Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 60

Hi Lbooth1955.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

From what I have gathered is there are two Gospels being preached. (By the way I agree with that.)

1) The Gospel of the kingdom.

2) The Gospel of the gathering of the Church.

There are Jews who responded to each Gospel with Christ being the center of each Gospel.

There are Jews who responded to the preaching of Paul's Gospel who makes up the Body of the Church. (Jews and Gentiles)

There's also those "Jews and perhaps remnant" who responded to the other eleven Gospel "The Gospel of the Kingdom.

These are who James is addressing.

Thanks in advance.

Eccl.1.9 Yesterday Today and Forever"

We shall consider the first independent clause "The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done."

This can be rephrased as Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever.Here we have the Law of the Spirit embodied as the Word become flesh. While the epistles, pastoral letters annotate amplify the scriptures for the leading of the nascent church these are not infallible. The Spirit did not allow St Paul's letter to the church of Laodicea to be part of the Holy Bible, and is considered lost. There must a good reason.(Col.4.16) Names of James,Paul John and Peter are truly venerable named sanctified by the Spirit. Whom these church fathers address can only be of marginal interest to a child of God. Instead these are more sedulously debated about, I call it hypocritical nit picking, and a dispensationalist hide under 'the twelve tribes scattered aboard to make his heresy stick. He should be asking instead what scattered the nation abroad. The thing that hath been done,- the Babylonian exile shall be and it to which James is addressing in 1.1; As the key text says, that which is done is that which shall be done. Israel is cast off and what remains is the outer darkness. God's words are wrested by these sects to make Israel come out smelling roses.

"And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart."Jer.24.7) This Israel is not the same what Jeremiah is referring in v.9 "And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for their hurt, to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them." James is referring to 12 tribes of Israel under curse. A remnant may still find grace for which their stony heart has to be removed first.(Rev.1.7 "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him,

The following would be my four reasons:

a. Jesus Christ's perfect Sacrifice, once and for all people. 1 Peter 3:18, Hebrews 10:9,10.

b. We have been justified, declared not guilty, by that Sacrifice and faith in Him. Romans 5:1,2.

c. God has imputed Christ's Righteousness in us, making us holy. Romans 4:22-24, 2 Corinthians 5:21.

d. God has adopted us into His family, never to abandon us. Ephesians 1:5, Galatians 4:5,6.

Hope this helps.

Indeed Gerald, all of Scripture is useful to us ALL and must be carefully considered in our daily Christian walk in Christ. Some of it is purely historical, others, applicable to those people referred to, and yet the major portion for our learning of God's Holy requirements for His children. And in it all, we need spiritual discernment in our reading and understanding of God's Word, or else we begin go astray, having to twist and turn the Word in whatever way we can to make it fit what we want to believe.

One particularly good example of gross misuse of Scripture was when a particular Christian (closed) group, which I won't mention by name here, gave teaching on young David's preparation as he made his move towards Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:40 tells us that he chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd's bag. A normal reading of this verse/passage, tells us that David was determined, full of courage, and prepared both in faith & practical ways to contend against Israel's enemy, the Philistine champion. But this Christian group I refer to are not content with such a simple teaching, but have gone to great lengths to show that those five stones revealed David's character and standing before God in this matter. So, each stone represents David's faith, courage, obedience, trust, and praise. How on earth can anyone derive such an understanding of five random stones from the brook? I can understand that all those five traits of David are valid, but to find & associate them in stones? And only one stone was slung out by David; which one of those five traits could have sunk into Goliath's forehead? So, I just share such an example, where some seem to have nothing 'new' or worthwhile to share with others, so just have to introduce bizarre meaningless drivel. Indeed, we need to be very careful in the reading of God's Word & how we teach it to others. GBU.

Thanks for the clarification Lbooth1955 that James is writing to the dispersed believing Jews, but sadly, I still need a further clarification. You stated that "the audience (in James 1:1) is unmistakably Israel"; that "James was writing to the twelve tribes, not the Body of Christ..and these were believing Jews..".

