Please take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 1-24-2012

Question: While Christ was on earth no man was baptized who had not been circumcised. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! There are Christians, so called, who teach that sprinkling (baptism) has taken the place of circumcision. If so, then baptism must not be for the Gentiles. Galatians 3:8, and Galatians 2:7. While Christ was on earth no man was baptized who had not been circumcised. During the period, covered by the first nine chapters of the Book of Acts, no man was baptized who had not been circumcised. In fact, we have record of circumcisions just as far into the Book of Acts as we have any record of baptism. Now, out of the 702 responses we received to this question, ONLY 61.5% of you got it right! Therefore, NOW, let us take a look at,

THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, CHAPTER 6, PART 2 of 3

Saints are also exhorted to pray for all men and for rulers. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” 1 Timo­thy 2:1-2.

God’s Word emphasizes the great importance of being doctrinally straight; but there is an urgent need for what is generally called practical Christianity.

“Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.” Galatians 6:11. It is thought by many that this is one of Paul’s statements which suggests the character of his physical affliction.

Comparatively few Christians can truthfully say what the Apostle Paul said in 2 Cor. 12:10, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

We read also what Paul wrote to these Galatians, “Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the Gospel unto you at the first. And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.” Galatians 4:13-14. On account of Galatians 4:15 and Galatians 6:11, many students of the Word are reasonably sure that Paul’s infirmity was some eye affliction. However, from other verses we believe that Paul had other physical infirmities.

Before closing his Epistle, the Apostle Paul again refers to the legalism and religion that had caused such serious trouble to the Galatians. “As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.” Galatians 6:12-13.

“He that is circumcised is debtor to the whole law.” Abram was declared righteous in uncircumcision. The believing Gentiles, to whom the Apostle Paul preached, were declared righteous by God’s Grace, justified by Faith without the deeds of the law, without any religious ceremony. There are Christians, so called, who teach that sprinkling (baptism) has taken the place of circumcision. If so, then baptism must not be for the Gentiles. Galatians 3:8, and Galatians 2:7. While Christ was on earth no man was baptized who had not been circumcised. During the period, covered by the first nine chapters of the Book of Acts, no man was baptized who had not been circumcised. In fact, we have record of circumcisions just as far into the Book of Acts as we have any record of baptism. Note Galatians 2:3 and Acts 16:3; Concerning Timothy, Titus, and circumcision…“But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.” “Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him BECAUSE of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.”

Here we get something of the meaning of Acts 21:25, “As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication”; Carefully note Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 9:20-21, “And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without the law, as without the law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.” You got that…

Paul never became as one under the law to those who were under the law after he wrote Philippians 3:5-10. However, only as we recognize that during the “Acts” period, God had one order for the Jews that believed, and another for Gentiles that believed, can we understand why Paul circumcised Timothy, and why he refused to circumcise Titus, and why Paul took Jewish vows and became religious to win the Jews after he knew the message of Grace.

Most assuredly Paul did not constrain Timothy to be circumcised lest he should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. During the Acts period, Jerusalem and the temple stood. For more than thirty years after Christ said “your house is left unto you desolate” (Matthew 23:31-39) God permitted Israel to live in the Holy Land enjoying the favor and protection of Rome. But after that there came the fulfillment of Matthew 22:7 and Luke 21:20, “But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.” “And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.”

God delayed His awful judgment upon Israel because of Christ’s prayer on the cross. “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34.

Until the pronounced judgment was executed, Israel continued with their religious program under their high priest. Even the Apostle Paul, about 60 A.D., apologized to Israel’s high priest. “Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.” Acts 23:5. In Acts 23:6, Paul said “I am a Pharisee.” During the Acts period even the Israelites who became the disciples of Christ continued the practice of circumcision.

The GREAT CHANGE came with the Apostle Paul’s quotation of Isaiah in Acts 28:25-28. These words mark a radical change in God’s dealings with Israel and His spiritual program for the Body of Christ. The change was not to a different Body of Christ, but to a change in the spiritual program for the same Body. As “the times of the Gentiles,” politically, began with Nebuchadnezzar’s conquest of Jerusalem about 600 B.C., (read the last chapters of 2 Kings and Jeremiah). “the times of the Gentiles,” spiritually, began after Acts 28:28. God’s order since that time has NOT been “to the Jew first,” as it was during the Acts period. The Nation Israel was not set aside at the time Christ spoke the words of Matthew 23:31-39; but when Paul spoke the words of Acts 28:25-28.

Those who tried to force circumcision upon Gentiles, saved by the Apostle Paul’s message of Grace, were completely out of the will of God. Those who insist today upon giving Israel’s seventh day Sabbath to members of the Body of Christ are out of the will of God.

Let us bear in mind that God, by the work of Christ on the cross, broke down the middle wall of partition between the Jews and the Gentiles and took out of the way the handwriting of ordinances. This truth was not immediately revealed to the twelve apostles; therefore is not taught in the early chapters of Acts which tells of the attitude of the Twelve toward the law about seven years after Pentecost, “Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man com­mon or unclean.” Acts 10:28. Now Peter was able to say, “And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by Faith.” Acts 15:9. Thus we see that the Dispensation of the Mystery did NOT begin with Pentecost. Ephesians 3:9.

“Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31, while there is still time!

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide. The time is short

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Subscribe Here to the LLM Newsletter , Follow LLM on Twitter , Subscribe to LLM on Youtube , LLM on MySpace , and FaceBook

{jcomments on}

Please take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 1-24-2012

Question: While Christ was on earth no man was baptized who had not been circumcised. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! There are Christians, so called, who teach that sprinkling (baptism) has taken the place of circumcision. If so, then baptism must not be for the Gentiles. Galatians 3:8, and Galatians 2:7. While Christ was on earth no man was baptized who had not been circumcised. During the period, covered by the first nine chapters of the Book of Acts, no man was baptized who had not been circumcised. In fact, we have record of circumcisions just as far into the Book of Acts as we have any record of baptism. Now, out of the 702 responses we received to this question, ONLY 61.5% of you got it right! Therefore, NOW, let us take a look at,

THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, CHAPTER 6, PART 2 of 3

Saints are also exhorted to pray for all men and for rulers. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” 1 Timo­thy 2:1-2.

God’s Word emphasizes the great importance of being doctrinally straight; but there is an urgent need for what is generally called practical Christianity.

“Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.” Galatians 6:11. It is thought by many that this is one of Paul’s statements which suggests the character of his physical affliction.

Comparatively few Christians can truthfully say what the Apostle Paul said in 2 Cor. 12:10, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

We read also what Paul wrote to these Galatians, “Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the Gospel unto you at the first. And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.” Galatians 4:13-14. On account of Galatians 4:15 and Galatians 6:11, many students of the Word are reasonably sure that Paul’s infirmity was some eye affliction. However, from other verses we believe that Paul had other physical infirmities.

Before closing his Epistle, the Apostle Paul again refers to the legalism and religion that had caused such serious trouble to the Galatians. “As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.” Galatians 6:12-13.

“He that is circumcised is debtor to the whole law.” Abram was declared righteous in uncircumcision. The believing Gentiles, to whom the Apostle Paul preached, were declared righteous by God’s Grace, justified by Faith without the deeds of the law, without any religious ceremony. There are Christians, so called, who teach that sprinkling (baptism) has taken the place of circumcision. If so, then baptism must not be for the Gentiles. Galatians 3:8, and Galatians 2:7. While Christ was on earth no man was baptized who had not been circumcised. During the period, covered by the first nine chapters of the Book of Acts, no man was baptized who had not been circumcised. In fact, we have record of circumcisions just as far into the Book of Acts as we have any record of baptism. Note Galatians 2:3 and Acts 16:3; Concerning Timothy, Titus, and circumcision…“But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.” “Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him BECAUSE of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.”

