LORD'S TABLE:PAUL IS SPEAKING TO THE CORINTHIAN JEWS
By: Bishop Albert Gran

This is an issue which might lead other grace believers in our time who inclined the practice of Lord's table as a custom which they supposed Paul had taught them and a charge many grace preachers in our time called their members of the church the body of Christ to observe.

May this lesson be an aid or an eye opener which lead you the bright side of this doctrine in accord to God's holy writ. I intend to present this exposition somehow your eyes of understanding rather points out what needs to be considered in view of this tradition as mostly adapted by many Pentecostal and evangelical churches in our times.

1 Corinthians 10 King James Version (KJV)

10 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that ALL OUR FATHERS were under the cloud, and ALL PASSED THROUGH THE SEA;

Paul had something to clarify to the Corinthian believers so they themselves were not ignorant about God's plan way back in the period of law in time past wherein their forefathers also walked in accordance to the obedience of Mosaic law.

Though Paul addressed his first epistle to the Corinthians who were members of the church, the body of Christ in this recent age of grace, yet Paul plainly had wanted to bring us an idea about the Corinthian's racial background and how their story had set to be AN EXAMPLE AND ADMONITION for the believers under grace today to not live similarly like the murmuring and unbelieving Jews by which through lusts resisted God and PROVOKED HIM TO JEALOUSY. Just simply ask why Paul had reminded Corinthians about their "fathers" who had passed through the sea. Paul simply pointed out the paternal fleshly background of Corinthian believers who were accustomed to Jewish tradition especially to Moses' custom. 
        
2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

Believers passing through the Red Sea is a baptism of Moses in the cloud and in the sea. It typifies Israel's redemption from the hand of their enemies going all through the promised land. Corinthian's fathers basically were recipients of Moses baptism along with Mosaic law and its covenants. 

3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;

Paul pointed out that the meat is in reference to the word of God (The Law) through which their forefathers abide, had obeyed, it is by being obedient of Mosaic law teachings as God delivered to them. In its widest sense the law is the school master which led them to the promised Messiah, the Christ.   

4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

The Rock which Moses had beaten when people were thirsty in the wilderness journey typifies Jesus as the Rock of which those who will drink of it will no longer be thirsty. In the book of John Jesus Christ had clearly emphasized what is this living water when Israel (in comparison of Jacob's well) has invited to come to him and drink His Living water (Jesus Christ).

John 4

9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee LIVING WATER.

11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?

12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?

13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:

14 But WHOSOEVER DRINKETH OF THE WATER THAT I SHALL GIVE HIM SHALL NEVER BE THIRST; but the WATER that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water SPRINGING UP INTO EVERLASTING LIFE.

15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.     

In the circumcision ministry of Jesus Christ, he came in order to fulfill the Law and the prophets about the prophecy concerning him as the Living water. He's the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who shall sit in David's throne and a ruler of Abraham's land. The Jews must come to acknowledge that Christ is the Living Water so they will obtain everlasting life and reign with him in the kingdom which is at hand.    

5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

In spite God's divine manifestation of power to quench Israel's thirst when Moses struck the Rock and splashed out water, still people were not consistent  and contented of God's goodness. They continued to oppose and disobeyed His laws. They were laden with grossed sin and pride through their own lusts. It displeased the Lord and many of them were overthrown into the wilderness. OT records shew how Israel was divided, some were taken captives by their enemies and killed, then some were cursed and buried under the ground alive, etc.        

6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

LUST is a significant issue at the church in Corinth. What Paul had observed in matters of Corinth's disposition and affairs in their status is when he wrote them what's about  their kingdom observance concerning Lord's Table. They were like babes who were easily trodden down by the thoughts and doctrines of their fathers. Observing Lord's Table as a custom is what they got from the Jews particularly the kingdom saints, as Christ told them until he comes, however their observation is done through fleshly motivation (for the satisfaction of the flesh) wherein great merriment and wrong practice happened inside the church. Some got drunk and slept. Paul taught them the lesson however that those what had happened in the church is a pattern of the OT occurrences to be set as example.        

7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
     
8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

When Moses approached to Mt. Sinai to receive God's laws, he had so much displeasure when he went back and saw people worshiping the golden calf. He saw people sat down to eat and drink, rose and play. They lusted themselves and that the whole congregation caused so much displeasure before God's eyes. Moses threw tables of stones and broke it in pieces. Israel broke God's commandments through idol worship.Through lusts had forgotten also the goodness and mercy of God.

