Rightly Dividing the Scriptures By Period

2 Timothy 2:15 -“Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.”  ASV

THE ANTEDILUVIAN PERIOD:

This covers the period from creation to the great flood. “Ante” means before; “diluvian” refers to the flood.

THE POSTDILUVIAN PERIOD:

This covers the period from the Noachian flood to Abraham’s call in Genesis 12. “Post” obviously, means after or subsequent.

THE GREAT PATRIARCHAL PERIOD:

This period covers from the Abrahamic call to the descent into Egypt by Jacob’s family. Earlier patriarchs had lived but we know so much more about the quartet of patriarchs adorning the pages from Genesis 12 to Genesis 50.

THE EGYPTIAN PERIOD:

This encompasses the era from the descent into Egypt to the exodus. Some 430 years {some critics suggest 215 years} encompass this period.

THE PERIOD OF WANDERING:

Forty years covers this stirring period. Two miraculous water crossings adorn this period; crossing the Red Sea at the beginning of this period and crossing the swollen waters of the Jordan at this period’s end under recently ordained Joshua as new leader.

THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST:

This is the period of their initial entrance into Canaan till the appointment of the first judge, Othneil. Canaan is conquered and parceled out among nine and one-half half of the tribes in this period. Two and one-half of the tribes had received tribal inheritance under Moses in Eastern Palestine.

THE PERIOD OF THE JUDGES:

This is a lengthy period and covers from Othniel’s appointment as first judge to the establishment of the kingdom under the first king, Saul. There were fifteen judges — fourteen men and one woman judge constitute the “The Dark Ages of Hebrew History.”

THE PERIOD OF THE UNITED KINGDOM:

This is the era that covers the three reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon. Each ruled for forty years. This period begins with Saul’s inauguration and ends with the division triggered by Solomon’s apostate and sad demise.

THE PERIOD OF THE DIVIDED KINGDOM:

Covered here are the ebb and flow years when Judah {Southern Kingdom} and Israel {Northern Kingdom} existed side by side. This period lasted from approximately 975 BC to 722 BC. Each of the kingdoms had nineteen kings. David’s line kept the Southern throne except for Athaliah’s short reign. The Northern kingdom had several dynasties which emerged, reigned briefly and then faded the monarchial leadership role.

THE PERIOD OF JUDAH {i.e., Southern Kingdom} ALONE:

This covers approximately one hundred thirty-six years from the fall of Samaria to the Assyrians to Jerusalem’s fall to the Chaldeans {i.e., Babylonians} in 586 BC.

THE PERIOD OF THE CAPTIVITY:

This covers those years that Judah spent in Captivity in Babylon. This captivity cured their idolatrous inclinations.

Many interesting studies are found in this period regarding the faith of the Israelites such as Daniel, and the three Hebrew children.

THE PERIOD OF THE RESTORATION:

This period covers from Cyrus’ decree that they could return to Canaan to Nehemiah’s rebuilding the Jerusalem walls and Malachi’s writing the last book of the Old Testament.

THE FOUR HUNDRED SILENT YEARS:

This covers the four centuries from Nehemiah and Malachi to the announced birth of John and Jesus Christ. Many otherwise knowledgeable students of Sacred History know but little of this period and yet knowledge of this period enhances ones knowledge of New Testament events.

NOTE: The editor has some material that he has prepared for study of this period. If you would like to examine it just let me know.

THE PERIOD OF JESUS INCARNATION {i.e., earthly sojourn}:

This period covers from the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem to his ascension. Approximately one-third of a century is involved. Son of God and Son of man merged in Him who is our Glorious Savior and Majestic King.

THE PERIOD OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST:

This covers from Pentecost {Acts 2} till the end. This is earth’s final age. There will not be another as Premillennialists vainly envision. This is the period of time in which we live NOW!

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John 3:16 Means What It Says

John 3:16 Means What It Says!

Since I was a small child I have known this beautiful verse; first spoken by the Son of God Himself and later penned by inspiration for our learning and edification. The sad thing is that for many years the denominational world has twisted and corrupted this beautiful scripture to propagate their false doctrine and extend to countless souls a false hope. So just what does this verse say?

