Bible Study Outline: Outline of 2 Corinthians Chapter 6
“Living a Life of Separation in Christ Jesus”

I. The Marks of the Gospel Ministry (verses 1-10) 
A. Apostolic Appeal:  Don’t receive God’s grace in vain! (VS. 1-2)
NOTE:   We learn, that it was possible to receive the grace of God and not ultimately benefit by it; or, in other words, to begin in the Spirit and end in the flesh.  The sense is, that it was possible that this offer might be made to them, they might hear of a Savior, be told of the plan of reconciliation and have the offers of mercy pressed on their attention and acceptance, and yet all be in vain. 

B. God’s Appeal: (Isaiah 49:8) I have sent you the Messiah! (vs. 2)
Through Jesus the Messiah, God would be willing to hear the cry of the people and to show mercy to both the Jew and to the Gentile. That would be an acceptable time.  For this reason, Jesus said “The day you hear MY voice, harden not your hearts as in the days of “provocation.””.Paul said that time was now because the “Messiah” has come, and now God is willing to both pardon and save you. God is willing to show mercy to people. In him (Christ) alone is the throne of grace accessible, and now that he has come, God is willing to pardon all who came. People should avail themselves of the offers of mercy.

II. A Blameless and “Approved” Ministry (Isaiah 49:8) (vs. 3-10)
This passage of scripture (VS. 3-10) fulfills the prophecy contained in Isaiah 49:8. Paul stands up for the integrity of the Apostolic ministry, that he and his fellow-apostles labored in such a way that no one who saw or knew them, saw them falling into sin or living in compromised manner (stumbling) that would taint their Christian testimony and hinder the spread of and the belief in the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Corinthian church and others. Paul and the rest of the Apostles dedicated their lives to live pure and self-denying lives in order to present to the church the strongest argument for anyone hearing the Gospel to firmly embracing it and accept Jesus Christ.  Compare with Matthew 10:16; 1 Corinthians 8:13; 10:32-33; Philippians 2:15 ; 1 Thessalonians 2:10 and Chapter 5:22. 
    
The idea is, for a minister of God to do good and commend their ministry, each one of them must  be an example of patience. The minister must understand that they are called to preach as a duty to others; and if, when they are poor (in poverty), persecuted, oppressed, calumniated, or imprisoned, if they should complain, or be non-submissive, the result would be they will do little good and become ineffective by all their preaching.  God often places his ministers in circumstances of “special trials” among other reasons, in order that they may illustrate their own precepts by their example, and show to the people the kind of temperament and spirit they need to have whenever they are going through some type of suffering to suffer.
 Ironically, Ministers often do a whole lot more good by their example and attitude while in suffering, than they do a lot of times in their preaching. It is easy to preach to others; it is not so easy to manifest the right spirit in those times of persecution and trial. People too can resist preaching, but they cannot resist the effect and power of a good example in times of suffering as easy. In regard to the manner in which Paul says that the ministry may commend itself, it may be observed, that he groups several things together; or mentions several classes of influences or means. In this and the next verse he refers to various kinds of afflictions.

In the following verses he groups several things together, pertaining to a holy life, and a pure conversation.These verses (3-10) also show the experiences the Apostles endured to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the churches and to the people they met along the way:

1. Approving themselves in all things: suffering afflictions in necessities, in distress 
2. In stripes (being whipped), in imprisonment(s), in tumults, in labor, in watching(s),
3. In fasting(s), by pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness,
4. By the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, By the Word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left
5. By honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as deceivers , and yet true.
6. As unknown and yet well known, as dying and behold, we live; as chastened and not killed.
7. As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor. Yet making rich; as having nothing, yet possessing all things.

III. A Humane and Compassionate Ministry (verses 11-13)

A. Paul said “We spoke to you openly and from our hearts to you.”
B. We lacked no room in our affections toward you. We loved you so much that we are willing to do all that is needed for your welfare and well being, but you have formed factions (clics) among yourselves and even have allegiance to false teachers. Thus the reason why they had not fully received Paul and the Gospel message fully as they should have.
C. We appeal to you to open your hearts toward us as we have toward you. All we ask is a “love” response to the love we’ve shown and a strong devotion to the Gospel we preach and love.

IV. A “Separated” Ministry (verses 14-18)
A. Separate yourselves from all improper alliances with unbelievers in the faith.
1. Separate from unrighteousness because you are the righteousness of God.
2. You are the children of “the Light” (Jesus) light does not fellowship with darkness

Note: There is a big difference between Christians and those who are not. The difference is so great that companionship and fellowship between the two factions causes such personal relationships not only to be improper but morally and spiritually hazardous, especially to the believer in Christ. This alone explains why, all kinds of improper connections with unbelievers is implied here. 

It's important to remember:
"While it’s clear that this command  refers to marriage relationships, this command is not confined to just marital relationships. It refers to any “intimate” connection, which would include friendships, business partnerships or to participate in their forms of amusements and employments. To do this is considered radical by social standards, but the premise is these relationships put the Christian at risk of being corrupted by bad morals". 

Paul said the church (Corinthians converts) were to abstain from all fellowship connections with unbelievers-with infidels, and pagans, and those who were not Christians, which would identify them with them; or they were to have no connection with them in anything as unbelievers, pagans, or infidels; they were to partake with them in nothing that was special to them as such. They were not to have any part with their paganism unbelief, idolatry, or infidelity. They were to refrain from uniting with them in any way or sense where it would suggest that they were partakers with them in any those things.

 Barnes Note Commentary gives the following commentary in verses 15 and 16:

 In the remainder of this verse and the following verses (2 Corinthians 6:15-16), Paul states reasons why they should have no such contact. 

“There is no principle of Christianity that is more important than that which is here stated by the apostle; and none in which Christians are more in danger of erring, or in which they have more difficulty in determining the exact rule which they are to follow”. 

These questions which commonly arise are very important and need to be answered. 
1. Are we to have no contact with the people of the world?
2. Are we cut loose from all our friends who are not Christians? 
3. Are we to become monks, and live a recluse and unsocial life? 
4. Are we never to mingle with the people of the world in business, in innocent recreation, or in the duties of citizens, and as neighbors and friends? 

It is important, therefore, in the highest degree, to endeavor to find out what are the principles on which the New Testament requires us to act concerning this important matter. And in order to get a correct understanding of this, the following principles were suggested by the Barnes’ Notes Commentary:

I. The Influence of the "Supernatural World" on the "Natural World"
There is a large field of action, pursuit, principle, and thought, over which infidelity, sin, paganism, and the world as such, have the entire control. It is wholly without the range of Christian law, and stands opposed to Christian law. It pertains to a different kingdom; is conducted by different principles, and tends to destroy and annihilate the kingdom of Christ. It cannot be reconciled with Christian principle, and cannot be conformed to but in entire violation of the influence of religion. Here the prohibition of the New Testament is absolute and entire. Christians are not to mingle with the people of the world in these things; and are not to partake of them. This prohibition, it is supposed, extends to the following, among other things:

(1) To idolatry. This was plain. On no account or pretense were the early Christians to partake of that, or to countenance it. In primitive times, during the Roman persecutions, all that was asked was that they should cast a little incense on the altar of a pagan god. They refused to do it, and because they refused to do it, thousands perished as martyrs. They judged rightly; and the world has approved their cause.

(2) Sin, vice, licentiousness. This is also plain. Christians are in no way to patronize them, or to lend their influence to them, or to promote them by their name, their presence, or their property. "Neither be partakers of other people's sins;" (1 Timothy 5:22; 2 John 11).

(3) Arts and acts of dishonesty, deception, and fraud in traffic and trade. 
Here the prohibition also must be absolute. No Christian can have a right to enter into partnership with another person where business transactions are to be conducted based on dishonest and unchristian principles, or where it shall lead to the violation of any of the laws of God. If it involves deception and fraud in the principles on which it is conducted; if it spreads ruin and poverty-as the distilling and vending of ardent spirits does; if it leads to the necessary violation of the Christian Sabbath, then the case is plain. A Christian is to have no "fellowship with such unfruitful works of darkness, but is rather to reprove them;" (Ephesians 5:11).

(4) The amusements and pleasures that are “entirely” worldly, and sinful in their nature; those that are wholly under worldly influence, and which cannot be brought under Christian principles. Nearly all amusements are of this description. 

The real principle here seems to be, that if a Christian in such a place is expected to lay aside his Christian principles, and if it would be deemed indecorous and improper for him to introduce the subject of religion, or if religion would be regarded is entirely inconsistent with the nature of the amusement then he is not to be found there. The world reigns there, and if the principles of his Lord and Master would be excluded, he should not be there. This applies of course to the theater, the circus, the ballroom, and to large and splendid parties of pleasure. 

That said, we are not to associate with idolaters in their idolatry; nor with the licentious in their licentiousness; nor with the infidel in his infidelity; nor with the proud in their pride; nor with the frivolous in their gaiety; nor with the friends of the theater, or the ballroom, or the circus in their attachment to these places and pursuits. And whatever other connection we are to have with them as neighbors, citizens, or members of our families, we are not to participate with them in any of these things. Thus far all seems to be clear; and the rule is a plain one whether it applies to marriage, or to business, or to religion, or to pleasure; compare note, (1 Corinthians 5:10).

