The Ends

The lesson on March 20, 2022 was part 12 of “The Ends” study and it is the final. Wayne recapped what we have learned through this study. When you see it, the end is all through scripture. We looked at the race we are involved with as Christians goes back to before the foundation of the world where the Lamb of God was established as the basis for salvation. Acts and epistles written during Acts (like Romans) is all about getting out of one man and into another (new man Christ Jesus). We are justified by faith, not based on works. Hebrews, which we believe is written by Paul, has passages in it that others think are based on works for salvation. This is a problem and will be covered in the next study. Resurrection is what every Christian receives to receive eternal life but the out-resurrection is received as a reward by works in this age. The verse we began with was 1 Corinthians 10:11. When you consider the ends, everything comes into focus. The ends of the ages were being fulfilled in Acts. An example of this is with our scripture reading. Time was short because the ends were in play. We are not part of this calling. It is important to learn of the ends for our age and what are the borders our boundaries of our age. The scripture reading was 1 Corinthians 7:22-30 KJV “22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. 23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. 24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God. 25 Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful. 26 I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be. 27 Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. 28 But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you. 29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; 30 And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;”

The lesson on March 13, 2022 was part 11 of “The Ends” study. A review was given of what we previously learned of why we are studying the end or ends as it pertains to our calling and the use of right division to make since of it. We reviewed the resurrection of the dead and how there are different bodies that have different glories. Jesus Christ’s resurrection was out from among the dead ones which was a special resurrection which was a teaching his disciples did not understand. PAul talks about this in Philippians 3:11. Different callings have different hopes that pertains to different realms which means each hope will have a resurrection body suited to accommodate the realm where they will be in according to God’s calling and the hope He established with that calling. The latter part of the lesson introduced the controversy of the author of Hebrews. There are some that think it was written by Luke but Wayne is confident there is evidence from scripture that it was written by the Apostle Paul, particularly since there is a great parallel between Hebrews and Philippians. Wayne presented several points in scripture as evidence of Paul’s authorship. The scripture reading was from Hebrews 10:37-39 KJV “37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”

The lesson on March 6, 2022 was part 10 of “The Ends” study. In this lesson we quickly review what was taught last regarding the resurrection of the dead where we learned that there are different glories for spiritual bodies. There is a principle that was identified in Corinthians in relation to comparing the glory of our Earthly body and our resurrection body. Our resurrection body will be immortal and be designed to function in whatever realm God puts us in. We reviewed how the Old Covenant had glory but it did not compare to the glory of the New Covenant. Today’s lesson focused on the Greek word “To Think” (28271 φρονέω impf. ἐφρόνουν; fut. φρονήσω;). A concordance was provided for φρονέω =“to think, to mind” (Matt. 16:23; Mk. 8:33; Acts 28:22; Rom. 8:5; 12:3, 16; 14:6; 15:5; 1 Cor. 4:6; 13:11; 2 Cor. 13:11; Gal. 5:10; Phil. 1:7; 2:2, 5; 3:15-16, 19; 4:2, 10; Col. 3:2) where we find a focus in Romans (5 occurrences) and Philippians (8 occurrences). We were shown that there is a parallel between Hebrews and Philippians where both were pursing perfection in two different callings (Hebrews was in Acts, Philippians was post-Acts in The Mystery). We looked intently at Hebrews 10:39 to learn about perdition as opposed to “saving of the soul”. In the end, we focused on the resurrection out from among the dead ones in Philippians 3:11 KJV (Lk. 20:35; Acts 4:2; 26:23; Rom. 1:4; 1 Cor. 15:12; Heb. 11:35; 1 Pet. 1:3) The scripture reading was from Hebrews 10:37-39 KJV “37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”