Paul reiterated Israel's journey to the promised land through which issues of idolatry, fornication, tempting Christ, and murmurings were behaviors causing God's so much displeasure. Their course of action is a sign of UNBELIEF after He proved his power to protect, save them from their enemies, and provide their needs as they journeyed to the promised land.

In this account, Paul had elaborated these events using Israel's wilderness journey with accounts of their fathers misbehaviors and unbelief so that the Corinthian believers will see themselves that their father's experiences are typical to what they did inside the church at Corinth.    

11 NOW ALL THESE THINGS HAPPENED UNTO THEM FOR EXAMPLES: and they are written for our ADMONITION, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

13 There hath no TEMPTATION taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, FLEE FROM IDOLATRY.

15 I speak as to wise men; JUDGE YE what I say.

We knew Corinth is an idolatrous city and people basically had city lifestyles as you observed very common in our modern times. Lusts and temptations were very common issues which characterized tendencies for people to live a compromised life, doing evil and what seems similar to what had happened in time of Moses.

Paul reminded them what example believers at Corinth might learned from their fathers. Today, we knew we're living under grace, however we were called to be wise and conscious about our grace walk and disposition as sons of God to redeem the time as our days are evil. Corinthians had many tendencies to live a compromised living in consonance to the world's recent corrupt affairs. In fact there's one situation where immorality was committed by a member of the church at Corinth. Since most of them knew the story of their fathers in time past, Paul used that account to remind them not to tempt Christ in their present walk respectively under grace. As many of them walk like babes, they were enhanced by Paul to live wisely and JUDGE his admonition for them.             

LORD'S TABLE ISSUE: A JEWISH CUSTOM

16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

18 BEHOLD ISRAEL AFTER THE FLESH: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

Now, I would like to point out something I learned and perceived in this issue about LORD'S TABLE as many confused if this doctrine is for us members of the church the Body of Christ especially Gentiles in particular who were saved through Pauline gospel and doctrines.  

As we knew Corinthian members are predominantly Jews and by background aware about the circumcision ministry of Christ, Lord's Table or communion is one of the practices they applied in their congregation. It's one of the common activity that the Jewish believers in the early ministry of Paul had practiced. 

Lord's table is not the command or practice which Paul instituted for all members of the church the Body of Christ especially the Gentiles under this present dispensation of grace who were not promised by Christ to reign in the kingdom to come on earth. 

As Jews who knew Lord's Table background, Paul had used this practice as an illustration to the most important significance HOW MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH THE BODY OF CHRIST get its essence through Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Our salvation was directed as instant as the blood of Christ shall automatically cleansed our sins the moment we believe and trust it for our perfect salvation apart from human works.

Admittedly, Paul himself being a Jew knew this doctrinal practice in view of Christ's circumcision ministry. Lord's Table is not a mandate for today's practice especially when you knew the actual significance of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection for your sins causing to change position, walk and destiny.

Simply put, when Gentiles today break bread and instituted Lord's Table or Lord Supper in their churches it's understood simply only an adaptation of Jewish custom but not as a matter of God's command to practice for the church the Body of Christ because our salvation today is in effect of the gospel immediately work to those who believe. The reason why it's not for us today because we will not SUP WITH CHRIST in the earthly kingdom (Luke 22: 15-20, Rev. 3:20). It's the Jews primarily the kingdom saints who will sup with Christ when He establish His kingdom on earth.   

LORD'S TABLE: A JEWISH PRACTICE IN VIEW OF SPIRITUAL WALK IN OUR RECENT AGE             

19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?

20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.

22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

The issue of Lord's Table had been such a long traditional practice of Corinthian believers of whom we found in this context as Jews. Paul had used this customary practice to set themselves as example being members of His family, the body of Christ to FLEE FROM IDOLATRY, and PARTAKING GENTILE SACRIFICES called DEVIL SACRIFICES whose were Gentiles activities.

As members of Christ's body, a cleansed individuals who were called to be saints, being washed, and saved these things must not be once practice in the church with believers doing and committing it like what their fathers did during Moses time.

Paul wanted to point out that these Gentiles' activities also, which are evil in nature, were not those activities of believers who partook the salvation and being recipients of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection (as illustrated by Paul partaking the Lord's Table).

 Paul had stressed that their traditional practice of Lord's Table gave significance how to live a separate and holy life as Jews with distinct activities for the Lord. This is contrary to Gentiles' idolatrous nature with sacrifices to devils who also did activities through lusts which were ways of PROVOKING THE LORD TO JEALOUSY. 