First of all it says that “The God,” that is the one and only true deity who created all things, and who has in His power the salvation and condemnation of His creation, “so loved the ‘kosmos,’” every man. Thayer says that this word in its context means “the inhabitants of the earth, men, the human race.” Since mankind, in its totality, had sinned and separated himself from God and life (Isaiah 59.1-2; Romans 3.10, 23; 512), God in His infinite love, chose to do something to redeem man and offer him a second chance.

What was that? “…he gave his only begotten Son.” The second person of the godhead agree to take on the role of son and savior; and was “made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man” (Hebrews 2.9). God the Father therefore sent His son, the only son begotten of God, to die for our sins, the only sacrifice worthy of our propitiation and sanctification. Now if the verse stopped right there then just maybe the “faith only” crowd or the non-religious, who want to live any old life they choose and claim God’s Son as a universal, unconditional sacrifice, may just have a weak, atrophied leg to stand on.

However, Jesus spoke on, “that whosoever believeth in him should not perish.” There are three important things for us to notice in this section of our text. 1) There is a burden placed upon every man (whosoever) who has ever lived since the death of Jesus. The word believeth here is the Greek word “pisteuo” and means to “place your faith and trust in.” It is more than just a mental affirmation that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died for the sins of all men. It means that we have to listen, heed, obey, and be faithful to His teachings. 2) The English phrase “should not” is rendered from the single Greek word “me” which means that this is the way (and yes the ONLY way, see John 14.6) to keep from perishing eternally. This word should not be translated or understood as an absolute (such as “shall not”). 3) The word “perish” indicates a foundational biblical principle. As long as we are joined to God in a spiritual relationship we have spiritual life. But since sin separates us from God, that sin brings forth spiritual death, if we die physically, separated from God, we have eternal death (separation). The only hope we have is Christ.

So the natural, logical, and honest question would be the same as it was on the day of
Pentecost (Acts 2.28), Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9.6), or that of the Philippian Jailor (Acts 16.30), “What must we do in order to be saved?” Obviously God’s love shown to us in the sacrifice of His Son demands a reciprocal love from us. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14.15). He asks us even today, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6.46).

Repent of your sins (Acts 17.30), Confess Jesus with your words and with your life (Luke 9.26), and do what those men on Pentecost, Saul of Tarsus, and the Philippian Jailor all did. “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2.41). “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22.16). “And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway” (Acts 16.33).

But then remember, this is only the beginning, not the end! One must “…observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28.20), and “be thou faithful unto death” (Revelation 2.10).

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Holy Spirit Baptism

Can You Tell Me About the Holy Spirit Baptism?

When we are talking about the number of times the baptism of the Holy Spirit was administered, people seldom confuse that with the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The gift of the Holy Spirit refers to the miraculous gifts that were given to others when the apostles laid hands on them (See 1 Corinthians 12 for a list of these gifts).  Now, they did not receive the Holy Spirit baptism, but merely, part of that gift.  In Acts 2:17-18, we read there of this pouring out of the Spirit upon the Jews and later, the Gentiles (Maids and Handmaidens).  But, this was not baptism.  Baptism is defined as “to plunge or dip,” not pour.  In Acts 8:17, we have another example of this gift.  Now, as to Cornelius in Acts 10, he too received the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:45), but the text does not say that this was the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  Also, the text does not point to only Cornelius, but to other Gentiles who were there (Acts 10:44).  As to the number of times the baptism of the Holy Spirit was administered, there are two and they all involve the apostles.  But, let’s look a little further into the matter.

In Matthew 3:11-12, John the Baptizer said that Jesus was coming to baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire.  From this passage, we learn first, that Jesus is the one who administers this baptism.  The Holy Spirit or anyone else cannot perform this baptism.  Second, knowing that the purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit was to reveal the word of God and to confirm the word of God (1 Peter 1:10-12), we learn that John is saying that either you will receive salvation from the word that will be presented or you will receive judgment because you have rejected that word.  You see, this verse is talking about inspiration, not salvation or something else.

Now, this baptism of the Holy Spirit was promised by God to the apostles in that they would be guided into all truth (John 14:26).  How do we know it was them?  Because the text says that the Holy Spirit would bring to their remembrance what Jesus had already taught them.  Furthermore, when we look at Acts 1:5, it states, “For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.”  Who is Jesus talking to?  He is not speaking to the multitude with him.  If you will take the time to follow the pronouns from this verse all the way through Acts 2:4, you will clearly see that only the apostles received this baptism of the Holy Spirit, that is, they were full of Him.  And, these men all received authority (Acts 1:8), they were all made ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:18-20), they were all witness of the resurrected Lord (John 15:27) with Paul also being a witness (Acts 9), they were guided into all truth (John 14:26) and they were confirmed as true teachers of the truth (Hebrews 2:1-4).

