Internet Church Service, Sunday, Dec 1, 2013

This week’s sermon title:
The Doctrine of the Second Advent as
it relates to the Christian Soldier. Part 3

Today’s Sermon Message:
The Doctrine of the Second Advent as
it relates to the Christian Soldier. Part 3

Video & Audio

Please join us as we fellowship in the Word of God, listen to
Christian Music, Pray in Christ’s Name and Praise the Lord
in our Hearts and Minds.

ALL ARE WELCOME!!

# # # # # # # #

from - Romans 8:38-39

Thank you for joining us for today’s worship service. Please enjoy the music before you watch and|or listen to today’s message.

TIP to enlarge the print hold down the “Ctrl” key on your key board, while it is being held down, move your mouse forward until the desired print size is just right for you. To return to normal screen size, reverse the process (some will see a % in the lower right corner of your screen, normal is 100%)

The lyrics have been provided so you can sing along with the artist in your mind and soul; imagine that the artist’s voice is your voice. I’m not a very good singer myself so I often get the lyrics for some of my favorites and sing along in my mind and soul, this way it’s as if I’m doing the singing to the Lord; try it.

Hymn #1

Thanksgiving Medley – Lyrics in video
(You can skip the commercial if there is one)

Hymn #2

Fairest Lord Jesus – Lyrics in video
(You can skip the commercial if there is one)

Preparing yourself for the study of God’s Word

Before we begin, if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ (that is— you have trusted in Him for eternal life), it is important to prepare yourself to take-in God’s Word so take a moment to name, cite or acknowledge your sins privately to God the Father.

1 John 1:9 says—“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” NKJV (New King James Version)

If you have never personally believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior (that is, believed in Him for eternal life), the issue for you is not to name your sins; the issue for you is faith alone in Jesus Christ alone:

John 6:47 says: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me (Jesus Christ) has everlasting life.” NKJV

Notice again what John 6:47 says, “he who believes in Me (Jesus Christ) has everlasting life.” It doesn’t say, “will have”; it says, “has.” Therefore, the very moment you believe Jesus Christ’s promise of everlasting life, you have it (it’s really just that simple), and it can never be lost or taken away from you (John 10:28-29). Furthermore, the gift of everlasting life (also called eternal life in scripture) is available to every human being; there are absolutely no exceptions.

John 3:14-18 says: “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” NKJV

Let us now bow our hearts and take a moment to prepare for worship and learning God’s Word, if there is any known sin in your life, this is the time to just cite it privately to God the Father with your thoughts directed towards Him. With your head bowed and your eyes closed, you have total privacy in your mind and soul:

Lectionary

The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart. (Heb. 4:12) GNB-UK

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed. (2 Tim. 3:16-17) GNB-UK

Do your best to win full approval in God's sight, as a worker who is not ashamed of his work, one who correctly teaches the message of God's truth. (2 Tim. 2:15) GNB-UK

Study to show yourself approved to God!

Opening Prayer
(Do your best to make it your own – below is a sample prayer)

Heavenly Father, we pray that we will all be richly edified by Your Word today and that You will make what we study today clear to us. We pray that all participants in this service as well as those who review it at a later date will be edified and blessed by today’s message. We pray this in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen

Our guest Pastor-Teacher is:

Robert McLaughlin - Grace Bible Church
and Robert McLaughlin Bible Ministries

Doctrinal Statement

This ministry is non-denominational and is dedicated to teaching the Word of God from the original languages and making it available at no charge throughout the world.

Today's Sermon

The Doctrine of the Second Advent as
it relates to the Christian Soldier. Part 3

TO VIEW THE SERMON: Right click the link above, a small window will open then left click either “Open in New Window” or “Open in New Tab” and the church service notes page will open, it has three options in the upper right side of the page, right click the link titled “download mp3” and just like before, select either Open New Window or Open New Tab to open the MP3 player, this will leave the notes page open so you can move back to it, so go back to the notes page to follow along in the notes, the streaming audio should begin automatically in your default audio/video player (e.g., Windows Media Player).

(If you need to leave the service, when you come back, to move the MP3 player forward, press and hold the left click down on the player progress bar where you see the little arrow under the time on progress bar and move your mouse forward)

OPTIONAL: On-line Bible – NASB95

If you wish to use it, right click the link and in the drop-down box, left click the "Open Link in New Window"; when the new window opens, reduce the window size of both the on-line bible and the slideshow and configure them to be side-by-side. Also, the window opens to John 3:16, click the word “more” below the verse, you will then see two online bible columns, Use the column on the left as it is set for the NASB95, at the top of the column where you see John 3:16 in the search box, type the book and verse the Pastor asks you to go to a particular Bible verse, e.g., 1tim 5:21, or eph 3:10, etc., then click “Enter” on your key board. You can use the “right column” if you wish for a different bible version but you’ll need to type in the verse you want each time as I directed you for the column on the left side.

Hymn #3

Fill My Cup Lord – Lyrics in video
(You can skip the commercial if there is one)

CLOSING PRAYER:
(Again, below is a sample prayer, do your best to make it your own)

Heavenly Father, we pray that the Holy Spirit will make what I’ve learned today clear to me, for I pray this in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s name. Amen

If you have any questions that are pertinent about today’s message, please don’t hesitate to ask, you are welcome to ask them via a private message or by a reply in today’s post. However, sometimes questions can be real short but require a much longer answer in order to give an adequate answer. If I don’t think that the question is able to be answered quickly I’ll reply back telling you that I’ll research it and get to you with the answer (it may even be a few days as I’m a little slower than I used to be). Please don’t let what I’ve just said make you hesitate to ask questions.

I want to thank all of you who have attended this Sunday service as well as those who will view it at a later time or date.

The following link is to a good news message describing how one can instantly receive eternal life: Ticket to Heaven, it was written for anyone not absolutely certain about their eternal future.

Wkly Bible Study for Dial-Up/Broadband, Nov 25, 2013

The Doctrine of Motivation.

PLEASE READ FIRST

Scripture References, Word & Phrase descriptions: If available on the website you're viewing this on, a few links (i.e., those without an already written scripture quote or brief explanation) are hover pop-up active, meaning the scripture reference will just pop-up if you hover your cursor over it (don’t click on the link, just hover your cursor over it), they work best using the Firefox browser – pop-ups in Internet Explorer, Chrome & other browsers only appear for a few seconds at best. If you don’t have Firefox (or hover pop-ups aren’t available on the website you’re viewing this on), that’s OK, move your cursor off and on the link until it is read; or left click the link which will open the verse at the online bible; or you can always use your Bible to look up the verses.

Prepare yourself for learning the Word of God!

Before we begin, if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ (that is; you have believed [trusted] in Him for His promised gift of eternal life), it is important to prepare yourself to learn God's Word so take a moment to name, cite or acknowledge (confess) your sins privately to God (i.e.; with your thoughts directed only to God the Father).

1 John 1:9 says: "If we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins (known sins) and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness [unknown or forgotten sins]." NKJV (New King James Version) [italics added]

If you have never personally believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior (that is, believed in Him for eternal life), the issue for you is not to name your sins; the issue for you is to have faith alone in Jesus Christ alone for eternal life:

John 6:47 says: "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me (Jesus Christ) has everlasting life." NKJV [italics added]

Notice again what Jesus said in John 6:47: "…he who believes in Me (Jesus Christ) has everlasting life." It doesn't say, "will have"; it says, "has." Therefore, the very moment you believe in Jesus Christ for His promise of everlasting life, you have it (it's really just that simple; nothing more and nothing less), and it can never be taken away from you (John 10:28-29). Furthermore, the gift (Ephesians 2:8c) of everlasting life (also called eternal life in scripture) is available to every human being; there are absolutely no exceptions.