Here we get something of the meaning of Acts 21:25, “As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication”; Carefully note Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 9:20-21, “And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without the law, as without the law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.” You got that…

Paul never became as one under the law to those who were under the law after he wrote Philippians 3:5-10. However, only as we recognize that during the “Acts” period, God had one order for the Jews that believed, and another for Gentiles that believed, can we understand why Paul circumcised Timothy, and why he refused to circumcise Titus, and why Paul took Jewish vows and became religious to win the Jews after he knew the message of Grace.

Most assuredly Paul did not constrain Timothy to be circumcised lest he should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. During the Acts period, Jerusalem and the temple stood. For more than thirty years after Christ said “your house is left unto you desolate” (Matthew 23:31-39) God permitted Israel to live in the Holy Land enjoying the favor and protection of Rome. But after that there came the fulfillment of Matthew 22:7 and Luke 21:20, “But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.” “And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.”

God delayed His awful judgment upon Israel because of Christ’s prayer on the cross. “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34.

Until the pronounced judgment was executed, Israel continued with their religious program under their high priest. Even the Apostle Paul, about 60 A.D., apologized to Israel’s high priest. “Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.” Acts 23:5. In Acts 23:6, Paul said “I am a Pharisee.” During the Acts period even the Israelites who became the disciples of Christ continued the practice of circumcision.

The GREAT CHANGE came with the Apostle Paul’s quotation of Isaiah in Acts 28:25-28. These words mark a radical change in God’s dealings with Israel and His spiritual program for the Body of Christ. The change was not to a different Body of Christ, but to a change in the spiritual program for the same Body. As “the times of the Gentiles,” politically, began with Nebuchadnezzar’s conquest of Jerusalem about 600 B.C., (read the last chapters of 2 Kings and Jeremiah). “the times of the Gentiles,” spiritually, began after Acts 28:28. God’s order since that time has NOT been “to the Jew first,” as it was during the Acts period. The Nation Israel was not set aside at the time Christ spoke the words of Matthew 23:31-39; but when Paul spoke the words of Acts 28:25-28.

Those who tried to force circumcision upon Gentiles, saved by the Apostle Paul’s message of Grace, were completely out of the will of God. Those who insist today upon giving Israel’s seventh day Sabbath to members of the Body of Christ are out of the will of God.

Let us bear in mind that God, by the work of Christ on the cross, broke down the middle wall of partition between the Jews and the Gentiles and took out of the way the handwriting of ordinances. This truth was not immediately revealed to the twelve apostles; therefore is not taught in the early chapters of Acts which tells of the attitude of the Twelve toward the law about seven years after Pentecost, “Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man com­mon or unclean.” Acts 10:28. Now Peter was able to say, “And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by Faith.” Acts 15:9. Thus we see that the Dispensation of the Mystery did NOT begin with Pentecost. Ephesians 3:9.

“Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31, while there is still time!

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide. The time is short

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Subscribe Here to the LLM Newsletter , Follow LLM on Twitter , Subscribe to LLM on Youtube , LLM on MySpace , and FaceBook

{jcomments on}

Please take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 1-20-2012

Question: Very frequently, because of doctrinal differences, some Christians apparently rejoice in the fall of some brother in Christ. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! In Galatians 6:1, the believer’s responsibility is to an erring brother. A willingness and an earnest endeavor to restore a believer who has been overtaken in a sin is the mark of a spiritual Christian, moreover it is the duty of a spiritual Christian. It is sad but true that comparatively few of God’s saints are engaged in this ministry. Many seem to prefer to devour one another, (Galatians 5:15). Now, out of the 772 responses we received to this question, 95.2% of you got it right! Praise the LORD! Therefore, NOW, let us take a look at,

THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, CHAPTER 6, PART 1 of 3

“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. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Gala­tians 6:1-2.

Here we have presented to us the responsibility of one believer to another. In Galatians 6:1, the believer’s responsibility is to an erring brother. A willingness and an earnest endeavor to restore a believer who has been overtaken in a sin is the mark of a spiritual Christian, moreover it is the duty of a spiritual Christian. It is sad but true that comparatively few of God’s saints are engaged in this ministry. Many seem to prefer to devour one another, (Galatians 5:15). Very frequently because of doctrinal differences, some Christians apparently rejoice in the fall of some brother in Christ.

“And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all Faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity (love), I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:2.

The believer’s responsibility toward his fellow believer is stated in Romans 15:1-3, which we quote, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and NOT to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not Himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on Me.” These instructions follow the instructions recorded in Romans 14, and so very few Christians obey and practice the spiritual program of that wonderful chapter.

“Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.”“But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.”“It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.” Romans 14:21. Romans 14:13. Romans 14:15.

If only those that are Christians obey Romans 12:10-20, then how many Christians do YOU know?

We quote verse 10, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.” Romans 12:10.

The correct translation of Hebrews 13:16 is, “share what you have with others.”

“But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” James 2:9. “If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them NOT those things which are needful for the body; what doth it profit?” James 2:15-16. “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother of need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” 1 John 3:17.

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” Galatians 6:2. “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18.

There is no contradiction in Galatians 6:5. “Bear his own burden.” Every one of us shall give an account of himself to God. Romans 14:12. And as believers, none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. Romans 14:7. In bearing his own burdens, the believer is responsible to Christ, his LORD; and he will be held responsible for bearing the burdens of other believers. But in another sense, all believers are to obey 1 Peter 6:7, “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” Christ is the Sin-bearer and the Burden-bearer.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Galatians 6:7-8. Undoubtedly the Holy Spirit, in these verses, is talking to saints as well as to sinners. Many of God’s saints are not sowing as the Holy Spirit would have them sow. In Corinthians we read of the natural man, (unsaved); the carnal man (saved); and the spiritual man (saved). The carnal Christian does not sow to the Spirit.

On every side we behold the corruption which flesh-sowers are reaping. Millions are receiving the wages of sin; paying dearly for sowing to the flesh. The spiritual believer will join with the Apostle Paul, in 2 Cor. 4:18, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Cor. 4:18. “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” John 12:25. Moses made no mistake when he made his choice. “By Faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.” Hebrews 11:23-26.

“Respect unto the recompence of the reward”….“Thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just” Luke 14:14.

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9. Many of God’s saints have fainted AFTER they had been Faithful in the LORD’s service. Note the urge of the writer to the Hebrews, “For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in your selves that, ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Hebrews 10:34-37.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our Faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” Hebrews 12:1-4.

Only as we can get our eyes off of circumstances, conditions, and the failures of others, and look unto the risen Christ can we run well the Christian race. At best we can only be unprofitable servants; but we are told to follow the Apostle Paul as he followed Christ. Paul fought a good fight. By him we are instructed to fight the good fight of Faith and to endure hardness as good soldiers of Christ.

The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 9:23-27, instructs the believer how to win the incorruptible crown. “So run that ye may obtain.” (1 Corinthians 9:23) And Christ obtained eternal redemption for us by His good work. Hebrews 9:12. In striving for the mastery (1 Corinthians 9:25) the believer is NOT striving for salvation or eternal life. No striving is necessary to receive God’s free gift. Only Faith.

Most Christians do not recognize and submit unto the LORDship of the risen Christ; They forget payday. Most sinners live as though there were no God, no death, no eternity; as though they had no soul.

