[h=1]GRACE AMBASSADORS
MINISTRY UPDATE[/h] February 25th, 2017
[h=2]Resolving Apathy[/h]Apathy literally means without passion or interest. How do you minister to someone who is just not interested in the Bible?
You cannot solve a lack of passion unless you possess an abundant passion yourself.
People are naturally attracted to exciting and interesting things. Apathy can be changed by people who express interest toward a thing.
No one would care about politics (economics, foreign policy, bureaucracies, taxes, etc) except that there is so much excitement built up by impassioned media. Those invested in it are preachers of politics.
Impassioned teachers make class more interesting. Impassioned people bring more energy to life. They will preach what makes them excited.
When you rejoice at the word of God, then it will rub off on apathetic people. Even if it rubs them the wrong way, and stirs them up to opposition, it will resolve their apathy.
Apathy can be cured, but not by Christians who don't care themselves. If you show excitement and interest in the Bible rightly divided, the revelation of the mystery, and the gospel of the grace of God, then your interest can be contagious.
For His glory,
Justin "pathos" Johnson
[h=2]Church Before Paul[/h]When people hear the dispensational idea1 that the doctrine for the church today is found in Paul's epistles alone the natural question arises: Was there a church before Paul? Of course there was. Learn how we know there was a church before Paul, and how we know that it was different.
[h=2]It's Raining Holy Spirit[/h]Charismatic Lanny Wolfe wrote in a popular hymn that "surely the presence of the Lord is in this place", because "I can feel the brush of angels wings", and "I feel that same sweet Spirit." Does the Spirit fall on us like rain? learn how to know the Spirit's presence within you.
I fell way behind in this thread and abandoned it. I will try to get current and post the weekly email I get from them. I may not agree with every single thing they teach but this site helped me to understand dispensational studies.
GRACE AMBASSADORS
MINISTRY UPDATE
October 7th, 2017
Compare and Contrast
One of the best ways to make all men see the need to study the Bible dispensationally is to compare and contrast verses.
Putting contradictory instructions on display makes it clear that we cannot do everything the Bible says.
We must discern what God is doing, and when, and that not every instruction from God is for our participation.
This dispensational concept is made clear when two or three passages are compared and contrasted.
For example, compare Genesis 17:14 with Galatians 5:2 regarding circumcision.
Genesis 17:14 says that those not circumcised are cut off from being God's people and have broken his covenant.
Galatians 5:2 says if one becomes circumcised then Christ profits you nothing.
Which verse ought we choose, and why? One thing is made clear by comparing and contrasting. We cannnot obey both at the same time. One is wrong for us today.
For the sake of loving the Lord most will agree with Galatians 5, and rightly so.
Keep comparing and contrasting: introducing a third passage makes it more interesting.
Matthew 15:24 shows that Jesus applied Genesis 17:14 during his ministry on earth to the circumcision not the uncircumcision.
Keep comparing and contrasting: add another verse on the topic.
In Acts 15:5 the contrast between Gen 17:14 and Gal 5:2 became a major disagreement. Gen 17:14 was the instruction for those in Judaea (including the twelve apostles) all the way up to Acts 15:5.
If Galatians 5:2 is our doctrinal instruction and pattern, then Matthew 15 nor the doctrine coming out of Jerusalem in Acts 2 is our doctrinal instruction.
There are hundreds of examples like this. We have a list of one hundred here. You cannot rightly divide the scripture unless you first see the need for division. Comparing and contrasting shows the need.
Letting God be true,
Justin "make all men see" Johnson Two Gospels You Might Have Never Heard
It should be clear that there is not only one gospel in the Bible, but for most it is not. Among those who claim to rightly divide the word of truth, an idea circulates that there are only two gospels in the Bible. No intelligent student of the Bible rightly divided believes, or teaches, that there are only two gospels in the Bible.
[h=1]GRACE AMBASSADORS
MINISTRY UPDATE[/h] December 16th, 2017
[h=2]What Makes Us Not Normal[/h]Just down the street is the community of Normal, Indiana. Just outside of Normal is the Grace Ambassadors church in the cornfields of Swayzee.
Our location is not the only thing outside of normal.
We don't have a baptistry, choir, daycare, game room, or softball team, yet people continue to be involved. That's not normal.
We never pass collection plates nor teach tithing, yet all our bills still get paid. That's not normal.
We don't have paid staff, a worship team, or special pastors for youth, yet more ministry work is done each year. That's not normal.
We don't preach Christ by hanging tinsel on evergreen trees, yet we gladly preach Christ hanging on the cross at Calvary's tree, and us with him (Gal 6:14). That's not normal.
While many churches claim not to be "normal", their pursuit of the peculiar often leads away from studying doctrine and toward entertainment, religious affectation, marketing hype, or anything new and trendy. This is the new normal.
Behind all the things that make us not normal is something very simple ....Read more here.
For the glory of His grace,
Justin "abnormal" Johnson
[h=2]Putting On the New Man[/h]Have you ever heard the backhanded compliment, "You clean up nicely." God tells us to put on the new man, but it is not the same as cleaning up your act.
[h=2]Faith in What[/h]Sometimes people ask, "is faith enough for salvation?", or, "do you have faith?" The natural response ought to be, "faith in what?"
[h=2]Explain Yourself[/h]Too often Biblical disputes continue because two sides talk past other. Both sides think they are hitting the nail on the head with their arguments, but may be speaking about a tertiary issue or one that does not even matter!
Have you ever heard the backhanded compliment, “You clean up nicely”?
For some it takes more work than others, but even the most mangy flea ridden dog of a man can be given a shower, shave, and a nice suit and look pretty good.
