Bible Study For 1/27/2014
Book of Galatians Chpt 2 (The Church) Part 2
[Note to Blog Readers: the Expositor’s Notes are in Bold Italic Font]
We have started last week in the book of Galatians, with the Introduction of Chapter 1, we have seen a lot of things that are taking place in out local Churches. We are starting in chapter 2 this week. I have been born and raised with a Church back round. Half of my family always went to Church, to try to lead and teach me the way I should go. Of course, I had my trials and troubled times, but not that bad. I struggled with my walk with God when I was young, but God pulled me through them, thank God. In this Chapter, we are going to talk about “THE CHURCH” Many people in the world is very uncomfortable in going to Church these days. The Church ministers and elders and deacons has invited satan into the many of your local Church services and youth groups. I should know, I was guilty of it at one time. The Church that I was raised in would go to, what they called “Christian Rock Concerts”, which I know now, that I was deceived and went to these things, thinking that I was getting feed with the Gospel, here it turned out that it was actually vulgar music, with Jesus slapped on it, they mentioned Jesus, but not Jesus Christ, it was another Jesus. There is no such thing as Christian Rock music, its all demonic and the works of satan. I then started to going to another Church that was no different, they even allowed it in the Church services. False doctrine came into play. I was presented the niv Bible to keep for myself. I learned as time went that the Niv is not even a Bible. Its a toss up between, gospel perversion, same sex relation perversion and the satanic bible, perversion, its all poisoning to your soul and it can stumble your walk with God, and cause you to loose your place in Heaven. Friends, there is no such thing as once saved, always saved. If your living your life in any perversion, if your Church is covering the Cross, that is just the same saying that God is not allowed in your Church. It is all blasphemy. Most of the Churches that is afraid to offend someone, by covering the Cross, because they think it old fashioned, that is the same, they are calling God old fashioned. Friends, God is the same from the be-gaining of this world, God is the same from the time that we were maid in His image, God is the same today and now, God is the same when you are dead, God will always be the same for ever. If God never changes, then why should the Churches? We are created to Worship God and Preach His Word to the sinners, if God never changes, then why should we change to be come like the devil? The Church is failing God, because they have invited the devil inside the walls, by allowing demonic music, into the Church and Worship services. The Church is failing. It time to wake up people. The Church that I am talking about is not a building that is built by hands of men, the Church that I am talking about, is the temple that is built by God, which is the body that you, your soul lives in. If you are living in sin, then you have the spirit of satan that is residing inside of you. If your a smoker, if your an alcoholic, which is any amount of bottles that you may drink, or glasses, if you have the tenancy to cuss with a loose tongue and not repenting, living by pushing any other drugs, you are filled with the spirit of satan and you will die in hell. We have the feel good, nothing can happen to you, type false gospels running all over the television, they are sending more souls to hell than ever, by the use of false doctrine. Friends, you need to be warned about wolves in sheep’s clothing, they will devour you in hell with lies. Do you want to hear and know the Truth? Then get an King James Expositor study Bible and learn the Truth by reading God’s Holy Word.
Get one either here at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/expositors-study-bible-jimmy-swaggart/1101765671?ean=9781934655573
Lets get started with the lesson that God has for us today.
