RightDivision

The lesson on January 29, 2023 was part 10 of the "Law and Grace" study. In this weeks lesson, Wayne takes us back into the prophetic aspect of the law and looks into the book of Ezekiel to show how the prophet had prophesied in detail about the future Temple that will be built during the millennial reign when Jesus Christ is ruling here on Earth. We learn how this temple is different from the one they built before. We also learn how the law is used during this time to offer sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins when the Jesus had completed this work at the cross. Wayne suggests that the sacrifices made at this time are now memorials to Jesus Christ and his completed work. This lesson again shows the value of the law and how it will be used in the future. For now, we must filter what is still effective, particularly in civil government. Next time we will look at how governments can determine what is a crime. The scripture reading was from Ezekiel 43:18-27 KJV "18 And he said unto me, Son of man, thus saith the Lord God; These are the ordinances of the altar in the day when they shall make it, to offer burnt offerings thereon, and to sprinkle blood thereon. 19 And thou shalt give to the priests the Levites that be of the seed of Zadok, which approach unto me, to minister unto me, saith the Lord God, a young bullock for a sin offering. 20 And thou shalt take of the blood thereof, and put it on the four horns of it, and on the four corners of the settle, and upon the border round about: thus shalt thou cleanse and purge it. 21 Thou shalt take the bullock also of the sin offering, and he shall burn it in the appointed place of the house, without the sanctuary. 22 And on the second day thou shalt offer a kid of the goats without blemish for a sin offering; and they shall cleanse the altar, as they did cleanse it with the bullock. 23 When thou hast made an end of cleansing it, thou shalt offer a young bullock without blemish, and a ram out of the flock without blemish. 24 And thou shalt offer them before the Lord, and the priests shall cast salt upon them, and they shall offer them up for a burnt offering unto the Lord. 25 Seven days shalt thou prepare every day a goat for a sin offering: they shall also prepare a young bullock, and a ram out of the flock, without blemish. 26 Seven days shall they purge the altar and purify it; and they shall consecrate themselves. 27 And when these days are expired, it shall be, that upon the eighth day, and so forward, the priests shall make your burnt offerings upon the altar, and your peace offerings; and I will accept you, saith the Lord God."

The lesson on January 22, 2023 was part 9 of the “Law and Grace” study. In this weeks lesson, Wayne takes time to establish how the judicial implementation of the law was established and how it used Judges to provide opinions and enforce the law through the ministration of councils. We looked at Exod. 21:6, 22; 22:8-9 KJV and compared it to Matt. 5:23-24; 23:18-19 showing how was in place and being used in the Gospel period. Wayne then addressed a particular contradiction problem in Romans 3:31 and 2 Cor. 3:11 KJV. We were reminded of how the New Covenant was going to replace the Old Covenant because there would be a ministration of the spirt. See Jer. 31:31; Heb. 8:8, 13; 12:24. Also, 2 Cor. 1:22; 2:13; 3:3, 6, 8, 17-18; 4:13; 5:5; 7:1, 13; 11:4; 12:18. We see this through the Acts period. Now with the Apostle PAul, when The Mystery was revealed, he explained how to apply the law which is good when used lawfully. PAul now has the ministration of the law during this age so he is filtering which law that applies to us in this age (see 1 Tim 1:8-12 KJV). The scripture reading was 2 Cor 3:1-6 “1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? 2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: 3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. 4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.”