Simple hygiene and what you put on can become a total makeover, and make you look like a new man.
God tells us to put on the new man, but it is not the same as cleaning up your act. The New Man is Not the Old Man
Don’t mistake the new man for your old man cleaned up. This is easy to do, because cleaning up the old man is the only natural way men know to make themselves look good.
Everyone knows from their conscience, their moms, or cultural religion what good behavior looks like, even if they are not a “goody two shoes”. It’s just like how everyone knows what formal wear looks like, even if they don’t put it on.
When people decide to live for the Lord, the first and natural reaction is to pull out what they always knew was good behavior and put it on their old man.
There are instant reactions, “Wow, you clean up nicely!”
This is shower, shave, and suit theology.
But they have not put on the new man; they have put religion on the old man. This is what people call, “getting religion”. Their look has changed, but they have not. Who is the New Man
The new man is not you cleaned up. It is not you getting serious about living right. It is not self-improvement, or turning over a new leaf. The new man is not a personal makeover, or a renewed commitment to be a better man.
Simply put, the new man is not you. The new man is Jesus Christ.
You can learn about the old man and the new man in Romans 5 and 1 Corinthians 15.
“The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.” – 1 Corinthians 15:45
“For as by one man’s [Adam] disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one [Jesus Christ] shall many be made righteous.” – Romans 5:19
The new man is not identified by acting and appearing a certain way. The new man is about your new identity as a member of the body of Christ. It is identified by Christ in you.
When you trust the gospel of Christ, you are who Christ says you are. You are no longer in Adam, but in Christ. You are no longer a sinner, but sanctified. You are no longer a Jew or Gentile, but an ambassador for Christ.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Putting Him On
A shower and a shave will not fix the old man. The old man needs to die. The only way to do this and live is to put on Christ.
You need the cross of Christ to crucify your old man, and the resurrection of Christ to regenerate you to righteousness, life, and peace.
“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” – Galatians 3:28
“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” – Romans 6:3
This is what happens when you trust the gospel of the grace of God (Eph 1:13; Rom 5:1). You don’t put on a new set of religious clothes and behaviors; you put on the new man, Jesus Christ, and the new identity of who you are in Him.
The old man is dead (Rom 6:6). He cannot be cleaned up. He cannot be reformed. He cannot be a better man. Any effort to that end would be putting perfume on a pig. You need Christ crucified and risen to put on the new man.
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
The new man is not a new you or a new look, but Christ in you (Col 1:27). When your life is no longer yours, but his, you have put on the new man.
[h=1]GRACE AMBASSADORS
MINISTRY UPDATE[/h] August 19th, 2017
[h=2]Preach the Definition![/h]It is common for people to use words they cannot define. It gives others the impression of understanding. No place is this more evident than in churchianity (though journalism is gaining ground).
Words like grace, love, atonement, faith, repent, and worship are thrown around, but ask someone what they mean and you are met with blank stares. Want to test the waters? Ask someone what it means to be a Christian.
When teaching your family, Bible study, or church teach the definitions. Don't assume everyone knows what common words mean. Most don't.
To define something requires describing it distinctly and clearly.
The word 'definition' has the word finish (fini) right in the middle of it. It cannot be open ended.
A definition says what a thing is and what it is not. It marks where something begins and ends. It has limits. To define something means you can put a boundary around it and identify when the line is crossed.
Without clear definition pejorative words can be placed on anyone even if the shoe doesn't fit. Or worse, words like 'heretic' can be brushed off those for whom the shoe fits like a glove.
Ecumenicists and evangelicals avoid clear definition by disguising doctrinal differences in order to put everyone in the same box in the name of unity. Their unity has no meaning.
Truth consists of doctrines which are made up of words. When you define words the truth will be made clear by setting it apart distinctly from error.
What drives people not to finish things, impose limits, draw lines, point out error, or place labels is the same reason why people want to use words without defining them.
This might explain why everyone is speaking past each other and never coming to a knowledge of the truth. This is unacceptable of God's workmen.
1. Teach the Bible verse by verse.
2. Teach definitions of words as you go.
3. When you get the definition in place, preach the definition to make sure everyone knows why the defined boundary you just set up is so important.
This is how you make all men see clearly.
For the love of the Truth,
Justin "call me Webster" Johnson
[h=2]Three Troubling Pauline Passages[/h]In Paul's epistles are the most amazing statements on salvation by grace without works in the entire Bible. Nevertheless, there are some Pauline passages that repeatedly cause people to question whether their works can negate the work of God's grace in them.
[h=2]Why Paul Quotes Prophecy[/h]Paul references the law and the prophets hundreds of times in his epistles. This does not take away from his special ministry to preach Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery (Rom 16:25).
[h=2]The False God of Circumstance[/h]Since doctrinal Bible study is unpopular in many Christian circles idolatry (creating another god) runs rampant. The most popular false god in Christian circles is the god of circumstance.
[h=2]Audio: Acts Simply Explained[/h]A simple purpose of the book. Acts is not intended to be a book of confusion, yet it confuses so many readers. Learn the simple dispensational focus that will help you understand a difficult presentation within the Acts of the Apostles.
[h=1]GRACE AMBASSADORS
MINISTRY UPDATE[/h] November 25th, 2017
[h=2]Give Thanks in Everything[/h]"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18
The will of God is that you learn to give thanks to God in every thing.
It is natural to say thank you in times of peace and prosperity, but do you say thanks to God as easily in times of heartache and hardship?
The normal reaction in poor circumstances, in sickness, in despair, or in confusion is to beg, request, and whine, but God's will is that in every thing you give thanks.
