Ephesians 3:9-11 To me, who am less than the least of all the Saints, this Grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold Wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the Heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

The Apostle Paul was hand-picked by God to be the chief messenger of the Gospel of Christ in the mid-first century. To him was given the Message of the Cross and the assignment to deliver that Message to as many people as he could everywhere he went.

 

Paul was obedient to the Call of God on his life. He did what God instructed him to do and he was persecuted for it. Paul was a brilliant man and highly educated in the Levitical Law. He probably knew the Law better than the rulers of the synagogue, the Priests, the Pharisees, and the Sadducees at that time.

 

Because of Paul’s persistence and boldness, he was brought under much scrutiny and public ridicule but none of this stopped Paul. He knew the Message he preached was the ONLY thing that would bring people to Salvation so he never quit.

 

Unlike many others at that time (and many people today) Paul understood that the New Covenant was not really anything new, but was simply the continuation and fulfillment of the Old Covenant. There are whole denominations today that do not believe the Old Testament is at all pertinent to them and the Church today. This is preposterous!

 

The Gospel of Christ (also known as the Message of the Cross) is what Paul referred to as the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; (Ephesians 3:9)

 

Everything in the Old Testament is a foreshadowing or symbol of Christ. When we read the Old Testament with open spiritual eyes, this becomes very evident. Every Altar built was a picture or symbol of the Cross. Every lamb that was sacrificed symbolized Christ Crucified. Everything in the Tabernacle and Temple represented a part of the Character of Christ. All of the Prophecies pointed ahead to the Messiah to come; Jesus.

 

Jesus was there with God the Father and the Holy Spirit at the beginning. Together, “They” created the Heavens and the Earth. This is the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

As you read the Old Testament, look for Jesus between the lines. You will find Him everywhere! He’s been right there from the start.

 

Only Jesus will……….turn the tide……….in this world!

 

Finding Jesus between the lines.         Doreen

 

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