WHAT IT MEANS TO PREACH CHRIST

I. TO PREACH CHRIST MEANS TO PREACH THE OLD TESTAMENT, BECAUSE THE OLD TESTAMENT IS A TESTIMONY OF CHRIST, THE MESSIANIC HOPE OF THE HEBREWS. OF THE OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES, JESUS SAID, “THESE … BEAR WITNESS OF ME” (JOHN 5:29).

THE 333 PROPHECIES OF THE OLD TESTAMENT ARE ALL FULFILLED IN CHRIST (LUKE 24:44); ITS GLORIOUS HISTORY WAS “WRITTEN FOR OUR ADMONITION” (1 CORINTHIANS 10:11); AND WHEN THE NOTED BIBLE COMMENTATOR, DR. ADAM CLARKE, CHOSE A TOPIC SENTENCE FOR HIS LIFE’S WORK, IT WAS A NEW TESTAMENT TEXT FOCUSED ON THE OLD TESTAMENT (ROMANS 15:4). THE APOSTOLIC PREACHERS, NOTABLY PAUL, CUSTOMARILY TAUGHT FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT (ACTS 17:34).

II. TO PREACH CHRIST MEANS TO PREACH THE NEW TESTAMENT. THE GOOD NEWS OF SALVATION FOR MANKIND IS FOUND ONLY IN THE WORD OF CHRIST “THROUGH THE APOSTLES” (II PETER 3:2); AND, SINCE THE WORD OF THE APOSTLES IS AVAILABLE ONLY IN THE NEW TESTAMENT, ONE CANNOT PREACH CHRIST WITHOUT PREACHING THE NEW TESTAMENT.

TO PREACH CHRIST IS TO PREACH THE NEW TESTAMENT WHICH IS THE WORD OF THE APOSTLES WHO “HEARD HIM”! THIS, OF COURSE, ELIMINATES THE DOCTRINES OF MEN. IF ONE WISHES TO RECEIVE THE DOCTRINES OF MEN, HE MAY DO SO FROM THEIR BOOKS; BUT THE TRUE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST THROUGH THE APOSTLES IS FOUND IN THEIR BOOK THE NEW TESTAMENT.

III. TO PREACH CHRIST IS TO PREACH ALL OF THE GREAT FACTS, PROMISES AND COMMANDMENTS OF THE GOSPEL.

A. A BARE CATALOGUE OF THE FACTS OF THE GOSPEL IS OVERWHELMING: GOD ENTERED OUR EARTH-LIFE AS A MAN, IN THE PERSON OF JESUS OF NAZARETH, FULFILLING THE GREAT PROPHECIES OF THE OLD TESTAMENT; HE WROUGHT THE GREATEST WONDERS EVER SEEN ON EARTH, EVEN RAISING THE DEAD AGAIN AND AGAIN; HE WAS DESPISED AND REJECTED; HE DIED ON THE CROSS ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES IN ORDER TO PROCURE ETERNAL LIFE FOR MEN; HE ROSE THE THIRD DAY, ASCENDED TO THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, ESTABLISHED HIS CHURCH, SENT THE HOLY SPIRIT, IS REIGNING UNTIL ALL ENEMIES ARE DESTROYED; AND FINALLY, HE WILL RAISE TO LIFE AGAIN ALL WHO EVER LIVED ON EARTH, PRESIDE OVER THE FINAL JUDGMENT AND APPOINT ALL MEN THEIR DESTINY.

B. THE GREAT PROMISES OF THE GOSPEL ARE THE RICHEST TREASURE BELONGING TO MEN. JESUS WILL FORGIVE MEN’S SINS IF THEY WILL BELIEVE IN HIM AND OBEY THE GOSPEL, BLESS THEM PROVIDENTIALLY IN THIS LIFE, MAKE ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR THEIR GOOD, GIVE HIS HOLY SPIRIT TO THEM THAT OBEY HIM, RAISE THEM UP FROM THE GRAVE AT THE LAST DAY, AND PROVIDE FOR THEM AN ETERNAL INHERITANCE AMONG THE SAINTS IN LIGHT, GIVING THEM AN ABUNDANT ENTRANCE INTO THE EVERLASTING KINGDOM. HE WILL SUCCOR THEM IN TEMPTATION, COMFORT THEM IN SORROW, ILLUMINATE THEM IN DARKNESS, STRENGTHEN THEM IN TRIBULATION, LOVE THEM ALWAYS, AND SAVE THEIR SOULS FOREVER! HOW GLORIOUS ARE THE PROMISES OF THE GOSPEL. TO PREACH CHRIST IS TO PREACH THOSE PROMISES.

C. TO PREACH CHRIST IS TO PREACH THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE GOSPEL; AND, IN THIS AREA, MEN HAVE OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD. COMMANDS OF CHRIST ARE SOMETIMES WRITTEN OFF AS “MERE LEGALISMS”; AND THE GRACE AND LOVE OF CHRIST ARE MADE THE EXCUSE FOR DIMINISHING THE FORCE OF HIS COMMANDMENTS; BUT THIS IS AN INCREDIBLE FOLLY (HEBREWS 2:2,3). “WHOSOEVER SHALL BREAK ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE COMMANDMENTS” (MATT. 5;19) SHALL BE CALLED LEAST IN GOD’S KINGDOM. NOT EVEN FAITH CAN VOID THE LAW OF GOD (ROMANS 3:31).

IV. TO PREACH CHRIST IS TO PREACH HIS CHURCH AND KINGDOM. THIS BLESSED INSTITUTION IS CALLED THE BRIDE OF CHRIST, THE VINEYARD OF THE LORD, THE PILLAR AND GROUND OF THE TRUTH, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND CHURCH OF THE FIRSTBORN, THE FAMILY OF GOD, THE BODY OF CHRIST, THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, THE KINGDOM OF GOD, THE KINGDOM OF THE SON OF HIS LOVE, AND THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST.