There's no sense Paul mentioned even by implication that Lord Supper is a doctrine we should do as well today. He reminded them that as partakers of Christ's body they should abstain from these activities the fathers did in time past during Moses time and such those sacrifices also committed by Gentiles.        
           
MORE PRACTICAL GRACE-LIFE INSTRUCTION 

Edification, being thankful, set as example, and salvation of the lost  are Paul's main themes of instructing Corinthians to live a life with grace. He enumerated that though we are at liberty from sin we shall not attempt or commit as those who we were before we obtained our fellowship with Christ.

In this chapter, Lord's Table is not the real issue through which Paul told members the church the Body of Christ as an essential practice however he used this Jewish observance to point out what life governed if being partaking the communion of Christ's body (a spiritual significance of salvation and relationship with Christ).       

23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.

25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:

26 For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.

27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.

28 But if any man say unto you, this is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:

29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?

30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

Our grace-life walk has to be governed with carefulness and described as those who walk in wisdom for the sake of weak consciences designed for edification and others salvation. This is a new-character nature provided by our Lord Jesus Christ to walk in the newness of life, as those who truly are resurrected from the dead.

We are God's workmanship created by Jesus Christ unto good works and henceforth the new life we had in Christ is complacent to the image of Christ whose lives set as living epistles, holy, and righteous before Him in love.  

I viewed Lord's table as something a kind of practice similar to water baptism which Paul also had practiced in the early church the  Body of Christ. However, those practices I firmly believed based on several proofs and citations those belonged to that which were ceased when he instructed them TO SHOW THEM THE WAY OF THE LORD MORE PERFECTLY. 

Therefore, it's such a categorical practice Paul had mentioned "I KNOW IN PART" but when the PERFECT IS COME, nevertheless that which was in part shall be vanished away. 

Preach the gospel  and hid it to the lost and that is where you can COMMEMORATE THE LORD'S TABLE in all your life.

Grace and Peace!

   

SPIRIT'S INTERCESSION

HOW THE HOLY SPIRIT INTERCEDES TODAY?

By: Bishop Albert B. Gran   

Romans 8: 26-27

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

It's much significant in this study to emphasize what is written for our edification in respect to God's written revelation for this age of grace. What  I saw in these passages is a reflection of what we used to believe from tradition that the Spirit's involvement and function in this age of grace in the lives of believers has supernatural vain imaginations.

SPIRIT HELPED OUR INFIRMITIES   

Believers' life today according to the verse is accompanied with infirmities. Infirmities are all forms of negative circumstances which would cause believers to suffer pain and afflictions. 

Paul here had left us an idea how come "believers know not what we should pray as we ought". Even Paul himself did misunderstanding in his prayer life. Paul had much to say there's a significant twist what is something we should understand in our common prayer. What are the things "believers ought" to bring so much change for his life and existence?   

"The Spirit helpeth our infirmities" is a clear fact to hold a view such help brought by the Spirit are the things REVEALED by the Spirit for our spirit and INNER MAN.

AN OPEN UNDERSTANDING OF THE SPIRIT'S ACTIVE ROLE IN OUR LIFE 
   

We believed that Holy Spirit is one of the persons in the Godhead who also felt for the saints (as in grieve not the Holy Spirit). However as a person, his existence and presence is with the Godhead with His words left in our hands that we know what is the will of God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)
  

Today, believers must come to understand that our life is filled with abundance of sufferings. In fact, comfort seems minimal than the rate of sufferings. Our sufferings today are tools whereby God's design for believers to exercise the fruits of the Spirit be made manifest in our life.

"Not only to believe but to suffer for His sake".  This is a noteworthy life principle and understanding which most preachers don't seem to accept. Most Pentecostal and evangelical preachers in our time held view that believer's life is always in GOD'S COMFORT ZONE WHEN HEALING IS SUPPOSED ALWAYS DIRECTED AGAINST BELIEVERS INFIRMITIES. It's all like invest good deeds and God will bless you more today. When you are faithful to God today then he's faithful to respond what you ought in your prayers. Paul said: WE DO NOT KNOW HOW TO PRAY AS WE OUGHT.

There is lack of understanding in matters of God's dealing and our nature of existence in this vile body and corrupt world which we presently live in.  

