I knew a man (whether in his mind or out-of-his-mind, I cannot tell), who for nearly 30 years was deeply steeped in mid-Acts doctrine. Being an outspoken witness, he introduced (what he then called) ‘right division’ into nearly every testimony he gave .... and he gave alot of them, even on a daily basis! He put his money where his mouth was, and invested much time and expense on ‘spending and being spent’ for (what he then called) the distinctiveness of Paul’s message. He sponsored and hosted an annual ‘grace’ Bible conference. He believed Paul had a unique gospel, different from all the other apostles. He thought all other works would burn that were not ministered from Paul’s epistles. It seems odd, but no one ever even opened their Bible and tried to prove him wrong. He excluded and marked other people, even though they claimed to be saints by trusting in Christ’s death and resurrection, if they refused to acknowledge Paul’s writings as the only scriptures that could be applied today. Though he rented a booth each summer at the county fair, strictly for the promotion of (what he then called) ‘Pauline’ truth, and he (or his helpers) talked to over a thousand folks in just one week, no one ever responded favorably to their propaganda. But he wasn’t deterred; he faithfully continued, striving to "make all men see."
Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
The problem was that he himself failed to recognize exactly what the mystery was, even though he quoted and used the passage many times:
Eph 3:5-6 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed
unto his holy apostles and prophets (plural -- ‘other’ apostleS and prophetS -- not just Paul)
by the Spirit (not by Paul);
6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, (We have ‘fellow’ or brotherly inheritance with Israel. Also Acts 20:32, 26:18; Col 1:12)
and of the same body, (We are one body with Israel. Also 1 Cor 1:12, 1 Cor 3:3-8, 22-23; 1 Cor 15:11)
and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: (We partake in Israel’s promises. Also Rom 11:17, 1 Cor 10:17)
As he studied and LISTENED to the scriptures, he kept bumping into verses that were contrary to his paradine. It was very hard, at first, to accept the Biblical doctrines that went against his own teaching. He tried to ignore them, but he had to be honest with himself, and admit that he was wrong. It was a difficult task, and he had no one to help him work through the details of the differences. He had to find the truth by his own research and digging. As he saw connections in Biblical phrases, about the same issues, it felt as if he started pulling a string and, over time, the entire sweater unraveled. Then the chart fell off the wall.
After much prayer and consideration, he acknowledged his errors and changed his mind. THAT is repentance! Now he is trying to help others escape the strongholds by pointing out the flaws (or bluntly, lies) of ‘mid-Acts’ beliefs. (For example, no church ‘started’ during in the book of Acts, but Acts 7:38 shows where ‘the church’ did begin.) He still considers himself to be a dispensational ‘grace’ believer, but he now understands the change is from law to grace by the blood of the new testament, and he is truly no longer ‘hyper’ nor ‘ultra.’
2 Cor 3:6 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.
Alcoholics, drug addicts, and substance abusers have halfway houses for the purpose of allowing people to begin the process of reintegration with society, while providing monitoring and support, to reduce the risk of relapse. Obviously, you can only help those who have seen that they need help and want to be helped. He is furnishing his findings on www.magnifiedword.com, to assist you in removing the bars of separation between the saints, as you discover the unity of the one faith:
Eph 4:3-6 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
This is David Dowell, saying, "Think about it!"