The lesson on January 15, 2023 was part 8 of the “Law and Grace” series and this started answering the questions submitted with this series. Wayne started reviewing Matthew 5:17-20 KJV. We focused on the what it meant to fulfill the law in the context when Jesus came to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Fulfil does not mean to continue. The Lord fulfils the prophecy that was contained in the law as reflected in Matthew 11:13 KJV. What laws should we obey today? In looking at the imperatives in Ephesians, they are in the first and second parts. Remember, Ephesians chapters 1-3 are the doctrinal section and chapters 4-6 is the practical portion. These imperatives are: Eph. 2:11; 4:25-32; 5:1-3, 6-8, 11, 14-15, 17-18, 22, 25, 33; 6:1-2, 4-5, 9-11, 13-14, 17. We see how PAul is clarifying what parts of the law we should observe filtering out the parts of the law that does not apply. For example 1 Timothy 5:18 is based on Deuteronomy 25:4. 1 Timothy 5:19 is based on Deuteronomy 19:5. Ephesians 6:1-3 is pulled right from the law of Moses. Wayne ended in saying he is not finished and will continue to study the law in the Old Testament to identify what God intended to continue with His moral law. The scripture reading was from Deuteronomy 22:11 KJV “11 Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woollen and linen together.”

The lesson on January 8, 2023 was part 7 of the "Law & Grace" study. We opened up by looking back at aspects of the Law that we might find are still active by observing them categorically and through the principles of right division. We know that PAul said in 1 Timothy 1:8 "... that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully". With right division comes clarity. In Ezekiel 36:24-27 gives a prophecy of when the New Covenant is operational. Statutes and judgements written in their hearts by the Spirit of God. This has not happened yet but will be fulfilled. We have an advantage over those who have not accepted the principle of right division. In reviewing 1 Corinthians 9:19-21 (an Acts epistle) it is showing how Paul may "gain the more" so unto the Jews, he was a Jew. With those under the law, Paul will use the law. For those without the law, be without the law... Paul clarifies this and it does not mean lawless. Clearly this shows that we have to categorize the law. We also looked at Matthew 5:17 KJV Jesus confirmed that he came not to destroy the law but to fulfil it. In Exodus 20:1-17, we see the ten commandments, put on two tables of stone. Dividing the ten commandments into five on one tablet and five on the other. We looked at Leviticus 19:18-19. Matthew 5:43 where Jesus shows a spiritual depth of the weightier parts of the law. In Matthew 22:36-40 KJV Jesus is quoting from the second tablet of the ten commandments we learn that the moral law is intended to those that do criminal things. Exodus 21 KJV shows much of the Law being explained. Do we do this today? This lesson set up the question to show how you can apply these correctly. The scripture reading was from Ezekiel 36:26-27 KJV "26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them."

The message on December 18th, 2022 was on Luke 2 and Wayne took time out to provide a Christmas message for us to enjoy. The structure of Luke shows Jesus Christ as “The Man” (Zech. 6:12). Luke starts out by commenting to Theophilus that he has a perfect understanding of all things from the very first to write the things that happened in order. Wayne teaches us of the miracle of the virgin birth and the angel telling them to call Him Jesus in Luke 2:21. In Matt. 1:21 it was said that she shall bring forth a son, and call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. In John 3:16,17 KJV, we find that Jesus did not come to Israel only but rather to everyone so that believing on Him, you would have eternal life. To receive Joy in the face of little understanding that would challenge you to believe and then get eternal life through resurrection (Luke 1:14, 44; 2:10; 6:23; 8:13; 10:17; 15:7, 10; 24:41, 52) The scripture reading was from Luke 2:25-33 KJV “25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.”

The lesson on December 11, 2022 was part 6 of the “Law and Grace” study. Wayne quickly reviewed the questions set forth with this study in relation to “What we need to know”. We have to pay respect to the context of when the scripture was written to apply the principles of right division. Today’s lesson started with the verses found in 2 Corinthians regarding “Ministration of…” (2 Cor. 3:7; 3:8; 3:9) where it referenced the glory of the law of Moses written in stone compared to the ministration of the Spirit which was much greater. Paul talks about this in Hebrews when teaches the better things. With Christ, came more glory. We learned that there must be categories of the law. We looked at Eph. 2:15, seeing The Law compared to the Law of Commandments contained in ordinances where the enmity was removed with Christ making one new man. We reviewed in this age, PAul wrote to Timothy in 1 Tim. 5:18 which came from Deut. 25:4 KJV. Also in 1 Tim. 5:19 KJV which came from Deut. 19:15 KJV. Is the Law gone? We in this age are NOT under the law? Well, in Eph. 6:1-3 PAul tells to honour thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise)! PAul is using the law in the practical section in Ephesians. How is the law to used lawfully? Wayne says we will find out in part 7. The scripture reading was from Galatians 4:6-11 KJV “6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. 8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. 9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.”

