Be Encouraged: Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks

Be Encouraged: Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, the Apostle Paul encourages believers with three powerful exhortations: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” These verses form a simple yet profound guide for daily living as a follower of Christ.

 

Rejoice Always

 

Our joy isn’t dependent on circumstances but on our relationship with God. No matter what life throws at us, we can rejoice in the knowledge that we are loved, saved, and secure in Christ.

 

Pray Without Ceasing

 

Prayer is our lifeline to God. It’s not just for emergencies or special occasions; it should be a constant, ongoing conversation with our Creator. When we pray continually, we keep our hearts aligned with His will, seeking His guidance and strength in everything we do.

 

Give Thanks in Everything

 

Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. When we thank God in all circumstances, we acknowledge His sovereignty and trust that He is working all things together for our good. It’s a practice that deepens our faith and fills us with peace.

 

Daily Power-Up:

As you go through your day, remember these three commands: rejoice, pray, and give thanks. Let them guide your thoughts and actions, keeping you connected to God’s purpose for your life. No matter what challenges you face, know that in Christ, you have the strength to endure and the assurance of His unwavering love.

 

Reflect on these verses today and let them be a source of encouragement and empowerment as you navigate your daily walk in this ungodly world.

 

Peter and Paul: Distinctions in Audience and Message

Peter and Paul: Distinctions in Audience and Message

Introduction

 

Understanding these distinctions is not just a matter of historical or theological interest but is crucial for rightly dividing the Word of Truth and grasping the full scope of God’s plan of redemption.

 

The Bible is a progressive revelation, unfolding God’s plan or redemption for humanity step by step across different eras, each with its unique focus and message. Two of the most pivotal figures in this divine progression are the Apostles Peter and Paul. While both were chosen by God to proclaim the good news of salvation, their missions, audiences, and the messages they preached were distinct, each fitting into God’s preordained plan to redeem mankind.

 

Peter: The Apostle to Israel and the Gospel of the Kingdom

 

Peter, one of Jesus’ original 12 disciples, was called to preach to Jews only. His message, known as the “gospel of the kingdom,” was centered on the imminent arrival of the Messianic Kingdom promised to Israel. When John the Baptist began his ministry, he proclaimed, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2), directing his message exclusively to Israel. Jesus continued this message, performing miracles and teaching about the coming Kingdom that Israel had been promised for centuries.

 

Peter and the other apostles followed this command to preach to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:5-6), as Jesus instructed them not to go to the Gentiles. They called the Jewish people to repent, be baptized, and believe that Jesus was the Christ, their promised Messiah, who would soon crush Israel’s enemies and establish His Kingdom on earth. The message was clear: Israel’s King had come, and the Kingdom was near, but it was conditional upon the nation’s repentance and acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah.

 

NOTE: Only two Gentiles were saved during the Lord’s earthly ministry, only 9 Gentiles saved between the call of Abraham and the stoning of Stephen.

 

However, as the gospels record, the nation of Israel as a whole rejected Jesus as their Messiah, leading to His crucifixion. Even after His resurrection, Peter continued to preach the gospel of the kingdom, urging Israel to repent so that “times of refreshing” would come and God would send Jesus to establish His Kingdom (Acts 3:19-21).

 

The Transition: From Peter to Paul – Date Appx 36-37 AD

 

The stoning of Stephen not only marked a tragic moment of rejection by Israel but also set the stage for a pivotal change in God’s plan. Immediately following this event, we see the intensification of persecution led by Saul, who would soon encounter the risen Christ and begin his journey as Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles.

 

The book of Acts documents a crucial transition in God’s plan, as the focus begins to shift from Israel to the Gentiles (the body of Christ). This transition is marked by key events in Acts 7, 8, and 9.

 

Acts 7: The stoning of Stephen is a pivotal moment in Israel’s rejection of the gospel of the kingdom. Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, gives a powerful speech, condemning the Jewish leadership for their continued resistance to the Holy Spirit and for their role in the death of Jesus. In response, the Jewish leaders stone Stephen, symbolizing Israel’s final rejection of the message of the King and the kingdom. Who was there consenting to Stephen’s death? Saul of Tarsus (who we know now as the apostle Paul), who led a great persecution against the Jerusalem church.

 

Acts 8: Following Stephen’s martyrdom, persecution intensifies led by Saul, and the believers are scattered (except the apostles). Philip, one of the seven deacons, takes the gospel of the kingdom to Samaria. Philip is preaching the gospel of the kingdom not the gospel of the grace of God – the gospel of the grace of God wasn’t revealed yet. Philip again preaches the gospel of the kingdom to the eunuch; Acts 8:37 ‘Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”’ This was the eunuch’s profession of faith, just like Peter’s profession of faith in Matthew 16:16.

