Here’s some instruction from God:

2 Timothy 2:24-26
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;  And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Galatians 6:1
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2 Timothy 2:15-16
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

Titus 1:9
Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

If you address a man about biblical matters, doctrine, and what is true/right, and he takes it personal, it may be time to ask him to explain what he believes, rather than sharing information with him… Many times, people are so inbedded with doctrine, he or she may not even be able to give the “why,” concerning what they believe. Other times, people know what they believe, and why, but have never been asked to explain. Regardless, it is the duty of every saint in the Body of Christ to be willing and able to give an answer and be able to correct, with all patience, those who are wrong.

There is work to be done.

If you become discouraged, remember:

1 Corinthians15:58
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

P.S.
If a man is emotionally ramped Everytime you attempt to talk to him, move one… there’s probably more fruitful work to be endured.

Possibly hundreds of children, ages ranging from pre-school into the teens, will be taught bible lessons with one goal in sight of the leaders(most of them, anyways)… Salvation! Each student will have the opportunity to hear about Jesus’ death and resurrection, hopefully! But here is the scary part:

Instead of being instructed by teachers and preachers to simply trust what God has done on their behalf, many children will be instructed to so something based on what they have just heard.

For some church programs, it will be “Pray this prayer.” (How do you know you’re saved? I prayed ________…) <—That’s not Ephesians 1:13

For other churches, it might be “Confess your sins to God.” (How do you know you’re saved? I confessed my sins and asked for forgiveness…) <— That’s not Ephesians 2:8-9 (Romans 10:9-10, 1 John 1:9 are not our pattern)

Sadly, but true, for so many churches it will be “Repent and be baptized!” (How do you know you’re saved? I got baptized…)<— That’s not Titus 3:5 or 1 Corinthians 12:13

BEWARE is in order because their are many well-intentioned individuals preaching and teaching these children. Very seldom, do these children hear the clear instruction of “belief and faith” in what Jesus accomplished on the cross. He died for our sins and resurrected for our justification (1 Corinthians 15:1-4 and Romans 4:25). We are saved when we believe this truth and place our faith in the fact that God has done this on our behalf.

Salvation does not come by praying the “sinner’s prayer,” confessing sin and asking for forgiveness, or being water baptized.

You are saved when you have faith in what God says He has already accomplished. See Romans 5:8 and 2 Corinthians 5:19.

If you, or someone you know, is going to be directly involved with a VBS program(Either participating as a child or leader), please read, re-read, and share this with them. Vacation Bible School can be a great thing! It would be great if one thing can be made clear—> We are saved by grace, through faith(in what Christ has done for us).

This is not “straining at a gnat” kind of stuff. This is eternal business. Don’t believe it? Go ask the youth of your church to share with you what is necessary to be saved! Your socks will be blown off! (Really…. go ask them!) Salvation is more important than being worried about the awkwardness.

Sincerely,
a concerened “Ex-Youth Pastor”

Being put into Christ is not synonymous with being put into water. How are we put into Christ? What kind of baptism? 1 Corinthians 12:13 says this baptism is done by the Holy spirit, along with Ephesians 4:5 saying there’s only one baptism…

Are there 2 baptisms, or one?

If it’s water, then the Holy Spirit must be in the water…

If it’s a baptism done by the Holy Spirit, then we must not be able to see it… which would really help Colossians stand in the fact that we, if we have trusted the gospel of the grace of God, have undergone a circumcision not made with hands.

This is not water baptism. Water must be read into the passage. This is an erroneous assumption.
There’s only one baptism today, whereas there are over 12 mentioned in the bible… make sure you’re preaching the right one.

We are put into Christ when we “believe and trust” the gospel (Ephesians 1:13-14), not when we are dunked in water. Better to be dry and sealed rather than wet and lost. What’s your faith in?

I hope it’s in the power of the Gospel, not the attempt of religion.

(Romans 1:16; Romans 4:5; Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5)

“Repent and be baptized” is not God’s message to you today, unless you are a Jew or a Gentile adhering to the nation of Israel.

We must learn to rightly divide scripture if we want to know what God is requiring today.

Are you saved? If you’re trusting in anything but the finished work of the cross and ressurection, you may want to reconsider the truth of God’s Word, rightly divided!

Grace and Peace!

Acts 9:15-16
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:    For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

That’s was the purpose of why he was called personally by the ressurected Jesus Christ. Why would this be significant though? There are 3 HUGE REASONS.

1.) Paul wasn’t seeking after Christ, but rather he was persecuting Him.

Acts 9:5
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

2.) This is the first time that God offered salvation to someone who wasn’t repenting or seeking salvation. God offered Him grace and longsuffering. This is so significant in Scripture, that Paul actually makes a earth shattering statement in 1 Timothy.

1 Timothy 1:15-16
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.  Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

3.) Starting with Paul, God began to offer salvation to Gentiles, without Israel. Why is this so important? Because it goes against prophecy. Prophetically, Israel was to be the avenue in which the rest of the world found salvation.

Zechariah 8:22-23
Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord .  Thus saith the Lord of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.

