PETER AND PAUL PREACHED DIFFERENT GOSPEL

PETER AND PAUL PREACHED DIFFERENT GOSPEL

By: Bishop Albert B. Gran

In my previous post I already expounded that the "CONTRARIWISE" indicates clear observation in the distinctiveness of these gospels. Why I stressed these gospels because there were two gospels stated here in Gal. 2:7  which are the GOSPEL OF CIRCUMCISION to PETER and  the gospel of UNCIRCUMCISION with PAUL. The question is who saw?

⁴ And that because of FALSE BRETHREN unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our LIBERTY (freedom in Christ in the dispensation of grace) which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into BONDAGE (under the law and circumcision):

These false brethren who demanded for the circumcision of Titus were Jews who were avid followers or disciples of Peter and the 12. They were those people in Acts 15:1 who claimed there could be no salvation otherwise if not submitted to Mosaic law of circumcision. The fact merely proved that in Gal. 2 something made significant WHEN THESE PEOPLE who were Peter’s disciples SAW TWO GOSPELS, the GOSPEL OF CIRCUMCISION with PETER and THE GOSPEL OF UNCIRCUMCISION WITH PAUL.

When these disciples of Peter recognized two-fold gospels described being “CONTRARY or CONTRARIWISE” on the part of kingdom disciples who were adherents of LAW (bondage) why should our brothers today thought NOT CONTRARY or THOUGHT OF HAVING EQUAL SIGNIFICANCE in the context of our recent DISPENSATION OF GRACE?

LACK OF DISPENSATIONAL UNDERSTANDING

LIBERTY (in the dispensation of grace through which circumcision is not in view). The reason why these kingdom disciples and adherents of the law of Moses spied Paul and Titus because they saw something strange and difference of their gospel preaching when Paul went back to Jerusalem. The fact that Paul went back to Jerusalem clearly unlock the surmises whether Peter and the 12 had gone to other nation and preach the gospel which clearly gave us the FACTUAL PROOF they had not gone to other nation EXCEPT TO JUST STAY IN JERUSALEM. Notice this verse they assume Peter preached the kingdom to other nations with this instruction.

 Luke 24:47

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, BEGINNING AT JERUSALEM.

The reason why Peter and the 12 would stay in the rest of their lives in Jerusalem because that’s the instruction of Christ to Peter to start preaching repentance and remission of sins by Jesus name. We would therefore note what are Peter’s content preaching when he withstood before the Jews. Let’s consider this:

Acts 2:

 ²² Ye MEN OF ISRAEL, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

²³ Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, YE ( Israel) HAVE TAKEN, and BY WICKED HANDS HAVE CRUCIFIED AND SLAIN:

To read further:

³⁶ Therefore LET ALL THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL KNOW ASSUREDLY, that God hath made the same Jesus, WHOM YE ( ISRAEL)HAVE CRUCIFIED, BOTH LORD AND CHRIST.

³⁷ Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, WHAT SHALL WE DO?

³⁸ Then Peter said unto them, REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERYONE OF YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE REMISSIONS OF SINS, and YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST.

³⁹ For the PROMISE IS UNTO YOU, and TO YOUR CHILDREN, and TO ALL THAT ARE AFAR OFF, even as many as theLord our God shall call.

LET TODAY’S PEOPLE OF GOD LISTEN TO THIS:

It’s really a clear indication that the circumcision gospel of Peter was in reference in view of the law and kingdom in consonance how Christ WAS MADE A MINISTER TO THE CIRCUMCISION ( Rom. 16:8) to confirm the promises made unto the fathers for HIS PEOPLE ISRAEL and through THEM the GENTILE NATIONS.

In Luke 24:47 Jesus Christ made declaration that REPENTANCE AND REMISSION OF SINS should be preached to ALL NATIONS, however, BEGINNING AT JERUSALEM.

One thing why Jesus Christ predicted to preach repentance to ALL NATIONS beginning at Jerusalem? Acts 2 simply provides the answer WHY REPENTANCE WAS DECLARED BEGINNING AT JERUSALEM.