V. TO PREACH CHRIST IS TO PREACH THE PLAN OF SALVATION, THAT IS, FAITH, REPENTANCE AND BAPTISM FOR ALIEN SINNERS, AND THE RECEPTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE CONTINUATION IN THE APOSTLES’ DOCTRINE, IN THE BREAKING OF BREAD AND OF PRAYERS, ON THE PART OF THE BAPTIZED. TWO INSTANCES OF THIS PREACHING ARE EVIDENT IN THE CHAPTER BEFORE US (ACTS 8:5-12; 8:35,36).

VI. PREACHING CHRIST MEANS PREACHING THE OBLIGATIONS IMPOSED BY THE HOLY FAITH IN HIM. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PREACH CHRIST WITHOUT PREACHING THE CHRISTIAN VIRTUES, CHURCH MEMBERSHIP, CHURCH ATTENDANCE, GENEROSITY, SELF-DENIAL, AND THAT COMMUNITY OF LOVE AND INTEREST WHICH BINDS MEN TOGETHER IN CHRIST JESUS.

SHAME BE UPON THOSE POPULAR EVANGELISTS WHO PREACH CHRIST WITHOUT SPELLING OUT THE OBLIGATIONS IMPOSED UPON THEM WHO BELIEVE. MORALITY, INTEGRITY, FAITHFULNESS IN EVERY AREA OF LIFE, IDENTITY OF THE BELIEVER WITH GOD’S CHURCH ON EARTH, AND THE WHOLEHEARTED, UNSELFISH SUPPORT OF ALL THAT THE LORD TAUGHT – SUCH THINGS ARE NOT OPTIONAL, BUT MANDATORY. NO MATTER WHAT MEN MAY “SAY,” IT IS EVIL FOR ONE TO BE LIKE THE PERSONS CONDEMNED BY PAUL AS PROFESSORS OF HOLY RELIGION WHO “BY THEIR WORKS” DENY THE LORD (TITUS 1:16).

JAMES BURTON COFFMAN

The Greatest Treasure

Matthew 13:44-46

44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Matthew 13:44, The kingdom of heaven is likened to a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found, and hid, and in the joy he goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. This short parable, of course, is showing that there is nothing more important than the kingdom of heaven. If a man is a faithful citizen of the kingdom of heaven, he cannot have greater treasure than that. I believe that when you look at it from everything that holds even in this life but it is surely true in respect to the life to come. In the eighth chapter of the book of Romans verses sixteen and seventeen , the writer says that his spirit beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. And if children, then heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. Can any man be richer than that, heirs of God and join heirs with Christ? So the kingdom of heaven is likened unto a treasure hidden in the field. This man may have just accidentally found the treasure, but he immediately recognized the great value of the treasure, and he hid it, And in his joy he goeth and selleth all that he had and buyeth that field. He recognized it was the most important thing that he could have. Again, the kingdom of heaven is liken unto a man that is a merchant, seeking goodly pearls. (So this man is looking) Some today just at first somewhat accidentally learn of the great value of the kingdom of God, but they see the value of it and take those steps to enter into the kingdom of God. (Acts 16:25-34) others may look for the way to enter into the kingdom for a long time

Acts 16:25-34

26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
:33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

A good book that may help some is the book Eunice Loyd published by the Gospel Advocate Company. You would do well to buy a copy and read it and then pass it around. My wife knew the author of this book and I want her to write a few things about it. And having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it. He recognized the pearl of great price and sold everything and bought it.

—- James A. Turner

Here is how to receive this great treasure:

Hear the gospel and have faith – Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6
Believe the facts of the the gospel – Mark 16:15,16
Repent of your sins – Luke 13:3,5; Acts 17:30,31
Confess the Christ – Matthew 10:32,33; Acts 8:37
Be baptized into Christ for the remission of sins – Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:27
Be faithful to the Lord the rest of your life – Revelation 2:10

Matthew 13:44-46

44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Matthew 13:44, The kingdom of heaven is likened to a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found, and hid, and in the joy he goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. This short parable, of course, is showing that there is nothing more important than the kingdom of heaven. If a man is a faithful citizen of the kingdom of heaven, he cannot have greater treasure than that. I believe that when you look at it from everything that holds even in this life but it is surely true in respect to the life to come. In the eighth chapter of the book of Romans verses sixteen and seventeen , the writer says that his spirit beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. And if children, then heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. Can any man be richer than that, heirs of God and join heirs with Christ? So the kingdom of heaven is likened unto a treasure hidden in the field. This man may have just accidentally found the treasure, but he immediately recognized the great value of the treasure, and he hid it, And in his joy he goeth and selleth all that he had and buyeth that field. He recognized it was the most important thing that he could have. Again, the kingdom of heaven is liken unto a man that is a merchant, seeking goodly pearls. (So this man is looking) Some today just at first somewhat accidentally learn of the great value of the kingdom of God, but they see the value of it and take those steps to enter into the kingdom of God. (Acts 16:25-34) others may look for the way to enter into the kingdom for a long time

Acts 16:25-34

26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
:33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

A good book that may help some is the book Eunice Loyd published by the Gospel Advocate Company. You would do well to buy a copy and read it and then pass it around. My wife knew the author of this book and I want her to write a few things about it. And having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it. He recognized the pearl of great price and sold everything and bought it.

