While I do not embrace the theology of Christian Zionism, I also reject the ideology of many who fight so rigourously in opposition against it.

The New Testament is not a “stop gap” for the rebellious house of Israel. Nor is it an intermission in God’s dealings with Israel while he saves the Gentiles,  wherein afterwards he take care of his unfinished business with the Jews.

On the contrary, the New Testament is the continuation of God’s relationship with the people of Israel. Never once will you read that the New Covenant was given to the Gentiles. Instead, it was given to the house of Israel and the house of Judah in fulfilment of God’s promise through the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:8-13).

Previously Gentiles were grafted into the covenant given to Abraham’s descendants under Moses and the Law, and Gentiles are grafted into God’s covenant given to them in Christ. God has not changed his divine order. The New Covenant established with the blood of Jesus is patterned after the Old.

In Romans 11, Paul cleary states that those who are Israelites in the flesh are the branches by nature. Those among them who believe the gospel, remain as branches in their own tree. Those who reject the gospel through unbelief are cut off from thier tree.

The branches by nature (the house of Israel and Judah) were cultivated by God. The Gentiles were not. Yet God, in his mercy, has taken those who were not cultivated by him (the Gentiles), and grafted them in with those who were cultivated by him (the Israelites). In this manner, God has chosen to save all who believe.

Those among the Jews (the branches by nature) who believe the gospel remain as branches in their own tree. Those who reject the gospel through unbelief are cut off from their tree.

Gentiles who believe in Christ are grafted into this tree, which is Israel’s tree.

It is within this context that Paul tells the saved Gentiles not to booast against the branches which were cut off, because God is able to graft them back into thier own tree if they will no longer abide in unbelief.

Now, in the 15th chapter of Romans Paul says, “But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.” ~ v. 25

The saints in Jerusalem during Paul’s day is a reference to Jewish believers living in Jerusalem. There may a have been a few Gentiles sprinkled in, but predominatley Jerusalem was occupied by Jews.

Paul then says, For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. ~ v. 26

The Christians in Macedonia and Achaia were Gentiles who wanted to help thier Jewish brethren in Jerusalem.

Now notice what Paul says next:

It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. ~ Romans 15:27

Notice the use of the words “their spiritual things.” This is a reference to the blessing of the salvation and covenant in Christ that Gentiles now partake of, and Paul calls it “their (Israel’s) spiritual things.”

According to the apostle Paul, Gentiles are grafted into Israel’s tree, and are debtors to them because of this very thing. It is wrong to boast against the branches, for though many among the Jews are still are in unbelief, the covenant God gave in Christ came through their ancestors, and in this manner, salvation is of the Jews. ~ John 4:22

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. ~ 1 Thessalonians 1:5

Paul’s standard for gospel ministry was quite different from the standard held by many of today’s more popular ministers, especially those who have turned ministry into a lucrative career.

According to Paul, the gospel which was ministered by him and his company, wasn’t a gospel ministered in word only. It came also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance.

What exactly does Paul mean when he speaks of the gospel coming in this manner, and why does Paul, here, make a distinction between the Holy Spirit and power, as he also does in 1 Corinthians?

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. ~ 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Notice that Paul tells the Corinthians that he did not come to them with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring to them the testimony of God. This coincides with his statement to the Thessalonians that the gospel he preached did not come in word only.

Paul did not desire to be an eloquent speaker when it came to his declaration of the gospel. Paul’s quest was to minister Jesus Christ not only in his declaration of God’s word, but also in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power.

What is the demonstration of the Spirit and of power, and why does Paul make a distinction?

We all should know what power is. It is the signs, wonders, and miracles that accompany the gospel. We can see this in both the ministry of Jesus, the apostles, and men like Stephen who was a deacon and not an apostle.

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. ~ Acts 6:8

Power is easily understood, but what exactly in the demonstration of the Spirit, or as Paul says in 1 Thessalonians, the ministry of the gospel in the Holy Ghost?

The ministry of the Holy Ghost is that which brings about a change in the lives of those who truly believe the gospel. In Paul’s doctrine, the gospel was to be preached, confirmed by God’s power, and lived in holiness, and this last point is where so many stumble in their understanding.

When Paul says to the Thessalonians, “our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance,” he follows by saying, “as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.”

Throughout the balance of 1 Thessalonians, Paul expounds on how he and those with him behaved and set the example of true Christian living. This is what Paul is referring to when he speaks of the gospel coming in the Holy Ghost.

Many preachers have a theology about the Holy Ghost which is foreign to the teachings of the apostle Paul. They lead their followers into many emotional responses, claiming that such hysteria is the work of God.