Which notion you supposed believe today? Are you trying to objectively avoid God's designed suffering when you believed and became a believer of Christ? Our traditional doctrine instill a wrong notion through which SUFFERINGS are even a positive outlook for God's demonstration of power and comfort in the Spirit. Let's take patience as one of the fruits of the Spirit. When a believer is not doctrinally right about his sufferings then no more chance to exercise godly patience. After he exercised patience and overcame such, was it not a means redounding to the glory of His grace for the patience he extended in that particular circumstance? Precisely, you're living a life more victorious above sufferings. God did not give us wisdom to live carelessly in this present time. When you are sick and desperately incapacitated with needs then do with patience exercise godly means to find and seek solution. When can't resist to prolong your physical existence then it's a way leading to eternal joy in the heavenly with our creator. Through God's wisdom we knew that sometimes believers need to be cared and we've been taught to be sensitive to the needs of others. Each believer's sensitivity to his brother and sister's needs is a teaching of grace through which godliness are being manifested. We're not destitute of resources when believers are akin to be sensitive to the NEEDS OF EVERY SAINT. It's an established godly principle to all members of the church the Body of Christ.

God blessed us with SUFFERINGS. If not for sufferings then you can't appreciate the spiritual blessings God had poured in your life. A spirit filled believer is he who realized how and when the things of the spirit shall produce opportunities where those would make manifest in our life. 

Many preachers often condemned members of the church who are suffering as those who LACKED FAITH, NOT ENOUGH SERVICE RENDERED TO THE LORD, and GOD'S PUNISHMENTS DUE TO WRONG DOINGS. Though we believed a consequence of sin when the body suffers due to wrong decision, but it's a rule of nature. This is a natural law of cause and effect. When you plant bad seed it will not grow a seedling neither expect to bear any fruit. These judgments were basic judgments when failure and disobedience of the law are committed but these principles are not what we should live as our doctrine under grace. We were even called NOT TO JUDGE OTHERS OTHERWISE THOSE WHO JUDGE WERE THOSE WHO EVEN COMMITTED SUCH. Most judgments are traditionally based in accordance to the principle of law. Religious  preachers and teachers who stressed on the law principles of God's dealing to Israel were those people who often lead judgments and became judgmental. Instead of giving comforting words to the hearers through grace life principles, they threat them how fierce our God is for not doing what seems preachers want for their members in their religious activities today. Sometimes their religious laws or man-made doctrines often the living legacy that they thought outright before God's eyes. This is Satan's trick in our times in the so-called Christian religious society. Religious and church creeds were now the great point of living legacy among avid church members instead the inspiring written word of God.    


God is not FIERCE in our present dispensation of grace. If so, then our time is already in tumults or even perilous at the onset. God would not demonstrate His great love and reconciliation to the children of wrath in our time if God's nature is to show his fierceness. Let them wait for the Great Tribulation when wanted God's nature to be so. People today are inflicted caused by the world's corrupt nature in view of environmental man-made and natural devastation of course with corrupt  and evil people inhabiting it.

God's GOOD AND RIGHTEOUS character nature is such that is described in the present evil time we are in. We should understand and be opened to see how the Spirit helped us in our common infirmities today. 

THE SPIRIT MADE ITSELF INTERCESSION FOR US WITH GROANINGS WHICH CANNOT BE UTTERED

My understanding in this Spirit intercession for the members of the Church the Body of Christ is simply what the Spirit revealed information through His word what life characterized the saints in our times.

  "but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered "  

It says the SPIRIT ITSELF MAKETH INTERCESSION FOR US WITH  GROANINGS WHICH CANNOT BE UTTERED ( He designed it to be "with" or along with which denote an accompanying reality). It is what the Spirit declared what life is and  will be  for the members of the church the body of Christ. He revealed already that our life is (FOR US) WITH GROANINGS WHICH CANNOT BE UTTERED. It's beyond traditional interpretation that the Spirit is interceding in heaven and produce groanings which cannot be uttered (an idea of Spirit uttering words of groanings which can't be understood in heaven). Spirit's intercession is found in HIS REVEALED BOOK and declared what life we (BOC saints) have today as WITH GROANINGS WHICH CANNOT BE UTTERED. It can't be uttered because we are always suffering in every side of our life MUCH WHEN YOU ARE SERVING THE LORD.

The Bible plainly told us to understand WHAT THE WILL OF GOD FOR US TODAY as we groan from side to side. It's not the Spirit that groans however the Spirit interceeds by revealing His will FOR US today how we are succumb to life WITH GROANINGS which cannot be uttered.

