The BIG Picture (Q&A)

STATEMENT: The important thing about the Kingdom of God is that we allow it to be manifested in our lives. The big lack among Christians is not showing forth the Kingdom. We are to heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons, and cleanse the lepers. Plus, the 9 gifts of the Spirit. The New Testament says, ‘The Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.’ Information and theory Christianity can be a deception. RESPONSE: The values you list are from the Kingdom dispensation.  Heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons, and cleanse the lepers, plus the 9 gifts of the Spirit,  are primarily signs that were required for the Jews in the Acts church, 1Cor.1:22-24. In this dispensation of Grace in which we live, it is the fruit of the Spirit that counts, Gal.5:22-23. The fruit is produced when we give ourselves over to obedience to the knowledge of the Word that is within us through studying it and having it renew our minds. Rom.6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the se...

What are the differences between the Law and the Mystery programs?   This important question, neglected by many believers is answered by Paul’s epistles. Knowing the mystery program (as opposed to the Law) will help us to live according to the plan and will that God administers in the world today, as well as prevent confusion and malpractice of His Word. (Qualifying scriptures: Rom.11:13; 1 Cor.14:37-38; Rom.16:25-26) Signs and Wonders Another revelation introduced by Paul within the mystery program is the way that God will interact with people. God showed Himself with great signs and wonders during Israel's program, but this all changed in the new grace dispensation. God's miracles, signs and wonders are specific for the Kingdom of Israel. Wherever they would go, signs and wonders would follow. The nation was initially built upon the mighty exploits of God who showed the 10 plagues in Egypt, then led them ou...

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...

Answer Request: I'm a Christian and I believe in Jesus and the Bible. My pastor at church spoke in tongues. I know it was because of The Holy Spirit since the Bible says so and its a good church, but I felt my heart jump like I was scared. Why is that? I love Jesus. In this Kingdom dispensation, the program of Israel under the law, the purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit was so that the disciples could receive power to be witnesses of, and be able to testify with signs that Jesus was the Christ and Israel's Messiah. The Holy Spirit would empower them to speak in tongues, to prophecy, to bring things to remembrance (John 14:26) and provide "signs" or miracles to validate their message during the Acts period. Remember that for Jews to believe a prophet or an apostle, they required signs to validate the message. The sign of tongues, (which was the ability to speak in other discernable, and intelligible languages, and not unintelligible words) , was ...

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...

Answer Request: How do I get the gift of tongues from the Holy Spirit? In this Kingdom dispensation, the program of Israel under the law, the purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit was so that the disciples could receive power to be witnesses of, and be able to testify with signs that Jesus was the Christ and Israel's Messiah. The Holy Spirit would empower them to speak in tongues, to prophecy, to bring things to remembrance (John 14:26) and provide "signs" or miracles to validate their message during the Acts period. Remember that for Jews to believe a prophet or an apostle, they required signs to validate the message.  The sign of tongues, (which was the ability to speak in other discernable, and intelligible languages, and not unintelligible words ), was so that the disciples could proclaim the gospel to Jews of many different nations who were in Jerusalem at that time for Shavuot (or the "Festival of Weeks"). Also Je...

The world today, compared to pre-2020, has changed. This is a fact that is evident on so many levels as are listed below. For those who have some insights into Bible prophecy, and are aware of the signs, these things are pointing to an imminent change in dispensation, (Maranatha) , but for the majority of humanity who sadly remain blindly uninformed, their responses are either one of ignorant support for a united world order who offer a false peace and safety, or one of fear due to ominous repercussions ahead. The Bible has a lot to say about these 'last days' . If you know what the Bible predicts, you will see a clear and undeniable pattern of events occurring right before your eyes. These events are converging increasingly and their effects on the world and humanity are becoming more frequent and more intense. This following webpage, containing a  compilation of prophetic scripture passages , provides a brief understanding of what is happening in the world today and of the ...

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...