Saturday, March 21, 2009

Law and Grace (audio) by Hubert Lindsey...a must for all students of the Bible

Making the distinction between Law and Grace is a forgotten doctrine in the Modern Church World. If Law and Grace was understood more today in the Church World there would be less confusion about understanding the differences between the Old Covenant of Law and the New Covenant of Grace we now live under. Law and Grace brings a more clear understanding to the Word of God and how it applies to the Church the body of Christ, in this present Grace Age. Seeing and understanding the distinction between Law and Grace teaches people how to rightly divide the Holy Scriptures. Law and Grace teaches anyone how to see the difference between Israel and the Church, and what Scriptures apply to each Covenant. Law and Grace brings truth that fortifies faith. Law and Grace will clairify confusion caused from spiritualizing or wrongly dividing God's Word. Take 49 minutes out of your life and review the following teaching on Law and Grace. It will revolutionize your thinking and your understanding of God's Word. This writer testifes to such as he was tangled in false teaching and false concepts early in his Salvation experience. May the following teaching on Law and Grace open the Scriptures to your heart and mind...and bless your personal walk with Christ.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Hubert Lindsey Testimony (audio) about being shot in the pulpit...1935

The following audio was a personal testimony given by Brother Lindsey on the subject of "love for fallen man and faith in God". This testimony was originally given by Brother Lindsey at the Church at Birmingham where Hubert was pastor in the late 80's. This audio was re-published in 2008 on a radio broadcast in Fenton Michigan by a dear Brother in the Lord... Jim Denton. This writer recieved that audio clip in 2008 from Jim Denton and is now re-publishing the audio recording on this Blog...for the edification of our listeners who are in Christ.

This audio is a testimony for Christ where Hubert Lindsey speaks out about being shot in the pulpit in 1935. The main theme of this audio is on the subject of Christian love... a "perfect love" given from God and taught in the Holy Bible. The testimony begins from Pauls letter to the Ephesians. May this testimony for Christ bless others who review it's content as much as it has the writer of this Christian Blog.

The Sanctified life...harmony between man and God

Brother Lindsey once told this writer that "Sanctification" was the most sacred theme of the Holy Scriptures. I accept that fact and like Hubert Lindsey... I also rank the subject of sanctification very highly. Sanctification is more than doctrine, "It's the experience of Full Salvation" in the life of a believer. May this Blog help to enlighten all readers and recipients to the truth about God's Word and the experience of the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit.

The sanctified life goes beyond conviction; beyond the new birth; and beyond death to the Old man. It’s the fullness of the work of the Spirit of God experienced in the heart and life of a believer. (Conviction, Regeneration, Spirit Baptism, Justification, Sanctification, circumcision of the flesh, etc.*)  The work of the Holy Spirit is experienced in the personal life, domestic life, social life, the workplace, and religious life. “The first work of the Spirit” reproves the heart of sinful man by making Christ known.

John 16: 8, 9…and when He (the Spirit) is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment, of sin because they believe not on me… (Christ)

*Other examples of the “work of the Holy Spirit” are shown in the life of a believer and can be viewed as: conviction in the heart of a sinner; a leading to repentance which causes men to change their minds; enlightenment that causes men to believe and accept Christ; exposure of the carnal nature; a compelled direction toward the crucifixion of the Old man; all leading to deliverance from indwelling sin; and the miraculous baptism with the Indwelling Spirit.

Inside the experience of the work of the Spirit… life can be seen as; (1.) a path to Justification by faith; (2.) Justification by faith can be seen as a path to crucifixion of self; (3.) crucifixion of self can be seen as a path to the fullness of Sanctification through the Spirit.  Based on mans “belief in Christ” and “what God does” within this heart and life, Sanctification can be seen as the “perfect work of the Holy Spirit”. This perfect operation in the heart and life of man only comes from God and makes any believer complete in Salvation within the realm of Christ. (Present tense)

1Thessalonions 5: 23…and the very God of peace sanctify you wholly (entirely); and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless (present tense) unto the coming of our Lord…

Colossians 2: 9, 10…for in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily and you are complete (fully furnished) in Him…

As the heart of man is reproved in the presence of Christ, man sees himself as he really is.  In light of Christ’s Divine presence secrets from the heart of man can be exposed and uprooted.  The ministry of the Spirit thus teaches man accountability for his own actions and decisions in the sight of God.  The sanctified life has always been Gods Divine will and purpose since the creation of man, even before the fall of Adam.

Ephesians 1:4-5….According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.

2 Thess 2:13-14…because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

During the Old Testament times a sanctified vessel was set apart for God’s sacred use. Now, in  New Testament time the believer (a sanctified vessel) is set apart from things such as sinful acts; lusts of the flesh; pleasures of the world; and /or devices of the Devil.  Separated by the Spirit of Holiness and endued with power (for Gods sacred use) a sanctified man becomes a witness to Christ through the Holy Spirit’s influence in the cleansed heart and soul.  This enduement of power, the baptism with the Holy Ghost is the “full sway of the Holy Spirit” within the cleansed heart and life of a believer that reflects Christ in both word and standard of living.