Most Bible teachers note that 2 of th biggest transitions in Scripture is with Matthew 1 and Acts 2. Would it not be important to note that the calling of the Apostle Paul is one of the biggest, most unique, transitions in the Bible? Paul’s salvation is unique, but His message is what makes all the difference…

Free salvation by grace through faith can only be found in the epistles of Paul. There are definitely some distinctions that need to be made if we are to rightly divide the word or truth.

This is a tricky question because it seems to answer anything but “remains the same” would be heretical and contrary to the Word of God. But there’s more to the picture than many acknowledge.

I will be the first to acknowledge, there are Biblical principles that do not change.

-Jesus stays the same – Hebrews 13:8
-God’s power and infinite knowledge does not change
-God’s character and wisdom remains
-All are born in sin
-God hates evil
The list goes on, but there are some things that are not so concrete.

Truth is truth. But some truths change dispensationally…

Dispensation is a Biblical term. It simply means the specific information that God has “dispensed”  and is requiring man to adhere to.

What is true in one part of Scripture may not be true in another….

For instance:
Genesis 2- food is offered as vegetables and fruit only… for man and animals

Genesis 3- man sins; food is offered as plants and animals

Exodus 19- God gives Israel the law; food is specifically outlined as to what one can and cannot eat.

Acts 9- Dispensation of grace is revealed to Apostle Paul; we can eat anything, as long as it is received with thanksgiving

Acts 10- Peter is still observing food laws until Jesus shows him something is changing.

So when it comes to truth, you have to know who the audience is. I cannot tell you that God says you’re only supposed to be a vegetarian because that’s what He told Adam and Eve… WHY?! Even if one were to say “It says it in the Bible.”, we must be more diligent in our reading and studying. The Bible saying it is not enough; you have to view the Bible dispensationally to know what God is instructing for today.

That’s just with food.

Imagine how much more important it is to recognize how God offers salvation today.

It’s not offered, although true in the past/and will be for Israel in the future, through a covenant, law, or the ability to endure to the end, but rather it’s through free grace.

But how do we know this? We see God changing His operation when He reveals the dispensation of grace.

When God revealed to the Apostle Paul a secret that had been hidden, since the world began, everything changed!

See Ephesians 3:1-9; 1 Timothy 1:16; Romans 16:25; and Colossians 1:27

Free salvation to all men, by faith, without works, in Christ accomplished work on the cross and his ressurection for justification was never known before God revealed it.

This is how we study our Bible. We can only respond to what God has currently given for our participation. So, as for truth, we must study to know what is true and correct for us “today!”

Cherry picking, dispensationally, unripe verses may result in a sour outcome. (Bad metaphor, I know.)

Learn to study God’s Word, rightly divided.

For more information on Right Division, please checkout the other posts on this site and checkout Graceambassadors.com

(Creation, changing languages, flooding the whole world, plagues, separation of waters – which happened 4×in Scripture and not just once with Moses, healing, and even death by judgement. There are many more…)

If you’re spending all of your time praying for, asking for, and looking for miracles from God, you may not only be lacking in understanding of what God is going today, but you may be missing out on the BIGGEST miracle God has ever performed.

The “only” miracle God makes clear that He is doing today is the one where He “supernaturally” offers to take sinners(you and me, born in Adam) and crucify your old man, while imputing His Son’s perfect righteousness to you. This is done in the moment you trust the Gospel of God’s Grace.

Stop looking for miracles and labeling things miracles that aren’t(rainbows, test grades, dream house and new job), and start paying attention to what God is doing today.

He’s offering free Salvation to undeserving sinners.

Trust the Gospel!
Christ died for our sins and resurrected for our justification. Have you trusted this truth?

Ephesians 1:13-14
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

There’s a whole world who needs more of God’s salvation and less of our personal stories of hype.

We should be thankful in all things, but calling things miracles that are not is a lie. Make sure when you speak on God’s behalf that you are sure He did or did not do it before you give Him the credit. The only miracles we know about from God for sure are the ones He said He would do. He did miracles for a sign to Israel. He did miracles for the authenticity of His apostles and His message. We know these to be miracles because Scripture testifies of it.

1.) Are you sick (cancer, flu or disease)?

Romans 8:18
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

-Remember that this life is short and full of pain, but if you are saved, the suffering here cannot compare to the glory which is to come in our heavenly bodies.

2.) Are you angry? Not just mad, but really irritated and holding a grudge? Are you unsure of how you will ever get over the situation and forgive that person or people? What if they aren’t even sorry?

Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Ephesians 4:32
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

– It’s super IMPORTANT to remember that Christ died for us as sinners, not already perfected in the blood saints. God forgives us based on Christ. The pattern of this forgiveness is to forgive, even when they do not deserve it.

3.) Are you in need? Do you feel like bills keep coming and the bad news too? Do you feel trapped?

Philippians 4:11-13
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

– Everyone seems to know verse 13, but never consider the context when boisterously reciting it to get the psyched up for a sporting event. We have the ability, in Christ, to be content in every situation. He is our satisfaction. Jesus is more than enough. Work hard, serve God, and be thankful in all things. Even if it doesn’t get better, refer to point number 1.