In the prophetic program of God for the NATION ISRAEL, they were those covenanted people through which Gentiles’ blessings depend on them. It’s also through their RISE which made them the royal priesthood of God and the channel of God’s blessings ( Gen. 12;1-2, Ex. 19:1-5, Romans 9 1:10). That account is the time when Paul declared “IN TIME PAST” UNDER THE COMMONWEALTH OF ISRAEL.

The reason why Christ told Peter to preach repentance for the remission of sins BECAUSE THE PROMISED KING AND LORD who reign in David’s throne was executed through the hands of the Jews and their channel of blessing purpose and its effect would no longer be such effective UNTIL EACH (every Jew) SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE. Notice this verse clearly emphasized by Peter:

³⁸ Then Peter said unto them, REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED “EVERYONE OF YOU” IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE REMISSIONS OF SINS, and YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST.

The everyone of you is significant to ALL RECIPIENT OF PETER at the onset who were those of the circumcision in the HOUSE OF ISRAEL. Peter should stay IN JERUSALEM until EVERYONE WILL REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED SO THAT YE (ALL ISRAEL) SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST.

Is there a prophetic promise of this Holy Ghost in the Old Testament? Let’s know Joel as the prophet Peter quoted in his account in the book of Acts.

1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

² And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

³ And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

⁵ And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

Let’s jump in the foregoing verses:

 ¹⁴ But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

¹⁵ For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

¹⁶ But THIS IS THAT WHICH WAS SPOKEN BY THE PROPHET JOEL;

Let’s Look at it from Joel’s prophecy:

Joel 2:27-29

King James Version (KJV)

²⁷ And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.

²⁸ And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

²⁹ And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids IN THOSE DAYS I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT.

That gospel of repentance taught by Jesus Christ to the disciples TO ALL NATIONS BEGINNING WITH JERUSALEM IS A PROPHETIC GOSPEL OF CIRCUMCISION through THE RISE AND BLESSEDNESS OF ISRAEL TO BE THE CHANNELS OF THE GENTILES under the COMMONWEALTH OF ISRAEL. This gospel is in view of the LAW (bondage) and the kingdom through which Christ was set as THE MINISTER TO THE CIRCUMCISION.

Peter’s gospel is a connection to something which was MADE KNOWN BY THE SONS OF MEN whom those were prophets in the OT times while that which was of Paul WAS KEPT SECRET BY THE SONS OF MEN. If the kingdom disciples saw these two gospels why not believers today could still insist to be blinded in the FOLD OF BONDAGE UNDER THE LAW.

ARE WE IN CONSONANCE TO THE COMMONWEALTH OF ISRAEL TODAY WITH PAUL AS  AN APOSTLE TO THE GENTILES?  

Ephesians 2:11-13

King James Version (KJV)

¹¹ Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

¹² That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

¹³ But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Today, we are not in the position to declare THE GOSPEL BEGINNING WITH JERUSALEM DECLARING REPENTANCE AND BAPTISM FOR KILLING THE MESSIAH, KING AND LORD as the stress declared by Peter to ensure the FULFILLMENT OF JOEL’S PROPHECY.

When Paul was converted in Acts 9 with a DIFFERENT COMMISSION AND PLAN FOR BOTH ISRAEL AND GENTILES, LET’S BELIEVE THAT IT’S A MYSTICAL ACCOUNT with differing PROGRAM OF GOD. The giving of this special purpose was set  AFTER CHRIST ASCENDED UP ON HIGH for this DISPENSATION OF GRACE. This is that which was committed to Paul and not to Peter.  It’s no longer IN VIEW AND RISE OF ISRAEL as a blessing to the Gentiles but a plain declaration of BOTH JEWS AND GENTILES as having no DIFFERENCE ( Rom. 3;22, 10:12). The occurrence of that middle wall of partition happened when Christ was crucified but the effect PUTTING NO DIFFERENCE WITH THEM was declared by PAUL. And thus, Gentiles today could have access even without ISRAEL but we have ACCESS INTO THIS GRACE WHEREIN WE STAND.