—- James A. Turner

Here is how to receive this great treasure:

Hear the gospel and have faith – Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6
Believe the facts of the the gospel – Mark 16:15,16
Repent of your sins – Luke 13:3,5; Acts 17:30,31
Confess the Christ – Matthew 10:32,33; Acts 8:37
Be baptized into Christ for the remission of sins – Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:27
Be faithful to the Lord the rest of your life – Revelation 2:10

The Greatest Treasure

Matthew 13:44-46

44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Matthew 13:44, The kingdom of heaven is likened to a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found, and hid, and in the joy he goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. This short parable, of course, is showing that there is nothing more important than the kingdom of heaven. If a man is a faithful citizen of the kingdom of heaven, he cannot have greater treasure than that. I believe that when you look at it from everything that holds even in this life but it is surely true in respect to the life to come. In the eighth chapter of the book of Romans verses sixteen and seventeen , the writer says that his spirit beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. And if children, then heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. Can any man be richer than that, heirs of God and join heirs with Christ? So the kingdom of heaven is likened unto a treasure hidden in the field. This man may have just accidentally found the treasure, but he immediately recognized the great value of the treasure, and he hid it, And in his joy he goeth and selleth all that he had and buyeth that field. He recognized it was the most important thing that he could have. Again, the kingdom of heaven is liken unto a man that is a merchant, seeking goodly pearls. (So this man is looking) Some today just at first somewhat accidentally learn of the great value of the kingdom of God, but they see the value of it and take those steps to enter into the kingdom of God. (Acts 16:25-34) others may look for the way to enter into the kingdom for a long time

Acts 16:25-34

26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
:33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

A good book that may help some is the book Eunice Loyd published by the Gospel Advocate Company. You would do well to buy a copy and read it and then pass it around. My wife knew the author of this book and I want her to write a few things about it. And having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it. He recognized the pearl of great price and sold everything and bought it.

—- James A. Turner

Here is how to receive this great treasure:

Hear the gospel and have faith – Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6
Believe the facts of the the gospel – Mark 16:15,16
Repent of your sins – Luke 13:3,5; Acts 17:30,31
Confess the Christ – Matthew 10:32,33; Acts 8:37
Be baptized into Christ for the remission of sins – Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:27
Be faithful to the Lord the rest of your life – Revelation 2:10

The Greatest Treasure

Matthew 13:44-46

44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Matthew 13:44, The kingdom of heaven is likened to a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found, and hid, and in the joy he goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. This short parable, of course, is showing that there is nothing more important than the kingdom of heaven. If a man is a faithful citizen of the kingdom of heaven, he cannot have greater treasure than that. I believe that when you look at it from everything that holds even in this life but it is surely true in respect to the life to come. In the eighth chapter of the book of Romans verses sixteen and seventeen , the writer says that his spirit beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. And if children, then heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. Can any man be richer than that, heirs of God and join heirs with Christ? So the kingdom of heaven is likened unto a treasure hidden in the field. This man may have just accidentally found the treasure, but he immediately recognized the great value of the treasure, and he hid it, And in his joy he goeth and selleth all that he had and buyeth that field. He recognized it was the most important thing that he could have. Again, the kingdom of heaven is liken unto a man that is a merchant, seeking goodly pearls. (So this man is looking) Some today just at first somewhat accidentally learn of the great value of the kingdom of God, but they see the value of it and take those steps to enter into the kingdom of God. (Acts 16:25-34) others may look for the way to enter into the kingdom for a long time

Acts 16:25-34

26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
:33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

A good book that may help some is the book Eunice Loyd published by the Gospel Advocate Company. You would do well to buy a copy and read it and then pass it around. My wife knew the author of this book and I want her to write a few things about it. And having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it. He recognized the pearl of great price and sold everything and bought it.

—- James A. Turner

Here is how to receive this great treasure:

Hear the gospel and have faith – Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6
Believe the facts of the the gospel – Mark 16:15,16
Repent of your sins – Luke 13:3,5; Acts 17:30,31
Confess the Christ – Matthew 10:32,33; Acts 8:37
Be baptized into Christ for the remission of sins – Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:27
Be faithful to the Lord the rest of your life – Revelation 2:10

A CHRIST CENTERED LIFE

Colossians 2:8-10

8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Part One of Two

Introduction:

A. COLOSSIANS IS ONE OF PAUL’S PRISON EPISTLES, WRITTEN DURING HIS FIRST ROMAN IMPRISONMENT, AD 62,63

B. THE OTHER 3 “PRISON EPISTLES” ARE EPHESIANS, PHILIPPIANS, AND PHILEMON

C. TYCHICUS AND ONESIMUS BROUGHT THIS EPISTLE TO COLOSSE

I. A CHRIST CENTERED EXISTENCE – Colossians 1:1-29:

A. INTRODUCTION – Colossians 1:1,2

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,

2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

B. PAUL’S PRAYER OF THANKS – Colossians 1:3-8

3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,

5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;

8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

C. PAUL’S PRAYER OF REQUEST – Colossians 1:9-14

9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

D. PAUL’S CHRIST – Colossians 1:15-23

15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

E. PAUL’S MINSTRY- Colossians 1:24-29

24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:

25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

II. A CHRIST CENTERED WISDOM – Colossians 2:1-23:

A. CHRIST’S SERVANT – Colossians 2:1-5

1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

B. CHRIST’S SUPERIORITY- Colossians 2:6-23:

1. FOUNDATION IN CHRIST – Colossians 2:6,7

2.

6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

C7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

2. OPPOSITION TO CHRIST – Colossians 2:8-23:

A. WORLDLY WISDOM – Colossians 2:8-10

8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

B. JUDAISM – Colossians 2:11-17

11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

12 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.