Chapter 2 of Galatians, “THE CHURCH”
Galatians 2:1-21 (KJV)
1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabus (was probably The Jerusalem Council [Acts 15:1-35]), and took Titus with me also. 2 And I went up by Revelation (the Lord told him to go) , and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles (the Message of the Cross) , but privately to them which were of reputation (to at least some of the original Twelve), lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. (if the Twelve, or even James the Lord's brother, repudiate His gospel of grace at least as far as the Gentiles were concerned this would create an insurmountable barrier.) 3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek (a Gentile), was compelled to be circumcised (Paul probably took him as a test case): 4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in (suggests they were fellow Believers, but their insistence upon the necessity of the law constituted a denial of Christ in Paul's eyes), who came in privileged (subtly) to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus (the Truth of the Gospel was at stake), that they might bring us into bandage (forsaking the Cross always result in bondage): 5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour (Paul would not yield one iota, nor compromise in the slightest); that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. (Justification by Faith was on trial.) 6 But of these (false brethren) who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it makes no matter to me: God accepts no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me (there was nothing anyone there could add to the Revelation given to him by the Lord, as it regards the Cross): 7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcised (the Gentiles) was committed unto me (presents the Jerusalem apostles championing the cause of Paul after they heard the issue to discussed in private conference), as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter (the Jews) ; 8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision (the Jews), the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) 9 And when James (the Lord's Brother), Cephas (Peter) , and John, who seemed to be pillars (a metaphor), perceived the grace that was given unto me (the Message of Grace), they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship (a pledge of friendship and agreement); that we should go unto the heathen (Gentiles), and they unto the circumcision (Jews). 10 Only they would that we should remember the poor (the poor Saints in Jerusalem, who had suffered terrible hardships because of persecution); the same which I also was forward to do. (Paul saw the need, and felt he must respond favorably, which he did.) 11 But when Peter was come to Antioch (Antioch Syria, this city used by God to spearhead world Evangelism), I withstood him to the face (means Paul openly opposed and reproved him, even though Peter was the eldest) , because he was to be blamed (for abandoning the Cross and resorting to Law). 12 For before that certain came from James (give us all too well another example as to why Apostles, or anyone else for that matter, are not to be the final word, but rather the Word of God itself), he (Peter) did eat with the Gentiles (Peter knew the Gospel of Grace): but when they were come (those from James in Jerusalem), he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. (The problem was “man fear.” some of the Jewish Christians were still trying to hold the law of Moses, which means they accepted Jesus as the Messiah, but gave no credence to the Cross whatsoever. this ultimately occasioned the necessity of Paul writing the Epistle to the Hebrews.) 13 And the other Jews (in the Church at Antioch) dissembled likewise with him (with Peter); insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation (hypocrisy). 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel (they were forsaking the Cross), I said unto Peter before them all (Paul's rebuke was in the presence of everybody, the whole Antioch Church), If you, being a Jew, live after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why do you compel the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? (Hypocrisy!) 15 We who are Jews by nature (we ought to know better), and not sinners of the Gentiles (who only know what we tell them because they were not privileged to have the Law as we did), 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law (such is impossible), but by the faith of Jesus Christ (Faith in what He did at the Cross), even we have believed in Jesus Christ (the Object of Faith must always be the Cross), that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified (emphatically so! it cannot be done). 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ (by trusting in what Christ did at the Cross), we ourselves also are found sinners (if we fail, thereby sinning in some way), is therefore Christ the minister of sin? (is Christ to blame for our failure?) God forbid. (the Cross hasn't failed. It's we who have failed.) 18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed (revert back to the Law), I make myself a transgressor. (To revert to any type of Law is a departure of God's Prescribed Order of Victory [the Cross], and is sin). 19 For I through the law (Christ has perfectly kept the Law and suffered it Just penalty, all on my behalf) am dead to the law (the law is not dead, but I am dead to the Law by virtue you of having died with Christ [Rom. 6:3-5]), that I might live unto God. (This presents that which can only be done through Christ, and never by the Law.) 20 I am crucified with Christ (as the foundation of all Victory; Paul, here, takes us back to Rom. 6:3-5): nevertheless I live (have New Life); yet not I (not by my own strength and ability), but Christ lives in me (by virtue of me dying with Him on the Cross, and being raised with Him in Newness of Life): and the life which I now live in the flesh (my daily walk before God) I live by the faith of the Son of God (the Cross is ever the Object of my Faith), who loved me, and gave himself for me (which is the only way that I could be Saved). 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God (if we make anything other than the Cross of Christ the Object of our Faith, we frustrate the Grace of God, which means we stop its action, and the Holy Spirit will no longer help us): for if righteousness come by the law (any type of Law), then Christ is dead in vain. (If I can successfully live for the Lord by any means other than Faith in Christ and the Cross, then the Death of Christ was a waste.)