There is no situation in which thanksgiving to God is unnecessary. His grace abounds. In every thing give thanks.
What for?
Thank God for his greatness, comfort, wisdom, power, revelation, salvation, forgiveness, longsuffering, his Son, his breathe, and his death for us.
Thank God for eternal life, hope, resurrection, peace, and all spiritual blessings in heaven.
Thank God for creation, bodies, people, time, knowledge, and food.
Thank God for giving it all to you by his grace.
When you learn to give God thanks in every situation you find yourself, then you will have learned to live with the strength of Christ in every thing (Phil 4:13).
Do God's will and give thanks...every day.
Justin "thanks to Christ" Johnson
[h=2]The Cure for Ignorance[/h]People ask questions because they are ignorant about something: they don't know. Learning comes by getting questions answered. Ignorance can be cured.
[h=2]Sin and Your Identity in Christ[/h]There are tremendous doctrines about who I am in Christ found in Romans chapter six. These identity doctrines deliver you from the power of sin and death.
[h=2]Is All the Bible Written For Us[/h]Rightly dividing the word of truth is not cutting off Scripture from our profit. Instead it is like the division of a book into its index, or a speech into its outline. By separating the parts into their appropriate context we are in a better position to understand the whole.
[h=2]Audio: Right Division With Respect to Calvin[/h]What has caused untold confusion in Bible study for the past two thousand years is when people do not properly recognize the mystery of Christ and rightly divide it from what was prophesied.
No one believes they are wrong. To teach someone who is believing in error go back to the basics.
Start with something of agreement. Build your position from there. You may find that the foundation has been destroyed or doesn't even exist!
One way to teach right division is to start with the agreement: "We should do what Jesus instructs us to do."
Then go to verses showing impossible instructions. There is no one who would do Matt 8:4.
Then repeat the agreement. When you see the question mark above their heads then present the solution. People will not see their need for right division unless they see the problem in their own thinking.
Be gentle.
Justin "apt to teach" Johnson What is Legalism
Legalism is a plague on the body of Christ. It would be easier to remove if there was not so much confusion about what it is. Truth is often lost in efforts to rid the church of legalism, because the unbending nature of grace truth is confused with the law's binding of the flesh.
The general message of salvation has been the same throughout the Bible, but only in the most recent pages of the Bible has the mystery of salvation been made known.
The church, which is the body of Christ, composed of Jew and Gentile does not have twelve tribes. When the Bible talks about twelve tribes, it is not talking about the church of one body (Rom 12:5, Eph 4:4).
Satan's strategy is specifically doctrinal in this dispensation of God's grace. His counter attack to our ministry to make all men see, is to cloud the minds, and blind the eyes. Learn about Satan's methods and how you can avoid the Devil's wiles.
I feel like this video needs to be shared as much as possible tonight, it just came out. If one person is helped by this then it's worth it, all glory to God.
This video is about the dangers of what some younger people are doing right now. This can happen to flat earthers and some fall into this trap. It can happen to your children and your loved ones. This garbage new age thinking is evil. This video is a warning to EVERYBODY, it is Biblical with scriptures and it is about a dangerous but popular psychedelic drug called DMT. Your children and your loved ones can be caught in this evil and deadly trap. It involves mostly younger people but plenty of older folks do it also. This was basically started and popularized by Terrence McKenna, a new age old school hippie. It's spreading as you read this. I just feel like somebody needs to see it. Sorry to TOL for posting this 3 times.
[h=1]GRACE AMBASSADORS
MINISTRY UPDATE[/h] December 9th, 2017
[h=2]Preach Hope in Christ[/h]Why don't men have faith?
It is easy to blame the hearer. "They don't understand." "They are ignorant." "They are sinners." "They are selfish." "They are blind."
But these statements could all just as easily describe believers.
Men do not have faith because Christ is not their hope.
Hope is the good expected to come from something or someone. If people think nothing good will come they are hopeless.
Hopelessness can be summed up by the question, "what good will come of it?"
To identify the hope of a person, ask: "Where do you expect the most good to come in the future?", or "How do you expect the problems of the world to be solved?"
Do you now see the problem? Faith is the substance of things hoped for. Men don't have faith in Christ, because their hope is not in Christ.
This is why Christianity is often found among the poor, unpopular, and desparate of men. The world has given them no hope. Christ does.
Hope that will not make ashamed is found in the Lord (Rom 5:5; Rom 8:18; Col 1:27).
It is harder to think about giving someone faith - you can't - but you can give someone hope. The word of God engenders faith, because the word of God provides hope to a dying world that needs it.
Preach hope in Christ from the Bible rightly divided. When men find hope in Christ, they will have faith.
"...be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven..." - Col 1:23
For the Hope of Glory,
Justin "hopeful" Johnson
[h=2]Not Identified With the Holy Ghost[/h]Have you ever met a Holy Ghost Christian? Holy Ghost Christians looking to identify themselves with the Holy Ghost at Pentecost have missed the true identity of a Christian.
[h=2]A Greater Commission[/h]The most popular account of Jesus final words to his disciples make up what is popularly referred to as the Great Commission. The rest of the passage causes no little conflict because there are crucial elements of the gospel missing as well as unwanted elements added.
[h=2]Audio: Communion: Our Common Union[/h]The mystery of the God's will first revealed to Paul that both heavenly and earthly purposes would be gathered together in Christ. Discover our common union in Christ and how it relates to the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery.
[h=1]GRACE AMBASSADORS
MINISTRY UPDATE[/h] June 24th, 2017
[h=2]Learn to Speak Your Own Mind[/h]I have no wish to operate drones. Yet, people sometimes ask pastors to.
