New Testament Including The One True GOD- Given "Real-Baptism" For This
Grace Age. The Following Are Biblical Lessons On This Subject . . .
And, Many 0ther Things Are Explained In This 8 Part Message That Can Help
The Student Comprehend His Bible. . .
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[ Lesson -.31 ].
Why Did Paul "Baptize" When He Wasn't Commanded To Do So? . . .1. Commentary . . . in {
Matthew 28:19 } only the 12 Apostles who had followed JESUS was commanded by CHRIST to "Baptize" after His death, { Acts 2:38 }. As we can see, and in Paul's own words, he was never sent to "Baptize" under the Mystery Gospel. The "Baptismal" ordinance was only to be carried out under the Kingdom Gospel Commission by the 12 Apostles. Who were the original 12 Apostles [ 1 ]:Simon, who is called Peter, . . . [ 2 ]: Andrew, Peters brother; . . . [ 3 ]: James . . . the son of Zebedee, and [ 4 ]: John, . . . his brother; . . . [ 5 ]: Philip, and . . . [ 6 ]: Bartholomew ( Nathaniel ); . . . [ 7 ]: Thomas, . . . and . . . [ 8 ]: Matthew the tax collector; . . . [ 9 ]: James, the son of Alphaeus, and . . . [ 10 ]: Thaddaeus: ( Judas, not Iscariot ); . . . [ 11 ]: Simon - the Canaanite, and . . . [ 12 ]: Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Christ. { Matthew Ch. 10. } And, of course the Apostle who became the [ 12th ] in order to replace Judas Iscariot was Matthias, { Acts 1:26 }. And, then we have Paul the one Apostle for the Gentiles. Mark and Luke who have been called apostles were not of the original 12 even though they wrote the two books that are named after them. They were disciples of the Apostle Paul we read about them primarily in the book of Acts.2. The question is, "Who was it in later years who took the "Baptismal" ordinance out from its rightful Commission to the Israelites, and "un-scripturally" re-established it back as a false commandment to the Body of CHRIST? Certainly, some of the Hebrews who couldn't accept the idea that the ordinances of the Law had been left behind at the Cross of CHRIST and, a new order for mankind had began, decided that they should still be observed. They just could not accept the fact that 'works of any kind in order to receive salvation' was no longer required!
3. In the O.T. when a priest or a King passed away, another was chosen to replace him. This certainly was priestly and Kingly Succession, that was truthfully and obediently to be carried out. But, . . . this order of succession was not to be re-established under the present Dispensation of Grace! Nowhere in the Epistles for the Body of CHRIST do we find such a Commission given, and naturally this applied to the LORD's 12 Apostles likewise, that is, except in the case of Judas where Matthias was chosen to replace him.
4. We notice that under the Kingdom order, Apostolic Succession was still the order of the day at least in this one instance, we find this truth brought out after the death of the Apostle Judas who had been numbered with the 12. According to {
Acts 1:20 }, another Apostle was to take the place of Judas. Therefore, a man who had been in the company with the 12 Apostles during their ministry with JESUS, was to be chosen to become the 12th Apostle to take Judas' place. [ See our Message concerning "The 12 Apostles And Their Apostolic Authority" ].5. Why was another Apostle needed to replace Judas? Because, the number 12 is always associated with the Hebrew nation. Evidently the 12 were to be the spiritual leaders of the 12 tribes of Israel, and only 11 still existed to carry out this program. Also, it should be remembered that JESUS had promised the 12, that they were to sit on 12 thrones during His Millennial reign, to judge the 12 Tribes.
6. And, since there were only 11 of them left, one more had to be chosen to take this place . . . otherwise the promise by the LORD could not be carried out! Many Preachers and teachers today, mistakenly teach that Paul was the one chosen to take the place of Judas. When we read {
V. 21 of Acts 1 }, we have found that Paul would not have been accepted as one of the 12 because he had not traveled with the 12 in their teaching Ministry.7. When these 11 Apostles prayed to the LORD, and no doubt, being filled with the SPIRIT of the LORD, see {
Acts 1:22-26 } they chose Matthias to take the place of Judas. At that time the 12 were all "filled with the HOLY SPIRIT," { Acts 2:4 }. Now, again we ask the question, "who was it that re-instituted the ritual of "water Baptism" into the teachings of the Body of CHRIST? When we study Church history we can only come to one conclusion, it was the Roman Catholic Church that must be blamed for this false act of changing the Scripture around to fit their own dogma. [ Dogma . . . "A system of principles or tenets, as of a religious denomination. Many times the dogma is man made principles of Church doctrine that is called Phariseeism." ]8. They also are the ones who began the doctrine of Apostolic Succession in their own teachings. And, this is why they have decided that the Pope, the Pontifex Maximus, or chief priest, was to become the head or high priest of the Church. And, from history we learn that Pope after Pope has succeeded one after the other since that particular denomination first began! In the beginning of our message, we brought out the fact that the early Church fathers taught "water Baptism," but the Roman Church with its huge following throughout the world is the one that carried this belief into the future and caused it to be falsely accepted world wide!
9. When we read {
Revelation 21:14 }, the names of the 12 Apostles are engraven on the 12 foundations of the wall of the New Jerusalem. It was an absolute must, that there were to be only 12 of them with no successors to follow. If there were to be other Apostles to succeed the 12, would it not be natural for those that followed the 12 to also have their names imprinted on the wall of New Jerusalem with the 12? Concerning the Apostles, I must believe that some folks down through this Christian age have taught false doctrine and have "brain washed" millions of honest people who have been taken in with un-sound doctrine.10. The 12 Apostle's Commission, which included the discipline and the "Baptizing" of the nations, was intended to help bring about the establishment of the Millennial Kingdom, {
Matthew 28:19 }. Notice that the verse states that the Apostles were to "Baptize" the nations. In other words, they were to lead the worlds' nations into the Millennial Kingdom of the LORD. The LORD also promised the Apostles in { V. 20 }, that by obeying Him, He would be present with them throughout the Hebrew age. What was it that the LORD taught in { Matthew 15:24; - 24:14; - & - John 1:31 }?11. Isn't it strange that after the LORD had set Israel aside, folks down through this Christian age cannot separate themselves away from the dictates of the Mosaic law and its ordinances? For a two thousand year period the LORD completely set aside His Commission for the Millennial Kingdom for the Israelis when He cast them out into the nations of the world in A.D. 70. And along with this suspension He made clear that the Kingdom Commission with its ordinances, its works of the law and the Kingdom Gospel portrayed in {
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John - & - most of Acts } were also set aside "UNTIL HIS SECOND COMING," when He would release the nation from its two thousand year curse. And yet, Christendom has not been able to accept the fact that those old ordinances and works of the law and Kingdom have been set aside and are no longer in force for today!12. We have already pointed out that CHRIST, when He was teaching during His Kingdom Administration, only taught the "Gospel of the Kingdom." When we read John's rendering of the Gospel, we find that it also portrays the life and ministry of CHRIST but there is a difference in his ministry than foretold in Matthew, Mark and Luke which are called the Synoptics. In John we may notice the difference between what is said of John the Baptist and his ministry in the Snyoptics, especially the Gospel of Matthew, and what we read of him here in John. In Matthew he is heralding the King and proclaims that the promised Kingdom, promised by the Old Testament prophets of GOD, had drawn near. In bearing that witness he also witnessed concerning the Light - i.e., Gospel Truth!
