor with pastor. Paul says we are not wise to measure ourselves by ourselves (2 Cor 10:12). Let this be a rule in your personal service to God and your ministry. Attendance, gifts, salaries, books authored, or countries missioned do not properly evaluate your success. You do not need God to accomplish these things. Never run the race against someone else. You are complete in Christ. Answer only to the Lord and you will find the measure of success (1 Cor 4:1-4). For His glory, Justin “not competitive” Johnson Spiritual Blessings in a Natural World We spend a lot of time in life getting physical stuff. So when God explains that a hallmark of this dispensation is not physical blessings but spiritual blessings many believe God is not involved in their life. Read More Peter Taught Gentiles. Yawn. Sometimes people mistake the mystery of Christ with God’s blessing upon the Gentiles. More than one student of right division has fallen captive to this error. Beware. Read More Controversial Doctrines Resolved by the Pauline Pattern Many times the doctrines that cause Christians the most confusion are easily resolved by Mid-Acts right division all while keeping the clear reading of every passage of scripture in its context. Read More Audio: Chart: Old and New Testament Pattern This dispensational chart lesson walks through the difference between the Old Testament and the New showing the three-fold pattern of calling out a nation, being led through the wilderness, and then entering the promised land. Read More OUR MISSION Grace Ambassadors exists to clearly preach the gospel of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery, encourage Bible belief, and edify the church by teaching mid-Acts Pauline dispensational right division. (Read more about us) Find more free resources at www.graceambassadors.com THE GOSPEL THAT SAVES "I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved ... how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:" - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (KJB) My Website : https://patrickjane3169.wixsite.com/website Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpzjN3dF-_PnAc81SQVjqhg?view_as=subscriber Twitter : https://twitter.com/patrickjane3169 Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007669219364 Google : https://plus.google.com/u/0/113527239869543729835 Hearing, believing and trusting the gospel of our salvation seals us with that Holy Spirit of Promise. The Lord is not slack concerning His promises. 2 Peter 3:9 KJV - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV - Ephesians 1:10-14 KJV - Romans 10:9-10 KJV - Romans 10:13 KJV - Romans 10:17 KJV - Ephesians 1:7 KJV - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick jane Posted May 22, 2018 Group: Senior Member Followers: 5 Topic Count: 27 Topics Per Day: 0.01 Content Count: 596 Content Per Day: 0.27 Reputation: 320 Days Won: 1 Joined: 03/16/2018 Status: Offline Birthday: 03/01/1969 Author Share Posted May 22, 2018 Handling Gospel Transition http://graceambassadors.com/midacts/handling-gospel-transition By Justin Johnson 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. Paul’s good news included Christ’s blood payment for our sins and righteousness without the law. 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 for the priesthood (Mark 1:3-4). 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 the Jesus were required to. Transition to Peter’s Message When Jesus died his followers scattered. When Peter resumed the Lord’s ministry he taught Jesus’ message plus the Messiah’s necessary death and resurrection according to the prophets (Acts 2:31-38 and 3:18). All new followers had to believe Peter’s message of water baptism, Messiahship, and resurrection. Denying the resurrection was unacceptable. Added to Peter’s message was supernatural empowerment with the Holy Ghost. This also was not optional. Every follower of Peter’s message received the promise and power of the Holy Ghost (Mark 16:17, Acts 2:38, 1 John 2:21). The gospel message was altered or added to three times in the course of only a few years. Followers of John coexisted with followers of Peter and did not understand the resurrection, Messiah, or Holy Ghost (Acts 19:2-3). They were acceptable under John’s ministry and unacceptable under Peter’s. They were not in the upper room. They needed to handle the gospel transition. They needed to get up to speed. Those Left Behind in Transition When God reveals new information there are always