The lesson on November 20, 2002 was part 5 of the “Law and Grace” study. Wayne started reviewing what we had learned previously in regards to the law and we reviewed in scripture when Torah was used: “the law of Moses” (1 Kings 2:3); “the law of the Lord” (Psa. 19:7); “this law” (Deut. 17:18); “the book of the law of Moses” (2 Kings 14:6) “the law of the burnt offering” (Lev. 6:9) the law of “the leper in the day of his cleansing” (Lev. 14:2). There are “laws” of a kind as we see in Romans 7:21 KJV. We also learned how that word can be used differently where it means “abolished” or “none effect” as shown in Romans 3:31 KJV. We saw that there is a prophetic aspect of the law from Isaiah 2:3 KJV and Micah 4:2 KJV. In summary, the law cannot be bad because it is good if you use it lawfully. The administration of the law is key. We learned that the vail between the inner court and the holy of holies was rent in two allowing everyone access to be redeemed by Christ, when he shed his blood and was raised to be seated in the heavenlies. Further, when PAul was given the mystery, he explains in Ephesians 2:15 that the middle wall of partition was removed when He made one “new man”, so making peace. Wayne then ended the lesson showing a Temple barrier inscription from Herod’s temple, announcing death to any Gentile we passed beyond the barrier. The scripture reading was from Colossians 2:14-23 KJV “14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. 18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.”

The lesson on November 13, 2022 was part 4 of the “Law and Grace” study. Wayne took time to review what we have previously learned but he continued with focusing on what the Apostle Paul said in Romans 3:31 “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” We find out how in Romans 4. We looked at the Greek word “καταργοῦμεν” for abolish or “make none effect” and reviewed Luke 13:7; Romans 3:3, 31; 4:14 just to cover a few. He then explained that we have many types in the Old Testament and the Law of Christ and that they form a feedback loop. The more you know of Christ, the more you see types in the law showing his role in justification and many others. When PAul explains to Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:8-11 KJV, he emphasized the Law is good… and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine which was committed to Paul’s trust. It seems that PAul wants us to use it lawfully. We need to find out how. Wayne showed us how the Temple was built with a vail separating the holiest place that was ripped from top to bottom. In the Acts period, the Jew and Gentile were two and the Jew came first. When the Mystery was revealed after Acts, we learn of the middle wall of partition is now gone because we are made as one new man, so making peace. The lesson ended with looking at Ephesians 2:15 showing that “having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances. The lessons to follow will dive deep into these ordinances. The scripture reading was from 2 Cor 3:6-13 KJV “6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: 8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? 9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. 11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. 12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: 13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:”

The lesson on November 6, 2022 was part 3 of the “Law and Grace” study. Wayne reviewed last weeks lesson for about 10 minutes than moved into today’s focus which was the types of pictures we receive of Christ in the Old Testament particularly in the Law and where Christ becomes the reality. Wayne asked us further questions: What is “the law”? What is the law’s significance and domain? What are its weaknesses and strengths? Paul says to the Romans: KJV Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (Rom. 6:14 KJV) What then does the law say to us in our age? What subset of the law is categorically for us? The law came by Moses so we looked at some of the places that provided types that we could learn from. In John 1:16, 17 it says “And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” The remainder of the lesson looked at the places in scripture where we learn more of Christ from the types in the Law. The scripture reading was from 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 KJV “3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

