Discuss Ephesians 3 Page 9

Patricia, I am praying with and for you asking God to restore you hair quickly and better than before. My devotion this morning was in Ephesians 3:20-21 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus." He is able, we are trusting in God's power and His love! I will also pray that our understanding of quickly be comprehended with Jesus' timeframe. Many God's blessings to you on this journey of trust, faith, hope and love!

Adam . . .

Which ONE is IT?

FAITH or WORKS???

It CAN'T BE BOTH!

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.

James 2:24

Ye see them how that by WORKS a man is justified, and NOT by FAITH ONLY.

You HAVE A DILEMMA!

ANSWER:

WHO is James written TO?

James 1:1

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, TO THE TWELVE TRIBES which are scattered abroad, greeting.

James was writing to ISRAEL!

WHO is Paul writing TO?

Ephesians 3:6

That the GENTILES should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

Pretty CLEAR, You Are A GENTILE!

Paul is The Apostle Of The GENTILES!

You had better listen to Paul, Romans to Philemon, to FIND out HOW to be SAVED!

Carlos ... Dispensation is a word that God uses.

Paul tells us that there were 2 GOSPELS!

Galatians 2:7

But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the UNCIRCUMCISION was committed unto me (Paul), as the gospel of the CIRCUMCISION was unto Peter.

God is "dispensing" GRACE today. Israel's salvation in the past was based on works!

BIG DIFFERENCE!

God hid THE MYSTERY in time past BUT NOW has made known to US through Paul.

Read these VERSES very carefully . . .

Ephesians 3:1-9

For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you GENTILES,

If ye have heard of the DISPENSATION of the GRACE OF GOD which is given me to you-ward:

How that by revelation he made known unto me THE MYSTERY; (as I wrote afore in few words,

Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST)

Which in other ages was NOT MADE KNOWN unto the sons of God, as it is NOW revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

That the GENTILES should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by THE GOSPEL:

Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the GRACE OF GOD given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is THIS GRACE given, that I should preach among the GENTILES the unsearchable riches of Christ;

And 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.

Rapture IS A MYSTERY and saved BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH IS A MYSTERY!

The Word of God is CLEAR on this!

You and I ARE GENTILES, and we had better listen to Paul and get our doctrine from him!

Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David had to DO WORKS (whatever God told them to do) THEN they FOUND GRACE in the eyes of The LORD!

That is NOT how we get SAVED!

I don't think anyone would argue that the God of the Bible, Jehovah, is a God of Order and Purpose, Ephesians 3:11. We see how when He created the Universe, He organized it and set everything in motion, by carefully coordinating the composition and orbits of Galaxies, Stars, and Planets, Isaiah 60:20-22. He also established Physical Laws to regulate the interaction of all matter. Even the smallest Atoms are regulated. Everything adheres to His Principles for order, Psalm 8:3. That is also true of Humanity and Social interaction, John 1:17. There are set rules and standards everything must meet to function. There is even a cycle in the Earth that allows things to decompose and regenerate. Leaves fall in the forest. They decompose. Then they act as nutrients for the soil. Those nutrients feed the seeds that grow into more trees.

The Bible tells us that in the Beginning of Time, God created the Heavens and the Earth. He also created vegetation, animals and mankind. The Bible also tells us the name of the Creator is Jehovah. In the New Testament we find Christ with God at the beginning. And Christ created all things. So we find that:

1. God is a God of Order

2. He created all things that exist, visible and invisible

3. God created with a Plan and Purpose

4. That Purpose is found in Christ

5. Without Christ, nothing was made that was made

6. All things were created For Christ

7. Before Adam and Eve were created, God had a Plan

8. That Plan is called His Eternal Plan of Creation

9. It is also called His Plan of Redemption or Salvation

10. Christ, as the Sacrificial Lamb, existed before Abraham

11. Christ as the Sacrificial Lamb existed before Adam and Eve Sinned

12. Our Salvation through Christ was decided before The Fall

13. When Adam and Eve fell, God's Plan for Creation was already working

14. We are part of God's Plan of Creation as the Redeemed by His Love and Grace

15. We can love God, because He first loved us

Bless the Holy Spirit! He's been reading your comments.

As soon as I came in, I saw all the comments. The Holy Spirit said one word:

FELLOWSHIP.