13. But, why is there nothing said of this peculiar ministry in John's Gospel? Why do we not read again of that Millennial Kingdom being near? Why is all this omitted in John's Epistles? The Kingdom Gospel is not found in John, or in First, Second or Third John the reason is very simple. Jerusalem and the Temple had been destroyed some twenty years before the beloved Apostle was instructed by the HOLY SPIRIT to write his 5 Epistles. Israel had been overtaken by that which the lips of the SON of GOD had so vividly pictured. They had fallen by the edge of the sword and were now being scattered among all the world's nations.
14. When John had wrote his Epistles, the new Dispensation, this present Dispensation of Grace, had fully set in. Judaism is no longer recognized by GOD and Paul's present Gospel of the Mystery repeatedly bears witness to this fact, and it is quite different with the Synoptic Gospels; which moved upon Jewish ground. Judaism was now set aside, the fact that Israel having rejected the kingdom now makes it unnecessary to introduce John the Baptist as the herald of the King in John's Gospel. he truth is, if the forerunner's witness to Israel were brought into John's narrative, it would be all out of keeping with the scope of it.
15. One more thing to take note of is that all five of John's Epistles were written after the Transition Period had ended. All the evidence concerning the writing of the new Testament Epistles except John's Epistles, are believed to have been written during the Transition Period portrayed during the 40 year period of the time of the Acts period. This would have been between CHRIST's death and the destruction of Israel's Temple, in other word between AD. 30 and A.D. 70. when all the other Epistles of the New Testament were written. Therefore, we have only John's Epistles being written after the Transition Periods had ended! John obviously write his Epistles between A.D. 90 and A.D. 96. Remember this, even though John's Gospel is much different than the other three, he still while being under the teaching of the LORD before the Cross followed the teachings of the Kingdom Gospel because it was still during the time of Transition, thus, as the other three writers kept to the story of the life of CHRIST, so does John in his historical Gospel narrative of the previous Dispensation.
16. Why is it so difficult for the Body of CHRIST to follow the Apostle Paul, the Apostle for the Gentiles, and the one Apostle for the Body of CHRIST, whose Epistles are continually for our needs of today? Why can't the present Body leave Peter's Kingdom Gospel with its works behind and accept Paul's Gospel of the Mystery only? Is it hard headedness, is it ignorance, or is it because the majority of us have been brain- washed into believing the false doctrine portrayed in Church history?
17. Why can't we believe Romans through Philemon, and what is taught for us in those letters and obey the LORD as Paul has taught us to do? We are not saying that we should completely ignore the rest of the Bible, but that we should be very careful and not place ourselves under past works, or under works that some in our age have erroneously placed in our path. Certainly we cannot be perfect, but we can do much better than we have in the past. For the third time we repeat these next verses in Titus:
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18. {
V. 3 } Scripture: "For we ourselves also were sometimes, foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and "envy, 'hateful and hating one another.19. {
V. 4 }: But after that the kindness and love of GOD our Saviour toward man appeared.20. {
V. 5 }: Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration of the HOLY SPIRIT;'========
21. The above { Vs. 3-5 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . { 3 }: "For we ourselves 'also were and are' 'sometimes thoughtless, senseless, obstinate, deluded, misled,' foolish, disobedient, 'deceived, and were once slaves to all sorts of carnal covetous cravings' serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice, 'envy and jealousy', 'hateful, detestable,' and hating one another. . . . {
4 }: But 'after that when the goodness': the loving kindness and love of GOD our Saviour 'toward man as a man' Himself appeared. . . . { 5 }: He saved us Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to 'the LORD's pity and mercy He saved us, by the 'washing, cleansing bath of purification' 'of the new birth,' the: 'regeneration and renewing of the HOLY SPIRIT;'========
22. {
V. 6 }: Which He 'shed [ poured out so richly' ] on us abundantly through JESUS CHRIST our Saviour;23. {
V. 7 }: That being justified by His Grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life, { Titus 3:3-7 }."=========================
24. The above { V. 7 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "And He did it in order that we might be justified by His Grace . . . by His favor, wholly undeserved, that is, that we might be acknowledged and counted as conformed to the Divine will in purpose, thought and action; and that we might become heirs of eternal life according to our hope."
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25. {
V. 12 } Scripture: "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same LORD over all is rich unto all that call upon Him.========
26. The above { V. 12 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "For there is 'no difference - no distinction' between the 'Jew [ Hebrew' ] and the 'Greek [ Gentile, heathen' ]: for the 'same LORD is LORD over all of us,' He 'is rich and He generously bestows His riches' unto all that 'call upon Him in faith'.
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27. {
V. 13 }: For whoever shall 'call upon the name of the LORD [ for salvation, invoking Him as LORD' ] shall be saved, { Romans 10:12-13 }." See { Joel 2:32 }.=========================
28. Commentary . . . Do these verses not give evidence that we today do not need the works of the law or any other works in order that we might become righteous in the eyes of the LORD? We certainly do not have to go back to the works of the law, or place ourselves under any of the old ordinances of the old regime taught by Peter and the other eleven Apostles to follow the LORD today! During this Dispensation of pure Grace, we are to march forward under the dictates of the Apostle Paul. . . . And we should be able to say, that we also have fought a good fight and have conquered Satan in his devilment against us!
29. We are free from the reproach of Satan if we will only obey the Gospel of Grace and continually fight the wiles of the devil and his false doctrine. We have already won the battle through the LORD JESUS CHRIST and what He has done for us, therefore, be watchful and alert for false doctrine that might sway you in your own ministry to others.
30. Many of our troubles presently is that most folks believe and are taught that what JESUS taught His Apostles while He was still in His body of flesh on this earth, are also our marching orders for today because He Himself taught such things. What is not realized, is that much of what He taught during His earthly ministry was for a previous Dispensation, and also for a future Dispensation that will follow this Grace Dispensation. In other words, much of the LORD's doctrine at that time was NOT necessarily for us in our own age! When one reads His orders for the Israelis of that time, and try to follow those commandments in our present time, if we are intelligent people, we will not fail to realize that we would be ignoring many of the teachings of the Apostle Paul. Does this make sense to you as a student of Scripture?