Acts 15:1-35 (KJV)
1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren (presents the greatest crisis of the Early Church), and said, Except you be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved (they were attempting to refute Paul’s Message of Grace through faith; in other words, they were attempting to circumvent the Cross, trying to add the Law of Moses to the Gospel of Grace). 2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them (seems to indicate that these men came to Antioch not long after Paul and Barnabas had returned from their first Missions tour), they (the Elders of the Church at Antioch) determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question (no doubt refers to the trip mentioned by Paul in Gal. 2:1-10). 3 And being brought on their way by the church (means that the Church at Antioch paid the expenses of the Brethren respecting this trip), they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles (indicates that they stopped to visit Churches all along the way): and they caused great joy unto all the brethren (seems to indicate that the Judaizers had not brought their false doctrine to these Churches). 4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church (indicates they were received with open arms), and of the apostles (refers to the Twelve, minus James the brother of John who had been martyred) and elders (other Preachers), and they declared all things that God had done with them (gave a report of their recent Missions trip). 5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed (refers to them as having accepted Christ as their Saviour; they were in the Church at Jerusalem), saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses (speaking of new converts; this was the great controversy; even though this was a different group, it was the same erroneous message). 6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter (this was not a closed meeting, but was rather played out before many Believers). 7 And when there had been much disputing (much questioning and discussion), Peter rose up, and said unto them (portrays the Apostles, at least now and at this particular meeting, in the position of Leadership), Men and brethren, you know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe (harks back some ten to twelve years earlier to Peter’s experience with Cornelius [Acts, Chpt. 10]). 8 And God, which knows the hearts (speaks of this action concerning Cornelius being of the Lord and not of Peter), bare them witness (witnessed to the validity of their conversion), giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us (all of this without Circumcision and Law-keeping); 9 And put no difference between us and them (in other words, these Gentiles were just as saved as the Jews, and without all of the Laws of the Jews), purifying their hearts by faith (Faith in Christ and Faith in Christ alone, not by Law-keeping). 10 Now therefore why do you tempt God (calls into question that which God has done), to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples (followers of Christ), which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? (Peter was not speaking disparagingly to the Law of Moses, but stating that its demands were beyond the ability of human beings to meet because of man’s fallen condition.) 11 But we (the Apostles) believe that through the grace of the LORD Jesus Christ we shall be saved (without Law-keeping), even as they (even as the Gentiles). 12 Then all the multitude kept silence (refers to the introduction of both “Barnabas and Paul” to the audience), and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul (Barnabas is listed first because he was known to the Church at Jerusalem; he probably spoke first), declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them (they simply gave an account, which refers to the fact that Paul and Barnabas preached Grace and Faith to the Gentiles, and didn’t preach the Law at all; God honored it by giving them signs and wonders, which would not have been the case had He been displeased). 13 And after they had held their peace (concluding their remarks), James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me (presents the Lord’s Brother as the presiding Elder of the Church in Jerusalem): 14 Simeon has (Peter) declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles (refers to the conversion of Cornelius and his household), to take out of them a people for his name (presents this as the Plan of God, which it surely was!). 15 And to this agree the words of the prophets (James now appeals directly to the Word of God, which verifies all that has been said); as it is written (Amos 9:11), 16 After this I will return (speaks of the Church Age and the Second Coming of the Lord), and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up (speaks of the restoration of Israel and the coming Kingdom Age, in which all the Prophets declare [Isa. 9:6-7; Dan. 7:13-14; Hos. 3:4-5; Lk. 1:32-33; Rom., Chpts. 9-11; Rev. 11:15; 20:1-10; 22:4-5]): 17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles (a worldwide harvest of souls during the Kingdom Age), upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord (refers to the Gentile world which has been favorable toward the Lord to a degree), who does all these things (refers to the Power of God in performing all of this). 18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world (the Plan of God regarding the human family was known from “the beginning of the world” [Gen., Chpt. 4]). 