This leaves me confused, so the question, 'how can these be believing Jews and not also be a very real part of the Body of Christ'? By believing, I understand that they have, like us, recognized their sin, their need of a Savior, and have looked only to Him for their salvation and not to their works, whether in the Law, their acts towards God, or by election. Or maybe, you have a different view of these Jews. So, if you could clarify this point for me: can Jews who have put their faith in Jesus not be considered as members of equal standing to Gentiles in the Body of Christ? I'm not referring to Messianic Jews, as we have now, whose beliefs can be held in question, but to those who have come to faith as we have & left all for Christ. Blessings.

Eccl.1.9 "New"

"The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun." What is new but the will of God fulfilled, which is done in heaven, certainly not under the sun. Thus new earth is not created under tha sun that itself shall be no more. The new heaven and the new earth inhabited by new creation is heaven. For this reason Paul paraphrased the words of Jesus saying, "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."(Col.3.2) Our inheritance is in heaven,"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."(Mt.6.19-21)The idea of new worlds is embedded in the Word. If the Law can only be revealed progressively how shall this following verse be implemented. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."(2 Cor.5.17) . This helps us understand the analogy of parables concerning new cloth and new wineskins, "No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse."(Mt.9.61) Yout trasure is set in heaven, and your heart naturally ought to be there. Instead what shall you call those who still wheel and deal with mammon? Hypocrites,neither in heaven nor of the earth. CUFI and millennialists show roguery is alive and kicking in the present day churches.

Faith with which worlds were framed helps every believer enter into the God's rest so day Seven assures you under the Covenant the fuits are genuine since it is what Christ has done for his Father's glory. As a new creation we are to grow, while we are in our vile bodies, we walk not by sight but by faith, groaning, "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."(2 Cor.5.1)

I shall refer to verses where we have the fulness of God in Jesus Christ."For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;" Col.1.19. Col.2 9-10

All things mentioned in the Bible relates to him."And he is before all things, and by him all things consist."

Jesus Christ is the same "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." (Heb.13.8) When he says I am the truth, truth in its fullest sense is thereit was in the beginning ,it was in the ending and it is everlasting to everlasting case, This being my claim, Bro.LBooth I do not need read your crap any more

. God open your eyes, I wish uou,

Lbooth1955

Thank you for your reply.

While I do not adhere to the overlaying bias of dispensational doctrine upon Scripture as you indeed do, I appreciate your thoughts on how you interpret Scripture.

I am still working on understanding James 2:24 and Rom. 3:28. I do not agree that James' teaching is for ethnic Israel and Paul's is for Gentile believers. I do not hold to the hermeneutic of keeping Israel and the Church distinct because I do not see this taught in Scripture.

But I do take into account how the epistles identify it's immediate audience, yet we do know that these epistles and the gospels where circulated among the churches, whether in Judea or around the Mediterranean lands, and so this reveals that ALL of the NT Scriptures were intended by the Holy Spirit to be for the whole of the church of that time and also down through the centuries to us to include Jews, Israelites of the 10 tribes, and Gentiles who are believers in Jesus and members of His church forever. I do not see that there is Scripture addressed to unbelieving Israel in these NT writings.

Dear Richard,

I will pray for healing and rehabilitation of your back. I had a back injury in 2014 and when I retired in 2020 I was able to give my back the rest and rehab it needed. I praise the Lord for this healing. I am much more functional as far as what I can now do as compared to pre-2020.

I will also pray for the Holy Spirit to lead you to walk closer to our Lord Jesus and to learn to heed the promptings of the Holy Spirit daily.

Hello S. Spencer,

I have thought this prophecy was to be fulfilled in Jesus at His incarnation. I notice that at His transfiguration the Father told the disciples to hear Jesus (listen to him or harken to what He is saying) Mt. 17:5.

But it may also have a future fulfillment as well with the incoming of those of Israel into the church.

I know that Jesus did give commandments to His followers and told them to disciple and teach those they baptize all that He commanded them. And I think that this commission was for the church especially, and not for the nation of Israel for it is in the church that Christ promised to build that believers are baptized into Christ Jesus.