The lesson on October 30, 2022 was part 2 of the “Law and Grace” study. After a review of the previous lesson, we were directed to “the weightier matters of the law” from Matthew 23:23 KJV. This passage is where Jesus was addressing the scribes and Pharisees calling them hypocrites! In this verse, Jesus explains what the weightier matters were, being judgement, mercy and faith. These are major topics for the Apostle Paul and part of his gospel. We look at the first use of the Hebrew word Law, 08451 תּוֹרָה towrah {to-raw’} or תֹּרָה torah {to-raw’} in Genesis 26:5 KJV. Abraham obeyed God and kept God’s charge, commandments, statues and laws. Hence, law existed before Moses and the written law given at Mount Sinai. Some of these laws were part of the Code of Hammurabi. The second use of “torah” was in Exodus 12:49 where one law should apply to the homeborn and foreign visitors. There are 214 verses and 220 hits in the Old Testament where “torah” is mentioned. One of the statements that we were to ponder was “We are NOT “under” the law so we do not need to obey the LAW.”. We learned of the Greek word ἄνομος, ον simply without law. These passages are where this word is used: Mk. 15:28; Lk. 22:37; Acts 2:23; 1 Cor. 9:21; 2 Thess. 2:8; 1 Tim. 1:9; 2 Pet. 2:8. All of the modern bibles have omitted Mk. 15:28. We were then shown appendix 15 of the Companion Bible which shows where law existed before Sinai. Consequently, some of these laws made it into the Mosaic law. The idea of household rule is in one of our favorite words: Dispensation! We ended with the promise to look into this deeper. The scripture reading was from Exodus 19:1-6 KJV “1 In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai. 2 For they were departed from Rephidim, and were come to the desert of Sinai, and had pitched in the wilderness; and there Israel camped before the mount. 3 And Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; 4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself. 5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: 6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.”

The lesson on October 23, 2022 was part 1 of the “Law and Grace” study. How is the Law to be applied today? What is the “Law”? In this first lesson of this study, it will have you consider these statements: We are NOT “under” the law, so we do not need to obey the LAW. We are to rightly divide the word of truth and therefore we conclude that the law was given to the Jews and we gentiles are not concerned with it. We are believers in the revelation of the mystery given to Paul the prisoner and this means a complete rejection of any teaching given to Israel. Therefore “the law” is out! The law was given to Moses NOT Paul the prisoner, so we do not preach law observance The law was full of types and patterns about Israel’s promises so we do not preach it or observe it. These may be present in many Right Division groups but these statements are a “can of worms” for some people. We studied the passages in scripture where law and grace appear together: John 1:17; Romans 4:16; 5:20; 6:14-15; Galatians 2:21; 5:4. PAul tells Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:8 “But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully” Further, in 2 Timothy 2:5 “And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” So in the epistles of The Mystery, PAul is saying the law is good and one should strive lawfully. We studied Ephesians 2:15 KJV “15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;”. We learned how to understand these commandments contained in ordinances. The scripture reading was from Romans 11:1-6 KJV “1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, 3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. 4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. 5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

The lesson on October 16, 2022 was part 26 of the “Running the Race” study. This series is finishing in chapter 13 of Hebrews where we are learning of the chastisement of the son in the family unit of a father and a mother and how that chastisement is given by the father to prepare the son for his future walk. We reviewed the scripture that referenced chastening (Eph. 6:4; 2 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 12:5; Heb. 12:7; Heb. 12:8; Heb. 12:11 KJV). No chastening is pleasant while receiving but is a blessing afterwards to those who are exercised by it. In this lesson, we looked at the object of chastening in Hebrews 12:10 KJV. We are sanctified by the blood of Christ so we may put aside every sin that deters us from exercising and also being exercised as the Hebrew Christians ran their race in order that they may receive the prize of their hope in working together with those who rule over them. We too, will exercise our faith to run the race with our calling in the Mystery. The scripture reading was from Hebrews 13:12-19 KJV “12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. 13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. 14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. 15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. 16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. 18 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. 19 But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.”