31. People today are often confused of the fact that Paul was not just an Apostle for past generations, but is also the only Apostle for us today. Just so, we should follow those same marching orders that he taught us to follow in his Epistles. It is in his Epistles that our instructions for the present are to be carried out. Paul was just as much an Apostle as the Apostles before him, but for a different time period. Paul taught in a different way than the 12, and for a different reason. He never taught that the Body of CHRIST would inherit the Millennial Kingdom. The Israelites are the ones to inherit the earthly Kingdom, we are to inherit the Heavenlies with CHRIST as our Head, anyone familiar with the Scriptures can easily prove this to be true!
Please make up your own questions to ask the class concerning the above lesson.[ Lesson - 32. ] Was The 12 Apostles Sent To Baptize? What about Paul,
Was He Also Sent To "Baptize." . . .
1. Commentary . . . It has been stated many times that the Apostle Paul was sent to "water Baptize" folks just like the 12 Apostles that followed the LORD. We have quoted Paul several tines when he stated: that teachers who teach like this are telling false tales, because he never said any such thing! Paul emphatically declared: "CHRIST sent me not to "Baptize" { 1- Corinthians 1:17 }. Why is it that some people do not take what Paul says in the verse as Gospel truth? On the other hand, it seems that those who are so dogmatic today cannot cease to teach their denominational doctrine whether it is Biblical or not. . . .
2. Because, even though these teachers are good Christians, they cannot get themselves away from the rituals of the law and Kingdom period, but keep dragging the old ordinances over into the present age of Grace where works are not required. Why? Is the average Christian today brain washed? Brain washing may not be a good term to use but when one hears certain things taught long enough it sometimes becomes indelibly printed in ones mind. . . .
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3. Scripture: "Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you 'the truth [ and teach you sincerely' ]? {
Galatians 4:16 }."=========================
4. Scripture: "You did run well; who did hinder you that you should not obey the truth? {
Galatians 5:7 }."=========================
5. The above {
V. 7 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "You were running the race nobly. . . . Who has 'interfered [ hindered and stopped you' ] from heeding and following the TRUTH?"=========================
6. Scripture: "For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth, {
2- Corinthians 13;8 }."=========================
7. Commentary . . . "I.e., we must not serve any party or personal interest but must follow only the truth which is the Gospel of the LORD." Paul's Gospel was to preach and teach the Gospel of the Mystery of the Grace of GOD to a lost world. He was not sent to continue the doctrine of the law and apply that doctrine to the Body of CHRIST! Paul did use certain illustrations from the previous Dispensations in order to show how those Dispensations differentiated from the Grace period of our own age. Therefore, to continue the practices of the old age was something he did not teach. Nor did Paul mean for others to teach the practices of the old previous Dispensations, other than for the knowledge of historic events that were in the past and to point out various future events for our benefit.
8. And we again repeat, Paul did say that he "Baptized" a few people. When he began his Apostle-ship, the process of transition from law, to kingdom, and on into the Grace without works period was still in effect. All this has already been brought out previously in this "Baptismal" message. Knowledge like this we believe is what is so mind boggling to the average student of Scripture in our own age.
9. "IF" the Body of CHRIST did begin at Pentecost as most Bible scholars mistakenly teach, then it would be difficult for us to disagree with people that teach works which includes "water Baptism" for this age of Grace. But, we have shown by the Scriptures that this is not so. All of these mistakes are because of the change over in transition that occurred after the calling and beginning of the ministry of John the Baptist. As we have stated the period of transition really did not end completely until the Hebrew Temple was destroyed in A.D. 70.
10. As we have taught before, "As long as the Word of GOD was to go to the Jew first and afterward to the Gentile during the Acts period, the time 'of transition [ change over' ] was still in effect." After A. D. 70. the transition period became a past Dispensation, and from then on this new Dispensation would be pure Grace for the Body of CHRIST, no longer was the Jew to be first in anything! A question this writer would like you to answer is: "have you ever heard a Minister teach anything concerning the Biblical transition periods? if not, ask yourself why not! Again we bring up this question . . .
11. Paul gave careful instructions on how to observe the LORD's Supper and he was also just as careful to state that he received this knowledge of truth by revelation from the LORD. When it comes to water "Baptism," if water "Baptism" was so important for us to observe in our own age, isn't it odd that Paul gave no instruction whatsoever concerning a correct mode for this ordinance? He even went so far as to say that he thanked GOD that he had "Baptized" none of them "but Crispus, Gaius and the household of Stephanas, {
1- Corinthians 1:14-17 }."12. Did Paul say that the LORD did not send him to take part in the observance of the LORD's supper, or that he should not teach anything about it? We know of no Biblical ordinances today that we are to observe, the old ordinances were nailed to CHRIST's Cross as Paul stated, {
Colossians 2:13-17 }. But, the LORD's supper is positively not an ordinance, it's a 'MEMORIAL!'Please make up your own questions to ask the class concerning the above lesson.
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[ Lesson - 33 ]. Again We Ask: What About The Transition Period?1. Commentary . . . As we have before stated, if one fails to consider the transition periods in the Bible and especially the change over in transition from John the Baptist till A.D. 70, then the student will positively continue to fail to understand the N.T! Since the narrative of the first 5 books of the N.T. beginning with John the Baptist was in transition, this is where the confusion arises with the average Child of GOD. This writer has never heard any Minister in any Assembly even mention the transitional factor involved in N.T. studies.
2. The primary reason for this is that most Colleges, as far as we know, teaches nothing about it, and we cannot understand why. Because of this fallacy on the part of those involved in the art of higher learning, and the failure of professors of theology to teach about this subject, there are countless men and woman who teach the Scriptures inadequately because they themselves have failed to receive the Christian education they paid for. If you as a Christian have heard a pastor or a College professor teach concerning the transitions periods portrayed in the Bible, please leave us a note about it on our web page and tell us where you heard it taught!
3. It is only natural that the failure to understand why Paul did not enlarge upon the subject of "Baptism," is because of the failure to comprehend the transitional dispensational change of those times at hand, during the period of Paul's, and the other Apostles ministries. Again we repeat, it is utterly impossible to teach comprehensively without knowing the difference in the administrations involved in the transition period at that time. As we are aware, Paul himself did practice circumcision and took certain vows according to the dictates of the Hebrew law, see {
Acts 16:3; 18:18; - & - 21:26 }. At the present time, no Child of GOD would do what Paul did, and he did those things many years after Pentecost as any Bible student should know.4. The LORD 'did NOT' call on Paul to offer up any sacrificial offerings, but during that time of transition, many things took place that are difficult to understand without putting yourself back in that time. It is absolutely essential that we must open our eyes to the difference in the teachings of CHRIST, the 12 Apostles and Paul. We believe that it would be wise for any student to read our messages concerning the "Bride and Body of CHRIST," which we have on internet.
