The BIG Picture (Q&A)

QUESTION: Gal.4:10 — Paul telling the Galatians not to observe days and events etc. There are some in the Mid-Acts Grace circles that intimate that we should not celebrate our birthdays, as neither Jesus nor Paul did. What is your take on this? MY REPLY: Paul writes to the Galatians: “Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain” (Gal.4:10–11). The context of this passage is critical. Paul is not addressing personal celebrations such as birthdays or anniversaries. His concern is that the Galatians were returning to religious observances tied to the Mosaic law and pagan calendars — feast days, sabbaths, ritual cycles, and annual observances that were being treated as necessary for righteousness . In doing so, they were undermining the sufficiency of Christ’s finished work . The issue here is legalism , not personal joy or cultural custom. Some within Mid-Acts circles argue that because Jesus and Paul did not cele...

A question on Quora: Can you explain Titus 2:9-10 or rather justify it? My answer: A common objection raised against Titus 2:9-10 is whether Paul’s instruction to servants is justifiable—especially in light of modern views on justice, equality, and human dignity. The question often takes the form:  “How can Paul tell servants to obey their masters? Isn’t that endorsing slavery?”  But such a question, while understandable, misses the doctrinal context entirely. The following reply answers that concern by rightly dividing the Word and clarifying the true purpose of Paul’s instruction in this passage. "Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things."  (Titus 2:9-10, KJV) This passage is often criticised or dismissed as outdated, oppressive, or culturally irrelevant. Some even use it to ac...

QUESTION: According to Ephesians 2v8-9, is faith a gift from God or is it self-generated? If I believed and made it to heaven and you didn't did I save myself by my faith? ANSWER: Great question. Ephesians 2:8-9 makes it clear that salvation is by grace through faith , and not of ourselves —it’s the gift of God , not of works , lest anyone should boast. But what does that mean for faith itself? Some believe faith is part of the gift , that God gives it directly and irresistibly. That’s the Reformed view . But from a dispensational perspective , which I hold to, grace is the gift , and faith is the means by which we receive it. Faith isn’t meritorious —it doesn’t earn salvation—but it is the God-ordained condition for receiving it. Romans 4:5 backs this up: “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” So no, you didn’t save yourself by believing. God saved you—through faith . You responded to the gospel,...

Social Media Statement: Paul told us there is no division in 1 Corinthians 3. We are to submit to Christ above all teachers, including Paul himself. I have an issue with the claim that we are not expected to follow the commands Jesus himself spoke in Matthew. Are you saying we can ignore the law because Paul said we are free from the law. If I am not accurately reflecting your post, please elaborate. My Reply: The Bible clearly tells us that the earthly ministry of Jesus was to Israel only, as mentioned in Matt.15:24 and Rom.15:8. Jesus, a minister of the circumcision (Jews), promoted and taught according to the Mosaic law, which is a doctrine and dispensation we are not under today. Consider that we do not sacrifice animals. We do not have to do ritual washings. We are not under the Sabbath law/covenant. We do not have Kosher dietary limitations. All these and more are what Jesus taught during His earthly ministry. On the other hand, Paul was called and separated by God to be the apos...

The following are some responses to the previous post uploaded concerning Paul's "my gospel" and rightly dividing the Word. If one does not rightly divide the Word, it will become confusing, as is evident in this person's comments. The comments are all directly related to mixing up the Kingdom and Grace doctrines. It is not only sad to see such confusion, but it is dangerous to spread such false doctrine because anyone out there who is uninformed about sound doctrine will believe it and get all twisted up in confusion and contradiction too. We are to STUDY the Word for ourselves, not rely on things we have learned from preachers, or books, or YouTube. Our ONLY source of truth in the King James Bible. Read it, cross reference scripture, learn its true context, and be edified by it alone. If you find content outside of the Bible, don't believe it until you have searched the scriptures yourself.  COMMENT: If Paul was really preaching another gospel, then how could h...

First, consider that the word gospel originates from the Old English gōdspel, which combines gōd (meaning “good”) with spel (meaning “news” or “a story”). So, at its core, gospel signifies good tidings, truth, and the message of salvation in the Christian faith. With this in mind, we should ask, “where in the Bible do we encounter the very first occurrence of good news that tells us that God would save us from eternal death?” Many people would say that it is in the gospels of the New Testament, but this is incorrect. To find the very FIRST occurrence of the gospel, we must go way back to the very beginning of the Bible. Read this scripture, Gen 3:15  And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. This scripture is known as the proto-gospel. This label is not important, but what is, is the message it tells. What this scripture is saying is that in the aftermath of Adam and Eve'...

