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LET’S STUDY MATTHEW #27

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THE CALL AND COMMISSION OF THE TWELVE TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM TO ISRAEL

Gospel of the Kingdom

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

 5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, 10 nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. 11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. 12 And when ye come into an house, salute it. 13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. 15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.

16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; 18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. 21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. 22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. 24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? 26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. 27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. 32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. 40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. 41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. Matthew 10:1-42

Verses 1-4.

Jesus calls the twelve, who have the title, Apostles. They are sent forth to preach the gospel of the Kingdom. The noteworthy thing, is that Judas is one of the Twelve. There is nothing out of the ordinary that would make the eleven believe he had a devil. He preached and healed, just like the others. If they didn’t have discernment to identify him, how mistaken we can be when we judge others. Especially, is this true, when they appear to have a “successful” ministry.

Verses 5-8.

The command is to go only to Israelites, who are called “lost sheep.” They are to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven. They are also empowered to do Kingdom miracles. No one today preaches the same gospel they preached, nor do the miracles they did. One must understand that the Apostles knew nothing about the coming death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

I have discovered that many Baptist preachers have no understanding of this matter. “31 Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. 32 For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: 33  And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. 34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.” Luke 18:31-34. “For as yet they knew not the scripture that he must rise again from the dead.” John 20:9.

[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Many Baptist preachers hold Baptist tradition stronger than right division of the Scriptures.[/pullquote]

One Baptist preacher said, “The disciples preached the same gospel we preach today, and they baptized with a view of His coming death and resurrection. Scripture is abundant.” I wrote to him and ask for one Scripture that taught what he said. That has been over 10 years ago…still no response. I have discovered that most Baptist can’t afford to see this truth. I have been alienated by many Baptist brethren because of my teaching on this matter. Baptist tradition is stronger than right division of the Scriptures. No church on earth today, obeys these verses, nor can they.

Verses 9-15

All their needs would be met. They were forbidden to take money, food, two coats, shoes, or a staff. Does this sound like any Evangelist or Pastor you know today? Those who welcomed them, they were to greet. Those who rejected them, were to be ignored. The reason it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah, is because Sodom did not have a Bible, a preacher, the gospel, nor the miracles in their city that Israel had. To whom much is given, much is required.

Verses 16-27

The Lord was preparing His disciples for His absence, although they did not understand it at that time. They would discover, during the Acts period, and in the Tribulation that man is not, nor has he ever been a friend of Jesus Christ, and His gospel. The world hates the Jesus of the Bible. They would be hated and brought before authorities for judgment. The ministry of Paul is a good example of this.

This instruction is not directed to any member of the Body of Christ. Today, one must pray and think about what to say before appearing before a judge. This instruction is for the Apostles. The remnant will be hated by all nations as they preach in the Tribulation. Note verse 22-23. “22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.” These must “endure” to the end of the Tribulation, or refuse the mark of the Beast. Likewise, the Lord assures them that they will not have gone over all the cities of Israel, before He returns. This did not happen in the Acts period. Thus, the context is Israel, and the Tribulation.

The gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven requires that one believe in Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, and water baptism. This was, and will be their confession before men. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:16. “But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.” Luke 7:30. Believer today do not have to be baptized to be saved. Baptism is a step of obedience for those who are saved. Although Paul baptized, his gospel of grace did not require it for salvation.

 Verses 34- 42

The disciples had no concept that there would be a period where He would be absent before established the Kingdom of Heaven. This is evident until His ascension up to heaven. And, after He left, they believed He would soon return, if Israel would repent. Notice the first question they have after His resurrection. “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” Acts 1:6. “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:” Acts 3:19-20.

Jesus did not come to bring peace, but judgment that ends in repentance. Until then, there will be war. In fact, before the Kingdom of Heaven is established on earth, the greatest war the world has ever witnessed will take place.

Finally, at that time, men must receive the Apostles to be saved. To reject them, is to reject God. To receive and assist them will bring salvation, and its rewards.

