1 Corinthians 12:28 Apostles. Given to men to carry on the work of Christ until the Scripture would be completed wherein Pastors, Prophets and Teacher would expound on the Word of God. Prophets. The gift of prophet is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to communicate the message of God to His people from the Holy Scripture. Teachers. The gift of teaching is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to communicate information relevant to the health and ministry of the body and its members in such a way that others will learn Miracles. The gift of miracles is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to serve as human intermediaries through whom it pleases God to perform such powerful acts that are perceived by observers to have altered the ordinary course of nature. Healings. The gift of healing is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to serve as human intermediaries through whom it pleases God to cure illness and restore health apart from the use of natural means. Helps. The gift of hospitality is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to provide an open house and a warm welcome to those in need of food and lodging. Governments. The gift of administration (government) is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to understand clearly the immediate and long range goals of a particular unit of the body of Christ and to devise and execute effective plans for the accomplishment of those goals Diversities of Tongues. The gift of tongues is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ (a) to speak to God in a language they have never learned and/or (b) to receive and communicate an immediate message of God to His people through a divinely – anointed utterance in a language they have never learned.
English Noun – a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. Verb – want something to happen or be the case. Greek Noun – elpís (from elpō, “to anticipate, welcome”) – properly, expectation of what is sure (certain); hope. Verb – elpizo to trust
The Apostle Paul wrote to believers much about our Hope. He used the word 39 times in his epistles: To the believers in Rome he referred to our HOPE 13 times: Romans 4:18 5:2 5:4-5 8:20 8:24-2512:12 15:4 15:13 To the weak believers in the Corinthian Church Paul wrote to them about the believer’s HOPE (8 times): 1 Corinthians 9:10 13:13 15:19 2 Corinthians 1:7 3:12 10:15 And to the church in Galatian (who were wanting to bring the Law into Grace, Paul again used HOPE: Galatians 5:5For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. To the faithful in Ephesus he reminded them of what hope is. Ephesians 1:18 2:12 4:4There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; To Philippi Believers he spoke of His Hope. Philippians 1:20According to my earnest expectation and my hope, … Hope of Heaven, of the Gospel, in Glory was his message to the Colossians: Colossians 1:5 1:23 1:27 Having only spent a brief time with the believer’s in Thessalonica he taught them a lot and reestablished their belief with the Hope in our Lord Jesus: 1 Thessalonians 1:3 2:19 4:13 5:8 2 Thessalonians 2:16 As Paul prepared to depart this life he wrote to his “Preacher Boys” of hope: 1 Timothy 1:1 Titus 1:2 2:13Looking for that blessed hope, 3:7 To believing Hebrews (Jews) he wanted to establish their hope: Hebrews 3:6 6:11 6:18-19 7:19 Peter writing to believing Jews scattered abroad (1:1) spoke of this hope: 1 Peter 1:3 1:13 1:21 3:15 And the Apostle John reminds us, every man can have this hope: 1 John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
It’s FUN to study the BIBLE, the WORD OF GOD. There are several ways to do this. The study of a book, a study of a doctrine, a study of a subject, and a study of a word/words. This is a study of words. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles used the words BUT NOW…
In his letter to the Romans as he wrote about our position with the Lord in regards to the LAW he wrote BUT NOW… Romans 3:21But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. Romans 7:6But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and … Romans 15:23But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; Romans 15:25 But nowI go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. In his closing comments to the Romans he reminded them of the mysteries that had been kept secret … Romans 16:26But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To the weak church at Corinth he had to remind them of his teachings while he was with them, who to keep company with, the relationship with husband and wife. 1 Corinthians 5:11But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 1 Corinthians 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean;but noware they holy. That they were members of the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:18 But nowhath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 1 Corinthians 12:20But now are they many members, yet but one body. How Christ was risen as would all believers. 1 Corinthians 15:20But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept. In his second letter he reminds them to be diligent. 2 Corinthians 8:22And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but nowmuch more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. 2 Corinthians 12:6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth:but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above…
The story is very plain but let’s bring it down to a child’s level. God wants everyone to know His word but there was a time when His word was lost to His people.
An eight year old boy became King of His people. Some wicked men had killed his father and he became King of Israel. His name was Josiah. When he became King, his whole country was wicked and evil. They worshiped false gods of Baalim. God’s house, the Temple, was not used and nobody knew where God’s word (the Penatude, the Bible) was.