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

14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

C. ANGEL WORSHIP – Colossians 2:18, 19

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18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

D. WILL WORSHIP – Colossians 2:20-23

20 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,

21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;

22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

23 Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

A CHRIST CENTERED LIFE

Colossians 3:1-4

Part Two of Two

III. A CHRIST CENTERED LIFE – Colossians 3:1-4:6:

A. A PROPER FOCUS – Colossians 3:1-4

1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

B. A PROPER DEATH – Colossians 3:5-9

5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

C. A PROPER LIFE – Colossians 3:10-17

10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

D. PROPER RELATIONSHIPS – Colossians 3:18-4:6:

1. WITHIN THE HOME – Colossians 3:18-4:1

18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

2. WITHIN THE WORLD – Colossians 4:2-6

2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

IV. A CHRIST CENTERED FELLOWSHIP – Colossians 4:7-18:

A. CHRISTIANS SENT – Colossians 4:7-9

7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;

9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

B. CHRISTIANS GREETED – Colossians 4:10-14

10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea and them in Hierapolis.

14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

C. CHRISTIANS ENCOURAGED – Colossians 4:15-17

15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

D. CONCLUSION – 4:18

18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

CONCLUSION:

A. WHO OR WHAT IS AT THE CENTER OF YOUR LIFE? – MATTHEW 6:33

JOHN 10:10

PHILIPPIANS 1:21

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

B. THINK ABOUT THE GREAT CHANGE OF FOCUS IN THE LIFE OF BOTH PAUL AND ONESIMUS

C. FOCUS ON THE CROSS OF CHRIST AND OBEY THE LORD

 

Have You Been “Called” by God?

http://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1169-have-you-been-called-by-god

A Dispute About the Purpose of Baptism

http://www.christiancourier.com/articles/234-a-dispute-about-the-purpose-of-baptism

IF PREMILLENNIALISM IS TRUE

Introduction:

1. A few basis things about the doctrine are:

A. CHRIST IS NOT NOW REIGNING, BUT WIL DO SO IN THE 1000 YEAR MILLENNIAL

B. JESUS WILL REIGN ON THE LITERAL EARTH

C. THE DURATION OF THIS REIGN WILL BE A LITERAL 1000 YEARS

D. CHRIST IS NOT NOW REIGNING, ON DAVID’S THRONE, BUT WILL REIGN ON HIS LITERAL THRONE IN JERUSALEM

E. THE JEWISH TEMPLE WILL BE REBUILT IN JERUSALEM TO FULFILL THE OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECIES CONCERNING ITS RECONSTRUCTION

F. ISRAEL (FLESHLY DESENDANTS OF ABRAHAM THROUGH JACOB) WILL BE NATIONALLY CONVERTED AND RESTORED TO THE LAND OF PALESTINE

G. THE “LOST TEN TRIBES” OF THE NORTHERN KINGDOM OF ISRAEL IN THE OLD TESTAMENT, WILL BE GATHERED OUT OF THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD WHEN JESUS COMES TO ESTABLISH HIS EARTHLY REIGN

H. CHRIST INTENDED TO ESTABLISH THE KINGDOM WHEN HE CAME TO EARTH THE FIRST TIME, BUT THE JEWS REJEECTED HIM. GOD THEN “POSTPONED” THE KINGDOM UNTIL A LATER DATE AND ESTABLISHED THE CHURCH IN ITS PLACE

I. THE RIGHTEOUS DEAD WILL BE RAISED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MILLENNIUM, AND THE WICKED WILL BE RASIED AT THE CLOSE

J. WE ARE NOT IN THE LAST DISPENSATION OR TIME OR “LAST DAYS” UPON THE EARTH . THE 1000 YEAR REIGN OF CHIRST WILL BE THE LAST DAYS AND WILL FINALIZE EVENTS HERE ON EARTH

2. Note the figurative things in Revelation 20:1-6.

1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.

2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

3. Observe also that the passage does not mention the throne of David, or the second coming of Christ, or a bodily resurrection of saints.

4. John saw “the souls —- and they lived, and reigned with Christ a thousands years.” Revelation 20:4.

5. If the Premillennial theory is true then:

I. DAVID, ISAIAH, AND ZECHARIAH SHOULD NOT HAVE PROPHESIED ABOUT THE DEATH OF CHRIST:

A. THE THEORY MAKES THE DEATH OF CHRIST AN “ACCIDENT”:

1. Of course the proponents of the theory are not willing to admit this.

2. In fact some use the literal passages, about the death of Christ, to support their literal interpretations of figurative and symbolic passages in the Revelation.

3. But their rejection postponement theories make His death an accident and cast reflection on the words that He spoke as He died — “It is finished” (John 19:30).

B. DAVID SPOKE OF THE DEATH AND THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST AND THE WRITERS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT SAY THAT HIS PROPHECIES WERE FULFILLED:

1. Psalm 2:1-9 — Acts 4:23-31; Acts 13:32,33; Hebrews 1:5; 5:5; Romans 1:4;

Revelation 2:29; 12:5; 19:15.

