My Dear Bible Study Friends,
I don’t know about you, but I had an incredible time in our Bible study this morning! It was such an awesome learning experience studying through the Mystery of Christ and the Mystery of the Gospel. I love how Paul, through the Holy Spirit, reveals the struggle between himself and Peter, James, and John, to validate his apostleship to the Gentile world. The word of God is so plain, about how the Judaizers were trying to hijack the gospel and add obedience to the Law as part of salvation (Acts 15). Paul explained the disagreement and how the Lord was victorious in it all, declaring that he would take his gospel to the uncircumcision (Gentile world), and Peter would be responsible for the gospel to the circumcision (Israel) – Galatians 2.
Next week, we will close out our study of the 12 Mysteries with a study of Matthew 13 and the mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven. As I stated in class this morning, the mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven, revealed through Matthew 13, is one of the most misunderstood and misapplied scriptures in the New Testament. We will examine the difference between Christendom (the false kingdom of Heaven – physical kingdom) that we are witnessing today, and Christianity (the true kingdom of God – spiritual kingdom) that Christ is Lord of. Please read the accompanying scriptures on the board, in preparation for our study next Sunday.
Let us all remember to pray daily for one another, and go to battle on that spiritual battlefield where the real struggle is. Pray for those who are going through physical trials – Jim Lillard, Robyn Sloan, Bo Hefner, and others. Pray for those who are dealing with financial struggles, and relationship trials. Be faithful and the Holy Spirit will strengthen and encourage you. Study the Word faithfully.
Your fellow soldier in Christ,
Ken Wooten
2 Timothy 2:1-4