II. Common Social and Business situations:

"There is a large field of action, thought, and plan which may be said to be common with the Christian and the world. That said,, under no circumstances is the Christian  to abandon his own principles, where there will be, or need be, no compromise of the sternest views of truth, or the most upright, serious, and holy conduct. He may carry his principles with him; may always manifest them if necessary; and may even commend them to others, but never compromise God’s principles, precepts or compromise the truth of God’s standards in his or her conduct and business transactions". 

A few of these may be referred to the following:
(1) Commercial transactions and professional engagements that are conducted on honest and upright principles, even when those with whom we act are not Christians.

(2) Literary and scientific pursuits, which never, when pursued with a right spirit, interfere with the principles of Christianity, and never are contrary to it.

(3) The love and affection which are due to relatives and friends. Nothing in the Bible assuredly will prohibit a pious son from uniting with one who is not pious in supporting an aged and infirm parent, or a much loved and affectionate sister. The same remark is true also respecting the duty which a wife owes to a husband, a husband to a wife, or a parent to a child, though one of them should not be a Christian. And the same observation is true also of neighbors, who are not to be prohibited from uniting as neighbors in social contact, and in acts of common kindness and charity, though all not Christians.

(4) As citizens. We owe duties to our country, and a Christian need not refuse to act with others in the elective franchise, or in making or administering the laws. Here, however, it is clear that he is not at liberty to violate the laws and the principles of the Bible. He cannot be at liberty to unite with them in political schemes that are contrary to the Law of God, or in elevating to office people whom he cannot vote for with a good conscience as qualified for the station.

(5) In plans of public improvement, in schemes that go to the advancement of the public welfare, when the schemes do not violate the laws of God. But if they involve the necessity of violating the Sabbath, or any of the laws of God, assuredly he cannot consistently participate in them.

(6) In doing good to others. So the Savior was with sinners; so he ate, and drank, and conversed with them. So we may mingle with them, without partaking of their wicked feelings and plans, so far as we can do them good, and exert over them a holy and saving influence. In all the situations here referred to, and in all the duties growing out of them, the Christian may maintain his principles, and may preserve a good conscience. Indeed the Savior evidently contemplated that his people would have such contact with the world, and that in it they would do good. But in none of these is there to be any compromise of principle; in none to be any yielding to the opinions and practices that are contrary to the laws of God.

III. Christian common Ground


There is a large field of action, conduct, and plan, where Christians only will act together. These relate to the special duties of religion-to prayer, Christian fellowship, the ordinances of the gospel, and most of the plans of Christian beneficence. Here the world will not intrude; and here assuredly there will be no necessity of any compromise of Christian principle.

[For what fellowship] Paul proceeds here to state reasons why there should be no such improper connection with the world. The main reason, though under various forms, is that there can be no fellowship, no communion, nothing in common between them; and that therefore they should be separate. The word "fellowship" (‎metochee) ‎means “partnership” or “participation”. What is there in common; or how can the one partake with the other? The interrogative form here is designed to be emphatic, and to declare in the strongest terms that there can be no such partnership.
[Righteousness] Such as you Christians are required to practice; implying that all were to be governed by the stern and uncompromising principles of honesty and justice, those principles that embodies God’s righteousness.

[With unrighteousness] Dishonesty, injustice, sin;  implying that the world is governed by such principles.

[And what communion] ‎(koinoonia)‎. Participation; communion; that which is in common. What is there in common between light and darkness? What common principle is there of which they both partake? There is none. There is a total and eternal separation.

[Light] The emblem of truth, virtue, holiness; see the note,( Matthew 4:16; 5:16; John 1:4; Romans 2:19; 2 Corinthians 4:4,6.) It is implied here that Christians are enlightened, and walk in the light. Their principles are pure and holy-principles of which light is the proper emblem.

[Darkness] The emblem of sin, corruption, ignorance; implying that the world to which Paul refers was governed and influenced by these. The idea is, that as there is an entire separation between light and darkness in their nature; as they have nothing in common, so it is and should be, between Christians and sinners. There should be a separation. There can be nothing in common between holiness and sin; and Christians should have nothing to do "with the unfruitful works of darkness:"( Ephesians 5:11). 

V.  "Come out from Among them and Separate Yourselves"    (verses 17-18)

A. You are a “special people” God indwells you (Holy Spirit)

B. Separate yourselves from a vain, frivolous, and idolatrous world 
(unsaved countrymen) and the wicked influences they portray.

C. Have no close unnecessary contact with unbelievers or the things they do. Live a life of purity and holiness.

D. Then you will be accepted as my friends and adopted children (God through Paul)

Conclusion: And I (the Lord) will be your protector, guide, instructor and provider in your time of need.


God says, that he will be to his people their protector, counselor, guide, and friend. He will cherish toward them the feeling of a father; he will provide for them, he will acknowledge them as his children. No higher honor can be conferred on mortals than to be adopted into the family of God, and to be permitted to call the Most High our Father. No rank is so elevated as that of being the sons and the daughters of the Lord Almighty. Yet this is the common appellation by which God addresses his people; and the most humble in rank, the most poor and ignorant of his friends on earth, the most despised among people, may reflect that they are the children of the ever-living God, and have the Maker of the heavens and the earth as their Father and their eternal Friend. 


Dr. William Edward Boddie

Antiochus IV succeeded his brother, Seleucus IV, as king of Syria who was murdered by his minister, Heliodorus around 175 B.C. Ruling for 11 years, (175- 164 B.C.) Antiochus IV was by nature a despot; eccentric and unreliable.  Polybius tells us that his eccentric ideas caused some to speak of him as a man of pure motive and humble character, while others hinted at insanity. Daniel referred to him as the "persecutor of Israel"  and "the little horn."  Daniel wrote this prophetically concerning Antiochus, the prosecutor:  "In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a stern-faced king, a master of intrigue, will arise.  He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy the mighty men and the holy people.  He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power. (Daniel 8:23-25) (NIV)  
  
In Daniel's prophecy, he also called him "the little horn." Thus he wrote:" Out of one of them there came another horn, which started small but grew in power to the south and to the east and toward the Beautiful Land. It grew until it reached the host of the heavens, and it threw some of the starry host down to the earth and trampled on them.  It set itself up to be as great as the Prince of the host; it took away the daily sacrifice from him, and the place of his sanctuary was brought low.  Because of rebellion, the host [of the saints] and the daily sacrifice were given over to it. It prospered in everything it did, and truth was thrown to the ground." Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to him, "How long will it take for the vision to be fulfilled - the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, the rebellion that causes desolation, and the surrender of the sanctuary and of the host that will be trampled underfoot?" He said to me, "It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be re-consecrated." (Daniel 8:9-14) NIV

To secure his ascension to the Syrian throne, there are some that believe Seleucus IV was poisoned by Heliodorus, and others who were prime candidates except his younger brother Demetrius, who was imprisoned in Rome were murdered along the way. Accordingly as Dr. John F. Walvoord stated in his book, (Walvoord, 1991) " Daniel described him as "a contemptible person" who had not been given the honor of royalty."
According to Dr. Walvoord,  Antiochus took the name "Epiphanes" which means "the glorious one." His enemies in derision to the title modified the spelling and changed it to "Epimanes" which meant "madman." In the book "Promises and Blessings,  Author Michael A. Harbin said the actual title he took was "Theo Epiphanes" meaning "god manifest." (Harbin, 2005)

 It's with this name that Harbin introduced, we can easily see how Daniel made a "double reference" to the name Antiochus and associated it with the Antichrist, who like Antiochus in future prophecy will become a madman and seek to force the Jews to worship him as god as well as desecrate the temple and set up an "abominable image", demanding the people to take the image of the beast or be killed.. Comparing the both men with each other: both will be men of fierce countenance and cunning. Both are self -serving,  vicious and self willed and partial to heathen images.
  
In order to compare Antiochus IV to the future Antichrist, we must compare what Daniel was inspired to write by the Holy Spirit with what the Apostle John wrote while Jesus instructed him concerning those thing that were shortly to come to past. 

In the prophecy concerning found in Daniel 8:9-14, Michael A. Harbin  wrote: "Antiochus Epiphanes attempted a strong program of "Hellenization" to unite the kingdom. A critical aspect of this Hellenistic program was an effort to force the Jews to worship the Greek god Zeus, his favorite god. During the early part of his reign, First, Antiochus contented himself with playing Jewish factions against each other. (even those factions that existed in the priesthood as there existed Pro-Ptolemy and Pro- Seleucid parties).then, he attacked Ptolemy VI in Egypt. While in Egypt, trouble broke out in Jerusalem. Perceiving this internal struggle to be rebellion against his reign, Antiochus desecrated the temple by first, being a Gentile entering in it, then by plundering it. Next, to ensure that Judea would remain loyal, for the next 2 years, Antiochus accelerated his Hellenization program and started his quest to eradicate the Jewish religion all together. He replaced the "monotheistic" belief of Judaism with the "polytheistic" belief of Hellenism. He viewed Judaism as a cult that must be destroyed"

Dr. Frank Hirsch (Hirsch, 2006) writes,   "Antiochus made the following declarations: The observance of all Jewish laws, especially those relating to the Sabbath and to circumcision, were forbidden under pain of death. The Jewish "cult" was set aside, and in all cities of Judaea, sacrifices must be brought to the pagan deities. Representatives of the crown everywhere enforced the edict. Once a month a search was instituted, and whoever had secreted a copy of the Law or had observed the rite of circumcision was condemned to death. In Jerusalem on the 15th of Chislev of the year 145 aet Sel, i.e. in December 168 B.C., a pagan altar was built on the Great Altar of Burnt Sacrifices, and on the 25th of Chislev, sacrifice was brought on this altar for the first time (1 Maccabees 1:54,59). This evidently was the "abomination of desolation." The sacrifice, according to 2 Maccabees was brought to the Olympian Zeus, to whom the temple of Jerusalem had been dedicated. At the feast of Dionysus, the Jews were obliged to march in the Bacchanalian procession, crowned with laurel leaves. This diabolical act in 167 BC. Triggered the Maccabean Revolt and ultimately resulted in independence for Judea, for in 163 BC., Antiochus died and Lysias, his general established a truce with the Jews.