The lesson on February 27, 2022 was part 9 of “The Ends” study. We reviewed what was presented in the previous lesson, particularly that Acts has an “ends of the ages” context NOT the beginning of an age. 1 Corinthians 2:7 mystery does not refer to The Mystery that was revealed to the Apostle PAul in Eph. 3:9 or Col. 1:25, 26. There is an idea that we should go on unto perfection which means you should have learned the fundamentals of salvation but you should continue to learn the meat of scripture. Wayne then further expounded on the word Earthly ἐπίγειος in relation to the Earthly realm. In John 3:12 in the context of resurrection, there are certain things that are better, specifically the out-resurrection. We learn in Paul’s response to the question in 1 Cor. 15:35 asking “How are the dead raised up?” and what body do they come?”. In Paul’s response in 1 Cor. 15:40, he says “There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another”. The remainder of the lesson is to study how resurrection provides you a specific body designed for its intended realm. In The Mystery, our calling is in the heavenly places where Christ sits so our body will be fitted to habitat that realm. We learned of the the three realms, Earthly, Heavenly and Under the Earth (Philippians 2:10; Revelation 5:3 KJV). The scripture reading was from Philippians 3:17-21 KJV “17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”

The lesson on February 20, 2022 was part 8 of “The Ends” study. This week Wayne took time to emphasize that Acts has an “ends of the ages” context and NOT the beginning of an age. We looked at several scriptures that proved this, especially in 1 Corinthians (1Thes. 5:4 (not in darkness … overtake you as a thief) Acts 17:31 (mellw); 1 Cor. 1:8 … To the end… 1 Cor. 7:29 …Time is short … 1 Cor. 10:11 … ends of the ages are come … 1 Cor. 15:51 … we shall not all sleep … We were reminded that “mystery” in 1 Cor. 2:7 is not “The mystery” of Eph. 3:9. This is a common mistake the Bereans or Mid-Acts groups think. The mystery in 1 Cor. 2:7 is that God made Jesus Christ His hidden wisdom before the foundation of the world. The remainder of the lesson looks at the word Earthly ἐπίγειος. The context of its use include those that are negative, those that are neutral and those that provide comparison of Earthly vs. Heavenly truths which is what Christ did when speaking to Nicodemus in John 3:12 KJV. The scripture reading was from John 3:1-12 KJV “1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. 9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? 10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? 11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. 12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?”

The lesson on February 13, 2022 was part 7 of “The Ends” study. We spent time with the Greek word τελέω. This is a verb meaning “to finish” but it can change meaning in different context. τελέω can also mean “ to make and end” or “to pay”. We looked at the verses where that was expressed (Matt. 11:1; 17:24). It means “to finish” in Matt. 19:1. Luke 18:31 is where it means “to be fulfilled”. Similarly in John 19:28 it means “to accomplish/fulfill”. John 19:30 shows it as “to finish”. We then looked in 3 places where τετέλ*, the verb indicative perfect from τελέω meant “were now accomplished” (John 19:28), “it is finished” (John 19:30) and “I have finished” (2 Tim. 4:7). Wayne then had us review τετέλεσται, where he explained there are common sermons to associate the three “τ” in that word to the three crosses of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion (he then reminded us of several lessons on RightDivision.com teaching about the five crosses, that being two malefactors and two thieves. It also is explained in the Companion Bible, Appendix 164). We finally looked at Hebrews 6:1-3 KJV to show how Israel had goals go teach that they weren’t fulfilling. He ended the lesson with a look at the word Earthly ἐπίγειος and the six verses where it appeared and plans to go over them in the next lesson (John 3:12; 1 Cor. 15:40; 2 Cor. 5:1; Phil. 2:10;3:19 and James 3:15 KJV) The scripture reading was from Hebrews 6:1-3 KJV “1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit.”

The lesson on February 6, 2022 was part 6 of “The Ends” study. This lesson reviews what we learned previously on the timing and geography of Jesus Christ “coming” and “personal presence”. In particular to the ends identified in Acts and comparing that to the ends of our calling. Ends involved with a particular age involve goals that pertain to that age. If you try to apply to goals of a previous age, you will be frustrated because it doesn’t apply to you. We learned that Our END will come with His appearing (2 Thess. 2:8; 1 Tim. 6:14; 2 Tim. 1:10; 4:1, 8; Tit. 2:13). This lesson looked at the proper interpretation of Romans 13:1-7 to clarify that it does NOT refer to civil authorities. Don’t go to the civil authorities in matters between believers (1 Cor. 6:1-3; Acts 4:19 KJV). The scripture reading was from Romans 13:1-7 KJV. “1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”