John 3:14-18 says: "¹⁴ And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, ¹⁵ that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. ¹⁸ He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." NKJV

Let us now bow our hearts and take a moment to prepare for worship and learning God's Word. If there is any known sin in your life, this is the time to just cite it privately to God the Father with your thoughts directed towards Him. With your head bowed and your eyes closed, you have total privacy in your mind and soul:

Study to show yourself approved to God!

Grace Bible Church
Robert R. McLaughlin Bible Ministries

The Tree of Life is a weekly teaching summary:
God’s Word is Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings

STUDY TITLE:

The Doctrine of Motivation.


OPTION: If you would prefer to go directly to the Grace Bible Church website to read this study message, all verse reference links are active there (but not hover active) and Enlarged Text is also an available option – right click the above link then left click “Open Link in New Window” or “New Tab”

Terms & Abbreviations used:

PPOG = Predesigned Plan of God
Human Good = Evil + Good Deeds while not in fellowship with God
OSN = Old Sin Nature
TLJC = The Lord Jesus Christ
SSE = Spiritual Self Esteem
PVTD = Positive Volition Towards Doctrine
+H - The Happiness of God
NVTD = Negative Volition Towards Doctrine
Doctrine = Bible Truth

To look up other “terms”, go to:

Alphabetical Listing

BEGIN BIBLE STUDY
Unless otherwise noted, all scripture quotes and references
are from the NASB – New American Standard Bible

The Doctrine of Motivation:

Definition: Motivation means inducement, incentive, influence, or ground for something, the goal or the object of one’s actions. Motivation can be either thinking or emotion.

Let’s note some principles about God:

a. God’s love is eternal; it has always existed; there never was a time when it did not exist. It has no beginning.

God’s love has no beginning, because God is eternal. Therefore, His love is eternal.

b. God’s love exists with or without an object.

c. God’s love has always existed along with the righteousness and justice of God, because they are all a part of the same person. Therefore, the love of God can never be understood apart from understanding the righteousness and justice of God.

d. God’s love has always existed as a part of the integrity of God. God’s love didn’t begin at creation for His creatures. God is love, has always been love, and will always be love. It does not diminish or increase. It is perfect as a part of His integrity. His righteousness always does what is right and His justice always does what is fair. God is always right, and always fair in dealing with us, and now in a fallen state, all His creatures are treated fair and right by means of His merits in grace is to begin to understand His love.

e. The fact that God is eternal means that God has no beginning. Therefore, God does not have motivation, rather He is motivation. To be motivated by something God would have to be under the influence of that something which would make it greater than Him. God is not motivated, He is motivation. Be sure that you understand that God is never motivated by anything. He has always been love, and therefore the Cross (the ultimate expression of His love) has always been a part of His thinking concerning His creatures.

f. Motivation has a beginning with the existence of mankind. Mankind has motivation in the soul.

All of mankind is motivated, whether that is good or bad motivation is the issue in the Christian way of life. Motivation always has a beginning for mankind, but the essence of God has always existed, therefore God is motivation. See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are (1JO 3:1). To the Church-age, God gave the most power to live in His love. To be given the most assets, and the most power is great motivation. To know we’ve been given the most assets and power is to know the integrity and love that God has toward us by means of grace. If the love of the Father would do this for us, as much as it cost Him, won’t He do everything else? To be called children of God by means of His love is to be a member of the one true Royal family. Isn’t that motivating?

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren; and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? (ROM 8:28-32)

The fact that God so loved the world that He gave His own Son shows that God is motivation, and God is love. When you learn this love it begins a motivation in us to respond to God’s many and interconnected doctrines. God’s integrity motivates us, and this includes righteousness and justice as well as love. God does not have to be motivated, because He knew all that would ever happen billions of years before it ever occurred. Motivation in the soul is the result of Bible doctrine in the stream of consciousness, which produces personal love for God. His communication of His love towards us produces the reciprocal effect, and we love Him. Therefore we are motivated by our love for God, and we don’t quit.

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you. (2CO 4:8)

God is love and His eternal love for you always was, and it will never change. Therefore, stop trying to impress God! You were set free by God, and the pastor/teacher is your vehicle to knowing the Word of God, because you cannot simply study it on your own. A major part of humility is to be teachable, and to be teachable you have to submit to a pastor/teacher. This is freeing to understand since we can understand the immutability of God in His dealing with us. God’s love will always be there for us, and therefore God does not need to be motivated. However, when it comes to us, we are in time and we require motivation. Our motivation comes from our love for God. The positive believer is motivated to press on when others would quit. David was motivated by the integrity of God in both prosperity and terrible adversity.

"And after He had removed him, He raised up David to be their king, concerning whom He also testified and said, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My heart, who will do all My will.'“
(ACT 13:22)

What was David after? What motivated David to keep going after monumental failures? Well, what is in God’s heart? The answer is Righteousness and Justice manifested by Love and Grace. This was David’s motivation and this should be ours as well. David’s motivation is expressed in terms of the integrity of God (PSA 89:14; PSA 32:5).

Because God’s justice would be satisfied at the Cross, in grace He not only forgave David the sins that he committed, but He also removed the guilt of wrongdoing from his life. How can God do this? For God, the Cross was a conclusion. The Cross has been forever since eternity past. We think of God in terms of time, but there never was a time when the divine decrees were not in His mind. God’s justice and righteousness were satisfied so that He could treat mankind in love and grace, and this has been His mind forever. God never has to be motivated.

“For the word of the Lord is upright; And all His work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the Lord.” (PSA 33:4-5)

Doctrine, faithfulness, righteousness, justice, unfailing love and grace. This was David’s motivation. Are you motivated as a believer who is after God’s own heart? Has the Righteousness, Justice manifested by the Love and Grace of God, all revealed in Bible doctrine, motivated you to stick with the plan of God for your life no matter what? (PSA 18:30-35). Since we require motivation to keep going in our learning the capacity to love with the love of God, God has provided that motivation.

Human motivation has a beginning in reciprocity, we love because God first loved us, this happens when the Word of the Lord is a part of the soul. God’s eternal integrity motivates the believer, but the believer cannot motivate God. Unfortunately mankind, even believers, are motivated to follow the cosmic system and the doctrines of demons. There is both good and bad emotion; there is both good and bad motivation, but none of it belongs to God.

“I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. Make every effort to come to me soon; for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica;” (2TI 4:1-10)

You will be motivated by what you love. If you love self you will be motivated to live for self. If you love the cosmic system you will be motivated to pursue the things of the world. If you love God you will be motivated to have a closer walk with Him. God motivates us, we do not motivate God. Motivation has a beginning, but God does not have a beginning. God does not have motivation. Motivation is a human function, not a divine function. Therefore, motivation can only be used of God as an anthropopathism. God functions on His eternal integrity with emphasis on the love of God. Integrity is not motivation; it is on a much higher plain. God’s integrity motivates us, and this includes righteousness and justice as well as love. God does not have to be motivated, because He knew all that would ever happen billions of years before it ever occurred.

Blessing or discipline from God originates from His eternal integrity. When God disciplines us, His righteousness and justice have not changed; therefore, neither has His love toward us.

“Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me.” (REV 3:19-20)

The Righteousness of God is the principle, it is the standard of integrity that approves or disapproves. The Justice of God is the function, it is the execution of His integrity that blesses or disciplines. The Love of God is the demonstration of His integrity that provides divine solutions and motivation; principles related to spiritual growth. What the Righteousness of God demands, the Justice of God executes, and the Love of God demonstrates; all expressed by the Grace of God. Divine love is the key to God’s integrity as a point of reference, not God’s motivation. Omniscience always functioned under the integrity of God, so that divine love is the point of reference, not motivation.