Jesus Christ applies the phrase in Matthew 24:15 to what was to take place at the advance of the Romans against Jerusalem. They who would behold the "abomination of desolation" standing in the holy place, He bids flee to the mountains, which probably refers to the advance of the Roman army into the city and temple, carrying standards which bore images of the Roman gods and were the objects of pagan worship.

Finally, In reference to the Antichrist, Daniel was told to seal up his prophecy because it pertained to the future . In the future, both Daniel passages will pertain to the Antichrist as well. In Revelation 13, the Antichrist, like Antiochus comes out of obscurity as the beast that comes out of the sea and will also be a king of fierce countenance.. Once he establishes his reign and break the covenant, the daily sacrifices will be taken away after the Antichrist breaks the 7-year peace treaty he signed with Israel after 3and ½ years. The sanctuary will be cast down. (Revelation 11:2) The altar where the sacrifices were offered will be destroyed and taken away. According to Revelation 13:11-18, the Image of the beast will be set up to be worshipped and a great many people against the daily sacrifice will be given over to the antichrist because of abounding sin, thus, the antichrist will cast down the truth to the ground and prosper in all his plans for a time, times and half a time.
When Jesus Christ comes back in the "Revelation" stage of His second coming, both the false prophet and the Antichrist will be destroyed with the sword of the Lord's mouth and cast alive in the Lake of Fire that burn with brimstone..  

Question: According to the "Postponement theory, the Kingdom of Heaven has been either delayed or postponed. Has the Kingdom of God Been Postponed or Has it just Been Delayed?

What is the Postponement Kingdom?

          According to Dr. Clarence Larkin,  “it’s believed that the Kingdom of Heaven is being delayed in its physical form of coming because of the Jews rejection of Jesus Christ while he was here physically on this earth”. The “Kingdom of Heaven” is the physical, visible kingdom that Jesus Christ will occupy according to Daniel 7:13-14. When He comes back through the clouds in His Second Coming. 

What is the true "Status" of the Kingdom in this Present Age?

          According to Biblical history, the Kingdom of Heaven was offered to Israel when Jesus preached the “Sermon on the Mount”. To say the Kingdom of Heaven has being postponed, is misleading. In reality, it is not or ever was postponed from God’s perspective. The reason there is no postponement or delay is God factored in all life’s events that seeming would bring a change of direction. God being omniscient has foreknowledge of everything from eternity’s past, the present, as well as the future.. In addition, God operates from "eternity to eternity" factoring in the events of time moment by moment thus, there are never any changes in God’s central purpose.” Postponement" in truth only applies from how God’s actions are seen from human perspective and the decisions men make, yet no postponement has the power to precipitate a change in God’s plans or purpose. 

          The Kingdom of heaven was first offered by Jesus also when he offered himself as their "Messiah and King"..God in his infinite wisdom and superior knowledge (omniscience) foreknew that Jesus would be rejected by the Jews. John F. Walvoord  writes: “It must be understood that what is postponed from a human standpoint is not postponed from a divine standpoint. With God, all contingencies and changes are already known and from God’s point of view are taken into account from eternity past. No matter the current event of apparent change, there is no change in God’s central purpose”.

            According to Daniel 7:13-14, God’s Word taught there is to be a "physical kingdom" on earth in which Jesus Christ would have a throne and rule over with King David, His “co-regent”. In Daniel 2:34-35, Daniel, revealed this revelation to King Nebuchadnezzar while interpreting the king’s dream.  Daniel said: “While you were watching, a rock was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and smashed them. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver and the gold were broken to pieces at the same time and became like chaff on a threshing floor in the summer. The wind blew and swept the image away without leaving a trace, but the rock that struck the statue became a huge mountain and filled the whole earth”. At the time of the birth of Jesus Christ, there was a widespread expectation of the coming of a “Messiah”. 

          Wise men (Magi) came from the east into Jerusalem looking for the ”King of the Jews” asking where could he be found. Telling Herod, King of Israel  they were led to Jerusalem to worship the child of whom the star represented. Finding Jesus in the manger, they brought gifts fit for a king, and then worshiped him as king. Jesus in Matthew Chapters 5 through 7 laid out the "foundation on the ethical principles of the kingdom". By performing hundreds of miracles, Jesus in the power of God showed the Kingdom of Heaven was already at hand but God's Spirit was physically present with Israel, and announcing their Messiah and deliverer Jesus had come.

 When did Postponement Occur?

        Dr. John Walvoord  contended that “postponement” occurred the moment Jesus Christ was rejected by his own people and His subsequent death on the cross, and resurrection. Because of their rejection of Jesus as the Messiah, this, according to Dr. Walvoord delayed the kingdom from occurring on earth immediately and delayed its coming until after the 7-year Tribulation Period when Christ in the “Revelation stage’ sets up a literal and physical kingdom and reign as King for 1,000 years." 


Jesus revealed the "King’s platform" of the Kingdom of Heaven in Matthew Chapters 1 through 10. Then, we are introduced to His kingdom principles from Chapters 5 through 7. Next, we are privy to see His divine power displayed as he began to perform miracle after miracle in Chapters 8 through 10. Unfortunately, the “King” found himself rejected and in constant conflict with the religious leaders, particularly the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the Scribes. His rejection unfolds in Chapter 11 as the Pharisees and Scribes also rebels against John the Baptist. 


Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe  writes: “The common people held John in high regard and many of them repented and had been baptized by john. But the religious leaders refused to honor John, and this proved their unbelief and hardness of heart.”Wiersbe describes their behavior this way: “Instead of being childlike and humbling themselves, these leaders were childish and stubborn, like children pouting because they couldn’t have their way.”

Why did Postponement of the Kingdom occur?

Why was the Kingdom was postponed? First, as part of prophetic fulfillment. For the kingdom to be manifested, it required repentance on the part of Israel. Matthew 4:17 declared: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!“  Israel currently is unrepentant. As a nation, Israel still believes that their Messiah is yet to come, but at the end of the Great Tribulation period when Israel is about to be defeated, Jesus will come through the clouds with the armies of heaven and subdues all of Israel’s enemies, including the false prophet and the Antichrist saving Israel then set up the promised Kingdom Israel then will as a nation realize that Jesus whom they crucified was the very Messiah they were looking for. 

Second, in their rejection of Jesus, the Pharisees attributed all the miracles Jesus did as the work of Belzebub (Satan). This is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, a sin that can never be forgiven, either in this life, or the one to come. Jesus said he did all the work God the Father sent him to do  and in truth, God (the Holy Spirit) (the power) was doing the work through Him. This rejection caused Israel to be “set aside” by God for the time being. 

Third, God (Jehovah) foreknew Israel would refuse to believe Jesus was God, This rejection was prophetically necessary so the church could be manifested in this dispensation. The kingdom was promised contingent upon the Jews reception to Jesus, their true King. When they rejected Jesus and crucified him they lost their opportunity and the kingdom was taken from them. Dr. Clarence Larkin  states: “Certain Old Testament prophecies as to Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection had to take place, He had to die for the redemption of the human race, before he could assume His office as King”. We can’t forget what John the Apostle wrote in Revelation 13:8: that Jesus is “the lamb” that was slain before the foundation of the world. 

Fourth, God foreknew by the natural progression of human society that man (the Jews) would reject Jesus. In his book entitled “Matthew,” Dr. H.A. Ironside  said: "The setting aside of Israel paved the way for a “new order of things” God had foreseen from eternity, yet had not declared, part of the new order of things involved the formation of a new body called the church that would be made up of ‘baptized’ believers in Jesus “Christ and composed of both “called out” Jews and Gentiles. “It is from this point in the Gospel of Matthew” Dr. Ironside  further states “The term “kingdom of heaven” ceases to refer to the final establishment of the Kingdom of God over all the earth, but rather to the “mysterious” and mystical form in which the kingdom was to be manifested after the King (Jesus) returned to heaven until the Second Advent. It’s at His second coming that He would return in great power and glory to root out all offences and destroy all works of iniquity, and to set up the very kingdom he offered to the Jews at His first Advent.”


What are some of the consequences Israel faced because of the Postponement?

From the time of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the Jews  infamous cry before Pilate “His blood be upon us and on our children”, the judgment of shedding Christ’s innocent blood came to past as the Jews nationally have since suffered from the crucifixion of Christ. All throughout modern history Israel has suffered massive loss of life at the hand of some of the most cruelest leaders.

 Dr. Clarence Larkin in his book Dispensational Truth  laid out a time line of Israel’s persecutions that spanning at least 18 centuries. 
1. In 70 A.D., Rome destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple in a siege led by Titus, leader of the Roman army with 100,000 troops. The siege which lasted 4 months caused a famine so severe, wives snatched food from their husbands and babies. Making matters worse, many mothers succumbed to the pangs of famine and killed their children boiling and eating them for food. Many Jews were crucified outside the city walls, others fled from the onslaught. 