Very Interesting Lbooth1955!

I too believe that the Gospel of the kingdom is distinct from the Gospel to the Church.



However, I never studied it in depth.

In fact I never considered James 1:1 through James 2:1 as you mentioned it.

This reminds me of Deuteronomy 18:15-19

"The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.

And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken.

I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him

This may be a kingdom prophecy!

This haven't happened yet to the point where Israel as a nation hearkens to the words of the Lord.

I've always viewed this as a prophecy for the Church.

I believe it's atleast provocative and worthy of a in depth study.

Blessings.

Interesting...Is Progressive revelation a lie as some claim?

Let's look at the evidence, judge it for yourself with the scriptures.

Progressive revelation describes God's unfolding of truth in stages, with each step building upon what was revealed before without contradiction. In the Old Testament, God revealed Himself incrementally through covenants, promises, and prophetic visions. Early on, His dealings were direct and foundational-Noah received a covenant of preservation, Abraham a covenant of promise, and Israel the Mosaic covenant of law. These were genuine revelations, yet they pointed forward to greater realities. The tabernacle, sacrifices, and priesthood foreshadowed Christ's once-for-all work ( Heb. 10:1). The prophets added layers of understanding, predicting both judgment and restoration, and hinting at a future Redeemer ( Isa. 53; Dan. 7; Mic. 5:2). Still, much remained hidden; the OT saints saw promises "afar off" ( Heb. 11:13).

In the New Testament, revelation reached its climax in Christ. God "spoke in times past by the prophets," but "in these last days by His Son" ( Heb. 1:1-2). Jesus embodied and fulfilled the OT shadows ( Matt. 5:17; Luke 24:27). Yet further truths, called "mysteries," were entrusted particularly to Paul ( Eph. 3:1-9; Col. 1:26). These included the union of Jew and Gentile in one Body, salvation by grace through faith apart from law, and the hope of heavenly inheritance. The NT brings clarity to truths dimly revealed before-resurrection ( Job 19; Dan. 12) is fully explained in 1 Corinthians 15; animal sacrifices give way to Christ's perfect offering ( Heb. 9-10).

Thus, progressive revelation is not change in God's plan, and certainly not a lie, but the unveiling of His purposes across time: the OT gave promises, types, and shadows; the NT brought fulfillment and disclosure of the mystery. God's truth unfolded step by step until fully revealed in Christ.

Grace and Peace.

COGIC ADULTS MENS SUNDAY SCHOOL BOOK September 7, 2025 Acts 4:23-31 KJV

West Angeles Cogic Church Cathedral Los Angeles California

My COGIC WORSHIP: 1Corithians 15:3-4 KJV My Interpetation:I. Acts 4:23 Paragraph 2 Line 13-15 I Worship God That allows me bear everything with my bare hands. To believe in Jesus for living water John 7:37-38 KJV. Acts 4:23-31 Paragraph 1 Line 8-12 I Worship God my Father Assured My Prayers giving me what I earned, guaranteed.My Interpetation II. Vv24-28 Paragraph 2 Line:1-5 I Worship The must see Jesus Christ is God as One- One Accord. We all see Jesus Christ as One -God in prayer. My Interpetation Verse 29 Paragraph 4 Line 4-8 I Worship God Assurance of Divine Favor and help coming in prayer In result an earthquake Exodus 19:18 KJV Silencing and. erasing of opposition .

If Christ has your heart, He will lead you in the Spirit of obedience; then you will be able to reflect His character!

To all that be in Christ!

It seems that there are some who are having difficulty in understanding and or believing Paul's unique position regarding this present dispensation. Listed below are 4 scriptural references to this FACT.

The Scriptures are very clear in naming Paul as the apostle to the Gentiles.

Here's a structured look with direct support from the Bible.

YES I said from the Bible! If any can show me from the scriptures otherwise I'll be happy to look at it.

Paul Identified as the Apostle to the Gentiles

Romans 11:13 - "For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office."

Paul explicitly calls himself the apostle of the Gentiles.