those under an old message that remain and die. They may never be included in the new message. When they were given God’s message they believed it and acted accordingly. The just shall live by faith. When you learn to respect the difference between Peter and Paul’s gospels you will ask the same question everyone asks. What happened to the followers of Peter’s gospel if Paul’s was different? Answer: The same thing that happened to followers of John the Baptist. They lived and died by faith in what God told them. Their message was old and was being replaced by the gospel of the grace of God. Peter’s message was no longer what God was using. Paul updated Peter and Peter backed off. Transition was not unprecedented. Top of the Page Article Index Published: April 3, 2010 Last Modified: August 4, 2016 Related posts: -The First to Preach the Gospel -The Gospel Missing in John -The Gospel According to Paul -Paul Last of All -Time of Transition -Verse List: The Twelve Did Not Preach the Cross -Baptism and Manifesting Christ to Israel My Website : https://patrickjane3169.wixsite.com/website Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpzjN3dF-_PnAc81SQVjqhg?view_as=subscriber Twitter : https://twitter.com/patrickjane3169 Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007669219364 Google : https://plus.google.com/u/0/113527239869543729835 Hearing, believing and trusting the gospel of our salvation seals us with that Holy Spirit of Promise. The Lord is not slack concerning His promises. 2 Peter 3:9 KJV - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV - Ephesians 1:10-14 KJV - Romans 10:9-10 KJV - Romans 10:13 KJV - Romans 10:17 KJV - Ephesians 1:7 KJV - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick jane Posted May 23, 2018 Group: Senior Member Followers: 5 Topic Count: 27 Topics Per Day: 0.01 Content Count: 596 Content Per Day: 0.27 Reputation: 320 Days Won: 1 Joined: 03/16/2018 Status: Offline Birthday: 03/01/1969 Author Share Posted May 23, 2018 When Did the Church Begin? http://graceambassadors.com/midacts/when-did-the-church-begin By Justin Johnson When the church began is an age old debate. But what is meant by “when did the church begin?” To ask when the church began is not to ask when the church was first in the mind of God. This would not distinguish it from the beginning of all things, since God purposed all things before the world began (1 Cor 2:7; 2 Tim 1:9). It is not to ask when did Christ begin, since that is an altogether different question. Christ as the Son is eternal and has no beginning. His humanity began with the virgin conception. The glorified Christ in heaven began with his resurrection and ascension. To ask when the church began is a search for the first potentiality of church ministry. The beginning of the church cannot be found where the ministry of the church is absent or impossible. However, the most popular theories regarding when the church began do just that. Theory: The church began at the first mention of a people of God. If this be true, then we would find a church in the wilderness with Moses (Acts 7:35). After all, ‘church’ simply means congregation of God’s people. This is the position held by those who believe in only one people of God throughout the Bible. This simplistic view of the church neglects to appreciate the vast differences in nature and operation of Israel then and the church today. It could be said the only way the church today resembles the church of the wilderness (Israel) is that both are of God. Israel in the wilderness is hardly the ministry pattern for the church today. Theory: The church began when Christ was first preached. If this be true, then the church began with John the Baptist, the forerunner, and the Messiah’s ministry of the kingdom before the cross. Whereas Israel had not yet received its Messiah, Peter knew that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God, the promised Messiah (Matt 16:16-18). However, at this time there is still a general absence of the church’s ministry as evidenced from Peter’s ignorance of the cross (Matt 16:21-23). In the Messiah’s ministry, salvation was of the Jews (John 4:22); ministry did not include the Gentiles (Matt 10:5; Matt 15:24-26); they were under the law (Matt 5:17-19, 23:2-3); and, most importantly, when they preached the gospel of the kingdom they did not understand the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (Mark 9:31-32)! The work of the cross would most definitely be required