God’s Word 101-C www.BiblePoint.com Copyright © 2000-2007. All rights reserved. Bible Point is a registered trademark of Dennis Henderson. All other trademarks acknowledged. Bible Point contains graphics from Bible Point artists. These illustrations belong to Bible Point and the respective artists. You may use the designs and illustrations for graphical illustration of lessons free and without special permission, provided they are not used in any way that maligns the Christian faith. Furthermore, republication or production of any illustration by any other graphic service whether it be in book, in a machine-readable form, or in any other design resource is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, they cannot be duplicated or resold as any other form of publishing, clip art, or graphic resource. So What does it mean? (A simple translations of the legal jargon) So, if you don’t own the presentation(s), graphic(s), and text(s) how can you legally use them? The purchase of the license allows you to use all the images in the product. However, the actual ownership and copyright of the presentation(s), graphic(s), and text(s) remain the property of Bible Point and its licensors. If you had plans on using this product in your “for sale” work—think again! License Agreement Article 1: License Grant All the graphics and text in Bible Point presentations (excluding quotes from the Bible and stated sources) are the intellectual and real property of Bible Point and its licensors, and is protected by law, including United States copyright laws and international treaties. Bible Point grants to you a license: 1. To use the presentation in a single church, single school, or single office of a Christian organization. 2. To make a single archival back-up copy of the program. 3. To modify the presentation(s) and merge with other presentations in a single church, school, or Christian organization. 4. To transfer to another party if that party agrees to accept the terms and conditions of this agreement, and you do not retain any copies of the presentation, whether printed, machine readable, modified, or merged form. Article 2: Terms This license is effective until terminated. You may terminate the license at any time by destroying the presentation(s), graphic(s), or text(s) together with all copies, modifications and merged portions in any form. Bible Point may terminate your license if you fail to comply with this Agreement. You agree, upon such termination, for any reason, to destroy the presentation(s), graphics, and text(s) with all copies, modifications, and merged portions in any form. Article 3: Disclaimers 1. Bible Point presentations, graphics, and texts are licensed to you As Is. You, the consumer, bear the entire risk relating to the quality and performance of the presentation(s), graphic(s), or text(s). In no event will Bible Point be liable for damages resulting from any defect. 2. Thirty-day limited warrantee on disks. Bible Point warrants the disks to be free of defects in material and workmanship under normal use for 30 days after purchase. During the 30-day period you may return a defective presentation, graphic, or text with proof of purchase and it will be replaced without charge, unless the presentation is damaged by misuse. Article 4: General 1. You may not sub-license, assign, or transfer the license of the presentation(s), graphic(s), or text(s) except as provided by this Agreement. 2. This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Michigan. May I let someone borrow or copy my licensed Bible Point presentation (even after I modified it)? As long as it is within your local church, or single school, or the immediate office of a Christian organization you may. Otherwise, please refer the person interested in borrowing to: http://www.biblepoint.com or E-mail: dh@biblepoint.com with any related questions. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright©1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. www.BiblePoint.com

God’s Word (Part 3)

Let’s Review: Hebrew 1:1, 2 SPOKE “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” SPOKE

God spoke . . . Through prophets

God spoke . . . Through prophets Through visions

God spoke . . . Through prophets Through visions Through dreams

God spoke . . . Through prophets Through visions Through dreams Through voices

God spoke . . . YES NO Through prophets Through visions Through dreams Through voices Through lots YES NO

God spoke . . . Through prophets Through visions Through dreams Through voices Through lots Through theophanies

God spoke . . . Through prophets Through visions Through dreams Through voices Through lots Through theophanies Through writing

God spoke . . . ONE WAY Through prophets Through visions Through dreams Through voices Through lots Through theophanies Through writing Through miracles ONE WAY

God spoke . . . Through prophets Through visions Through dreams Through voices Through lots Through theophanies Through writing Through miracles Through incarnation

“The heavens declare the glory of God” GOD SPEAKS: Through… CREATION! Through… CREATION! “he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.” 1:2 Psalm 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God” and Romans 1:18-20

GOD SPEAKS: Through… CREATION! Through… CREATION! Reveals FOUR Things about God: FOUR

GOD SPEAKS: Through... CREATION! 1.The Glory of God (Ps 19:1) 2.The Wrath of God (Rom 1:18) 3.The Power of God (Rom 1:20) 4.The Nature of God (Rom 1:20)

inscribed as Scripture and was . . . SOME OF WHICH WAS inscribed as Scripture and was . . .

