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Lesson 9

Basic. Bible. Teaching. Lesson 9 . Topic Outline. Recap Last Week’s Lesson Further Explanation (rising from Q/A session) Return [9] - King Application to Us Quiz Question / Answer Session. Recap – Return as Judge. faithful rewarded. judge living & dead. wicked punished.

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Lesson 9

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  1. Basic Bible Teaching Lesson 9

  2. Topic Outline • Recap Last Week’s Lesson • Further Explanation (rising from Q/A session) • Return [9] - King • Application to Us • Quiz • Question / Answer Session

  3. Recap – Return as Judge faithful rewarded judge living & dead wicked punished righteous judgment ‘all’ to judgment seat visible return w/angels made judge by God Drawing by Richard Hook coming back to Mt Olivet

  4. Further Explanations to last week’s Q/A • Explain John 1:1, 14 “in the beginning was the Word…” • Explain John 17:5, “the glory I had with you before the world was made” • Explain Proverbs 8:22 “The LORD created me at the beginning of his work…” • “Knowledge of Christ” and “knowing God” are essential in the life of a disciple, and are the essence of eternal life. • How do you understand the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, and how does it apply to today?

  5. Jesus 4 Born of Woman 3 Alive body Relationships Prophecies 2 Dead body 1 Resurrected 5 6 8 Appeared Ascended Spiritual body 9 7 10 Empowered To Return New Earth A Jesus-centered Viewpoint

  6. Jesus 4 Born of Woman 3 Alive body Relationships Prophecies 2 Dead body 1 Resurrected 5 6 8 Appeared Ascended Spiritual body 9 10 To Return New Earth A Jesus-centered Viewpoint To Return(as King) 7 Empowered

  7. There are mortals in the Kingdom who need to be taught/ruled Mortals who survive of all the nations that have come against Jerusalem (Zech 14:16) + children of believers who need to be taught + general population around the world who were not part of the battles (Zech 8:4-5, Is 65:20) Jesus returns as Judge Jesus rules as King Start X X

  8. King -1 9. To Return (as King) • over all the world (Rev 11:15-17, Zech 14:8-9) • in Jerusalem (Ps 2:2-6, Zech 14:16) • on David’s throne (Luke 1:31-33, Is 2:1-3) • shares throne (Matt 19:27-28, Rev 2:26-27,3:21) • rules with rod of iron (Rev 19:15) • brings peace & rightness (Is 9:6-7, 11:3-5) • is King of Kings (Rev 19:15, 17:14) • Kingdom to last forever (Dan 2:44-45,7:15-18)

  9. Application: Jesus will rule until everything is under control, & then he himself will be subjected to God“that God may be all in all” (1Cor 15:28 - KJV) Revelation 11:15-17 King -2 15 Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever."16 And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying, "We give thanks to thee, Lord God Almighty, who art and who wast, that thou hast taken thy great power and begun to reign. Points: • Explicit statement that human kingdoms on earth are now to become part of God’s Kingdom, as ruled by Christ. This is what believers have been praying for centuries: “thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” (Matt 6:10) • The “Lord God Almighty” (= the LORD, cf. “who art and who wast” cf. Rev 1:8) now leaves“who is to come”up to Jesus.

  10. Application: The fact that there are survivors of the nations coming to worship indicates that a mortal population remains = the obvious target for conversion to Christ = preaching & teaching the gospel by disciples will continue in the Kingdom age. Zechariah 14:8-9,16 King -3 8 On that day living waters shall flow out from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea and half of them to the western sea; it shall continue in summer as in winter. 9And the LORD will become king over all the earth; on that day the LORD will be one and his name one... 16 Then every one that survives of all the nations that have come against Jerusalem shall go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of booths. Points: • Lesson 8 confirmed that the prophecy is about the coming kingJesus (representing the LORD) to Jerusalem • “over all the earth” indicates the scope of the Kingdom = starts with the land of Israel and will eventually encompass the globe • Jerusalem is the place to go to worship the King = Jesus is there!

