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The Importance of an Accurate Gospel Message

Since God did not determine that some would perish, so no one is headed to hell by God’s choice (2 Peter 3:9), it is important to present the facts of the Gospel accurately, according to what Scripture states.

Over in 1 Corinthians 15, Paul reminds the Corinthians saints of the gospel that he brought. This is one of the clearest presentations of the gospel to the Gentiles in Scripture. Paul states, this is the gospel by which we are saved (1 Corinthians 15:2). Christ died on behalf of our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures.

This is the message that contains the inherent ability of God to save (Romans 1:16) and the only sin that the Holy Spirit is convicting unbelievers of today (John 16:9). Faith is an interesting concept. We often consider faith to be something within the mind. However, it is specifically defined in Hebrews 11:1 as the substance of that which is hoped for, the evidence of accomplished deeds not seen, and in James we find that faith without works is dead (James 2:17), also we know from 1 John 3:4 that sin is an action, not something that happens within the mind; therefore, faith is not seen from God’s perspective as something within the mind, but an action that results from belief within the mind. Saying you believe something is not faith. Faith will always manifest itself in works, for it is the act of believing. Abraham believed God and there was an action that was associated with that belief. This was demonstrated when Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son, for in his mind he concluded that God would have […]

The Importance of an Accurate Gospel Message2023-11-25T07:59:11-08:00

Regret (μεταμέλομαι)

Regret is a word that comes from a combination of “to care about” and “after”. It is used to express being concerned about something after it has been done, which will result in a change of actions.

While Jesus was teaching in the Temple, the Chief priests and elders came to Him questioning by what authority He is teaching. He responded with a story concerning a man and two of his sons who he asked to go and work in the vineyard. The first one said, “No”, but afterwards regretted it and went (Matthew 21:29). He then rightly rebukes them for not believing the testimony of John the Baptist even though the tax collectors and prostitutes did (Matthew 21:32), for they did not regret rejecting John’s testimony even after seeing others accepting it.

After Christ was betrayed, Judas regretted what he had done when he saw that Jesus was condemned to death and returned the money he had made for betraying Christ to the Chief priest and elders (Matthew 27:3). His regret was not that they beat and imprisoned Him, but that He was condemned to death. This is what caused Judas’ to give care again about what he had done.

Paul expressed his regret for how the first letter to the Corinthians saint had to be written, although he did not regret what was written, only that it caused them grief. However, it was necessary for their benefit and to correct the wrongs they were involved in (2 Corinthians 7:8).

When it comes to the oath that God made with Christ to place Him as a priest according to the order of Melchizedek, He has no regret (Hebrews 7:21). God does not regret His oath with Christ. Therefore, […]

Regret (μεταμέλομαι)2023-11-25T08:00:36-08:00

After These Things (μετὰ ταῦτα)

“After these things” gives us an important anchor in Scripture concerning the timing of events. It is more important during prophecy, but also in other areas we are carried along within the timeline of events by the use of “after these things”.

The first “after these things” we find is with Jesus showing signs and gathering His disciples. After Jesus heals a paralyzed man He found Levi, a tax collector, and says to Him “Follow Me” (Luke 5:23). So we see Christ began showing signs to the Jews before gathering all His disciples.

Christ warning His disciples concerning the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. They are not to fear those who can kill the body but after these things has no authority, Luke 12:4.

While instructing the apostles, Jesus uses an example of a slave and a master. When the slave is finished with his work, he is not treated in a special way by the master who only after these things eats himself; rather, the slave has simply done what was required (Luke 17:8).

As the Passover was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem and seeing the money changers in the temple, drove them out. The Jews, seeing this, requested a sign from Jesus where He states tear down this temple and in three days I will raise it up. After these things Jesus and His disciples went into the land of Judea. John 3:22.

While in Cana of Galilee a royal official requested from Jesus to come and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Jesus stated to the official that his son lives, and the official believed Him. This was the second sign Jesus did in Judea and after these things […]

After These Things (μετὰ ταῦτα)2023-11-25T08:01:45-08:00

Conviction (ἔλεγχος)

Conviction, the evidence or proof that a belief is based upon. Faith is the substance of that which is hoped for, the conviction of accomplished works not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Since hope is always based upon a promise (Romans 8:24), faith in the one giving the promise is what undergirds the hope we have, even though we cannot at this time look at what was promised. When used in action it still carries the same meaning; therefore, Scripture, which is God-breathed, is profitable towards teaching and conviction, along with correction and child-training (2 Timothy 3:16). Which is why the Pastor is instructed to preach in season and out of season while convicting along with rebuking in all longsuffering and doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2).

There is so much great information in these passages and the meaning of the words, like teaching is different from doctrine, and child-training is specific to Christians, along with the fact that the Scripture is actually God-breathed, but we will have to look at these another time. Understanding conviction is important, because it is not about accusing a person, but about why we believe what we believe. The conviction is not judgment but laying out the truth so that our faith is shown to be based upon actual promises from God, not from humans. We see this with the Holy Spirit’s work concerning the unbelievers today. He convicts them of a sin – not believing in Christ’s death for sins and resurrection (John 16:8-11), righteousness – because Christ goes to the Father, and judgment – because the ruler of this world has been judged. He is not making them feel bad about their sins, but convincing them through truth of the facts of […]

Conviction (ἔλεγχος)2023-11-25T08:02:34-08:00

2 Corinthians Ministers of a New Covenant

The Saints In Corinth Are Paul’s Letter Of Commendation, 2 Corinthians 3:1-4

Do We Begin Again To Commend Ourselves To You? 2 Corinthians 3:1

Are We Introducing Or Demonstrating Ourselves To You Again?

Did Paul Need To Prove To Them Who He Is Again

Does He Need A Letter Or Recommendation For Them Or From Them?

They Know Who Paul Is, For They Are His Letter, 2 Corinthians 3:2

They Are Written In His Heart

All Can See This By Experiencing It And Reading It

While All See They Are An Epistle Of Christ, 2 Corinthians 3:3

The Epistle They Are Is Not Written With Ink

It Impacts The Heart, Which Affects Our Actions

Our Heart Is Our Center, Where Our Spirit And Soul Combine And Where Our Person Resides

It Is Always Those Around Another Person Who Show Who That Person Really Is

Paul’s Confidence Is Through Christ Facing God, 2 Corinthians 3:4

God is the One Who Made Us Sufficient Ministers of a New Covenant, 2 Corinthians 3:5-6

God is the One Who Made us Sufficient, 2 Corinthians 3:5

Sufficient – One who is qualified

The Centurion Speaking to Christ Concerning His Servant, Matthew 8:8

Those who are sufficient (qualified) to teach, 2 Timothy 2:2

As with Paul, our sufficiency is through Christ, not ourselves

Our Credentials mean nothing if we are not speaking the truth

The sufficiency we have comes from God And is Shown by Those We Impact Through Living Out Who We Are in Christ

Ministers of a New Covenant,

2 Corinthians Ministers of a New Covenant2023-12-14T08:19:09-08:00
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