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 Pauls Two Gospels. The history of the Apostle
Paul during his ministry is important to understand to rightly divide the scriptures. The lesson on 01-06-2002 teaches on Philippians 1:12-18 and compares it
with the gospel that Paul preached in Galatians. Most christians assume “Gospel” means the same thing when ever its mentioned throughout the bible. The
word gospel actually means “good news” and there are many different gospels in the scriptures. Consequently, there are two
primary questions to ask when reading the “gospel”. 1) What is said about Christ Jesus, and 2) To whom is the gospel, or good news, delivered.
These questions will help you identify what gospel’s are applicable for faith obedience today. For example, Paul declares a gospel in Galatians that,
when compared with the gospel mentioned in Philippians, they prove to be different. Why is this important? In order to rightly divide, the bible student
knows that all scripture is for our learning but only parts of scripture are addressed specifically to us. Finally, Paul reminds us that no matter what “bonds” have taken hold of us... we should
always rejoice.  
Click here to listen to the lesson for 01-06-2002 or go the listing of audio lessons for January.
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An important distinction is how salvation in the Old Testament was established through Abraham (Israel). This changes in the New Testament during Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and the Acts when the salvation message for gentiles was only available along with Israel (who is the Bride). Later in the prison epistles, Paul explains how salvation in Christ is now available to whosoever will apart from Israel in the body where Christ is the head (in a dispensation of grace).
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Rightly Dividing. Christians who randomly read the bible and apply whatever they have read are destined to take truth out of context. God, however, has called  us to practice right division so we may learn what applies to whom. In order to do this, Christian’s need to
learn which truth’s are eternal vs. truth’s that are dispensational. This is done by studying the bible and comparing the things that differ (see the Internal Laws of Sripture for more info). For example, the lesson on 01-13-2002 continues to explain how the gospel that Paul delivers in the Acts period epistles is
different than the one during the prison epistles. It’s important not to apply truths revealed in one dispensation back into a previous one as truth is revealed progressively throughout scripture. In
addition to mixing up scripture, Paul spoke of some in Philippians who preached Christ in envy, strife, and contention. There are groups today who do so as well both within and outside christianity.
For example, some churches require you to be water baptized or perhaps take the Lord’s Supper, yet these ordinances are from a previous administration and take away from the truth that you are complete in Christ. Why? Christ nailed them to the cross as Paul describes in Col. 2:8-23. The lesson on 01-13 teaches on this and more. Click here to listen or go to the audio lesson for January.
 The Gospel of Christ.
There is an idea that if you come with a full bucket, you won’t be able to add any more water. In Philippians 1:27 (KJV), Paul states “Only let your
conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind
striving together for the faith of the gospel;” Does your conversation or conduct demonstrate your confidence in the gospel of Christ? Everything that you do should be
framed with the question “what does God want me to do in this situation?” You can’t find out if you come to the word with a full bucket. You can only find out by reading the word,
studying it, and meditating upon it which afterwards will put you in a position to let the spirit of God teach you. Every
situation in life is presenting you with a choice whether or not to respond your way or God’s way. Our conduct or
behavior should demonstrate confidence and be worthy of the gospel of Christ which is the specific good news of His completeness as declared in the Mystery. It’s in this body of truth that Paul explains how we are complete with Christ in
the heavenlies, far above, seated at the right hand of God. Once the Christian truly believes and understands just how
complete we are in Christ, then your conduct will show your confidence in the faith in the gospel of Christ. Click here to listen to the lesson on 01-20-2002.
 Be Ready Always.
1 Pet 3:15 says “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
(KJV)” As Christians, we are asked to study the Bible to be prepared for any situation that presents itself
where we will have an opportunity to give witness. Many issues, like homosexuality, are confronting the
Christian today where the Bible is very clear when condemning sinful behavior. But, to discern these
types of issues, It’s required that the student of God know the Word so they can apply and testify of the
truth. This is how a Christian run’s the race for God. One such Christian hero was Eric Liddell, subject of
the film “Chariots of Fire”. Eric risked becoming a national disgrace at the 1924 Paris Olympics when he
refused to run on a Sunday. Disqualifying himself from the finals, Britain's hope of a medal was sacrificed
as well. But the criticism in the press turned to sensational acclaim when Eric entered and won a race for
which he was completely untrained, finishing a full five meters ahead of the favorite. He was a celebrity,
but the faith which had inspired his courageous stand stirred in him again, and at the height of his fame he
announced that he was leaving athletics to return as a missionary to the land of his birth, China. Even though Eric had not fully understood our position of Grace in The Mystery, he did not compromise his faith.  Click here to listen to the lesson on 01-27-2002 and be encouraged to run the race to your best ability.
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Audio Lessons for this Month