OUR LIFE IS WITH GROANINGS: THIS IS THE REVEALED SPIRIT INTERCESSION AS WRITTEN 

Believers today must check what is the context of Spirit's intercession FOR US (the saints, members of His Body). As it reads:

  18 For I reckon that the SUFFERINGS OF THIS PRESENT TIME are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

20 For the creature was made SUBJECT TO VANITY, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the BONDAGE OF CORRUPTION into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

22 For we know that the WHOLE CREATION GROANETH AND TRAVAILETH IN PAIN together until now.

Take note on this:                                                              23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves GROAN WITHIN OURSELVES, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

The Holy Spirit's intercession for us is not in heaven but it IS WHAT HE REVEALED FOR US TODAY IN HIS WORD and declared that believers today even whole creation GROAN AND TRAVAIL IN PAIN. There is no gimmick in the Spirit's intercession with an idea of uncertainty. Spirit intercession is REVEALED TO US KNOWINGLY and not unknowingly. 

It's not the Spirit that groan however Spirit interceded that believers must accept the reality over whole creation through which we groan from side to side due to the affairs of our CORRUPT AND DEVASTATED WORLD while we keep serving him in labor for our family's serving ministry, serving lost men and labor in doctrine while waiting for His appearing.


THE SPIRIT MADE INTERCESSION FOR THE SAINTS ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD  

When God revealed His word it means and indicates he also revealed His will. As I pointed above, Spirit's intercession is certain and knowable because he revealed it. These things of God are things according to the mind of the Spirit and this plain declaration of truth for the saints in our times IS ACCORDING TO GOD'S WILL. Is it the will of God for His creation to suffer pain? Let's check what is written.

20 For the creature was made SUBJECT TO VANITY, not willingly, BUT BY REASON OF HIM who hath subjected the same in hope,

God had his reason and it is He who will that our present life and sufferings are made conformable to the sufferings of Christ. Those believers today who are saved can suffer for Christ but the rest suffered for themselves alone without meaning as though it is for Christ. 

HOW THE SPIRIT OF GOD ACTIVELY WORKED IN OUR MORTAL FLESH?

  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also QUICKEN YOUR MORTAL BODIES BY HIS SPIRIT THAT DWELLETH IN YOU.

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.   

The secret of our victorious life is simply to be in accord to the written word of God and that is to be according to the will of God. It is the mind of the Spirit through God searched our hearts. Things in the Spirit produces a righteous life amidst groanings wich can't be uttered. The dying of our Lord Jesus is always what we bear each day however it made you realized those were privileges to make use the essence of God's abundant grace working in your life.

Grace to you and  peace.  

       
          

GOD'S MIRACLE FOR THE YEAR 2015

GOD'S FREE GIFT

By: Bishop Albert Gran

Romans 5

14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.

17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

God gave His own Son as a very special gift to mankind. The mystery of giving Jesus Christ to humanity for us members of the church the Body of Christ is something that connects how Gentiles today became blessed due to the GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD which was being preached for our salvation as God's free gift.

Death is an ultimate cause why human kind thrive for security and freedom. Many had not known how to obtain eternal life and security. Many people thought that life security can only be availed when life is colored with material abundance.

JESUS DEATH ON THE CROSS is God's SPECIAL GIFT which you need to believe, and by reason of believing it will cause you to obtain ABUNDANT LIFE through out eternity. This abundant life surpassed beyond what you want to achieve in this life. You can't achieve to prolong your physical life on earth for soon it will be dissolved. WORLDLY THINGS are corruptible and rudiments of the world are come to naught. Love ones, friends, and all dear people in our life will pass by which caused us to realize our existence in this corrupt world is but only temporary.

The ESSENCE of LIFE God had wanted you to know is the PRECIOUS GIFT FROM ABOVE.

  15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the GRACE OF GOD, and the GIFT BY GRACE, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.   

What made us realized today is that ABUNDANT LIFE which you deserve from God with divine benediction per se is always and purely be BY GRACE. Because of God's grace he caused Himself to offer His Son, and because of GRACE Jesus Christ solely became obedient to His Father's desire to take the WORLD'S SIN ( Adamic sin-nature) so then ETERNAL LIFE will pass to all men who have faith.

Residing to GOD'S GIFT which is BY GRACE (or by God's Grace) indicates thorough understanding of which salvation is something only PREPARED BY GOD for you. Only thanksgiving and presenting your spirit, soul, and body be preserved until the coming of the Lord is what we can do which means this is how we could live a THANKFUL life after Jesus saved us from greatest condemnation and making us NEW CREATURE IN CHRIST.  