When Paul was called and had been delineated the MYSTERY TRUTH FOR THIS DISPENSATION OF GRACE, salvation is something NOT BASED UPON CIRCUMCISION. Even the ministerial circumcision purpose of Jesus Christ, IT IS NOT IN EFFECT in view of our recent “BUT NOW” (Eph. 2:11), the DISPENSATION OF GRACE ( Eph. 3:1 -5) through Paul who was made and called by God as our WISE MASTERBUILDER.

Now, when Paul went back to Jerusalem to see Peter it was very significant HE HAD ALREADY BROUGHT A UNIQUE, SPECIAL, NEW gospel not even PETER ADD ANYTHING TO IT.

WHEN IS THE BUT NOW THROUGH WHICH PAUL DECLARED THE CROSS WAS MADE IN EFFECT FOR THE SALVATION OF THE GENTILES APART FROM THE CIRCUMCISION GOSPEL WITH PETER?

Rom. 2:13

¹³ But NOW in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes WERE FAR OFF ( Gentiles who were Aliens from Commonwealth of Israel) are MADE NIGH BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST. 

Is this preaching of Paul in his time called “BUT NOW” coined with WATER BAPTISM the same as what he declared in Acts 2 to repent and be baptized?

1 Cor. 1:17

For Christ SENT ME NOT TO BAPTIZE, but to PREACH THE GOSPEL ( circumcision gospel like Peter): NOT WITH WISDOM OF WORDS, lest the CROSS OF CHRIST SHOULD BE MADE OF NONE EFFECT.

Two-fold things which marred the CROSS OF CHRIST.

1. When add WATER BAPTISM TO IT.
2. If it stands in the wisdom of men through philosophy, tradition and vain deceit

    ( 1 cor. 2:4-6)

Colossians 2:8

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

WHAT IS NEEDED BRETHREN?

2 Timothy 2:15

¹⁵ Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

IS PETER THE APOSTLE IN THE BUT NOW?

A big No! After points of citation Peter calling the children of Israel and for the circumcision purpose he was all along A STEWARD IN MYSTERIES FOR THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM DISTINCT FROM THAT OF THE APOSTLE PETER WITH THE MYSTERY KEPT SECRET.

Did Peter followed Christ? Yes! However, he followed JESUS CHRIST AS THE MINISTER TO THE CIRCUMCISION.

Did Paul followed Christ? Yes! He followed the risen Christ who gave a NEW AND DISTINCT REVELATION TO THE GENTILES TODAY APART FROM THE SUPREMACY OF ISRAEL.

If Paul called us to be follower of Him, what was Paul’s charge when we followed Christ today?

BY PRAYER AND PERSONAL TRUST LISTEN TO THIS:

 2 Corinthians 5:16

Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, THOUGH WE HAVE KNOWN CHRIST AFTER THE FLESH, yet NOW ( IN THE BUT NOW) henceforth KNOW WE HIM NO MORE.

Many today followed the CIRCUMCISION MINISTRY OF CHRIST but PAUL SAID KNOW HIM TODAY AS NO LONGER SUCH. Christ’s circumcision ministry ISN’T FOR YOU TODAY neither the circumcision ministry OF PETER and HIS GOSPEL.

Grace and Peace!

THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE OF MISSION IN ACCORDANCE TO PAULINE PERSPECTIVE

      

THE FUNDAMENTAL  PRINCIPLE  OF MISSION IN ACCORDANCE TO PAULINE PERSPECTIVE

By : Bishop Albert B. Gran

2 Corinthians 5:19-21

King James Version (KJV)

¹⁹ To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

²⁰ Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

²¹ For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

1 Timothy 2:3-5

King James Version (KJV)

³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

⁴ Who WILL ALL MEN TO BE SAVED, and to COME UNTO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH.

⁵ For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Nowadays, the traditional scheme of mission was 

colored with untidy objectives when most preachers aimed at undermining the factual truth based on Pauline perspective. Many are swayed into the classics of secular trend where the purpose of gathering people is all not due to and for the sake of the gospel however, designed to cause malady to the right perspective of Christ’s saving knowledge  and the purpose why grace had set for the salvation of those who had faith and those after got saved shall be established in the name of truth for the gospel’s sake.