Good and pure motivation begins with knowledge of Bible doctrine and reciprocal love for God. We do not advance in the spiritual life without simultaneous action from persistence in perception of doctrine and motivation from reciprocal love for God. Motivation begins with knowledge of Bible doctrine as epignosis. Motivation is the thinking and action of Bible doctrine in the stream of consciousness.

Summary.
a. God operates on His integrity, not on motivation.

b. Motivation is a human function, whether it is emotion or thinking, not a divine function.

c. God motivates us; we do not motivate God.

Conclusion.

God motivates us through divine revelation of Himself in the infallible word of God.

God makes His motivation perspicuous through the mentorship of God the Holy Spirit, Jn 14:26.

“But our Mentor, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will cause you to remember all that I said to you.” (JOH 14:26)

The following link is to a good news message describing how one can receive eternal life:
Ticket to Heaven, it was written for anyone not absolutely certain about their eternal future.

Internet Church Service, Sunday, Nov 24, 2013

This week’s sermon title:
The Doctrine of the Second Advent as
it relates to the Christian Soldier. Part 2

Today’s Sermon Message:
The Doctrine of the Second Advent as
it relates to the Christian Soldier. Part 2

Video & Audio

Please join us as we fellowship in the Word of God, listen to
Christian Music, Pray in Christ’s Name and Praise the Lord
in our Hearts and Minds.

ALL ARE WELCOME!!

# # # # # # # #

from - Romans 8:38-39

Thank you for joining us for today’s worship service. Please enjoy the music before you watch and|or listen to today’s message.

TIP to enlarge the print hold down the “Ctrl” key on your key board, while it is being held down, move your mouse forward until the desired print size is just right for you. To return to normal screen size, reverse the process (some will see a % in the lower right corner of your screen, normal is 100%)

The lyrics have been provided so you can sing along with the artist in your mind and soul; imagine that the artist’s voice is your voice. I’m not a very good singer myself so I often get the lyrics for some of my favorites and sing along in my mind and soul, this way it’s as if I’m doing the singing to the Lord; try it.

Hymn #1

Crown Him With Many Crowns – Lyrics in video
(You can skip the commercial if there is one)

Hymn #2

Crucified With Christ – Lyrics in video
(You can skip the commercial if there is one)

Preparing yourself for the study of God’s Word

Before we begin, if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ (that is— you have trusted in Him for eternal life), it is important to prepare yourself to take-in God’s Word so take a moment to name, cite or acknowledge your sins privately to God the Father.

1 John 1:9 says—“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” NKJV (New King James Version)

If you have never personally believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior (that is, believed in Him for eternal life), the issue for you is not to name your sins; the issue for you is faith alone in Jesus Christ alone:

John 6:47 says: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me (Jesus Christ) has everlasting life.” NKJV

Notice again what John 6:47 says, “he who believes in Me (Jesus Christ) has everlasting life.” It doesn’t say, “will have”; it says, “has.” Therefore, the very moment you believe Jesus Christ’s promise of everlasting life, you have it (it’s really just that simple), and it can never be lost or taken away from you (John 10:28-29). Furthermore, the gift of everlasting life (also called eternal life in scripture) is available to every human being; there are absolutely no exceptions.

John 3:14-18 says: “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” NKJV

Let us now bow our hearts and take a moment to prepare for worship and learning God’s Word, if there is any known sin in your life, this is the time to just cite it privately to God the Father with your thoughts directed towards Him. With your head bowed and your eyes closed, you have total privacy in your mind and soul:

Lectionary

The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart. (Heb. 4:12) GNB-UK

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed. (2 Tim. 3:16-17) GNB-UK

Do your best to win full approval in God's sight, as a worker who is not ashamed of his work, one who correctly teaches the message of God's truth. (2 Tim. 2:15) GNB-UK

Study to show yourself approved to God!

Opening Prayer
(Do your best to make it your own – below is a sample prayer)

Heavenly Father, we pray that we will all be richly edified by Your Word today and that You will make what we study today clear to us. We pray that all participants in this service as well as those who review it at a later date will be edified and blessed by today’s message. We pray this in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen

Our guest Pastor-Teacher is:

Robert McLaughlin - Grace Bible Church
and Robert McLaughlin Bible Ministries

Doctrinal Statement

This ministry is non-denominational and is dedicated to teaching the Word of God from the original languages and making it available at no charge throughout the world.

Today's Sermon

The Doctrine of the Second Advent as
it relates to the Christian Soldier. Part 2

TO VIEW THE SERMON: Right click the link above, a small window will open then left click either “Open in New Window” or “Open in New Tab” and the church service notes page will open, it has three options in the upper right side of the page, right click the link titled “download mp3” and just like before, select either Open New Window or Open New Tab to open the MP3 player, this will leave the notes page open so you can move back to it, so go back to the notes page to follow along in the notes, the streaming audio should begin automatically in your default audio/video player (e.g., Windows Media Player).

(If you need to leave the service, when you come back, to move the MP3 player forward, press and hold the left click down on the player progress bar where you see the little arrow under the time on progress bar and move your mouse forward)

OPTIONAL: On-line Bible – NASB95

If you wish to use it, right click the link and in the drop-down box, left click the "Open Link in New Window"; when the new window opens, reduce the window size of both the on-line bible and the slideshow and configure them to be side-by-side. Also, the window opens to John 3:16, click the word “more” below the verse, you will then see two online bible columns, Use the column on the left as it is set for the NASB95, at the top of the column where you see John 3:16 in the search box, type the book and verse the Pastor asks you to go to a particular Bible verse, e.g., 1tim 5:21, or eph 3:10, etc., then click “Enter” on your key board. You can use the “right column” if you wish for a different bible version but you’ll need to type in the verse you want each time as I directed you for the column on the left side.

Hymn #3

Fairest Lord Jesus – Lyrics in video
(You can skip the commercial if there is one)

CLOSING PRAYER:
(Again, below is a sample prayer, do your best to make it your own)

Heavenly Father, we pray that the Holy Spirit will make what I’ve learned today clear to me, for I pray this in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s name. Amen

If you have any questions that are pertinent about today’s message, please don’t hesitate to ask, you are welcome to ask them via a private message or by a reply in today’s post. However, sometimes questions can be real short but require a much longer answer in order to give an adequate answer. If I don’t think that the question is able to be answered quickly I’ll reply back telling you that I’ll research it and get to you with the answer (it may even be a few days as I’m a little slower than I used to be). Please don’t let what I’ve just said make you hesitate to ask questions.

I want to thank all of you who have attended this Sunday service as well as those who will view it at a later time or date.

The following link is to a good news message describing how one can instantly receive eternal life: Ticket to Heaven, it was written for anyone not absolutely certain about their eternal future.

Wkly Bible Study for Dial-Up/Broadband, Nov 18, 2013

The Royal Family Honor Code and Spiritual Self Esteem.

PLEASE READ FIRST

Scripture References, Word & Phrase descriptions: If available on the website you're viewing this on, a few links (i.e., those without an already written scripture quote or brief explanation) are hover pop-up active, meaning the scripture reference will just pop-up if you hover your cursor over it (don’t click on the link, just hover your cursor over it), they work best using the Firefox browser – pop-ups in Internet Explorer, Chrome & other browsers only appear for a few seconds at best. If you don’t have Firefox (or hover pop-ups aren’t available on the website you’re viewing this on), that’s OK, move your cursor off and on the link until it is read; or left click the link which will open the verse at the online bible; or you can always use your Bible to look up the verses.

