Believer’s Benefits in Church Age

When an individual believes what it says in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (death,burial,resurrection) and follows the instructions given in
ROMANS 10:9-13 (believe,confess), that person becomes a BELIEVER.

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The following belong to EVERY BELIEVER:
The completed word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit in every believer. 1 Corinthians 6:19
The indwelling of Christ Jesus in every believer. Galatians 2:20,
Ephesians 3:17
The Law fulfilled and Sacrifices (animal) removed. Galatians 3:13,5:1,
Colossians 2:14
The proof positive of our eternal life. 1 Corinthians 5:12-19
The Communion Table. 1 Corinthians 11:23-32
We (gentiles) have obtained an inheritance. Ephesians 1:11
We (gentiles) have direct access to God. 1 Timothy 2:5,
Hebrews 4:14
We (gentiles) are ambassadors of Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:20
We (gentiles) have been given spiritual gifts. Galatians 1:11,12:6-8,
Ephesians 4:7
1 Corinthians 7:7,12:1-11
All the mysteries have been revealed to us. Matthew 13:35

MYSTERY OF:
Godliness 1 Timothy 3:16, Colossians 2:2
The Kingdom of Heaven Matthew 13:1-52
Christ Colossians 4:3, Ephesians 3:2-6
(7) Stars, Candlesticks, Churches Revelation 1:20, 2-3
Hid for Ages Galatians 2:20, Colossians 1:26-27
Blindness Galatians 11:25
Change 1 Corinthians 15:51,
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
Iniquity 2 Thessalonians 2:7-9
Babylon Revelation 17:3-5
the Woman Revelation 17:7
Great Mystery Ephesians 5:32,
Revelation 19:7-9,21:9-10
His Will 1 Corinthians 15:24-28,
Ephesians 1:9-11, Revelation 21:1-2

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Crowns and Rewards

Without a foundation there can be no Crowns or Rewards

1 Corinthians 3:11-15 Foundation and Rewards
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
1 Corinthians 3:11 ⇨ The Foundation
Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
1 Corinthians 3:14 ⇨ The Reward
Matthew 10:41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 19:28-29 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And … shall inherit everlasting life.
Incorruptible Crown ⇨ 1 Corinthians 9:25
For keeping “your own” body under control.
1 Corinthians 6:19, 7:23 you belong to God
Romans 6:12, 12:1 keep free from sin
Crown of Rejoicing ⇨ 1 Thessalonians 2:19
Jude 1:24 Our salvation
Ephesians 2:6, Phil 3:20 Our home
Crown of Righteousness ⇨ 2 Timothy 4:8
To them that love his appearing 1 John 3:7
Hebrews 9:28, 11:6 Seek Him
Titus 2:13 Look for Him
Crown of Life ⇨ James 1:12
To them that love Him and overcome temptation
Revelation 2:10 Faithful unto death
1 Peter 1:6, 1 Corinthians 10:13
Crown of Glory ⇨ 1 Peter 5:4
Philippians 4:1 Teacher’s Crown, Those we bring to Christ
Crown of Gold ⇨ Revelation 4:4
Revelation 4:10 CROWNS AND REWARDS

WATCH OUT – They can be LOST

2 John 8, Revelation 3:11
Reward of Inheritance
Colossians 3:4
Matthew 19:29 For Service
All will give an account of works
Romans 14:12, 2 Corinthians 5:10,
Philippians 2:7, Revelation 22:12

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In Christ

Look at what believers have IN CHRIST:

In Romans we find we have: grace,redemption,no condemnation,free from the law,the love of God,
Romans 3:24, 8:1-2, 8:39, Romans 8 (Whole Chapter), 12:5
In Corinthians Paul tell us we are: sanctified, called saints, fools for Christ’s sake, wise in Christ, strong, honourable, made alive, triumphant, a new creature
1 Corinthians 1:2, 4:10, 15:22, 2 Corinthians 2:14, 5:17
And to the Galatians, who were trying to please God by obeying the Law, he reminds them of our: liberty, children of God, all one in Christ Jesus, a new creature. Galatians 2:4, 3:26, 3:28 , 6:15
Paul reminds the Ephesians of our position in Christ: all spiritual blessings, raised us up together, sit together in heavenly places, his workmanship, made nigh, fellow heirs, partakers of his promise Ephesians 1:3, 2:6, 2:10, 2:13, 3:6
And to the Philippians: saints, Let this mind be in you, brethren
Philippians 1:1 2:5 4:21
He tells Collossians, who they (we) are: saints, brethren, perfect in Christ Jesus: Colossians 1:2, 1:28
Instructing his son (in the Lord): a good degree, great boldness, promise of life, an holy calling, purpose and grace, salvation, live godly
1 Timothy 3:13 , 2 Timothy 1:1, 1:9, 2:1, 2:10, 3:12, 3:15

Philemon 1:6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

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Oath, Curse, Swear

Read Matthew 26:52-75

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.