TEACHERS HAVING ITCHING EARS

 2 Timothy 4:2-4

King James Version (KJV)

² Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

³ For the time will come when they WILL NOT ENDURE SOUND DOCTRINES; but after their OWN LUSTS shall they heap to themselves teachers, HAVING ITCHING EARS;

⁴ And they shall TURN AWAY THEIR EARS FROM THE TRUTH, and SHALL BE TURNED UNTO FABLES.

Religious pulpits in our times if you noticed were used by preachers described by the verses stated above. In most cases, today’s modern preachers instead of clinging to the sound doctrine, they resort to lustful purpose by being fruitful in words of lies and stories to sound out as though based on Christ’s and the gospel  but seasoned with FABLES contrary to sound doctrines. The mission’s objectives were classified as to how to develop strategy through which more people could be gathered and be used according to their group’s LUSTFUL PURPOSE other than SOUND DOCTRINE. Having clearly observed, most preachers forgot to focus the main objective which is to frame the SOUND GOSPEL how men could be saved. Many diversions today contested the GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD wherein less people gathered in the church clung and embrace for the sake of it. Contrarily, many people today are gathered together just because of other means instead of the sole reason by the gospel of salvation. People were gathered today through witty words of man’s wisdom and speeches; affection set through any given privileges and physical opportunities to mean just because of personal affection and comfort; inner promptings through supposed divine manifestations based on Israel’s promises. Latest trend make youth more active and alive through music and live concerts. These schemes sprung out in the religious society everywhere else in the community.

The truth of the gospel was marred by the their own purpose through which they build up different missions no longer the right mission where salvation and it’s establishment was properly set through sound doctrine which is of course in accordance with Pauline perspective based on the mystery truth. The message of being Christ’s ambassadors and the real purpose set by Christ for us today as his saints.

I heard someone said: “Why can’t you go out and find your own members whom to disciple”? Of course this principle cling on to establish how many religious preachers disciple people to conform their own religious purposes other than imploring the true perspective of discipleship through the saving knowledge of grace with the SOUND DOCTRINE through which the same knowledge shall be passed through others who would be willing to communicate based on sound doctrine to the lost. It may gave us the idea that those who departed from the essential principle of SOUND DOCTRINE for the sake of the world’s view system and rudiments had to be manned face to face to stick on the truth of the SOUND DOCTRINE OF SALVATION and for believers ESTABLISHMENT through SOUND DOCTRINE.

SOUND DOCTRINE OR WORLD SCHEME?

Have you observed this concurring observation how the “Church became worldly and the world became churchy”? This idea incurred mixed principle how both sides were of no difference as to the system they used. Actually, the church embraced the worldly pattern which according to Paul the system of ‘WILL WORSHIP’ after the rudiments of the world apart from SOUND DOCTRINE.

As sensible believer today, it’s really high time to perceive what is that religious mission which they thought Christ’s mission by which many preachers’ objective is not to render mission for the lost instead the lost render their mission for their religion’s mission.

True missionaries or ambassadors were those who after SOUND DOCTRINE perceived THE GRACE OF GOD which restored the losts' lives back to him and laid their lives for the SAKE OF SOUND DOCTRINE. An ambassador has bound with the mission through the GIVEN SOUND MESSAGE but not through the message with the purpose designed from any religious group how they could gain from their disciples. A true missionary or an ambassador is willing to LAY HIS LIFE for the LOST, to suffer for them without any return but not serve the lost asking in return for them and their so-called ministry.

Grace and Peace 

           

BISHOP: THE MOST NEGLECTED OFFICE

PASTORS AND TEACHERS: TEACHING PASTORS

By: Bishop Albert B. Gran

Speaking the truth in love may lead to spiritual growth and edification in the doctrine of spiritual gifts in view of progressive revelation with the truth of the mystery of grace in the dispensation of grace today.

PASTORS AND TEACHERS IN EPHESIANS

 In my previous article I made an explicit presentation how Pastors today are distinct from elders who HATH MADE OVERSEERS by the HOLY SPIRIT. It was plain therefore that these elders in the account of their functions in taking the church of God connect the Holy Spirit’s operation in giving spiritual gifts to the church in the early period of the dispensation of grace when Paul sees the glass darkly which is figurative when the UNITY OF THE FAITH (the body of truth for this dispensation of grace) has not been completed yet. The phrase HATH MADE BY THE SPIRIT plainly emphasized the truth or idea that their designation came from the very source of authority from the third person of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit knowing it’s the time of the Spirit along with Spirit’s gifts such as those for healing, working of miracles, speaking in unknown tongues, etc. 