2. Psalm 16:8-11 — Acts 2:25-36; 13:35.

3. Psalm 22:14-18 — Matthew 27:33-35; John 19:23,24; 20:25.

4. Psalm 40:6,7 —- Hebrews 10:4-9.

5. Psalm 110:1-5 — Matthew 22:41-46; Acts 2:29-36; Hebrews 1:13; 5:6.

6. Psalm 118:22,23; — Matthew 21:41-46; Acts 4:11,12; I Peter 2:7.

C. ISAIAH DETAILED MANY THINGS CONCERNING HIS DEATH:

1. Isaiah 53:3 — John 1:10,11.

2. Isaiah 53:4-7 —II Corinthians 5:21; Acts 8:30-32; I Peter 1:18-21; 2:24,25; Revelation 13:8.

3. Isaiah 53:9 — Matthew 27:57-60; I Peter 2:22.

4. Isaiah 53:10.11 — John 1:29; Romans 5:18,19.

5. Isaiah 53:12 — John 10:17,18; Philippians 2:9-11; Luke 22:27; 23:34-43

6. Was it just accidental that all these things spoken of by Isaiah were fulfilled?

D. ZECHARIAH ALSO PROPHESIED CONCERNING HIS DEATH AND WHAT HE WOULD ACCOMPLISH BY HIS DEATH:

1. Zechariah 12:10 — John 19:37.

2. Zechariah 13:1 — John 4:13,14; 7:37,38.

3. Zechariah 13:7 — Matthew 26:31; Mark 14:27.

4. Hal Lindsey interprets Zechariah 12:10 and 13:1 as yet to be fulfilled and will be fulfilled at the Second Advent, 1

II. JESUS SHOULD NOT HAVE TAUGHT SO MUCH ABOUT HIS DEATH AND HIS RESURRECTION AND THE FULFILLMENT OF THE SCRIPTURES:

A. MUCH OF THE FULFILLMENT OF THE SCRIPTURES HAD TO DO WITH HIS DEATH AND WHAT HE WOULD ACCOMPLISH BY HIS DEATH.

B. JESUS BEGAN TO SPEAK OF HIS DEATH DURING THE EARLY PART OF HIS EARTHLY MINISTRY:

1. He spoke of His death at the first Passover of His ministry (John 2:13-22).

2. It was evidently after the above occasion that He talked to Nicodemus about His death (John 3:14-16).

C. DURING THE LATTER PART OF HIS MINISTRY HE REVEALED MANY THINGS CONCERNING HIS DEATH:

(John 8:21-28; 10:16-19; 12:27-33; 14:1-3; 14:28,29; 16:7; Matthew 12:38,39; 16:2-23; 17:9; 20:17-23; 21:33-46; 22:41-46; 26:6-13; 26:20-29; 26:48-54; 26:63,64).

1. In the above passages Jesus not only detailed many things concerning how He would die, but also what He would accomplish by His death.

1. Hal Lindsey, The Late Great Planet Earth (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing

House, 1971, p. 44.

2. He said that His death was necessary to fulfill the scriptures and to “draw all men unto Myself” (John 12:32).

3. How do all these passages fit the rejection theory?

III. JESUS SHOULD HAVE PERMITTED THE JEWS TO MAKE HIM AN EARTHLY KING:

A. ACCORDING TO PREMILLENNIAL DOCTRINE HE MUST COME BACK TO EARTH AND REIGN IN ORDER TO BE KING IN FACT:

1. They wanted to make Him an earthly king then (John 6:14,15; Luke 19:11;

Matthew 20:20-28; 21:8-11; John 18:36; Acts 1:1-8).

2. Why did Jesus refuse? Had he not refused to be an earthly king, they would not

have crucified Him!

B. IF PREMILLENNIALISM IS TRUE JESUS MUST STILL COME BACK AND DO WHAT HE REFUSED TO DO THE FIRST TIME!

IV. DANIEL WAS MISTAKEN ABOUT THE TIME OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD:

A. DANIEL SAID THAT IT WOULD BE ESTABLISHED “IN THE DAYS OF THOSE KINGS” – THE ROMAN KINGS (DANIEL 2:36-44):

1. The Roman kings have come and gone. Pagan Rome perished in 476 A.D.

2. It is too late for Daniel’s prophecy to be fulfilled!

B. DANIEL ALSO SAID “ONE LIKE UNTO A SON OF MAN AND HE CAME EVEN TO THE ANCIENT OF DAYS — AND THERE WAS GIVEN HIM DOMINION, AND GLORY, AND A KINGDOM” (DANIEL 7:13,14):

1. Jesus said that He was going away “into a far country, to receive for Himself a

kingdom, and to return” (Luke 19:12).

2. Peter affirmed that He did (Acts 2:29-36)

3. Paul affirmed that He now has a kingdom and all the “dominion and glory” that One can have (Ephesians 1:20-23; Colossians 1:13-18).

C. IF PREMLLENNIALISM IS TRUE DANIEL GAVE THE WRONG INTERPRETATION TO

NEBUCHADNEZZAR, KING OF BABYLON, AND SOMETHING WAS WRONG ABOUT

THE VISION.

V. EIGHTY-FOUR GREAT PREACHERS WERE WRONG ABOUT THE TIME OF THE

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE KINGDOM:

A. ALL OF THESE PREACHED DURING THE MINISTRY OF CHRIST SAYING “THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND” AND “THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS COME NIGH UNTO YOU.”:

1. John preached, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2).

2. Jesus preached, that “it was at hand” (Matthew 4:17); that some of His disciples would see it come with power (Mark 9:1) and that He would give Peter the keys (Matthew 16:16-19), and that the Lord’s Table would be in the kingdom (Luke 22:14-20).

3. The twelve apostles preached, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 10:5-7).

4. The seventy preached, “The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you” (Luke 10:11):

a. Some claim that the “kingdom of heaven” is one kingdom and “the kingdom of God” is another. Mark said, “the kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15).

b. It is the “the kingdom of God” because it belongs to God. It Is “the kingdom of heaven” because it originated in heaven.

B. BUT ALL THESE PREACHERS WERE WRONG IF PREMILLENNIALISM IS TRUE!

VI. ZECHARIAH’S PROPHESY ABOUT CHRIST BUILDING THE TEMPLE OF JEHOVAH AND

HIS PRIESTLY AND KINGLY REIGN IS STILL UNFULFILLED:

A. ZECHARIAH SAID OF CHRIST, “HE SHALL BUILD THE TEMPLE OF JEHOVAH” — AND HE SHALL SIT AND RULE UPON HIS THRONE; AND HE SHALL BE A PRIEST UPON HIS THRONE” (ZECHARIAH 6:12,13):

1. Christ is the “Branch” and “Root” of David and Jesse (Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15).

2. The writer of Hebrews affirms that Christ is our High Priest now, and that If He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all” (Hebrews 4:15,16;5:5,6; 6:20; 7:21,22; 8:1-5; 10:4-23).