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Fornication

fôrnəˈkāSH(ə)n
sexual intercourse between people not married to each other.

What does the word of God say about it?

1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
Ephesians 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
1 Corinthians 6:13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
1 Corinthians 7:2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
1 Corinthians 10:8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
1 Corinthians 5:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.
2 Corinthians 12:21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.
Romans 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

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Adultery

The Bible talks about Divorce and Adultery 33 times, 15 times in the Old Testament and 18 times in the New. Just what is Adultery?

definition: voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and a person who is not his or her spouse

Adultery is mentioned in Exodus 1 time – Leviticus 1 time – Deuteronomy 1 time – Proverbs 1time – Jeremiah 6 times – Ezekiel 2 times and Hosea 3 times.

The Bible uses Adultery as the physical act and Spiritual act of worshipping other gods.
Exodus 20:14  ⇨  1^st Occurrence   7^th Commandment
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Leviticus 20:10  ⇨  Definition of Adultery
And the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.

Adultery is mentioned in Romans 2 times and Galatians 1 time.

Paul writes to the Gentiles:
Romans 2:22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
Romans 13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

It is also mentioned in Matthew 5 times – Mark 3 times – Luke 2 times – John 2 times – James 1 time – 2 Peter 1 time and Revelation 1 time.

The Disciples wrote to the Jews:
Matthew 5:27-28 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
Matthew 19:9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
Matthew 19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
Mark 10:11-12 And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
Mark 10:19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
Luke 16:18 Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.
Luke 18:20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
John 8:3-4 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.|
James 2:11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
2 Peter 2:14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
Revelation 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

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The Problem with Christians

Salvation is a Gift (from God) Ephesians 2:8-9
It comes with many benefits:
Redeemed –Romans 3:24
Justified –Romans 5:1
Reconciled –Romans 5:10
No Condemnation –Romans 8:1
Glorified –Romans 8:30
Sanctified –1 Corinthians 6:11
Regenerated –Titus 3:5
Adopted –Ephesians 1:5
Under Grace –2 Timothy 1:9, Ephesians 2:8
Complete (in Him) –Colossians 2:10
Indwelt by the Father –Ephesians 4:6
Indwelt by the Son –Colossians 1:27
Indwelt by the Holy Spirit –Romans 8:9-11

So what’s the Problem with Christians? (BOOSN) Even though God through Christ gives us all the above we still have a problem because we Bring Our Own Sin Nature! Even though we become new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), we still have the old man (Romans 7:17-19), our old sin nature. As long as we have it, it’s going to try to control us.

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ARK of the Covenant Part 2

How was the ARK to be used:

It was used to lead the Jews into the promise land by going before them (Joshua 3, 4, 6).
It was used in leading them in battle to remind them God was with them (1 Samuel 4)

Fate of the Lost Ark Revealed? - HISTORY

Where was it to be kept:

Instructions as to where it would be kept:
Exodus 26:33-34 And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy. And thou shalt put the mercy seat upon the ark of the testimony in the most holy place.

What became of the ARK …

Last mentioned in 2 Chronicles 35:3 And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy unto the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; it shall not be a burden upon your shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel,
Last prophecy is in Jeremiah 3:16 And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more.

What did John see:

Revelation 11:19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

Today believers don’t need the ARK, the Lord Jesus is all we need.

The ARK of the Covenant will reappear during the TRIBULATION!

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Paul’s Missionary Journeys Part 3

We embarked on a ship hailing from Adramyttium, bound for the Asian ports, and set sail. On the following day we put in at Sidon [3], where Julius treated Paul most considerately by allowing him to visit his friends and accept their hospitality. From Sidon we put to sea again and sailed to leeward of Cyprus [4], since the wind was against us. Then, when we had crossed the gulf that lies off the coasts of Cilicia [5] and Pamphylia [6], we arrived at Myra [7] in Lycia. There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship bound for Italy and put us aboard her. For several days we beat slowly up to windward and only just succeeded in arriving off Cnidus [8]. Then, since the wind was still blowing against us, we sailed under the lee of Crete, and rounded Cape Salmone [9]. Coasting along with difficulty we came to a place called Fair Havens [10], near which is the city of Lasea.