Prepare yourself for learning the Word of God!

Before we begin, if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ (that is; you have believed [trusted] in Him for His promised gift of eternal life), it is important to prepare yourself to learn God's Word so take a moment to name, cite or acknowledge (confess) your sins privately to God (i.e.; with your thoughts directed only to God the Father).

1 John 1:9 says: "If we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins (known sins) and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness [unknown or forgotten sins]." NKJV (New King James Version) [italics added]

If you have never personally believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior (that is, believed in Him for eternal life), the issue for you is not to name your sins; the issue for you is to have faith alone in Jesus Christ alone for eternal life:

John 6:47 says: "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me (Jesus Christ) has everlasting life." NKJV [italics added]

Notice again what Jesus said in John 6:47: "…he who believes in Me (Jesus Christ) has everlasting life." It doesn't say, "will have"; it says, "has." Therefore, the very moment you believe in Jesus Christ for His promise of everlasting life, you have it (it's really just that simple; nothing more and nothing less), and it can never be taken away from you (John 10:28-29). Furthermore, the gift (Ephesians 2:8c) of everlasting life (also called eternal life in scripture) is available to every human being; there are absolutely no exceptions.

John 3:14-18 says: "¹⁴ And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, ¹⁵ that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. ¹⁸ He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." NKJV

Let us now bow our hearts and take a moment to prepare for worship and learning God's Word. If there is any known sin in your life, this is the time to just cite it privately to God the Father with your thoughts directed towards Him. With your head bowed and your eyes closed, you have total privacy in your mind and soul:

Study to show yourself approved to God!

Grace Bible Church
Robert R. McLaughlin Bible Ministries

The Tree of Life is a weekly teaching summary:
God’s Word is Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings

STUDY TITLE:

The Royal Family Honor Code and Spiritual Self Esteem.


OPTION: If you would prefer to go directly to the Grace Bible Church website to read this study message, all verse reference links are active there (but not hover active) and Enlarged Text is also an available option – right click the above link then left click “Open Link in New Window” or “New Tab”

Terms & Abbreviations used:

PPOG = Predesigned Plan of God
Human Good = Evil + Good Deeds while not in fellowship with God
OSN = Old Sin Nature
TLJC = The Lord Jesus Christ
SSE = Spiritual Self Esteem
PVTD = Positive Volition Towards Doctrine
+H - The Happiness of God
NVTD = Negative Volition Towards Doctrine
Doctrine = Bible Truth

To look up other “terms”, go to:

Alphabetical Listing

BEGIN BIBLE STUDY
Unless otherwise noted, all scripture quotes and references
are from the NASB – New American Standard Bible

From now on, start becoming strong [plural] by means of the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Pick up and put on the full armor from God, that you may be able to hold your ground against the schemes or the strategies of the devil. Because our struggle is not against blood [people's souls] and flesh [their old sin nature], but against the rulers [these are the archons like Abaddon and Beelzebub], against the powers [demon officers who have phenomenal authority], against the world forces of this darkness [kosmokratoras meaning demons who specialize in possessing or influencing the cosmos or world rulers] against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places or against the spiritual forces of evil in the atmosphere around the earth, the stellar universe and in the presence of God. Because of this, pick up and put on the full armor from God, that you may be able to hold your ground in the day when evil attacks you, even after you have achieved or accomplished everything, hold your ground. Because of this, hold your ground, [after you] have buckled on your combat gear around your waist by means of doctrine, and [after you] have put on the breastplate of righteousness, (EPH 6:10-14, (corrected translation) .

The first piece of armor is the most important; it is the belt or the harness of truth. This is metabolized doctrine in the soul that is ready for application. The rest of the armor is anchored by the belt, so it is the foundation. Next we have the breastplate of righteousness. This is the attainment of divine integrity through consistent perception, metabolization and application of Bible doctrine. So the breastplate of righteousness or integrity is the virtue and the honor attained through the perception of Bible doctrine. There is a similar passage where again Paul uses the breastplate to refer to integrity and Spiritual Self Esteem:

But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. (1TH 5:8)

This means we are to be self-controlled, well balanced and therefore to be in the state of Spiritual Self Esteem. This is a potential, and it is what God requires, but we may or may not achieve it, it all depends on our volition. Inasmuch as we are under God's plan, God's will and God's purpose, this virtue, honor and integrity is required of us. It doesn't start with some system of morality, or some system of doing something that you consider good. Bible doctrine makes it very clear that honor, and integrity are infinitely greater than morality. The Bible also makes it clear that we can only attain this by learning the truth, knowing the truth, and then thinking (applying) the truth. That is the entire integrity package.

The righteousness of God, belongs to God alone, it is a part of His perfect and eternal essence. However, God has provided the thinking, or the mind of Christ, which is Bible doctrine, as our means of attaining the honor, the virtue and the integrity of God. The integrity which God has made available for the believer is developed from living in His righteous word (Bible doctrine) which has to be resident in your soul. It is doctrine in your soul which gives you the integrity or the spiritual strength to handle any situation in life. To be strong spiritually is to operate in the integrity of God which comes from applying doctrine to your particular circumstances in life. This can only come from the consistent intake of Bible Doctrine, and the metabolization and application of it to life. When you live in the doctrine which the Lord tells you to live in, you are living in the righteousness or the integrity of God.

After salvation there is an experiential righteousness which is the breastplate of righteousness, and that is infinitely greater than any system of morality that has ever been designed by man (MAT 5:48; MAT 19:26). This experiential righteousness is called the breastplate of righteousness, but remember that the breastplate of righteousness is actually the integrity of God being provided for us. This brings us to a doctrine which will reveal to us what it means experientially to put on the breastplate of righteousness.

The Doctrine of the Royal Family Honor Code.

Point 1. Definition and Description.

a. The Royal Family honor code, or putting on the breastplate of righteousness, is a system of spiritual integrity mandated by God and revealed in the mystery doctrine of the Church-age. It is really based upon one simple principle, "And the King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, {even} the least {of them,} you did it to Me'” (MAT 25:40).

b. The Royal Family honor code, or putting on the breastplate of righteousness, relates to personal integrity on the part of believers in relationship with others. In fact, the honor code is a supplement to impersonal love for all believers. Again, that's why the Bible says, But since we are of the day, let us attain spiritual self esteem, after we have put on the breastplate of doctrine, and virtue love, (1TH 5:8). The honor code is a extension of impersonal love for all believers, and it centers around two words, Integrity and Truth.

Integrity is defined as adherence to spiritual, moral, and ethical principles related to truth and honesty. We are taught to operate within the four laws of Christian behavior:

The Law of Christian Liberty: The law of liberty is directed toward self. Biblically, the believer has the right to engage in activities that are not sinful, and that will not tempt him to sin (1CO 8:4; 1CO 8:8-9).

The Law of Love: This law is the function of impersonal love directed toward all believers, including the arrogant, legalistic, and the lascivious ones. This is impersonal love directed specifically toward weaker believers. The law of love is especially important when dealing with new believers who are not educated in Bible doctrine, and with educated believers who are still offended by things that are actually legitimate. Under this principle, we are taught to avoid offending or putting a stumbling block in front of a weaker believer. The law of love works with the law of liberty to help us refrain from any activity that may lead another Christian astray, even though that activity may be perfectly legitimate. Under this law, the strong believer denies himself certain permissible activities, strictly for the benefit of weaker believers; however, he must never compromise or confuse this with legalism.

The Law of Expediency: This law is related to the believer as a witness for Jesus Christ. Every believer is an ambassador for Christ, and at times must refrain from certain forms of recreation, or deny himself things he desires. This is not because they are wrong, but because they may hinder an unbeliever from seeing the true issue of salvation (1CO 9:16-23).