Paul, however was concerned with how the gospel had affected the everyday lives of the people. Had they become a holy people living dedicated lives to the Lord? According to Paul’s theology, the gospel ministered in the Holy Ghost brings about a Christ-like life of holiness to the glory of God.

Paul’s ministry wasn’t one of words only. Instead, Paul’s ministry set the example of godly living.

Consider the following:

For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. ~ 1 Thessalonians 2:3-13

Now consider the following:

Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 

Though some have devalued the importance of how we ought to live as Christians, Paul believed that the true gospel of grace changes a person’s life into a life of holiness that pleases God. The Spirit ministers the gospel to us, not only to save us from our past sins, but also to create in us holiness of character that glorifies God. Therefore Paul writes the following to the Thessalonians:

Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain. But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. ~ 1 Thessalonians 3:1-8

Paul did not feel that his ministry had effectively ministered the gospel unless the people were established in the faith and living according to the changed life produced by the gospel of Christ.

Sometimes I use the expressions, “the whole counsel of God,” and “the whole counsel of scripture.” I use these expressions at times when addressing things that are wrongly taught and believed.

Allow me to give a practical example of what I mean.

1 YOU CANNOT PLEASE GOD WITHOUT FAITH

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. ~ Hebrews 11:6

2 BELIEVING IN JESUS IS NECESSARY FOR SALVATION

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. ~ Romans 1:16

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name… ~ John :12

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. ~ Acts 10:43

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. ~ John 3:14-18

And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. ~ John 6:40

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) ~ John 7:37-39

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live… ~ John 11:25

And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. ~ Acts 13:39

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. ~ Acts 16:31

For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. ~ John 16:27

For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. ~ Romans 4:3

Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. ~ Romans 4:23-25

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. ~ Romans 3:25-27

As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. ~ Romans 9:33

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. ~ Romans 10:4

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. ~ Romans 10:9-10

Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. ~ Galatians 3:6-7

But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. ~ Galatians 3:22

And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. ~ James 2:23

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise. ~ Ephesians 1:13

Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. ~ 1 John 5:1

3 GOD’S POWER IS DISPLAYED ON BEHALF OF THOSE WHO BELIEVE

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power… ~ Ephesians 1:18-19

4 TRUE FAITH BRINGS ABOUT A CHANGE

And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. ~ Acts 19:17-19

This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. ~ Titus 3:8

5 REFUSING TO BELIEVE THE GOSPEL RESULTS IN THE JUDGMENT OF GOD

Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him. ~ John 12:35-41

6 UNBELIEF IS DISOBEDIENCE TO GOD

But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? ~ Romans 10:16

Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. ~ 1 Peter 2:6-8

7 GOD COMMANS US TO BELIEVE IN HIS SON

And this is his commandment, That we should believeon the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. ~ 1 John 3:23

8 BELIEVING IS OBEDIENCE TO THE GOSPEL

Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently… ~ 1 Peter 1:20-22

9 BELIEVING IS THE WITNESS OF GOD IN US

If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. ~ 1 John 5:9-11

10 UNBELIEF AND SIN GO HAND IN HAND

Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:12-13

11 THOSE WHO DO NOT BELIEVE THE GOSPEL ARE DAMNED

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. ~ Mark 16:16

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. ~ John 3:36

I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. ~ John 8:24

That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:12

12 UNBELIEVERS MAKE THEMSELVE ENEMIES OF THE GOSPEL

Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. ~ Romans 15:30-3

13 THOSE WHO DO NOT BELIEVE THE GOSPEL ARE BLINDED BY SATAN

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 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. ~ 2 Corinthans 4:3-4

14 THOSE WHO ARE NOT BELIEVERS LIVE AS INFIDELS

And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? ~ 2 Corinthians 6:15

15 UNBELIEF IS DISPLEASING TO JESUS AND TO GOD

Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. ~ Mark 16:14

And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. ~Mark 9:42

But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. ~ Hebrews 3:17-19

16 BELIEVING IS AN ORDINANCE OF THE WISDOM OF GOD

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. ~ 1 Corinthians 1:21

17 GOD’S SERVANTS LEAD OTHERS TO BELIEVE AND TRUST IN JESUS

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word… ~ John 17:20

And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. ~ John 20:30-31

Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? ~ 1 Corinthians 3:5

Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:11

Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. ~ 1 Timothy 1:16

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. ~ 1 John 5:13

There are approximately 7 sermons recorded in the book of Acts. There is no mention of music before, during, or after the the word was preached. There is no altar call coaxing anyone to come and kneel before God. Every message testified of Jesus in such a way that it provoked a response, either positively or negatively.

In Acts 2, the people who heard Peter preach were convicted in their hearts and said, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

In Acts 7, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on Stephen with their teeth.