  11. Application: Surely it is folly to try to resist, much less break free, from an immortal, all- powerful king, who is truly seeking your eternal welfare. But men did it in the 1st century and do so right up to today; human nature doesn’t change readily. Psalm 2:2-6 King -4 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and his anointed, saying, 3"Let us burst their bonds asunder, and cast their cords from us."4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the LORD has them in derision. 5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, 6 "I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill." Points: • “kings of the earth” = mortal rulers seeking to avoid submission • to God’s man = like Joshua & David in the OT (cf. Josh 1, 2Sam 8) • = shows Christ will have challenges to his mission and authority • “Zion” = another mountain associated with Jerusalem, and is often used as a substitute term for “the city of David” (e.g., 2Sam 5:7, 1Kings 8:1, 1Chron 11:5, 2Chron 5:2)

  12. Application: While the “Kingdom of God” is spoken of in metaphorical terms (e.g., Rom 14:17, 1Cor 4:20, Luke 10:9,17:21),it literally existed in the past,& willbe a future reality(1Chron 28:5,22:10,17:14) Luke 1:31-33 King -5 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." Points: • This last part of the angel’s message to Mary is often disregarded and misunderstood; however, the words and teaching are clear: “he [Jesus]will reign over the house of Jacob[people of Israel]forever; and of his kingdom[comparable David’s literal regime on earth]there will be no end [until God determines otherwise] • “the throne…of…David” = was in Jerusalem; his kingdom territory included what is today, Israel + parts of Lebanon, Syria & Jordan

  13. Application: Jerusalem will be Jesus’ capital city, established primarily as a center to proclaim and promote God’s word (cf. Zech 8:20-23) Isaiah 2:1-3 King -6 1 The word which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it, 3 and many peoples shall come, and say: "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths." For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. Points: • “mountain of the LORD” = Mt. Zion, synonym for Jerusalem; the elevation is both symbolic & literal (cf. topography, Zech 14:10) • “the latter days” = a phrase used by the prophets to identify the period just before & after the coming of Messiah (Num24:14, Deut 4:30, Jer 23:20, Ezek 38:16, Dan 2:28, 10:14, Hos 3:3, Mic 4:1)

  14. Application: This rulershipwould not be likethat of Gentiles, but characterized by servant leadership = what believers should do now (Matt 20:25-28) Matthew 19:27-28 King -7 27 Then Peter said in reply, "Lo, we have left everything and followed you. What then shall we have?" 28 Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of man shall sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Points: • “in the new world” = the Kingdom age • “glorious throne” = Jesus using literal and symbolical language;he uses it again in Matt 25:31, about a real happening • “twelve thrones” = also both literal and symbolic, about a real happening to come • “twelve tribes” = whole nation [as a faithful remnant] of Israel still significant in the Kingdom age (cf.Ezek 37:15-22),

  15. Application: 'Welldone, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' (Matt 25:23) Revelation 2:26-27,3:21 King -8 26 He who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, I will give him power over the nations, 27 and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received power from my Father; …. 21 He who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. Points: • The parallel of the two passage is instructive: both show Jesus plans to share his rulership with “he who conquers” and both state the same basis: “as I myself … from my Father” = what was done for Jesus will be done in turn for his disciples = tells us about the relationship Jesus enjoys with God: not equality but privilege. • For disciples, the privilege depends on keeping “my works until the end” = the reward, though a gift, does have a criteria to it

  16. Application: Let the faithfulexult in glory…let the high praises of God be in their throats, and two-edged swords in their hands, to wreak vengeance on the nations…Ps 149) Revelation 19:11-15 King -9 11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war… 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, followed him on white horses. 15From his mouth issues a sharp sword with which to smite the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron; he will tread the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty." Points: • Context: Marriage supper of the Lamb has just occurred & the Bride “clothed in fine linen” (v. 6-9). • “a rod of iron” = strength and firmness, but in conjunction with “righteousness” (12:5, Ps 2:9) • “sharp sword” = word of God (1:16, 2:12, Eph 6:17, Heb 4:12) • “armies of heaven” = immortal saints, the Bride(v.8, Ps 149:5-9)