The Law of Supreme Sacrifice: This law is directed toward God, and relates to personal love for God the Father and occupation with the Lord Jesus Christ. It generally applies to mature believers who forsake normal living, and legitimate functions in life in order to serve the Lord in a special way. This is the highest law of the Christian way of life; Paul functioned under this principle (1CO 9:1-16).

The honor code has its foundation in the function of spiritual principles as related to truth and integrity. Believers need to understand that at the moment of salvation they are born into the Royal Family with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of aristocracy, and that aristocracy has standards. The Royal Family honor code requires nothing less than the honor, integrity, and virtue that only come through the knowledge of doctrine by the power of the Holy Spirit, and the spiritual growth that results. There are 16 Standards that aristocracy does not condone:

1. Gossip, maligning, or slander.

2. The violation of privacy or interfering in the affairs of others.

3. Apathy or indifference toward the Lord Jesus Christ or the plan of God.

4. Acting independently of God and the Pre-designed Plan of God (PPOG).

5. Immorality, impurity, evil desires and thoughts or greed.

6. Distraction or withdrawal from doctrine (the religious idea of putting aside doctrine and "loving one another").

7. Arrogance, jealously, implacability, or revenge motivation.

8. Sowing discord or strife among the brethren.

9. The rejection of doctrine from one's pastor-teacher.

10. Dishonesty for monetary gain.

11. Fear, worry, anxiety, anger, or hatred.

12. Legalism and self-righteousness.

13. Morality as a substitute for spirituality.

14. Attaining blessing from God through human good, dead works, human

15. Discrediting any pastor-teacher, especially those who communicate Bible doctrine.

16. Failure to love the brethren. How is love manifested? Supreme sacrifice.

Point 2. The Application of Bible Doctrine and the Royal Family Honor Code.

The honor code, or putting on the breastplate of righteousness, is simply an application of Bible doctrine. The application of doctrine under pressure, and in the angelic conflict, and spiritual warfare, requires at least the attainment and function of Spiritual Self Esteem. This is the basis for concluding everything related to integrity. This is also the basis of operations for our relationship with other people. With the attainment of Spiritual Self Esteem the believer learns enough Bible doctrine to make application to every experience in life. This is why Paul said, For the whole law is fulfilled in one word [logo-subject], in the statement, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (GAL 5:14).

One of the great problems of believers is not having self-esteem, which even many unbelievers have. Because many believers lack human self-esteem, they lack the ability to apply any truth or Bible doctrine to their experience. This lack of human self-esteem puts them into a vacuum, and they suffer from many problems of dependency. You are to be dependent on God, but independent from problems. This does not mean you are free from having problems, but freedom from being controlled by those problems.

There can be no Royal Family honor code without this self-esteem. Lack of human self-esteem can only be resolved by the attainment of Spiritual Self Esteem, it is one of the keys to life. With no self-esteem, whether human or spiritual, you are disoriented to life. Without self-esteem you cannot entertain yourself or handle simple problems like loneliness, and problems related to social life. Lack of self-esteem in almost everything in life is disastrous. The greatest disaster is failure to learn, understand, and think in terms of the Royal Family honor code. Many people who accept Christ as their Savior have no self-esteem, and so the PPOG provides the opportunity for Spiritual Self Esteem. Once you enter Christianity without human self-esteem your only chance for having any self-esteem is the attainment of spiritual self-esteem which is far greater than human self-esteem. Human self-esteem can sometimes be frustrating, but spiritual self-esteem is never frustrating.

So many believers lack SSE. Either they have heard the doctrinal principles and rejected them, or else they have never taken the time to learn about who God has made them to be. Remember what the apostle Paul said in 1CO 15:10, But by the grace of God I am what I am. God does not make losers! God has made us brand new creatures, we are a brand new spiritual species. There is no place in the church of Jesus Christ for a low self image, and lack of confidence. If a believer is going to put on the Royal Family honor code and the breastplate of righteousness, he must realize that he is a member of the Royal Family of God. He is an aristocrat, and as we mentioned, aristocracy has standards and protocol. Therefore, the application of Bible doctrine and the Royal Family honor code becomes very important.

Principles concerning Spiritual Self Esteem:
1. Spiritual Self Esteem is that virtue and integrity developed from living in the PPOG whereby the believer's confidence is based on Bible doctrine which he has learned through perception, metabolization and application. The believer's respect for self is linked to grace-orientation.
2. The secret to spiritual self-esteem is respect for God.
3. Spiritual self-esteem is never a system of self-improvement based on advice, counseling, or dependence on others. The only dependence for the attainment of spiritual self-esteem is dependence on faithful Bible teaching from whomever is your right pastor-teacher.
4. Under spiritual self-esteem, you are free from legalistic bullying, people dependence distractions, flattery, counseling and dependence.
5. In fact, spiritual self-esteem is the declaration of independence of your Royal priesthood.
6. Spiritual self-esteem solves the problems of inadequacy, peer pressure, role model arrogance, all the subtleties of arrogance, and fear. SSE is the foundation or stability in the Christian way of life.
7. Spiritual self-esteem never feels threatened by just or unjust criticism.
8. Spiritual self-esteem avoids withdrawal and stuffing your problems and failures into your subconscious.
9. Spiritual self-esteem is the status of solving the unsolvable problems and pressures of this life. It always addresses the problems or failures by using the problem solving devices to make corrections and keeps moving with occupation with Christ.

"He who gets wisdom, loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will prosper." (PRO 19:8)

Wisdom is the end result of perception and metabolization of doctrine. Wisdom is the application of that doctrine to experience. The application goes toward God, toward self, and toward others. The first line of this verse defines Spiritual Self Esteem, He who gets wisdom, loves his own soul. The second line is doctrinal inculcation, he who keeps understanding will prosper.

Biblical documentation also includes:

However, you also, each one of you individually, let him love his wife as himself. (EPH 5:33) The phrase "as himself" is Spiritual Self Esteem. (EPH 5:33).

And one of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, "What commandment is the foremost of all? Jesus answered, "The foremost is, 'Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these." (MAR 12:28-31)

Loving your neighbor as yourself is Spiritual Self Esteem resulting in impersonal love for all mankind.

The following link is to a good news message describing how one can receive eternal life:
Ticket to Heaven, it was written for anyone not absolutely certain about their eternal future.

Internet Church Service, Sunday, Nov 17, 2013

This week’s sermon title:
The Doctrine of the Second Advent as
it relates to the Christian Soldier. Part 1

Today’s Sermon Message:
The Doctrine of the Second Advent as
it relates to the Christian Soldier. Part 1

Video & Audio

Please join us as we fellowship in the Word of God, listen to
Christian Music, Pray in Christ’s Name and Praise the Lord
in our Hearts and Minds.

ALL ARE WELCOME!!

# # # # # # # #

from - Romans 8:38-39

Thank you for joining us for today’s worship service. Please enjoy the music before you watch and|or listen to today’s message.

TIP to enlarge the print hold down the “Ctrl” key on your key board, while it is being held down, move your mouse forward until the desired print size is just right for you. To return to normal screen size, reverse the process (some will see a % in the lower right corner of your screen, normal is 100%)

The lyrics have been provided so you can sing along with the artist in your mind and soul; imagine that the artist’s voice is your voice. I’m not a very good singer myself so I often get the lyrics for some of my favorites and sing along in my mind and soul, this way it’s as if I’m doing the singing to the Lord; try it.