That's what we do here, mostly lol. I was reminded of a couple of things: Genesis 2:19, God brought the animals etc to see (with pleasure) what Adam would name them. That's a lot of critters so I'm thinking it was a daily time together.

Genesis 3:8, and they heard the voice of God !!! Walking in the garden in the cool of the day. I know I like walking, early evening. Forget the sin and stuff... God likes to walk with us. It could happen if we were ever in tune with Him.

Watching in the night before Him. Listening. Talking to Him like he was in the room too?

Fellowship. We were made for all kinds of fellowship, but primarily with God, through the Holy Spirit. He's NOT a floating ghostly vision: He is a Person. He would comfort us if we would let Him!

Watchman, Watchman, what do you see ?

Since you are all excellent searchers of the Word; here are some places of scriptures concerning 'fellowship' between us and God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, through the intercession of Jesus for his saints.

Psalm 130:6, Psalm 19:2, 1 Corinthians 1:9

Ephesians 3:9, books of John 15, 17

Philippians 2:1-2, 3:10

1 John 1:3, 6, 7. And more to discover...

One time I was reading Ezekiel and got to the Valley of dry bones. When God said for him to prophesy! Every hair on my body stood up and when he said THUS SAITH THE LORD...my knees gave way.

He is so majestically Powerful, it takes your breath away.

You can have a relationship /fellowship with the Godhead!

Those scriptures will change from words on a page, to the living Word Of God! Alive, living in your heart, your mind, the text you write.

You all need to ask the Holy Spirit for the Gift, of discerning of spirits. Covet the best gift: word of wisdom. Receive it. Gifts and callings are irrevocable.

Chris, on Page 1 & 2. Thank you for your response and for continuing the conversation. I like controversy and ambiguity in a discussion, because it allows you to explore further and examine yourself and the substance of your beliefs.

That said, you have correctly outlined my points in page 1. They are, as you summarized:

1. All things have been created for Christ

2. The Future does not exist

3. The Future is created by God, for His Purpose

4. We are not the object of creation, Christ is

5. Corruption was an inevitable consequence of creation

6. God created to eradicate corruption

In Page 2 you ask and I cite some Scriptures:

A. Was Christ in God's initial Plan of creation? Titus 1:2, 2 Tim 1:9, Rom 8:17f, Eph 1:4, 3:10-11, Isa 44-48

B. Did God create man so Christ could come to save him from sin's penalty? Heb 10:5, Gal 3:16, Rom 11:36

C. Why create man? Did God of necessity have to create man? Heb 2, Gal 3:16

D. Does God support evil to accomplish His Plan? Rom 9:22-24

E. And what about Satan? Did God put him in the Garden to tempt man? Genesis 2, Job 1:12, Matt 4:1, Lk 4:2

In Ephesians 3:10-11 Paul opens a window so we can get a glimpse of why God created mankind. It was to make the Wisdom of God known to "the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms". That is a lot to absorb. And how was that Purpose accomplished? Through Christ. In 1Cor 4:9, 15:50f, 1Pet 1:12 we see that our human existence is only part of what comprises the Mystery of God's Purpose, which includes more than just us. Nevertheless, everything hinges on humanity. So, for the Purpose of God concerning all of creation, Christ came into the world. There is a war raging in the spiritual realm, we know nothing about.

I'll try to address your questions A-E in the next post. They are complex and not easy to answer. But I will try. What I want everyone to keep in mind is, as Rom 11:36 says, all things were created 'from him and through him and for him are all things'.

Hey Linda - 2 Samuel 4:4 And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.

My nurse dropped me and I was crippled for life who am I

We see in scripture that Christians are going to be caught up. Ever read the end of a book first? We all have that ability to see, to be taught to see, that something amazing is going to take place at sometime in the near future. (since signs of it are appearing on a prophetic time clock)

If one was buying tickets to go to the super bowl; you'd buy those tickets way in advance. (Go Denver)

Point is: we know the catching away is going to happen. We'll be going to a wedding. Right now we should be in a war room praying for those sitting on a fence in the Valley of Decision.

Time now is for us to be ready to go.