Luke 24: 49…and behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until you be endued with power from on high…

Acts 1: 8…but you shall receive power, after the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me….

After a believer is filled with the Holy Ghost he thus becomes a witness for Christ to a lost world because he has experienced a newness of life the world doesn’t have.  This person will remember when he received Christ  why he received Christ  and how he received Christ. Testimony on behalf of Christ will be given because of such change.

The enduement of power strengthens a believers witness because of the actual experience of deliverance from Adamic life; this deliverance will provide control over the lust of the flesh; also give endurance to escape temptation; helps to overcome worldly things; and removes doubt and produces immovable faith (in Christ) to resist the Devil. When a man is Sanctified Entire he will have something to testify about because he realizes the source from which it came. This witness for Christ will also be ashamed of the old life.

In light of the human side of Sanctification, the truth of the Gospel message effectually ministers to the human soul as it stirs; moves; and causes men to do right.  Repentance, belief in the truth, acceptance of the Word of God, and crucifixion to the old man are various stages of the “Action of man” because of believers trust in Christ.

Since harmony between man and God has always been the will of God, the power and truth of the Gospel is what places a natural man into communion with God. This deliverance is from man’s fallen state of being.  As the work of the Holy Spirit ministers to the human soul, conviction the action of the Spirit of God sways the heart of man toward acceptance of Christ.  The Spirit’s conviction leads man to repentance and belief of the truth. Repentance and belief of the truth thus become an action of a man who is swayed by the ministry of the Spirit of God.

After man believes, the Spirit of God (on the positive side) teaches, guides, and reveals the person of Christ; (on the negative side) the Spirit’s ministration reproves the old man thus leading him toward the crucifixion of self into a life of obedience to God without an inner struggle.

Death to the Old man; putting off; emptying out;
 or crucifixion of self is what God requires of a believer to be “filled with the Spirit”.  The delivering power of the Baptism with Holy Ghost and fire “destroys the body of sin after!!! a believer is “dead to the old man”.  As a believer does his part by faith and obedience, God does His part through the Sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit.

Note!!! How both sides of sanctification are always Christ centered?

A comparison between the “Action of man” and the “Action of God” is shown to illustrate a life in harmony between man and God in Salvation by Grace, through man’s faith in Christ.

Action of man

• repentance
• belief, faith
• obedience
• putting off the old man
• crucifixion or death to self
• subjection





Action of God
• Grace
• conviction
• salvation
• redemption
• forgiveness of sins
• baptism into the body
• direction from the Spirit
• justification
• sanctification
• baptism with the Holy Ghost
• circumcision of the heart

The Action of God is the perfect operation of God granted (inside the sanctified life). The often misunderstood word perfect relates to the operation of God.

Hebrews 13: 20, 21…Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight…

Both the action of man and the action of God work together to fully furnish believers with the fullness of God thus making them complete in Christ. Being made complete or perfect is what makes man able to do things well pleasing in the sight of God.

Colossians 2: 9, 10…for in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily and you are complete (fully furnished) in Him…

Carefully consider the Biblical language and terminology used in the Bible concerning both the human side and God’s side of a Sanctified life. It will be more than enlightening for all who desire strong meat rather than milk, concerning the Word of truth.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Justification, Regeneration, and the Witness of the Spirit

Biblical *Justification is a pardon granted by God upon the soul of man who trusts in Christ for the forgiveness of sins. After repentance and trusting in the death of Christ alone, God’s justice declares a sinner innocent from all sins committed in the past. Justification by Grace removes the guilt of sin from the human conscience. In a judicial sense a believer is declared righteous by the Justification of God through faith alone in the redemptive work of Christ on the cross. God’s Justification deals with the acts of sin and not the inherited sinful nature.

· Acts 13:38-39…Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
· Rom 3:24-25…being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past

*Regeneration is the Spirit’s restoration of the human soul that saves a believer from eternal death and separation from the mercy of God. A justified man right in the presence of God is passed to life through regeneration. Life in the New Testament is two fold: First, a present life consisting of holiness of heart and obedience to God: Second, to an inherited eternal life which follows death to the physical body beyond the grave. Washing of regeneration, an inward work of the Holy Ghost is granted to a believer by the Mercy and Grace of God through Justification.

· Titus 3:5…Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
· Titus 3:6-7…Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

When a penitent sinner is cleansed from all sin the moral make-up is also restored in Christ. The Holy Spirit re-creates the inner being of a believer through the new birth. This re-creation includes a Divine nature. The mind, conduct, and desires of one born of God are conscious to the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. This person knows God from the heart because of communion in the Spirit. Unlike the sinner, a regenerate man has strength to stop sinning and quit doing wrong as consciousness to the presence of the Holy Spirit takes away sinful desire. The divine nature produces a new desire to live holy and without sin as a child of God should.