Now, if someone says that we have the Holy Spirit baptism today, one needs to find out exactly what they mean because without a great deal of studying in the matter, it can become confusing.  I mean, we do have the consequences of the Holy Spirit baptism today.  It is called truth (John 17:17).  However, remember that the Holy Spirit baptism was limited to the apostles.  As for Paul, when you look at Acts 9:1-16, you will see that he too was baptized with the Holy Spirit.  But, as to the pouring out of the Holy Spirit today, what this means, according to the Bible, is that you believe Christians have the ability to perform miracles.  But, the problem with this is that people do not get wisdom miraculously today otherwise there would not be so much division in the church, they do not get knowledge of the word of God miraculously today because Paul said it vanished (1 Corinthians 13).  We are not given faith miraculously today, no one is able to heal miraculously today otherwise the hospitals would be empty.  No one can work a variety of miracles today as Moses did in Exodus otherwise they could end world hunger and give the glory to God.  No one receives prophecies miraculously today because Paul said they would cease and they have.  No one can miraculously discern or read the hearts, minds and soul of men.  No one is able to miraculously begin speaking a different language that they know nothing about, nor can one interpret miraculously a foreign language they have never heard otherwise the mission fields would be filled of them and would have no need of translators.  None of these gifts of the Holy Spirit exist today because miracles were designed to confirm the word of God (Mark 16:17-20) and it has already been confirmed.  Besides, the only way that the miraculous could be given was by the laying on of the apostles hands (Acts 8:14-19) and they are all long gone.

Now, indeed a person does change into a new creature, but according to Romans 6:1-4, it happens at baptism.  They arise from baptism and walk in newness of life.  Being baptized is the only way God will remove our sins (Acts 2:38) and without being born again from baptism, we cannot inherit eternal life (John 3:1-5).  It is only then, that a man becomes a Christian and allows the word of God, which was given by the Holy Spirit, to dwell in his heart.

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Lord, To Whom Shall We Go

“LORD, TO WHOM SHALL BE GO?”

The question in our heading is a question that the apostle Peter posed many years ago to the question from the Lord, “will you also go away?” There have been many times in my life that I have mentally asked myself the same question that Peter ask, “Lord, to whom shall we go?” The Bible reference reads, John 6:68, “Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” ASV

PETER’S ANSWER

The answer that Peter gave to the question that Jesus ask him indicates that Peter knew for sure that there was no other person to whom one could turn to gain the knowledge of salvation from sin. The understanding that Peter reveals to us about his estimation of Jesus knowledge indicates that he believed very deeply that Jesus was the Messiah. We can have the same kind of confidence in Jesus today because we have the completed Bible that attests to His Divinity.

JESUS HAS WHAT ALL MEN NEED

There is not a person living today that does not need to be saved from their sin. Since this is man’s condition he needs to hear and heed the words of Jesus. As Peter says of the Lord in the context here, “… thou hast the words of eternal life.” Nothing in this world is more important than knowing to whom we must turn {i.e., heed} so that we will be able to solve the problem of sin in our life today. Jesus later says, “And ye shall know the truth and  the truth shall  make you free” John 8:32. We must always be aware of the fact; Jesus has the answer to sin in our life. Indeed, man can be saved from his sin if he is willing to seek it in the teaching of Christ and in his apostles teaching also.

AM I AS FAITHFUL AS I SHOULD BE?

There may be many Christians that periodically ask themselves the question, “Am I as faithful as I should be?” The question is a valid exercise in self-examination that each disciple ought to consider regularly. The Bible instructs us “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? –unless indeed you are disqualified” 2 Cor 13:5. {NKJV}

HOW TO DETERMINE FAITHFULNESS

How do we determine if we are faithful? The Bible is our rule or gauge in determining the quality of our religion. We cannot and must not seek to determine the degree of our faithfulness based upon the faithfulness of other disciples cf., 2 Cor 10:12, “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” NKJV.  We must be honest about ourselves and our relationship to God based upon whether we are abiding within the teaching of Christ – cf., 2 John 9, “Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son” ASV. 