Josiah was different from his people. He believed in God. As he grew older he ordered his pe0ple to quit worshiping the false gods. He even ordered them to clean up and fix up God’s house, the Temple. The people were to bring in their offerings and the priests were to collect it and pay the men who fixed up the temple. As this was going on, HIL-KI-AH, a priest, found a book (the scrolls). It was God’s word. Hilkiah was very excited and took it to the king. The King became excited, now he could find out more about God. The King ordered the book to be read for all the people. The book told about God’s love, it told about God’s promise to his people, it told about the Law God had given them. It told about the punishments that would come if the people did not obey God’s word.
The King became very sad. He discovered just how evil the people had become and that for their sinfulness they would have to be punished. He became so sad he even tore his clothes.
King Josiah decided then to obey God’s word. Because of King Josiah’s decision, God sent a message to the King through a prophetess who said that ALL THE DAYS OF JOSIAH’S LIFE, God would withhold the punishments.
What a story. And you know when we obey God’s word He withholds the punishments that come with Sin. But to Obey God’s word we need to know it and the way we can know it is the same way Josiah came to know it.
READ IT. STUDY IT.
2 Timothy 2:15-17 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
God made Adam bit Noah arked Abraham split Joseph ruled Jacob fooled Bush talked Moses balked Pharaoh plague People walked Sea divided Tablets guided Promise landed Saul freaked David peeked Prophets warned Jesus born God walked Love talked Anger crucified Hope died Love rose Spirit flamed Word spread God remained.
Just what is the commission for the church? And what is the Gospel we are to preach? Is there a commission for the church?
The one found in the Gospels, given by the Lord Jesus was given to His Jewish disciples:
(Matthew 10:5) These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
And again, the resurrected Lord Jesus said to his Jewish, commanding them:(Acts 1:4) And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. (Acts 1:8) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
But there is a commission given to the Apostle Paul to pass on to believers: 2 Corinthians 5:20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Ambassadors, to share with unbelievers the home we have in heaven. Ephesians 3:9And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
Make all see the mysteries that Paul revealed. 1 Timothy 2:3-4For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Present salvation to all so they will come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Make know the true Gospel for the Grace period. Romans 10:9-13That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 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. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Teach them how to call upon the Lord Jesus for salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Teach that Salvation is by Grace alone. Titus 3:5-6 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
Stress that it, salvation, is only by HIS mercy.
That’s the commission given to Grace Age Believers. The Commission given by the resurrected Lord will be fulfilled during the 7 year tribulation.
This is the Lord Jesus calling his disciples (apostles) and commissioning to go forth and preach the Kingdom of God and giving them signs and wonders to prove who they were. Then after his resurrection he repeats the commission.
Matthew 28:18-20 (Mark 16:15-20, Luke 24:44-49) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. John 20:23Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. Acts 1:8But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Above is the scripture (Matt 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-20, Luke 24:44-49, John 20:23, Acts 1:8) pertaining to the “Great Commission” as claimed by Christendom today. But not Matthew 10 or Mark 3:14-15. Of course, it is pointed out that these were given to the disciples, while the Lord walked on the earth. Were not ALL of these given to the apostles? Let’s put them together into one command to better understand the whole commission.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.
Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.“
The first from Matthew, Go(ing) into the world, baptizing and teaching all looks like something we should do. But what about the rest of the Commission? And from Mark, Go(ing) into the world, preach the gospel is good. But baptizing for salvation? And then, what are the signs that are to follow? Cast out devils! Speak new Tongues! Take up (deadly) serpents! Drink deadly thing! Heal the sick! Is all of this part of your ministry? Some claim to do one or more BUT all were commissioned to all IF we are to believe this was the GREAT COMMISSION to the church. And from John. DO you have to power to forgive SIN?
Just what is the commission for the church? And what is the Gospel we are to preach? 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: Romans 10:9-13 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 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. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Ephesians 2:8-9For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Titus 3:5-6 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
Study further: 2 Corinthians 5:20, Ephesians 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:3-4
Matthew 26:72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. Matthew 26:74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
OATH
There are two definitions for the word OATH: -a solemn promise, often invoking a divine witness, regarding one’s future action or behavior. -a profane or offensive expression used to express anger or other strong emotions.
Matthew 5:33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: Matthew 14:7 Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. Matthew 14:9 And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath‘s sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. Matthew 26:72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. Mark 6:26 And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath‘s sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. Luke 1:73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, Acts 2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; Acts 23:21 But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee. Hebrews 6:16-17 For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: Hebrews 7:20-21 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever … Hebrews 7:28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. James 5:12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
In the text above it would appear to take an oath was to promise something.
As a believer, we should be very careful when we make an OATH.
And according to the Apostle Paul a believer should defiantly avoid filthy communication, bad language.