5. Practically all Christians have heard congregational leaders brag about the number of converts that have been "Baptized" in their denominations in a particular period of time. When these men preach on the subject of "Baptism," they practically condemn those who fail to take the water ritual seriously. Some of these Ministers will actually teach that those who do not receive this O.T. ordinance are a heretic and cannot ever enter into the Kingdom of our LORD unless they partake of this ritual. Naturally, it is these Ministers themselves who are guilty of teaching fables, because they have failed to comprehend the transitional position of the Scriptures!
6. There is no doubt, that most of these folks will never receive the truth of the different periods of transition, and if you try to teach them the errors of their way, some of them will only scorn you, and try to change your true knowledge of the Bible to their own doctrine. Of course, we suppose, that this is only natural for them to do so. Any person with an ounce of reasoning ability should be able to see the inconsistency of what is being falsely taught today. Even though the transition period was in full sway, the ordinances of the Kingdom with it Kingdom Gospel was still the order of the day, the revelation of the Mystery had not yet been revealed to Paul, therefore, he was converted during the same dispensation as Peter and the other Apostles.
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7. Concerning tongues, many today speak in tongues, those in the tongues movement may be wrong in their belief concerning the tongues, but there is no doubt in our mind that there are countless folks in that movement that are Saints of GOD. Therefore, what right do other Christians have to condemn those people that proclaim the belief in the death, burial and resurrection of CHRIST JESUS? No more right then they have to condemn you. [ Read our message concerning tongues ]. When people condemn you for your belief when you know that you have come to CHRIST according to Paul's Gospel, and whether you have spoken in tongues or have failed to be water "Baptized," remember that, the condemnation of others isn't something you should worry about. You are the one who will face CHRIST on judgment day for what you have or have not done, and others will face Him for what they have done!
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8. After Paul had been saved he went to the home of one of GOD's anointed followers, he then stood up in the presence of Ananias, and was water "Baptized." The text does not say whether he was "Baptized" in the house or had gone outside to partake of the ritual {
Acts 9:17-18. } This was approximately 9 years after Pentecost. See also { Acts 22:16. } Any Hebrew or proselyte that came to CHRIST recognizing Him as their MESSIAH during that time of transition, was informed to go through the same ritual.=========================
9. Scripture: ". . . 'and [ Paul' ] arose, and was "Baptized," {
Acts 9:18 }." He did this when Ananias said to him, ". . . 'ARISE' and be "Baptized," and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the LORD, { Acts 22:16 }."=========================
10. Commentary . . . As we have stated before, and many will disagree with this writer: but what the average Christian of this day cannot seem to comprehend, is that Paul preached in both dispensations. First of the Kingdom, and later in the Dispensation of the Mystery! This was the reason he traveled among the Hebrews who were his own people in order to obey the commandment that was given to him. "the Gospel was to go to the Jew first and afterward to the Gentile." The Hebrews for the last time rejected the Gospel Paul taught, and we find the proof of this in {
Acts 28:24-31 }.11. When one reads {
Vs. 25-27 }, he will notice that Paul's citation of the passage in { Isaiah 6:9-10 } has been regarded as a parting shot at those hard-hearted Hebrews. He followed with a declaration that henceforth salvation will be preached to the Gentiles, the Hebrews having refused it. We notice that in { Acts 28:28-30 }, he spent two whole years in his own hired house. During this time of confinement Paul wrote { Romans on through Philemon. }12. It was out of the Kingdom dispensational situation that Paul emerged into the new Dispensation of the Mystery that GOD committed to him. From the beginning of his ministry for the next 30 or so years, we notice that it was a gradual change from one administration to the other. It must be remembered that as long as Israel's Temple was left standing, GOD continued to work with Israel as His called out people and Scripture states as late as {
Acts 28:30-31 } that Paul stated that . . .=========================
13. {
V. 30 } Scripture: "Paul dwelt two whole years in his own 'hired [ rented' ] house, and received all that came in unto him,14. {
V. 31 }. PREACHING THE [ MILLENNIAL ] KINGDOM OF GOD [ WITH CHRIST AS MESSIAH OF THE WORLD ], and teaching those things which concern the LORD JESUS CHRIST, with all confidence, no man forbidding him."=========================
15. Commentary . . . The Hebrew Temple was destroyed in A.D. 70, by the Romans, and this took place just a short time after Paul was killed. It was during those last years of the Acts Period, before the Temples destruction, that the Dispensation of the Kingdom was to fade out completely. It had overlapped the Mystery dispensation until the fulfillment of the LORD's prophecy concerning the destruction of Israel's beloved Temple, and the casting out of a huge host of Hebrews from their country. See {
Matthew 24:2; - & - Luke 19:43-44. }16. From now on, the new Dispensation of the Mystery would be in full force and it would be pure Grace through faith for salvation, no more works would be required for any Child of GOD! But, right up to the destruction of Israel's Temple, the outer manifestation of the sign gifts - of foreign languages, healings, "water Baptism" and many other things that concerned the Kingdom dispensation were still in order until the end of the transition Period. We notice the old Hebrew ordinance of circumcision was still taught many years after Pentecost . . .
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17. Scripture: "And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except you be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved, {
Acts 15:1 }." [ But, Paul and some of his followers told these folks different when they said ] . . .=========================
18. Scripture: "Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, You must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such Commandment, {
Acts 15:24 }." =========================19. The above {
V. 24 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Forasmuch as we have heard, that 'certain men' which went out from us 'have troubled you with words by their teaching, and unsettling your minds and throwing you into confusion', subverting your souls, saying, You must be circumcised, and keep the Mosaic law: to whom we gave no such Commandment, { Acts 15:24 }."========
20. Commentary . . . This lie had been told to foreign proselyte converts, and since they were not under the law, neither were they under this ordinance. But we notice that this ordinance was still permitted for the Hebrews because JESUS had told His Apostles to perform the "Baptismal" ordinance under the Kingdom Administration. Now if this ordinance was to be administered, then it was also natural for the ordinance of circumcision to also be administered. Therefore, Paul still being under the administration in transition only followed the dictates of the Kingdom ordinances.
21. Paul circumcised Timothy, and obviously "Baptized" a few proselytes and Hebrews alike, although he had never been commanded to perform such rituals! {
See Acts 16:1-3 }. And, because Paul "HAD NOT" been commanded by JESUS to circumcise foreign proselyte converts he did not do so. When one is fading out of one administration period and about to enter into another, you can imagine the confusion that prevailed at that time.Please make up your own questions to ask the class concerning the above lesson.