JUDGE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT

As we look personally within our own heart we will be able to judge ourselves correctly based upon how we are reacting to the instruction of Christ. Indeed, we can know what is expected of us by the Lord by reading the Word of God. We can also know whether we are applying the truths as we learn them from God’s Word.

IDENTIFYING THE TRUTH

Jesus said of the truth, “and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” – John 8:32. Jesus also tells us how to identify the truth in John 17:17 where He says, “Thy word is truth.” I cannot think of a greater bit of information for the disciple of Jesus than to know that God’s Word is TRUTH. We may know whether we are as faithful as we ought to be because we have the truth to guide us in our lifestyle. If we are living according to the Divine instructions we know that we are faithful if we are not then we know that we are unfaithful, This is not hard to understand for the person that really wants to know.

EXAMINE SELF!

Always examine self; don’t spend your time examining others. Many times we cannot judge another’s actions because we cannot read their mind. We may know them by their fruits but we must not attribute to other people’s actions, motives because we can not know why a person does what they do all the time. Let us keep a close check on self and remain faithful.

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Prom and Promiscuity

Each year, around April and May, High Schools typically hold a dance called Prom.  Traditionally, this dance features boys and girls of the school decked out in gowns and tuxedos.  Historically, the dance oft represented the first celebratory steps into adulthood.  Families work together with their young folks to make the event memorable.

Typically, young men escort their female “Prom date” from home, to the dance, and back again.  While the “Prom date” is still the most prevalent feature, increasingly young people opt instead to come in groups of boys and girls instead.   Sometimes the young people will be escorted by a prominent actor or actress as a publicity stunt.  Recently, one girl decided not to come with a young man, but instead arrived with a cardboard cutout of famous NFL quarterback Tim Tebow.  Everyone at the dance embraced the cutout with great humor.

The other day I went to the local “mom and pop” store.  The store sits about three blocks from the local High School.  Gathered around the store counter, the store owner and some of his clientele stood talking.  The topic of the hour happened to be Prom.  The adults talked of the alcohol they consumed at their proms and the same alcohol consumption they see surrounding prom every year.  They talked not with disappointment about how the students would make foolish decisions during the evening, but with resigned chuckles.  The store owner pointed out how young folks come in for condoms so they can have sex with their dates.  When they don’t have the change, he just hands the condoms over for free.  “We don’t want them to have any accidents.”  As I overheard him, I commented, “The decision to have sex doesn’t happen by accident.”  More chuckles rose from the group with affirmative “yups”.

The store owner and the others around him accepted without any religious bias the fact that prom is an event surrounded by lust (James 1:15), lasciviousness (Matthew 7:21-23), premarital sex (I Corinthians 10:8), alcohol (I Thessalonians 5:8), and other worldly actions.  Many Christian parents refuse to accept the reality of this sinful event or at least they choose to ignore its reality. Prom exposes their children to a stumbling block (Matthew 18:6) and temptation (2 Timothy 2:22).  All of these activities find condemnation in scripture.

The girls at the events typically dress quite immodestly.  There attire often exposes most or part of their thighs, stomachs, backs, breasts, and shoulders.  God identified this as nakedness and covered those areas completely in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3).  Young men should be ashamed for such girls and blush at the sight of them.  However, their lusts drive them forward and they no longer know how to blush (Jeremiah 8:12).  The girls’ thoughts dwell on the grand event.  The boys’ thoughts dwell on the bodies of the young women.  The girls in their foolishness defraud the boys (I Thessalonians 4:3-6).  The boys acting as willing accomplices pursue the girls (Proverbs 5).  Prom and promiscuity walk hand in hand.

At many proms, open homosexuality now displays itself along with the other sins.  The pit gets deeper and deeper, the mire thicker and thicker.  Parents with common sense, most Christian parents and some parents with no religion at all, refuse to allow their children to participate in prom.  They understand prom endangers the purity of their child (Proverbs 6:27).  They want their children to be good examples, not bad.  They desire their children to focus on purity not evil (Philippians 4:8).  This year as the opportunity arises, encourage grandparents, parents, friends, and young people to give prom a big thumb down.  Just say “No” to Prom.

Galatians 5:16 – “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

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