Galatians 2:7-8 - "But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)"

Here Paul distinguishes his commission to the Gentiles from Peter's commission to Israel (the circumcision).

Acts 9:15 - The Lord said of Paul to Ananias: "Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel."

From the very beginning of Paul's calling, his mission to Gentiles was central.

Ephesians 3:1-2 - "For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward."

Paul makes clear that his ministry was uniquely tied to God's grace toward the Gentiles.

Summary

Paul is directly and repeatedly identified as the apostle to the Gentiles in Scripture.

His apostleship is distinct from the Twelve, who ministered primarily to Israel.

Through Paul, the "dispensation of the grace of God" was revealed and proclaimed among the nations.

Peace and Grace

Amen Amen Amen Gigi.

Very well spoken!

The growth and fruit in a believers life could never be produced by the "covenant" of the law.

Blessings!

Gerald,

You've made some allegations that I find unfounded considering that I have been diligent to include scripture supporting my beliefs. You on the other hand have not done so.

So, I"ll try to clear the air regarding your concern. From what you've shared, it seems you believe I am not relying on sound doctrine and that I am making the claim that only Paul's doctrine applies to us today.(Regarding Paul this is true). However my intention is not to dismiss the rest of Scripture, but rather to highlight Paul's unique role as the apostle to the Gentiles. Sound doctrine requires us to recognize distinctions in Scripture, and part of that includes understanding that Paul was given specific revelation for the Body of Christ in this present dispensation.

I hold firmly that all of Scripture is God-breathed, profitable for learning, and necessary for understanding God's full plan. However, when it comes to our instructions for daily living and the gospel of salvation in this age of grace, Paul's writings carry special weight because they were directly entrusted to him for the Church (can you really deny this?). This is not a rejection of the law, prophets, or the twelve apostles, but an acknowledgment of the stewardship of the "mystery" revealed to Paul ( Ephesians 3:2-9). Ignoring this distinct calling blurs the lines between God's promises to Israel and His present work in the Body of Christ.

Sound doctrine, therefore, means using Scripture rightly divided. We can honor the whole Bible without mixing programs that God Himself keeps distinct. My emphasis on Paul's doctrine is not narrowness, but fidelity to what was committed to him "for us." If this has come across as exclusionary, that was not my intent-it's about clarity, not division. I hope this helps explain why I stress Paul's role without denying the value of all the Word.

Peace and Grace.

Mt.5.20 "Righteousness"

Righteousness is fulfillment of the Law of God, so it can be applied in both laws. Law of Moses says, 'Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:' (5.38) What does Law of the Spirit say,"but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also." Scrupulously observing the law of Moses a Pharisee or scribe make a religion of it. In order to show sorrow he may cite Jacob's example at seeing the blood stained coat. " And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days." When the sorrow of a father as interpreted by a Pharisee makes a 'circus' and 75 ways are known to have entered under 'Kriah', and it is tradition of their father, not one which is genuine. It is the law of sin and death.

Law of the Spirit as demonstrated by Jesus of Nazareth has been settled before the worlds began. It is sanctified by the Word that was God. So the writer to the Hebrews writes,"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."(Heb.12.2) The Law of the Spirit is embodied by Jesus for perfecting the Will of his Father. This is what works constitute: You put your life on the line. Inaugural vision of the risen Christ is a composite image of the Ancient of days so Jesus embodies the Law of the Spirit. The great congregation speak of witnesses from both heaven and earth. "I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart./I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest./ I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation."(Ps.40.8-10)

Similarly my word ministry is addressed to them. Amen.

To all that be in Christ,

How all will be judged!

The Judgment Seat of Christ (bma) is the tribunal for the Body of Christ, described in Romans 14:10-12 and 2 Corinthians 5:10. It is not about condemnation, for believers are secure in Christ ( Rom. 8:1). Instead, it evaluates works, motives, and service, with rewards or loss of rewards ( 1 Cor. 3:11-15). Every member of the Body, sealed by the Spirit, will appear there after the rapture. Unbelievers will not; their judgment comes later at the Great White Throne ( Rev. 20:11-15).