Time now is for us to be praying to THE LORD OF THE HARVEST to send laborers into the harvest to capture souls on their way to hell on earth with a very angry AntiChrist. (His spirit is already here)

Choose this day who you're going to spend eternity with. Jesus or Satan? Get your oil lamps ready.

Did you know you can go on YouTube and see people having chips put in their hands and heads? I asked God once, is Antichrist going to trick people into getting that mark? He said it's going to be a conscious decision. That is scary.

Jesus is the ARK. God told Noah to get everyone and everything in the Ark. I think it's time for Christians to be witnessing to people & family around us. Oral Roberts once said that GO YE can mean the world, OR your own neighborhood. If you've prayed up to the Lord of the Harvest, stand back, cause you will love how the Lord brings people to you. People are going to open the door to you, or do nothing. They may get saved after the (may I say it?) Rapture, but they are facing death probably.

Let me invite you to watch one of my favorite evangelists on YouTube preaching "What To Do If You Miss The Rapture". His name is Dwight Thompson. Before you call him a blood sucking tv evangelist... just listen with your own spirit. Don't Judge a brother or sister ok?

Everything you question, may be answered in that

Hi Bob: Thanks for clearing up the questions, I can see now what your asking, Before i can get into a discussion about the rapture before the tribulation, 1st let me ask you this question, Is God speaking to us Gentiles today in the Gospels Example is Jesus saying to us today in

Mark 16:15-20 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18They 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.

19So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

20And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Her name was Anna

Rod my question is

1. where exactly is plain scriptural proof in the Bible that shows the rapture of the church is before the tribulation period.

and

2. how do people get saved in the tribulation period if the dispensation of grace is closed as you mentioned

and the church is gone in the pre trib rapture?

Seriously I am looking for answers.

What is your point? What are you tring too say? I dont underdtand your questions. Can you simply what your question is?

Thanks Rod!

Who was the mother of Mary the mother of Jesus

Rod how do people get saved in the tribulation when the dispensation of Grace is closed?

Do they have to keep the law?

Rod please explain where the pre trib rapture is as I can not find it.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

16 ...and the dead in Christ shall RISE FIRST

17 THEN we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them...

In Rev. 20:4-5, John sees the souls of Saints who were BEHEADED for refusing the Mark of the Beast during the Great Tribulation. John writes that they will rise and reign with Christ for 1000 years and that this is the FIRST RESURRECTION!

according to John, the beheaded rise in the FIRST resurrection and Paul said those who are alive and remain are not caught up until AFTER resurrection

Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the LAST TRUMP: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

We are changed at the LAST TRUMP and where is this found?

In REVELATION, the LAST BOOK of the Bible there are 7 trumps and the 7th trump is the LAST ONE and is at the end of the tribulation

Come on Bob, we are not in Revelation today in 2020 AD, Revelation comes in effect after the Rapture or the Catching away of the Church. We under the Dispensation of Grace, where God is dispensing grace instead of God giving us sinners what we deserve. This doesnt mean God doesn't Judge, Hebrews 9:27

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

And this virus is caused by men and all others problems in this world is caused by men especially those who have rejected God and his Grace, but rest assured God will Judge when he decides.

James, just to clarify the reference I made to Mal 3:10: the pouring out of blessing by the LORD may well have been a deluge of rain for the crops (but this is not the point in that Scripture). The point is that because the people were encouraged to bring their tithes (probably crops, animals, etc.) into God's storehouse, and if they did so, He would reciprocate with blessings. Likewise, when we give cheerfully to the Lord's Work (whether by way of tithe or as we feel led to give), or even over & above what we can afford to, we know that the Lord will still meet our needs (in whatever way He chooses). It really boils down to the measure of faith we have in the Lord for doing what seems impossible to man. I just put this in as it directly applies to my comment as it does to Travis'.

James, very well said.

N.T. believers are not commanded to tithe. Many today are being taught that they must tithe and give 10 percent of their income to the church. I know of at least one group that has an annual sit down audit of their members, and they have to show proof that they gave what their church told them to give. From my understanding on what was commanded of the Jews, it didn't mean just money, it was 10 percent of everything they owned. I don't know of anyone today who does that. I am not against tithing if people wish to tithe. But I think that is between them and the Lord. A person should only give if the Lord puts it on their heart to give, not out of obligation.

