The Mystery of Christ

Col. 4:3-4, ...pray also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak
the mystery of Christ, for which I am also
in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

In Col. 2:2-3 Paul says (to churches everywhere), My goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love may be encouraged, and that they may have all the riches that assurance brings, in their understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God, which is Christ, in Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

The mystery of God is Christ!
...and the mystery of Christ is that of the Incarnate One.
The Mystery of Christ is that God ordained all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge to be hid in Him from before the foundation of the world... Christ was brought forth from everlasting.

Traditions of Men

Traditions of men:
the Apostle Paul is
the worst sinner.
(1 Tim. 1:15)

Word of God:
the Apostle Paul is
FIRST in the Body of Christ.
(1 Tim. 1:15)

Faith Alone, Grace Alone, Christ Alone

Faith, if it has not works, is dead. James 2:17
REALLY? Does one need to “work” (keep the law) to keep faith? Can you lose your salvation?

Rom. 4:5, But to him who does not work but BELIEVES on Him who justifies the ungodly, his FAITH is accounted for righteousness.
Are these verses a dichotomy or a misunderstanding? I have come to learn that these verses, although ripe for conflict, are a misunderstanding produced and nurtured by the fact that people cannot separate the Word to believing Jews of the Kingdom, from the Word to the “called-out” Body of Christ. Many people don’t even know the difference in what I just said. STUDY!!! 

Amazing Atoning Grace

Many people believe Grace and Gospel are synonymous (the same thing), and, in a way, they are. The definitions of these deep, profound words are, for us today in this age, I believe, too simplistic... basic, unsophisticated, adolescent. The Christian (Bible) definition of Grace = “unmerited favor” while the definition of Gospel = “good news.” Many believe the Gospel and Grace “began” with Jesus and the four “gospel” accounts of His ministry.

Ripe For Wrath

But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Matt. 24:37 

So, the second coming of Jesus the Christ will be preceded by a reappearance of events in society as occurred in the days of Noah before the Flood. What kind of “events?” Well, #1, Gen. 6:5... “The wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

Two Gospels? How about FOUR?

Paul said, The ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the Grace of God. Acts 20:24 

Moreover, brethren, I declare to you THE Gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved; that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. 1 Cor. 15:1-4
Believe... and nothing else!

The Cross Is Not A Fashion Statement!

"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree!" Gal. 3:13
The cross is the symbol of the shame and suffering of Jesus' crucifixion. It is itself, also, a curse. Wearing a cross as a mere piece of jewelry, is a form of sacrilege--reducing the sacred symbol of Christ's sin-atoning sacrifice to a mere ornament. The cross is not a fashion statement, but the emblem of our Lord's suffering and death. To treat it lightly, is to trample upon the solemn truths of Calvary, where the Son of God bore the wrath of the Father in the place of His elect people. Such careless use dishonors the gospel, making what is holy into something trivial.