Every so often someone will get into a Biblical discussion, which becomes an argument in disguise, and when they feel they are on the ropes will throw out a line to their pastor like this...
"Tell me what to say!"
The other party does the same. The result is two pastors who are not talking directly operating drones in a remote verbal battle.
These "conversations" quickly deterioriate into my pastor said versus what your pastor said.
When I can smell this situation arising, I try to put it to a stop.
Third party debates never work, and no Biblically edifying conversation is over what a pastor says. It should be about what the Bible says.
Also, it is unwise to have someone else speak for you. You should speak and answer for yourself.
Rather than telling you what to say, it is much better for you to become persuaded from scripture to the point where you can speak your own mind with confidence.
You don't have to answer every question or response immediately. Study it out. Be patient.
It is normal not to understand or be able to explain everything about what you believe. You can learn. You can learn from teachers, but they are only men. Don't let them control your mind or your mouth. Leave that job for God, I don't want it.
If you have questions, ask. But ask to learn, not because you need someone to tell you what to say. That is unacceptable.
Likeminded means we all have the mind of Christ, not the mind of our favorite teacher.
Don't substitute your mind for your pastor's. That's what makes drones.
For Your Growth,
Justin "hands off" Johnson
[h=2]We're All Going to Die. So, What's the Good News.[/h]Did you hear that? It was the sound of a PHA (potentially hazardous asteroid) more than two football fields long whizzing by as it nearly missed our planet this weekend. Experts tell us there is nothing we can do to stop it. So, what's the good news?
[h=2]Secret Since the World Began[/h]Nearly two thousand years ago God revealed information that was secret since the world began to the chief persecutor of Christ and the twelve disciples. Hear this simple explanation of what should be known by much more in the church.
[h=2]Not Every Gentile...[/h]A common mistake made when first learning to rightly divide is to divide Jew and Gentile into different dispensations. Salvation was of the Jews in time past (John 4:22), and is sent to Gentiles now (Rom 11:11). Armed with only these verses muddled minds jump to the wrong conclusion... mid-Acts right division can help.
[h=2]Audio: Calvinists, Arminians, and Paul[/h]For centuries the debate between Calvinists and Arminians has raged. However, the debate between free will and fate did not originate in the 16th century with Calvin nor even with Augustine in the 4th century.
[h=1]GRACE AMBASSADORS
MINISTRY UPDATE[/h] February 24th, 2018
[h=2]What is the meaning of life?[/h]One of the big questions of life, and a frequently asked question by young energetic people looking for their place in the world:
“What is the meaning of life?”
The response of the world is either “there is no meaning”, or “whatever you find meaningful”, which does not help in the slightest.
Perhaps it is not about the answer, but more about the journey, as eastern religions have taught for centuries and as Deep Thought taught the Galaxy in the Hitchhiker’s Guide. (The answer was 42, but the question was unknown.)
No. The answer is simply revealed in the Bible rightly divided.
The meaning of life is to know God and receive his blessings graciously.
God created life for this purpose which Paul calls the “mystery of his will” in Ephesians 1:9-10.
The way God purposed for us to know him and receive his blessings graciously is through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Do you see the importance of preaching Jesus Christ according to this revelation?
In it is the meaning of life, the manifold wisdom of God, the purpose of God, and his will for you.
How do you start to know God and receive his blessings graciously?
Hear the gospel of Christ, trust it for your salvation, and respond with thanksgiving (Eph 1:13).
Then, continue to grow in the knowledge of God and his grace, in every thing with thanksgiving, which is God’s will concerning you (1 Thess 5:18; 1 Tim 2:4).
For His glory,
Justin Curtis Johnson
[h=2]3 Basic Doctrines to Look for in a Church[/h]Finding a church is not hard in America. There are over 200 churches in our small rural county. It is finding a certain type of church that is a problem. So, what are the basic doctrines that you should look for when identifying a new church fellowship?
[h=2]Kingdom of Heaven and Kingdom of God[/h]People struggle with the difference between the “kingdom of heaven” and the “kingdom of God” in the Bible. The answer is in the context of what was prophesied and what was a mystery. If you do not rightly divide, you will get it wrong.
[h=2]The 2000 Year Gap[/h]Misinterpretation of Daniel’s 70th week has led many Bible students to think we are now living in the prophesied kingdom or that the numbers in the Bible cannot be literal. So what are we to make of the 2000 years between Daniel's 69th week and today?
[h=2]Audio: Following Paul[/h]Paul says a half a dozen times to follow him. Yet, this is the most offensive statement to a Jesus-follower. Learn what it means to follow Paul and why it is not diminishing, but rather glorifying the ministry of Christ even more to follow the pattern of the dispenser of God’s grace.
[h=1]GRACE AMBASSADORS
MINISTRY UPDATE[/h] May 27th, 2017
[h=2]Test Your Bible Literacy[/h]It is not news that Bible literacy has been declining in America for decades.
Just in the past few weeks I've seen embarassing examples of Biblical illiteracy among journalists in nationwide print publications.
What is driving this cultural illiteracy? Christian illiteracy. Christians are supposed to be the holders of Bible truth, but they have dropped the ball.
Fewer Christians know what is in the Bible. You may be thinking, "Oh, but you are not talking to me." Oh, but I might be.
Can you identify one hundred people in the Bible? You should be able to easily. There are thousands. Take a few minutes...
... no peaking!
(No, Martin Luther, Mother Theresa, and King James are not people in the Bible.)
Does a hundred sound like a lot? Let's put it in perspective.