There’s a question whether those Pastors and teachers in Ephesians 4 were really the same as the elders. To be honest elders and Pastors in Acts 20 and Ephesians were totally different for the following reasons:

1.       The “elders” in Acts 20 indicate the sense that the Holy Spirit had made them overseers and they were those who would take care the church the Body of Christ. However, it has been taught traditionally that those came from the elders of the church would turn out to be ‘wolves’ which draw away disciples after them.  To weigh such a thought or idea, there would be fallacy for that because the calling which made them become overseers is a calling which the Holy Spirit himself designed where they do their function for the flock, the people of God which is the church. In my previous article I made plain explanation why these elders were not Pastors whom Christ gave for the church in Eph. 4 after He ascended up and gave gifts unto men. It’s really a fact that these “Pastors and teachers” has a conclusive sense of one identity as being gift for the church.     

2.       Here’s the explanation as the sense brought in Ephesians 4. If you have noticed as enumerated in verse 11 and it says: And he gave some, apostles; some, prophets; some evangelists; some, pastors and teachers. In the standard of writing following how nouns successively are enumerated dividing through comma, you can notice that “pastors and teachers” has only one identity. It means that a pastor is also a teacher and vice versa. Sometimes the identity of the teaching pastor was clearly set by Paul in his epistles. Take a look 1 Corinthians 12:27-31.  

27. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

28. And God hath set SOME in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly TEACHERS, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

29. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? are all TEACHERS? Are all workers of miracles?

30 Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

31. But COVET EARNESTLY THE BEST GIFTS: and yet SHEW I unto you A MORE EXCELLENT WAY.

As stated above, the word evangelists and pastors are nowhere stated as set by God in the church however the word TEACHER is stated. This is the idea that TEACHER and PASTOR is a sense in one identity and thus, Paul said “PASTOR AND TEACHER” in Eph. 4:11 (teaching Pastor) 

To glimpse in matters of God’s operation during this time when Paul wrote this epistle in 1 Corinthians, we can clearly understand how these SPIRITUAL GIFTS were in placed in the early church when the Holy Spirit plays vital role in the delineation of these spiritual gifts. These are gifts which both include MEN FOR THE SERVICE, AND THE FUNCTIONS OF MEN DOING FOR THE SERVICE. 

Relative to this early delineation of revelation to Paul, the Spirit’s gifts engaged into diverse supernatural manifestations which include miracles, healings, speaking in tongues, and many others. While we can’t deny to include Paul’s charge to the Corinthians to covet earnestly the best gifts (v. 31) yet the fact when Paul wrote this epistle proved there’s a progressive revelation when GOD HAD SET HIS OPERATION FOR THE BODY OF CHRIST. While many ministers today emphasized the understanding of COVETING THOSE GIFTS MENTIONED as Paul charged to the Corinthian believer yet majority didn’t understand Paul told them that he’s going to show to them A MORE EXCELLENT WAY. There are two things we need to understand in the idea that Paul had explained in verse 31 based on the charge.

            EARLY STAGE CHURCH                                                                             

1.   The Godhead directly sets men and the functions of these men in the church along with sign gifts and supernatural manifestations. The Holy Spirit Himself acted in order to reveal His word so that the early church believers might understand what those signs such as those in tongues meant for.That’s the period when Paul was continuously receiving further revelation of this dispensation of   grace.
      

2.    It’s the account  in view of TRANSITION wherein  the word of God is in process of completion to mean Paul  at this time was still receiving information to write the body of truth for the UNITY OF THE FAITH in the  body of Christ.

3.      These spiritual gifts although is in view of the early church however, there is a sense to finish its operation when Paul shall reveal to them through Christ’s revelation the MORE EXCELLENT WAY. The fact of excellent WAY refers to the scheme when the whole revelation of the mystery and Paul’s epistles with an expressed plan of God can be totally delivered to Paul until there would be no more direct revelation left.