 

Acts 9: (37-40 AD): The transition becomes crystal clear with the dramatic conversion of Saul of Tarsus, who would become the Apostle Paul. On the road to Damascus, Saul encounters the risen Christ, who calls him to be the apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15). This moment marks the beginning of a significant shift—from God dealing exclusively with the nation of Israel, under the law, to temporarily blinding the nation of Israel until (for a period of time and not before) the fullness of the Gentiles has come in (Romans 11:25). It’s important to note the time frame —this is around 38 AD (9-10 YEARS AFTER PENTECOST)—when the risen and glorified Lord Jesus reveals to Paul (not Peter) the “mystery” which means secret in the Greek (mystērion strong’s G3466) of the gospel of grace. That now salvation is to both Jew and Gentile by grace through faith alone in the finished work of the cross, apart from the Law, temple worship, or works.

 

Paul: The Apostle to the Gentiles and the Gospel of Grace

 

Paul’s gospel, which was revealed to Paul alone by the risen Christ (Galatians 1:11-12: Paul did not get anything from Peter and the apostles, they knew nothing about these new revelations), emphasized that salvation was now available to both Jews and Gentiles alike, not through the works of the Law, but through faith alone in the death (shed blood), burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). This was a clear departure from the message (taught, prophesied and proclaimed for the previous 1500 years) of the Law and the promise of the King and the kingdom that Peter and the other apostles had been preaching.

 

Paul’s gospel marked the beginning of the Church, which is His body, the body of Christ—a new entity distinct from Israel, Judaism, and the Jerusalem Church (the Jerusalem church was made up of Jews that believed that Jesus was indeed the Christ “Israel’s Messiah” and the Son of God, like Peter, the apostles, the 120 in the upper room, the 3000 saved in early chapters of Acts and those mentioned in Acts 15, were all members of the Jerusalem Church not the body of Christ) where there is neither Jew nor Gentile, but all are one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28; 1 Corinthians 12:13). This period of grace, often referred to as the “Church Age,” was a mystery or secret that had not been revealed to the prophets or even to the twelve apostles during Christ’s earthly ministry.

 

Law and Grace: Two Distinct Dispensations

 

The distinction between Peter’s and Paul’s ministries highlights the transition from Law to Grace—two distinct time periods in God’s plan.

 

The Dispensation of Law: Under the Law, Israel was called to obey a set of commandments given by God through Moses. The Law was Israel’s covenant with God, and it defined their identity as God’s chosen people. The gospel of the kingdom preached by Peter and the apostles was in line with the old testament promises, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the coming of the Kingdom if Israel repented. The Lord Jesus first advent was to fulfill those promise He Himself made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and David. Romans 15:8 ‘Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers,’

 

The Dispensation of Grace: With Paul’s gospel, we see the ushering in of a new dispensation—grace. In this period, God’s offer of salvation is extended to all humanity, not based on adherence to the Law, but on faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross. The Church, the Body of Christ, is formed, comprising both Jews and Gentiles who are equal before God, saved by grace through faith alone in the gospel alone.

 

The Jerusalem Council: A Pivotal Moment 51 AD

 

A critical event that highlights these distinctions is the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15; Galatians 2:1-10). God commanded Paul (Galatians 2:2) to go up to Jerusalem Church and set the record straight. At this council, Paul confronted the leaders of the Jerusalem Church—Peter, James, and John— and elders about the men sent to spy on Paul’s congregations and commanding Paul’s congregants that they COULD NOT BE SAVED by faith alone in the gospel but they needed to also keep the law to be saved. SOUND FAMILIAR? It’s no different today. Paul was bombarded by the elders of the Jerusalem church but after much argument the gospel of the grace of God prevailed over the message of bondage (Galatians 2:4-5) and a works based salvation. It was here (please remember the time element, this is 51 AD, 22 years after Pentecost) that Peter, representing the Jerusalem church, acknowledged that salvation for the Jews would now follow the pattern of the Gentiles, by grace through faith, without the works of the Law (Acts 15:11).

 

This council was a turning point, officially recognizing the shift from the gospel of the kingdom to the gospel of grace. It clarified that while Peter and the apostles continued their ministry to Israel (the circumcision), Paul’s mission was to the Gentiles, marking a progression in God’s redemptive plan.

 

Conclusion: Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

 

Understanding the distinctions between Peter’s and Paul’s ministries is essential to understanding the Bible. The gospel of the kingdom, preached by Peter, was rooted in the promises made to Israel and was focused on the coming earthly Kingdom. In contrast, Paul’s gospel of grace introduced a new revelation—salvation by grace through faith in Christ’s finished work, forming the Church, the Body of Christ, where all are one in Him.

 

By recognizing these distinctions and the transition from Peter to Paul, believers can gain a clearer understanding of the Bible and avoid common theological misunderstandings that have plagued Christendom for 2000 years. Understanding the distinctions between Peter and Paul, Law and Grace and Israel and the body of Christ leads to a deeper appreciation of God’s perfect-mind boggling plan of redemption.

 

I hope this post has been a edifying and a blessing to you.

 

From Prophecy to Mystery: God’s Great Plan for Salvation

 

Have You Decided to Know Nothing but Christ Crucified?

Have You Decided to Know Nothing but Christ Crucified?

‘And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.’