HOW TO BE SAVED AND KNOW IT

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I declare unto you the gospel

 

 

The word gospel does not mean: “truth.”  It means: “good news.”  There are several “gospels” in the Bible, but Dr. Blue shows from the Bible how not to be confused about which one applies to us today.  He shows us which one Paul declares and shows us where in the Bible you can find it.  This is the one that the 12 didn’t even understand (Luke 18:34).  It was the one that Paul proclaimed.

Full sermon can be heard here:

This world is going up in smoke.  There is no spiritual kingdom that will last.  God’s intent is to destroy this world.  But, no one needs be there to endure it.  Everyone can be saved if they accept the gospel that Paul preached.  This is the one that is for our age.  It is the one that Jesus died for and if you accept it, then He is faithful and true to keep His promises to you.

Jesus Christ took the death that we should endure.  But, He rose again from the dead to show us there can be victory over death.  Yes, we must die, but we can also be born again (Rom. 10:9).  The grave is not the end for those who accept Jesus Christ.  Dr. Blue shows how death is not a state, but an event.  It’s like walking from one room into another.

The gospel works if you receive it.  Dr. Blue has done an excellent job showing us in these sermons.  He has made it perfectly clear.  Don’t wait!  Do what you need to do to get the good news!

IS THERE A SOCIAL GOSPEL?

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What is the Social Gospel?

Social Gospel

 

By KenBlue

Definition: “Social gospel. 1 : the application of Christian principles to social problems.  2  a movement in American Protestant Christianity especially in the first part of the 20th century to bring the social order into conformity with Christian principles.” Merriam-Webster’s 11th. Collegiate Dictionary.

The first thing I noticed in the above definition is, that the gospel is nowhere mentioned. In fact, I do not believe there is any such thing as a “social” gospel. If there is, I don’t know what it is. As far as I am concerned, there is only one gospel. It is clearly defined in I Cor. 15 and defended in the book of Galatians. The gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ died, was buried and rose again the third day for sinners. This salvation is for anyone who will accept it by faith. This is the only true gospel, and all other gospels are not the gospel at all.

Now, what of the definition given for the social gospel? It appears that some churches are working to get society to accept Christian principles. I noticed that on the Courthouse lawns there are monuments with the Ten Commandments on them. Should these commandments be allowed or removed? Do we want unsaved people to learn Bible principles about life before they are saved? Many would say “no.”

Should a church get involved when a national disaster strikes? Should they feed and clothe the naked and the hungry? Should we withhold the soup until they profess Christ as Savior, or are we allowed to give a bowl of soup in hopes that we can get the gospel to them? What about skid row mission work, orphanages, and helping the sick? Do we have a responsibility to help these, even if they aren’t saved?

[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]The gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ died, was buried and rose again the third day for sinners.[/pullquote]

What about your neighbor, would you help him repair his fence in hope you could witness to him? Would you get his car or animal out of the ditch if he was not saved?

I am fully aware that the number one goal is to get people saved. Is it unscriptural and anti-scriptural to use these avenues to get the gospel to the lost? I don’t think so.

There is no social gospel. There are social programs that any church could get involved in, in order to better their community and get the gospel to a lost world. For example, Open Door Baptist Church used the public school system to get thousands of invitations to the community. Who would fault them for doing that?

Don’t be afraid to get involved in community activities if it will better your community, help people, and open doors for witnessing. Remember, there is no social gospel.

If you can give a clear Scriptural definition of a social gospel, please do so.

 

HOW TO BE A NEW CREATURE IN CHRIST

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IF YOU’RE IN CHRIST, YOU ARE A NEW CREATURE

By Ken Blue

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17.

The Lord Jesus Christ was born without a sinful nature, just as Adam was created without a sinful nature. Although Adam is called the Son of God, it is by virtue of his direct creation. Jesus is the Only Begotten Son, because of His unique birth. However, Jesus was just as much a man as was Adam.

Jesus was human and had every need that man has. He was hungry, thirsty, weary, sleepy, sorrowful, in agony, wept, felt pain, bled and died. There was nothing about his earthly existence that could provide payment for our salvation. His teaching, example, and wonderful life could save no one. To be saved, we must become new creatures.