[ Lesson - 34. ] The Lord Continued On And On Revealing New Knowledge To Paul.=========================
1. {
V. 15 } Scripture: "And 'I [ Paul' ] said, who are you, LORD? And He said, I am JESUS whom you persecute."2. {
V. 16 }: [ And JESUS said ]: "But rise, and stand upon your feet: for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both in these things which you have seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto you, [ 'i.e., I will appear, that is, those things that the LORD will reveal to Paul throughout the whole Acts period, future tense. ] { Acts 26:15-16 }."=========================
3. Scripture, "It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the LORD, {
2- Corinthians 12:1 }."=========================
4. {
V. 11 } Scripture: "But I certify you brethren, that the Gospel 'which was preached of me is not after men.5. {
V. 12 }: For I neither received it of men, neither was I taught it but, by 'the revelation of JESUS CHRIST, { Galatians 1:11-12 }"=========================
6. The above {
Vs. 11-12 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . { 11 } Scripture: "But I certify to you brethren, that the Gospel 'which was proclaimed, made known' and preached of me is not after men. I.e., It is not man's Gospel . . . or a human invention, according to or patterned after any human standard. . . { 12 }: "For 'indeed I neither received it of men, neither was I taught it' i.e., it was just revealed to me personally by the risen CHRIST. I tell you the truth, It was not I that thought or dreamed all of these things up in my own mind, but - i.e., I received all the knowledge that I teach and pass on to you' by 'the direct and various' revelations from the LORD JESUS CHRIST."========
7. Commentary . . . Many may think that Paul received all of his teaching knowledge concerning his future ministry the moment he was first saved. Actually, he found out hardly anything at first. Only as time went on, did the LORD give him more and more wisdom, thus, it took him several years to gain the knowledge he needed to carry out his final program both to the Hebrew, the Gentiles, and to the Body Of CHRIST.
8. The more wisdom Paul received from JESUS, the more he realized that circumcision and water "Baptism" was to be left behind for this new Dispensation. Because works was just not in the program of the LORD for the Body of CHRIST. Only the "Baptism" of the HOLY SPIRIT from hence forth would be required for salvation, and salvation would be received through faith in the living LORD JESUS, Who is an ever living LORD! And, CHRIST must always be understood to be the everlasting GOD. {
John 10:27-30. }9. During the early period of Paul's ministry, there were likely countless souls who had received the LORD JESUS in their hearts. But, this was during the Dispensation that concerned a previous administration before the Body of CHRIST came into being. Even though Paul led many to CHRIST, this does not mean that it was he, that "Baptized" all the new converts, it was likely several of his followers such as Silas or Apollos who performed this ritual, and also it was likely that these same converts received circumcision. All we know is, that Paul did "Baptize" very few people according to {
1- Corinthians 1:13-17 }. Concerning Apollos and Peter . . .=========================
10. Scripture: "Now this I say, that every one of you say, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Ce'phas; and I of CHRIST, {
1- Corinthians 1:12 }."=========================
11. The above {
V. 12 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Now this I say, that every one of you either say, 'I am a follower of Paul I follow his teaching'; and 'I am a follower of Apollos I follow his teaching'; and 'I am a follower of Ce'phas I follow his teaching'; or 'I am of CHRIST I follow His teaching.'========
12. Commentary . . . In {
V. 11 } above, it is plain that there were contentions among the people, or strife, which, according to { Galatians 5:20 }, is a work of the flesh. The party of Apollos apparently preferred a polished style in preaching { Acts 18:24 }. The party of 'Cephas [ Peter' ] appealed to the traditionalists, although we do not find Peter in Corinth, some of his personal followers were there who wanted a leader who had walked with CHRIST. The party of CHRIST included those who disdained attachment to any group and flaunted their liberty in CHRIST such as the following text from Paul seems to verify . . .=========================
13. Scripture: "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any, {
1- Corinthians 6:12 }."=========================
14. The above {
V. 12 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Everything is permissible for me . . . allowable and lawful; but not all things are helpful . . . good for me to do, expedient and profitable when considered with other things. Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under the power of anything or any person that would cause me to be placed under an antiquated system."========
15. Commentary . . . Apparently some of the Corinthians were trying to use their Christian freedom to justify their sins. Paul here insists that Christian liberty is limited by two considerations: is the practice 'expedient [ helpful' ] and will it enslave a person? There were a great many people there who are like countless folks today, who just could not then and cannot today, separate themselves from following after the Old Law and its works! Covenant Theology still abides and is acceptable in the denominations!
16. There were many followers of Paul who had been associated with CHRIST and CHRIST's followers before Paul came on the scene. Can't you just see the confusion that existed among all these different classes of people when things they had been taught by CHRIST, and followed on to be taught by the LORD's disciples, and later changed into something else by Paul and his followers? Had you and I been there, I'm sure we would have been just as confused as most of them were! If you were told that:
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17. Scripture: "He that believes and is "Baptized shall be saved," by the LORD JESUS {
Mark 16:16 }, and later told: "that if you should [ only ] confess with your mouth the LORD JESUS, and shall believe in your 'heart [ mind' ] that GOD had raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved, { Romans 10:9" } . . . wouldn't you be confused? After all, the LORD taught faith plus works for salvation in His earthly Ministry and later after He entered Heaven, He instructed Paul to teach that only faith was needed and that the works of the old Administration was to be left behind!18. A transition period such as was present at the time of Paul and Peter was difficult enough, but now for most folks today it's just as difficult to comprehend as it was to them. Think of the class distinction . . . the Hebrews had for many centuries lived with their lives programmed with the Commandments and ordinances of the Mosaic Law. This was a system that they were to rigorously obey. And now, when they were thrown together with the Gentiles to form one body of Saints in the Body of CHRIST, they were to go forth from the old legalistic order of Commandments to "obey or else," to an order of freedom by faith only for salvation. How would you stand up to that type of change in your life? Remember this: at the time CHRIST and His disciples were circulating among the host of Israelis in their teaching program, the New Testament Epistles had not been written. And, when Paul appeared on the scene to begin his ministry . . .
19. It is likely that many of the Hebrews went their own way and refused Paul's Gospel. They had been afraid of Paul, after all, he had persecuted a great many of the Hebrews and had several of them thrown into prison. Therefore, it is easily understood why many of them failed to trust him. Paul along with Barnabas and Silas, was called by the LORD to preach to the Hebrew people and lead them to CHRIST. This was a very hard task to perform, when they themselves had been coached in the Hebrew religion from the past. Therefore Paul led the way and began a marvelous work of forming Congregations in many places. He brought much harmony between a large number of Christians of the various races, and taught them to lay aside their differences, and worship CHRIST JESUS as the LORD in a joint body. There can be no doubt that many of the Jews that had turned away from Paul at the beginning of his ministry, came back into the fold and likely some of them later became ministers themselves.