Can you name a hundred athletes? Any time, any sport. Sound easier?
Can you make a list of your hundred favorite movies? Sound fun?
Can you make a playlist of a hundred popular songs? Two hundred?
Most people can... easily. They do all the time on Pandora and Youtube! It is not that people do not have the brain power, it is that their attention is on other things.
The stories and lessons of the Bible are being replaced in our culture, because people who have the Bible do not know them or care to talk about them.
Increase your Bible literacy. It is necessary that you see before you can make others.
For Truth,
Justin "who's there?" Johnson
[h=2]Why Jesus Can Do Nothing of Himself[/h]Those that would reduce, diminish, limit, or otherwise deny the deity of Jesus Christ, are fond of using verses like this to prove Jesus did not have divine ability, the use of divine power, or every attribute of God. This wrong interpretation could not be further from the truth which the context describes as exactly the opposite.
[h=2]Sheep are not Conquerors[/h]A common image used in Christianity is the shepherd and the sheep based on John 10. Christ is the shepherd, and so we are supposed to be the sheep. Paul says we are not sheep, but more than conquerors through Christ by the gospel of grace.
[h=2]Why Are You a Christian?[/h]Someone asked me, "why are you a Christian?" It is a good question to consider. I am not a Christian to prove to the world I am holier than everyone else. Neither is it so that I can argue with every religious zealot. The reason is more basic.
[h=2]Audio: The Holy Spirit's Ministry[/h]Jesus said the Spirit would speak of him. Paul testifies that it was the Spirit that revealed to us the manifold wisdom of God. Everything we know about the Spirit is revealed to us in the book He inspired.
[h=1]GRACE AMBASSADORS
MINISTRY UPDATE[/h] February 11th, 2017
[h=2]Prophecy Unfulfilled[/h]Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are the gospels of prophetic fulfillment.
Hundreds of prophecies are fulfilled in what are called the four gospels. The phrase "that it might be fulfilled" litters their pages.
It was good news to Israel that the prophetic time was fulfilled for the appearance of their Messiah and the soon coming of the kingdom.
In contrast, the apostle Paul does not use the phrase "that it might be fulfilled" even once.
The gospel in Paul's epistles is called a mystery (Eph 6:19), and was not spoken by the prophets since the world began (Rom 16:25).
His references to prophetic scriptures are to contrast and explain the mystery of Christ.
What was good news in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John about the end of the world, became no news in Paul's epistles.
For the Jew and Gentile sinners of Paul's ministry, it was good news that the prophecy of judgment and wrath before the kingdom was not yet being fulfilled. It had been delayed by God's grace.
Christ has come and gone, and the prophetic kingdom has not been fulfilled... but neither has God's prophesied judgment and wrath.
The latter is why it is called the dispensation of God's grace.
For His glory,
Justin "prophecy unfulfilled" Johnson
[h=2]The Hidden Teaching of the Parables[/h]There are two mistakes people make when trying to understand the parables of Jesus. One is thinking that they were written to us. The other is explained in this article.
[h=2]How to Find Gems in Your Bible Study[/h]Bible study is often described as digging for gems and jewels. For knowledgeable diggers the Bible is a rich mine. Studying the Bible can reap significant riches, but for many people the Bible is an impenetrable book.
[h=2]Real Praise and Worship[/h]Last week was the most sincere praise and worship gathering all year, and it is still being talked about across the country. Learn what real praise and worship looks like, and consider why it is not found in the church.
[h=2]Audio: How to Use the Bible[/h]Before you are able to digest the strong meat of scripture you must know how to use it. There are three ways to use the scripture in Bible study: historical, spiritual, and dispensational. Learn how to use the Bible in these three ways and what questions to ask to start your Bible study.
[h=1]GRACE AMBASSADORS
MINISTRY UPDATE[/h] April 1st, 2017
[h=2]Let's Be Clear[/h]Let's be clear, much of Christianity is not.
Christians use euphemisms, vague language, personal experience, and their own dialect of Christianese when they talk about spiritual things.
This muddled mess does not go away when speaking about things that should be simple, such as how a soul is saved.
Just because Christians are unclear, does not mean God is.
The Bible can be understood... by you. It can be clear. There is a key. It is simple. It cuts the fog.
It is something you know intuitively, but have been taught not to use it.
It is something children learn from their parents, and soldiers are taught in basic training.
With this key people learn to understand the Bible on their own and send me testimonies that say:
"It makes the gospel so clear!" "Now I know why Christ said that!" "The Bible makes sense for the first time!"
Momma was clear when she said...
Do not speak unless you are spoken to. If the shoe fits, wear it. If the shoe don't fit, leave it alone.
This is the key. Let's be clear.
God is not talking to you on every page of the Bible. Jesus was not talking to you during his earthly ministry. Not every page describes what God is doing today.
You participate only in the parts where God is speaking to you and the shoe fits. Everything else must be identified as the wrong shoe.
Let's be clear. The Bible needs to be rightly divided before you try walking as a Christian, else you will never understand why you keep stumbling.
For Truth,
Justin "if the shoe fits" Johnson
[h=2]Mid-Acts Dispensational Straw Men[/h]A straw man is not a real man. It scares the birds away because to them it looks like a real man. There are many straw men that constantly get burned in opposition to mid-Acts Pauline dispensational right division. Here are a few things grace preachers say that create straw men.
[h=2]Facebook Theology May Not Be Bible Truth[/h]There are many more Christians than Bible students. Many of these Christians are passionate, religious, and hold many beliefs about God. Where do they get these beliefs if they are not studying the Bible? Answer: they are acquired from tradition, family, friends, and Facebook. Be careful. Study for yourself.