“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, ESPECIALLY unto them who are of the household of Faith.” Galatians 6:10.

Certainly we need not look for, or wait for opportunities to do good to either sinners or saints. The opportunities are without number. The time is short. The majority of God’s people are letting many, many opportunities slip by. “Love worketh no ill to his neighbor.” Add to your Faith brotherly kindness and love.

The very best deed that any saint can do for a sinner is to present to him God’s saving message. “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14. Very frequently some kindness done in the name of the LORD Jesus has opened the sinner’s ears and heart to receive the Gospel. But Faith cometh by hearing God’s Word.

“Especially unto them who are of the household of Faith.” God’s order seems to be “to the saint first, and also unto the sinner.”

“Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.” Romans 12:13. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication FOR ALL SAINTS.” Ephesians 6:18.

Thus we see that in acts of benevolences, and in what is called social service, the Christian’s first duty is toward his fellow-Christian. Do good to those who are of the household of Faith. This includes the saints outside of our particular denomination. “Distributing to the necessity of saints.” There are saints in all of the 300 different de­nominations in our land. Many of these have necessities. “With all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Surely “denominationalism”, “factionalism” in the Body of Christ is contrary to the PLAIN teaching of God’s Book.

“Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31, while there is still time!

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide. The time is short

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Subscribe Here to the LLM Newsletter , Follow LLM on Twitter , Subscribe to LLM on Youtube , LLM on MySpace , and FaceBook

Please take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 1-20-2012

Question: Very frequently, because of doctrinal differences, some Christians apparently rejoice in the fall of some brother in Christ. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! In Galatians 6:1, the believer’s responsibility is to an erring brother. A willingness and an earnest endeavor to restore a believer who has been overtaken in a sin is the mark of a spiritual Christian, moreover it is the duty of a spiritual Christian. It is sad but true that comparatively few of God’s saints are engaged in this ministry. Many seem to prefer to devour one another, (Galatians 5:15). Now, out of the 772 responses we received to this question, 95.2% of you got it right! Praise the LORD! Therefore, NOW, let us take a look at,

THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, CHAPTER 6, PART 1 of 3

“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. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Gala­tians 6:1-2.

Here we have presented to us the responsibility of one believer to another. In Galatians 6:1, the believer’s responsibility is to an erring brother. A willingness and an earnest endeavor to restore a believer who has been overtaken in a sin is the mark of a spiritual Christian, moreover it is the duty of a spiritual Christian. It is sad but true that comparatively few of God’s saints are engaged in this ministry. Many seem to prefer to devour one another, (Galatians 5:15). Very frequently because of doctrinal differences, some Christians apparently rejoice in the fall of some brother in Christ.

“And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all Faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity (love), I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:2.

The believer’s responsibility toward his fellow believer is stated in Romans 15:1-3, which we quote, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and NOT to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not Himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on Me.” These instructions follow the instructions recorded in Romans 14, and so very few Christians obey and practice the spiritual program of that wonderful chapter.

“Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.”“But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.”“It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.” Romans 14:21. Romans 14:13. Romans 14:15.

If only those that are Christians obey Romans 12:10-20, then how many Christians do YOU know?

We quote verse 10, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.” Romans 12:10.

The correct translation of Hebrews 13:16 is, “share what you have with others.”

“But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” James 2:9. “If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them NOT those things which are needful for the body; what doth it profit?” James 2:15-16. “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother of need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” 1 John 3:17.

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” Galatians 6:2. “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18.

There is no contradiction in Galatians 6:5. “Bear his own burden.” Every one of us shall give an account of himself to God. Romans 14:12. And as believers, none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. Romans 14:7. In bearing his own burdens, the believer is responsible to Christ, his LORD; and he will be held responsible for bearing the burdens of other believers. But in another sense, all believers are to obey 1 Peter 6:7, “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” Christ is the Sin-bearer and the Burden-bearer.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Galatians 6:7-8. Undoubtedly the Holy Spirit, in these verses, is talking to saints as well as to sinners. Many of God’s saints are not sowing as the Holy Spirit would have them sow. In Corinthians we read of the natural man, (unsaved); the carnal man (saved); and the spiritual man (saved). The carnal Christian does not sow to the Spirit.

On every side we behold the corruption which flesh-sowers are reaping. Millions are receiving the wages of sin; paying dearly for sowing to the flesh. The spiritual believer will join with the Apostle Paul, in 2 Cor. 4:18, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Cor. 4:18. “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” John 12:25. Moses made no mistake when he made his choice. “By Faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.” Hebrews 11:23-26.

“Respect unto the recompence of the reward”….“Thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just” Luke 14:14.

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9. Many of God’s saints have fainted AFTER they had been Faithful in the LORD’s service. Note the urge of the writer to the Hebrews, “For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in your selves that, ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Hebrews 10:34-37.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our Faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” Hebrews 12:1-4.

Only as we can get our eyes off of circumstances, conditions, and the failures of others, and look unto the risen Christ can we run well the Christian race. At best we can only be unprofitable servants; but we are told to follow the Apostle Paul as he followed Christ. Paul fought a good fight. By him we are instructed to fight the good fight of Faith and to endure hardness as good soldiers of Christ.

The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 9:23-27, instructs the believer how to win the incorruptible crown. “So run that ye may obtain.” (1 Corinthians 9:23) And Christ obtained eternal redemption for us by His good work. Hebrews 9:12. In striving for the mastery (1 Corinthians 9:25) the believer is NOT striving for salvation or eternal life. No striving is necessary to receive God’s free gift. Only Faith.

Most Christians do not recognize and submit unto the LORDship of the risen Christ; They forget payday. Most sinners live as though there were no God, no death, no eternity; as though they had no soul.

“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, ESPECIALLY unto them who are of the household of Faith.” Galatians 6:10.

Certainly we need not look for, or wait for opportunities to do good to either sinners or saints. The opportunities are without number. The time is short. The majority of God’s people are letting many, many opportunities slip by. “Love worketh no ill to his neighbor.” Add to your Faith brotherly kindness and love.

The very best deed that any saint can do for a sinner is to present to him God’s saving message. “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14. Very frequently some kindness done in the name of the LORD Jesus has opened the sinner’s ears and heart to receive the Gospel. But Faith cometh by hearing God’s Word.

“Especially unto them who are of the household of Faith.” God’s order seems to be “to the saint first, and also unto the sinner.”

“Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.” Romans 12:13. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication FOR ALL SAINTS.” Ephesians 6:18.

Thus we see that in acts of benevolences, and in what is called social service, the Christian’s first duty is toward his fellow-Christian. Do good to those who are of the household of Faith. This includes the saints outside of our particular denomination. “Distributing to the necessity of saints.” There are saints in all of the 300 different de­nominations in our land. Many of these have necessities. “With all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Surely “denominationalism”, “factionalism” in the Body of Christ is contrary to the PLAIN teaching of God’s Book.

“Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31, while there is still time!

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide. The time is short

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

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Please take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And Now…

How To Pray For America

When the sinner is convicted by the Holy Spirit of the seriousness of sin and of judgment, and cries to the LORD Jesus Christ to save him, he has, of course, repented, or changed his mind.

No careful student of the Scriptures will deny that the salvation of a sinner is impossible apart from repentance, for the simple reason that repentance, in the New Testament sense, signified simply a change of mind (especially morally).

There are members of the Body of Christ, however, considering only the fact that sinners need such a change of mind, conclude that the way to produce the greatest results in their ministry is to stress repentance. However, those who make repentance their theme today do so because they have failed to learn the lesson which God has demonstrated historically.