· 1 John 3:9…Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin.
· 1 John 4:4… because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Through God’s regenerative work the Holy Spirit bears witness with the spirit of man. This union confirms in the heart of a believer that he’s a child of God and his sins are forgiven.
The *witness of the Holy Spirit testifies Christ inwardly to a believer and brings to knowledge a life of holiness and obedience to God. Every believer has this witness in himself.

· Rom 8:16…The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
· 1 John 5:10…He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself:

***The intent of this teaching Blog is to first bring clarity to the Biblical terms Justification, Regeneration, and Witness of the Spirit unused in everyday language; and second, to confirm an actual Christian experience and its relation to the scriptural reference given…

Another "intent" behind this Christian Blog, "The Churches on Trial"

The fruitfulness of Brother Lindsey's ministry for Christ (in this writers personal life) brings many things to attention. These things have more than enough merit to be testified about in the pages of this Blog. As God reveals... this writer attempts to bring these things of God to life through this Blog (that goes across the world) and through a personal ministry for Christ. Things such as studying the Bible and rightly divividing the Truth are so much needed this day and hour.

Hubert's teaching compels people to do such! Things like being everyday conscious and obedient to the Holy Spirit's presence are so much needed this day and hour. Hubert Lindsey's teachings compel people...to become dependant on Christ. His teachings stir the conscience. This Blog... that publicizes Hubert Lindsey's teachings emphasizes, " Christ wants all men and women to be dependant on Him...not just the teachers!" These are the things that Brother Lindsey taught! These are the things this writer teaches in his personal ministry for Christ! These are the things that people so easily take for granted! Why? Because we are living in a fast paced society...in 2009. Things are moving fast and if we take our attention off of Christ and truth of His Word, "The world's got us".

The intent of this writer's ministry and the intent of this Blog is to continue publicizing Hubert Lindsey's ministry, to continue publicizing the Churches on Trial, and to compel the reader to STUDY THE BIBLE! This stuff stirs the reader to become everyday conscious and obedient to the Holy Spirt's presence. This is what Hubert Lindsey ministered, recorded, and preserved 0nto audio for the sake of the Gospel. This is why the Churches on Trial radio broadcast was aired originally and is aired once again today. This is why God is "Reviving" the Hubert Lindsey ministry...and the Churches on Trial! There is a concealed wealth of knowledge that needs to be revealed and revived. By the Grace of God this writer plans to do such.

Our intent at this Blog is to continue what Brother Lindsey started! To carry on the Apostles doctrine! To sway people to Christ like Brother Lindsey did! To stir people to Christ! To stir people to study..to see if what we are teaching is correct and sound doctrine. This stuff "REVIVES" and "RESTORES". Glory to God in Christ!

May the "Churches on Trial" bless you the reader, "In Jesus' Name". We now have (4) 0riginal Churches on Trial broadcasts; and (2) preaching audios published at this Blog.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Revived ...Churches on Trial (audio) Forth original broadcast 6/14/87...

There's a wealth of Biblical knowledge contained in these "Revived" audios for all who desire to grow in knowledge about Christ and the Bible. This writer is personally thankful to God to be able to review and re-publish the content of these audios... as they strengthen my personal ministry for Christ... as a minister at the Upper Room. These broadcasts will also built others up in the faith as Christ "perfects" the saints for the work of the ministry.

Eph 4:11-12...And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

The Churches on Trial... radio broadcasts and (other recordings) that Brother Lindsey made are in the process of being "Revived" and "Re-published". This Biblical knowledge is far to valuable to be buried away on some dusty shelf.By the Grace of God this writer hopes revive and re-publish this wealth of knowledge for the furtherance of the cause of Christ. God wants it that way...Hubert Lindsey told me personally he wanted it that way, and this writer also wants it that way.Enjoy the broadcast...stop it often...study it closely...and let it's wealth of knowledge confirm the truth of the Word of God in your personal walk with Christ.

Hubert Lindsey classic...Why distinction between Law and Grace?

Why is the distinction between Law and Grace, the church and Israel, and Jew and Gentile so controversial in the church world today? Is it misunderstood? Avoided purposely, or simply because of a lack of knowledge?

Preface

One of the greatest blessings that stems from studying God’s Word is learning to make a distinction between Law and Grace. Rightly dividing the Word of God from this standpoint forms a basis of knowledge that fortifies the faith of any believer in Christ. Right division of the Word of God keeps the Bible in context and thus lays a foundation for prophetic, historical, and geographical knowledge that can be built upon. Unfortunately, the distinction between Law and Grace is hardly recognized in the church world today.

