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Msg #1535 Ephesians' Introduction
What The Bible Says
Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Diagramming sentences is often the best and sometimes the only way of capturing what Scripture contains. The sentences of Ephesians' introduction are burdensome and run-on. That is not a criticism, it is an observation: when God writes a run-on sentence, “run-on” may be the wrong cliché to assign to it. In any regard, diagramming Paul's introduction yields a five-seven-and five list of what the Father-Son-and Holy Ghost does in this new dispensation called grace. When the body of this book is analyzed each of these introduction pieces will preach as an explanatory list. There are five things that God the father has done in this new dispensation, “to the praise of the glory of his grace” (Be sure the list is expounded “to the praise of the glory of his grace”); seven things the Christ has done in this new dispensation of grace, “that we should be to the praise of his glory” (Again, take particular note of the purpose); and lastly, five things which the Holy Spirit of God does, these being “to the praise of his glory.” Such a powerful introduction commands that our attention be focused on the body of this letter. What God did, what Christ has accomplished, and what the Holy Spirit is doing, all to usher in a new dispensation of grace, is the meat of this letter. Sorry John Calvin and “Institutes of the Christian Religion,” this is not the old covenant refurbished or reformed, it is the new covenant in his blood. The first step in the study of such a dissertation should be in understanding Paul's use of the word “dispensation.” It unlocks the “mystery” of what Paul is writing to these Gentiles. Now watch this. (Careful, the infamous red-neck's words before you call the ambulance are always: “Watch this!”)
An Essay for week #35 Aug 30, 2015
Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs150830.mp3
In blog http://www.theology.gsbaptistchurch.com
In paperback at www.lulu.com/spotlight/GSBaptistChurch
Msg #1446 In Everything Give Thanks
What The Bible Says
Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
The wisest philosopher cannot account for the ongoing attitude of the born again believer who practices the three perpetuals of Christianity. Solomon ponders this dilemma in Ecc 9:1-3a, “For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them. All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath. This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all…” Bad things do happen to good people. But when a believer practices God's command to “pray without ceasing,” those things cannot cause him to faint. “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” (Luke 18:1) When a believer can “rejoice evermore”, these things cannot overpower his joy. And when the believer learns the value of God's command, “In everything give thanks,” the rational philosopher stumbles before the supernatural God who holds us in his hand. It is amazing what praising will do. God changes brain chemistry when you “Count your many blessings.” Romans accounts man's decline from God, and the first step is “they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful.” (1:21) Don't approach that first step; many have fallen down the whole flight of stairs. Be thankful you were born in a country that still has a National Day of Thanks Giving. Then take full advantage of that fourth Thursday of November.
An Essay for week #46 11/16/2014
In paperback at www.lulu.com/spotlight/GSBaptistChurch
In paperback at www.lulu.com/spotlight/GSBaptistChurch
Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs141116.mp3
View Thesis “Reformed Theology NOT” at www.Theology.GSBaptistChurch.com
Msg #1312 A Passover Lamb Without Blemish
What The Bible Says
Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
The days leading up to Easter Sunday mark a very precious time for the Bible believing Christian. It has nothing to do with pagan ashes on ones forehead and the Roman practice of lent. It has everything to do with rightly dividing Scripture and God's unfolding calendar. In accord with Exodus 12 where the first passover lamb was selected on the 10th of the Hebrew month Abib, and slain on the 14th day of their first month, even so on the 10th of Abib they selected the last Passover Lamb when they cried, “Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.” Then on the 14th day of that month they cried, “Crucify him, Crucify him.” Between the 10th day and the 14th day they were to separate the lamb from the flock, watching to be sure it was without spot or blemish before it was slain as their passover lamb. We have ample Scripture to examine the Lamb of God. Scripture reports how he was daily in the temple teaching and healing. On that Palm Sunday after his Triumphal entry he went to the Temple and overthrew the money changers. After cursing a fig tree he arrived at the Temple early on Monday to do the same. On Tuesday morning early the disciples noted the withered tree and a lawyer asked about the first commandment. On Wednesday he took his disciples to an upper room and washed their feet. Don't let some clergy tell you what he thinks, search the Scriptures and find the perfect Passover Lamb and receive him as your Lord and Saviour. If you already have, examine the Lamb again this year and marvel again how he is without spot and blemish.
An Essay for week #12 Sun, Mar 24, 13
Published at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/ppulpit
In paperback at http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/GSBaptistChurch
In free ebook at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/ebooks
Msg#2529a The Mystery Godliness What The Bible Says Good Samaritan’s Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice “And without controversy great is […]