These Pastors, Preachers, and Teachers, cry to men to change their minds and hearts, FORGETTING that the goodness of God, the Grace of God, leads to repentance (Romans 2:4).

God has demonstrated, historically, the fact that when men are given Holy Laws to keep, they only break them; and when they are called upon to repent of their transgressions they only become angry. What man, (our nation, America, specifically) therefore needs is the Grace of God, not only to accomplish his salvation for him, but also to touch his heart and make him willing to receive it.

Now, let me point out one thing that is for sure: that Pastors, Preachers, Teachers, and Evangelists, who would bring us back to the Gospels and to Pentecost; who insist that repentance is the message for this Day and Age, should cease talking only in generalities and should dare to preach it as it was preached when it was in order.

For example, when John the Baptist preached repentance, he was specific. He dealt with the particular sins of the publicans, the soldiers, and the common people. He drove the Pharisees and Sadducees away from his baptism, calling them a “generation of vipers” and demanded “fruits meet for repentance.” He faced even Herod the king, rebuking him for living with his brother’s wife and “for all the evils which he had done.”

When The LORD Jesus Christ preached repentance He also was specific; warning the people against the very leaders of His day and pronouncing woes upon them to their faces, listing the particular sins of which they were guilty (Matthew 23).

When the Apostle Peter preached repentance at Pentecost he also was specific, charging Israel, and especially her rulers, with the crucifixion of Christ.

These stand in striking contrast to what some of our most popular Pastors, Preachers, Teachers, and Evangelists, are doing today as they preach a little tiny bit of Grace and a little bit of repentance; but neither with true spiritual power.

Those who are supposed to be “Calling the United States of America to Repentance” are very careful NOT to be too specific. They really don’t want to offend anyone. One of them, speaking in Washington, D.C., said: “We do not point our finger at anyone.“

If it is God’s plan today to call the nations, and this particular nation, to repentance, Washington, D.C. would surely be one place to be very specific.

We do not deny that some who stress repentance are leading some to salvation, but we insist that they are not getting them saved by preaching repentance, but by whatever of the Gospel of Grace their message may contain.

We, here, then take our place with the Apostle Paul, to whom the twelve, through their leaders, turned over their Gentile ministry (Galatians 2:2-9) and who said by divine inspiration, “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles; I magnify mine office” (Romans 11:13).

Let’s always keep in mind, Satan pulls out all the stops, of course, to oppose and oppress us for preaching God’s message for sinners today, the undiluted, unadulterated Gospel of the Grace of God, but when he does, and when we are faced with it, let us again join the Apostle Paul in saying with all our hearts, “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the Grace of God” (Acts 20:24).

And, as we, together, and individually as Ambassadors for Christ, do this faithfully, sinners will repent; they will change their minds. But, not because we demanded it of them, or even exhorted them to do it, but because, as we preached the Glory of Christ’s finished work and the wonder of God’s Love and Grace, the Holy Spirit opened their eyes to see it, and their hearts to receive it.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31, while there is still time!

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide. The time is short

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Subscribe Here to the LLM Newsletter , Follow LLM on Twitter , Subscribe to LLM on Youtube , LLM on MySpace , and FaceBook

Please take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And Now…

How To Pray For America

When the sinner is convicted by the Holy Spirit of the seriousness of sin and of judgment, and cries to the LORD Jesus Christ to save him, he has, of course, repented, or changed his mind.

No careful student of the Scriptures will deny that the salvation of a sinner is impossible apart from repentance, for the simple reason that repentance, in the New Testament sense, signified simply a change of mind (especially morally).

There are members of the Body of Christ, however, considering only the fact that sinners need such a change of mind, conclude that the way to produce the greatest results in their ministry is to stress repentance. However, those who make repentance their theme today do so because they have failed to learn the lesson which God has demonstrated historically.

These Pastors, Preachers, and Teachers, cry to men to change their minds and hearts, FORGETTING that the goodness of God, the Grace of God, leads to repentance (Romans 2:4).

God has demonstrated, historically, the fact that when men are given Holy Laws to keep, they only break them; and when they are called upon to repent of their transgressions they only become angry. What man, (our nation, America, specifically) therefore needs is the Grace of God, not only to accomplish his salvation for him, but also to touch his heart and make him willing to receive it.

Now, let me point out one thing that is for sure: that Pastors, Preachers, Teachers, and Evangelists, who would bring us back to the Gospels and to Pentecost; who insist that repentance is the message for this Day and Age, should cease talking only in generalities and should dare to preach it as it was preached when it was in order.

For example, when John the Baptist preached repentance, he was specific. He dealt with the particular sins of the publicans, the soldiers, and the common people. He drove the Pharisees and Sadducees away from his baptism, calling them a “generation of vipers” and demanded “fruits meet for repentance.” He faced even Herod the king, rebuking him for living with his brother’s wife and “for all the evils which he had done.”

When The LORD Jesus Christ preached repentance He also was specific; warning the people against the very leaders of His day and pronouncing woes upon them to their faces, listing the particular sins of which they were guilty (Matthew 23).

When the Apostle Peter preached repentance at Pentecost he also was specific, charging Israel, and especially her rulers, with the crucifixion of Christ.

These stand in striking contrast to what some of our most popular Pastors, Preachers, Teachers, and Evangelists, are doing today as they preach a little tiny bit of Grace and a little bit of repentance; but neither with true spiritual power.

Those who are supposed to be “Calling the United States of America to Repentance” are very careful NOT to be too specific. They really don’t want to offend anyone. One of them, speaking in Washington, D.C., said: “We do not point our finger at anyone.“

If it is God’s plan today to call the nations, and this particular nation, to repentance, Washington, D.C. would surely be one place to be very specific.

We do not deny that some who stress repentance are leading some to salvation, but we insist that they are not getting them saved by preaching repentance, but by whatever of the Gospel of Grace their message may contain.

We, here, then take our place with the Apostle Paul, to whom the twelve, through their leaders, turned over their Gentile ministry (Galatians 2:2-9) and who said by divine inspiration, “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles; I magnify mine office” (Romans 11:13).

Let’s always keep in mind, Satan pulls out all the stops, of course, to oppose and oppress us for preaching God’s message for sinners today, the undiluted, unadulterated Gospel of the Grace of God, but when he does, and when we are faced with it, let us again join the Apostle Paul in saying with all our hearts, “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the Grace of God” (Acts 20:24).

And, as we, together, and individually as Ambassadors for Christ, do this faithfully, sinners will repent; they will change their minds. But, not because we demanded it of them, or even exhorted them to do it, but because, as we preached the Glory of Christ’s finished work and the wonder of God’s Love and Grace, the Holy Spirit opened their eyes to see it, and their hearts to receive it.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31, while there is still time!

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide. The time is short

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Subscribe Here to the LLM Newsletter , Follow LLM on Twitter , Subscribe to LLM on Youtube , LLM on MySpace , and FaceBook

Please take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 1-18-2012

Question: Pride is just as great a sin as adultery. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! Note what the LORD Jesus said, when on earth, concerning the human heart. “That which cometh out of man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, PRIDE, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” Mark 7:20 to 23. Pride is just as great a sin as adultery. Now, out of the 742 responses we received to this question, 96.3% of you got it right! Therefore, now, let us take a look at,

THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, CHAPTER 5, PART 3 of 3

Now for instructions concerning the believer’s walk, conversion, behavior, there is a difference between the believer’s perfect standing in Christ and his imperfect state. “Love is the fruit of the Spirit.” “Love is the fulfilling of the law.” Romans 13:10. Love is the righteousness of the law. Romans 8:4: The believer is to look unto the LORD Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our Faith. The believer is to walk in the Spirit. The believer is to walk worthy of the vocation (call­ing) wherewith he is called. Unless he knows the Word of God and how to rightly divide that Word, by interpreting and applying all Scripture, in the light of the Risen Christ’s revelation to the Apostle Paul, he will not know his calling; and therefore cannot walk worthy of it.