2. In 1020 in the event known as the “Frown of England, Canute banished all Jews from England. In 1068, Jews living in England were given only one burial place, located in Cripplegate, London, England. 

3. In 1306, in France, a fast commemorating the Destruction of Jerusalem saw 100,000 Jews living in France stripped of all wealth and possessions, then exiled In the tragedy of The "Plague of the Black Death"  that swept over Europe from 1348-1350 claiming the lives of over 1/4th of the European population, the Jews were blamed for its cause, only because it had minimal affect on them in its spread. they were arrested and  convicted of poisoning the wells and springs. For their sentence, they were torture, placed in caldrons and boiled, and set fire alive..

From a Dispensation perspective, Biblical prophesy’s clock On Daniel's "70 week" prophecy currently has stopped between the 69th and 70th week. This time stoppage allows the "Kingdom in Mystery" to manifest itself through the formation of the church. The church will; remain active on earth until God gathers the number  of church converts for His Name made up of the Jews and Gentiles races. remember Jesus pronounced “woes” upon Chorazin, Bethsaida, Tyre and Sidon, as well as Capernaum. These two cities (Tyre and Sidon) along with Capernaum were eventually destroyed by the Romans. Jesus since being rejected continue to offer individuals to become His disciples to this day. (Matthew 11:28)

In the near future Israel will go the “time of “Jacob’s trouble” known as the” Great Tribulation Period”. This event is to begin immediately after the “rapture” (the first stage of Jesus’ second coming) of the church, when saved members of the church” both the dead and living are “caught up to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17) 

Finally In the book  “Jerusalem in Prophecy”, Dr. J Randall Price reveals 5 purposes for the Great Tribulation and how Israel as a nation will be affected:

1. Because of their rejection of Jesus, The tribulation period serves as punishment and  Israel’s judicial  hardening”, because of  the partial return from Persia. (everybody did not come back during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah) These factors combined resulted in the ‘national rejection of Jesus Christ by the Jews as the chosen people (not those who did receive Him) (Isaiah 6:9-13; 24:1-6; John 12: 37-41; Romans 11:7-10)

2. The “Time of Jacob’s trouble will cause a revival among the Jewish people still scattered throughout the world (Deuteronomy 4: 27-30; Revelation 7:1-4) resulting in a massive return the Land of Israel (Ezekiel 36:24; 37:21; Zechariah 8:7-8) as the nation prepares for a day of “national repentance” for rejecting Jesus Christ as their Messiah.

3. When double-crossed by the Antichrist who break the 7- year peace treaty they will be convinced that they need a Messiah in order to produce repentance on a national level and regenerate of the nation toward Jesus Christ. (Daniel 12:5-7; Isaiah 59:20-21; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 20:34-38; 36:25-27; 37:1-14; Zechariah 12:9-13:2)

4. After the 7-year Tribulation Period, God immediately will pronounce judgment upon the Gentile nations (sheep nations and goat” nations) based on how they treat Israel during this time of persecution. The tribulation will also bring about the deliverance of the Jews from Gentile domination when Jesus comes back to set up the Millennial kingdom, thus becoming Israel’s Messiah as Universal King. (Isaiah 24:21-23; 59:16-20; Matthew 24:29-31; Mark 13:24-27)

5. The Tribulation period purges the earth of wicked people preparintg the world for the coming Messianic kingdom which will be characterized by God’s righteousness. (Isaiah 11:9; 13:9; 24:19-20; Ezekiel 37:23; Zechariah 13:2; 14:9). This violent reduction of the world’s unbelieving population will be the result of divine judgments, that will be unleashed throughout the Tribulation period (Revelation chapters 6-18), climaxing at the Battle of Armageddon led from heaven by Jesus Christ, the Messiah and King (Revelation chapter 19) purging the world of both rebellious Jews and Gentiles at the end of the Tribulation 

“The Coming of the Son of Man”   Matthew 24:27-31   (Mark 13:24-27; Luke 21:25-28) 

          Identifying the events that are linked to the second Coming of Jesus Christ should not be very difficult to a person who has done any extensive Bible study and background research pertaining to those events Jesus said would shape the end times. The reason I say this is according to the Scriptures, the second coming of Christ will be visible to the public both by believers who have survived the onslaught of the Antichrist during the Great Tribulation period as well as unbelievers who took the mark of the Beast. 

          According to Dr. Warren Wiersbe: “The world’s condition will be so terrible that men will wonder if any relief will come, and this will give way for many false “messiahs” to come forth claiming to be the Christ and deceive many.” (Wiersbe, 1988)  The Apostle John said in Revelation 1:7 “Every eye shall see Him and they also which pierced Him, and all kindred of the earth shall wail because of Him.” Many Jews will be deceived by the Antichrist because” the Jews require a sign” (1 Corinthians 1:22) 

          The Apostle Peter reiterated to the early church the same prophetic word in this manner:   “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers (forefathers) fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. (Nothing has changed)  For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:  Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men”. 

          The Rapture, (the first stage of the Second Coming) the event that set the Matthew 24 prophetic wheels in motion for the Great Tribulation Period some 7 years prior occurred suddenly, caught many people by surprise. A peace treaty was signed by the Jews with the new world leader, the Antichrist and was in place for 3 and ½ years. The Antichrist then broke the covenant and began to persecute the Jews. 


During the time of “great tribulation” according to (Adams Clarke Commentary, 2006)  Dr Adam Clarke made the following observations concerning that time period:    

1. “These were the days in which all the calamities predicted by Moses, Joel, Daniel, and other prophets, as well as those predicted by our Savior, met in one common center, and were fulfilled in the most terrible manner on that generation.”

2. “These were the days of vengeance in another sense, as if God's judgments had certain periods and revolutions; for it is remarkable that the temple was burned by the Romans in the same month, and on the same day of the month, on which it had been burned by the Babylonians”.
 
          Some theologians see the Rapture in the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24: 29-35. The events Jesus describes in that passage from my perspective does not pertain to the Rapture, but His “Revelation.” Jesus, In Matthew 24: 27 describes the Rapture in the following manner: “For as lightning comes out of the east, and shines even unto the west, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be”. Verse 29 clearly speaks of when Jesus comes back to earth to set up the Millennial Kingdom.  The Apostle John  said“ Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him.  So shall it be! Amen. "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." 

          Comparing the “Rapture” (1st stage of His second coming) with the “Revelation,” (the second stage of His second coming) Dr. Clarence Larkin, talking from his book “Dispensational Truth” makes the following statement: (Larkin, 1920) “  “The Rapture is said to be the event when Christ comes “for His saints” whereas the Revelation of Jesus Christ is the time after the great tribulation when Jesus comes back “with His saints.” Dr. John Walvoord also confirms in his book   (Walvoord, 1991) “Major Bible Prophecies” that Jesus will physically return here on earth a second time. He also believes that Matthew 24:27 refers to the Rapture and not the Revelation. He believes as I do that the verse is dualistic in the sense the world will be just as surprised when the Rapture takes place 7 years before the Revelation as when the Revelation occurs in verse 29.  

          So, when we describe the time of Christ’s return, we must do it with the understanding that this event happens in 2 different stages. Thus, this “second coming” Jesus mentioned in Matthew 24:39 is the second stage of one event. This in itself makes the event a 2-fold prophecy. The Rapture and the Revelation are separated by at least 7 years. The Antichrist after the first 3 and ½ years broke this covenant and began to persecute the Jews with wicked veracity, killing or imprisoning them who refused to receive his identification mark. 


          According to Dr. Wiersbe, (Wiersbe, 1988) “this event will have special meaning to the Jews in particular because Jesus will return at that very hour when Israel as a nation is about to be defeated by the Gentile armies. (Zechariah Chapter 12) (Revelation 19:11) Right about the time the Gentile Nations think they have Israel at their mercy, suddenly the sky changes and out of the sky Jesus burst through riding a while horse accompanied with a legion of angels and the saints. Just as the rapture was sudden and unexpected, the second phase of His second coming will be just as sudden and just as surprising, especially for those Gentile Nations who will be armed up against Israel. 

Historical Recap
When Jesus came the first time in His “incarnation,” He was said to be “disguised in the flesh.” His  incarnation did 2 things:
: 
First, it partially hid His full intrinsic power because Jesus, for the purpose of the fulfilling His part in the salvation plan of God the Father divested Himself of some of His Glory and as a result of it veiled His Deity. One of the "divine attributes" that was limited was the “physical proximity” of Jesus . He could only be in one place “physically” at a time, yet his words could influence events in other towns simultaneously as shown when he declared the healing of the centurion's servant in Matthew 8:5-13. 

          Jesus gave us a  detailed description of the attitude of the people that will be left behind when he comes first to take out of the world “a people” for His name (the church). Jesus said they will be doing the same thing and acting the same way the people acted back in the day of Noah. They will be eating, drinking, marrying and giving in marriage. Dr Larkin  put it this way: “The sun will rise on that day strong and clear. Gentle breezes will raft themselves over the earth. There will be no signs of a storm or of a coming judgment. The people will be buying and selling, (those who have taken the mark of the beast)  building and planting, eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage. (that is, openly engaged in extramarital affairs) The statesmen will be pondering in their minds newer plans for making the world better. The philanthropists will continue to develop new ways to help the people who bought into the Antichrist’s new pseudo-peaceful society, as the pleasure seekers will continue to seek new sources of pleasure". Of course", He continued, "we can’t leave out the fact that the wicked will continue to plot more wicked schemes and devices as all of these unbelievers will all of their works feverishly attempt to prove to their own satisfaction that there is no God, no heaven, no hell, no coming judgment that life will go the way they planned it …then all of a sudden…coming out of heaven will be a light; brighter than the sun shining at noon and out of that light, the world will see Jesus, riding on a white horse (Revelation 19:11-16) with His Saints and  the armies of Heaven." 