[h=2]Johns's Gospel: Proof Jesus was God[/h]Studying through the book of John on Tuesday nights has been tremendously profitable. We can profit from John’s detailed proof of Jesus as the Son of God. Not a chapter goes by that does not emphasize Jesus as the Messiah to Israel and God manifest in the flesh.
[h=2]Audio: Talking to People About Right Doctrine[/h]This lesson addresses the way we talk to people about right doctrine. We should not be doctrinal wimps, nor should we use a shovel to dig out a splinter. This session attempts to equip us with the proper approach towards other people when talking about right doctrine.
[h=1]GRACE AMBASSADORS
MINISTRY UPDATE[/h] March 18th, 2017
[h=2]Manliness is not Godliness[/h]Manliness describes what it means to think like a man.
It is manly to grow more hair on your face than your head.
It is manly to leave the toilet seat up.
It is manly to think every problem can be solved, but not every problem needs to be talked about.
It is manly to think you do not need any help, and can work your way out.
This is how a man thinks.
Godliness describes what it means to think like God. God's thoughts are not man's thoughts.
The way we learn God's thoughts is to hear and study his words, and to talk to him in prayer (Rom 10:17).
Hearing, talking, and not trusting your own strength is not a very manly thing to do. Then again, manliness is not godliness.
The Christian life is found in trading the way we think with how God thinks.
When a man learns this this he will have increased in godliness, and will have made great gain (1 Tim 4:8; 1 Tim 6:6). The same goes for women.
For God's glory and grace,
Justin "still a man" Johnson
[h=2]3 Bad Arguments Against Dispensationalism[/h]I am a dispensationalist, but there is a shelf in my office dedicated to books that oppose dispensational teaching. They are from the other side of the doctrinal aisle. It is good to be aware of your weaknesses, and the best way to identify them is by listening to those who disagree with you, but don't waste your time on bad arguments.
[h=2]Guilt-Free Preaching[/h]It is no surprise that the Bible is unwelcome in many modern pulpits: it makes people feel much too guilty. The Bible is filled with guilty people and condemning words. Learn what place guilt has in the gospel.
[h=2]Wrong Testimonies[/h]Sometimes testimonies of salvation are just wrong. By wrong I don't mean unclear and vague which may be wrong because they do not communicate clearly that Christ died for our sins and resurrected for our free justification. This is dangerous.
[h=2]Audio: Five Points of Calvin, Arminians, and Paul[/h]There are five doctrines unifying the Reformers. There were also five questions that were disputed among the Reformers. John Calvin taught his five answers, and James Arminius responded with five Remonstrants.
[h=2]OUR MISSION[/h]Grace Ambassadors exists to clearly preach the gospel of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery, encourage Bible belief, and edify the church by teaching mid-Acts Pauline dispensational right division.
(Read more about us)
[h=2]THE GOSPEL THAT SAVES[/h]"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 ... 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:"
“Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” – Acts 2:37-38
IfActs 2:38is the gospel that saves today, then there is no reason to preach the finished work of the cross for salvation.
After Peter condemned the men of Israel for killing Jesus, who was both Lord and Christ, many in the crowd sought deliverance from their actions. What should they do to save themselves from the wrath of God that would surely come as a result of their rejection of Christ?
Peter’s response did not include trusting the finished work of Christ on the cross. In fact, his response did not include the cross at all! Repentance and Baptism
Peter did not preach the cross for salvation, but instead called them all to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins.
This was the same message of John the Baptist years earlier before the cross of Christ.
“John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” – Mark 1:4
John did not baptize in the name of Jesus, but his baptism did help identify Jesus as the Son of God (John 1:31).
There was one difference to the message John preached. This water baptism was to be “in the name of Jesus Christ.” The Name of Jesus Christ
Jesus and the disciples baptized with John’s baptism of repentance throughout their three year ministry before the cross. Except their message also included the identification of Jesus as the prophesied Christ.
“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” – John 3:18
To be baptized meant they were receiving repentance and remission of sins in preparation for the kingdom come, but also believing that Jesus was Christ the King whom John said would come.
“And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.” – Luke 7:29
Naming Jesus of Nazareth as Israel’s Christ was the purpose of the Lord’s ministry to Israel. It was on this issue that Jesus evaluated how his ministry was being received.
“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” – Matthew 16:13
All of this was preached before the event of the cross. Moreover, it was preached without the disciples understanding the cross (Matt 16:21-23). The cross was not being preached as the means of salvation unto all. What was preached was the name of Jesus Christ. The Gift of the Holy Ghost
The new thing in Peter’s message at Pentecost was the presence of the promised Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38 adds as a consequence of being baptized with John’s baptism, and naming Jesus as the Christ, which was receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The prophets spoke about the Holy Ghost (including John the Baptist – Matt 3:11). Jesus taught that the Holy Ghost would be necessary for Israel to enter their kingdom.
“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” – John 3:5
The Holy Spirit would provide the necessary power for Israel’s new covenant to be fulfilled (Eze 36:26). As God’s purpose for Israel unfolded Acts 2:38 was right on time, but it did not include the revelation of the mystery or the gospel of the cross. The Missing Cross
By the time Peter preached Acts 2:38, Christ had died and resurrected, but his message was not offering the cross for salvation.
The cross was the means of condemnation. It was another link in a long chain of Israel killing their prophets, and then being called on to repent.
Time was running out for Israel, but God was still giving opportunity for them to be forgiven per request of the Lord.
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” – Luke 23:34
If the preaching of the cross of Christ for salvation is the measure of salvation for today, then Acts 2:38 is not the gospel that saves today.