for the church to minister Christ and him crucified (1 Cor 2:2). No, that the church began before the cross will not work. Theory: The church began when Christ resurrected and sent the Holy Ghost from heaven. If this be true then the church began with Peter and the disciples at Pentecost. This is the most popular answer to when the church began. Peter and the disciples knew of Christ’s death and resurrection according to the scriptures. The resurrection of Christ is necessary for the church to exist. They were baptized with the Holy Ghost empowering them to speak and to act. The Spirit is necessary for the church to exist. Certainly the church could not begin earlier than this point. However, the presence of things that are necessary for the church to operate does not mean the church is in operation. A look at the ministry of the “church in Jerusalem” at Pentecost will reveal that its operation does not align with that given to church today. Nothing that happened in Peter’s Pentecostal ministry was according to the mystery of Christ and the church. Nothing Peter preached at Pentecost was the subject of the mystery of Christ. Everything he preached about Christ, his death, and resurrection was spoken by the prophets since the world began (Acts 2:16, 2:25, 3:21). Peter did not expound on the nature of the new creature of Christ (2 Cor 5:17); or the unsearchable riches of God’s grace (Eph 3:8); or the union of the church with Christ, the fellowship of the mystery (Eph 3:9; Eph 4:3-6; 1 Cor 10:16). He spoke only of those things that were foretold by the prophets about Christ, the kingdom, and salvation (Acts 3:24, 4:12). The church which is the body of Christ operates according to the mystery of Christ (Eph 5:32, 1 Cor 2:7, Rom 16:25). Filled with the Spirit, the disciples in Acts 2 sold all their possessions (Acts 2:44-45); continued in the temple (Acts 3:1); ministered to Israel only (Acts 2:22, 3:12); preached prophecy (Acts 3:18-22); and performed the supernatural signs of the kingdom (Acts 4:22). Their ministry was a continuation of what had been preached before (Acts 1:22). Their message had changed, but only slightly, and it was certainly no mystery hidden from ages past (Col 1:26). They were not operating according to the spiritual realities of the mystery church when Peter slew Ananias and Sapphira in the Spirit (Acts 5:1-10). If the church began at Pentecost the Spirit that empowered them certainly did not want these apostles to know about it. Theory: The church began when God revealed it. “This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” – Eph 5:32 The origin of the church’s ministry cannot be found in the wilderness with Moses, in Israel with the Messiah, or in Jerusalem at Pentecost. When God revealed the knowledge of the mystery concerning Christ and His church to Paul, the ministry of the church began, and with it the pattern and origin of the church of today. “Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery…” – Col 1:25-26 Before Paul the mystery operation of the church was kept secret. It was not possible anyone could minister according to it. The confusion over when the church began can be attributed to the general ignorance of the mystery of Christ and His church revealed to the apostle Paul. Top of the Page Article Index Published: July 19, 2014 Last Modified: April 14, 2018 Related posts: -Pentecost Not the Beginning of the Mystery Church -The First to Preach the Gospel -Did the Church Begin at Pentecost? -Baptism and Manifesting Christ to Israel -The Greatest Division in the Bible -Differences Between Acts 2, Acts 28, and Mid-Acts -Rightly Dividing the Holy Spirit My Website : https://patrickjane3169.wixsite.com/website Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpzjN3dF-_PnAc81SQVjqhg?view_as=subscriber Twitter : https://twitter.com/patrickjane3169 Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007669219364 Google : https://plus.google.com/u/0/113527239869543729835 Hearing, believing and trusting the gospel of our salvation seals us with that Holy Spirit of Promise. The Lord is not slack concerning His promises. 