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GRACE BLOGS COLLECTION

915. “The Whole Counsel of God”

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It was recorded once in the book of Acts that Paul used the phrase "the whole counsel of God." It's a quote that religious people like to use as a weapon of sorts to stress there is more to the gospel than grace. In other words, when people get hyper about grace, legalists will think it results in an unhealthy obsession that should include a balance of other things such as a measure of law and works, resulting in guilt and then trying to do things to make ourselves more acceptable to God.

Of course, those on the works treadmill can never really spell out exactly what the whole counsel of God is or how it should be defined apart from grace. Those who do will only be able to give you an opinion and guesswork based on a very limited perspective and likely an inaccurate one.

Right before Paul mentioned this phrase, he described what it was that the whole counsel of God revolves around, and the ministry he received from which he was called to testify about. Spoiler alert: It was the gospel of the grace of God.



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823. New Covenant Context: Galatians Chapter 5

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It becomes very easy to be misled or to misunderstand the truth of the gospel when becoming fixated with a Bible verse or two. Quite often we assume there is a complete thought encompassed within a verse or a short passage, and then we try to tie it into other solitary “island verses” within the pages of the Bible … which are surrounded by an ocean of other passages. Copy and paste them together and POOF! You’ve got instant indoctrination. The goal becomes trying to “prove” one’s pre-assumed mindset about the dogmatic doctrines they have been taught. Regardless of what one believes, anybody can do this … and it’s a common practice in the world of religion.

This week, we look at a short passage contained within the 5th chapter of Galatians that is often considered by covenant clashers as a not so veiled threat by the Apostle Paul regarding their eternity and their works. Considering the new covenant context about everything he said in his letter up to this point over several chapters, Paul is attempting to reassure people, not to suddenly shift gears and scare them into going from grace back to trusting in their works.



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822. Memorizing “Verses” While Missing the Context of the New Covenant

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“But what about this verse!” It has become common practice to view the Bible through individual Bible verses. What was meant as a method to reference the writings more easily can often turn into tunnel vision when it comes to the complete truth contained within the New Covenant of Jesus. A verse or two by themselves can turn into being used as a memorization technique, which sounds like a good thing to do—but the context is more important than any one verse which can often lead people into false assumptions and misunderstandings.

Individual verses can be used as “topics” for sermons, while the pastor may have little or no understanding about the gospel from a New Covenant perspective. We’re working toward a short passage containing a few verses in Galatians chapter 5 which is often used to bring people back into a works mentality … and leaving them in a state of confusion when it comes to God’s grace.



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Jesus: The Eternal, Living Word of God

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In this teaching, we must start with agreement concerning what we value and hold dear about the Holy Scriptures. Anytime our view contradicts the biblical view, serious problems arise.

It’s why people have so many varied views of God and the Gospel, and why there are over 45,000 different denominations!

There are many who suggest that the Bible is not trustworthy and reliable!

I wholeheartedly believe that it is the holy and inspired Word of God, given to us through the Holy Spirit.

The Bible is absolutely reliable and totally trustworthy!

The Integrity of the Scriptures

Paul told Timothy, in 2 Timothy 3:15-17, that Scripture is holy (sacred, set apart or consecrated to God), containing the wisdom, understanding and instruction concerning salvation, through faith in the finished work of Jesus. And all Scripture is inspired (breathed out of God) and profitable (helpful, advantageous) for…

  • Doctrine – learning, teaching, and instruction
  • Reproof – evidence or proof, having conviction
  • Correction – to straighten up again, to rectify and reform
  • Instruction – to tutor, educate and train; nurture
  • In righteousness – specifically speaks of (Christian) justification.

The Scriptures are undoubtedly inspired by God to teach and instruct us with the evidence and proof necessary to reform our thinking, educate us in the truth of our right-standing with God and make us proficient in the message of the Gospel—thoroughly equipped to do “good works.”

The Bible is absolutely reliable and totally trustworthy!

The Inerrancy of Scripture

There is no conflict in God! God’s not the one who is con- fused. The only contradictions and conflicts that exist are because of our interpretation of God.

2 Peter 1:20-21 clears it up by saying that Holy men, moved by the Holy Spirit, accurately recorded biblical history, events, encounters, genealogy, conversations and prophetic utterances!

The Bible inerrantly records the contradictions, errors and lies, and it makes no mistakes in reporting the events, proclaiming the truth, and recording the revelation of God’s will.

The Real Benefit of Scripture

We can learn a very valuable lesson from Jesus’ conversation with the Pharisees in John 5!

“You search and investigate and pore over the SCRIPTURES diligently, because you suppose and trust that you have eternal life through them. AND THESE [VERY SCRIPTURES] TESTIFY

ABOUT ME! And still you are not willing [but refuse] TO COME TO ME, so that you might have LIFE.” —John 5:39-40 (KJV) [emphasis mine]

Jesus said that one of the main purposes of Scripture is to be a witness that declares and reveals the true Word of God, Jesus Christ, to us!

It’s how we connect to the Living Word of God (Jesus) and the power of God (the Gospel).

That’s why the authority, reliability and integrity of Scripture is so important. Only in Jesus can we have and enjoy (Zoe) life— not just in the Scriptures!

God has fully and perfectly revealed Himself in and through Jesus Christ.

If Scripture is read and studied correctly, it will always point us to Jesus, “The True, Eternal and Inerrant Word of God!”

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