As we face the years to come may we hear believers and preachers of God's pure grace to realize our preaching is not marred with a bit of HUMAN WORKS but simply declaring the PURE GRACE OF GOD. An idea to introduce HUMAN WORKS in demonstrating THE POWER OF THE CROSS would defect the credibility and essence of the TRUTHFULNESS that our salvation is simply BY GRACE. Remember, it's THE GRACE OF GOD FOR US not our grace for Him.

Human consciousness must purely embrace the truthfulness of BELIEVING THE PRECIOUS GIFT without bits of doubt for whatever human abilities, religious creeds, secular education, and philosophy which were something you intend to stain the pureness of Christ blood that cleansed your sins away.

May this blessed thought will be our greatest realization that THE PRECIOUS GIFT of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ is BY GRACE. It's a perfect victory WHICH EVERYBODY LONGED FOR IN THIS PLANET EARTH.

From the bottom of my heart, a more blessed year to ALL MEN WHO DESERVE THE LOVING SAVIOUR who need the truth of the GOSPEL, A PURE GOSPEL whom our dear loving God prepared for us.                     

Grace to you and Peace.....

ISRAEL'S SPIRITUAL ISSUE: PUTTING MOSAIC VEIL ASIDE IN THE DISPENSATION OF GRACE

ISRAEL'S DILEMMA IN THE DISPENSATION OF GRACE

Bishop Albert Gran

2 Corinthians 3

13 And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:

14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.

15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.

16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

A GLIMPSE OF TODAY'S ISRAEL 

This is a very classical presentation of which emphasis of concern is directed to the previously called covenanted people, Israel. Further noticed as obviously seen in almost Jewish faith in our times, we would say it is basically accustomed in view of the Mosaic Law.  

Dispensational understanding of our beloved Jewish friends is a must so they will see the image of Jesus Christ through the light of the gospel preached by Paul. Instead of embracing the truth of the revelation of the mystery of God's grace today as fairly given to all,  they used to live and adapt doctrines in accordance to the Mosaic Law. Through this concept, Paul had in mind to write them a very trustworthy advice concerning the recent occurring status of Israel as leveled to that of the Gentiles. Through this message, they are reminded that God's love to them is in accord how He also loved the Gentiles through the LORD by the SPIRIT.   

ISRAEL IN GOD'S PERSPECTIVE TODAY

For certain, many people still believed that God's treatment to Israel today especially in the endowment of spiritual favor remains the same at Old Time.

Romans 3:9

What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are ALL UNDER SIN;  

The concept of racial distinctions in our times based on God's perspectives had gone away. In other sense, the concept of putting Israel as holier than Gentiles, God's favored people more than Gentiles, blessed people more than Gentiles in today's context are strange views after the amendment of God's dealing throughout human race. Declaring "ALL UNDER SIN" equates the people of Israel today as somebody and collectively with low level category in a form of helpless state spiritual condition. MOSES LAW IS NOT THE ANSWER TODAY BUT THE LORD and THE SPIRIT THAT GIVES LIBERTY THROUGH THE EXCEEDING RICHES OF HIS GRACE AND KINDNESS.

READING THE OLD TESTAMENT: ISRAEL'S HINDRANCE TODAY

13 And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:

14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.

15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.

The veil is clearly a type of covering which signifies "the law" as has been abolished when the prophesied Lord and savior being foreshadowed is fulfilled. The Mosaic law and commandments is a school master which guided them to the real savior which in effect salvation came NOT BY THE LAW AND OF WORKS but BY THE FAITH OF CHRIST through the abundance of His grace.

Galatians 3:24King James Version (KJV)

24 Wherefore the LAW was our schoolmaster to bring us UNTO CHRIST, that we might be justified by faith.

Galatians in the  Pauline context are predominantly a Jewish race and accustomed to the religion of the Jews and had good orientation of Mosaic Law. However, changes had made in the dispensational set up as far as the recent program of the dispensation of grace takes its effect. As who they were in consonance to the LAW, they were not those more advantageous or privileged when Christ appeared to Paul.

In the context of God's recent plan and program, Israelites today had their minds blinded with that VIEL or LAW which they couldn't behold the GREATNESS OF GOD'S GRACE AND KINDNESS TO ALL apart from that VIEL.  VIEL until now coexists to almost all RELIGIONS in our society. Mostly, sinners today couldn't perfectly REST ON THE FINISHED WORK OF CHRIST.  