“Walk in the Spirit.” “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Galatians 5:17. If the Spirit is to have victory over the flesh in the believer, the believer must walk in the Spirit. “These are contrary one to the other, so that ye cannot, or may not, do the things that ye would.”

Let us compare with this statement, several statements found in Romans, “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.”“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.” Romans 6:12. “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:8. Romans 7:19-21.

“Sin that dwelleth in me.” “Let not sin reign in your mortal body.” With respect to sin, everyone is dead. The unbeliever is dead IN sins. The believer is dead TO sin. (Romans 6:2). Sin dwells and reigns in the unbeliever. Sin dwells also in the believer; but sin should NOT reign in the believer. There is no good thing in the flesh. Romans 7:18. “That which is born of the flesh is flesh.” This flesh is unchangeable. “They that are in the flesh cannot please God.” God’s imperative and man’s need is not improvement, not a better nature; but an entirely NEW nature. “If any man be in Christ there is a new creation.” “Partakers of the Divine nature.” 2 Peter 1:4.

The evidence of the believer’s Divine transformation is the indwelling Holy Spirit.

The secret of victory is walking in the Spirit and walking worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called. Of course this means that one must partake in the careful, intelligent study and application of the Word of God. “Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you.” John 15:3. “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy Word is truth.” John 17:17. Our old man was crucified with Christ. Romans 6:6. Put off the old man: put on the new man. Ephesians 4:22-24 and Colossians 3:9-10. In these verses we learn how the new man was created in the image of the Creator, in righteousness and holiness.

Christians, for centuries, have been divided as to “the old man” and “the new man.” Here we present the two questions. “Can one, who has received by the new creation, the new nature, ever LOSE that new nature; and if so, can he receive the new nature AGAIN after he has lost that nature?”, and, “Can one who has received the new nature from God ever lose his old nature; and if so, can he get it back; and if and when he does get back his old nature, does he lose again his new nature?”

Many believers have been much disturbed over the statement in 1 John 3:9, “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” Some have been discouraged, and many have struggled for a state of sinless perfection, and some of the many have been deceived into believing that they have reached that state, having completely uprooted the old nature. But those who are not completely deceived by Satan soon learn that the old man has returned to again take up his abode, (as if he was ever absent); and they have learned, by experience, the truthfulness of 1 John 1:8 and 1 John 1:10, which we quote: “if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us”; “if we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us.” 1 John 5:13 was written to believers. The new nature, or the new man, cannot sin, and therefore, will not continue in sin. The old nature, the old man, the flesh, cannot do anything but sin. God’s instructions for the victory of the new man over the old man is given in Romans 6:3-23; which should be carefully studied and applied by every believer. “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Colossians 3:5.

There is no shortcut to a life of holiness, separation and victory, either by the second blessing, Holy Spirit baptism route, or by donning religious garments, or by moving into a religious community with strict prohibition laws. Note in Ephesians 5:3-4 where the saint is. He is there in the midst of fornication, uncleanness, covetousness, filthiness; foolish talking and jesting. In that environment he is to “walk as becometh a saint”. The same power of God that raised Christ from the dead is to “usward.” Ephesians 1:19. God’s Grace is sufficient.

God’s rules for the development and victory of the saint is, “Bible study”, “prayer”, “worship”, “gathering with other saints”, “witnessing and ministering in the Name of Christ.” Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.” “Reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our LORD.” Romans 6:11. In Ephesians 6:11-19, 1 Peter 5:8-9, James 4:7 the believer is told how to overcome Satan.

Note what the LORD Jesus said, when on earth, concerning the human heart. “That which cometh out of man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” Mark 7:20 to 23. Pride is just as great a sin as adultery. Here we have the LORD’s answer to the question: “Is the natural man inherently good or bad?” Here we see why “they that are in the flesh cannot please God”; and why education, reformation, and religion will not make man fit for the presence of God. “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.” Romans 8:9.

Note the contrast; the works of the flesh, listed in Galatians 5:19-21, with the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-25. In connection with the works of the flesh let us read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the LORD Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” Here we see the human material out of which God makes saints.

“Not of works, lest any man should boast”; “By Grace are ye saved.”; “Christ died for the ungodly.”; “For what saith the Scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of Grace, but of debt.” Romans 4:3-4.

“BUT THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE,” joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, Faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is NO law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5:22-26. “Love is the fruit of the Spirit.” “Love is the fulfilling of the law.” Romans 13:10. “Love is the end of the commandment.” 1 Timothy 1:5. “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to believers.” Romans 10:4-5. “We love Him, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19. “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is GIVEN unto us.” Romans 5:5.

Love is NEVER the fruit of the flesh. Love is NOT a human attainment. Love IS a Divine gift. But, keep this in mind, the love of God, in the believer’s heart, can be and should be developed. The love of a religious man is different from the love of a spiritual man. The fruit of the Spirit is the fulfilling of the law. “Against such there is no law.” The spiritual man is the man who walks in the Spirit and fulfills the righteous­ness of the law. Romans 8:4. “He that is spiritual judgeth (discerneth) all things; but he is judged of no man.” 1 Corinthians 2:15.

“But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.” 1 Corinthians 12:31. “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have NOT love, it profiteth me nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:3. “And now abideth Faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13.

More than 30 times the word “love” is found in 1 John, the Epistle which is written that believers might know that they have eternal life. 1 John 5:13.

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.” “Let us NOT be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5:26.

Here we have a much needed exhortation. So many of God’s children are guilty; including outstanding Christian workers, who are supposed to be spiritual leaders. The remedy is MORE Love, which means MORE walking in the Spirit.

“Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, SEEKETH NOT HER OWN, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

All members of the Body of Christ LIVE in the Spirit, because “on believing” they are sealed by the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 1:13, Ephe­sians 4:30. But, all members of the Body of Christ do not always WALK in the Spirit. Many walk in the flesh,“walk as men”. Some more than others!

No effort, no tarrying, no praying, no imposition of hands is required for Holy Spirit baptism. Read that twice if needed. The very moment the sinner believes the Gospel he is sealed with the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 1:13. “After that ye believed” in Ephesians 1:13 is the word “pisteusantes” (believing). The same word is mistranslated in Acts 19:2. Have ye received the Holy Spirit “since ye believed” (pistensantes). Every saved sinner received the ONE baptism of Ephesians 4:5 the moment he received Christ and eternal life. But every believer is exhorted “be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18) = “Walk in the Spirit.”!

“Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31, while there is still time!