          When this happens, the Bible said all the tribes of the earth shall mourn because they shall see the "Son of Man coming in the clouds of Heaven with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:30) The plain meaning of this is, that the destruction of Jerusalem will be such a remarkable instance of divine vengeance, such a signal manifestation of Christ's power and glory, that all the Jewish tribes shall mourn, and many will, in consequence of this manifestation of God, be led to acknowledge Christ as their Messiah, recognizing that the same Jesus their ancestors rejected was indeed the one prophesied to come by the prophets of the Old Testament. 

          Now, Jesus coming through the clouds does 2 things: first, it answered the question the disciples had concerning the restoration of the Kingdom. Jesus made it plain to them that it wasn’t their business to know the season or the exact time when He would come back to restore the kingdom. They obviously understood that He was to come back. 

Second, it fulfilled what the angels said to them in Acts 1:9-11”: (Dakes, 1999)(NIV)  “  After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This “same Jesus”, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." Accordingly, Jesus gave them an answer to their question, as he tells them in general that the time of the great events of God's kingdom was not to be understood by them. They had asked a similar question on a former occasion in Matthew 24:3, In that passage, they asked: "Tell us when shall these things be?" Jesus answered them then by showing them that certain signs would precede his coming, and then by saying (Matthew 24:36), "But of that day and that hour no man knows, not, even the angels of heaven, but my Father only." God has uniformly reproved a vain curiosity on such points, (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2; 2 Peter 3:10; Luke 12:39-40).  

          So, the question of the apostles in respect to the time of the restoration was not whether he would do it. They were convinced of that. They wanted to know when. They were aware of what the Old Testament prophets had said and before their personal relationship with Jesus, they also believed that when the Messiah came, He would immediately restore the kingdom. In Dr. John F.Walvoord book “Matthew Thy Kingdom Come” (Walvoord D. J., 1974)   Walvoord said: “This will be the coming of the Lord to judge and subdue the earth and to bring His heavenly kingdom.” He further states: “His second coming (revelation) is nevertheless a gathering of all “his elect” as stated in Matthew 24:3. There are those who believe this is in reference to the nation of Israel as an elect nation. Others believe this is in reference to all those who are chosen, that is the saints of all ages whether on earth or in Heaven, for all of them will converge upon the Millennial Kingdom scene. Matthew mentions only the elect of Heaven. Mark 13:27 mentions those who are on earth, who are them referred to in Matthew 25:32. As Jesus begins to gather “the elect,” He will send his angels to gather his chosen, his elect, together from all places." This expression expresses that they shall be gathered from all parts of the earth wherever they are scattered. The word "heaven" is used here to denote the "visible" heavens or the sky, meaning that through "the whole world" he would gather them. See Psalms 19:1-7 and Deuteronomy 4:32. 

          Dr. H.A. Ironside  (Ironside, 2005) writes:”Then the trumpet shall be blown (Isaiah 27:13) and the angels will gather together the elect from all quarters of the earth, those who in the time of testing will have received the kingdom message and so be prepared to welcome the King at his return. His elect will be gathered to greet Him as their King and Deliverer. Thus, at long last shall the throne of David be set up once again in Jerusalem, and the law shall go forth from Mount Zion, where Christ Himself shall reign in righteousness for a thousand glorious years as we learned from Revelation Chapter 20."

          In Matthew 24:32-35, Jesus uses the Parable of the Fig tree to answer the question: What shall be the “sign” of thy coming?  Jesus used parables to convey the kingdom message to those who wanted to receive it and veiled it from the Pharisees, scribes and the temple leaders who rejected Him as the Messiah. Starting in verse 32, Jesus said to them: “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and puts forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh”: What Jesus conveyed to them was these signs which He gave them would be an “infallible proof “of the approaching ruin of the Jewish state just as the budding of the trees is the proof of the coming summer. In the book entitled (Pendelton, 2007)  "The Fourfold Gospel" in the section entitled “A Harmony of the Four Gospels”, Dr. Phillip Y. Pendleton makes this comment: “As the change of the season in the natural world has its preliminary signs, so the change of conditions in the spiritual realm has its premonitory symptoms. When men see the symptoms which Jesus has described, they will recognize that changes are coming as to the nature of which they can only guess. But the Christian is informed that these changes indicate the coming of the Son of God and a change from a worse to a better season.” Dr. H.A. Ironside also makes this observation:  “The “preeminent” sign that the time for the appearing of the Son of Man has drawn near is that of the budding fig tree.” The fig tree is the well known symbol of national Israel. Even now during this present day many Israelites, God’s covenant people who were scattered and exiled in other countries having no national existence have chosen to come back to their native homeland to Palestine in huge numbers and once more have an indulgence of becoming a distinct nation again. Thus, the fig tree (Israel) is putting forth its green leaves which prophetically is a proclamation that the return of Jesus grows ever so near to his covenant people who still as of this juncture in history as a nation has not recognized Him or given acknowledgement of Him as their Messiah or their King. So as they return to their home land, many of them return as unbelievers, yet according to Dr. Ironside will be regenerated.

            In verse 33, Jesus further states: "So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near (judgment and redemption), even at the doors". That is, in the same manner, when you see what I have predicted the "signs" around Jerusalem-then know that its destruction is at hand. Luke says in Luke 21:28, "your redemption draws near, and in Luke 21:31: that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand." This meant their deliverance from the dangers that threaten the city approaches, and the kingdom of God will be set up in the earth; or their everlasting redemption from sin and death will come at the day of judgment, and His eternal kingdom will be established in the heavens and come down to earth at the end that God may be all and in all and in you all

           In verse 34, Jesus said: “Verily I say unto you, “This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” When Jesus spoke of “this generation, He spoke of the existence of the Hebrews as a race of people and that will remain intact until these things shall be accomplished or take place.  As we know, 37 years after the crucifixion of Jesus, Israel was under siege by Roman Empire with Titus, general of the Roman army leading that siege and many in Israel lost their lives. Not only that, the temple was desecrated and the children of Israel were forbidden to approach the temple ever again. But as horrific as that time period was, this reference is in regards to the judgment, and the destruction of Jerusalem. Thus the words of Christ describing the destruction of Jerusalem had a fullness of significance that would also coincide with the events of the judgment, and whose meaning would not be "entirely filled up" until the world came to an end as we know it. 

          Finally, Jesus said to His disciples: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away”. Before the words of Jesus would ever fail, and they will not ever do that, But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. Jesus wanted us all to know in regards to the precise time of the fulfillment the following: The "general signs" of its approach (His second coming-“The Revelation”) have been given, as the budding of the fig-tree is a certain indication that summer is near; however,  "the precise time" is not indicated by these things. One part of their inquiry was (Matthew 24:3) when those things should be. He now replies to them by saying that the precise time would not be foretold. 

In summation,, the coming of “the Son of Man” will usher in these future events: according to (Pendelton, 2007)  and (Knapp, 2008) “The Great Doctrines of the Bible”  (The Doctrine of “Last Things”)

1. After the Jews  pass through the great tribulation (Matthew. 24:21, 22, 29; Revelation. 3:10; 7:14); are converted (as a nation) at the coming of Christ (Zechariah. 12:10; Revelation. 1:7); become great missionaries (Zechariah. 8:13-23); never more to be removed from the land (Amos 9:15; Ezekiel. 34:28).

2. With Regard to Antichrist, and the Enemies of God's People (2 Thessalonians. 1:7-9; Revelation. 19:20; 20:10). The enemies of God shall be destroyed by the brightness of His coming; The Antichrist will be cast finally into the bottomless pit. 

3. The Millennium begins with the coming of Christ with His saints; with the revelation of Christ after the great tribulation (Matthew. 24:29, 30); at the close of the seventieth week of Daniel. (Revelation. 19:11-14; Daniel. 7:21, 22; Zechariah. 14:3-9).
 
4. Then comes the destruction of Antichrist, the binding of Satan, and the destruction of the enemies of God's people (Revelation. 19:20; 20:1-3, 10).

5. The Judgment of the Living Nations (Matthew. 25).

6. The conversion and missionary activity of the Jews (Zechariah. 8:13-23; cf. Acts 15:14-17). Then, we may have a converted world, but not now, nor in this age; This evangelistic effort concerns Israel, not the Church. The Church was gathered at the Rapture.

The Nature of the Millennium Kingdom:

1. It is a Theocracy: Jesus Christ Himself is the King (Jeremiah. 23:5; Luke 1:30-33). The Apostles will, doubtless, reign with Christ over the Jews (Isaiah. 66; Matthew. 19:28); the Church, over the Gentile nations (Luke 19:11-19; Hebrews. 2:6, 7).

2. The capitol city will be Jerusalem (Isaiah. 2:1-4). Pilgrimages will be made to the Holy City (Zechariah. 14:16). The reign of Christ will be one of righteousness and equity (Isaiah. 11:4; Psalms. 98:9).

3. A renovated earth (Romans. 8:19-31; Isaiah. 65:17; c. 35).

4. The events closing the Millennium are apostasy and rebellion (Revelation. 20:7-9); the destruction of Satan (Revelation. 20:10); the Great White Throne judgment (Revelation. 20:11-15); a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21 and 22).