If Acts 2:38 is the gospel that saves today, then we do not need to understand or preach the finished work of the cross of Christ to save.
God forbid.
“For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” – 1 Corinthians 1:17-18
Peter did not yet know what was later revealed to the apostle Paul about the cross. With a full Bible, we have no excuse today for not reading further than Acts 2:38.
The duty of the church is to preach the gospel. This ministry responsibility is unanimously affirmed by Bible believing Christians.
However, there is no small disagreement about our pattern for gospel preaching. Different churches pattern their ministry after who they believe preached the gospel first.
The first to preach the gospel sets the pattern for those that follow. The Gospel
First, we must define the plain and simple gospel. Surely, we must all agree with the clear gospel of the cross found in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
“I declare unto you the gospel… By which also ye are saved… 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.” – 1 Cor 15:1-4
The gospel is Christ and his finished work on our behalf for salvation. Through faith in the cross of Christ we have God’s grace, atonement for sins, and eternal life. By the gospel we glory in the cross of Christ (Gal 6:14).
Now, we already know this gospel was clearly preached by Paul in 1 Corinthians, but Paul also says he was the last to see Christ(1 Cor 15:8).
For this reason, we can place Paul at the end of our list of potential first preachers of the gospel. It requires more investigation to see who could possibly have preached the gospel first before him. John the Baptist Mark 1:1 starts with “the beginning of the gospel”, and it is here that the Baptist churches plant their pattern for ministry.
“John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” – Mark 1:4
The gospel of John the baptist included water baptism, and repentance for the remission of sins. Unfortunately, John did not know who Jesus was for much of his ministry (Matt 11:2-3).
This would make it obvious that John could not have been first to preach the gospel of Christ and his cross. The future death of Christ was totally absent from John’s preaching. Jesus’ Ministry to Israel
Jesus is the Son of God, and began his ministry shortly after John. For this reason, Evangelical churches think the pattern of gospel ministry should come from Jesus’ ministry to Israel.
However, when we read what Jesus preached when he began his ministry we find that it was not his death for sins and resurrection, but a kingdom that was prophesied to Israel (Matt 15:24).
“Now after that John was put into prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” – Mark 1:14
Clearly, Jesus ministered to the circumcision about the promises made to the fathers(Rom 15:8). Jesus showed himself to be the King and the Son of God, but was silent about his future death until later in his ministry. Peter and the Twelve
The Roman Catholics find their pattern of ministry in the hands of Peter, who was given the keys of the kingdom in Matthew 16:19. In this same chapter Jesus began to tell his disciples that he must suffer, die, and be raised (Matt 16:21).
This sounds promising, since Christ’s death and resurrection are events so essential for the gospel of salvation, but at this time Peter did not know this was a gospel.
“Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.” – Matt 16:22
Obviously, Peter was not here preaching the gospel of the cross, since he tried to prevent the cross the first time he heard about it. Hardly the pattern of church ministry.
We should remember that the twelve disciples were sent by the Lord to preach the gospel of the kingdom, not the gospel of the cross:
“And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God…” – Luke 9:2
When Christ began to tell them privately of his future death, they did not understand.
“And they understood none of these things…” – Luke 18:34
This could only mean that the gospel that the twelve preached did not include the cross. If their preaching did not include the cross, surely their gospel was not the gospel of the cross. Peter at Pentecost
It is at this point we move forward to the time when Pentecostals think the gospel began. After all, it after his resurrection Christ gave his disciples a commission to preach the gospel.
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” – (Mark 16:15).
Which gospel was preached at Pentecost? Was Peter the first to preach the gospel when he was filled with the Holy Ghost?
“Then Peter said unto them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” – Acts 2:38
What is clear from Peter’s message on the day of Pentecost to Israel was that he repeated John’s preaching of baptism, and Jesus’ gospel of the kingdom, but where is the cross?
“But ye denied the Holy One and the Just… and killed the Prince of life.” – Acts 3:14-15
While he preaches the death of Christ, Peter condemns Israel for killing Christ and does not preach the cross as their glory (Acts 5:28, Acts 10:39). Killing their own Messiah on the cross was their shame.
This is not preaching the cross as good news. Paul’s Pattern
Having investigated every minister and ministry before him, we are left with Paul’s gospel in 1 Corinthians 15.
Looking closer at Paul’s ministry we find something very interesting about who preached the gospel first.
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins…” – 1 Cor 15:3
Though Paul was the last to see the Lord, apparently, he was also the first to preach the gospel of salvation as the glory of the cross (Gal 6:14, 1 Cor 1:18).
A dispensation of the gospel was committed to Paul (1 Cor 9:17), and he wrote very early in his ministry a certification of his unique apostleship:
“I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.” – Gal 1:11-12
Since Paul was the first to preach the gospel, it follows that the church must find its pattern for preaching the gospel of Christ from Paul.
“…that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe…” – 1 Tim 1:16
It is evident from 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 that the gospel of our salvation includes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus as payment for our sins. This simple truth is the cornerstone of Christianity. Yet no where within Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John did the Twelve Apostles understand the preaching of the cross. Below are the verses that prove the Twelve were ignorant of the preaching of the cross for salvation.
Ignorant of Jesus’ Death, burial, and resurrection
1. Matthew 16:21-22 – Jesus first began to tell them of his death and yet Peter tried to prevent it.
2. Mark 8:31-32 – Another account of Peter rebuking the Lord for speaking about his death.
3. Mark 9:31-32 – After hearing about the death and resurrection of Jesus the disciples “understood not and were afraid to ask him”
4. Luke 9:44-45 – “But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.”
5. Luke 18:31-34 – “And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.”
6. John 2:21-22 – They did not understand the resurrection until after it happened. Disbelief in the Resurrection
7. Mark 16:5-14 – The ladies were afraid when they found the tomb empty. The disciples did not believe after two witnesses testified of the resurrection.