The lesson on October 9, 2022 was part 25 of the “Running the Race” study. Wayne reviewed what we learned in our previous lesson, specifically the activities of faith, the two sides of the coin in Hebrews, the sin that so easily beset us, looking past those heroes of faith to Jesus, who is our captain and author and finisher of our faith up to the the topic of today’s lesson, which was “Chastening”. This is from the Greek word παιδεία which means training, discipline (Eph 6:4; 2 Tim 3:16; Heb 12:5, 7, 8, 11.) (Also look at Job 5:17; Prov. 3:11; Isa. 26:16; Heb. 12:5, 7, 11). We started looking at how the Law applies to us today even in this dispensation of The Mystery where the Apostle PAul says in 1 Timothy 1:8-11 KJV “8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.” Look at Matt. 7:12; 11:13; 22:40; Lk. 16:16; Jn. 1:17; 7:23, 51; Rom. 2:14; 3:19; 4:15; 5:20; 7:1, 7, 12, 14; 8:2; 1 Cor. 9:8; 14:34; 15:56; Gal. 3:12, 17, 19, 21, 24; 5:14, 23; 1 Tim. 1:8-9; Heb. 7:19, 28; 10:1 The scripture reading was from Deuteronomy 8:2-5 KJV “2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. 3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live. 4 Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years. 5 Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the Lord thy God chasteneth thee.”

The lesson on October 2, 2022 was part 24 of the “Running the Race” study. Wayne takes reviews what was learned from the previous lesson, specifically on the activities of faith and the two sides of the coin analogy he used to describe the one side of better blessings comes with the other side of added responsibilities. How we looked at the Greek word behind “substance” (2 Cor. 9:4; 11:17; Heb. 1:3; 3:14; 11:1) where is conveyed that of reproof (2 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 11:1). Comparing Hebrews 11:1 to that of Habakkuk 2:1 – “I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.” We looked at Hebrews 12:1 and the Greek word “Τοιγαροῦν” which is translated “wherefore” in regards to the sin which doeth so easily beset us. This lead to the main question for this lesson which was “What have we come to?”. The rest of the lesson taught on the answer to this question for the Hebrew believers and also what we have come to in our age which is The Mystery, given to PAul the prisoner for our calling and hope. The scripture reading was from 1 Timothy 6:1-3 KJV “1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. 2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. 3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;”

The lesson on September 25, 2022 was part 23 of the “Running the Race” study. This lesson opened up with a review of the activities of faith in Hebrews 11. Wayne highlighted from page 190 from the book we are using as a text book for this series on Moses. He refused, choose, esteemed; had respect, forsook, endured, and kept by faith. We identified the three different hopes that are specified in scripture and what was being identified in the book of Hebrews. Wayne used an analogy of a coin that has two sides. On one side it could represent the better things that accompany salvation. Saying that Jesus is better than the angels, He is a Better priest than Melchisedek. Further they have a Better hope, Better testament, Better sacrifices, Better country, Better resurrection, Better things than Abel (Heb. 1:4; 6:9; 7:7, 19, 22; 8:6; 9:23; 10:34; 11:16, 35, 40; 12:24). On the other side of the coin it shows that they have more responsibilities (Heb. 10:26-31; 12:25). We moved on to Hebrews 12:1-4 and looked at the emphasis to run the race. The hope that is presented in Hebrews is the same hope that Abraham had and forward. Our hope is in the super heavens which is what the Apostle PAul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ revealed to us for today which is the hope perfection that we are pursing. The scripture reading was from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 KJV “24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

The lesson on September 18, 2022 was part 22 of the “Running the Race” study. This lesson starts with a review of Hebrews 11:10 where is tells of Abraham looked for a city whose builder and maker was God. We then looked in the original account in Genesis and learned that Abram didn’t follow the instructions God gave him showing how the heroes of faith in chapter 11 are believers who are shining forth their faith obedience with a fraction of light being reflected from the white light that is Christ. However, we quickly learn that this list if made up of sinners and fallen people which showed the error of their ways but yet were found faithful in how they ran their race and are a cloud of witnesses for the Hebrew believers. We then continued to look at the word “translated” in relation to avoiding death which was covered in the previous lesson. We looked at Acts 7:15 which is a recount of how Jacob died in Egypt and when “he and our fathers were carried into Sychem and laid in he sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money”. So, in this case, Jacob did die but his bones were “translated” into another location. We learned that redemption if for a purpose, it is not an end in itself. Redemption is the start of your race and you are to continue on to perfection so you will receive a reward of witness. Noah was the last witness we looked at in Gen 9:1-7,8:13,21. The scripture reading was from Genesis 12:1-5 KJV “1 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. 4 So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. 5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.”