Please make up your own questions to ask the class concerning the above lesson. [ Lesson - 35 ] The Apostle Paul Preaching To 12 Hebrews At Ephesus. . . .1. Commentary . . . We find it very important in this study to discuss the controversial matter portrayed in this lesson, and find the true interpretation associated with Paul's message to these men. Therefore, please pay special attention as we pass through this subject.
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2. Scripture: {
V. 1 }: "And it came to pass, that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,3. {
V. 2 }: He said unto them, have you received the HOLY SPIRIT 'since [ when ] you believed [ on JESUS as the CHRIST' ]? And they said to him, we have not so much as heard whether there be any HOLY SPIRIT. [ The second blessing is falsely taught because of a miss-translation of this verse ].4. {
V. 3 }: And he said to them, Unto what then were you "Baptized? [ Baptizo" ] And they said, Unto John's "Baptism. [ Baptisma Gk." ]5. {
V. 4 }: Then said Paul, John verily "Baptized [ Baptizo" ] with the "Baptism [ Baptisma" ] of repentance, saying to the people,' that they should believe on Him which should come after him, that is, on CHRIST JESUS.========
6. The above {
V. 4 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Then said Paul, John 'truly' "Baptized [ Baptizo" ] with the "Baptism [ Baptisma" ] 'of repentance continually, saying to the people,' that they should believe on Him which should come after him, 'that is, on CHRIST JESUS having a conviction full of joyful trust that He is CHRIST, the MESSIAH, and being obedient to Him.' "========
7. {
V. 5 }. When they heard this, they were "Baptized [ Baptizo" ] in the name of the LORD JESUS.8. {
V. 6 }. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them [ 1 ] the HOLY SPIRIT came on them, [ 2 ] and they spoke 'with tongues [ foreign languages miraculously' ], [ 3 ] and "prophesied, [ i.e., declared or foretold by or as by divine inspiration." ]9. { V. 7 }. And 'all the men [ that Paul was conversing with' ] were about 12, { Acts 19:1-7 }."
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10. Commentary . . . One of the best interpretations of these verses are given by one of the greatest commentators in recent times, therefore, we will [ quote ] him verbatim. Harry Bultema states . . .
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11. "A lack of correct translation is frequently the cause of misconceptions and this is the case here also. First, Paul was not asking about the HOLY SPIRIT. The definite article is not in the original, and it is a rule in Acts that when the definite article is used for Pneuma' or spirit, the person of the HOLY SPIRIT is meant, but if the HOLY SPIRIT Himself has left it out, He wants to have the special wonder working power of the HOLY SPIRIT emphasized, and it is about this miraculous Pentecostal power that Paul is inquiring, not about the person of the HOLY SPIRIT.
12. Second, the word of fanaticism and confusion in regard to a special "Baptism" and a second work of Grace has originated through mischievous rendering of [ the words ]: "since you believed," whereas the Apostle clearly meant " when, at the moment they" believed. The actual rendering gives the idea that there is a reception of the HOLY SPIRIT after the belief in CHRIST and it has led to the minimizing of the faith in CHRIST and salvation on the one hand and to the magnifying of the wonder-working power of the SPIRIT on the other hand. On faith all the three Persons of the GODHEAD became our possession.
13. Third, the answer of these twelve disciples, or followers of CHRIST, is as it stands absurd. Could any converted Hebrew that had heard John and heard at least about CHRIST, truly say, that they did not know that there was any HOLY SPIRIT. They use the same phrase as Paul "Pneuma hagion," and they mean exactly what Paul asked. While they knew full well of the Person of the HOLY SPIRIT from the Old Testament alone, they did not know anything about the miraculous power of the HOLY SPIRIT as had been manifested at Pentecost.
14. Fourth, Paul's second question "unto what then they were "Baptized" refers to the six times repeated antithesis between John's "water Baptism" and "CHRIST's SPIRIT Baptism." Paul ask which one of these two had they received. For a Scriptural teaching minister such as Paul this was a very natural question.
15. Fifth, the answer of these twelve disciples was that they had been "Baptized" with the water "Baptism" of John and 'NOT WITH' the Pentecostal SPIRIT "Baptism." They had the less, but 'NOT' the larger. They had water, 'NOT' the SPIRIT's power from on high. They believed, as all John's disciples did, epi, "on, upon" the LORD, but 'NOT' yet 'eis,' "into the LORD."
16. Sixth, the original was seriously slighted by our translators in { V. 5 }. This rendering and verse division has led to the well nigh universal notion, that when these twelve men heard Paul, they were re-baptized with water, but grammatically this is dead wrong. The verb "akousantes" is a first aorist participle and this could not refer to the hearing of John. The fifth verse is part of verse four. If it referred to the hearing of Paul, then the imperfect or even the present could have been used; but the first aorist refers to an indefinite past and could only be used of John and not of Paul.
17. So the idea is that when they heard John the Baptist, they were "Baptized" in the name of the LORD JESUS, which interestingly shows, by the way, that John "Baptized" already in the name of the LORD JESUS. To get the sense one must add { V. 5 to V. 4 }. We have here also proof that John's water "Baptism" is the same as the later "Baptisms."
18. Seventh, Paul gave them here not water for John had already given this to them, but the "Baptism" of the SPIRIT's power by the imposition of his hands, and that this was not a hollow form of empty hands or empty heads is evident from the fact that the HOLY SPIRIT actually came upon them in Person and in power. In verse six the Greek has "to Pneuma to Hagion" Clearly referring to His Person. The HOLY SPIRIT did not come into them but upon them in mighty Pentecostal power as appears from the two results: they spoke with tongues and like prophets they prophesied. The SPIRIT came upon them just as of old He came upon judges and prophets.
19. Eighth, these mighty signs and miracles points us clearly to Israel in the Jewish Kingdom-period of Pentecost. The number twelve of these disciples clearly reminds us also of Israel, because this number invariably refers to GOD's earthly people just as the number one, three, and seven have special reference to the "Church, [ i.e., Body of CHRIST" ]. Paul gave here not the one "Baptism" for this age, nor any teaching in regard to it, but he gave the sharp contrast to John's "Baptism" with water, namely the "Baptism" of the SPIRIT.