Dr. Arthur E. Bloomfield  writes “The kingdom is the climax of all prophecies the Jews, the nations and the church. It is there that all prophecy meets. No prophecy reaches beyond the kingdom except that concerning the everlasting home of the saints, the Holy City. (New Jerusalem) The Jews, the gentiles and the church are all in the kingdom and they all have their appointed place. The Jewish Nation will be there. Christ will appear as the deliverer of Jews in their greatest hour of trial. So all Israel will be saved (Romans 11:26-27) and the kingdom of David will be revived as David will co-rule as a regent. As for the Gentile Nations, Christ is to rule over them with a rod of iron. (Psalms 2:7-9). He will judge them for their behavior toward Israel during their time in great tribulation. They will be judged either as “sheep” or as goats, (Matthew 25:31) and He will rebuke them for their warlike activities. (Micah 4:1-3) All the nations left after the Battle of Armageddon will be forces to worship Jesus Christ.

Finally, the church will also be there. The saints will also reign with Jesus Christ. (Revelation 2:26-27) According to Dr. Bloomfield , the saints will be a very special group and separated from all the others.  He writes, “They will be the only ones in the kingdom who passed through the resurrection, or the “Rapture” and will have immortal bodies. They will be rulers, not subjects. They are the “kingdom” which comes down from heaven and is established   over the nations of the earth (Daniel 7:27)  They are the “kingdom” in the sense, that the church is the kingdom and only those who are redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ are permitted to enter into the kingdom.

                   Bible Outline for 2 Corinthians Chapter 5: 1-21

         " Resurrection Assurance:    The "Glorification Stage" of the Salvation Process"

I.        Assurance  of Being Resurrected  The Glorification of Salvation (verses 1-8)

A.   If this earthly tabernacle is dissolved; decayed or is destroyed;

God has given us a “glorified body” that’s eternal and design for heaven (vs.1)

Note: This proves that we (the saints) have the assurance of eternal life; and when it’s time to separate from this earthly body, God has a “soulish” body that never dies for each and every one of us. That glorified body is our permanent clothing for our eternal home in heaven. Our glorified body will never have to deal with sin, Satan, suffering or death ever again. For this reason, we don’t ever have to get weary while we are doing our work in the ministry in whatever capacity God has set us to do.

B.   We “groan” in this body (physical) desiring to be in our heavenly body  (vs. 2-5)

We are subjected to so many trials and afflictions in the present body. This body is subjected to so many pains and to so much suffering, as to make us earnestly desire to be invested with that body which shall be free from all susceptibility to suffering. As we mature in the faith, we have a greater desire to go home to live with Jesus then to stay here in this temporary home.

C.  God has already prepared our new home for us. (John 14:1-6)  and sealed us with the Holy Spirit as a "guaranteed promise".

Important: God is a Trinity and He made man the same way.

1.Man is a “tricodomy (trinity) being. Man is made of a spirit, a soul and a body. The “soul” (psyche) is the more important part, and the body constituted its mere habitation or dwelling. Yet a body was essential to the idea of the complete man; and since the body is frail and dying, Paul looked forward to a union with that body that was eternal in the heavens, as a more desirable and perfect habitation of a man’s soul.

2. It means that in that future state, the soul will not be naked; that is, destitute of any body, or covering. The present body will be laid aside. It will return to corruption, and the disembodied Spirit will ascend to God and to heaven. It will be disencumbered of the body with which it has been so long clothed. But we are not thence to infer that it will be destitute of a body; that it will remain a naked soul. It will be clothed there in its appropriate glorified body; and will have an appropriate habitation there.

II.        Living in confidence      ( At Home, yet not at Home )                   (verses 6-8)

A.   Our soul is still housed in this physical body (temporary home)

B.   Absent from our heavenly home (with the Lord)

C.   Walking by faith, not by sight, that is, we live our lives in the Christian faith based on our heavenly future. We live in expectant of the promise Jesus made to us.

D.   Living in confidence

1.     Preferring to die to be home with the Lord, rather to live in a world of sin.

2.     Living with the Lord eternally is far better.

3.     We can live and do the work of the ministry in this world confidently knowing that when our work is finished, we will go home to a far greater place prepared for us by God.

III.           The Judgment Seat of Christ`         There are 5 Judgment Seats. (verse 9-11)

1.     1ST Judgment – at the Cross for Sin (Jesus condemned sin in the flesh) [Isaiah 53:6 John 5:24]

2.     2nd Judgment – In the Air [2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14:10, 1 Corinthians 3:10-15] at the judgment seat of Christ- for our works as saints.

3.     3rd Judgment – The Jews as a Nation on the earth (The Great Tribulation Period) because of their rejection of Jesus as Messiah {Ezekiel 20:34-38; chapter 22:19-22; Jeremiah 30:4-7; Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21}

4.     4th Judgment – On Mount Olivet-of the Nations- Matthew 25:31-46for the way they treated the Jews during the Great Tribulation Period They will be classified as either” sheep nations” or “goat nations”

5.     5th Judgment- At the Great White Throne Judgment sSeat-The wicked dead (unsaved) fallen angels Revelation 20:11-13
Paul intimates to the Corinthian Church:
A.   Regardless of our present “home” state, we must please God.     (vs. 9)

B.   We all must be judged-                                                             (vs.10)

C.   The Saints will be judged at the Judgment seat of Christ for their eternal rewards based on their works and motive for the works.the saint's works will fal into 6 classes, 3 that are accepted, 3 that are rejected. The 3 acceptedclasses of works are gold, silver and bronze. the 3 classes of rejected works are wood, hay, ans stubble.

Every man shall receive an appropriate reward for the actions of this life. Observe here:

(1) Based on the works done in or through the body; not which the body itself has done. It is the mind, the man that has lived in the body, and acted by the things he rationed in his mind to do., that is to be judged.

(2) All deeds done in  this life; will be judged. All beyond the grave is either reward or punishment; it is not probation. The destiny is to be settled forever by what is done in this world of probation. As we commonly say: This is the "dressing up room" down here. You got to go to Heaven from down here!

(3) Everything that you do in the physical body will be judged.; This includes all the thoughts, plans, purposes,  every word spoken, as well as for all the outward actions of the man.Everything thought or done must be accounted for, and man will give an account for all.

D.   Knowing how terrible  God’s judgment will be for the unsaved, we persuade men- compel people to come to Christ-

Knowing how much the Lord is to be feared; what an object of terror and alarm it will be to stand at the judgment-seat; how fearful and awful will be the consequences of the trial of that day. The Lord Jesus will be an object of terror and alarm, or it will be a subject inspiring terror and alarm to stand there on that day, because:

(1) He has all power, and is appointed unto HIM to execute judgment;

(2) Because all must there give a strict and impartial account of all that they have done;God alone is impartial

(3) Because the wrath of God will be shown in the condemnation of the guilty. According to Barnes Notes Commentary "It will be a day of awful wailing and alarm when all the living and the dead shall be arraigned on trial with reference to their eternal destiny; and when countless hosts of the guilty and impenitent shall be thrust down to an eternal hell. Who can describe the amazing terror of the scene? Who can fancy the horrors of the hosts of the guilty and the wretched who shall then hear that their doom is to be fixed forever in a world of unspeakable woe? The influence of the knowledge of the terror of the Lord on the mind of the apostle seems to have been two-fold; first, an apprehension of it as a personal concern, and a desire to escape it, which led him to constant self-denial and toil; and secondly, a desire to save others from being overwhelmed in the wrath of that dreadful day."

E.   God knows us and we hope you know what we are about too.

IV.  Be Reconciled to God                                                             (verses 12-15)

A.   We have no need to vindicate ourselves to you again because we feel you will vindicate our integrity to those false teachers who slander our name and question our integrity.                                   (vs.12)

B.   Whether it appears by others that we are overzealous or besides ourselves- we have a sincere zeal for God and the ministry- or whether we are seen as having sound minds, it for your benefit.        (vs.13)

C.   The Love of Christ constrains us.                                                          (vs.14)

Christ so loved the world as to give himself for it. His love for the world was a demonstration that people were dead in sins. And we, being urged by the same love, are prompted to like acts of zeal and self-denial to save the world from ruin.

D.Christ died for all.                                                                         (vs.15)

1.    Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. (Everybody)

2.    If we are truly HIS, we now live for HIM, nor for ourselves.

V.   From Now on…”How we will view people” (Christians)     (verses 16-19)

A.   Know no man after “the flesh”- we will not judge, associate with, or focus on a man’s possessions, his nationality, social status, financial portfolio, etc. We will focus on where they are spiritually.   (Whether saved or loss)                   (vs.16)

B.   If any man is in Christ (saved), they are a new creation (spiritually) (vs. 17)
Christ has given them a brand new life with a brand new start.

C.   All things are of God: God orchestrated the salvation process, the calling in the Gospel ministry and the saved person should feel an obligation to deny themselves, take up the cross and follow Jesus, then in becoming a witness, tell the world about Jesus and what HE did for them.                       (vs.18)

VI.           We are Ambassadors                                                             (verses 20-21)

A.   God pleads to man through us the way of salvation.                            (vs.20)

B.   Be reconciled to God, through Jesus Christ.

C.   Jesus was made sin for us (on the cross) that we might be made the righteousness of HIM.   (vs.21)

Bible Study Outline: Outline of 2 Corinthians Chapter 4

   “The Light of the Gospel Ministry- Ministry Integrity and

I.                   The Ministry: Honest – Not Deceitful                                         (verses 1-2)

A. 1. B‎ecause the “light” of the gospel is so clear; (salvation through Jesus Christ).
     2. Because it reveals so glorious truths, and all obscurity is taken away. 
     3. Because we are permitted to behold the Gospel as in a mirror of the glory of  the Lord,
(2 Corinthians   3:18). Since the glories of the gospel dispensation are so great, and its effects on the heart are so       transforming  and purifying.