There are numerous reasons why the distinction between Law and Grace is slighted this day and hour. Only God knows the complete answer to why, “But a student that learns to make this distinction also learns when and when not to apply Holy Scripture to the personal life”. Confirmation of Biblical truth touches the soul of man and thus nurtures his nature and relationship to a better consciousness to the presence of God. When distinction is made between Law and Grace, a wealth of knowledge is grown from the history of both Jew and Gentile, the mystery of the church and promises to Israel, and much prophetic content of the Old and New Testaments. Growing in knowledge concerning this subject keeps the Bible interesting and builds a certainty in the life of a child of God. Although contrary to many doctrines today a simple understanding of Law and Grace will confirm, fortify, and unfold Biblical truth for an entire Christian lifetime.

Some find it difficult to recognize when the authority of the Old Testament actually ended. The Old Testament consists of time frames when promises were given to Abraham before the Law, during the writings of the prophets, and when the Law of Moses was given on Mt. Sinai. The ministry of our Lord was also carried out, “Under the Law of Moses”. Old Testament records always referred to the Hebrew nation, Israel, and the Jew, never to the church. New Testament teaching focuses on a time frame of Grace which began at the death of Christ and continues in this present church age within the body of Christ. Under Grace, the church and the Holy Spirits presence in the human soul makes Jew and Gentile both one man in the sight of God. This mystery concealed through ages past is now revealed through the power of preaching the Gospel message.

_____________________

To understand the distinction between Law and Grace it is important to recognize historical time lines and how God worked within these throughout the course of the Bible. The Old Testament records consisted of time frames from creation of the earth, to the creation of Adam, to Cain and Abel, Noah, the flood, Abraham, when the Law was given on Mt. Sinai, until the death and resurrection of Christ. Through every age since creation, men of God through faith and obedience have found a way to receive God’s righteousness. In the period of time before the Law of Moses was given man found righteousness by faith in the promises of God. After the Flood through the years of Noah to Abraham because of man’s immorality the Law and Commandments were given to Israel in order to keep them right in the presence of God. The miracle of the Law of Moses a great blessing of the Old Testament continued until the Promised Messiah came and gave His life at Calvary.

Since Calvary the New Testament has birthed the greatest of God’s blessings. This blessing is the miracle of the church. The church consists of the work of the Holy Spirit given to every member born into of the Spiritual body of Christ. This blessing came through the sacrifice of Christ yet was promised to Abraham hundreds of years before the Law of Moses was given. After the death of Christ the power of the Gospel enabled this promised blessing to come upon a Gentile world.

· Gen 22:18…And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

· Gal 3:14…That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

· Gal 3:16…Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ

How does the Gospel message relate to a distinction between Law and Grace, Jew and Gentile, and the church and Israel? There are two Gospels spoken of in the Bible. These are the Gospel of the Kingdom preached to Israel and the Gospel concerning the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ preached to the church, both Jew and Gentile.

The Gospel of the Kingdom makes reference to Israel under the directive of the Law of Moses. It applies to the earthly ministry of Our Lord and His Messiahship in Jerusalem. John the Baptist also preached this Gospel of the Kingdom. The intent of the Kingdom message was to establish an earthly Messianic Kingdom in Israel which is was recorded in the majority of Old Testament prophecies.

The latter Gospel has no reference to the life of Jesus under the Old Testament. It is a New Testament Gospel that should be preached in the church today. Christ himself after his resurrection commissioned this Gospel to be preached to all nations. This Gospel was mentioned in the Law of Moses, foretold by the Prophets, and written in the Psalms concerning Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

· Luke 24:44-48…And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.

· 1 Cor 15:1-4…Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how 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:

The word Gospel used to title the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John was not written by the original writers. This word was added later by translators in the second century.

Contrary to most teaching today the records of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John focus primarily on the birth and life of Christ under Mosaic Law. The theme of these books was focused mainly on Israel during the Law and not the church under Grace. The historical account of these books conveys the transition from the Old Testament into the New. Only at the end of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John is a relation made to the New Testament. The transition from the covenant of Mosaic Law into the covenant of Grace birthed the body of Christ, the church. This was the beginning of a New Testament.

· Heb 9:15-17…And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth

Through the birth of the church under the Grace covenant there is a greater blessing than the Law of Moses could ever offer Israel through 613 Commandments. This greater blessing is the personality of Christ testified to the hearts of faithful men through the Omnipresence of the Holy Spirit. Inside this blessing of the Holy Spirit is all morality contained within the 613 commandments of the Law of Moses. For what the Law couldn’t provide because of mans inability Divine Grace provided inwardly to faithful men through the work of Christ. Mans moral state of being could now be changed by power of God through faith in Christ.
In this present Church Age we see beyond the shadow of the Law of Moses to a finished work of Christ at Calvary. Inside Christ’s redemptive work on the cross there is no longer a need for the Priesthood, animal sacrifice, or a Temple like Israel used during the period of Mosaic Law.