20. It would have been a fact, impossible for the Apostle to give the one "Baptism," since this is exclusively the work of GOD and as such was not yet revealed at that time. These considerations make it palpably patent that Paul gave here no water "Baptism," nor an Anabaptism or re-baptism. It would have been utterly superfluous to "Baptize" truly "Baptized" believers for the second time. This would not only have been unnecessary, but without precedent, and without any rhyme or reason what so ever. The Bible knows not one water "Baptism," but only the divers "Baptisms" of Israel and the one "Baptism" into CHRIST." [ Unquote. ]
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21. This is the last place found in the N.T. where water "Baptism is found. Since it was so important, why doesn't the Epistles that concern the Body of CHRIST talk about it? Naturally { Ch. 22:16 } concerns "Water Baptism," but here it is speaking of Paul's "Baptism" that had taken place in { Acts Ch. 9 }. "Water Baptism" today is a custom of man, and not a commandment from the LORD. As the order of Pharisees had added many rites to the O.T. covenants, modern Pharisees today are doing the same thing by teaching a ritual that GOD doesn't sanction!
22. { V. 4 }: above states the fact that these men had been "Baptized" WITH the "Baptism" of repentance by John the Baptist, and since { Vs. 4 - & - 5 } go together, this means that John had performed this rite in the name of the LORD JESUS. When we consider Paul in these verses, we also find that he is still working on a divided ministry, the Jewish Kingdom is first taught to all Jews and the Kingdom "Baptism" was given to these 12 men previously by John the Baptist.
23. We notice that works follow after Paul had laid his hands on them, first the unknown languages and then they prophesied. It should be understood very easily that this is strictly speaking of a Kingdom "Baptism" and only concerns Israel. We notice that there are 12 men which represent the 12 tribes of Israel, and this next verse should make this very clear . . .
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24. Scripture: "And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for the space of 3 months, disputing and persuading things concerning the Kingdom of God, { Acts 19:8 }."
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25. The above { V. 8 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "And 'he [ Paul' ] went into 'the Hebrew' synagogue and spoke boldly for the space of 3 months, 'disputing, persuading, arguing, and pleading' about things concerning the Millennial Kingdom of God, { Acts 19:8 }."
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26. Commentary . . . It should be understood that there are two Kingdoms of GOD referred to in the Scriptures,
[ 1 ]: the earthly Kingdom that we call the Millennial Kingdom, and . . .
[ 2 ]: the universal Kingdom that takes in all matter and of all space in the Heavenlies, and remember there are:
[ 3 ]: Heavens in existence. The above certainly is not the last time that Paul will go to the Jews and try to get them to accept CHRIST as their MESSIAH! See { Acts 28:23-27 }. It should also be understood that John's water "Baptism" did not end at Pentecost because the Apostles still "Baptized" with this Hebrew "Baptism" throughout most of the Acts Period.
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27. { V. 1 } Scripture: "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of CHRIST, let us go on to perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward GOD, . . .
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28. The above { V. 1 }: paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Therefore, let us go on and get past the elementary stage in the teachings and doctrine of CHRIST, the MESSIAH, advancing steadily toward the completeness and perfection that belongs to spiritual maturity. Let us not again be laying the foundation of repentance and abandonment of 'dead works i.e., dead formalism', and of the faith by which you turned to the LORD,
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29. Commentary . . . This concerns the principles of the doctrine of CHRIST. I.e; the basic teachings about CHRIST and the Christian belief. Literally; maturity. The exhortation to these folks is for them to go on to Christian maturity and to stop wasting time and opportunities. They knew the first principles, or basics, of Christianity and are being exhorted to go on from their dead works: I.e; sins.
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30. { V. 2 }: Of the doctrine of "Baptisms [ plural," ] and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment, { Hebrews 6:1-2 }."
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31. The above { V. 2 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "With teachings about purifying, and laying on of hands, the resurrection from the dead, and eternal judgment and punishment. These are all matters of which you should have been fully aware long, long ago."
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32. Commentary . . . Concerning the doctrine of "Baptisms" . . . The distinction between various "Baptisms" is a necessary part of basic Christian doctrine - the "Baptism" of Hebrew proselytes, the "Baptism" by John the Baptist, and the 'ONE' "Baptism" for this Christian age of Grace.
33. We have no actual proof that Paul wrote Hebrews even though most scholars believe that he did. This writer used to believe that way but has later come to the conclusion that this is not true, but that some Hellenistic Hebrew filled with the SPIRIT of GOD was called to do so. It certainly is a book that informs the Israelis that CHRIST is the LORD of Hosts, and that He should be accepted as such according to Paul's Epistles. Nevertheless, the above two verses in { Hebrews Ch. 6 } are the last offer to the Israelites to leave the Kingdom order behind and be joined to the Christian Body of CHRIST as equals. By doing this they would give up the rituals of the Kingdom for the blessings that they would gain by becoming members in CHRIST's Body of Saints.
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34. { V. 20 } Scripture: "Now the GOD of peace, that brought again from the dead our LORD JESUS, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
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35. The above { V. 20 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Now may the GOD of peace . . . Who is the Author and the Giver of peace . . . and Who brought again from among the dead our LORD JESUS, that great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood that sealed, and ratified the everlasting 'agreement [ Covenant, testament' ], see { Isaiah 55:3; - 63:11-14; - Ezekiel 37:26; - & - Zechariah 9:11 }.
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36. Commentary . . . { V. 20 } mentions the fact that JESUS is, that great Shepherd of His sheep. The Hebrew nation was known as a nation of sheep herders such as King David was, in his early childhood. They are told to lay aside the old law of ordinances which CHRIST had nailed to His cross and follow JESUS on into the new Grace Dispensation leaving behind all the old traditions of the Pharisees, and the old Priesthood, and follow CHRIST only!
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37. { V. 21 }: Make you perfect and in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through JESUS CHRIST; to whom be glory for ever and ever. 'Amen. [ Let it be so.' ] { Hebrews 13:20-21 }."
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38. The above { V. 21 } Paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Make you perfect by strengthening you and making you complete and perfect, what you ought to be, and equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will; while He Himself works in you and accomplishes that which is pleasing in His sight, through JESUS CHRIST, the future eternal MESSIAH; to Whom be the glory forever and ever: to the ages of the ages. 'Amen . . . let it be so." [ Make you perfect in { V. 21 }, means equip, or, fully provide, adjust, and make ready ].
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39. { V. 13 } Scripture: "Let us go forth therefore unto Him without the camp bearing His reproach, { Hebrews 13:13 }." =========================
40. The above { V. 13 } Paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Let 'us Hebrews' 'go forth from all that would prevent us' therefore unto Him without the camp at Calvary 'bearing the contempt and abuse and shame of His reproach with Him,' { Hebrews 13:13 }." See also { Leviticus 16:27 }.
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41. Commentary . . . We notice that this above text is written to the Hebrews, { V. 13 } and says to come out of the camp of Judaism and to bear the reproach of CHRIST. The word "Camp" reminds us of all the camps that the 12 tribes set up while they were in the wilderness for 40 years.
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Write Down The Answers To The Following Questions that are associated with this Above part of our message . . .
42. [ 1 ]: Do you believe that signs and miracles such as the gift of foreign languages - should follow the "Baptismal" ritual of cleansing in this age of Grace?