3. Christ said that He would build His church (Matthew 16:18,19); the church is the temple of God (I Corinthians 1:2; 3:16,17); it is the house of God (I Timothy 3:14,15).

4. According to Hal Lindsey, an earthly temple must still be built to fulfillprophesy. He says, “Obstacle or no obstacle, it is certain that the Temple will be rebuilt. Prophesy demands it.” He reasons that it is necessary “to completely set the stage for Israel’s part in the last great act of her historical drama.” 2

Ibid, p. 45.

5. According to Zechariah’s prophesy Christ will be Priest and King at thesame time. The Hebrew writer says He is Priest now, and that theHebrews had received a “kingdom that cannot be shaken” (Hebrews12:28).

6. Who is King of that “kingdom that cannot be shaken”?

B. IF PREMILLENNIALISM IS TRUE ZECHARIAH’S PROPHESY IS STILL UNFULFILLED AND THE ABOVE NEW TESTAMENT PASSAGES ARE UNTRUE.

VII. THE PROPHESY OF AMOS ABOUT THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID IS STILL

UNFULFILED:

A. MORE THAN A 150 YEARS BEFORE THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID FELL. AMOS

PROPHESIED OF IT BEING RAISED UP BY THE MESSIAH (AMOS 9:11,12):

1. Amos dates the time of his ministry as being “in the days of Uzziah king of Judah

and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, two years before the earthquake”(Amos 1:1).

a. Uzziah, also called Azariah, reigned fifty-two years and Jeroboam the son of Joash reigned forty-one years (II Kings 14:23; 15:2; II Chronicles 26:1-3)_.

b. The time of Uzziah’s reign is reckoned as being from 792-740 B.C. and

Jeroboam’s from 790-749 B.C. 3

c. The earthly tabernacle of David fell when Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, was carried into Babylonian Captivity in 587 B.C. (II Kings 24:18-25:7; II Chronicles 36:11-21).

d. The dynasty of David had continued unbroken, with the exception of the six years usurpation by Athaliah, (II Chronicles 23:10-12), until Babylonian Captivity — a period of of a little more than 450 years.

2. At the meeting in Jerusalem, about the matter of circumcision, James quotedhe prophesy of Amos and said in substance that the prophesy had been fulfilled

because the Gentiles or nations had received salvation in Christ (Acts 15:13-21).

2. The interpretation means that God intended to raise up Christ, a fleshlydescendant of David, to reign as King over the new Israel of God (Isaiah 11:1-10;

Jeremiah 23:5-8; Matthew 1:6-16; Luke 3:23-38; Acts 13:22,23; Revelation 3:7; 5:5; 9:13-16).

a. The new Israel is made up of all members of the universal church of Christ. It is designated “My church” (Matthew 16:18), “the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew

16:19), “the body of Christ” (I Corinthians 12:12,13,27), “the church of God” (I Corinthians 1:2), “the house of God” (I Timothy 3:14,15). “the kingdom of God”

(Mark 1:15), and “the temple of God” (I Corinthians 3:16,17).

3. H.D.M. Spence Pulpit Commentary Vol. 14, Amos – Malachi, (Grand Rapids

Wm. B. Erdmans Publishing Company, 1950), p. 4.

b. Brother marshal Keepble used to say, “it is heaven born, blood bought, spirit filled,rock Bottomed, and hell proofed .”

c. The new Israel is spoken of in many passages in the New Testament. Notice afew of them:

(1) “For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly – - – but he is a Jew who is one

inwardly — and circumcision is that of the heart, — whose praise is not ofmen, but of God.” (Romans 2:28,29).

(2) “Even us, He also called, not from the Jews only, but also from the Gentiles — (Romans 9:24-26).

(3) I Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:26-29; 6:15,16; Philippians 3:1-11.

B. PREMILLENNIALISM REASONS THAT GOD IS GOING TO RAISE UP THE FLESHLY HOUSE AND THAT CHRIST MUST COME BACK TO EARTH AND REIGN AS AN EARTHLY KING. (4) SO ACCORDING TO THESE PROPONENTS JAMES, THE LORD’S BROTHER GAVE THE WRONG INTERPRETATION OF THE PROPHESY OF AMOS.

VIII. THERE WOULD BE NO NEW TESTAMENT AND NO REMISSION OF SINS:

A. REMEMBER THEIR REJECTION THEORY:

1. If the Jews had not rejected Christ He would not have died on the cross of Calvary.

2. If Christ had not died there would not be a New Testament. His blood dedicated the New Covenant (Matthew 26:27,28; Hebrews 9:16-26; Romans 7:4-6; Colossians 2:14).

B. THE NEW TESTAMENT TEACHES THAT THERE IS NO ATONEMENT FOR SINS APART

FROM THE BLOOD OF JESUS (JOHN 6:53-59; MATTHEW 26:27,28; HEBREWS 9:22; 10:3-10; EPHESIANS 1:7; I PETER 1:18-20):

1. If Christ had reigned a an earthly king, like the Jews wanted Him to do, there would be no remission of sins.

2. Thank God, Jesus refused to reign on earth!

3. But remember the proponents of this theory are bent on Him coming back to reign as an earthly king.

IX. PETER AND PAUL DID NOT PROPERLY INTERPRET THE PROPHECIES CONCERNING

DAVID’S THRONE:

REMEMBER NOW THAT ONE OF THE MAIN POINTS OF THE DOCTRINE IS THAT

CHRIST MUST COME BACK TO EARTH AND REIGN ON DAVID’S THRONE:

4. Hal Lindsey, op. cit., pp. 99, 132, 164, 165.

B. GOD DID PROMISE DAVID THAT HIS THRONE WOULD BE ESTABLISHED FOREVER:

1. Nathan said concerning David’s son Solomon. “And I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (II Samuel 7:12-17).