I Corinthians 2:1-5

 

When Paul preached to the Corinthians, he didn’t rely on eloquent speech or human wisdom. Instead, he focused solely on the core of the gospel: Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Paul intentionally avoided theological jargon and debates that often cloud the message today. He knew that the power of the gospel lay not in persuasive words but in the transformative grace of God, which he personally experienced on the road to Damascus.

 

Romans 1:16 reinforces this, stating that the gospel is “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.” Paul’s message is clear: the gospel of grace, centered on Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, is sufficient. It doesn’t need embellishment or human wisdom to be effective.

 

Today, there’s too much focus on theological discussions regarding inconsequential things surrounding the gospel. Endless debates on minor issues and man-made theological constructs can distract from the simple yet profound truth of the gospel. As believers, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ, sharing the unadulterated gospel with the lost, just as Paul did.

 

‘Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. ‘

II Corinthians 5:20

 

The Conclusion is that Salvation is by Faith Alone in the Gospel Alone

Triumph in Tribulation: Finding Peace in Christ’s Victory

Triumph in Tribulation: Finding Peace in Christ’s Victory

John 16:33
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

 

Devotional: Jesus never promised a life free from tribulations, but He did promise us peace in Him. His resurrection power has already overcome the world, and through His victory on the cross, we can find hope and courage. No matter what challenges we face, Christ’s triumph assures us that we, too, can overcome.

 

Paul echoes this truth in 1 Corinthians 15:54-56:

 

“So when this corruptible has put on incorruption (by physical death or rapture), and this mortal has put on immortality (our glorified bodies), then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ ‘O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?’ The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law (neither have any power over the believer).”

 

Beloved, our trials and tribulations on earth are temporary and pale in comparison to the mind-boggling, eternal life we will experience with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His victory at Calvary should fill us with joy and hope.

 

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” —1 Corinthians 15:57

Israel’s Restoration and Promised Messianic Kingdom

Israel’s Restoration and Promised Messianic Kingdom

Ezekiel 48:30-35 describes the gates of the city in the vision of the future temple and the division of the land among the tribes of Israel. This is commonly understood to refer to the millennial kingdom, a future 1,000-year reign of Christ on Earth, as described in Revelation 20:1-6. During this period, Christ will rule from Jerusalem, and the land and city described in Ezekiel’s vision will be part of this millennial kingdom and the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21). God will fulfill all His promises made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and David. Glory to God!

 

Here is Ezekiel 48:30-35:

 

“These are the exits of the city. On the north side, measuring four thousand five hundred cubits (the gates of the city shall be named after the tribes of Israel), the three gates northward: one gate for Reuben, one gate for Judah, and one gate for Levi; on the east side, four thousand five hundred cubits, three gates: one gate for Joseph, one gate for Benjamin, and one gate for Dan; on the south side, measuring four thousand five hundred cubits, three gates: one gate for Simeon, one gate for Issachar, and one gate for Zebulun; on the west side, four thousand five hundred cubits with their three gates: one gate for Gad, one gate for Asher, and one gate for Naphtali. All the way around shall be eighteen thousand cubits; and the name of the city from that day shall be: THE LORD IS THERE.”  

 

Understanding Ezekiel 48:30-35

 

Context: Ezekiel 40-48 contains detailed visions of a future temple, the restoration of the land, and the city. These chapters are describing the millennial temple, the third temple that will exist during the 1,000-year reign of Christ.

 

The Gates of the City: Ezekiel 48:30-35 describes the city gates, each named after one of the tribes of Israel. The allocation and naming reflect a restored and unified Israel. Revelation 21:12-14 – The New Jerusalem with gates named after the tribes of Israel:

 

    • The New Jerusalem, described as having twelve gates named after the tribes of Israel, symbolizes the eternal significance of Israel in God’s plan. This representation confirms the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant in the eternal state.

 

Fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant

 

Ezekiel 48:30-35 is the culmination and fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant in Genesis 12:1-3. This vision realizes the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David. God’s chosen people, the Jewish people, will be the head and not the tail. The 12 apostles will rule over the 12 tribes, and the gates of the temple are named after the 12 tribes. The whole world will be ruled by Jesus, God the Son, King of the Jews (and the whole world).

 

The Name of the City: The final verse states the city will be called “JEHOVAH SHAMMAH” “THE LORD IS THERE,” indicating a divine presence and fulfillment of God’s promises to dwell among His people.

 

Conclusion

 

Ezekiel 48:30-35 there is no doubt that these passages speak of the millennial temple, reflecting the future restoration of Israel and the establishment of Christ’s reign on Earth. This vision aligns with all that God promised Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and David; of a future period when God will restore Israel, fulfill His promises, and dwell among His people. This fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant underscores God’s faithfulness to His promises, bringing to completion His plan for His chosen people, the Jewish nation. The culmination of these promises will see Israel exalted, the apostles ruling over the tribes, and Jesus reigning as King over the entire world.

 

Additional Reading:

  • Revelation 3:12
  • Hebrews 12:22
  • Revelation 21 (Read the entire chapter)

 

Mesa Bible Study Groups – In-Depth Bible Study in Phoenix, AZ