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide. The time is short

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Subscribe Here to the LLM Newsletter , Follow LLM on Twitter , Subscribe to LLM on Youtube , LLM on MySpace , and FaceBook

{jcomments on}

Please take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 1-18-2012

Question: Pride is just as great a sin as adultery. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! Note what the LORD Jesus said, when on earth, concerning the human heart. “That which cometh out of man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, PRIDE, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” Mark 7:20 to 23. Pride is just as great a sin as adultery. Now, out of the 742 responses we received to this question, 96.3% of you got it right! Therefore, now, let us take a look at,

THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, CHAPTER 5, PART 3 of 3

Now for instructions concerning the believer’s walk, conversion, behavior, there is a difference between the believer’s perfect standing in Christ and his imperfect state. “Love is the fruit of the Spirit.” “Love is the fulfilling of the law.” Romans 13:10. Love is the righteousness of the law. Romans 8:4: The believer is to look unto the LORD Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our Faith. The believer is to walk in the Spirit. The believer is to walk worthy of the vocation (call­ing) wherewith he is called. Unless he knows the Word of God and how to rightly divide that Word, by interpreting and applying all Scripture, in the light of the Risen Christ’s revelation to the Apostle Paul, he will not know his calling; and therefore cannot walk worthy of it.

“Walk in the Spirit.” “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Galatians 5:17. If the Spirit is to have victory over the flesh in the believer, the believer must walk in the Spirit. “These are contrary one to the other, so that ye cannot, or may not, do the things that ye would.”

Let us compare with this statement, several statements found in Romans, “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.”“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.” Romans 6:12. “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:8. Romans 7:19-21.

“Sin that dwelleth in me.” “Let not sin reign in your mortal body.” With respect to sin, everyone is dead. The unbeliever is dead IN sins. The believer is dead TO sin. (Romans 6:2). Sin dwells and reigns in the unbeliever. Sin dwells also in the believer; but sin should NOT reign in the believer. There is no good thing in the flesh. Romans 7:18. “That which is born of the flesh is flesh.” This flesh is unchangeable. “They that are in the flesh cannot please God.” God’s imperative and man’s need is not improvement, not a better nature; but an entirely NEW nature. “If any man be in Christ there is a new creation.” “Partakers of the Divine nature.” 2 Peter 1:4.

The evidence of the believer’s Divine transformation is the indwelling Holy Spirit.

The secret of victory is walking in the Spirit and walking worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called. Of course this means that one must partake in the careful, intelligent study and application of the Word of God. “Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you.” John 15:3. “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy Word is truth.” John 17:17. Our old man was crucified with Christ. Romans 6:6. Put off the old man: put on the new man. Ephesians 4:22-24 and Colossians 3:9-10. In these verses we learn how the new man was created in the image of the Creator, in righteousness and holiness.

Christians, for centuries, have been divided as to “the old man” and “the new man.” Here we present the two questions. “Can one, who has received by the new creation, the new nature, ever LOSE that new nature; and if so, can he receive the new nature AGAIN after he has lost that nature?”, and, “Can one who has received the new nature from God ever lose his old nature; and if so, can he get it back; and if and when he does get back his old nature, does he lose again his new nature?”

Many believers have been much disturbed over the statement in 1 John 3:9, “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” Some have been discouraged, and many have struggled for a state of sinless perfection, and some of the many have been deceived into believing that they have reached that state, having completely uprooted the old nature. But those who are not completely deceived by Satan soon learn that the old man has returned to again take up his abode, (as if he was ever absent); and they have learned, by experience, the truthfulness of 1 John 1:8 and 1 John 1:10, which we quote: “if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us”; “if we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us.” 1 John 5:13 was written to believers. The new nature, or the new man, cannot sin, and therefore, will not continue in sin. The old nature, the old man, the flesh, cannot do anything but sin. God’s instructions for the victory of the new man over the old man is given in Romans 6:3-23; which should be carefully studied and applied by every believer. “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Colossians 3:5.

There is no shortcut to a life of holiness, separation and victory, either by the second blessing, Holy Spirit baptism route, or by donning religious garments, or by moving into a religious community with strict prohibition laws. Note in Ephesians 5:3-4 where the saint is. He is there in the midst of fornication, uncleanness, covetousness, filthiness; foolish talking and jesting. In that environment he is to “walk as becometh a saint”. The same power of God that raised Christ from the dead is to “usward.” Ephesians 1:19. God’s Grace is sufficient.

God’s rules for the development and victory of the saint is, “Bible study”, “prayer”, “worship”, “gathering with other saints”, “witnessing and ministering in the Name of Christ.” Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.” “Reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our LORD.” Romans 6:11. In Ephesians 6:11-19, 1 Peter 5:8-9, James 4:7 the believer is told how to overcome Satan.

Note what the LORD Jesus said, when on earth, concerning the human heart. “That which cometh out of man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” Mark 7:20 to 23. Pride is just as great a sin as adultery. Here we have the LORD’s answer to the question: “Is the natural man inherently good or bad?” Here we see why “they that are in the flesh cannot please God”; and why education, reformation, and religion will not make man fit for the presence of God. “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.” Romans 8:9.

Note the contrast; the works of the flesh, listed in Galatians 5:19-21, with the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-25. In connection with the works of the flesh let us read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the LORD Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” Here we see the human material out of which God makes saints.

“Not of works, lest any man should boast”; “By Grace are ye saved.”; “Christ died for the ungodly.”; “For what saith the Scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of Grace, but of debt.” Romans 4:3-4.

“BUT THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE,” joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, Faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is NO law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5:22-26. “Love is the fruit of the Spirit.” “Love is the fulfilling of the law.” Romans 13:10. “Love is the end of the commandment.” 1 Timothy 1:5. “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to believers.” Romans 10:4-5. “We love Him, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19. “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is GIVEN unto us.” Romans 5:5.

Love is NEVER the fruit of the flesh. Love is NOT a human attainment. Love IS a Divine gift. But, keep this in mind, the love of God, in the believer’s heart, can be and should be developed. The love of a religious man is different from the love of a spiritual man. The fruit of the Spirit is the fulfilling of the law. “Against such there is no law.” The spiritual man is the man who walks in the Spirit and fulfills the righteous­ness of the law. Romans 8:4. “He that is spiritual judgeth (discerneth) all things; but he is judged of no man.” 1 Corinthians 2:15.

“But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.” 1 Corinthians 12:31. “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have NOT love, it profiteth me nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:3. “And now abideth Faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13.

More than 30 times the word “love” is found in 1 John, the Epistle which is written that believers might know that they have eternal life. 1 John 5:13.

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.” “Let us NOT be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5:26.

Here we have a much needed exhortation. So many of God’s children are guilty; including outstanding Christian workers, who are supposed to be spiritual leaders. The remedy is MORE Love, which means MORE walking in the Spirit.

“Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, SEEKETH NOT HER OWN, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

All members of the Body of Christ LIVE in the Spirit, because “on believing” they are sealed by the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 1:13, Ephe­sians 4:30. But, all members of the Body of Christ do not always WALK in the Spirit. Many walk in the flesh,“walk as men”. Some more than others!

No effort, no tarrying, no praying, no imposition of hands is required for Holy Spirit baptism. Read that twice if needed. The very moment the sinner believes the Gospel he is sealed with the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 1:13. “After that ye believed” in Ephesians 1:13 is the word “pisteusantes” (believing). The same word is mistranslated in Acts 19:2. Have ye received the Holy Spirit “since ye believed” (pistensantes). Every saved sinner received the ONE baptism of Ephesians 4:5 the moment he received Christ and eternal life. But every believer is exhorted “be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18) = “Walk in the Spirit.”!

“Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31, while there is still time!