By what standard will this judgment occur? Paul declares it is "by Jesus Christ according to my gospel" ( Rom. 2:16). Not the Law, not the Sermon on the Mount, nor the gospel of the kingdom, but the revelation of grace given to Paul ( 1 Cor. 15:1-4; Eph. 3:2-9). Salvation is not in question; it is a matter of reward based on faithfulness to the gospel of grace.

Israel's prophetic remnant, however, is distinct. This group represents the faithful within Israel's covenant program, foreseen by Isaiah ( Isa. 10:20-22) and Paul ( Rom. 11:5). They believed in Jesus as Messiah and endured, awaiting the promised earthly kingdom. Their judgment is not at the bma but when Christ returns to earth, separating sheep from goats ( Matt. 25:31-34). Their inheritance is earthly-the land and kingdom under Messiah's reign, in line with the prophets and the New Covenant ( Jer. 31:31-34; Zech. 14:16).

By contrast, believing Israel in this dispensation refers to Jews who trusted Paul's gospel. They are placed into the Body of Christ, receiving a heavenly inheritance ( Eph. 2:6-7). They are judged at the bma along with Gentile believers, not as part of the kingdom remnant.

In sum:

Body of Christ (Jew & Gentile who believe Paul's gospel) Judged at the bma, heavenly hope.

Prophetic remnant of Israel Judged at Christ's return to earth, earthly kingdom.

Unbelievers Judged at the Great White Throne.

Grace and Peace.

Hi, Richard,

I appreciate what you've written here. It is very insightful, and I agree that the Apostle Paul never endorsed living a lifestyle of sin. Even though he preached grace, living a lifestyle of sin is not an option.

Paul's teachings consistently hold that grace is not a license for sin but the foundation for a transformed life in Christ. He declares that believers are justified by faith apart from works of the law ( Romans 3:28), yet he also emphasizes that those saved by grace are called to "walk worthy of the vocation" ( Ephesians 4:1). In Romans 6, he confronts the idea that grace allows sin, saying, "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid." Instead, he teaches that believers, having been identified with Christ's death and resurrection, should reckon themselves "dead to sin" and "alive unto God." Paul urges a life led by the Spirit rather than the flesh ( Galatians 5:16-25), contrasting works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. To the Corinthians, he stresses that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, not to be defiled by immorality. In Colossians and Ephesians, he calls for putting off the old man and putting on the new, shaped by love, holiness, and forgiveness. Paul never sets aside grace; instead, he frames it as the power that both saves and enables holy living. His letters reveal a consistent pattern: salvation is God's gift, but it should manifest in sanctification, where believers display Christ's character in daily conduct. Thus, Paul harmonizes justification by faith with the call to a Spirit-led, disciplined, and godly lifestyle.

Grace and Peace.

To all that be in Christ,

Something to think about!

If Paul and the Twelve had preached the same message to the same audience, Paul's apostleship would have been unnecessary. Yet Paul declares his gospel was received "by revelation of Jesus Christ" ( Gal. 1:11-12), not from men. The Twelve were sent to Israel with the kingdom gospel-repentance, baptism, and faith in Jesus as Messiah, looking for the restoration of Israel's promised kingdom ( Acts 2:38; Matt. 19:28). Paul, however, was uniquely commissioned as the apostle to the Gentiles ( Rom. 11:13), entrusted with the mystery previously hidden: salvation by grace through faith alone, apart from the law, with Jew and Gentile united in one Body ( Eph. 3:1-9). This heavenly calling differs from Israel's earthly kingdom hope.

Paul calls himself the "wise masterbuilder" who laid the foundation of this dispensation ( 1 Cor. 3:10-11). His epistles form the cornerstone for the doctrine, order, and identity of the Church, the Body of Christ. Without Paul's ministry, we would not know the sealing of the Spirit, our heavenly inheritance, or justification apart from works. Importantly, recognizing Paul's distinct apostleship does not overlay or distort any scripture; it simply honors the contextual truths God gave separately to Israel and to the Body of Christ. If his message were the same as the Twelve, his role would be redundant. Instead, Paul's ministry reveals the mystery and establishes the cornerstone for the present dispensation of grace, through which we understand who we are in Christ and our eternal destiny.