  17. Application: “And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust for ever” (Is 31:17); believers get the same results nowwhen they put their trust in Christ (John 14:27, 16:33) Isaiah 9:6-7 King -10 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." 7Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Points: • Context: v.1-2 is quoted in Matt 4:15-16 in reference to Jesus, while v. 7 is the basis of the Luke 1:32-33 statement = this passage is about Jesus, and points to the time of his Kingdom reign. • “with justice and with righteousness…increase of …peace” = defining characteristics of Christ’s rulership cf. Is 32:1,16,18

  18. Application: Do not judge by appearance, but judge with right judgment (John 7:24) = a principle Jesus followed and taught = applies to disciples. Isaiah 11:3-5 King -11 3 And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; 4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. 5Righteousness shall be the girdle of his waist, and faithfulness the girdle of his loins. Points: • Context: v.1 is quoted in Rom 15:12 in reference to Jesus, while v. 2 is the basis of the John 1:32 statement = this passage is about Jesus, and points to the time of his Kingdom (v. 6-9) • “with righteousness …decide with equity” = reinforcement of the defining characteristics of Christ’s rule; along with v.5’s righteousness, sandwiches “smite…with the rod of his mouth”.

  19. Application: They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful (Rev 17:14) Revelation 19:15-16, 17:14 King -12 15 From his mouth issues a sharp sword with which to smite the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron; he will tread the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name inscribed, King of kings and Lord of lords" Points: • Context: Jesus is depicted as a mighty warrior on a white horse leading his armies into battle, in the execution of God’s wrath. • “king of kings” = a titleindicating thesubjugation of many kings, who come out to make war against Jesus (v.19, 17:14). This scenario is like that faced by Joshua (e.g. Josh 9:1-2, 10:22-42, 11:1-20) who destroyed all the kings who came to attack him, per God’s plan

  20. Application: The interpretation of the dream contains a number of specific details which, when linked with other prophecies on the same subject, provides an intriguing and exciting picture of the Kingdom to come. Dan 2:44-45 King -13 44 And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall its sovereignty be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand for ever; 45 just as you saw that a stone was cut from a mountain by no human hand, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold. A great God has made known to the king what shall be hereafter. The dream is certain, and its interpretation sure." Points: • Context: this is the conclusion of the Daniel’s interpretation of the dream Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, around 600 B.C. • The prophecy declares the certainty of God’s kingdom on earthas replacement of all human governments.

  21. Application: When the details of chapters 7 & 8 are lined up with the framework of chapter 2, a fairly comprehensive prophetic picture can be developed Daniel 7:15-18,27 King -14 15 "As for me, Daniel, my spirit within me was anxious and the visions of my head alarmed me. 16 I approached one of those who stood there and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me, and made known to me the interpretation of the things.17 'These four great beasts are four kings who shall arise out of the earth. 18But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, for ever and ever.' …27 And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey them.' Points: • This was Daniel’s dream, with an angel giving the interpretation. • “possessthe kingdom for ever” = “an everlasting kingdom”; • “under the whole heaven” = the meek (saints) inherit the earth!

  22. Summary – Return as King King -15 Kingdom to last forever brings peace King of kings rules with iron rod Jesus shares throne in Jerusalem on David’s throne Drawing by Richard Hook over all the world

  23. So What? King -15 The Kingdom of heaven = the Kingdom of God (see usage in Matt 19:23-24; not talking about location) Jesus taught his disciples to pray like this: Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. This makes complete sense for the believer to want Jesus to return to earth, since that is the time he will raise from the dead & reward those who have faithfully served him, and that is the place where Christ will be in his Kingdom. But where does it put the teaching that “you go to heaven when you die, to live forever there in God’s kingdom”?