God-breathed! GOD All Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16) “All” = every word “Scripture” = the inscribed revelation “God-breathed” = the source is God; the product is “the Word of God!”

SO, HOW DID GOD DO IT? God-breathed! GOD All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, ... SO, HOW DID GOD DO IT?

Superintendence: 2 Peter 1:20-21 “no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man,

GOD Superintendence: 21“but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

What books belong in the Bible? Only “God-breathed” books belong in the Bible. Therefore, the standard, measuring rod, for books belonging in the Bible is “God-breathed-ness.” In the ancient world the word for measuring rod was “Canon.”

What books belong in the Bible? John 10:25-27 Jesus answered, “... The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Miracles speak because they are revelation. ONE WAY They point to Christ!

What books belong in the Bible? John 10:25-27 Jesus answered, “... The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Miracles speak because they are revelation. Believers are Christ’s sheep

What books belong in the Bible? John 10:25-27 Jesus answered, “... The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Miracles speak because they are revelation. Believers are Christ’s sheep Christ’s sheep “hear” his voice in God’s revelation.

What books belong in the Bible? John 10:25-27 Jesus answered, “... The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Miracles speak because they are revelation. Believers are Christ’s sheep Christ’s sheep “hear” his voice in God’s revelation. They follow His voice.

What books belong in the Bible? John 10:25-27 Jesus answered, “... The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Historically, the sheep, as a corporate entity (church), have recognized God’s voice in only in 66 books of the Bible. The books that they have corporately acknowledges are called “canonical books.”

The Bible is a Library of 66 books.

Preservation Genesis 1:1 Matthew 5:18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

Preservation Genesis 1:1 Matthew 5:18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

Preservation Genesis 1:1 Matthew 5:18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. R

Preservation Genesis 1:1 Matthew 5:18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. D

Preservation Matthew 5:18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

Therefore God’s normal way of speaking to us is through His Word!

INTERPRETATION: Since God has spoken in the past to our forefathers through the prophets, the revelation is both: 1) Historical--took place in past 2) Objective--took place in reality Therefore, the interpretation must be: 1) Historical--taken literally 2) Objective--taken grammatically

INTERPRETATION: A consistent literal (grammatical and historical) interpretation leads to “dispensationalism.” ? What is “dispensationalism?” Glad you asked . . .

The Word Dispensationalism... comes from the Greek word for a “steward.” Three things are involved: 1) A Master—who gives a responsibility to the steward. 2) A Steward—who receives a responsibility from his master. 3) And a Stewardship—responsibility-- what must be accounted for.

Dispensationalists advocate ... 1) God is the Master—he gives responsibilities (the employer) … the dispenser! 2) Mankind is the steward— mankind receives responsibilities (the employee) … the dispensee! 3) Dispensations = the responsibility given (stewardship) (the employment)…the dispensation!

Now, because God gave His revelation “progressively” (not a single install-ment!) there are distinguishable economies (dispensations) in which He gave different responsibilities to mankind. This is most easily developed with a chart:

MAN

INNOCENCE MAN

INNOCENCE CONSCIENCE MAN

INNOCENCE CONSCIENCE GOVERNMENT MAN

INNOCENCE CONSCIENCE GOVERNMENT ISRAEL MAN

INNOCENCE CONSCIENCE GOVERNMENT PROMISE ISRAEL MAN

INNOCENCE CONSCIENCE GOVERNMENT PROMISE LAW ISRAEL MAN

TRIBULATION INNOCENCE CONSCIENCE GOVERNMENT PROMISE LAW ISRAEL MAN

ISRAEL TRIBULATION INNOCENCE PROMISE CONSCIENCE GOVERNMENT KINGDOM LAW MAN

INNOCENCE CONSCIENCE GOVERNMENT PROMISE KINGDOM LAW TRIB ISRAEL MAN

ISRAEL CHURCH INNOCENCE PROMISE CONSCIENCE GOVERNMENT KINGDOM LAW TRIB MAN

NEXT TIME: Discovering God!