The veil is still UNTAKEN AWAY today in almost majority of them (Israel) because they're still blinded with their TRADITIONS and RELIGION. Gentiles who had not been given the law assumed the role of Israelites in time past as though theirs to claim TODAY , also as though holier than a Jew  by being obedient to MOSAIC LAW.

Perverting the truth to something VOID OF UNDERSTANDING from the wisest counsel of God in this most recent time in the " But Now" program might sway your faith to be tossed and be carried by every wind of doctrines.

For religious people, instead of being consistent to the FAITH AND BLESSINGS once offered to us from our FATHER through our LORD JESUS CHRIST in this recent time through which CHRIST IN YOU THE HOPE OF GLORY, still many both Jews and Gentiles misunderstood the plan of God and perverted his wise plan throughout ages.  

BEING STUCK TO RELIGION AND BEING RELIGIOUS?

   15 But even UNTO THIS DAY, when MOSES IS READ, the vail is upon their heart.

  16 Nevertheless when IT ( veil/law)  shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.     
Many today still implore the doctrines, manner of life, and principles of Mosaic law as though today's believers embraced and MADE IT REIGN IN THEIR HEARTS ( their governing life principle and doctrine). When being ignorant of the fellowship of the mystery, many Christians in different religions PUT THE VEIL and cover their faces so they COULDN'T SEE THE GLORY OF GOD'S GRACE in this dispensation of grace.     

People cannot move on to  understand significant change of God's plan as per advice by our apostle Paul. Many still loved to let Moses' veil reign in their hearts. TAKE AWAY THE VEIL! It's the instruction called for today's member of the church the Body of Christ. Walk by faith and not rest in the works of the flesh for your flesh against the purpose of God to provide you free gift of salvation. We call it in our time GOD'S PURE GRACE  DOCTRINE not mixed it with how A VEIL REIGN IN THE HEART OF A RELIGIOUS SINNER.

Remember:

Galatians 5:9King James Version (KJV)

9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

BACK TO THE LORD AND IN THE SPIRIT NOT TO RELIGION AND THE FLESH

17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Religious people in our times seems knowledgeable however their knowledge constitute to something with a veil still reigning in their hearts. Being lacked of knowledge to God's instruction how to be at liberty from Moses Veil through the GRACE OF GOD which gives us the spirit of Liberty.

Galatians 5:1King James Version (KJV)

5 STAND FAST  therefore in the LIBERTY wherewith CHRIST HATH MADE US FREE, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

It's CHRIST WHO MADE US FREE through his death and that by FAITH we must let this knowledge REIGN IN OUR HEARTS instead of being swayed by the doctrines and principles of establishing works and human righteousness.

NOW THE "LORD" IS THAT SPIRIT.  The resurrected LORD  is in HEAVEN but HIS WORDS LEFT TO US IS THE SPIRIT OF GOD that give's us life, understanding, wisdom, hope, eternal blessedness and so forth. LORD IS THAT SPIRIT demonstrates believer's walk in the Spirit, God's endowment of life and blessings IN THE SPIRIT. Our LIBERTY IS IN THE SPIRIT.    

WHY STILL BEHOLD MOSES' VEIL? GET OUT FROM RELIGIOUS GIMMICKS

18 But WE ALL, with OPEN FACE (as a living epistle of God) BEHOLDING AS IN A GLASS THE GLORY OF THE LORD, are CHANGED INTO THE SAME IMAGE FROM GLORY TO GLORY, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

When you look yourself in the mirror you must think you are beholding THE GLORY OF GOD SHINING IN YOU, AS HIS DEAR SON. CHRIST IN YOU THE HOPE OF GLORY. It's the SPIRIT OF GOD DECLARING YOU ARE HIS ADOPTED SON.

It pays to understand the essence of your spiritual walk in this dispensation of grace. The image you have is from GLORY directing to GLORY through the gospel, even as by the SPIRIT OF THE LORD.

Walking in the Spirit is in consonance to how the believers in this dispensation of grace was instructed how to live under the dispensation of grace with the doctrines not through the VEIL but by the LORD through the instruction of grace in accordance to the revelation of the mystery.

HIS GRACE AND CROSS BE SIMPLY MAGNIFIED.