2 Peter 3:9 KJV - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV - Ephesians 1:10-14 KJV - Romans 10:9-10 KJV - Romans 10:13 KJV - Romans 10:17 KJV - Ephesians 1:7 KJV - 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick jane Posted May 24, 2018 Group: Senior Member Followers: 5 Topic Count: 27 Topics Per Day: 0.01 Content Count: 596 Content Per Day: 0.27 Reputation: 320 Days Won: 1 Joined: 03/16/2018 Status: Offline Birthday: 03/01/1969 Author Share Posted May 24, 2018 Differences Between Acts 2, Acts 28, and Mid-Acts http://graceambassadors.com/midacts/differences-between-acts-2-acts-28-and-mid-acts By Justin Johnson It would be naive to think all dispensationalists teach the same thing. They do not. Not all dispensationalists teach the same thing about Paul. If you are new to dispensational Bible study you may not know the important differences between Acts 2, Acts 28, and Mid-Acts dispensationalists. Others that know the differences may think we should all join hands in a common cause against covenant kingdom theology. Still others will not identify themselves as different so as to persuade you secretly to join their ranks while you remain oblivious to what has happened. And you might be one who does not know why it matters. Here are a few simple definitions to help you discern what you are reading, who you are listening to, and whether or not you should be. Dispensationalism This is the teaching that how God acts toward mankind, and how he expects us to respond to him, changes through the Bible as he reveals his will. Groups that see a difference in God’s operations (though not a change in God himself) are being dispensational. If they claim a difference in Israel and the Church (with a future for both), Law and Grace, or Prophecy and Mystery then they would be dispensational. Acts 2 Dispensational Acts 2 dispensationalists see the church as a fulfillment of at least some Old Testament prophecies. They claim the church began at the Jewish feast day of Pentecost when the believers there were baptized with the Holy Ghost. To them, Israel will be restored, but Christ came in Matt-John to establish the church of today. They believe Peter and Paul taught the same gospel regarding Christ. They would take all of the new testament scriptures as applicable to the church. If a dispensationalist says Peter and Paul were sent to preach the same thing, they are an Acts 2 dispensationalist. Acts 28 Dispensational There is a much smaller group who we will identify as Acts 28 dispensationalists. They do no think the church of today fulfills any Old Testament prophecies. They claim that the church of today did not begin until God revealed it to Paul, but it was not made known by Paul during his ministry before Acts 28. To them, Jesus’ ministry was to Israel, Peter’s ministry was to Israel, and Paul’s ministry in the book of Acts was part of Israel’s program that included Gentiles. They teach that it was not until after the sign gifts and powers ceased (Acts 28) that Paul began to preach the mystery concerning the church. They take Paul’s later epistles as solely applicable to the church today containing the new revelation of the mystery given to Paul presumably after Acts 28 (Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, Philemon, Timothy, and Titus). They teach that Paul’s early epistles do not include any mystery information about the church revealed in his later epistles and are not for the church today (Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, and Thessalonians). If someone says that Paul was sent to preach two different messages, one was prophecy, one was mystery; they are Acts 28 dispensationalists (or a distorted variety of such). Mid-Acts Dispensational Mid-Acts dispensationalists teach that the church is not a fulfillment of either the old or new testaments. We claim that the church of today began with Paul as he was first given the preaching of the cross to proclaim as the gospel, and the mystery of Christ and his church. Paul was saved and began his ministry during the book of Acts. His gospel was always different than that of Jesus in his ministry to Israel (Matt-John), and Peter in Acts 2. Paul was revealed a mystery from Christ, but it was early in his ministry, and he taught the same message of the gospel of Christ, the mystery of Christ and the church, throughout his ministry The doctrine for the church today is found in all of Paul’s epistles, although there are times when Paul addresses and speaks to Israel, the little flock, and the unsaved. If someone says Peter and Paul always taught different things, they are mid-Acts dispensationalists. It matters what you believe about Paul and his ministry, even if you are dispensational. This website is mid-Acts dispensational. Top of the Page Article Index Published: June 7, 2014 Last Modified: April 14, 