Help and Thoughts

[Blood Bought]

Ok, so I decided to listen to these particular audio files called 'Repentance and the Universal Call of the Gospel'. First off, I do realise there is no seperation of the law/grace programs by the commentator. If anyone is grounded enough in right division, and willing enough to listen to this two part series, I would greatly appreciate thoughts on the commentary. It's a lecture on truncating the gospel, while you might notice in the commentary Acts 3:19 'truncated, and frankly butchered.

http://cicministry.org/radio.php

According to an 'esteemed' theological dictionary of the greek new testament, the thought of repent and repentance is religious and moral conversion, going back to to it's ancient concept. So if there is no idea of turning, there is no conversion. It seems the thought is, that at least the desire of morality actually proceeds beliveing the gospel. And I suppose that falls under the theory of regeneration preceeding faith. Thoughts? Are these Greek scholars interjecting their take on things?

Second, Acts 26 is mentioned, and I would like to understand completely the discussion between Paul and Agrippa.

Particularely Acts 26:20

But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. (sounds like a lot of things to do)

and acts 26:27-28

King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

I get an earthly kingdom sense from this, but since Paul wasn't preaching the earthly kingdom at all, as I understand, how does all this shake out?

Thanks for any help on this, beloved. My sole desire is to completely understand the word of God, in truth and in His way. Sometimes I'm just in a fog on some things. I hope this is understood, as many times I'm not even sure of what I'm asking. 

[Christine]

Hey Berean,

First of all, until you are grounded in the basics of right division, I wouldn't even VENTURE into listening to teachers who don't study their Bibles that way.

The book of ACTS is transitional and a story of the fall of Israel. We don't get our doctrine from Acts, but from Paul's epistles. However, it is a worthwhile study to go thru the book of Acts from a Dispensational point of view as it does clear up ALOT of things that seemingly seem to cause questions.

I would HIGHLY recommend the two book set entitled "ACTS Dispensationally Considered" by CR STAM and it can be purchased thru our ministry or at www.bereanbiblesociety.org.

This work by Stam takes it verse by verse and shows you the fading OUT of Peters Kingdom program and the fading IN of Pauls. BOTH programs were operating at the same time during the Acts time period, and we need to keep that in mind as we study it. This two book set is a MUST HAVE for anyone wanting to see the bridge between the two gospels, and how Israels program was superceded by "The preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the MYSTERY which was KEPT SECRET since the world began.."

Its alot of material, but it will blow yer SOCKS off as you see how easy it is to understand once you get into it. Those parts that you get stuck on, leave them be, and as you continue to study, they will fall into place. Thats just the way it works...and you can either stress out about what you don't yet understand, or you can sit back and enjoy the ride and let God teach you at the pace He knows you can handle. I recommend the latter, as I tried the former and it made me crazy...well, crazier than I already am anyway....LOL

You are doing so well...invest in these books I have recommended to you and you will be well on your way to having the answers at your fingertips, as well as growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Huuuugs to you, dear brother.

[Blood Bought]

Thanks so much for the encouragement. I think I will take a walk up to the BBS this weekend and check out those books. Puzzle pices ARE falling into proper place like never before, but it seems like ten questions answered, then comes the curveball. I am currently drenching myself in grace teaching, and so much of it is eye opening. I was just listening to Mr. Cole's teaching on 'spiritual adultery' today at work. Jaw dropping the way scripture comes alive when properly handled.

I've been recording Trent Cole's current lessons so I can listen to those over again, too.