THE FULL STATURE CHURCH

Upon completion of the scripture, Paul made charge how every believer can be fully equipped to stand perfect (mature) in Christ and how every man could be edified through God’s word itself (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Holy Spirit today changed it’s operation and manifestation of communicating to man. The Holy Spirit today acted through the Final Authority which is God’s word. As the charge Paul made, he challenged every believer to take the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT which IS THE WORD OF GOD. The utterances of God’s plan in all His wisdom was purely revealed by and through HIS WORD. And thus, the setting of qualified men set through edification also undergo a process of significant change knowing it’s done through ORDINATION. Those who were ordained are elders who ruled his own house with his children. They are not single individuals who were ordained by their Pastors after they graduated from Bible schools. Those elders as per truth in Scripture particularly in Pauline epistles possessed AN OFFICE OF A BISHOP. Bishops according to Paul are God’s stewards and let’s take note that the reason why they became so because they were ordained and recognized by the church as those who are indeed bishops possessing right qualifications.

The ordination of elders to take an office of a Bishop is what lately recognized by others which is designed by God knowing that as per inspiration God called them as stewards (Titus 1:7-12). When there will be relative truth recent in our times not practice and applied before through tradition then let’s bear the full consideration of this issue in full glimpse of acceptance in view of understanding how to open our eyes and see what change took place after the completion of the Holy Scriptures. Our belief of physical intervention, miraculous sign gifts, healing, institution of Lord supper, etc. were those common doctrines affecting two classification of body believers in our times. They were categorically considered as those BABES and SPIRITUAL. Your discernment in this mystery truth in the dispensation of grace matters how you will take His word and harmonize the sense through rightly dividing principles. This is the only way you could be approved in the sight of God.

Today we have the complete word of God enough for us to have the mind of Christ. If thus His word is not complete then we cannot have idea about His will in all wisdom and understanding. As the prayer of Paul states,

                      Colossians 1:8-10

                       King James Version (KJV)

                      ⁸ Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

      ⁹ For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might  be  FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIS WILL in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

¹⁰ That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and   INCREASING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD;

   Paul prayed and greatly desiring how believers might be filled with the knowledge of His will. It’s really impossible to have without HIS COMPLETE WORD supporting the basis of our stand and be grounded in FAITH. He also encouraged us aside from being FRUITFUL IN EVERY GOOD WORK to INCREASE IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD. Which  means there’s already an available information how we could get to know God in all His will in which we have to attain to in order TO INCREASE or level up. The idea of closing minds behind bars of tradition, philosophy and vain deceits won’t qualify our cause to INCREASE IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD. Satan himself will hinder this desire of God in us when man succumb to just remain stagnant and NOT INCREASE IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD.

  Let’s make use his word and be open to each other to teach and admonish one another in the bond of peace and love.

  Grace and peace!

          

  

                  

                                 

     

THE TROUBLE IN CLAIMING ACTS 20 AND TITUS 1 FOR PASTORS AS MODERN OVERSEERS

THE TROUBLE IN CLAIMING ACTS 20 AND TITUS 1 FOR PASTORS AS MODERN OVERSEERS

By: Bishop Albert B. Gran

Acts 20

 ¹⁶ For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

¹⁷ And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

¹⁸ And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,

¹⁹ Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

²⁰ And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,

²¹ Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

²² And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

²³ Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

²⁴ But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

²⁵ And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

²⁶ Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

²⁷ For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

²⁸ Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

²⁹ For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

³⁰ Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

When someone calls to present the truth in love then let anyone decide how was the truth presented by love in the text  above which is  an excerpt from this narrative account of Dr. Luke for us to know today.

Many Pastors today used to claim that they were those whom called to be overseers MADE BY THE HOLY SPIRIT for the church of God, the flock through which they had been taken care of and they used this text to solidify their being an ordained Pastor as though the sense in application as to the command and charged of Paul to the elders. 

   

ELDERS NOT PASTORS

¹⁷ And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and CALLED THE ELDERS OF THE CHURCH.