Hymn #1

Change My Heart Oh God – Lyrics in video
(You can skip the commercial if there is one)

Hymn #2

Come Just As You Are – Lyrics in video
(You can skip the commercial if there is one)

Preparing yourself for the study of God’s Word

Before we begin, if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ (that is— you have trusted in Him for eternal life), it is important to prepare yourself to take-in God’s Word so take a moment to name, cite or acknowledge your sins privately to God the Father.

1 John 1:9 says—“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” NKJV (New King James Version)

If you have never personally believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior (that is, believed in Him for eternal life), the issue for you is not to name your sins; the issue for you is faith alone in Jesus Christ alone:

John 6:47 says: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me (Jesus Christ) has everlasting life.” NKJV

Notice again what John 6:47 says, “he who believes in Me (Jesus Christ) has everlasting life.” It doesn’t say, “will have”; it says, “has.” Therefore, the very moment you believe Jesus Christ’s promise of everlasting life, you have it (it’s really just that simple), and it can never be lost or taken away from you (John 10:28-29). Furthermore, the gift of everlasting life (also called eternal life in scripture) is available to every human being; there are absolutely no exceptions.

John 3:14-18 says: “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” NKJV

Let us now bow our hearts and take a moment to prepare for worship and learning God’s Word, if there is any known sin in your life, this is the time to just cite it privately to God the Father with your thoughts directed towards Him. With your head bowed and your eyes closed, you have total privacy in your mind and soul:

Lectionary

The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart. (Heb. 4:12) GNB-UK

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed. (2 Tim. 3:16-17) GNB-UK

Do your best to win full approval in God's sight, as a worker who is not ashamed of his work, one who correctly teaches the message of God's truth. (2 Tim. 2:15) GNB-UK

Study to show yourself approved to God!

Opening Prayer
(Do your best to make it your own – below is a sample prayer)

Heavenly Father, we pray that we will all be richly edified by Your Word today and that You will make what we study today clear to us. We pray that all participants in this service as well as those who review it at a later date will be edified and blessed by today’s message. We pray this in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen

Our guest Pastor-Teacher is:

Robert McLaughlin - Grace Bible Church
and Robert McLaughlin Bible Ministries

Doctrinal Statement

This ministry is non-denominational and is dedicated to teaching the Word of God from the original languages and making it available at no charge throughout the world.

Today's Sermon

The Doctrine of the Second Advent as
it relates to the Christian Soldier. Part 1

TO VIEW THE SERMON: Right click the link above, a small window will open then left click either “Open in New Window” or “Open in New Tab” and the church service notes page will open, it has three options in the upper right side of the page, right click the link titled “download mp3” and just like before, select either Open New Window or Open New Tab to open the MP3 player, this will leave the notes page open so you can move back to it, so go back to the notes page to follow along in the notes, the streaming audio should begin automatically in your default audio/video player (e.g., Windows Media Player).

(If you need to leave the service, when you come back, to move the MP3 player forward, press and hold the left click down on the player progress bar where you see the little arrow under the time on progress bar and move your mouse forward)

OPTIONAL: On-line Bible – NASB95

If you wish to use it, right click the link and in the drop-down box, left click the "Open Link in New Window"; when the new window opens, reduce the window size of both the on-line bible and the slideshow and configure them to be side-by-side. Also, the window opens to John 3:16, click the word “more” below the verse, you will then see two online bible columns, Use the column on the left as it is set for the NASB95, at the top of the column where you see John 3:16 in the search box, type the book and verse the Pastor asks you to go to a particular Bible verse, e.g., 1tim 5:21, or eph 3:10, etc., then click “Enter” on your key board. You can use the “right column” if you wish for a different bible version but you’ll need to type in the verse you want each time as I directed you for the column on the left side.

Hymn #3

Count Your Blessings – Lyrics in video
(You can skip the commercial if there is one)

CLOSING PRAYER:
(Again, below is a sample prayer, do your best to make it your own)

Heavenly Father, we pray that the Holy Spirit will make what I’ve learned today clear to me, for I pray this in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s name. Amen

If you have any questions that are pertinent about today’s message, please don’t hesitate to ask, you are welcome to ask them via a private message or by a reply in today’s post. However, sometimes questions can be real short but require a much longer answer in order to give an adequate answer. If I don’t think that the question is able to be answered quickly I’ll reply back telling you that I’ll research it and get to you with the answer (it may even be a few days as I’m a little slower than I used to be). Please don’t let what I’ve just said make you hesitate to ask questions.

I want to thank all of you who have attended this Sunday service as well as those who will view it at a later time or date.

The following link is to a good news message describing how one can instantly receive eternal life: Ticket to Heaven, it was written for anyone not absolutely certain about their eternal future.

A Tribute to our Veterans.

US Navy and US Marine Corps Tribute

Taps

Wkly Bible Study for Dial-Up/Broadband, Nov 11, 2013

Study: The Church. The Rapture. The Tribulation.

PLEASE READ FIRST

Scripture References, Word & Phrase descriptions: If available on the website you're viewing this on, a few links (i.e., those without an already written scripture quote or brief explanation) are hover pop-up active, meaning the scripture reference will just pop-up if you hover your cursor over it (don’t click on the link, just hover your cursor over it), they work best using the Firefox browser – pop-ups in Internet Explorer, Chrome & other browsers only appear for a few seconds at best. If you don’t have Firefox (or hover pop-ups aren’t available on the website you’re viewing this on), that’s OK, move your cursor off and on the link until it is read; or left click the link which will open the verse at the online bible; or you can always use your Bible to look up the verses.

Prepare yourself for learning the Word of God!

Before we begin, if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ (that is; you have believed [trusted] in Him for His promised gift of eternal life), it is important to prepare yourself to learn God's Word so take a moment to name, cite or acknowledge (confess) your sins privately to God (i.e.; with your thoughts directed only to God the Father).

1 John 1:9 says: "If we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins (known sins) and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness [unknown or forgotten sins]." NKJV (New King James Version) [italics added]

If you have never personally believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior (that is, believed in Him for eternal life), the issue for you is not to name your sins; the issue for you is to have faith alone in Jesus Christ alone for eternal life:

John 6:47 says: "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me (Jesus Christ) has everlasting life." NKJV [italics added]

Notice again what Jesus said in John 6:47: "…he who believes in Me (Jesus Christ) has everlasting life." It doesn't say, "will have"; it says, "has." Therefore, the very moment you believe in Jesus Christ for His promise of everlasting life, you have it (it's really just that simple; nothing more and nothing less), and it can never be taken away from you (John 10:28-29). Furthermore, the gift (Ephesians 2:8c) of everlasting life (also called eternal life in scripture) is available to every human being; there are absolutely no exceptions.

John 3:14-18 says: "¹⁴ And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, ¹⁵ that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. ¹⁸ He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." NKJV

Let us now bow our hearts and take a moment to prepare for worship and learning God's Word. If there is any known sin in your life, this is the time to just cite it privately to God the Father with your thoughts directed towards Him. With your head bowed and your eyes closed, you have total privacy in your mind and soul:

Study to show yourself approved to God!

Grace Bible Church
Robert R. McLaughlin Bible Ministries

The Tree of Life is a weekly teaching summary:
God’s Word is Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings

STUDY TITLE:

The Church.
The Rapture.
The Tribulation.