Grace and Peace.

Hi GiGI,

From a dispensational perspective, the tension between James 2:24 ("by works a man is justified, and not by faith only") and Paul's clear statement in Romans 3:28 ("a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law") is resolved by recognizing the distinct audiences and purposes of their writings. James 1:1 explicitly addresses "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad"-Israel in dispersion. His emphasis on works demonstrating faith fits Israel's prophetic and kingdom program, where faith had to be validated by works (cf. Matt. 24:13; Acts 3:19-21). James is not laying out the gospel of grace as revealed to Paul, but reinforcing Israel's covenant responsibility of faith proven by deeds.

Paul, by contrast, reveals the "mystery" gospel ( Rom. 16:25; Eph. 3:1-9), hidden until given to him, where justification is by faith alone in Christ's finished work ( 1 Cor. 15:1-4). This is not "overlaying bias," but taking Scripture in its own stated context. All Scripture is indeed inspired and profitable ( 2 Tim. 3:16), but "profitable" does not mean all Scripture is written to us. For example, Leviticus laws or temple sacrifices are not binding today, yet they instruct us about God's holiness. In the same way, James is for our learning, but Paul's epistles are uniquely to the Body of Christ concerning salvation and justification in this dispensation.

Dispensationalism does not diminish the whole Bible; it respects God's progressive revelation. To blend James and Paul as if both are directly prescribing doctrine for the Church today obscures the very clarity Paul magnifies: salvation apart from works. The Spirit does not leave us with contradiction-He calls us to "rightly divide the word of truth" ( 2 Tim. 2:15).

I hope this helps!

Grace and Peace.

Hello Chris,

Regarding James, I must have misspoken or maybe not clear on my standing.

I'll try to give some clarity here.

James 1:1 declares, "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting." The audience is unmistakably Israel. James is writing to the twelve tribes, not the Body of Christ. These were believing Jews dispersed outside their land. Dispensationally, this aligns with God's prophetic and kingdom program, not the mystery revealed to Paul. The letter prepares the scattered remnant for endurance under trial (1:2), looking toward tribulation and kingdom promises. The timing is before Paul's mystery truth became central, fitting the framework of Israel's ongoing kingdom offer.

James 2:1 continues, "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons." The "brethren" are the same Jewish believers, Israel's faithful remnant. The teaching flows from kingdom law, echoing Christ's Sermon on the Mount: impartiality, humility, and mercy. Their faith is kingdom faith in Messiah as Lord of glory, awaiting His earthly reign. This is not Paul's justification by faith apart from works ( Romans 3-5). Rather, James stresses faith validated by works (2:14-26), a hallmark of the kingdom program. Genuine allegiance to Messiah must show itself outwardly as proof during testing.

In comparison, James 1:1 defines the scope: the audience is Israel's twelve tribes. James 2:1 exhorts them in their kingdom walk. Both confirm James is not doctrinally written to the Gentile Body of Christ but to Israel under prophecy. Paul's letters, not James, unfold the gospel of grace and truth of the Body in this dispensation.

Grace and Peace.

Sound doctrine .

All sound doctrine can be likened unto the bones of the body . Each having its function and each in its right pisition and relationship with the others .

Taking one doctrine the dispensations of God for instance cannot be denied for they are clearly taught . But you change the truth into a lie when you try to read all the scriptures by that one doctrine . For not all Scripture will or can fit into it and sooner or later you will have to " twist the scriptures" to make them fit .

Predestination is another in truth every " ISM " can be proven to be wrong yet founded upon a truth taken out of shape and context of "all scripture ".

False and heretical doctrines are usually founded upon one at most two verses and a mountain of error is built upon them that ignore and deny so many other scruptures that prove them wrong .

The Roman church is sadly a master at such convoluted reasoning .

The obvious one upon which the edifice of its own making is that Peter was the rock upon which the church is built but ignores and denies all the scriptures that prove that " God is the Rock" .