SOCIAL MEDIA STATEMENT: I’ve read some of Martin Zenders books and one of them, called, ‘The First Idiot in Heaven’ speaks of the differences of these two ministries. Martin is a Bible scholar and is well learned. He teaches that the gospel of the circumcision (given to Peter) v the gospel of the uncircumcision (given to Paul) was both separate and quite different. The Bible seems to distinguish between these two gospels. interesting as I’ve never been able to understand the book of James against the pure grace spoken of by the Apostle Paul. I'm unsure about all of Martin’s teachings but I do enjoy reading some of his literature. MY REPLY: When one studies the scriptures, rightly divides between these two programs, it is plain and clear to see in the scriptures for oneself that Peters ministry and gospel to the circumcision was very different to Paul’s ministry and gospel to the uncircumcised. The bible, and all characters and the things they did and taught become clear and simple....

ORIGINAL STATEMENT: Here is a question: If a Jew comes to your church will you tell him what Peter commanded in Acts 2:38,39 or tell him something else. Remember you said Peter’ doctrine was only for the Jews. Another thing if a non-Jew comes into you church do you tell him what Peter commands the gentiles in Acts 10:48 or would you tell him something else? CORRECTION: If a Jew comes to your church, will you tell him what Peter commanded in Acts 2:38,39 or tell him something else? No. I’d tell him Paul’s gospel. Why? Because Peter’s gospel in Acts, although 100% valid and accurate, was for the Kingdom program, under prophecy. God suspended this program (Rom 11:25) when He called Paul. Thus, the Kingdom program hangs in limbo until God reactivates it again when the 7-year Tribulation begins (after the rapture of the Body of Christ). Only the Grace program is active today and both Jews and Gentiles are saved by grace according to the gospel of Paul (1Cor 15:1–4). Peter NEVER preached th...

When you consider the progression of the dispensations and that in each dispensation, God had a different relationship with humans, the answer to this question becomes clear. As a simple example, consider that when Noah lived, there was no Israel nation and Mosaic law. Obviously, Jesus had not come yet and there was no prophesy concerning His life and death. So, how then would Noah be saved? It could not be by Jesus or the cross! When we understand progressive dispensations and we take the text in the Bible for what it is, then the answers start to form in the Word. Noah and his family were saved because Noah obeyed God’s word. What was God’s good news to Noah? Build a boat. So, Noah obeyed God and built a boat and became an heir of the righteousness which is by faith. Heb 11:7  By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is...

The kingdom gospel to the Jews is to believe in and confess Jesus as their Messiah and then to do works to prove their faith in their confession. The works to do are to repent and be baptized for the remission of their sin, so that they can receive the Holy Spirit, Act.2:38-39. That is their gospel. In addition to this they were expected to continue faithfully in the Mosaic law, to sell all their possessions and live in common with each other in the church, and endure to the end until their salvation comes at the return of Christ. The grace gospel to all nations is to hear and believe in the cross work of Jesus Christ; that Jesus, as God’s Son, completely righteous and perfect, died in our place as a willing offering, so that God could impute His righteousness on us and justify us by the price of that sacrifice. There are no works to perform to qualify faith because Jesus did all the work necessary to justify us, and we are not saved by our own faith, but by the faith of Christ Himse...

QUESTION:  I am half and half with my salvation. Deep down I feel like I'm saved, but doubt shoots that down quite often. I do want to be saved. I do feel love for Jesus and have a longing for him and to obey and follow him. I've been told that this longing that I feel is proof that I'm saved and then I've also been told that that's not enough. I'm guessing where you stand on this, but I'd like to hear your thoughts. Is that longing to be with Jesus enough? Or “evidence"? Or something else? ANSWER:  The first thing to mention is that faith is not a feeling. I mention this because 3 times in your comment above you mention this. Can I speak plainly (and bluntly). Forget about feeling anything. Feelings are just going to mess with faith. So, get that off your chest!! The next thing to say is this: Have you heard the gospel of the cross, how that Jesus Christ died for your sins, (so you could be forgiven and redeemed), and how that Jesus was buried and ...