B.    Because we have ‘this ministry”- (your calling)  as we received mercy we faint not
Superior and more glorious to that of the time of Moses because it's the kind of ministry that the Holy Spirit acts upon the heart of the people and causes their lives to be changed from lost to saved by Jesus Christ. It's a ministry wherby people are saved and justified through the purity of the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

We renounced the following things: “hidden things”              (vs. 2)
 "Here it means, to renounce, or disown; to spurn, or scorn with aversion. It occurs no where else in the New Testament; and the sense here is, that the apostles had such a view of the truth of religion, and the glory of the Christian scheme (2 Corinthians 3:13-18), as to lead them to discard everything that was disguised, and artful, and crafty; everything that resembled "deceit" and "fraud." The religions of the pagan were made up mainly of tricks, and were supported by various deceptions practiced on the ignorant, and on the masses of people. Paul contended, that he and his fellow-laborers had a such clear view of the truth, the glory, and holiness of the Christian scheme in Jesus Christ, that their views lead them solemnly to abjure and abhor all such dishonest tricks and wicked devices. "Real truth" never needs such arts; and no cause will long succeed by mere trick and "cunning"craftiness.
(from Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database Copyright © 1997, 2003, 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

1.     Dishonesty-  That is, shameful , disgraceful conduct; clandestine and all secret arts, (sorcery, tarot cards, tea leaves and palm readers, soothsaying and witchcraft.etc..) which were in themselves shameful and disgraceful. They are examples of all "underhanded" dealings; all dishonest artifices and plans. All of these were common among the pagans, and in all probability, the false teachers used some or all of these in the propagation of their opinions at Corinth.

Remember:  Pure religion is never closed but "open" and "public". It is a religion that 's plain and  straight forward. "Pure religion" has no alliance with cunning, and trick, and artifice. Therefore, it is "that type" of religion (the Christian Religion) that should be defended "openly" and "boldly"; stated clearly and explained with clarity. It is a work of promotion of light (things pertaining to Christ, and not of darkness.

2.     Cunning craftiness- acting shrewd and slick  deceptive practices

3.     Handling God’s word with deceit-  ‎corrupting or disguising the truth of God, To ‎falsify, adulterate, corrupt, by Jewish traditions, etc.

C.   But by manifestation of the truth:                                          (vs. 2b)

Telling the Gospel in “plain truth”, not using a mixture of philosophy , psychology, or any other false man-made doctrines, traditional teachings  sayings,  or dogmas. The Gospel needs no other” add-ons” to validate its self standing truth Jesus is the “Way…the Truth…and the Life….and the only way to Eternal Life…Period!.

D.   By commitment: “Commending ourselves to every man’s conscience.”

That’s a course of life, and a manner of preaching that shall be free from dishonesty, and art, and trick, will be such as the consciences of people will approve. Paul sought such a course of life as should accord with their sense of "right," and thus serve to commend the gospel to them.

II.                The Gospel Message: Jesus Christ is Lord                                 (verse 3-6)

A.  The Gospel Message is not hid to those who are saved                   (vs. 3)

B.   The Gospel  Message IS hid to those who are lost

Satan (the god of this world) has blinded their minds, hindering them from seeing the “light” of the “glorious” gospel of Jesus Christ. He knows if they get a glimpse of that light, they will repent and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. It’s not that the Gospel isn’t preached to them.

Barnes Notes states:  "Satan rules in the hearts and lives of all wicked people—and the world is full of wicked people. They obey him, and submit to his will in executing fraud, rapine, piracy, murder, adultery, and lewdness; in wars and fights; in their amusements and pastimes; in dishonesty and falsehood. The dominion of Satan over this world has been, and is still almost universal and absolute; The Bible says that he is the god of this world. The world pursues his plans; yields to his temptations; neglects, or rejects the reign of God as he pleases; and submits to his scepter, and is still full of abomination cruelty, and pollution, as he desires it to be". This is why Jesus firmly said: “My Kingdom is not of the world!”

C. The Preacher/ Teacher/ Witness does not preach (promote) themselves. (vs. 5)

God’s called and dedicated servants preach Jesus Christ and him crucified, buried, resurrected, ascended, sitting at the right hand of God as our great High Priest and soon to come back for us first, then 7 years later to set up His 1000 year reign in the Millennial Kingdom.
That meant "the called" are the servants of the church in time of trial, temptation, and affliction. They were to devote themselves to the comfort of the afflicted. They were to be the guide to those who were perplexed. They were to aid the tempted. They were to comfort those that mourn, and they were to sustain and console the dying. They were to regard themselves as the servants of the church to accomplish these great objects; and were to be willing to deny themselves, and to take up their cross, follow Jesus and to consecrate their time to the advancement of God's "Holy Mandate"
.
What the Ministers preach, theTeachers teach and the Witnesses witness is the "Glorious Gospel " of Jesus Christ for the following reasons:
 
(1) Because of His divine nature, He is the Son of God . He was sent by God to save. (John 3:16-18) Jesus sacrificed his life and shedded his blood to pay the sin debt man owed.Also because of his exact resemblance to God in his divine attributes and perfections; 

(2) Because of His moral attributes as Our Mediator, as showing forth the glory of the Father to people. He "resembles" God, and in him we see the divine glory and perfections embodied, and shine forth. It is from his "resemblance" to God in all respects that he is called his image; and it is through him that the divine perfections are made known to people. It is an object of special dislike and hatred to Satan that the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on people, and fill their hearts. Satan hates that image; he hates that people should become like God; and he hates all that has a resemblance to the great IA THAT IAM!

(from Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database Copyright © 1997, 2003, 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Question: How can it be said that a minister “preaches themselves?

(1)  When their preaching has a predominant reference to their own interest; When they preach or teach to amplify their reputation, or  securing a personal advantage in some way, or when their goal in preaching is to exalt personal authority, or extend personal influence, promoting only their own welfare.

(2) When they preach their personal opinions, not the gospel of Christ, or when they derive their teachings from their intelect or personal bias and abandon the pure teachings of the Bible itself. 

(3) Whenever they place more emphaisi on their personal accomplishments; speak much more of themselves; that is,, when “self” is primary, and the “gospel” is secondary; thus,prostituting the ministry to gain popularity; to live a life of ease; to be respected; to obtain a livelihood: to gain influence; to rule over a people; and to make the preaching of the gospel merely an opportunity of self advancement..D.      We are your servants for Jesus sake                                (vs.5b)

E.  God  has shined in our hearts                                                          (vs.6)
God gave us illumination in our hearts so we can give illumination in your hearts about the Gospel; that you would have a tangible example of what God can do for you if you let Jesus in your heart.

III.             Because it the Power of God Alone    The Reason                    (verse 7)

A.   Ministers are frail, imperfect, and fight off sin daily, sometimes failing.
When you consider our imperfections are considered; our frequent errors, and some who are guilty of immoral and unethical behavior and how few of us live in any considerable degree as becomes the followers of Our Savior,, It is wonderful and amazing that God blesses our labor as He does. What’s even more amazing is not that no more are converted under their ministry, but it is that SO MANY are converted, or that any are converted at all. The reason this is so is it is done by the power of God alone. Not by might…nor by power (human) but by the Power (Holy Spirit) of God ALONE!

It was once said by noted Pastor and Biblical expositor Dr. Mack K. Carter: "Since God knows that His gospel must be filtered as it comes through a filthy vessel that God scraps the dirt off His Word as it comes through the human vessel and the Holy Spirit places that filtered Word into the heart of the unbeliever."

B.   God often uses of the most feeble, frail, unskilled, unlearned,and weaker of his servants to accomplish the greatest effects. It is not splendid talents, or profound learning, or distinguished eloquence, that is always or even commonly most successful. Often the ministry of such is entirely barren; while some humble and obscure man shall have constant success, and revivals shall attend him wherever he goes. It is the man of faith, and prayer, and self-denial, that is blessed; and the purpose of God in the ministry, as in everything else, is to "stain the pride of all human glory," and to show that he is all in all. 
 C.   The Ministry: A Ministry of Suffering,    yet unconquered   (verses 8-18)

A.   The Paradox of Suffering:                                      (vs. 8-12)

a. Troubled, yet not distressed

b. Perplexed, but not in despair

c. persecuted, but not forsaken

d. cast down, but not destroyed

e. always bearing the “dying” of Jesus in our own body

f. we live, yet always delivered unto death for Jesus sake, so the life of Jesus can also be manifested in our same body.

g. So death works in us, but life works in those we minister to.

H. We have the same faith- we speak to you what we believe that the same God (Jehovah) that raised Jesus Christ from the dead will do the same for you and me.         All we go through in the ministry is for your sakes.       (vs. 13-15)

Point:  Paul wanted to show the Corinthian Church is the great lengths a minister, teacher or witness who has totally dedicated themselves to the mission work of evangelism goes through, the dangers they placed themselves in and the personal persecution they’re exposed to just so another person gets to hear the good news of the gospel and ultimately confesses Jesus Christ as personal Savior and their Lord.

