Lessons

The lesson on August 23, 2009 started with the scripture reading in Romans 16:24-27 and is ending the Romans Study that has gone on for 19 lessons. This is the third lesson on closing chapter 16 of Romans. The lesson opens with a recap of the prophecy stated in verse 20, which was first declared in Genesis 3:15. Derek shows that the Gentile is being blessed through Abraham and references Romans 15:27 where Paul said “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.” From Genesis 12 through Acts 28, God was dealing with the nation of Israel and the New Testament books written the Acts have a distinctly Jewish focus. It was not until after Acts 28, that Paul revealed the Mystery which is a body of truth hidden in God from before the foundation of the world. The lesson references a pamphlet written by C.E. McLain called “An Overview of God’s Purpose and the Trail of the Serpent.” which has a chapter entitled “The Trail of the Serpent” and part of the lesson studies this activity through history. Derek then shared a story about Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” when Pastor McLain explained that one has to be called to the mystery. Not everyone in Christendom will see it. Christianity needs to follow right division all the way to Acts 28:28 where Paul put Israel aside and then writes the book of Ephesians where in Ephesians 3:9, announces The Mystery. The latter part of the lesson studies what Paul calls “My Gospel”.