  24. Quiz The center of worship in the Kingdom of God is the city of __________, where the survivors of the nations must go up year after _____ to worship the King, the LORD of hosts As the newly enthroned king established by God in Mt _____, Jesus will face resistance from human governments. However, they are warned to be wise, and serve the Christ, “lest he be ______, and you perish in the way” (Ps 2:11) Jesus will rule with a “ ____ of iron”, but it will be the rulership of a servant king, intent on bringing his subjects to salvation; two defining characteristics of Christ’s rule are _________ and _____. Jesus will share his throne with the ________ who will sit on 12 thrones ruling over the _______ of Israel. He will also give those have been found faithful in his service the job of ruling over ____ (Luke 19:17-19, cf. 2Cor 6:2)

  25. Homework Reading 10. New Earth • new heavens & earth in which righteousness dwells (2Pet 3:11-13, Is 65:17-19, Rev 21:1-5) • fulfillment of “thy will be done on earth”(Matt 6:10, Is 11:9,62:11-12, Rev 1:5-7,5:9-10,21:22-27) • renewed earth in every way (Is 2:2-4,65:20-25, Zech 8:3-8, Ezek 37:24-28, Rev 22:1-5) • Christ’s reign ends with Death destroyed and the Kingdom delivered to God (1Cor 15:24-28)

  26. Questions & Answers

  27. Basic Bible Teaching …to be continued

  28. Supplemental Reference Material #1 Seeking God in Jerusalem (Zech 8:20-23) 20 "Thus says the LORD of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, even the inhabitants of many cities; 21 the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, 'Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts; I am going.' 22Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to entreat the favor of the LORD.23 Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'" Points: • Context = latter days; 3Thus says the LORD: I will return to Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts, the holy mountain…7 Thus says the LORD of hosts: Behold, I will save my people from the east country and from the west country; 8 and I will bring them to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem; and they shall be my people and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness.“ • Jesus will be in Jerusalem, the city of peace at last! (Ps 122)

  29. Supplemental Reference Material #2 Servant Leadership (Matthew 20:25-28) 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; 28 even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Points: • Context = the mother of James and John came up and asked this favor of Jesus: “Command that these two sons of mine may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom." • Jesus’ reply was a foundational teaching: significance is given to service to others, not to elevation of positional power. And in the case of Jesus, this genuine concern for the ultimate well-being of others (love) was demonstrated by his willingness and actual doing of laying down his life as the price of redemption. That is the principle and example for the true followers of Christ.

  30. Supplemental Reference Material #3 Kingdom: in the past + a future reality 5 And of all my sons (for the LORD has given me many sons) he has chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel. (1Chron 28:5) = God’s Kingdom existed in the past 7 Now therefore thus shall you say to my servant David, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts, …9 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and violent men shall waste them no more... Moreover I declare to you that the LORD will build you a house. 11 When your days are fulfilled to go to be with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. 12 He shall build a house for me, and I will establish his throne for ever. 13I will be his father, and he shall be my son; I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from him who was before you, 14but I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdomfor ever and his throne shall be established for ever.'"15 In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David. (1Chron 17:7-15) = initially fulfilled by Solomon (1Chron 22:10, 28:6-7),to be fulfilled in the future byJesus (1Sam 7:19)

  31. Supplemental Reference Material #4 Destroy attacking kings, per God’s plan - Joshua 1 When all the kings who were beyond the Jordan in the hill country and in the lowland all along the coast of the Great Sea toward Lebanon …, 2they gathered together with one accord to fight Joshua and Israel.[10] 40 So Joshua defeated the whole land, the hill country and the Negeb and the lowland and the slopes, and all their kings; he left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the LORD God of Israel commanded…42 And Joshua took all these kings and their land at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel [10] 4 And they came out, with all their troops, a great host, in number like the sand that is upon the seashore, with very many horses and chariots. 5 And all these kings joined their forces, and came and encamped together at the waters of Merom, to fight with Israel. [11] 20 For it was the LORD's doing to harden their hearts that they should come against Israel in battle, in order that they should be utterly destroyed, and should receive no mercy but be exterminated, as the LORD commanded Moses. [11]