IV.   Conclusion:  Look beyond the visible toward the Future (In Glory)        (verses 16-18)

A.   We don’t lose heart- because our future in eternity with Jesus Christ is far greater than anything we suffer in this present age outwardly we die a little everyday- our body is decaying...yet...inwardly, we are renewed (strengthen) day by day. It's worth what we go through to see that many are saved and few are lost.

B.     Our “light” afflictions are temporary- compared to the payoff in glory.

C.   We look beyond what we physically see and experience which are temporary because all of our experiences don’t compare to what God has laid up for them that love HIM. 

The “Calling to Ministry: "The Minister’s Call", The Minister’s "License"
Romans 1:1
“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the
gospel of God”,

I.             What does it mean to be “Called”?

A.   “Called” (Calleo in Greek) means a “divine appointment” from God to a “particular area” of the Gospel ministry that requires by law a minister’s license. A “calling” then is more than a “general invitation” to active church ministry. The reason for this is as a child of God, all of us are “biblically obligated” to be “a witness” to the public about Jesus and about the God’s plan of salvation. There is no “legal written license” (documentation) required for this. The church has been commissioned by Jesus “to be a light unto the world” as Jesus is “the light of the world”. Whenever a person is called to the Gospel ministry, it signifies that God has separated that person and the individual is under the authority of Christ himself under the watchful eye of an “established” church. 

It’s rare, but sometimes, there are those who desire to preach, and will call themselves doing so (without a calling from God) because they are “enamered” by watching ministers in the public. They are those who believe they can go to a seminary, get biblical training, obtain a scholastic degree from said seminary, and then publicly began to openly preach the Word of God without a legitimate calling from God.  This is neither biblically sound or sanctioned by God and could in the right circumstances have severe "legal" ramifications heaped upon that individual.

God and God alone calls people to the active preaching ministry and because God is a God of “order” and “proper protocol”. A great Biblical example of this is found in 1 Samuel Chapter 3 concerning the Calling of the prophet Samuel.

1 Samuel 3: 1- 10: 19- 21

Now the boy Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation. 2 And it came to pass at that time, while Eli was lying down in his place, and when his eyes had begun to grow so dim that he could not see, 3 and before the lamp of God went out in the tabernacle* of the Lord where the ark of God was, and while Samuel was lying down, 4 that the Lord called Samuel. And he answered, "Here I am!" 5 So he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me."And he said, "I did not call; lie down again." And he went and lay down. 6 Then the Lord called yet again, "Samuel!"

So Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, "Here I am, for you called me." He answered, "I did not call, my son; lie down again." 7 (Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord , nor was the word of the Lord yet revealed to him.) 8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, "Here I am, for you did call me."Then Eli perceived that the Lord had called the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, 'Speak, Lord , for Your servant hears.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel answered, "Speak, for Your servant hears."

19 So Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel had been established as a prophet of the Lord . 21 Then the Lord appeared again in Shiloh. For the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord .


In the modern church. once the person is convince that a preaching ministry calling has truly been place upon their life by God, the Pastor of that member’s church need to be notified of “the call” by that member in order to obtain both a “hearing” and a “legal license” to preach the Gospel. God will confirm the call on the life of the person to the pastor and, under God’s prompting, the pastor will at the “appropriate time” schedule a public “hearing” for the candidate to preach of what is commonly called a “trial sermon” (their first public sermon)

The purpose of that “sermon” is for the "newly called" new minister to give “clear” and “concrete evidence” to the waiting congregation that Jesus called them into the “gospel preaching” ministry. Upon successfully doing so, the church will issue a License of Ministry, signed by the Church's clerk  who provides the church a written record of all  events pertaining to that hearing, and the Pastor to certify the licensing and calling. The newly licensed minister will be challenged  and required to go to seek formal ministry training by the Pastor, as well as by othe assisting ministers and teachers designated by the pastor, or by siminary training from a legitimate Bible College or Seminary to prepare the new minister for that day when God will release them in the market place to a “specific assignment or purpose” in the field of gospel ministry.

License Restrictions: for an "UN" ordained Minister

  The laws govening the licensing and legal duties of a called minister may vary from state to state, but in general there are at least 5 “Ministerial Duties” that a “unordained” minister cannot performed, unless they assisted by an “ordained and licensed Pastor” or designated ordained and licensed minister by the Pastor for the purpose of further ministry training:

1.   You cannot “officiate” a funeral.

2.   You cannot “officiate” a wedding.

3.   You cannot “open the doors” (extend the formal invitation to discipleship) of the church after  a sermon. unless prompted to do so by the Pastor.

4.   You cannot “officiate” a Communion Service, unless the pastor is present and allows you to doso as part of further minister training.

5.   You cannot “commit” a body to burial at a cemetery or a mausoleum.

II.            Important things to Remember:

Remember: You have been “separated” unto the gospel of God:

 A “better” way of saying it is, you have been "separated” from the traditional life lived by the general public to become a “consecrated servant” in the Gospel ministry of the Church of God for the purpose of "mission service" to the public sector.. This places a great responsibility upon you to maintain a sound character and "moral conduct  that is above reproach” and “designated” for the work of the Gospel Ministry.

Remember: The purpose of this calling is not to live in splendor, wealth, and ease, but to devote yourself to this “Holy business” of proclaiming the “good news” of the Gospel message, You can be rest assured that God will supply all of your needs. (Philippians 4:19)

           The Gospel Message is:  "God sent both “salvation and reconciliation” to all people through his Son Jesus Christ and we can have "these things" by faith and belief in Jesus Christ alone for Salvation". This is the “sole business” of all ministers of the Gospel  Paul wrote it under the unction of the Holy Spirit this way:

1 Cointhians 15:3-8
" For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time".

Remember: God has designed your life that you should make it "your business" to preach the gospel. Set apart to this, as the special, great work of your life; as having no other object for which I should live. For the meaning of the word "gospel," Refer to Matthew 1:1. It is called the Gospel of God because it is his appointment; it has been originated by him, and has his authority. The function of an apostle was to preach the gospel Paul regarded himself as separated to this work.


The Calling of Ministry: The Minister’s Call “The Ordained” Minister
Jeremiah 1:4-10

What God has designed men for in this life and the life to come, he will call them to His chosen field for each of them. God already knows beforehand His every intention and who He has chosen to do his will even down to the time in history the chosen vessel will do it. Just like with Jeremiah, God calls us all and ordains us all to the Gospel Ministry, that is those He has set aside specifically for this chosen field.. Matthew Henry in his biblical commentary makes the following statement: “There is a particular purpose and providence of God conversant about his prophets and ministers; they are by “special counsel” designed for their work. What they are designed for, they are fitted for the Lord said:” I that knew thee, sanctified thee”. God destines them to it, and forms them for it, when he first forms the spirit of man within him.    

According to John 15:16, the first ministers of the Gospel were the choice of Jesus Christ. It’s no wonder, then, that they were so successful. The ministers  whom men have since sent, and are “ordained” of men without the appointment of God, have done no good. The choice should still continue with God, who, knowing the heart, knows best who is most proper for the Gospel ministry.

To be a genuine preacher of the Gospel, a man must:

1. Be chosen of God to the work.

2. He must be placed in the true vine-united to Christ by faith.

3. He must not think to lead an idle life, but labor.

4. He must not wait until work be brought to him, but he must go and seek it.

5. He must labor so as to bring forth fruit, i.e. to get souls converted to the Lord.

6. He must refer all his fruit to God, who gave him the power to labor, and blessed him in his work.

7. He must take care to “water” what he has planted, that his fruit may remain-that the souls whom he has gathered in be not scattered from the flock.

8. He must continue instant in prayer,that his labors may be accompanied with the presence and blessing of God-Whatsoever ye shall ASK.

9. He must consider Jesus Christ as the great Mediator between God and man, proclaim his salvation, and pray in his name.-Whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name,

License Restrictions:
The laws vary from state to state, but unlike  these 5 “Ministerial Duties” that a “licensed” minister cannot performed, An ordained minister can performed these duties listed assisted, if necessary or without the assistance of another “ordained and licensed minister or Pastor.”  It is always wise to know the laws of the state you minister in, as local and state laws governing the practice of certain church protocols will differ.  Always where applicable, contact the proper state, local or church ahead of time to be in legal compliance as well as whatever the protocol of a particular church or funeral home you are privileged to provide ministerial service. 

Always seek the Lord in prayer and maintain strict adherence to the Word of God, and govern yourself accordingly. Whenever you are asked to perform any one of these duties it is wise to do only that you have been asked to do and do it to the glory of God. An ‘ordained” minister or Pastor can perform the following duties:

1.   You can “officiate” a funeral.

2.   You can “officiate” a wedding.

3.   You can “open the doors” of the church after a sermon.

4.   You can “officiate” a Communion Service.

5.   You can “commit” a body to burial at a cemetery or a mausoleum.

The Ordination of a minister from the “legal aspect” must be done in accordance of the biblical model. The candidate must be voted on by the church congregation based upon the examination of the candidate by the ordaining council and their recommendation to the local fellowship based on the findings in the examination of the ethical behavior as well as the proper biblical knowledge of church doctrine, policies and procedures as set forth by God in the Sacred Scriptures. (This is based on Luke 2:52 where Jesus was favored both by God and by man and subject to the both the earthly (church) and heavenly authority (God) in his earthly tenure).  The church’s responsibility is to sanction the setting aside (licensing) of said candidate. (Ordaining council)