43. [ 2 ]: During the Acts transition period, what was it that took place after one was water "Baptized?" See { Acts 2:41-43; - 8:12-17; - & - 10:45-48 }.
44. [ 3 ]: John the Baptist "Baptized" folks with water before the day of Pentecost. After the day of Pentecost other "Baptisms" were performed, what difference if any was there between these "Baptisms?"
45. [ 4 ]: The ceremonies of the Mosaic law were still being practiced many years after Pentecost according to { Acts 21:18-26 }. What was it, the book of Hebrews told the new Hebrew Christians to do? . . . Were they to continue the water "Baptismal ritual?" Read again the above note of number 41- & - 36.
46. [ 5 ]: There are thousands and thousands of honest Bible teachers who state that the signs were no longer to exist after the Acts period was ended. Since they were correct concerning the signs, does this mean that some signs plus "water Baptism" have been re-instituted? . . . Without going back into the book of Acts which was 'NOT' written by Paul but by Luke, and the previous books, can you find where they have been re-instated? . . . Commentary . . . It must be understood that the old Pentecostal signs have been left behind. BUT, never would we state that there are no signs for these last days. In these last days we were to watch the heavens for various signs that would make us realize that the return of CHRIST is near at hand. We believe that the flying saucers that have been seen by tens of thousands of people including this writer, plus the signs from nature itself, and many other signs that are presently taking place, are signs of the LORD's soon coming to Rapture His Saints from this earth!
47. [ 6 ]: Doesn't it seem to you that various texts throughout the N. T. imply that "Tongues and "water Baptism," were definitely associated with each other? Read { Mark 16:16-17 } again.
48. [ 7 ]: When Paul was saved, there were many miracles and signs being performed in the Middle East. Isn't it logical that Paul in his calling as an Apostle of CHRIST, should be also capable and Scripturally right in performing the same type of rituals and miracles as others did?
49. Was Paul wrong in the time he lived to perform rituals? . . . Was JESUS against what he did? . . . Was he sinning when he did such things? . . . Or, was he correct in doing so according to the transitional aspect of the times?
50. [ 8 ]: There is much evidence in our Bible concerning any Biblical subject. Concerning Paul's knowledge of truth, was the complete revelation of truth he taught bestowed upon him all at once, or, perhaps at different times during his ministry? . . . Is there certain evidence in the Scriptures that gives the answer? . . . If so explain to your class what this evidence is!
51 [ 9 ]: In Paul's early ministry he was not against the water "Baptizing" of both Hebrews and proselytes, and Paul, also circumcised Timothy. On the other hand, he completely refused to perform the act of circumcision on the Gentiles, why did he refuse circumcision for some and choose to accept it for others?
52 [ 10 ]: When you research the period of Paul's early ministry from the various texts in the Book of acts, was his circumcision and "Baptism" rituals in the right order? . . . Did the LORD condone Paul's works?
53 [ 11 ]: Can you find something else that Paul did that JESUS did not tell him to do? other than "Baptisms," circumcision, and etc????
54 [ 12 ]: Paul did practice the "Baptismal" ritual, but, the student should count the times he performed such acts, and write down the number of times he did this. Where are the texts that clarifies this work?
55 [ 13 ]: As you well know, there were several 'outward manifestations [ sign gifts' ], received and performed in the company of both Hebrews and Gentiles during the Acts period. And many of these miracles was in evidence well before Paul received salvation from CHRIST! Since all these signs and miracles had been performed before Paul's conversion, why were they still being performed during the early Church period, and why did Paul even perform many of them himself?
56 [ 14 ]: Who was it that was to go some place bearing the reproach of the LORD? . . . Where were they to go? . . . What does this mean?
57 [ 15 ]: What were the people to do with the ordinances and various traditions, and after doing so, what else were they to do?
58. [ 16 ]: What Book in the Bible gave the last offer to the Hebrews as a nation, to leave behind the law with its works, and follow CHRIST?
59. [ 17 ]: Where is the text where Paul turned his back on the Hebrews for the last time in the Acts Epistle? Read { Acts 28:23-31. }
60. [ 18 ]: When Paul entered into the synagogue, how long did he speak to the people? . . . Were the people Hebrews or Gentiles? . . . What was it he preached about? . . . Was this the last time he went to these folks? . . . See { Acts 19:8 }.
61. [ 19 ]: Where is the last place in the N.T. that water "Baptism" is found?
62. [ 20 ]: What did the 12 men in { Acts 19:4-6 } represent? . . . Were they "Baptized" in the name of the FATHER, and of the SON, and of the HOLY SPIRIT? . . . How did they receive the HOLY SPIRIT? . . . What happened afterwards? . . . Is this what takes place at the conversion of every Child of GOD today? . . . Did Paul water "Baptize" those 12 men?
63. [ 21 ]: Is water "Baptism" a commandment of the LORD today or a custom of men? . . . Is water "Baptism" an ordinance for this present Grace period? . . . How many ordinances were passed on from the Old Testament Dispensation to this present "Dispensation [ Fellowship, Administration" ] of the Mystery - of the Grace of God, if there are any please name them? Read { Ephesians 3:1-10. }
64. The Pharisees added many rituals to the law and Kingdom doctrine. Do ministers today add anything to the Scriptures that CHRIST doesn't sanction? See { Revelation 22:18-19 }. . . . What does { Acts 22:16 } refer back to?
65. [ 22 ]: Does { Acts 26:15-16 } give one the idea that Paul received his Christian Commission a little at a time, or do you think he received the whole revelation of the Mystery at the very time of his conversion?
66. [ 23 ]: If water "Baptism" makes one a member of the Body of CHRIST, then Paul thanked GOD for having made very few Church members. In
Acts 19:1-7
} where "Baptism" is mentioned, is this speaking of two different "Baptisms," if so, did one of these that are mentioned make those men members of CHRIST's Body, If there are two, which one made them members? . . . The one "Baptism" makes us today living members of CHRIST Himself, do you agree? See { Romans 6:4; - Galatians 3:27; - & - Colossians 2:12 }.67. [ 24 ]: Mormons, JEHOVAH Witness, - & - other groups are often immersed without ever having been made members of the Body of CHRIST. True or False?
68. [ 25 ]: Was the Jerusalem Temple destroyed during the Kingdom Dispensation . . . or was CHRIST's prophecy of its destruction fulfilled during this present Grace Dispensation?
69. [ 26 ]: Are all signs mentioned in the Bible already fulfilled? . . . Or, are there still signs to take place on this earth? . . . Are there any signs taking place on this earth and on the sea at the present time?
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In the above lesson there are many more important questions the class teacher should add to this list.
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Continued in part 8 of this "Baptismal" message.