The lesson on January 30, 2022 was part 5 of "The Ends" study. In this weeks lesson, we reviewed the Greek words used in describing the end and the coming. The word used describe "to change your mind" is one that was important because that was a condition that was put on Israel to repent and accept Jesus as Messiah for the kingdom of heaven was at hand. If so, we would have seen some of the ends described in Acts be fulfilled. It is important to study the context of the ends associated with Israel and The Mystery (post Acts 28). The lesson then focused on comparing the scripture on "appearing" and "coming" or personal presence. Is it safe to say that "appearing" is associated with our calling and "coming" is connected with Israel? We learn that our END will come with His appearing which is the gospel of the unsearchable riches of Christ. The gospel of the kingdom is associated with Israel and we looked at the scripture to identify each (2 Thess. 2:8; 1 Tim. 6:14; 2 Tim. 1:10; 4:1, 8; Tit. 2:13 and Eph. 3:8-9 KJV). The scripture reading was from Matthew 28:17-20 KJV "17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

The lesson on January 23, 2020 was part 4 of “The Ends” study. This week we opened up looking at the condition God placed upon Israel during the Acts period which was expressed in Acts 3:19 KJV. Israel was to repent and accept Jesus Christ but they did not. Rather they tore their clothes and said we will not make this man ruler over us! There are may conditional statements in scripture which refute all the Calvinists who claim God has predetermined every good and bad condition in scripture. We looked at Acts 5:31 as a sample scripture showing a “change of mind” A call to repentance is made in the end. In Hebrews, “End” is referenced in Hebrews 3:6,14;6:8,11 and 7:3. In 1 Corinthians we see END, ENDS, and END. (1 Cor. 1:8; 10-11; 15:24 KJV) END is the Day of our Lord Jesus Christ, ENDS of the AGES, and finally END is delivered up the Kingdom of God. We need to learn the context of tall the ends that were happening during the Acts period. We looked at scripture from Matthew (Mt. 10:22; 24:6, 13, 14 and 26:58) to see what was contingent on the ends during the Gospels leading up to the Acts period. We most certainly need to know the end of our calling of the Mystery and that comes specifically from PAul the Prisoner. The scripture reading was from Exodus 23:14-16 KJV “14 Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year. 15 Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:) 16 And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field.”

The lesson on January 16, 2022 was part 3 of “The Ends” study. Wayne opened up with a review of the Apostle Paul in his own life and how he was dealing with the ends in his own life. We review the progress in his life looking at Philippians 3:9-12 KJV compared to 2 Timothy 3,4. The remainder of the lesson looked at the Acts period and the urgency of the time is at hand. In all the epistles written during the book of Acts are in the context of fulfilling prophecy. Some of the types and prophecies were being fulfilled in the Acts. Everything prophetic would have been fulfilled if the one condition was met. This condition was put on Israel as specified in Acts 3:19-21 which was to repent and be converted. Wayne encourages us to be mature Christians like Adults vs. a Childs view as expressed in 1 Corinthians 14:20 KJV. The scripture reading was from Hebrews 6:1-6 KJV “1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit. 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame”

The lesson on January 9, 2022 was part 2 of "The Ends" study. Comparing a child's perspective to an adults is how Wayne opened up the instruction by comparing a children's book on Dr. Fauci to a book written for adults called "The Real Anthony Fauci" by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In this comparison, we are reminded of the scripture in 1 Corinthians 14:20 KJV that says we are to not be children in understanding but rather have the understanding of an adult. This is also emphasized from the Apostle PAul in Ephesians 4:14 KJV. The lesson continues to review what had previously been covered up until we looked at 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 KJV. We learned from this passage to take note of the many "when" statements that provided a necessity of the timing of when the ends would be achieved. The calling of "The Mystery" that was revealed to the Apostle PAul after Acts 28 is not part of the ends specified in Corinthians which is an Acts epistle. The scripture reading was fromEphesians 4:11-15 KJV "11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"

The lesson on December 19, 2021 was part 1 of “The Ends” study. It says in 1 Corinthians 10:11 ” Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” Wayne is starting a new series to look at prophecy in the scripture pertaining to “the ends of the ages” and how you must understand the context in relation to The Mystery. It so important to identify and understand the borders and what it means to cross one. The scripture reading was from 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 “24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.”