The lesson on September 11, 2022 was part 21 of the “Running the Race” study. After a brief review of what we have learned, this lesson looks into Hebrews 11 and starts to see the refracted light of how their witness points to Christ, as the great white light and the finisher of our faith. Whenever their are commands given in Hebrews to run the race it is always in context to an adjustment. Heb. 11:1-4 we learn how faith has within it reproof and we look in detail of how the faith of Abel was approved in studying the Genesis account of what happened to learn how Cain and Able offered the same offering from the ground but Able added the offering of the lamb, which God required so his was approved. The scripture reading was from Genesis 4:1-8 KJV “1 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the Lord. 2 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. 4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: 5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. 6 And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. 8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.”

The lesson on September 4, 2022 was part 20 of the “Running the Race” study. In this lesson, Wayne takes time to dive into Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. Since it is a common error to teach the potential loss of salvation or eternal life, it is important to understand the interpretation of this verse. In doing so, Wayne takes us through these questions and provides the proper answer: 1)Does a Hebrew believer possibly fall back to “Hell” (loss of salvation)? 2)What does “perdition” mean? 3)Is the belief mentioned the root that saves the soul in the modern evangelistic sense? 4)What does “saving” mean? 5)What does “soul” mean? We covered three verses to show the definition of “perdition” and how context provides more emphasis. Next we looked at the phrase “saving of the soul” means in proper context. Soul salvation is indicating a full life at the end of your faith. Essentially, having received your reward for running the race. Wayne then took us through the introduction of the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 and how they are arranged in three sets of seven, as well as in pairs of witnesses. The scripture reading was from Philippians 3:14-21 KJV “14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. 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 August 28, 2022 was part 19 of the “Running the Race” study. In this weeks lesson, Wayne reviewed how the Hebrew Christians were being challenged to go unto perfection and not fall back to perdition (Heb. 6:1;10:39) and how Paul used Habakkuk 2:4 in three places (Rom. 1:17 – righteousness; Gal. 3:11 – by faith; and Heb. 10:38 – shall live). We quickly reviewed where the word Perdition was used before focusing on the main subject, which was the major emphasis of Hebrews. Hebrews addresses Hebrew believers! Paul was teaching them to RUN the race and to do so with perfected knowledge. We then looked at the 7 times the Greek word “προσέρχομαι” which is translated “to draw near” (Heb. 4:16; 7:25; 10:1; 10:22; 11:6; 12:18 and 12:22 KJV) We then took time to review Rom. 9:10-23 KJV which takes us to the history of Esau and Jacob to learn how God uses the word “Hate” to describe how it involves placement of lesser value vs. actually hating someone (e.g. Matt. 6:24, Luke 14:26). The “hate” metaphor is similar to the following: 2 Corinthians 3:10 KJV “For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.” The scripture reading was from Genesis 25:19-23 KJV “19 And these are the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham begat Isaac: 20 And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padan-aram, the sister to Laban the Syrian. 21 And Isaac intreated the Lord for his wife, because she was barren: and the Lord was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. 22 And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to inquire of the Lord. 23 And the Lord said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.”