· Heb 9:11-12…But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

Through prophetic fulfillment of Christ’s death and resurrection the Law of Moses ended and Divine Grace came upon humanity. The once offered sacrifice of the physical body of Christ substituted for the many offerings of animals to a priest once a year under the Law of Moses. Under Mosaic Law the work’s that God required of man to be holy, ceased at Calvary. Man no longer obtained holiness by the deeds of the Law but was now made holy by the work of the Spirit of God within the heart and soul. The sacrifice of the physical body of Christ was Gods plan to create His Spiritual body, the church. Unlike the Temple and Tabernacle for the Jewish people only, this Spiritual body made without hands united both Jew and Gentile into the power, person, and presence, of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Promises from the Old Testament, the Priesthood, and the Prophets were all given to Israel and never to the Gentile. Through Biblical history Gentile people had no knowledge of the Word of God. Gentiles, who knew nothing about the Law of Moses given to Israel, were by conscience a law unto themselves.

· Rom 2:14-15… For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;

The death of Christ was the fullness of God that abolished the Old Testament, united the Jew and Gentile into one body, and birthed the church age 2000 years ago. This miraculous change of dispensation took humanity beyond the covenant of the Law of Moses made with Israel only. The new covenant of Grace under the moral directive of the Holy Spirit made both Jew and Gentile, one new man in the body of Christ.

· Eph 2:13-15…But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 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;

The Church and ministry of the Holy Spirit under Grace are far greater for humanity than anything the Law of Moses ever offered. Why? The work of the Holy Spirit within the human soul contains all morality of the Law of Moses. The Operation of the work of the Spirit is prevalent in the heart of any believer in Christ. Unlike the Law and commandments given to Israel only, Divine Grace made the Holy Spirit’s operation available to both Jew and Gentile who exercise trust alone in the death of Christ for the forgiveness of sins. All New Testament teaching … Acts through Revelation… points to this fact.

When comparing Israel who was given the Prophets and Priesthood, Gentiles were without a covenant relationship with God. Gentiles were considered, “Strangers from the Covenants of Promise”.

· Eph 2:11-13…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; 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: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

· Rom 9:4…Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;

The mystery of the church and the miracle of its birth were revealed to the Jew first but also to the Gentile through the Gospel message. The new covenant of Grace different from the covenant of Law of Moses now included a Gentile world. Gentiles who knew nothing of the Law of Moses or Promises of the Old Testament were now able to reach God through the Holy Spirit by faith in Christ. Faith came to Gentile world by hearing the Gospel message. All that was required of man to have Great Grace was a penitent heart and trust alone in the death of Christ for the forgiveness of sins.

Unlike the Old Testament which concealed the blessing of Gods Promises in the Hebrew nation and Israel, the revealed mystery of the church through the Holy Spirit was now open to an entire Gentile world through the Gospel message.

The time period when the Old Testament ended and the New Testament began was Biblically defined as the dispensation of the fullness of times. God’s fullness through the power of the Holy Spirit revealed the mystery and birth of the Church age we now live in.

· Eph 1:10…That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

· Eph 3:2-6…If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward: 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

Grace…God’s greatest blessing is now offered to the entire human family through the power of the Gospel.

· Rom 1:16…For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek

The Gospel was the power of God unto Salvation that changed man morally and eternally. The true Gospel is what was foretold by the prophets concerning Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus himself commanded the disciples to preach this Gospel to all the world rather than Israel only.

· Luke 24:47…And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations

· Matt 28:19…Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,

Many today take the teaching of Christ under Law and apply it to the present church age. If anyone examines the records of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John closely enough they will learn Christ taught the Law of Moses. The teaching of Christ in proper context applies to a Kingdom Age promised to Israel under the Old Testament.

In the early part of Christ’s ministry the Kingdom message was first commissioned to the disciples to be sown in the region of Israel. These works were carried out by the disciples but later rejected by the masses in Israel. It was after the rejection from Israel that Christ began His proclamation of the crucifixion. Historical evidence within Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John clearly indicates a Kingdom message sown, a Kingdom message rejected, and then Christ’s proclamation of the crucifixion.

Never did the Apostles after the death of Christ preach this same Kingdom of Heaven message given to Israel during Christ’s earthly ministry. New Testament Apostles preached only what Christ secondly commissioned concerning what the Scriptures and the prophets said about His death, burial, and resurrection. Christ’s second commission to the church came after the Kingdom message to Israel was rejected.

· Luke 24:44-48…And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.

· Rom 1:1-5…Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship

When distinction is made between Law and Grace many passages of the Bible become more clearly understood. For example, the Hebrew letter relates to the principles of Christ’s teaching under the Law as to milk of the Word, for babes. Strong meat was referred to those of full age under Grace. These Hebrew Christians were instructed by the Apostle to leave the principles of the doctrine of Christ and go on to Perfection. Perfection here was the acknowledgement of a transition made from the Law given to Israel to Grace provided in the church through the death of a Savior.