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide. The time is short

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Subscribe Here to the LLM Newsletter , Follow LLM on Twitter , Subscribe to LLM on Youtube , LLM on MySpace , and FaceBook

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Please take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 1-15-2012

Question: It is a spiritual crime to pervert the Grace of Christ by mixing law or religion with the Gospel of Grace. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! It is truly a spiritual crime to frustrate the Grace of God or pervert the Grace of Christ by mixing law or religion with the Gospel of Grace. An example of this is done by mixing Peter’s Pentecostal message with Paul’s Gospel. Romans 16:24-26. It is likewise a spiritual crime to teach or practice that a believer may continue in sin that Grace may abound. “By the Grace of God I am what I am: and His Grace which was bestowed upon me was NOT in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the Grace of God which was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10. Now, out of the 728 responses we received to this question, 95.7% of you got it right! Wonderful! Therefore, now, let us take a look at,

THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, CHAPTER 5, PART 2 of 3

God is not a merchant, offering salvation for a certain price: God is a King who longs to give salvation to as many as will receive Christ.

We should not confuse “falling from Grace” with “failing of the Grace of God” (Hebrews 12:15); or “despising the Spirit of Grace” (Hebrews 10:29). We have already commented on the Apostle Paul’s words, in Galatians 2:21, “I do not frustrate the Grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” It is truly a spiritual crime to frustrate the Grace of God or pervert the Grace of Christ by mixing law or religion with the Gospel of Grace. An example of this is done by mixing Peter’s Pentecostal message with Paul’s Gospel. Romans 16:24-26.

It is likewise a spiritual crime to teach or practice that a believer may continue in sin that Grace may abound. “By the Grace of God I am what I am: and His Grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the Grace of God which was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10. Here we have a pattern for the believer; the possibility of God’s Grace. Perhaps all of us would join in the confession “I am not what I ought to be.” “I am not what I hope to be.” “But by the Grace of God I am not what I once was.” “Moreover the law entered that the offence might abound.” Romans 5:20. “And God is able to make all Grace abound unto you.” 2 Cor. 9:8. “And He said unto me, My Grace is sufficient for thee.” 2 Cor. 12:9.

The law entered (by Moses) 2500 years after the offence entered (by Adam). Grace came by Jesus Christ. Grace did MUCH MORE abound. For the believer, God’s Grace is altogether sufficient for any and every task, test and trial. “My Grace is sufficient for thee.”

“The hope of righteousness by Faith.” Galatians 5:5.

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the Grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13. Our hope is laid up in heaven. If we only have hope in THIS life, then we are of all creatures most miserable. But, the member of the Body of Christ is “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13.

With the middle wall of partition out of the way, neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but Faith which worketh by love. “Now abideth Faith, hope and love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13.

From the circumcision of Abram to the revelation of the Gospel of the uncircumcision to Paul: circumcision was an advantage. But NOW “we are the circumcision, which worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” Philippians 3:3. “Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the Faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead.” Colossians 2:12.

From Sinai to the revelation of Grace God’s people were “under the law.” Now they are “IN Jesus Christ”. The believing sinner “in Christ” is NOT “under the law.” “In Christ”, “in Him”, “in Whom”, “in Christ Jesus”, “in the Beloved”, “in Jesus Christ”, we find about 80 times in Paul’s messages. Let this sink in!

Now, LOOK, there is no value, no profit, no advantage, in any kind of religion. Christianity is not a religion! Christianity is eternal life. It is Christ. Christ is the believer’s life; his hope; his peace; his redemption; his righteousness, his holiness. “For me to live is Christ”…“Christ liveth in me.”

The believer, who knows Grace, should be gracious. If he knows Grace and endeavors to live up to the possibilities of God’s Grace, he runs well. When the believer presents a mixture of law and Grace to the sinner, or adopts such a mixture as his own rule of life, he is NOT running well. Neither is the believer running well when, by failing of the Grace of God, he does not walk as becometh the saints of God. The carnal Corinthians walked as men. 1 Corinthians 3:3.

“A LITTLE LEAVEN LEAVENETH THE WHOLE LUMP.”

Now, pay attention. See this. Behold the pitiable spectacle today; the divisions and subdivisions in the Christian Church. It’s all here: heresies, perverted Gospels, legalistic sects and religious delusions abound. With eighty per cent of these being professing Christians, the Gospel of Grace has been buried beneath ritualism. This part of the lump is leavened. Romanism is a mixture of Christianity, Judaism, and just pure paganism. There are no popes, cardinals, archbishops or church dignitaries in the Bible Church of the Age of Grace, The Body of Christ, that have been revealed to us through the Apostle Paul. Priests, high priests, holy robes, holy water, candle sticks, masses, incense, holy days, and confessionals have no place in God’s spiritual program for today. This is all the unscriptural doings of religious dignitaries in an unscriptural church. NONE of the program of this religious political organization is Scriptural.

If that is not all, a large percentage of the remaining twenty percent are in fanaticism of some kind; propagating a mixture of the programs of Israel and the Body of Christ, endeavoring in vain to carry on a religious mixture of the message and ministry of Moses, John the Baptist, the Sermon on the Mount, Peter’s Pentecostal message and program for the Twelve Tribes, and then mixing all of that into Apostle Paul’s dispensation of the Grace of God. (Ephesians 3:1). Their religion is very much leavened; and what they consider to be super spiritual is in reality: FLESH. In many instances the Red lettered New Testament has proved a curse rather than a blessing, causing Christians to give more importance to the words Christ spoke on earth (PRIMARILY to Israel) than to the words He spoke from Heaven, (through the Apostle Paul), concerning our day and message of Grace and concerning the Church which is His Body.

Christ’s message of Grace, revealed through Paul, is God’s antidote for every false doctrine of this present day. The Christian whose slogan and message is “back to Moses”, “back to John the Baptist”, “back to Jesus and the kingdom Gospels”, “back to Peter and Pentecost”, will forever be putting leaven into God’s Grace message.

Even the Christian who fails to distinguish between the message of repentance and baptism, preached by John the Baptist, as well as in the early chapters of Acts, and the Apostle Paul’s dispensation of Grace, will not understand or proclaim the clear message of Grace.

Perhaps modernism is the greatest menace to the church ever known. Modernism is nothing more than Christianized agnosticism. It is not Christianity. Salvation by character is the message of modernism and is the result of the same leaven. Cain preached and practiced this and slew his brother. Many are going in the way of Cain today, despising the glorious Gospel of blood redemption. The leaven has produced “Ritualism”, “Fanaticism” and “Modernism”.

Not only will circumcision take away the offence of the cross; but many so glory in baptism and so emphasize its importance, that they take away the offence of the cross. Membership in the true Church of the Bible is by Grace, and not by Grace plus ordinances ( such as water baptism). Inasmuch as the correct translation of 1 Corinthians 11:2 is not “ordinances” but “traditions”, the word “ordinances” is not mentioned in connection with the spiritual program for members of the Body of Christ. “Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using) after the commandments and doctrines of men?” Colossians 2:20-22.

The LORD’s Supper, which is to be observed “till He come,” is NOT called an ordinance. NEITHER is it called a sacrament.

Compare Galatians 5:12 with Genesis 17:14, “I would they were even CUT OFF which trouble you”, and, “And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be CUT OFF from his people; he hath broken my covenant.” Here we see the absolute necessity for the obedience to 2 Timothy 2:15, “rightly dividing the Word of truth.” in Galatians 5:12, the people who insisted on the practice of circumcision were to be “cut off.” In Genesis 17:14, those who did not practice circumcision were to be “cut off.” Answer. Different dispensations. Both God’s programs. The student who fails to study the Bible dispensationally will be a workman who needs to be ashamed.

“Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31, while there is still time!