19 Wherefore my sentence is (would have been better translated, “I think it good”), that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God (carries the idea that it does not make any sense to demand certain other things of them, claiming such things are needed in order to be saved, when in fact the people are already saved!): 20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols (this was common in the heathen world of that day), and from fornication (all forms of immorality), and from things strangled (which refers to the blood not being properly drained from the flesh), and from blood (not to eat blood, which was somewhat common among the heathen during those days; in any case, blood was not to be imbibed, but this did not refer to transfusion; man is saved by the shed Blood of Christ, so blood must be treated accordingly). 21 For Moses of old time has in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day (the idea is that Gentiles who desire to know more about the Law of Moses need only to go to one of the Synagogues on the Sabbath, which was every Saturday). 22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas (proclaims the fact that all of the Church at Jerusalem, or at least the greater majority, totally agreed with what James had said respecting Gentiles and the Law of Moses); namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brethren (Silas was to play a very important part regarding his help to Paul with respect to future Evangelism): 23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia. 24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls (evidently speaks of those mentioned in Verse 1), saying, You must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment (specifies exactly what the error was; these individuals, whomever they may have been, were not sent by the Church in Jerusalem, nor were they given any Commandment to teach any type of false doctrine): 25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord (proclaims the unity of the Brethren in Jerusalem), to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul (places a gracious and kind endearment toward Paul and Barnabas, which spoke volumes as well), 26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (tells us for Whom it was done!). 27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth (with these two men accompanying this letter, and verifying its contents, no false prophet could claim that the letter was forged, etc.). 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us (proclaims without a doubt that the Holy Spirit led and guided these proceedings), to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things (when men leave the Word of God, they get into a lot of “unnecessary things”); 29 That you abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, you shall do well. Fare ye well. 30 So when they (possibly six or seven Brethren) were dismissed (sent away with great love), they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle (we aren’t told how large the Church was in Antioch; however, it could have numbered several hundred; that being the case, they would have met outdoors for this Epistle to be read to them): 31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation (tells us that the Law/Grace issue had been very serious; now this settles the dispute, at least for the time being). 32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves (means that they stood in the Office of the Prophet [Eph 4:11]), exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them (they addressed the multitude with words of great encouragement). 33 And after they (Judas and Silas) had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles (refers to Judas returning to Jerusalem, but not Silas). 34 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still (it was the Holy Spirit Who moved on him to remain in Antioch). 35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also (this Church was blessed, to say the least!).
Revelation 11:15 (KJV)
15 And the seventh angel sounded (marks the beginning of the last three and one half years of the Great Tribulation); and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. (This is said in anticipation, and will definitely come to pass at the conclusion of this three and one half year period at the Second Coming of the Lord.)
Revelation 20:1-10 (KJV)
1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven (continues with the idea that Angels are very prominent in the Plan and Work of God), having the key of the bottomless pit (speaks of the same place recorded in Rev. 9:1; however, there the key is given to Satan, but this Angel of Rev. 20:1 “has the key,” implying he has had it all along; more than likely, God allows this Angel to give the key to Satan in Rev. 9:1) and a great chain in his hand (should be taken literally). 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan (as a “dragon,” he shows his power; as a “serpent,” he shows his cunning; as the “Devil,” he is the accuser; and as “Satan,” he is the adversary), and bound him a thousand years (refers to being bound by the great chain carried by the Angel), 3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him (speaks of the abyss being sealed to keep him there), that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. (At the end of the thousand-year period, Satan will be loosed out of his prison. He will make another attempt to deceive the nations, in which he will not succeed. We aren’t told how long this “little season” will be.) 4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them (refers to the 24 Elders who represent the entire Plan of God, which pertains to the Redeemed of all ages; we aren’t told who these men are): and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands (categorizes the Tribulation Saints who gave their lives for the cause of Christ; the idea is that these will be included in the first Resurrection of Life, and will enjoy all its privileges); and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (This is the Kingdom Age.) 