Grace and Peace

WHAT DO YOU CELEBRATE IN CHRISTMAS SEASON? - A MESSAGE OF CHRIST'S INCARNATION

By : Bishop Albert B. Gran

AN EXPOSITION OF ROMANS 8:1-4

Romans 8 King James Version (KJV)

8 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

How many of us contemplated the essence of our present position before God as free from condemnation due to the fact as we were declared "IN CHRIST JESUS". Had you not also contemplated as to the sense TO THEM "which are" instead of "who are" IN CHRIST JESUS. Paul here has pointed out a particular group or collective body of believers which are in placed under God's recent plan in the dispensation of grace, the called out Body of Christ members. It is good to understand however, that being in Christ, our present relative status as collective Body of believers "who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" is not something  WE DID OR WE WANT TO DO TO OBTAIN, but it's something AFTER THE SPIRIT which indicate a truth to be known about the things of the Spirit of God for our spirit. Those that which categorically belonged to the BOC had known over the information as to the essence of God's plan regarding Christ's redemptive work:    

"God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:"

As recipient of today's spiritual blessings of God in heavenly places (who were Gentiles by nature as called to be) our understanding of Christ's relative purpose in coming to earth in view of our application in attaining blessedness is a kind of mystery because it specializes a very special purpose how a sinner today both Jew and Gentile fight against his lost condition by simply believing the knowledge of Christ's incarnation which intensify to SOLVE SIN ISSUE. Our being blessed today in Christ's incarnation is not something how Christ fulfill the prophecy in accordance to the law and the prophets but significant to GOD'S PLAN FOR SIN WHICH THE LAW COULD NOT DO IN TIME PAST. Condemning sin through His death, burial, and resurrection emancipates justification and freedom from condemnation. In the prophetic truth of God's plan over the ages, he himself also declared Israel's salvation through His death however it's relative salvation for their hope in the earthly kingdom and for atonement of sins. They only found atonement of sins when they reside in the kingdom of God while we today, in the present dispensation of grace had this truth:

Romans 5:11King James Version (KJV)

11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom WE HAVE NOW RECEIVED THE ATONEMENT.

It is after the closing of the dispensation of the grace when God shall restore national Israel and turn away the ungodliness of Jacob as relative to national salvation for the establishment and restoration of the kingdom. This is where the accounts of the book of Hebrews- Revelation take place.

 Romans 11:25-26King James Version (KJV)

25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, THERE SHALL COME OUT OF SION THE DELIVERER, and SHALL TURN AWAY UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB:

While the Body of Christ members today joy with our atonement through the GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD, the national Israel shall wait the SOLUTION OF THEIR SIN ISSUE or THE UNGODLINESS OF JACOB (denoting national Israel) after this DISPENSATION OF GRACE.

When you connect yourself to who Christ is for the nation of Israel and claims your blessedness intended for their promised blessing, then relatively you missed the essence of your recent benefit supposed that you should and supposedly know through rightly dividing the word of truth.

To intensify the relative purpose of Christ's incarnation in application for us today, it is expressed in simple understanding: IT'S ALL ABOUT SIN ISSUE FOR ALL LOST PEOPLE TODAY WITHOUT DISTINCTIONS.
 

2 Cor. 5:21
21 For he hath MADE HIM TO BE SIN FOR US, who knew no sin; that WE MIGHT BE MADE THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN HIM.
  
WHAT INDICATES A BELIEF OF SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS?

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
What every lost person in this world must recognize is TO KNOW WHAT IS THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS. The SPIRIT OF LIFE in other words can only be found in Christ Jesus. It is a SPIRIT OF LIFE because IT'S NOT ABOUT OUR FLESH OR SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS HOW TO HAVE A GOOD ETERNAL LIFE. It is SPIRIT because it is about a knowledge or an information prepared by God for our benefit which he delivered to us today through the GOSPEL specifically delivered by Paul for us. This gospel absolutely solve our sin-nature, as being condemned and eternally lost.

Self-righteousness is against the principle of God's giving of the Spirit of life. It's simply battling against God when having dependence of your own act of meritorious effort. Your resources are spent to unthinkably do a dung thing against the wholesome plan of God for providing you a gift of the LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS. Having made so, instead of finding solution of your sin by THE SPIRIT OF LIFE, indeed you do a dung thing to resolve it by THE LAW OF THE FLESH.    

A CONCLUSION TO TUNE IN TO THE SPIRIT OF LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS

Perfect and sublime faith comes only believing GOD'S PLAN OF SALVATION. What effort man needs to do is to study God's word and believe the purpose of Christ's incarnation today which is to REDEEM US FROM ALL OUR SINS.

3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Grace and Peace!