Who are we to deny this truth to understand those true respondents whom Paul instructed to “TAKE HEED”? If a teacher who had loved to share what’s the truth void of interpretation then he has to speak what else is the truth in this chapter 20 of Acts. However, why many make believed teachers could not speak the truth in love? Why do they need to change the elder to Pastor?

Now, if they presumed to say they speak the truth in love, then without changing God’s wording, and by faith let them supposed to speak the truth that those elders were the true character reference that the context was meant to be per inspiration.

Another observation why the claim for Pastors as overseers of the Holy Spirit in this chapter found its falsity considering that these Pastors in different denominations itself received their designated title as they supposed Pastors of God for His flock through ORDINATION and as confirmed in their doctrine coined by laying of hands.

Now, let’s speak the truth in love. Would you find a verse in Acts 20 through which Paul called these men PASTORS ORDAINED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT? The fact shows the ELDERS WERE THOSE MADE BY THE HOLY SPIRIT AS OVERSEERS.

Now, let’s speak the truth in love that if these ELDERS had made (hath made) by the HOLY SPIRIT AS OVERSEERS the phrase “hath made” shows past action. It’s a done deal ordained purpose of the Spirit’s calling to them. Today’s Pastors who claimed they were one among those overseers fall prey to understand the sense ‘hath made’ for until now they were still doing it continuously by themselves but NOT BY THE HOLY SPIRIT HIMSELF OR DIRECTLY FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT. Their laying on of  hands were thought as their symbol to mean the HOLY SPIRIT approved them and the calling of their office as thought the basis in Acts 13:1-5. Contrarily, today’s Pastors laying of hands did not match to Acts 13:1-5 because PAUL AND BARNABAS were already called by THE SPIRIT before the hands of those prophets and teachers stated in verse 1 are laid. But again their calling AS PASTORS is nowhere in Acts 20 considering that those who were called are ELDERS. Paul himself knew who they were by names but it’s not recorded who were those elders which “hath made” by the overseers. But then again, those were elders not Pastors who were ORDAINED BY PASTORS. 

  

SINGLE PASTORS NOT ELDERS OF THE CHURCH

I speak the truth in love that since those in Acts 20 were elders who hath made by the Holy Spirit, we can relatively perceived what qualification these ELDERS had according to God’s word. In Titus, the qualifications of these ELDERS to be called BISHOPS were clearly set forth when the church will follow the stand point of God.

Titus 1:5-6

  ⁵ For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

⁶ If any be blameless, the HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE, HAVING FAITFUL CHILDREN not accused of riot or unruly.

⁷ For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

I speak the truth in love that ELDERS who was ordained as BISHOP could not be a single person or unmarried. If denominational Pastors were same as elders or Bishops then how come many of them led their denominational churches and even becoming advisers for parenthood to their parents’ members?   

Was their cause to allow single Pastors to lead the church of God a complete ignorance of Scriptures aside from the misconstrued truth to ORDAIN ELDERS for an OFFICE OF A BISHOP? Relatively, this is very common in any denominational churches nowadays. So, if you speak the truth in love how will you negate this existing reality in most denominations in our times? Simply declare the truth how their actions indifferent to what it have been stated in His word. Can you tolerate the idea TO ORDAIN A SINGLE PASTOR (as they falsely claim) as nowhere in the qualification?

More so in this perception next attraction how Pastors today made false claim against Acts 20 and Titus 1.

Grace and Peace.

 

^{WHAT DID YOU THANK THE LORD FOR?}

^{By: Bishop Albert Gran}

^{Colossians 1:12-13}

¹² Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

¹³ Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

This series of lesson was believed to be in gratitude and in appreciation of God’s wonderful blessings in our life which is something not made by our own but that which He had made for our benefits. Last time, we end up verse 11 and understand what seems our understanding would be regarding “God’s might according to his glorious power” corresponding all patience and long-suffering. The groaning without are His already designed will brought by the corrupt nature due to “sins punishment”. However, such groaning can be clothed upon with the might and power of God working in us by overcoming them through patience and long-suffering. Today’s discussion stressed out Paul’s continuing prayer for the saints at Collosae which in tune something made us think about God’s sovereign power working in us through His will written down in Paul’s epistles.   