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. (This pertains to all the unsaved, in fact, all those who lived and died since the dawn of time. The souls and spirits of these people are now in Hell [Lk. 16:19-31].) This is the first resurrection (proclaims the fact that these two Resurrections, There Resurrection of the Just and the Resurrection of the Unjust, will be separated by 1,000 years). 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection (this is the Resurrection of Life, which will include every Saint of God who has ever lived from Abel to the last Tribulation Saint; all will be given glorified bodies): on such the second death hath no power (the “second death” is to be cast into the Lake of Fire, and to be there forever and forever [Rev. 21:8]; all who are washed in the Blood of the Lamb need not fear the second death), but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (All Believers who have part in the First Resurrection will at the same time serve as mediators, so to speak, between the population of the world and God and Christ. The “thousand years” portrays the Kingdom Age, when Christ will reign supreme over the entire Earth.) 7 And when the thousand years are expired (should have been translated, ”finished”), Satan shall be loosed out of his prison (is not meant to infer a mere arbitrary act on the part of God; He has a very valid reason for doing this), 8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog (the main reason the Lord allows Satan this latitude is, it seems, to rid the Earth of all who oppose Christ; George Williams says: “The Creation Sabbath witnessed the first seduction, and the Millennial Sabbath will witness the last”; the “Gog and Magog” spoken of by John is a Hebrew term expressive of multitude and magnitude; here it embraces all nations, “the four quarters of the Earth”), to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea (proclaims the fact that virtually all of the population at that particular time, which did not accept Christ during the Kingdom Age, will Throw in their lot with Satan). 9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, add compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city (pictures Satan coming against Jerusalem with his army, which will be the last attack against that city): and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. (Stipulates that the Lord will make short work of this insurrection. In fact, very little information is given regarding this event, as is obvious.) 10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone (marks the end of Satan regarding his influence in the world, and, in fact, in any part of the Creation of God), where the beast and the false prophet are (proclaims the fact that these two were placed in “the Lake of Fire and Brimstone” some one thousand years earlier [Rev. 19:20]), and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (This signifies the Eternity of this place. It is a matter of interest to note that Satan’s first act is recorded in Gen., Chpt. 3 [the third Chapter from the beginning], whereas his last act on a worldwide scale is mentioned in Rev., Chpt. 20 [the third Chapter from the end].)
Luke 16:19-31 (KJV)
19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day (the Jews of Jesus’ day concluded that riches were the favor of God, and poverty was the curse of God; therefore, this illustration given by Christ ripped to shreds their false doctrine): 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus (many claim this is a Parable not to be taken literally; however, as it is to be noticed, Jesus uses names in this illustration, meaning that it’s not a Parable but actually, something that really happened; consequently, it is chilling indeed!), which was laid at his gate, full of sores (the rich man saw Lazarus constantly, but offered no help whatsoever; as stated, such concluded ones like Lazarus to be cursed of God, and to help such would be thwarting the Plan of God; how so much the Word of God is twisted by so many), 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table (probably means that this rich man felt very good with himself in even allowing “crumbs” to be given to this beggar): moreover the dogs came and licked his sores (proclaims the fact that this man was not only poverty stricken, but, as well, was sick; he would not fit the mold of the modern prosperity gospel, which, in fact, is no Gospel at all; but he definitely did fit God’s mold; we should consider all of this very carefully). 