And you cannot build an eternal church on a son of Adam but you can build a church on "The only begotten Son of God".

He made the mistake of tninking the light that he had and was given of heaven was all the light . And when the Lord began to give more light denied it and began to instruct the Lord . To the extent that the Lord rebuked him severely " get behind me Satan" the man that had at one moment spoken words of heaven with the next breath became a spokesman of hell and the devil . God in his love and wisdom laid out all of Peters weaknesses and failings in every sphere for our sakes .

Not many would have stayed after such an open rebuke (.Justas did not . )

Peter even acknowledging that the doctrines of Paul were not always "easy to understand "

Etc etc .

Even more tragically Rome has added to her false doctrines and now claims she is infallible in them

I agree fir are not " All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is good for correction reproof and instruction in righteousness able to furnish the man of God." Does not that " ALL " mean all ?! Then James 1:1 applies also to me and to all .

The Old Testament is for me for all of it is profitable to study and think about.

The book revelation is for me as well as those churches mentioned indeed The last book can't realy be understood as it shouid be without a good understanding of the first book . For all that was sown in that book has its fruit in the last and the foundations of faith can be found in it also and give confidence to look ahead into the last book .

Continued :

To what purpose ? " Till we all come to a unity of THE faith " if faith comes by understanding the Word of God then as he said that we might all "think the same thing " have the same mind " what mind ? If not that of the " Holy Sprit who knoweth the mind of God"L

For are not words expression of thought? If then Gods thought are higher than our thoughts the Holy Spirit is needed as much to understand what was inspired to be written .

The art of biblical argument has sadly it seems declined and been with tick box doctrine statements like TULIP .

I have read but little of Calvin but enough to see and understand his use of z biblical argument as did many other Reformers .

But many have simply jumped to conclusions about what they think he said rather than follow his arguments and indeed more importantly Paul's .

But if you jump to conclusions you rarely if ever arrive at the truth .

Shepherds in England drive the sheep with dogs . In the middk east the shepherd leads them and they follow .

When the Holy Spurit comes the Spurit of truth "He will lead us into all truth"

Given so many 'versions' of the Bible all saying different from each other omitting and adding to the scriptures and an awful bad habit of subjecting the scriptures to nans intellect rather than the other way round the church is riddled with confusion and is much skin Tom" all we ,Ike sheep have gone astray.." The Holy Spirit of Truth is o in the meantime "outside knocking on the door ". Rev 3

And while many boast in revivals and thec" anointing" there is very little evidence for both for the eternal resting p,ace of the Holy Spirit is the Word of God . The living Word even that which was in the beginning .

For if a man cannot be heard or understood unless he gives his breath or life to those words how much the more the Word of God that comes forth from His mouth?

Others boast in their 'better understanding ' but by their works / versions prove they have very little .

More fallacies concerning preconceived notions differentiating the Old and New Testaments

I am repeating things said before here; although I certainly don't expect people to search archives of what I wrote a couple years back if it exists.

When we read in Psalms; Numbers and Deuteronomy we see numerous references to the afterlife and what is Hades. Much of this in Psalms was David's statements regarding enemies in general and the fate of the wicked. The same is true with Christ's warnings in the N.T. There are 2 exceptions here; the story of the rebellion of Korah's sons in Numbers 16; and the fate of those committing the "unforgiveable sin" in the N.T. ( Matt. 12:31-32). Judgments were specific for particularly heinous actions; the first case being those who attempted to overthrow God's proper representative and authority (Moses); the second blasphemy of the Holy Spirit which differentiated from that of the Son or Father as that could be out of ignorance. Deliberate provocation when someone has revealed knowledge and irrefutable evidence is a grave sin. We can see the same principle here with Lucifer's downfall; God alone is to be honored above any created being; His authority not to be questioned. This certainly could explain part of the reason Jesus didn't want His miracles blazed abroad to prevent further blasphemy of this type; as well as multitudes who would emphasize His earthly rule and Kingship before the time.