  32. Supplemental Reference Material #5 John 1:1-4,14 1 In the beginningwas the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God; 3 all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men… 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. . Points: • See separate handout sheets “The Prologue to John 1:1-18”& “NGF Comments on John 1” • Main points: while the Genesis creation is plainly being alluded to, this “beginning” refers to the start of Jesus’ ministry, as in the other gospels [Mk 1:1, Lk 1:2] + confirmed by John’s own usage of the phrase [6:44,8:25,15:27] and in his first letter, [1:1-2] = this begins the “new creation” in Christ; “the word becameflesh” (Gk) is making a point about the nature of Jesus, who can be regarded as the purpose/plan/message/character/way of Godbeing fully and uniquely revealed in this special man.

  33. Supplemental Reference Material #6 John 17:4-5, 22-24 4 I glorified thee on earth, having accomplished the work which thou gavest me to do; 5 and now, Father, glorify thou me in thy own presence with the glory which I had with thee before the world was made… 22The glory which thou hast given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them even as thou hast loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom thou hast given me, may be with me where I am, to behold my glory which thou hast given me in thy love for me before the foundation of the world. Points: • The glory in v. 5 is connected with the glory in v.22, which Jesus states is what he “has given” to the apostles, something that made them “one”the same way Jesus and God were “one” = clearly not talking about pre-existence or godhead alignment. • “before the world was made” (v.6 & v. 24) does point back to a time before the Creation and could refer to Jesus being in God’s plan of redemption right from the very beginning (cf.2Tim 1:9-10)

  34. Supplemental Reference Material #7 Proverbs 8:22-26 22The LORD created me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old.23 Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. 24 When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. 25 Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth; 26 before he had made the earth with its fields, or the first of the dust of the world. Points: • This passage is referring to “wisdom” (v.1-21) , which is being personified – most likely in contrast to the adulterous woman in chapter 7. The advice of ‘wisdom’ begins in 7:24. • The poetry paints a picture of how God used wisdom“as a masterworkman”in His creation design and subsequent self-maintenance processes . This of course contrasts with the idea of random chance. • v.22 explicitly states that the “me” was created, and thus was not eternal.

  35. Supplemental Reference Material #8 The essence of “eternal life” And this is eternal life, that they know theethe only true God, and Jesus Christwhom thou hast sent (John 17:3). Points: • This “know” refers to an intimate relationship (cf. Gen 4:1), not intellectual knowledge. While understanding facts about God and Jesus is important, it is essential to first get “into Christ” to allow the development of the “fellowship of the Father and his Son Jesus Christ” (1John 1:3), and to obey their commandments in order to be “blessed in the doing” and enjoy their “indwelling” • There is a clear distinction of God and Jesus, both of whom are the object of this intimate relationship, with Jesus being regarded as the servant (the lesser) being sent by the master (the greater). • There is no mention of the Holy Spirit here, which makes sense if it’s a power (force),buta big omission if the 3rd person of a Trinity

  36. Supplemental Reference Material #9 Acts 2 outpouring of Holy Spirit – application today? 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Points: • Jesus promised the pouring would happen (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:8); it was “power from on high” = ability to speak in foreign dialects; clearly, the Holy Spirit IS the power given [not a being giving the power ] • This same capability was given to the gentile Cornelius (Acts 10:45, 11:15-16), and was stated by Peter that this was fulfillment of Jesus’ words in Acts 1:5 “you shall be baptized in holy spirit” [Greek – no “the”,“with”, or caps]; this special privilege was given as a sign to unbelievers – Peter & 6 other brethren! (1Cor 14:22) • The Acts 2 miracle served to get attention+ authenticate the message; Peter stated it fulfilled Joel’s prophecy, which also has a “last days” application = could recur in own days, as a means to proclaim the gospel to unbelievers [not to indicate a believer’s special gift]

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