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died (more than likely, no one cared, but the Lord cared, as we shall see), and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom (Paradise; where all Believers went before the Cross; as well, Jesus also tells us here that whenever a Believer dies, his soul and spirit are escorted by Angels into the presence of God): the rich man also died, and was buried (no Angels carried him away, for he died eternally lost; him being rich did not carry any weight as it regards his soul’s Salvation); 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes (Jesus here plainly proclaims the Doctrine of Eternal Hell ; as well, He also proclaims the fact that the soul and the spirit immediately go to Heaven or Hell at the time death, and that the soul and the spirit are totally conscious), being in torments (to say the least, Hell is not a pleasant place and, as stated, it is eternal), and sees Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom (all Believers before the Cross expressed faith in the Revelation given to Abraham by God as it regards Redemption and, in a sense, it is the same presently [Rom 4:16]). 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me (there are no unbelievers in Hell, nor is there any Salvation there; the rich man repented, but too late), and send Lazarus (he had no concern for Lazarus back on Earth, but his conscience now recalls many things, but too late), that he may dip the tip of his finger in water (evidently there is no water there), and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame (the Bible teaches that the fires of Hell are literal; Jesus said so!). 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things (in no way does it mean that this was the cause of him being lost; it merely means that he was treated very well, but showed no thankfulness for his blessings), and likewise Lazarus evil things (the rich man didn’t allow his blessings to bring him to the Lord, and Lazarus didn’t allow his poverty to keep him from the Lord): but now he is comforted (because he had accepted the Lord), and you are tormented (the word “now” is that which is all-important; it speaks of the time after death; will it be one of “comfort” or “torment”?). 26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed (this is in heart of the Earth [Mat. 12:40]; before the Cross even though all who went to Paradise were comforted, they were still captives of Satan, with him hoping that ultimately he would get them over into the burning pit [Eph. 4:8-9]; this means that when Believers died before the Cross, due to the fact that the blood of bulls and goats could not take away sins, the sin debt remained, and Satan still had claim on them; so all those in Paradise were awaiting the Cross, which would deliver them): so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot (proclaims the fact that all opportunities for Salvation are on this side of the grave; this means that the Catholic doctrine of Purgatory is a “fool’s hope”; there is no such place); neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence (but yet it was possible for those in Hell to look over and see those in Paradise, and it seems to speak to them; that place, due to the Cross, is now empty, with all liberated by Christ after the price was paid [Eph. 4:8-9]). 27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that you would send him (send Lazarus) to my father's house (this is the only example of praying to a dead Saint in Scripture; let those who do so remember that prayer to all other dead Saints will avail just as much as this prayer did -- nothing): 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them (these statements proclaim the fact that this man had a working knowledge of God and more than likely professed Salvation before his death; but he wasn’t Saved!), lest they also come into this place of torment (he did not ask this grace for himself, for he knew that he was eternally entombed; it is easy to step into Hell, but impossible to step out). 29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them (doesn’t mean that this event happened during the time of Moses, but that Abraham is referring to the Word of God; this tells us that at least a part of the Old Testament had then been written). 30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent (the Scriptures contain all that is necessary to Salvation; a returned spirit could add nothing to them; and a man who will not listen to the Bible would not listen to a multitude, if raised from the dead; in fact, a few days later, the Lord did raise a man named Lazarus from the grave, and the Pharisees went about to put him to death). 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead (this illustration as given by Christ, actually happened and, in fact, presents a startling portrayal of life after death; we learn from this, and in stark reality, that the only thing that really matters in life is being right with God; there is a Heaven and there is a Hell, and every soul who has ever lived has gone or is going to one or the other; the only way to make Heaven one’s eternal Home is to accept Christ; He Alone is the Door; everything else leads one to Hell, exactly as the rich man found out, and to his eternal dismay).
Revelation 22:4-5 (KJV)
4 And they shall see his face (shows intimate relationship); and his name shall be in their foreheads (refers to ownership; we were bought “with a price,” and that price was the Blood of the Lamb). 5 And there shall be no night there (this speaks of the New Jerusalem only, for night and day will be in the balance of the Earth forever); and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God gives them light (presents the Source of this Light): and they shall reign forever and ever. (It has never been known for servants to “reign” like kings; however, these servants shall!)