ASSIGNMENT: Memorize: 2 Peter 1:20-21 Read New Christians Handbook chapter 27 then chapter 25 There will be a quiz next week!

Discovery 101-C -- Interpretation. Lesson by Bible Point (D Discovery 101-C -- Interpretation Lesson by Bible Point (D. Henderson, D.Min.) I. Introduction: Review Previous lessons. Since God has spoken in the past to our forefathers through the prophets, the revelation is both: 1) Historical--took place in past 2) Objective--took place in reality Therefore, the interpretation must be: 1) Historical--taken literally 2) Objective--taken grammatically A consistent literal (grammatical and historical) interpretation leads to “dispensationalism.” What is “”Dispensationalism? Glad you asked. The word “dispensationalism” comes from the Greek word for a “steward.” Three things are involved: 1) A Master—who gives a responsibility to the steward. 2) A Steward—who receives a responsibility from his master. 3) And a Stewardship—responsibility--what must be accounted for. Dispensationalists advocate that 1) God is the Master—he gives responsibilities (like an employer) … God is the dispenser! 2) Mankind is the steward—mankind receives responsibilities (like an employee) … Mankind is the dispensee! 3) Dispensations = the responsibility given (stewardship) (like employment)…the responsibility is the dispensation! Now, because God gave His revelation “progressively” (not a single install-ment!) there are distinguishable economies (dispensations) in which He gave different responsibilities to mankind. This is most easily developed with a chart:

II. The Dispensation Chart: Group #1: Mankind The first group that God assigned responsibility was Adam as mankind (or Gentiles). Mankind was created by God. God assigned to man the responsibility to subdue and rule over the entire creation for the glory of God. He was accountable directly to God (Gen. 1:26-30). 1st Dispensation: Innocence The first dispensation is called “Innocence,” although, the term “positive holiness” is far more accurate. God created man and his wife in His own image (Gen. 1:26-27). That image is defined in the Scriptures as holiness, righteousness, and true knowledge (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10). It was man’s responsibility to live for the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31) and rule and subject the earth to the glory of God utilizing his knowledge, righteousness, and holiness. This dispensation of Innocence ends with the fall of mankind into sin (Genesis 3). Man lost his true knowledge, holiness and righteousness. Although mankind has a relative knowledge and relative goodness he has lost them both in the absolute sense. This distorted everything. Only through the work of the Redeemer is the image restored (Eph. 4:24; Col 3:10). 2nd Dispensation: Conscience When Adam and Eve partook of the tree of the knowledge of God and evil their “eyes were opened.” They now understood evil “by experience,” not merely by the creator’s attested authority. Now, from experience they “knew” good and evil. It is now their responsibility, after the fall, to live by this conscience of good and evil--all for the glory of God (Romans 2:1-15; especially 2:14,15). This dispensation did not end--we still have conscience today and we are to live for the glory of God with a clear conscience before God. However, Genesis 6:5 says, “every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.” With the heart of God so grieved over the wicked heart of man, He decided to “wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth.” So God sent the flood to destroy the wickedness of humankind. This dispensation, although we still have conscience, is superceded by another dispensation,”Human government,” after the flood.

3rd Dispensation: Human Government After the flood God entered a covenant with Noah by which He gave mankind the responsibility to “govern” other men. The highest form of government is the responsibility for capital punishment of murderers. This responsibility is given in Gen 9:6. Government, however, is corrupted as well. Humankind organized to defy God’s will and commandment to fill the earth. Genesis 11 records that they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” God at the Tower of Babel confused their languages to force mankind to scatter and fill the earth. This dispensation of Human Government, like Conscience before it, was not terminated but rather superceded by another dispensation. When God called Abraham from the Ur of the Chaldeans to give him a promise a new dispensation begins (Promise). Group #2: Israel When God called Abraham out from all the Gentiles (mankind--Abraham was a gentile). God called him to make a 5-fold promise to him (Gen 12:1-3). The first of the five promises was to make of Abraham a “great nation.” This promise then was the promise of the Nation Israel. So the new dispensation is called . . . 4th Dispensation: Promise The dispensation of “Promise.” Abraham and his descendants were to live for the glory of God according to the promises that God had made to them (Gen 12:1-3; 13:14-18; 15:4-21; 17:1-8 etc.). Like the previous dispensations the dispensation of promise is not terminated but continues even after it is superceded with a an additional responsibility of the Law (Gal. 3:21-24 ). It is superceded by a new dispensation with the giving of the law.