Rod, God not sending plagues?

Revelation 15:1 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

Revelation 15:6 And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.

Revelation 15:8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

Hi Susan : The Pharasees would not belive that Jesus was the Son of God, so when Jesus restored the blind man sight he asked him vs 35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? 36 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? 37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. 38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him. So becaused the blind man had belived he was the Son of God he sees the truth, but when the Pharasees said are we blind also, it was there sin remainith, because of there unbelief, that he was the Son of God.

Hi Ms White: Its not there, God is not sending plagues like he did in the old testament, don't be fooled by what you hear, we are under Grace, God is not punishing the belivers or sinners. God is a sovereign God and he has everything under control & for us belivers All things work together for good to those who Love God and are called according to his purpose. What good can come out of all this depends on you, if we die from it Praise God, to absent from the body and to present with the Lord. For God does not give us the Spirtit of Fear but of Power Love and of a sound mind. Rest your Faith on his Grace, his Word and His Love for You.

Hi Thomas: No insulting is not a sin, Jesus himself several times insultaed the Pharasees for there Hypocrisy, the world would have you feel bad when especially the religous folks when you speak against those who maybe speaking contrary to the bible, you just tell the truth and if its hurts someone oh well. They that Love the Lord shall not be offended.

Hi Emily: the best way to get closer to God is too read the Bible, I recommed reading Pauls letters Ephesians, Collosians, Phillipians, ect... Just a brief history Act 9 is where Jesus himself chose Paul to preach the gospel of Grace, Jesus himself has set aside the jewish kingdom gospel, do to there rejection Rom 11:11, God is reaching out to us Gentiles by his grace, and the gospel message for us today is found in 1Cor 15:1-4 Paul make it very clear. The Gospels are all about Jesus Kingdom Message that he had promised King David, however they rejected there King & after his resurrection Jesus did have the Apsotles continue to preach the kingdom message but after Acts 7 it Changed Acts 9.

Amen Well said James Brooks!

Hey Travis;peace be unto you.Again about tithing;Preachers should never read anything into the Bible,but read from the Bible.What the Bible says not what they want it to say.Tithing was for the Jews not for us believers in Christ.You see GOD divides the whole human race into three distinct groups--the Jews,the Gentiles and the Church of GOD.WE are the church,both Jew and Gentile,who by faith have received the LORD JESUS CHRIST and been born from above.The Jews;not us are the only ones who were ever commanded to pay tithes.As far as Mal.3:10 goes I suggest you read John Gill,s commentary on that passage,you will get clarification.Now quickly;When GOD said if I will not open you the windows of Heaven and pour you out a blessing,that there shall not be room enough to receive it.He was talking about opening up the Heavens and send rain for the crops.The preacher using the curse threat;GOD don,t curse what He has already blessed.Ephesians !:3 says that we are blessed with all spiritual bles

The body of Christ is the church, many who confess Christ think that the church is the place where they go a worship. The church is in the person heart, for the believer are the bodies of Christ. That is why it is important that we study the word of God each day and ask the Lord for understanding of His word.

The church was not in the old testament you say?

Acts Chapter 7: 36 He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of EGYPT, and in the RED SEA, and in the wilderness forty years.

37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.

38 This is he, that was in the CHURCH church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount (SINAI) Sina, and [with] our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:

39 To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust [him] from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,

(this shows the church crossed the red sea with Moses in the wilderness)

Galatians 3:29 "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

Hi Debra: You had asked, What is the Church Jesus built called according to the Bible? The Answer- The Body of Christ. Read Chapt 3 again and vs 6. Most Christians have not been taught how too rightly divide the word of truth, Tim 2:15 I know i was one of them for 20 years i read the bible over and over again and found to many contrdictions and beliefs in my so called church, so decide to leave and search it out for myself and found a great discovery of the scripture of 2nd Tim 2:15. The question is where did God place his division? It all starts with Acts Chapter 9 Sauls Salvation and his Gospel of Grace. Who we know today as the Apsotle Paul. His letters are written for us today and his letters expalin what God is doing today, we are not in the old testament or in the gospels that is all for the Jews and his promise of the kingdom and we Gentiles were never part of the Jewish Covenant that God made to them, it was through there fall salvation is come unto us. Romans 11:11