Romans 6:3-5 (KJV)
3Know you not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ (plainly says that this Baptism is into Christ and Not Water [1 Cor. 1:17; 12:13; Gal. 3:27; Eph. 4:5; Col. 2:11-13]) were baptized into his death? (When Christ died on the Cross, in the Mind of God, we died with Him; in other words, He became our Substitute, and our identification with Him in His Death gives us all the benefits for which He died; the idea is that He did it all for us!) 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death (not only did we die with Him, but we were buried with Him as well, which means that all the sins and transgressions of the past were buried; when they put Him in the Tomb, they put all our sins into the Tomb as well): that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life (we died with Him, we were buried with him, and His Resurrection was our Resurrection to a “Newness of Life”). 5 For if we have been planted together (with Christ) in the likeness of his death (Paul proclaims the Cross as the Instrument through which all Blessings come; consequently, the Cross must ever be the Object of our Faith, which gives the Holy Spirit latitude to work within our lives), we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection (we can have the “likeness of His Resurrection,” i .e., “live this Resurrection Life,” only as long as we understand the “likeness of His Death,” which refers to the Cross as the Means by which all of this is done):
1 Corinthians 1:17 (KJV)
For Christ sent me not to baptize (presents to us a Cardinal Truth), but to preach the gospel (the manner in which one may be Saved from sin): not with wisdom of words (intellectualism is not the Gospel), lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. (This tells us in no uncertain terms that the Cross of Christ must always be the emphasis of the Message.)
1 Corinthians 12:13 (KJV)
For by one Spirit (the Holy Spirit alone does this) are we all baptized into one body (at Salvation, the Holy Spirit Baptizes the Believing sinner into the Body of Christ, which is the Born-Again experience; it doesn’t refer to Water Baptism), whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free (all must come in the same manner, “by and through Jesus Christ and what He did at the Cross”); and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (The Holy Spirit is the agent Who affects the work of Redemption carried out in our lives, which is made possible by the Death, Burial, Resurrection, Ascension, and Exaltation of Christ.)
Galatians 3:27 (KJV)
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ (refers to the Baptism into His Death and Calvary [Rom. 6:3-5]; the reference is not to Water Baptism) have put on Christ (means to be clothed with Him [Jn. 14:20]).
Ephesians 4:5 (KJV)
One Lord (Jesus Christ), one faith (what He did at the Cross), one baptism (our Salvation, referring to Believers Baptized into Christ, which was done at the Cross; it has nothing to do with Water Baptism [Rom. 6:3-5]),
Colossians 2:11-13 (KJV)
11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands (that which is brought about by the Cross [Rom. 6:3-5]), in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ (refers to the old carnal nature that is defeated by the Believer placing his Faith totally in the Cross, which gives the Holy Spirit latitude to work): 12 Buried with him in baptism (does not refer to Water Baptism, but rather to the Believer baptized into the death of Christ, which refers to the Crucifixion and Christ as our substitute [Rom. 6:3-4]), wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. (This does not refer to our future physical Resurrection, but to that spiritual Resurrection from a sinful state into Divine Life. We died with Him [Rom. 6:3-5], and herein lies the secret to all Spiritual Victory.) 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh (speaks of spiritual death [i.e., “separation from God”], which sin does!), hath he quickened together with him (refers to being made spiritually alive, which is done through being “Born-Again”), having forgiven you all trespasses (the Cross made it possible for all manner of sins to be forgiven and taken away);
Now is the time to turn from your wicked old ways and to deny yourselves, at the foot of the Cross (meaning dying to sin and becoming Alive in Jesus Christ). If it wasn’t for the Cross of Calvary, there would of been no Blood shed for sin and you all would have no chance, to escape damnation in hell. God loves you so much, that He came to earth and was given the Name Jesus, He is the Christ that came to Save and He deserves, all the Glory, Praise and should be Edified by all Christians. Those who rejects Jesus Christ, any Building built by hands, that rejects Jesus Christ, any soul that rejects Jesus Christ as their Savior, any soul who does not turn away from sin and repents to God, will be subject and tossed into hell, with Lucifer for all eternity. Friends, your soul will go one way, I pray that is will be the right way with Jesus Christ, or your soul will go the other, which is in hell with Lucifer. You make the choices by your actions, the way you live, by your speech and everything else that was mentioned in the beginning of this study. Are you going to Heaven? Or are you heading for hell? As we close in prayer, I pray and hope that all of you will make better choices in your life. The wrong choice that you make, could send you were you do not want to end up at. Why don’t you come, come now to be with Jesus Christ. Accept Jesus Christ into your hearts today, believe in the Cross, His Resurrection, His Blood Shed and in the Cross and you can be Saved. May God be with you.Today is the day of Salvation, Turn to God now. Lets Pray.
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