OPTION: If you would prefer to go directly to the Grace Bible Church website to read this study message, all verse reference links are active there (but not hover active) and Enlarged Text is also an available option – right click the above link then left click “Open Link in New Window” or “New Tab”

Terms & Abbreviations used:

PPOG = Predesigned Plan of God
Human Good = Evil + Good Deeds while not in fellowship with God
OSN = Old Sin Nature
TLJC = The Lord Jesus Christ
SSE = Spiritual Self Esteem
PVTD = Positive Volition Towards Doctrine
+H - The Happiness of God
NVTD = Negative Volition Towards Doctrine
Doctrine = Bible Truth

To look up other “terms”, go to:

Alphabetical Listing

BEGIN BIBLE STUDY
Unless otherwise noted, all scripture quotes and references
are from the NASB – New American Standard Bible

We are noting the sixth, and final, principle that the Lord uses which guarantees the continuance of the human race until the end of human history: divine division and provision of the different dispensations. Throughout human history there are different dispensations given for the continuance of human history. Dispensations are periods of time in human history expressed in terms of divine revelation for that period. Dispensations are the means that God uses by which believers, living at a specific time in history, can adjust to God's will; God's plan and God's purpose for their lives. God's plan is not the same for every dispensation.

There are six dispensations in history and they fall into three categories:

The first is the Theocentric dispensations which refer to the Old Testament periods of time emphasizing and glorifying God the Father's purpose in the divine provision relating to the angelic conflict. There are two of these: The age of the Gentiles in the Old Testament, from Adam to the Exodus generation, 1441 B.C.

The age of the Jew or Israel, from 1441 B.C. to the first Advent of Christ, 4-5 B.C.

Secondly, there are two Christocentric dispensations where the Lord Jesus Christ is the center of the dispensation: The Hypostatic Union, 4-5 B.C. to His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension, 30 A.D.

The Church-age, 30 A.D. to the Rapture, which has not yet occurred.

Finally we have two Eschatological dispensations: The Tribulation, from the rapture to the Second Advent of Christ. The Millennium, from the Second Advent, to the last Judgment.


Those six dispensations are divided into three categories. In each dispensation, there is one member of the Godhead or the Trinity exalted.

We have completed our look at the third dispensation, the Hypostatic-union, which is also the first of the two Christocentric dispensations. Next we take a look at the fourth dispensation, the dispensation of the mystery, the Church-age. In the Church-age, the dispensation of the mystery, our role and our goal is to become invisible heroes glorifying our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord accomplished the strategic victory of the angelic conflict through His salvation ministry on the Cross, plus his physical death, burial, resurrection and ascension. The believer accomplishes the tactical victory of the angelic conflict through his advance to spiritual maturity.

The Church had its beginning on the day of Pentecost, 30 A.D. - 33 A.D.. The Church-age began with the baptism of the Holy Spirit by which the royal family of God is formed. The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when He was taken up, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen. To these He also presented Himself alive, after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over {a period of} forty days, and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God. And gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, "Which, {He said,} you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now" (ACT 1:1-5). The baptism of the Holy Spirit is not an experience; it is God the Holy Spirit entering each Church-age believer into royalty. Things cannot be the same in this age as they were in the past age, after the death of Christ has taken place, His resurrection, His ascension and the advent of the Holy Spirit. Just like things cannot be the same in the coming age as they are in this age, after the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ when He comes to reign on earth. Then Satan will be bound, demons will be imprisoned, Israel will be restored and Old Testament prophecy will be fulfilled.

There are four reasons why the Church began at Pentecost: First, there could be no Church in the world until Christ's death. The Church's relationship to that death is not a mere anticipation, but is based wholly upon His finished work and His precious blood. Secondly, there could be no Church until Christ arose from the dead to provide her with resurrection life (ROM 4:25). Thirdly, there could be no Church until He had ascended upon on high to become the Head. The Church is a new creation with a new federal headship in the resurrected Christ. The Church could not survive a moment without His intercession in heaven (2CO 13:8). That's why you don't touch the Church, she belongs to the Lord. Fourth, there could be no Church on earth until the advent of the Holy Spirit. The Church is a temple for the habitation of God, it is regenerated, baptized and sealed by the Spirit. We have entire movements today who have turned the baptism of the Spirit into an experience. They are all ignorant of the formation of the royal family of God, and resultant positional truth and union with Christ. The day of Pentecost was a celebration of a brand new dispensation, the Church. It was a day when the gift of apostleship was manifested by Peter and the gift of evangelism, miracles, tongues, and interpretations.

The Dispensational Orientation or the Church as the Mystery. The Church was a mystery from the Old Testament ( ROM 16:25-26; EPH 3:1-9). Under the concept of the doctrine of the mystery, the Church was never known before this dispensation. It's doctrines were never proclaimed by Old Testament writers. The Church-age began in Acts chapter 2, and will continue until the royal family of God is completed. Then you have the rapture of the Church (1TH 4:16-17). This is when all members of the Church receive their resurrected bodies. This falls under the concept of royalty has its privileges. Our privilege is to have a resurrected body before any person who is born again in the Old Testament. After the Lord Jesus Christ, the firstfruits, we will be the first to have a resurrected body. When all the royalty is in a resurrection body, God does a great thing. He let's the Jewish age run out, the last seven years called the Tribulation. Then the Bride of Christ, the royal family of God, comes back with Him, and He becomes the ruler of the world. It is then that the Lord Jesus Christ presents the royal family of God to the world as His bride (REV 19:5-16). This is when the winners of the morning star are presented (REV 2:26-28). So the royal family of God, the Church is presented first. So much privilege has been given to us because we are a part of the Church-age and are under mystery doctrine. Mystery doctrine is Church-age doctrine which was unknown to those in the Old Testament. Most of the mystery doctrines of the Church-age are found in the Epistles. This is why we have a New Testament. The epistles clarify and keep us out of the Jewish age. God says in effect, stay out of the dispensation of Israel! Do not try to be a new Israel. Do not try to live by the Mosaic Law. Do not try to live by the Levitical sacrifices or the Levitical priesthood. This is why Paul teaches that if you are minus mystery doctrine you are minus the means and the ability to glorify God (1CO 2:1-8; EPH 1:6-9).

Mystery doctrine is pre-designed around the baptism of the Holy Spirit, or being in union with Christ. Let's notice some principles concerning some of the mystery doctrines of the Church:

1. Certain people would become royalty at the moment of salvation which was a mystery to the Old Testament (EPH 3:6; EPH 5:32). There is no family of God information in the Old Testament.

2. The baptism of the Holy Spirit and positional sanctification (1CO 1:2; 1CO 1:30; 1CO 12:13). Every believer lives in the holy of holies in this dispensation.

3. Every believer would actually be indwelt by God the Holy Spirit (1CO 3:16; 1CO 3:19; 1CO 6:19-20). On the day of Pentecost every believer was indwelt by God the Holy Spirit.

4. The indwelling of the Lord Jesus Christ. Obviously this did not happen in the Old Testament (GAL 2:20; John 14:20).

5. A new contract, the old covenant or contract was done away with (HEB 12:24).

6. The new priesthood. The fact that every believer is a priest is a dramatic change from the Old Testament. The universal priesthood of the Church-age believer was never revealed before (REV 1:6; REV 20:6; 1PE 2:5; 1PE 2:9).

7. The new ministry of God the Holy Spirit. For the first time in all of history every believer is commanded to be filled with the Spirit, walk in the Spirit, grieve not the Holy Spirit.

8. The completed canon of Scripture. Until the canon of Scripture was completed there were certain systems of revelation which were common in the Old Testament such as voices, angels, dreams, visions, trances, all of which were used by God to communicate doctrinal principles. However under the doctrine of the mystery the Scripture is closed and completed.

9. A new type of service. For the first time in history every believer is called to full time Christian service as an ambassador for Christ (2CO 5:20; EPH 6:20).

10. The mystery of the Bride of Christ which is His body, the Church (EPH 5:32). We are said to be "in God" (1TH 1:1). God is "in us" (EPH 4:6). We are "in Christ" (JOH 14:20). Christ is "in us" (COL 1:27).