· Heb 5:12-6:1…For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection

The misapplication of taking the Law of Moses or Kingdom message given to Israel and applying these to the church today has gone on for centuries. Unfortunately this has become a main channel for spiritualization of the Word of God. Numerous sects and denominations under the title of Christianity have arisen from this form of teaching and continue to take the Bible out of context. As a result, the wrong presentation of these various subjects continues to lead many away from the truth of the Holy Scriptures.

The message of the Kingdom of Heaven preached by John the Baptist, Jesus in the early part of His ministry, the 12 disciples, and then the seventy, was to fulfill Old Testament prophecy concerning Israel’s restoration. It dealt with establishing a Promised Kingdom of Heaven in Israel where Christ would reign as the promised Messiah. This Kingdom of Heaven message was never preached by a Gentile or to a Gentile world. During the earthly ministry of our Lord the disciples were even commanded by Christ not to go to the Gentiles but rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

· Matt 10:5-7…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: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

· Matt 15:24…But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel

After the Gospel of the Kingdom message was preached for approx. 1 ½ years and then rejected, the Earthly Kingdom of Heaven for Israel was postponed. The Kingdom of Heaven message ended. Jesus from this point on in the records of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John began to proclaim His death on the cross. Israel’s rejection of the Kingdom message led to a fulfillment of prophecy concerning His crucifixion. All prophecy in the Bible concerning the Messiahship of Christ was two-fold:

1. The Kingdom of Heaven and restoration of Israel where Christ would reign as Messiah
2. The crucifixion of Christ.

When Christ’s message changed to the crucifixion, prophetically it allowed the Promised Comforter to come upon humanity through His Spiritual body, the Church. The death of Christ ushered in the church as confirmed in New Testament records.

· Acts 20:28…Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

· 1 Cor 12:12-13…For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.,For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles

At the death of Christ the New Testament began. The message changed from the Gospel of the Kingdom to Israel under the Law, to the Gospel of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ to the church under Grace. All morality of the Law of God was now given to the heart of man through the Omnipresence of the Holy Spirit. The Old Testament ended. The covenant of the Law of Moses was taken away and the Grace Covenant was established through the death of Christ.

· Heb 10:9-10…Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Under the Law of Moses the presence of the Spirit of God was limited toward humanity and only recognized in Temple worship. The presence of God was manifest once a year as the priest entered into the Holy place to make atonement for the sins of the people. The fullness of the Holy Spirit was limited during the Old Testament because Christ had not yet been glorified.

· John 7:39…But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.

· Heb 9:6-8…Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing

· Heb 9:11-12…But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

After Christ’s exaltation the dispensation of the Holy Spirit was established under the Grace covenant. Unlike the blessing of the Law of Moses to Israel the work of the Holy Spirit under Grace was a far greater blessing. Why? The Law of Moses was carried out by the works of man. Man struggled to keep the Law. Under Grace the law of the Spirit within the human soul changed the moral make-up of man. Man could do right because righteousness was produced inwardly by the power of God. This work was performed by operation of the Spirit inwardly and not by the effort of man.

· Rom 8:2-4…For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit

During the Kingdom ministry of Our Lord under the Law of Moses authority to cast out demons and heal the sick was delegated to the disciples by Christ. This authority was given to the disciples as a testimony to win Israel into the Kingdom Age. This authority also proved the authority of the Messiahship of Christ.
Authority today in the church is different. Now, authority comes from a resurrected Lord seated at the right hand of God who plans to return and set up the future Kingdom. No believer in the church today has Kingdom authority like the disciples had in the days of Christ. Believers today do things out of subjection to the authority of Christ in heaven. Not by their own authority. Jesus stated that greater works would manifest after His exaltation. These works are not a result of mans own authority, but a result of Christ’s authority from the Throne Room.

· John 14:12…Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

Under the Law of Moses before the fullness of the Holy Spirit was given man was subject to a carnal nature. (Romans 7) This is why the faith of the disciples during Jesus’ earthly ministry was hindered when casting out demons. Doubt and unbelief was the product of their carnal nature. Under Law before the ministry of the Holy Spirit there was no deliverance from this affliction. Without the inner work of the Holy Spirit faith can be hindered by doubt and unbelief.

Under Grace, a Christian who walks in the Spirit is no longer subject to the carnal nature but delivered from it’s dominion by the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. The power of the indwelling Spirit can change the state of man and thus make him an over comer to the flesh. This inner work of the Spirit takes away doubt and unbelief and thus fortifies the faith of a believer.

· Rom 8:8-9…So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Opposite from the defeated life of man struggling to keep the Law of Moses, Grace takes away the struggle and gives the child of God victory over sin and temptation.

· Rom 6:14-15…For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid

As the work of the Holy Spirit testifies truth inwardly as it makes men better witnesses to Christ. The Spirit’s work is a greater work because it doesn’t come from man. It comes by the power of God. It’s not based on human effort, human works, or human ability like under the Law. The work of the Holy Spirit proves the New Testament power of Divine Grace.