5th Dispensation: Law The giving of the law constitutes the twelve tribes as a nation “under God.” They literally have God enthroned in their midst ( 1 Samuel 4:4) and his will codified for them to obey. Under the law the nation was to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord for the glory of God. However, that which was good only proved how sinful man was--he would not keep it. The law cursed everyone who violated it and left man with a desperate need for a Savior/Redeemer. Only one person ever kept the law (Jesus Christ) and those who lived under the law crucified Him. He vicariously atoned for the law breakers and offered life to all who would place their faith in Him. From the Old Testament perspective the next period for nation Israel was the Tribulation followed by the kingdom. [The dispensation of law has been terminated (Mat. 5:17; Rom. 10:4). The law came by Moses but grace and truth by Jesus Christ (John 1:18). The dispensation of the “Law” extends from the giving of the law in Exodus 20 until the death, burial, resurrection, ascension of Christ and the birth of the church on the day of Pentecost--more regarding this in the slides to come.] 6. The Next Expected Dispensation: Tribulation The tribulation is the 70th seven of Daniel 9:26-27. It is also called the “time of Jacobs trouble” (Jer. 30:7), the tribulation (Mat 24), and covers Revelation 6-19. This a period of time immediately precedes the literal kingdom of the God of heaven establishing His kingdom on earth (Daneil 2:44). Therefore,during this period the literal kingdom of heaven is “at hand.” And the principles by which the people of God are to live are found in those discourses that speak of the “kingdom of heaven” is “at hand.” (such as Matthew 5-7). This period ends with the second advent of Jesus Christ to the earth to set up the Millennial kingdom (Rev.19-20).

Question? Where is the Church age? 7. The Next Expected Dispensation: Kingdom The dispensation of the Kingdom terminates the Tribulation period. This kingdom is said to be a thousand years long according to Rev 20:4,6. Satan is bound in the pit during this kingdom (Rev. 20:1-3). Jesus will rule the earth with a “Rod of Iron” (Rev. 19:15). Satan is released at the end of the one thousand year and tempts the unregenerate in the kingdom to rebel against the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev 20:7-11). The Kingdom dispensation ends with the Great White Throne Judgement and is superceded by the “New Heaven and New Earth” (Rev. 21-22). This will be eternity future. Question? Where is the Church age? Jesus spoke of the church in the future tense in Matthew 16:16 when he said, “I will build my church.” The church did not begin until the day of Pentecost in Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit “baptized” believers into the “body of Christ” which is the “church” (see Acts 1: 4,5; 11:15-17; 1 Cor 12:12-13; Eph 1:22-23) . The church is also called a “mystery” (Eph 3: 3ff; Col 1:26-27) which means it was “previously concealed but is now revealed.” This means that unlike the tribulation and the coming kingdom which were predicted through out the prophets, the church was not revealed until the New Testament. 8. The Intercalated Dispensation: Church The point is the church, according to the progressive revelation of God, was not revealed until the New Testament. So it is intercalated or inserted into the chart between the dispensation of the Law and the Tribulation, some what like Feb 29th is intercalated into a calendar every four years. [Conceivably, had the Jew accepted Jesus as their Messiah He would have commenced to establish the kingdom that He preached as “at hand.” Then the Romans presumably would have crucified Jesus for insurrection. He would have resurrected from the dead and ascended into heaven for the Tribulation period of seven years--at the end of which He would have returned to the earth to establish His kingdom that was “at hand” (Mat 4:17).]

