The BIG Picture (Q&A)

The 66 books of the Bible were written by about 40 different writers, who lived in different countries, spoke different languages and came from different backgrounds. The writers included a king, a doctor, a herdsman, a tax collector, a theologian, a scribe, a fisherman, etc., and their writings spread over a period of 1500 years, so there could be no collusion or communication. Think of it, 40 different writers, spread over 55 generations, producing 66 books; and yet when these books are placed together there is a perfect unity and harmony about them, and they all fit together like a jigsaw. There is not one single proved inaccuracy in the whole Bible (KJV). The Bible is accurate historically, geographically, genealogically, scientifically, psychologically, typologically, and verbally. The revelation of truth we have in the Bible is progressively given, and by the time we get to the Book of Revelation we have a perfect and complete body of truth. In the 66 books there is everything we...

Answer Request: When Jesus asked the disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit and power, what were they supposed to use the power for? The role of the Holy Spirit over Israel is far more than just to empower them for miracles and signs, but, in the context of your question, this is the case . Since the days of Moses, when Israel was in Egypt and then in the wilderness, they followed after the signs that God provided. In actual fact, God made a covenant with Israel to let them know that He would do signs before them to prove His Word. Exodus 34:10 And he said, Behold, I make a covenant: before all thy people I will do marvels , such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation: and all the people among which thou art shall see the work of the Lord: for it is a terrible thing that I will do with thee. It is because of this that we read later in the Bible that Jews require a sign. 1 Cor.1:22 For the Jews require a sign , and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we p...

A question in response to this post:  Should we have a 'Pentecost' encounter today? Question: Answer Request: So then, how do you dismiss the testimonies of millions of believers today who testify to a “Pentecost” experience? How do you explain the thousands documented in Acts that came to faith through the preaching of the disciples (not directly by Jesus) who also were baptised by the Holy Spirit? I can see how one may arrive to the conclusion you have drawn (although it is quite a stretch) but I and millions of others see no clear, unambiguous directive in Scripture that states that the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church has ceased, or that signs and wonders should not accompany those who believe.  Joel‬ 2:28-32 And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservan...

To answer this question, lets analyze what Jesus said to his disciples just before He ascended into heaven. Most of what we need to answer the question can be found in the following verse.  Acts 1:5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now. ... 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Who baptized the disciples? The writings of Matthew and John make it clear that Jesus was the baptizer of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire : (See also John 1:33; John 14:16; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7) Why was the Holy Spirit to come?  Jesus provides the answer. It was so that the disciples could receiv...

Signs, miracles, and wonders were significant in Israel's program. It was a covenant God made with them! Exodus 34:10 And he said, Behold, I make a covenant: before all thy people I will do marvels, such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation: and all the people among which thou art shall see the work of the LORD: for it is a terrible thing that I will do with thee. This is why Jesus said, John 4:48 "Except ye [Israel] see signs and wonders, ye will not believe". Paul himself writes in 1 Corinthians 1:22, "For the Jews require a sign, ...",  (Also see: Matt.12:38; Mark 8:11; John 2:18; 4:48) God's visible and powerful miracles were common place in the Old Testament, in the Gospels and in the beginning of Acts. But, when Israel's program ceased, as the transition from law to grace progressed, these miracles faded, and at the close of Paul's ministry, no more mirac...