Acts 3:19-21 is a clear indicator that Peter didn’t think he was presently saved, sealed, and forgiven. He was waiting for the blotting out of sins. The Holy Spirit was Peter’s informant. To say that the body of Christ had started without the dispensation being revealed is to call the Holy Spirit either lacking or lying. The Body of Christ was not in existence until the dispensation was given; it was revealed first to the Apostle Paul. See 1 Timothy 1:16.

“Why would John write to Gaius (3 John) (a convert of Paul’s)? What could he have to offer Gaius if John is ministering to the little flock and Gaius is part of the body of Christ?”

In Addressing the issue of Gaius, I must sternly say, this is a week objection. Using one verse to try and combat tons of others is not a strong tactic. But on this note, notice that Gaius was apparently a very common name among the Romans. In Acts and in the epistles there are five persons of this name.

1.) Acts 19:29, called a man of Macedonia, and Paul’s companion in travel.

2.) Gaius of Derbe, a city of Lycaonia, mentionedActs 20:4.

3.)Gaius with whom St. Paul lodged at Corinth, and called his host,Acts 16:23.

4.)One of that name, whom the apostle had baptized at Corinth, mentioned 1 Corinthians 1:14, who probably was the same person with the Gaius last mentioned.

5.)A Gaius to whom John wrote this epistle, who is clearly a different person from all those above mentioned; because the apostle claims to “father” him and the others with him , 3 John 1:4; he could not say this of the Gaiuses mentioned above.

Notice how intentional Paul is about not building on another man’s foundation, or in other words, taking individuals who have already received a dispensation of information from God and try to persuade or change them. (This is not to say that Paul did not speak to or minister to those of the “little flock.” Paul even laid hands on individuals who had only heard John the Baptist’s gospel in order to get them up to speed with what God was doing.)

Romans 15:20-21
Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

I believe it is more than fair to conclude that Peter would not have tried to “build on another man’s foundation” either.

It is more than important to understand that Peter and Paul, by God’s design and choosing, preached different messages to different audiences. Read it clearly:

Galatians 2:6-9
But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

Did you notice in the verse above where it says “grace that was given unto me (Paul)?”

What grace?

1 Corinthians 3:10
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

1 Corinthians 9:17
For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

Not only was Paul given a special dispensation from God, he was also deemed at the “masterbuilder.” Paul was the foreman, contractor, and overseer of the dispensation of grace.

This argument is one that hopes to catch off guard and debunk the real issue. There is so much negativity toward Mid Acts Dispensationalism, but with every conversation I have with those who object, I see that the real issue is not with the facts not lining up… But rather, it’s the refusal of something that’s not “mainstream” or popular Christianity.

When one learns to rightly divide, he or she no longer has the need to make excuses for the Bible. Rather, the Word of God can speak clearly and boldly for itself. Do you trust your Bible? I hope so… If you do, learn to study it the way God prescribed. Learn to make distinctions between Law and Grace, Israel and the body of Christ, and the messages of Peter and Paul.

Thegracelifeplace.blogspot.com
Graceambassadors.com

Come study with us, Grace Bible Fellowship, every Thursday night at 7 and on Sundays at 10 and 11. We meet at the Rogersville, AL Senior Citizens Center.

Christ is our Foundation. The death of Jesus Christ for sins and ressurection for justification is our message. Seeing the lost saved and teaching faithful men, who strive to understand the mystery and know how to rightly divide, who are able to teach others also is our mission.

Thank you for your response. I would like to mention that the only 2 Verses you have listed that have anything to do with salvation are the first two(which were Ephesians 2:8-9 & Ephesians 1:7), whereas the rest of the list is talking about the desired conduct of a saint.
Salvation, in the dispensation of grace, is a free gift, not an earned reward. The specific truth that you can only find in the Pauline epistles is that with the dispensation of grace, we are presently “saved.” No other Apostle in our Bible talks of present forgiveness.

Colossians 2:13
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Ephesians 4:32
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 1:13-14
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

There are many others….

The point is though, Peter and the Apostles to the Jews all spoke of and preached about a future forgiveness. One clear passage of this truth is found in early Acts:

Acts 3:19
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, THAT YOUR SINS MAY BE BLOTTED OUT, “when” the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;(emphasis is mine)

There is a huge disconnect of understanding when we mix the epistles of Paul with the epistles to the Hebrews (including Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). Paul is the only preacher that spoke of present salvation. This is the necessity of the ability to “rightly divide the word of truth.”

Sincerely,
Alan

If you don’t understand that God is doing something different today that started when God revealed unto the Apostle Paul the “Dispensation of Grace,” you will unknowingly mix law and grace, works and faith, and Israel with the Body of Christ. Do you know how to rightly divide your bible? It’s necessary if you want to correctly follow the instructions God has given for this dispensation.

Good places to start might include visiting

midactstruth.com and graceambassadors.com

It’s not about “who’s” right as much as it is about “what’s” right!