The church began on the “Day of Pentecost” in Acts 2 with the coming of the Holy Spirit to baptize believers into the body of Christ (see previous notes). It will continue until the “Rapture of the Church” when the ascended resurrected Christ returns in the air to “catch-up” all the dead in Christ first, then the believers who are alive, into the air to return to heaven (1 Thes. 4:13-17; 1 Cor 15:51-54). The church will be in heaven during the seven years of Tribulation in which God pours out His wrath on the earth. Because the church has not been appointed to suffer wrath (1 Thes 5:9-10; Rom.5:9) it will not experience the Tribulation. While in heaven the church age believers will appear before the “Judgment seat of Christ” to receive their reward or lack of reward (2 Cor. 5:10; 1Cor. 3:10-15). At the end of the Tribulation Jesus Christ will return to the earth with the church (Rev. 19:11-20) to establish his rule and reign over the earth for a thousand years in the Millennial Kingdom (Rev 20:1-10). After the Millennial Kingdom will come the Great White Throne judgment for the unrighteous dead who will be cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death (Rev. 20:11-15). Then God will usher in the eternal state of of a New Heaven and a New Earth as described in Rev. 21-22. III. Conclusion: God has determined the end from the beginning. What He has decreed, in His sovereignty, will come to pass. His word will be fulfilled! The future is certain. God has decreed it! Next Time: Discovering God Assignment: Memorize: 2 Peter 1:20-21 Read New Christians Handbook chapter 27 then chapter 25 There will be a quiz next week!

101-C into God’s Word Copyright © 2000. All rights reserved. Bible Point is a registered trademark of Dennis Henderson. All other trademarks acknowledged. Bible Point contains graphics from Bible Point artists. These illustrations belong to Bible Point and the respective artists. You may use the designs and illustrations for graphical illustration of lessons free and without special permission, provided they are not used in any way that maligns the Christian faith. Furthermore, republication or production of any illustration by any other graphic service whether it be in book, in a machine-readable form, or in any other design resource is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, they cannot be duplicated or resold as any other form of publishing, clip art, or graphic resource. So What does it mean? (A simple translations of the legal jargon) So, if you don’t own the presentation(s), graphic(s), and text(s) how can you legally use them? The purchase of the license allows you to use all the images in the product. However, the actual ownership and copyright of the presentation(s), graphic(s), and text(s) remain the property of Bible Point and its licensors. If you had plans on using this product in your “for sale” work—think again! License Agreement Article 1: License Grant All the graphics and text in Bible Point presentations (excluding quotes from the Bible and stated sources) are the intellectual and real property of Bible Point and its licensors, and is protected by law, including United States copyright laws and international treaties. Bible Point grants to you a license: 1. To use the presentation in a single church, single school, or single office of a Christian organization. 2. To make a single archival back-up copy of the program. 3. To modify the presentation(s) and merge with other presentations in a single church, school, or Christian organization. 4. To transfer to another party if that party agrees to accept the terms and conditions of this agreement, and you do not retain any copies of the presentation, whether printed, machine readable, modified, or merged form. Article 2: Terms This license is effective until terminated. You may terminate the license at any time by destroying the presentation(s), graphic(s), or text(s) together with all copies, modifications and merged portions in any form. Bible Point may terminate your license if you fail to comply with this Agreement. You agree, upon such termination, for any reason, to destroy the presentation(s), graphics, and text(s) with all copies, modifications, and merged portions in any form. Article 3: Disclaimers 1. Bible Point presentations, graphics, and texts are licensed to you As Is. You, the consumer, bear the entire risk relating to the quality and performance of the presentation(s), graphic(s), or text(s). In no event will Bible Point be liable for damages resulting from any defect. 2. Thirty-day limited warrantee on disks. Bible Point warrants the disks to be free of defects in material and workmanship under normal use for 30 days after purchase. During the 30-day period you may return a defective presentation, graphic, or text with proof of purchase and it will be replaced without charge, unless the presentation is damaged by misuse. Article 4: General 1. You may not sub-license, assign, or transfer the license of the presentation(s), graphic(s), or text(s) except as provided by this Agreement. 2. This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Michigan. May I let someone borrow or copy my licensed Bible Point presentation (even after I modified it)? As long as it is within your local church, or single school, or the immediate office of a Christian organization you may. Otherwise, please refer the person interested in borrowing to: http://www.biblepoint.com or E-mail: dh@biblepoint.com with any related questions. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright©1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.