ONE DANGER OF DISPENSATIONALISM!

 DISPENSATIONALISM

According to those of us who believe the history of mankind should be divided into seven dispensations [stewardships of God's world], the teachings of the four Gospels should be applied to the Dispensation of the Law.  The dispensation to follow, the Church Age, began on the Day of Pentecost, when Jesus filled His followers with the Holy Spirit.  Those of us who are born again believers, have been led to believe that the writings of Paul [never called an Apostle by anyone other than himself in the Scriptures] were specifically written for the Church.  The rest of the New Testament is directed at Israel, which is still living under the Law of Moses.

In other words, thirteen books are addressed to the Jewish people:  Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, and Revelation.  Thirteen books are addressed to the Church:  Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.  The Book of Acts is a transitional book written to show the history of the change from obedience to the Law for salvation, to salvation being a gift to all who believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Let me add that even though the books of the Bible are addressed to specific people, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16). 

A DANGER OF DISPENSATIONALISM!

There is a danger of born again believers focusing on the writings of Paul, and ignoring the rest of the New Testament.  As a result, the Church seems to "relaxing in the grace of God," and ignoring their Lord's commands.  Jesus told His followers to love their enemies; feed the poor; visit the sick and those imprisoned; forgive those who offend us; and above all, GO and proclaim the Gospel to a lost and dying world!  Yes, born again believers are saved by grace, but we have been saved to serve our Lord:

Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.

Luke 12:42-43 - And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?  Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

John 14:12 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father.

Paul wrote this about the Church's responsibility:

Ephesians 2:8-10 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  not of works, lest any man should boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 - For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.  For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.  Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

Yes, Paul's writings are for the Church, but Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Church:

1 Corinthians 3:11-15 - For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man's work shall be made manifest:  for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.  If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.  If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

THE JEWS BELIEVED WORKS SAVED;

THE CHURCH WORKS BECAUSE THEY ARE SAVED!