2018 Related posts: -What Happened in Mid-Acts? -What is Mid-Acts Pauline Dispensational Right Division? -The Main Point of Mid Acts Doctrine -When the Dispensation of Grace Began -Mid Acts Dispensational Questions and Answers -Why Do You Call It Mid-Acts Pauline Dispensational Right Division? -Mid-Acts Dispensational Straw Men My Website : https://patrickjane3169.wixsite.com/website Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpzjN3dF-_PnAc81SQVjqhg?view_as=subscriber Twitter : https://twitter.com/patrickjane3169 Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007669219364 Google : https://plus.google.com/u/0/113527239869543729835 Hearing, believing and trusting the gospel of our salvation seals us with that Holy Spirit of Promise. The Lord is not slack concerning His promises. 2 Peter 3:9 KJV - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV - Ephesians 1:10-14 KJV - Romans 10:9-10 KJV - Romans 10:13 KJV - Romans 10:17 KJV - Ephesians 1:7 KJV - 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick jane Posted May 25, 2018 Group: Senior Member Followers: 5 Topic Count: 27 Topics Per Day: 0.01 Content Count: 596 Content Per Day: 0.27 Reputation: 320 Days Won: 1 Joined: 03/16/2018 Status: Offline Birthday: 03/01/1969 Author Share Posted May 25, 2018 The Main Point of Mid Acts Doctrine http://graceambassadors.com/midacts/the-main-point-of-mid-acts-doctrine By Justin Johnson It is not unusual to receive messages from site visitors who would like to oppose Mid Acts doctrine since evidently it sounds very different. It is a pleasure to receive one of these messages since I am able to learn what is being communicated by what is published. After reading many of these emails, it is amazing how often people miss the main point of the Mid Acts perspective. By not correctly identifying what it is they are attacking, their volleys fail to hit the mark. This short post is intended to help direct those who are looking for the heart of Mid Acts so that you can aim your attacks (or your sincere consideration) more accurately. It’s Not about Baptism It seems some doctrines attract a larger crowd than others. Baptism is one of those doctrines that will always be surrounded in controversy. While it is clearly understood through a Mid Acts perspective that water baptism has no import in this dispensation it is not the primary point of Mid Acts dispensational right division. You Can’t Find It in Acts The book of Acts does not clearly identify what is taught as Mid Acts doctrine. The nomenclature “Mid Acts” refers to at what time Paul was saved. The book of Acts is about Israel’s rejection of the Apostles: all of them. First they rejected Christ, the Apostle (Heb 3:1), then the twelve apostles, then Paul the apostle of the Gentiles. Christ was rejected in Jerusalem, his disciples all throughout Israel, and Paul was stoned in Gentile countries. It is a description of old things (Israel’s position) passing away but only a vague description of the new things (the new creature). The Main Point Here it is: the main point. Mid Acts doctrine does not rest on baptism, the book of Acts, or 2 Timothy 2:15. Our Apostle Paul was uniquely given mercy by God while he was killing the faithful in Christ. Jesus commissioned him with a unique ministry. Paul taught a message of the Lord Jesus that no one hitherto had known. “Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.” – 1 Tim 1:16 Jesus gave to Paul a new ministry to be the pattern to everyone after him. God’s nature has not changed, but his ministry to man has changed. God’s present ministry to man through Christ was first revealed in its fullness to our Apostle Paul. The Painted Target If Paul did not teach anything significantly different than Peter, John the Baptist, or the prophets, then Mid Acts doctrine falls apart. However, if you can see that there is new doctrine about Jesus revealed first to Paul that is of primary significance to the members of the body of Christ today, then you are closer to identifying the main point of Mid Acts doctrine. Top of the Page Article Index Published: January 9, 2010 Last Modified: August 4, 2016 Related posts: -The Most Important Baptism -What Happened in Mid-Acts? -What is Mid-Acts Pauline Dispensational Right Division? -Differences Between Acts 2, Acts 28, and Mid-Acts -Mid-Acts Doctrine Changes Everything -Did the Church Begin in Acts 28? -Popular Objections to Mid-Acts My Website : https://patrickjane3169.wixsite.com/website Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpzjN3dF-_PnAc81SQVjqhg?view_as=subscriber Twitter : https://twitter.com/patrickjane3169 Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007669219364 Google : https://plus.google.com/u/0/113527239869543729835 Hearing, believing and trusting the gospel of our salvation seals us with that Holy Spirit of Promise. The Lord is not slack concerning His promises. 