· Titus 2:11-12…For the Grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world

The greater works and miracles of the Grace Covenant come through the person of Christ, what He done at Calvary, and what He’s doing now seated from the right hand of God. Healing under Grace comes from Christ in the Throne Room not the authority of the believer. During Christ’s earthly ministry when the leper was healed Christ told him to obey the Law of Moses. This showed Israel’s subjection to the Law of Moses.

· Luke 5:13-14…And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him. And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

Healing today in the church comes from a Living Christ where the recipient is not obligated to show subjection to the Law of Moses. Healing today is strictly based on the work of Christ and has nothing to do with the works of man. In the body of Christ believers are subject to Christ as the head of the church. This kind of subjection takes man out of the picture and allows Christ to operate. As Christ was subject to the Father a believer is therefore subject to Christ in the same manner. By doing these things… in the name of Jesus… signs and miracles shall follow.

· Mark 16:17-18…And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues. They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover

Unfortunately because the Word of God is often taken out of its proper context much harm from spiritualization has seeped into the church world. Most spiritualization comes from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John due to not making a distinction between Law and Grace, the Jew and Gentile, and the Church and Israel. Results from this misapplication of Holy Scripture has shattered the faith of many by giving them false hopes or an intellectual worldly understanding that seems to fade in time.

One of the most common misapplications of the Word of God is to take Promises given to Israel and apply them to the Church or the Gentile today. This type of misapplication of Scripture has hindered many from ever receiving rewards from Christianity that stem from the rightly divided Word of God. The product of this form of doctrine has no depth and offers a no understanding. Without proper Biblical knowledge as a basis of faith many depart from Christ or go cold in their walk with God. Many that have faltered from this misconception perhaps never return back to the Lord. This is tragic.

To make a distinction between Law and Grace is essential for anyone who studies the Bible. It blesses the life of a believer by taking away contradiction, controversy, and confusion. It closes the door of spiritualization to the Holy Scripture. It builds a sure foundation of confirmation and Biblical truth. It allows the Holy Spirit to enlighten rather than man to fantasize. It unfolds Biblical knowledge and enlightens the believer throughout the entire course of a Spirit led life. It’s much needed today in this present Church Age.

Here's a link to the "Law and Grace audio" audio if you care to further your studies...
http://churchesontrial.blogspot.com/2009/03/law-and-grace-audio-by-hubert-lindseya.html

Monday, March 16, 2009

What the Bible teaches about...The Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven

During the years of the Churches on Trial other things for Christ were also taking place. In the midst of Hubert Lindsey’s life and experiences as the "Walking Bible" he was also an author of various books. One of the books he authored was an outstanding teaching on the subjects of the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven. This teaching consisted of a definitive teaching on the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven and how these subjects were both taught from the Old Testament, the four Gospels, and in the New Testament. Clarification on the distinction made between these two Kingdoms is taught very little today in the modern religious world. The Bible does however make a clear distinction between the two Kingdoms. Here’s how Brother Lindsey describes the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven.


  • Kingdom of God…The operation of God that gives man a holy heart. God saves man from his sins; sanctifies him by the Spirit; and gives him a divine nature to live a holy life. A believer receives the Kingdom of God within. This inner work is an invisible and spiritual Kingdom where God reigns over man from His Throne in Heaven.
  • Kingdom of Heaven…The operation of God that gives man the earth to rule and reign. This operation takes place when Christ comes back the second time. In order for any man to receive the Kingdom of Heaven he must first have the Kingdom of God in his heart. The Kingdom of Heaven is an earthly and physical Kingdom where Christ physically rules from His earthly Throne in Jerusalem. All men in the Kingdom of Heaven will have a divine nature.

During the 1980’s after Brother Lindsey was afflicted with blindness the Lunn family Laura and Tom, traveled with and cared for Brother Lindsey and his wife Phoebe. The two families traveled together and campaigned for Christ for approximately 11 years. In 1986 they moved to Detroit Mi. where a set of teaching books were in the process of being completed and published. With the help of Laura Lunn, Brother Lindsey put onto paper his revelation of the Kingdom Message and how this book applies to the truth of the Bible. Within the Kingdom Series (two volumes) a distinction was made between the two Kingdoms; The Kingdom of God being an invisible and spiritual Kingdom; and the Kingdom of Heaven being a visible, physical, and tangible Kingdom on Earth. Brother Lindsey felt that teaching books were necessary to clarify confusion that exists today concerning the misconception of how the two Kingdoms are viewed by the Church-world. A two volume set of books that clarified and brought understanding to the two Kingdoms taught in the Bible were bound and published in the 1980’s. The books were titled, “The Kingdom Series” and published by the Hebron Press in Hebron Ky. To this writers knowledge those books are not in publication at the time of this writing.