8. Luke 24:1-4 – The ladies were perplexed about what had happened to Jesus.
9. Luke 24:8-12 – The stories of Jesus’ “disappearance” were idle tales. Peter wondered what happened.
10. John 20:2 – Mary Magdalene thought someone had stolen Jesus after he had resurrected.
11. John 20:7-9 – The disciples after seeing the empty tomb believed Mary that someone had stolen Jesus. They did not know about the resurrection yet. Did not understand the cross for salvation
12. John 20:21-23 – Even after the resurrection, the disciples did not understand what it accomplished. Here they are given the authority to remit sins.
13. Acts 3:14-15 – The crucifixion was presented as a murder indictment to Israel at Pentecost. The resurrection as a warning that he would return to seek vengeance.
14. Acts 5:28 – Instead of the blood being payment for sins it was presented as the evidence of guilty murderers.
15. Acts 7:52 – Stephen accuses the rulers of betrayal and murder of the Just One.
16. Acts 10:39 – According to Paul’s gospel Christ died willingly in the place of sinners. According to Peter he died because he was slain by certain Jews. Could it be that Peter does not yet understand the mystery of the cross?
Conclusions:
This list does not prove that the Twelve were disobedient to the gospel that was presented to them. Contrarily, they were some of the first believers in the gospel of the kingdom. They were among the faithful remnant of Israel who trusted that Jesus was the Son of God and promised Messiah.However, these verses show that the gospel they knew and trusted was not the preaching of the cross that Paul taught. Whereas they knew Jesus Christ as Messiah to Israel, Paul would later teach Jesus Christ on the cross as payment for sins to Gentiles.
The preaching of the cross was offered for salvation first through the Apostle Paul as the Lord revealed the meaning of the death, burial, and resurrection. The Twelve apostles were ignorant of this message.
[h=1]GRACE AMBASSADORS
MINISTRY UPDATE[/h] June 10th, 2017
[h=2]When You're Alone[/h]The old saying is that you know a man's character by what he does when no one else is watching.
What you do when you're alone and do not get praise or punishment proves your true intent, integrity, and mettle.
The same goes for when there is no church around you. Do you give up, make excuses, and compromise? Or do you endeavor, look for opportunity, and pioneer.
Churches start from a group of like-minded saints zealous to establish a ministry to uphold and affirm the truth.
Saints become like-minded by doing Bible study together.
Bible study together occurs when two or more saved people are interested in growing in God's word.
People get saved by somoene else preaching the gospel to them out of love. This is where it all begins. Church ministries grow from personal ministries.
If you won't do ministry when you are alone and without a church. What makes you think you would do ministry if you did have a church?
Or perhaps you are waiting for someone else to do the work. Don't worry, no one is watching.
The old saying is right.
For Your Growth,
Justin "start somewhere" Johnson
[h=2]Was Paul A Missionary[/h]On most maps recording Paul's travels you will find the title, "Paul's Missionary Journeys." Most people think Paul was merely a missionary, but was he?
[h=2]Why Spiritual Gifts Stopped[/h]No matter how many people desire the powers given to the kingdom apostles and early church, the Bible rightly divided teaches that the Spirit has stopped giving these spiritual gifts of supernatural ability. Here are five reasons.
[h=2]The Loving God of the Old Testament[/h]It is said that the God of the Old Testament is a vengeful judgmental God while the Christ of the New Testament is the loving peaceful God. This is just one more reason to believe what’s in the Bible instead of what people say about it.
[h=2]Audio: Communion: Till He Come[/h]Paul instructed the Corinthians to come together to eat and drink showing the Lord's death till he come. Learn why the Corinthians were not showing the Lords's death, and why it is signficant that it be continued until the return of the Lord for the Church.
[h=1]GRACE AMBASSADORS
MINISTRY UPDATE[/h] June 10th, 2017
[h=2]When You're Alone[/h]The old saying is that you know a man's character by what he does when no one else is watching.
What you do when you're alone and do not get praise or punishment proves your true intent, integrity, and mettle.
The same goes for when there is no church around you. Do you give up, make excuses, and compromise? Or do you endeavor, look for opportunity, and pioneer.
Churches start from a group of like-minded saints zealous to establish a ministry to uphold and affirm the truth.
Saints become like-minded by doing Bible study together.
Bible study together occurs when two or more saved people are interested in growing in God's word.
People get saved by somoene else preaching the gospel to them out of love. This is where it all begins. Church ministries grow from personal ministries.
If you won't do ministry when you are alone and without a church. What makes you think you would do ministry if you did have a church?
Or perhaps you are waiting for someone else to do the work. Don't worry, no one is watching.
I agree with the notion that a man's (person's) moral character is revealed most clearly when he is alone, but I wouldn't be so quick to judge someone who doesn't run out and start bible study groups with his neighbors in some effort to provide or establish a nascent church when there is no other to his liking in the area. It is not a moral failing to be the sort who doesn't start bible study groups. In fact, there have been quite a lot of disasters kicked off by people who had neither the knowledge, the talent nor the personality for such things. There are some who ought simply to be content with the grace God has given them and to trust and rest in Him and in that grace rather than going around feeling guilty about the ministry they started that failed to grow or survive, or the ministry that was never started to begin with.
Cool thread, by the way. I wonder how many are reading it?