Israel, before the cross Mat 19:16-21  And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?  17 … but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.  18  He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,  19  Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  20  The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?  21  Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. Before the cross, Jews had to show faith and confirming works (to prove their faith) in order to be saved. Their faith was placed in their confession of Jesus as the Messiah. Thereafter, their confirming works were to ob...

God does not forgive sins one at a time when we commit them. Neither does He choose which sins to forgive and which not to. God’s forgiveness is total and complete . The provision of the cross, the blood of His Son, justifies us instantaneously and completely when we believe in His Son. Paul explains this in Romans chapter 3, Rom 3:21-24  But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;  22  Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:  23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;  24  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Before you were saved, you were a sinner. After you respond in faith to the grace gospel and trust that God saves you and justifies you, you remain a sinner. In other words, NOTHING changes in the body! However, EVERYTHING chan...

All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23. In fact in Romans 3:9-20 the Apostle Paul gives a very negative view of each and every one of us. He says there is none righteous, none that does good, unprofitable, none that understands, liars, and destruction and misery are in our ways. All the world is guilty before God (Romans 3:19). It is God’s law that declares each and every one of us as guilty before him, and therefore as Paul declares, by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight. The word "justified" means to be found free of guilt, (just as if I had never sinned). The law cannot justify us because it’s the very thing that declares our guilt. God is a just and righteous judge. God must be legally and morally right in all that he does. His righteousness and justice will not allow Him to justify a guilty man, therefore the dilemma is how can God justify the guilty and he himself remain just? God’s righteousness without the law ...

COMMENT Good judgement requires us to see others as Jesus saw the wicked Samaritan. Jesus didn’t say the Samaritan had to become a Jew nor had to believe in him. Instead, he called the Samaritan GOOD, right where he was because of the loving act he performed for his enemy. Theology is on the back burner to the two great commandments, loving God with all your heart by loving others as yourself. Forget your theology and let love be the primary function of your ministry. No need to tell others what they must believe or not believe, it will be evident what you believe when nothing but love flows from your lips. May you find the peace that passes all understanding—including theology—by loving others. MY RESPONSE I’m 100% in agreement with your statements; love of course is the fulfillment of all other commands. Nevertheless, besides giving one’s life for another, the greatest act of love is to share the grace gospel with others. The gospel provides the hearer with the opportunity to find Ch...

QUESTION: My grandson told me, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" Is that true? ANSWER: The above refers to the 'great' commission that Jesus gave to his disciples before His ascension. Please note that this is a commission that will be fulfilled by Jews during the Millennial Kingdom that Jesus establishes at His second advent. During this time the Jews will be preeminent in the kingdom; they will be the royal priesthood and holy nation as promised in Exodus 19:6. It is then that they will have received the new covenant blessings  which includes the indwelling Spirit of God, and they will be able to take the word of the Lord out to the nations. So, this commission, being for the Jews, is not for us today in the grace dispensation. We have a separate commission that was given to us by the risen Christ, who inspired Paul to write, 2 Cor.5:18 ...

Someone's comment given from this post   The scriptures do not say accept the Lord Jesus as your Savior and ye shall be saved but it does say in Acts 2:38,39 and other places in Acts to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Notice you have to first repent. The requirements for salvation you refer to in Acts 2 are the requirements of the Kingdom gospel which is relevant for the Jews during that dispensation. Today, in the grace dispensation, the requirement for salvation is to hear and chose to believe in the grace gospel of the cross work of Jesus Christ. In the grace gospel, salvation is not tied up in confessing Jesus Christ as the Messiah and Son of God. It is also not in the requirement of water baptism which is an ordinance necessary in the Jewish program. It is believing that the death of Jesus Christ is for the forgiveness of sins and that His resurrection is...

Requested Answer: Acts 20:17, 25 (KJV) And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.  Does this mean that Paul was indeed preaching the kingdom gospel? As the audience here are the elders of the church of Ephesus?  There's a short answer and a long answer here. The short is this: God's kingdom spans the 3rd heaven and ALL of creation, the created heavens and the earth. All of it is God's kingdom . So, the word 'kingdom' is not only associated with the kingdom gospel and that which was preached and promoted by Jesus and the 12-apostles. The word kingdom is typically associated with this time and the gospel they preached was known as the 'kingdom' gospel, which promoted the earthly kingdom that Jesus would reign over in the Millennial kingdom. However, the heavens, our inheritance, as the body of Christ, is al...