2. Psalm 89:28-37

3. Psalm 132:11,12

C. BUT PLEASE OBSERVE THAT DAVID’S THRONE WAS ACTUALLY GOD’S THRONE:

1. The throne is spoken of as David’s in a about the same sense that the lawwas spoken of as the law of Moses.

3. When the Israelites wanted Gideon to rule over them, Gideon said, “I willnot rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you, Jehovah shall rule over you” (Judges 8:22,23).

4. The throne is spoken of as David’s (I Kings 1:16,17,35); as Solomon’s (I Kings 1:37); as “the throne of the kingdom” (I Kings 1:46); as “the throne of the kingdom of Jehovah” (I Chronicles 28:5); and as “the throne of Jehovah” (I Chronicles 29:23):

a. Whose throne is it?

b. The answer is clearly given.

D. GABRIEL TOLD MARY THAT THE LORD GOD WOULD GIVE HER SON “THE THRONE OF

HIS FATHER DAVID AND HE SHALL REIGN OVER THE HOUSE OF JACOB FOREVER,

AND OF HIS KINGDOM THER SHALL BE NO END.” (LUKE 1:31-33):

1. The house of Jacob today is the church, the kingdom of Christ, and the kingdom of God.

2. Christ is King now and is reigning now.

E. THE APOSTLE PETER INTERPRETED THE PROPHEISEIES ABOUT THE THRONE, AND SAID

THAT THEY WERE FULFILED WHEN GOD RASIED UP JESUS AND EXHALTED HIM TO HIS

RIGHT HAND (ACTS 2:29-36).

F. PAUL SAID THAT THE PROPHESIES CONCERNING “THE SURE MERCIES OF DAVID” (ISAIAH 55:3; PSALM 89:28-37) HAD BEEN FULFILLED IN THE RESURRECTION AND THE EXALTATION GF CHRIST (ACTS 13:27-41; EPHESIANS 1:18-21)

G. SO YOU SEE THE APOSTLES PETER AND PAUL ARE BOTH WRONG ABOUT THE THRONEOF DAVID IF PREMILLENNIALISM IS TRUE.

X. PAUL WAS WRONG ABOUT THE CHURCH BEING IN THE ETERNAL PURPOSE OF GOD:

A. THE SPECULATION THEORY MAKES THE CHURCH A SUBSTITUTE:

1. Paul affirms that salvation is in Christ and His church was in the eternal purpose of God (Ephesians 1:3-5; 3:10,11; 20,21; 5:25-27).

2. No one can have salvation in Christ without being a member of His church (I Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 5:25-27).

B. IF PREMILLENNIALISM IS TRUE PAUL IS WRONG AGAIN.

XI. THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS IS NOT ONLY USELESS BUT FALSE

INSTRUCTION:

A. SOME OF THESE SPECULATORS TEACH THAT JUDAISM WILL BE ESTABLISHED AGAIN:

1. As already quoted, “obstacle or no obstacle, it is certain that the Temple will be rebuilt. Prophecy demands it.”

2. The same writer also says, “there will be a reinstitution of the Jewish worship according to the Law of Moses with sacrifices and oblations in the genera time of Christ’s return” 4.

B. THE PRIMARY THEME OF HEBREWS IS THE SUPERIORITY OF CHRIST AND THE NEW TESTAMENT RELIGION OVER THE OLD TESTAMENT RELIGION OF JUDAISM. THE EPISTLE SHOWS THE FOLLOWING:

1. That God has given the New Testament through Christ and Christ is superior to the prophets and angels (Hebrews 1:1-5).

2. That the New Testament is superior (Hebrews 2:1-4).

3. That God has put all things under Christ and He came that “through death He might bring to nought him that had the power of death that is the devil.” (Hebrews 2:5-16).

4. That Christ is superior to Moses whom God put over His house, and through whom He gave the law (Hebrews 3:1-8).

5. That there is a greater rest awaiting those that are faithful to Christ (Hebrews 4:1-13).

6. That the priesthood of Christ is greater than the priesthood of the law

(Hebrews 2:17,18; 4:15,16; 6:18-8:5).

7. That Christ is the Minister of a greater tabernacle and a greater law (Hebrews 7:22; 8:2-11).

8. That the sacrifice that Christ made for sin is superior and sufficient for all time (Hebrews 7:25; 9:12-14; 9:19-23).

9. That in Christ there is a greater mountain, a greater Jerusalem, a greater kingom , a greater, a greater altar (Hebrews 12:12-29; 13:10-14).

10. Th at through Christ we are to offer greater sacrifices (Hebrews 13:15,16).

C. BUT PREMILLENNIALISM SAYS, “NOT SO, NOT SO, THE TEMPLE MUST BE REBUILT AND THE LAW REESTABLISHED.”

XII. THE WRITERS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT WERE WRONG ABOUT THE OLD

TESTAMENT BEING FULFILLED:

A. THE WRITERS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT AFFIRM THAT THE LAW HAS BEEN COMPLETELY FULFILLED (LUKE 24:44; ACTS 13:39; ROMANS 7:1-6; 8:1-4; 10:4; II CORINTHIANS 3:1-11; GALATIANS 2:14-21; 3:19-25; 5:1-4; EPHESIANS 2:14-18; COLOSSIANS 2:14-17; HEBREWS 7:12,22; 8:6-13; 10:5-9).

B. IF PREMILLENNIALISM IS TRUE ALL OF THE ABOVE PASSAGES ARE UNTRUE. THIS DOCTRINE SAYS THAT THE LAW OF MOSES AND ANIMAL SCARIFIES MUST BE ESTABLISHED AGAIN!

XIII. JOHN AND PAUL WERE WRONG ABOUT CHRISTIANS BEING IN THE KINGDOM NOW:

A. THESE APOSTLES AFFIRM THAT CHRISTIANS ARE NOW IN THE KINGDOM (II THESSALONIANS 1:5,6; COLOSSIAN 1:13; HEBREWS 12:28; REVELATION 1:5-9).