The lesson on August 14, 2022 was part 18 of the “Running the Race” study. In this lesson, Wayne takes time to briefly review what we had previously covered when he dived into the Isa 6:9-10 reference that was quoted by Paul in Acts 28:25-27 which came to him as a question submitted online from the Acts 29 series. It shows how much there was a continuation of the ministry sent to Israel. Wayne also pointed out an error that Charles Welch made from his commentary on Hebrews 10:34 KJV where Paul was commenting on the compassion they had “of me in my bonds”, where the original manuscripts had the Greek words “δεσμοῖς μου”, which is referring to Paul being a prisoner. Charles Welch accepted the “correction” from “the text” (referring to the textus receptus) where it removes “my” with bonds. During the writing of Hebrews, Paul was a prisoner. Charles Welch says the Paul was not a prisoner during the writing of Hebrews. Further, modern Bibles leave out “my”, and “in heaven”. We believe in inspiration and preservation of scripture so when commentary is made by those we respect, we will not agree with everything and call them out when make an error. The lesson ends with looking at “Patience” where James uses it in Jas. 1:3, 4, 5:11 KJV. We looked at the context of how Paul uses Habakkuk 2:4 KJV in Rom. 1:17, Gal. 3:11 and Heb. 10:38 KJV. The scripture reading was from Philippians 3:14-21 KJV “14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. 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 August 7, 2022 was part 17 of the “Running the Race” study. Wayne took time to prepare us for the context of chapter 10 of Hebrews because it is so important to recognize where the nation of Israel was the time when Hebrews was written. We looked at Hebrews 8:13 showing how the Old Covenant was ready to pass away to the New Covenant but it didn’t as evidenced by how Acts ended. In Hebrews 8:1, Wayne expounded on the “we have” showing that “this is the sum” was showing the placement of Jesus Christ in the heavens was their high priest (see Heb. 4:14, 15; 6:19, and 8:1). In Acts 21:20-24 documented that there were thousands of Jews that believed and zealous of the law. We took a look again of the activity of Paul in verse 31 and pregnant “period” (which was thoroughly covered in the Acts 29 study) showing when PAul received The Mystery before he was imprisoned again. We reviewed how in 2 Tim. 4:1 that the Lord Jesus was about to judge… and it did not happen. Wayne took time to show how the Greek word meant “about” instead of shall. We finished with looking at the “comers”, particularly in these passages: 1 Tim. 6:3; Heb. 4:16; 7:25; 10:1, 22; 11:6; 12:18, 22 and the verse Hebrews 7:25 KJV where Paul is emphasizing that those who survive and endure to the end, the Lord Jesus will save them to the uttermost which reflects their rewards which is what Hebrews is all about, the reward given to the Hebrews for their faithful pursuit of the race that was set before them. The scripture reading was from Hebrews 10:28-39 KJV “28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; 33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. 34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. 35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 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 July 31, 2022 was part 16 of the "Running the Race" study. Wayne took us through a quick review of how the law was not perfect because it could not provide life particularly because it was implemented by sinners as described in Romans 8:3 where Christ came in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh. We continued from Hebrews 9 and 10. Of emphasis in this lesson is the ascension of Jesus Christ and how it was so important to the Hebrews fulfilling the role of high priest as explained in Hebrews 9:7-12 KJV. We covered these passages and discussed what importance it was to the Jew with the verses with using "seated" (looking at the importance of the ascension): Heb. 1:3 … right hand; Heb. 4:14 … passed into the heavens; Heb. 8:1 … right hand … heavens; Heb. 9:24 … heaven itself; Heb. 10:12 … sat .. Right hand of God; Heb. 12:2 … right hand throne of God. We also took note of how important the ascension of Christ is to our calling in The Mystery with the references in Ephesians and Colossians: Eph. 1:19-23 – headship; Eph. 4:8-10 – led captivity captive; Eph. 4:11-12 (four fold ministry); Eph. 2:6 sit together in heavenly places; Col. 3:1 sitteth at the right hand of God. We closed in looking at the passages using the imperative "Let us" and discussed it significance: Heb. 4:1, 11, 14, 16; 6:1; 10:22-24; 12:1, 28; 13:13, 15. The scripture reading was from Hebrews 10:1-6 KJV "1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. 3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure."