  

¹² Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

The saints’ life services are down to earth humbly in appreciation and recognition to God’s special purpose which God had made for our completion. God the Father made us all very special because His plans are really for your sake. His plans caused every saint to live a life of gratitude after His will was known through us especially when you know the set heavenly blessings which He provided for you.

It’s evident in the fact mentioned above that the Father (whereby we cry Abba Father) authored today’s saints’ victory due to special form of completion along with His might and power brought by the effect of understanding His word and His will. This kind of understanding allows you to forbear sufferings and endure the same sufferings in life classified as our daily groaning while waiting patiently for God’s deliverance of our body which is the “adoption” (Rom. 8:22-24).

There’s a relative fact which I would like to reiterate for all the saints in particular who are members of the Body of Christ that the cause of our thanksgiving is in effect of the blissful inheritance of the saints in light.

The Body of Christ was designed by God Himself for His glory after that He protected His saints by giving them complete protection through all spiritual equipping in light with the gospel declaring our inheritance which for me something we possessed eternally in the heavens. That’s the nature of His blessings “heavenly” (Eph. 1:3).

The basis why each believer might and should be thankful to God the Father is because he truly understand what God had made him qualified for that inheritance He provided to the saints after becoming member of the church, the Body of Christ.
  

Many believers’ motivation causing them to thank much to God because of the reason of the supposed PHYSICAL BLESSINGS such as the substances they possessed and owned, healing from different infirmities as supposed God’s special miracle working in them. This is the concept taught way back under God’s physical dealing to Israel for the earthly kingdom. Let me clarify that I myself believed healing as far as God taught how we could be healed today. I also believed physical provision in accordance to how we could have physical provision today. Misconception lies when one conjectured that “we pure grace believers” didn’t believe any more physical healing and physical provisions.      

At the onset, these are not the real cause why every saint today should be thankful to God. We must be thankful because God MADE AS NEW IN CHRIST AND WE’RE QUALIFIED AS PARTAKERS OF THE INHERITANCE WITH THE SAINTS IN LIGHT. He made us all victorious each day in our life with the provision of special qualities which are the fruit of the spirit so we know how to live peaceably and godly in our devastated society. He provided us sound wisdom how to attain our physical needs which He entrusted in our hands and to sum up, these are all in effect of HIS WORD WORKING IN US THAT BELIEVED.   

The reason why we became partakers of the inheritance because it is His will and we all knew about this and in order to materialize, God revealed His will to us in His word. And, our understanding cause to obey in all truth because it’s His word or God’s word by all means. It’s His word telling you what caused your life offered how God made you His life-like image based on His will.

Now, let me expound to you any further what Paul calls “Inheritance of the saints in light”.     

  

¹³ Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

These things are God’s enactment how He made you partaker of the saints in light. God delivered us from the power of darkness and had translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.

The reason why our life was classified as “more triumphant” because God after our completion  (as we are complete in Him) changed our status as no longer in agreement with Satan’s policy of evil which is the power of darkness. He already informed us that opposite to Satan’s cunning craftiness we can overcome it by doing what God wanted you to do in accord to Him and Him alone. Again, to be in accord with God it needs understanding what specific information from Himself only what He wants you today and in the context of where you must fit in God’s plan over the ages. Let’s all stick to Pauline instructions and believe it’s the recent instruction of God if you want to live UNDER GRACE.

Why as though many believers today still live in darkness? The reason for that is that they lack understanding as to the full capacity God had offered to them when they trusted the gospel of salvation. Appreciating more and more what God had made for yourself will cause you to all the more behave yourself in the household of God doing what is pleasing to Him.

Another noteworthy statement of Paul is …and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son”. We’re all sure that Jesus Christ’s kingdom promised to the members of the Body of Christ is not the kingdom he taught to the disciples which is to “COME ON EARTH”  but this kingdom signifies relative to the inheritance where we are seated in the heavenly places. That’s the fact why we are blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places.

Imagine that, when God takes you away from Satan’s control He also destined you to the kingdom of Jesus Christ. That’s the reason why Jesus Christ is our head. He’s the head of all members in particular. This is the real kingdom where everybody has to become a part of and not the sense where you are part of a denomination or religion made by man.

Just simply your alternative!

Grace and peace