B. BUT ACCORDING TO PREMILLENNIALISM THESE APOSTLES ARE JUST WRONG ABOUT THE MATTER.

XIV. PAUL WAS ALSO WRONG WHEN HE SAID THAT CHRIST WILL DELIVER UP THE KINGDOM WHEN HE COMES:

A. HE AFFRIMS THAT CHRIST IS NOW REIGNING “AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE THRONE OF THE MAJESTY IN THE HEAVENS” (HEBREWS 8:1) AND THAT WHEN HE COMES “HE SHALL DELIVER UP THE KINGDOM TO GOD.” (I CORINTHIANS 15:22-28).

B. POOR BROTHER PAUL — HE JUST DIDN’T KNOW THAT CHRIST WOULD HAVE TO COME A SECOND TIME IN ORDER TO SUCCESSFULLY ESTABLISH HIS KINGDOM!

XV. OUR LORD WAS WRONG ABOUT THE TIME THAT THE RIGHTEOUS SAINTS WILL BE RAISED:

A. ACCORDING TO THIS THEORY THERE IS GOING TO BE “THE RAPTURE” AND A KIND OF RAPTURE THAT THE BIBLE SAYS NOTHING ABOUT:

i. The proponents of this theory reason that Christ will come and raise the righteous dead, and change the living Christians and they will be caught up for “the seven years of tribulation”.

2. That after “the tribulation” He will bring them back to earth, and they will reign with Christ on earth for a thousand years.

B. JESUS TAUGHT THAT THE RIGHTEOUS WILL NOT BE RAISED UNTIL THE LAST DAY AND THAT ALL WILL BE RAISED, THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE UNRIGHTOUES, AT THE SAME TIME AND JUDGED AT THE SAME TIME.

1. Jesus said, “And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that of all that He hath given to Me, I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day” (John 6:39) and “No man can come to Me, except the Father that sent Me draw him; and I will raise him up in the last day.” (John 6:44).

2. Jesus also said, “He that eateth My flesh and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:54) and :he that rejecteth Me, and receiveth not My sayings, hath One that judgeth him; the word that I spake, the same shall judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48).

3. Jesus did not correct Martha when she said of her brother Lazarus, “ I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” (John 11:24).

4. Jesus had said a long time before Martha’s statement, “Marvel not at this: for the hour cometh, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment”. (John 5:28,29).

5. Jesus taught that when He comes all nations will be gathered before Him for eternal judgment (Matthew 25:31-46).

C. IF PREMILLENNIALISM IS TRUE JESUS GOT SOME OF THE DETAILS MIXED UP;

FOR CHRIST AND HIS SAINTS IN GLORIFIED BODIES ARE GOING TO REIGN ON EARTH A THOUSAND YEARS OVER THOSE LIVING IN FLESHLY MORTAL BODIES!

XVI. JEREMIAH WAS WRONG ABOUT THE SEED OF DAVID REIGNING IN JUDAH:

A. JEREMIAH SAID OF KING JEHOIACHIN, ALSO CALLED JECONIAH AND CONIAH (II KINGS 24:6-17; I CHRONICLES 3:16; JEREMIAH 1:3; II CHRONICLES 36:8-10):

“As I live saith Jehovah, through Coniah — were the signet — yet would I pluck thee thence — and I will give into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon — write ye his man childless, a man that shall not prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling in Judah” (Jeremiah 22:22-30).

1. When king Jehoiachin and his mother, and his servants, princes officers, and ten thousand captives were carried into Babylonian Captivity, the earthly throne and tabernacle of David for all practical purposes had fallen (Ii Kings 24:8-17).

2. The king of Babylon made his brother Zedekiah king over the people left in Judah. He reigned eleven years and then came the final carrying away (II Kings 24:12; 25:22).

3. Jeremiah had said of Jeconiah “Write ye this man childless, a man that shall not prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling in Judah.”

4. Christ is the seed of Jeconiah (Matthew 1:12) and according to Jeremiah He cannot prosper reigning in Judah.

5. Remember that Amos prophesied that the tabernacle of David would be raised up again and that James said that it had been raised up in Christ (Amos 9:11,12; Acts 15:13-20).

B. BUT IF PREMILLENNIALISM IS TRUE JEREMIAH AND JAMES ARE JUST DEAD WRONG ABOUT THE MATTER. THAT DOCTRINE SAYS THAT CHRIST MUST COME BACK AND SET UP THE THRONE OF DAVID IN JERUSALEM AND REIGN FOR A THOUSAND YEARS.

XVII. HOW CAN WE PUT MUCH CONFIDENCE IN THE SCRIPTURES , SINCE JESUS AND SO

MANY WRITERS OF THE BIBLE WERE WRONG?

XVIII. JESUS COULD NOT DO WHAT HE CAME TO DO THE FIRST TIME. WHY SHOULD WE

THINK THAT HE CAN DO ANY BETTER AT HIS SECOND ADVENT?

A. DO WE NEED TO THROW THE BIBLE OUT THE WINDOW AND FORGET ABOUT RELIGION?

1. Would it not be better to brand the brain storming speculators and jugglers of Sacred Scripture for what they really are? (Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Galatians :6-10; II Timothy 4:3-5; II Peter 3:15,16; Revelation 22:18,19).

2. These wresters and jugglers of the Scriptures are deceiving thousands, yea millions of,humble and innocent people.

B. MY BRETHREN, WE HAVE “A BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON TO FIGHT”:

1. Let us rise up and make the truth plain.

2. Let us prevent some of these countless innocent people from being deceivedby these speculators and wresters and jugglers of sacred scripture.

JAMES A TURNER

10 Articles On: Salvation

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