The uniqueness of the church age is absolutely different from any other dispensation. We have a new classroom, a new means of spiritual growth, a new means of communication (EPH 3:18; HEB 10:25).

The Church-age is the greatest opportunity afforded to individual believers in Christ in all of human history. We now have the privilege of becoming a person with a purpose under the greatest plan from God. Our impact is not only extensive and invisible in human history, but it also extends into the angelic conflict with the elect and fallen angels. As a new spiritual species, you have a greater spiritual impact than Israel had in the Old Testament. You must regard yourself as a member of the royal family of God, with your very own invisible assets plus an absolutely perfect and wonderful plan guaranteed to keep you on top of life as long as you live. You live in the age of the greatest potential dynamics to ever exist in human history.

So, there are two Christocentric dispensations: The first Christocentric dispensation, the Hypostatic Union, terminated with a Resurrection - that of the Lord Jesus Christ. The second Christocentric dispensation will also terminate with a resurrection - that of the Church - and that resurrection is referred to as the Rapture. The Rapture of the Church is when the Lord Jesus Christ comes back in the clouds of the air to take His church or His bride out of the world to forever be with Him. A key point to remember is the doctrine of imminence. Many signs are given to the nation Israel which would precede the Second Coming which is a totally different event than the Rapture. This is so the nation would be living in expectancy when the time of His coming should draw near! Although Israel could not know the day nor the hour, they could know, through these signs, that their redemption is drawing near! To the Church however, no such signs were given. The Church is told to live in the light of the imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ (PHI 3:20; 1TH 1:10; 1TI 6:14; JAM 5:8).

Immanency means impending, or threatening to occur immediately. Immanency is used technically for the fact that no prophecy has to be fulfilled before the Rapture occurs. The Rapture will occur when the last member of the body of Christ is saved. This is why the Church-age is the only dispensation in which there are historical trends, and no prophecy. The Church-age began with an event prophesied, the baptism of the Spirit. Our lord prophesied this in the upper room discourse and just before He ascended. The Church-age ends with the Rapture, which was also prophesied. There is no prophecy between these two events. This means that the Rapture is imminent. It could occur at any time. No one knows the day or the hour. The resurrection of the Church, like our dying, is completely out of our control. Just as we have no control over the time and manner of our death, we have no control over the time and manner of the Rapture.

Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "Death is swallowed up in victory. "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. (1CO 15:51-58)

While there are many things happening today that tell us the Lord's return may very well be imminent, we know that it did not happen for all those generations of Christians who came before us. However, if the only value of living in "expectancy of the Lord" rested in being satisfied by the Lord's actual return during their lifetime, then the fact that Christ has not yet returned would mean that they waited and watched in vain. However, the Lord commanded us to have this "expectant" attitude knowing full well that millions of Christians would be taken to heaven through death before He returned. Therefore, there must be something important about living as though we expect our Lord to return at any moment. One of the reasons that we are to think like this is because a conviction that we could be caught up into heaven at any moment would impart an added seriousness to our lives. When we stop and think about the fleeting nature of our earthly life that should cause us to make every moment count for eternity. It should also remind us of our true citizen¬ship in a world to come which is based upon eternal rather than earthly values. This is the attitude that should certainly characterize our Christian life. Recognizing that at any moment we could be taken to heaven in the Rapture presents a challenge to examine the reality of our faith.

The last two dispensations are called the Eschatological Dispensations. Eschatology is the theological category of last things or future things. We have Two Eschatological dispensations: First the Tribulation, from the Rapture to the Second Advent of Christ. Secondly, the Millennium, from the Second Advent, to the last Judgment. The Tribulation is found in prophecy concerning the course of events in the final seven years of the Jewish dispensation. We must begin this subject with some prophecy concerning the future of planet earth! There is a time coming on this earth which the Bible talks about more than any other period of time in all of human history, including the time that the Lord Jesus Christ walked the shores of Galilee. The removal of all believers from the earth at the Rapture of the Church (1Th 4:13-18), announces the beginning of the Tribulation. Because the Church and Israel are two distinct groups with whom God has a divine plan, one has to be taken away while the other is dealt with.

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve, as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. (1TH 4:13-18)

The Tribulation period starts with the rapture of the Church. It terminates with the Second Advent, or the Second coming of Christ. So, we have the Rapture and the Second Advent and in between we have a short seven year span called the Tribulation. The Tribulation is the Doomsday Dispensation. This period goes from the Rapture of the Church to the Second Advent of Christ, approximately seven years. Rev 6-19 gives the trends of history during this period. This dispensation can also be called: Daniel's 70th Week, the Time of Satan's Desperation. It is Satan's last attempt to try to continue to rule the world. The Tribulation period is prophesied in many passages in the Old Testament: JER 30:4-8;ZEC 14:1-9; DAN 9:26-27; ISA 34:1-6; ISA 63:1-6; DAN 11:40-46; Eze 38-39; ZEC 12:1-3. It is prophesied by our Lord in Mat 24-25. The Tribulation gathers up into seven short years all of man's failures and intensifies them, so that a great portion of the earth's population is destroyed by self-determination from bad decisions. So, there is a time coming on this earth which is called "Satan's Time Of Desperation" "The Day Of Wrath" "The Hour Of trial." It is a period of the greatest power struggle in all of human history. It involves not only people but angelic creatures as well. It is not a time that you would want any of your family members, friends, neighbors, and if you truly understood it, even your enemies to have to go through. It is a great period of wrath on this earth from God and from Satan (ZEP 1:14-18). It is a time of great judgment on the earth like never before (REV 6:12-17). It is said to be a great time of indignation (ISA 26:20-21). A time of trial (REV 3:10). Destruction (JOE 1:15). Darkness (JOE 2:2). Desolation (DAN 9:27). Punishment (ISA 24:20-21). According to the Word of God, this is a time that could take place on this earth tomorrow, because of the immanency of the Rapture.

The Tribulation is the time when Satan seeks to destroy the Jewish population of the earth. That is why anti-Semitism is evil. Anti-Semitism is a person, a group, an organization, or a nation who is hostile to the Jews. This persecution and hostility to the Jews will reach its peak in the Tribulation period. The Church, the body of Christ will not go through this period. This is because the Rapture is used in a technical theological sense for the resurrection of the royal family of God. Since the Church or royal family of God is the first spiritual building to be completed, it is resurrected after our Lord. The Church is the second phase of the first resurrection following the resurrection of Christ. The next phase will be the Old Testament saints at the Second Coming, seven years later. The final phase will be after the 1,000 year Millennial reign of Christ. The Rapture of the Church is God's means of terminating the Church-age and delivering us from the wrath to come (1TH 1:10). This is why TIT 2:13 calls the Rapture or the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ, "Our blessed hope or happy guarantee", even the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus."

The Church-age terminates with the transferring of the Church into the Lord's presence. The Lord Jesus Christ will remove the Church from this world when that terrible Tribulational period comes. Such verses as EPH 3:1-6; COL 1:25-27:1-6; ROM 16:25-26, all make it crystal clear that the Church was a mystery and was not known in the Old Testament. The Church, therefore, could not have been in view in the Old Testament prophecy concerning the Tribulational period. There can be no question that this period will see the wrath of God poured out upon the whole earth. REV 3:10 calls it "that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell upon the earth." The Church does not go through any part of the Tribulation. God never mixes Israel and the Church. When one is operative, the other is not. Each dispensation has a separate plan and purpose. God's plan for Israel was a ritual plan; God's plan for the Church is the PPOG.

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Ticket to Heaven, it was written for anyone not absolutely certain about their eternal future.