Hubert wrote the Kingdom Series books because he felt that right division of the Word of God on the subject of the Kingdom during Christ’s Earthly ministry was not being taught right in mainstream. Hubert warned of the detriment caused from wrongly dividing the Word of God concerning the Kingdom message given to Israel. He realized that misapplication of the Word of God was being applied to the Church today and tainting people’s faith by the thousands. Hubert preached how wrong division of God’s word caused people to become frustrated with their faith in Christ after years of failure and defeat from such wrongful teaching. He believed that erroneous teaching and false concepts that came from wrongly dividing God’s Word caused men to lose faith and their lifetime commitment to Christ. Hubert Lindsey’s Kingdom series books put light on the earthly teachings of Christ to Israel; why Christ taught the parables; and the millennial reign of Christ in His physical Kingdom of Heaven on Earth; and how the reign of Christ was rejected and postponed until the 1000 year reign.

At present this writer knows of only few men of God that teach the Kingdom Message derived from the four Gospels in that same context. One excellent source concerning the Kingdom teaching was written by a scholar in the late 1800’s by the name William E. Blackstone. Blackstone wrote the book, “Jesus is coming” which is used today as a textbook in the modern Church-world. Jesus is Coming is a book that Hubert Lindsey referred to this writer for personal study in 1990. Jesus is Coming is still in publication today and used in seminaries and theological schools across America. Very few teachers besides Hubert Lindsey and William E. Blackstone teach the doctrine of the Kingdom message to Israel in the mainstream today. Here's a link to the W.E Blackstones book titled "Jesus is Coming".

Jesus is coming - W.E. Blackstone

The proper context of the four Gospels has its place. In proper context the four Gospels contain a wealth of knowledge for all students of God’s Word. When the four Gospels are taken out of context and spiritualized, the Bible gets mixed up and people’s faith in Christ becomes frustrated or falls apart over time. The four Gospels contain profound truth about the birth and life of Christ under the Law of Moses. Christ was born under Law, and taught the Law of Moses. The four Gospels relate to the Kingdom message presented to Israel so that God’s Kingdom on Earth could be restored as promised in the Old Testament. Unfortunately the Kingdom message was rejected by Israel during the ministry of Christ and postponed until the 1000 year reign of Christ at His second appearing. When Christ’s Kingdom message to Israel gets all mixed up with the teachings of Grace in the present Church, Biblical truth is mixed up and false concepts are birthed. Wrong division and spiritualization of the Word allows the imagination and opinions of man to run wild thus forming many false teachings.

The Kingdom Message to Israel is a necessary knowledge that builds faith in the promises of God. God’s Promises were given to Israel in the Old Testament. Faith built on the right division of God’s Word will never become frustrated or confused. When the Kingdom message given to Israel is applied to the Church today it’s very misleading. It takes away the right division of God’s Word to Israel and misapplies this teaching to the Church now. This is dangerous because the Bible gets mixed up! What gets mixed up is the truth of God’s Word given to Israel during Christ’s Earthly ministry. When Jesus’ teachings are misapplied to the Church today God’s Promises to Israel are robbed and false teachings become a result. This is very dangerous for any student’s faith in the Word of God. Shallow knowledge means shallow faith. Shallow faith allows people to fall away from Christ.

Hubert’s Kingdom series books and teachings on the Kingdom Message were written with unlimited detail. Hubert greatly clarifies the Kingdom message because of his scholarly understanding of the Law and commandments given to Israel. Hubert’s teaching on the Kingdom is also recorded on audiocassette and CD. The title of this audio series is called, “God’s Theocracy”. It’s a six volume set. God’s Theocracy series deals with (1.) God’s reign before Creation (2.) God’s reign at Creation, (3.) God’s reign during at the giving of Law, (4.) Christ’s Earthly ministry, (5.) God’s reign of Grace in this present Church Age, (6.)And future tense reign of Christ during the Millennium. I hope in due time to post links to these (6) audio teachings... on this Blog. I will keep you posted.
Hubert’s teaching on the Kingdom Series hardly scratches the surface of what he did as a servant for Christ during seven decades in the ministry. This writer finds it rewarding to revive what Brother Lindsey did during those years. Hubert’s preaching and recordings are monumental for this confused generation of people mixed up because of false indoctrination. With gladness this writer states, “Hubert was a very committed minister and stood strong in his teachings and right division of God’s Word. He won a lot of people to Eternity because of the Gospel he preached and the clarity he offered on subjects like the Kingdom message.” Many times this writer heard Brother Lindsey state without hesitation, that he had led perhaps millions to salvation through Christ.

For 72 years Hubert scattered truth across this nation to countless men and women. His monumental teaching on “the Kingdom” is a subject that is a great asset to the Church-world. The Kingdom series on audio and in book form are tools that Brother Lindsey preserved and left behind for us. Hubert desired that all Christians have a well rounded understanding of the Bible. The books and audios that Hubert made are only a few of the many tools that allowed Brother Lindsey to grow people’s faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Hubert Lindsey advocated knowledge because he knew it made people better witnesses for the cause of Christ.