We need to be careful to divide the Word rightly. Jesus Himself stated that not one "jot or tittle" ( Matt. 5:18) would be removed until all things accomplished. Or to put it another way; God's moral laws don't change. The ceremonial ones were for Temple worship and never meant to indicate a person's spiritual standing before God. It is absurd to propose that God overlooks adultery; idolotry; greed or any other vices by using the "grace" card. We all reap what we sow ( Galatians 6:7). We dare not embrace lifestyles of sin.

Taking scripture out of context is a pretext for error .

One swallow does not make a summer so also one verse does not prove a doctrine . Many a religious has built a mountain of heretical doctrine upon one verse . A doctrine is proved by " all scripture " using all scripture to examine the one verse and reconcile it. Not using one verse to try and fit all scripture to that one doctrine .

For " should doctrine " are like the bones of the body . Each in their place and each with its function working together .

Having said all that we must also recognise the Biblical argument . Which using verses in their right context and to uphold an 'argument' as and when they apply . There is really no such thing as a 'proof text' so often used but unable to prove anything all on its own . Though it can be used to challenge an assertion that cannot be upheld by scripture . ' Man has the right to life' for instance a Godless and vain assertion that denies the very simple truth that a " man's life is in his nostrils" .But just quoting texts at each other neither gives understanding in the one you perceive has none or little on a subject .

The finest examples of Biblical argument are those given by Paul principally in his letters to the Romans and the Hebrews.

There you will find an argument much like a legal one in an appeal courts ruling.

Where he seeks us to follow his argument . To what end ? That if we follow his argument and understandably agree we will arrive at the same conclusions. It's like climbing a mountain where you start ' seeing' little but as you climb every so often you stop to take a breather. And look back to see where you have come so far and Paul uses those breaks and says " therefore" in the light of all that's been said so far " count yourself dead to sin." For instance

He uses it often . But we find every so often and when needed to bolster his argument he will use a verse of scripture as anchors to our thinking .

It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. ( John 6:45).

( 1 John 2:23) states: Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

Both these verses show that in reality; all those who are "true Israel" ( Romans 9:6) are those who are believers in God's only Son being the true Messiah. There are several things we can learn from this; the first and most obvious being that we can't separate the Godhead or choose to accept either the Old or New Testament by themselves as they are interchangeable and inextricably connected to the same Source. This situation is highlighted with those who don't like the behavior of God the Father in the O.T.; who create a god in their own imagination who only consists of the loving sounding verses Jesus spoke.

Of course this takes some cherry picking and wholesale bypass of say; an entire chapter dedicated to calling out the hypocrisy of the Pharisees; for example.

Another issue here is to conclude that God of the O.T. was only concerned with the law and judgment; and in the New Testament it is all about grace. This probably is easiest to come up with when we look at the Sermon on the Mount and diminish it to moral platitudes or somehow divorce the meaning from the Old Testament. When we look at almost all of the O.T.; there was a repeated and unavoidable meaning in the text of God's mercy or wrath in regard to blessings and cursings. The emphasis of the law can only be gleaned from the earlier books of the Pantateuch; we certainly see prophetic statements about Christ and His coming mission to Gentiles as well as Jews; as well as God being weary of the pomp and circumstance of Israel's offerings when they were caught up in adulterous and idolatrous behaviors. GOd spoke of a place of prayer for all nations ( Isaiah 56:7) as the ultimate Temple meaning.

I've appreciated what you have shared here Lbooth1955 and in agreement that we need to consider the Bible in its entirety, rightly divided, to learn its Truths and the correct application of them in our lives and ministries.

So when we come to James 1:1, we should correctly believe that James is addressing Israel's twelve tribes scattered into other lands. But when we read James 2:1, he gives us insight as to who these people actually are: "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons." Yes, they are his kinsmen by blood, but also joined to them by faith in Christ. It seems, even as Apostle Paul also writes in his epistles, that their heart-strings are still very much attached to and in great concern for their people, but that is only in reference to those of Jewry who are believers, one with them in faith and Spirit. Given all this, would you still maintain that James was written to the unbelieving scattered tribes of Israel?