2 Peter 3:9 KJV - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV - Ephesians 1:10-14 KJV - Romans 10:9-10 KJV - Romans 10:13 KJV - Romans 10:17 KJV - Ephesians 1:7 KJV - 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick jane Posted May 26, 2018 Group: Senior Member Followers: 5 Topic Count: 27 Topics Per Day: 0.01 Content Count: 596 Content Per Day: 0.27 Reputation: 320 Days Won: 1 Joined: 03/16/2018 Status: Offline Birthday: 03/01/1969 Author Share Posted May 26, 2018 What Happened in Mid-Acts? http://graceambassadors.com/midacts/what-happened-in-mid-acts By Justin Johnson When we read the beginning of the book of the Acts of the Apostles, we find Peter ready for the promised kingdom to Israel (Acts 1:8). The twelve are given a commission to go to the Jews first and are told to remain in Jerusalem until their message is received (Luke 24:47, Acts 1:8). The final chapter of the book describes Paul in a far away Roman city sending salvation to the Gentiles while Israel had rejected Christ. He was the chief persecutor of Peter’s group until his conversion and did not have a ministry in Jerusalem. Something happened by the end of the book that was not what Peter had in mind in Acts 1 or 2. While the ministry change is apparent, it seems that the nature of the change is often misunderstood. It is often taught that the early church was mostly Jewish and after a time of incubation and growth it expanded out to Gentile countries. This is not what the scripture says as there was great persecution upon that church (Acts 8:1-3) and by Acts 28 the Jews had been cast away (Acts 28:28)! It was only after the rejection of Peter’s message that Paul was given a special commission from Jesus in Acts 9. The specific ministry of grace to the Gentiles begins with Paul. (Peter’s singular ministry to a Gentile was in Acts 10 to Cornelius after Paul’s conversion, but it is with the gospel of the kingdom.) After Acts 15 we do not hear about Peter anymore and Paul’s acts are the main subject. Paul was persecuted by his brethren because he taught Jesus Christ according to new information (Romans 16:25). We can read what Paul taught in his ministry from reading his epistles. In them we find the doctrine of a new gospel that was “kept secret” and whereby Paul, a persecutor of the Jewish disciples of Christ, was saved by God’s longsuffering and not under a law system (Rom 3:22, 1 Tim 1:16). Paul was the first to explain about a new dispensation from God (1 Cor 9:17, Eph 3:1). This major change in God’s administration makes for a surprise ending to the book of Acts. It also introduces the need for us to ‘rightly divide’ the scriptures when we read them. If we don’t, we will fall into salvation problems trying to reconcile Peter’s kingdom message with Paul’s message of grace is not a trivial matter. This is why you may have heard right division referred to as mid-Acts or Pauline dispensational. A significant doctrinal and administrative change began with Paul in the middle of the book of Acts. Top of the Page Article Index Published: September 5, 2009 Last Modified: December 30, 2017 Related posts -Differences Between Acts 2, Acts 28, and Mid-Acts -A Stopping Point in Acts -Without Paul -The Main Point of Mid Acts Doctrine -Did Cornelius Learn the Mystery? -Peter’s Audience -Mid-Acts Dispensational Straw Men My Website : https://patrickjane3169.wixsite.com/website Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpzjN3dF-_PnAc81SQVjqhg?view_as=subscriber Twitter : https://twitter.com/patrickjane3169 Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007669219364 Google : https://plus.google.com/u/0/113527239869543729835 Hearing, believing and trusting the gospel of our salvation seals us with that Holy Spirit of Promise. The Lord is not slack concerning His promises. 2 Peter 3:9 KJV - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV - Ephesians 1:10-14 KJV - Romans 10:9-10 KJV - Romans 10:13 KJV - Romans 10:17 KJV - Ephesians 1:7 KJV - 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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