When Jesus went into the grave, His was a dead, helpless, and lifeless corpse. After three days, He arose in a new glorified body that required none of the Adamic needs. He was not a new creation; He was a new creature, the last Adam, and the head of a generation of new creatures who are in Him.

[pullquote align=”left” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Church, denomination, sincerity, sacrifice, or martyrdom can never save you.[/pullquote]

That is why all the religion and good works in the world can never save any person. Your church, denomination, sincerity, sacrifice, or martyrdom can never save you. You must be in the glorified, risen Christ and be a new creature, as He was.

How is that possible? When Jesus died on the cross, He was dying in your place, as your substitute. He took all your sins and guilt on Himself, and God saw you in His Son! Thus, His death was your death. His burial was your burial, and His resurrection into newness of life was your resurrection. He was made sin for you, and you are made righteous in Him! Therefore, every believer who appropriates His death and resurrection as his own is a new creature in Christ.

If you are not saved, now would be a perfect time to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. If you believe what He died for you and you will accept it by faith, He will save you and make you a new creature in Him. All you need to do is accept Him and tell Him you accept Him as Your Lord and Savior. He will do the rest.

“ That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation… 13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:9-13.

EVER WONDER WHAT HAPPENED TO JOHN THE BAPTIST

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WHY BAPTISTS DON’T FOLLOW JOHN THE BAPTIST

By Ken Blue
The pages of Matthew and mark start out blazing with the ministry of John the Baptist. He is among the prophets, is the greatest born of women and has a unique ministry. Although 400 years of silence has elapsed, John, Jesus, and the Twelve are still operating under the Old Testament Covenant. There is not one word of proof to the contrary.

Mary and Joseph offered sacrifices as prescribed by the Law, at His birth. He was careful to obey the Law during His earthly ministry. “And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city” Nazareth. Luke 2:39. He said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” Matthew 5:17-18. The sacrificial and ceremonial Laws was not fulfilled until He died on the cross and said, “It is finished.” Here is where the Law ended! “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;” Colossians 2:14. To pretend that the Law ended before the cross is unscriptural and dishonest. (Matt. 5:23, 40; 7:12, 8. Luke 10:26; 16:17.

After Jesus had chosen His Twelve, Peter became the central figure and was always in the inner circle of our Lord’s work. However, after Acts 15:7 Peter never shows up again! There are 28 chapters in Acts; wonder what happened to Peter?

Paul says of John, “When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose. Acts 13:24-25. Like Peter, John the Baptist is also forgotten and left behind.

Did you ever notice when the Corinthians were choosing up sides to name their favorite leader, none mentioned John the Baptist! “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:12. Ever wonder why no one claimed John as their leader and teacher? If John is the founder of the Church, isn’t it rather peculiar that no one claimed to follow Him? In fact, the only one who claimed to follow John was Apollos, and he did it ignorantly and had to be corrected by Paul! See Acts 18:24-26.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]John fulfilled his ministry by presenting Christ to Israel, and his followers to Christ.[/perfectpullquote]

The answer is simple. John fulfilled his ministry by presenting Christ to Israel, and his followers to Christ. Peter’s apostolic leadership ended with Israel’s final rejection of Christ. Jerusalem, the temple, the Law, the sacrifices, and the nation were being set aside and a new man and ministry were being introduced by Luke in the second half of Acts. That man was the Apostle Paul.

John the Baptist’s ministry and that of Peter came to a close in the mid-Acts period. (John was killed during the Lord’s earthly ministry; however, some of his followers continued his teachings in ignorance of the change taking place).The new Apostle had a new ministry, a new sphere, and a new gospel. “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:11-12. “For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:” Ephesians 3:1-6.( The “holy apostles and prophets” were the companions of Paul. They were not the Twelve. (Acts 14:4,14. Rom. 16:7. I Cor. 1:1; 4:6, 9. Gal.1:1. I Thess.1:1,6,9; 2:4,6).

So, what happened to John and Peter? They were left behind when it became evident that Israel was not going to repent. The nation and all associated with their Kingdom of Heaven ministry ended, and a NEW MAN was born! “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;” Ephesians 2:15. Where did Peter and John go? Their ministry was finished when God set the nation of Israel aside. Now you know.