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide. The time is short

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Subscribe Here to the LLM Newsletter , Follow LLM on Twitter , Subscribe to LLM on Youtube , LLM on MySpace , and FaceBook

Please take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 1-15-2012

Question: It is a spiritual crime to pervert the Grace of Christ by mixing law or religion with the Gospel of Grace. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! It is truly a spiritual crime to frustrate the Grace of God or pervert the Grace of Christ by mixing law or religion with the Gospel of Grace. An example of this is done by mixing Peter’s Pentecostal message with Paul’s Gospel. Romans 16:24-26. It is likewise a spiritual crime to teach or practice that a believer may continue in sin that Grace may abound. “By the Grace of God I am what I am: and His Grace which was bestowed upon me was NOT in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the Grace of God which was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10. Now, out of the 728 responses we received to this question, 95.7% of you got it right! Wonderful! Therefore, now, let us take a look at,

THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, CHAPTER 5, PART 2 of 3

God is not a merchant, offering salvation for a certain price: God is a King who longs to give salvation to as many as will receive Christ.

We should not confuse “falling from Grace” with “failing of the Grace of God” (Hebrews 12:15); or “despising the Spirit of Grace” (Hebrews 10:29). We have already commented on the Apostle Paul’s words, in Galatians 2:21, “I do not frustrate the Grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” It is truly a spiritual crime to frustrate the Grace of God or pervert the Grace of Christ by mixing law or religion with the Gospel of Grace. An example of this is done by mixing Peter’s Pentecostal message with Paul’s Gospel. Romans 16:24-26.

It is likewise a spiritual crime to teach or practice that a believer may continue in sin that Grace may abound. “By the Grace of God I am what I am: and His Grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the Grace of God which was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10. Here we have a pattern for the believer; the possibility of God’s Grace. Perhaps all of us would join in the confession “I am not what I ought to be.” “I am not what I hope to be.” “But by the Grace of God I am not what I once was.” “Moreover the law entered that the offence might abound.” Romans 5:20. “And God is able to make all Grace abound unto you.” 2 Cor. 9:8. “And He said unto me, My Grace is sufficient for thee.” 2 Cor. 12:9.

The law entered (by Moses) 2500 years after the offence entered (by Adam). Grace came by Jesus Christ. Grace did MUCH MORE abound. For the believer, God’s Grace is altogether sufficient for any and every task, test and trial. “My Grace is sufficient for thee.”

“The hope of righteousness by Faith.” Galatians 5:5.

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the Grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13. Our hope is laid up in heaven. If we only have hope in THIS life, then we are of all creatures most miserable. But, the member of the Body of Christ is “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13.

With the middle wall of partition out of the way, neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but Faith which worketh by love. “Now abideth Faith, hope and love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13.

From the circumcision of Abram to the revelation of the Gospel of the uncircumcision to Paul: circumcision was an advantage. But NOW “we are the circumcision, which worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” Philippians 3:3. “Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the Faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead.” Colossians 2:12.

From Sinai to the revelation of Grace God’s people were “under the law.” Now they are “IN Jesus Christ”. The believing sinner “in Christ” is NOT “under the law.” “In Christ”, “in Him”, “in Whom”, “in Christ Jesus”, “in the Beloved”, “in Jesus Christ”, we find about 80 times in Paul’s messages. Let this sink in!

Now, LOOK, there is no value, no profit, no advantage, in any kind of religion. Christianity is not a religion! Christianity is eternal life. It is Christ. Christ is the believer’s life; his hope; his peace; his redemption; his righteousness, his holiness. “For me to live is Christ”…“Christ liveth in me.”

The believer, who knows Grace, should be gracious. If he knows Grace and endeavors to live up to the possibilities of God’s Grace, he runs well. When the believer presents a mixture of law and Grace to the sinner, or adopts such a mixture as his own rule of life, he is NOT running well. Neither is the believer running well when, by failing of the Grace of God, he does not walk as becometh the saints of God. The carnal Corinthians walked as men. 1 Corinthians 3:3.

“A LITTLE LEAVEN LEAVENETH THE WHOLE LUMP.”

Now, pay attention. See this. Behold the pitiable spectacle today; the divisions and subdivisions in the Christian Church. It’s all here: heresies, perverted Gospels, legalistic sects and religious delusions abound. With eighty per cent of these being professing Christians, the Gospel of Grace has been buried beneath ritualism. This part of the lump is leavened. Romanism is a mixture of Christianity, Judaism, and just pure paganism. There are no popes, cardinals, archbishops or church dignitaries in the Bible Church of the Age of Grace, The Body of Christ, that have been revealed to us through the Apostle Paul. Priests, high priests, holy robes, holy water, candle sticks, masses, incense, holy days, and confessionals have no place in God’s spiritual program for today. This is all the unscriptural doings of religious dignitaries in an unscriptural church. NONE of the program of this religious political organization is Scriptural.

If that is not all, a large percentage of the remaining twenty percent are in fanaticism of some kind; propagating a mixture of the programs of Israel and the Body of Christ, endeavoring in vain to carry on a religious mixture of the message and ministry of Moses, John the Baptist, the Sermon on the Mount, Peter’s Pentecostal message and program for the Twelve Tribes, and then mixing all of that into Apostle Paul’s dispensation of the Grace of God. (Ephesians 3:1). Their religion is very much leavened; and what they consider to be super spiritual is in reality: FLESH. In many instances the Red lettered New Testament has proved a curse rather than a blessing, causing Christians to give more importance to the words Christ spoke on earth (PRIMARILY to Israel) than to the words He spoke from Heaven, (through the Apostle Paul), concerning our day and message of Grace and concerning the Church which is His Body.

Christ’s message of Grace, revealed through Paul, is God’s antidote for every false doctrine of this present day. The Christian whose slogan and message is “back to Moses”, “back to John the Baptist”, “back to Jesus and the kingdom Gospels”, “back to Peter and Pentecost”, will forever be putting leaven into God’s Grace message.

Even the Christian who fails to distinguish between the message of repentance and baptism, preached by John the Baptist, as well as in the early chapters of Acts, and the Apostle Paul’s dispensation of Grace, will not understand or proclaim the clear message of Grace.

Perhaps modernism is the greatest menace to the church ever known. Modernism is nothing more than Christianized agnosticism. It is not Christianity. Salvation by character is the message of modernism and is the result of the same leaven. Cain preached and practiced this and slew his brother. Many are going in the way of Cain today, despising the glorious Gospel of blood redemption. The leaven has produced “Ritualism”, “Fanaticism” and “Modernism”.

Not only will circumcision take away the offence of the cross; but many so glory in baptism and so emphasize its importance, that they take away the offence of the cross. Membership in the true Church of the Bible is by Grace, and not by Grace plus ordinances ( such as water baptism). Inasmuch as the correct translation of 1 Corinthians 11:2 is not “ordinances” but “traditions”, the word “ordinances” is not mentioned in connection with the spiritual program for members of the Body of Christ. “Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using) after the commandments and doctrines of men?” Colossians 2:20-22.

The LORD’s Supper, which is to be observed “till He come,” is NOT called an ordinance. NEITHER is it called a sacrament.

Compare Galatians 5:12 with Genesis 17:14, “I would they were even CUT OFF which trouble you”, and, “And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be CUT OFF from his people; he hath broken my covenant.” Here we see the absolute necessity for the obedience to 2 Timothy 2:15, “rightly dividing the Word of truth.” in Galatians 5:12, the people who insisted on the practice of circumcision were to be “cut off.” In Genesis 17:14, those who did not practice circumcision were to be “cut off.” Answer. Different dispensations. Both God’s programs. The student who fails to study the Bible dispensationally will be a workman who needs to be ashamed.

“Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31, while there is still time!

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide. The time is short

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

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