(In spite of Paul’s warnings, the ship continued on its way) …… the majority were in favour of setting sail again in the hope of reaching Phoenix [11] and wintering there. Phoenix is a harbour in Crete, facing south-west and north-west. So, when a moderate breeze sprang up, thinking they had obtained just what they wanted, they weighed anchor, and coasted along, hugging the shores of Crete. But before long a terrific gale, which they called a north-easter, swept down upon us from the land. The ship was caught by it and since she could not be brought up into the wind we had to let her fall off and run before it. Then, running under the lee of a small island called Clauda [12], we managed with some difficulty to secure the ship’s boat. After hoisting it aboard they used cables to brace the ship. To add to the difficulties they were afraid all the time of drifting on to the Syrtis banks [13], so they shortened sail and lay to, drifting. (The writer of Acts then describes the terrible storm which finally casts them up alive on the shore of Malta) …. On the fourteenth night of the storm, as we were drifting in the Adriatic [14], about midnight the sailors sensed that we were nearing land.

After our escape we discovered that the island was called Melita [15]. (Paul’s stay on Malta is described) It was no less than three months later that we set sail in an Alexandrian ship which had wintered in the island. We put in at Syracuse [16] and stayed there three days, and from there we tacked round to Rhegium [17]. A day later the south wind sprang up and we sailed to Puteoli [18], reaching it in only two days. There we found some of the brothers and they begged us to stay a week with them, and so we finally came to Rome.

The brothers there had heard about us and came out from the city to meet us, as far as the Market of Appius [19] and the Three Taverns [20]. When we reached Rome [21] Paul was given permission to live alone with the soldier who was guarding him (where he stayed for at least two years after which he was either executed or released).

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Paul’s Missionary Journeys Part 2

Paul’s Third Missionary Journey Concluded; The Return to Jerusalem c AD 58

Taken from Acts 20:3b-12; 21:15 – Then (after staying in Greece [6]) when he (Paul) was on the point of setting sail for Syria the Jews made a further plot against him and he decided to make his way back (by land) through Macedonia [7]. His companions on the journey were Sopater a Beroean, two Thessalonians, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and two Asians. This party proceeded to Troas to await us there while we sailed from Philippi [8] after the days of unleavened bread. and joined them five days later at Troas [9], where we spent a week.

(At Troas, Paul’s lengthy teaching almost leads to the death of a young man Eutychus who goes to asleep and falls out of window!)

Meanwhile we had gone aboard the ship and sailed on ahead for Assos, intending to pick up Paul there since he himself had planned to go overland. When he met us on our arrival at Assos [10] we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene [11]. We sailed from there and arrived off the coast of Chios [12] the next day. On the day following we crossed to Samos [13], and the day after that we reached Miletus [14]. For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus with the idea of spending as little time as possible in Asia. He hoped, if it should prove possible, to reach Jerusalem in time for the day of Pentecost.

(At Miletus he sent to Ephesus to summon the elders of the Church. On their arrival he addressed them. What saddened them most of all was his saying that they would never see his face gain.)

When we had finally said farewell to them we set sail, running a straight course to Cos [15], and the next day we went to Rhodes [16] and from there to Patara [17]. Here we found a ship bound for Phoenicia, and we went aboard her and set sail. After sighting Cyprus [18] and leaving it on our left we sailed to Syria and put in at Tyre [19], since that was where the ship was to discharge her cargo. We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them for a week (the disciples warn Paul not to go up to Jerusalem). We sailed away from Tyre and arrived at Ptolemais [20]. We greeted the brothers there and stayed with them for just one day. On the following day we left and proceeded to Caesarea [21] and there we went to stay at the house of Philip the evangelist (again he is warned of the dangers of returning to Jerualem). After this we made our preparations and went up to Jerusalem [22].

Taken from Acts 27:12 – 28:31 – (two years after Paul’s original arrest in Jerusalem [1] and his journey to Caesarea [2], Paul and some other prisoners were put in charge of a centurion named Julius.)

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