The lesson taught on July 24, 2020 was part 15 of the "Running the Race" study in learning how the race is set before the Hebrews for a better salvation or reward. In this lesson, Wayne reviews what we had covered before but then gets into chapter 9 of Hebrews where it starts to compare the Old and New Covenant in Heb. 9:1-20 KJV. It is imperative that we don't apply to us what was intended to the Hebrews! We are so conditioned by modern Christian pastors about Salvation and not about reward. We must separate the scripture meant to explain the life we receive in Christ from the reward He has for us in winning the race set before us. Also, it is imperative we learn what the Old Covenant meant to Israel and what hope they were promised, especially when comparing to what the New Covenant meant to them. Further, in order to understand what The Mystery means to us, we must understand the hope and blessings that were meant for Israel so we can truly appreciate what hope and blessing our calling has for us today. Wayne finished the lesson covering what it meant by "better sacrifices" which comes from the Greek word "heterosis". The scripture reading was from Hebrews 9:22-28 KJV "22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. 23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation."

The lesson taught on July 17, 2022 was part 14 of the “Running the Race” study. We reviewed what we learned previously regarding the two immutable things, which were presented in a graphic: 1. To the overcomer – “Surely I will bless …” and 2. The Priest of the overcomer – “Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec”. The body of this lesson covered the need to understand context and when looking at the Law, it required Wayne to categorize components of the Law which still apply to us in this age! The Moral Law continued where the ceremonial parts of the Law were going to be replaced upon Jesus’ return to the Earth. We looked at Psalm 110:1-7 KJV to see how David referred to what was started in Genesis and then what Paul was using to show why the Law had to change in Hebrews. The two books in the New Testament that really position that the Law could not save was Romans and Galatians. We learned how the Moral Law continues because PAul still references it in Ephesians and Colossians. (Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:13-14; Ephesians 4:28 Thou shalt not steal; Ephesians 6:2 Honor father and mother; Colossians 2:14 blotting out ordinances (dogma based on Law) Hebrews 9:10,11). The Moral Law is simply stating what is right and wrong which still applies to us today. The scripture reading was from Hebrews 8:1-5 KJV “1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; 2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. 3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. 4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: 5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.”

The lesson on July 10, 2022 was part 13 of “Running the Race” study. This is all about running the race and getting fit to win by being in great shape. There remaineth work to do in Hebrews 4:6 for the Jews to perfect their works of faith so they may receive their reward as their second rest. Those who say that this verse shows you can lose your salvation is true in the context of rewards, not eternal life. We looked at the word “remaineth” in the Greek and the scriptures in Hebrews that used it (Heb. 4:6,9;10:26). We have a similar but different race explained in Colossians 1:24. Paul talked about his suffering as being part of those works of faith (Sufferings: Rom. 7:5; 8:18; 2 Cor. 1:5-7; Gal. 5:24; Phil. 3:10; Col. 1:24; 2 Tim. 3:11; Heb. 2:9-10; 10:32; 1 Pet. 1:11; 4:13; 5:1, 9). We learned what are the “two immutable things” referenced in Hebrews 6:18 KJV. We then looked at the Oaths that are in Hebrews (1. Heb. 3:11; 4:3 Those who do not overcome. 2. Heb. 6:17, 18 Those who overcome like Abraham and 3. Heb. 7:21 The priest of the overcomer). Wayne explained the mission we have before us in this age and in our lifetime. In the time we have left, what works remaineth that we have as those who have come to see the calling of The Mystery. We all have certain abilities and need to find a way to come together as a church that promotes Right Division and The Mystery to Christianity. Let us pray to find a way to assemble these people so we may use their strengths and resources to build the body of which Christ is head to its perfection. We learned how Jesus Christ is the Melchisedec Priest that is available to all because of the completed work of Christ. The scripture reading was from Hebrews 7:19-28 KJV “19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. 20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: 21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) 22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. 23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: 24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. 28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.”