God's Plan for the Ages - Dispensations (2014)

If you think the Bible is ambiguous and too hard to understand, it’s probably because you don’t like what it says. Listen to this closing lesson for this series to be reminded that God has a clear plan for the ages but that Satan constantly tries to confuse the truth about it. See how over the years many attempts have been made to bridge the gap between classic dispensationalism and covenental theology under the guise of progressive dispensationalism. See how using allegorical interpretation of Scripture instead of literal, historical, and grammatical hermeneutics has led to much of the confusion. As Christians, look forward to the Rapture as the the next great Biblical event, and be confident in the assurance of your eternal destiny.

How many judgments are there in Scripture? Listen to this lesson to learn the difference between the Judgment Seat of Christ for believers and the Great White Throne Judgment for unbelievers. Understand that the Judgment Seat of Christ is designed for believers to determine rewards and not their eternal destiny. Learn about the four resurrections and the sheep and goat judgment. Come to understand that the issue is the standard of God's righteousness and that man can never measure up to that. God, in His grace, imputes His righteousness to those who believe in His Son, Jesus Christ. The question all of us must ask is if we are ready for God's judgment?

Christ's death on the cross put an end to animal sacrifice for all time, didn't it? Listen to this lesson to learn what the book of Ezekiel says about that. Find out about the Millennial temple and how a covenant made with the Levites concerning an eternal priesthood culminates in the Zadok priesthood. Learn the true meaning of atonement and the origin of the word. Understand the necessity for ritual cleansing when God dwells on the earth.

What are your predictions for the coming year? Write them down and read them a few years later and laugh. That’s because they’re only guesses. Listen to this lesson to find out actual events that will happen when Christ returns to this earth to reign for a thousand years. See how there will be perfect environment, perfect justice, and world peace. Learn that many of the devastating changes that occurred when Adam fell will be reversed. and people from nations all over the earth will come to Jerusalem to worship God. Understand the role of the Holy Spirit during this time and the purpose of animal sacrifices.

If you find yourself despairing over some of the events happening in the world today, broaden your horizons and find out that things will not be the same in the future. Listen to this lesson to learn that inconceivable changes are coming beginning with the removal of all Christians to Heaven, followed by a 7-year period of tremendous disasters leading to the thousand-year reign on earth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Hear Biblical reasons why this sequence of events will occur. Learn who goes into this Millennial Kingdom and some of its amazing characteristics. Understand how knowing the future assures us that God always keeps His promises.

Do you always keep your promises? It's hard, isn't it? Listen to this lesson to learn that God is the only perfect promise keeper. What He says, He will do. Learn about the covenants God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. See how some of the provisions in them will not be fulfilled until the future, earthly Millennial Kingdom that lasts 1,000 years. Get a better understanding of the borders of the land promised to the Jews, much of which they have been waiting thousands of years to possess. As a Church Age believer, take time to study and to memorize the many promises you can rely on when trouble comes into your life.

"I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony." This Utopian dream of world peace is near and dear to most people's hearts as they long for a day when man will make war no more. The United Nations staggers helplessly from crisis to crisis trying to bring this peace about. Listen to this lesson to learn that only when Jesus Christ returns to this earth after the Tribulation will He set up a thousand-year reign of perfect environment, peace, and justice. See how even when people have everything they could desire, some will still use their volition to choose against God.

Frog-like demons. Devastating earthquakes. Seas turned to blood. Are these fantasy scenes from horror movies? Listen to this lesson to learn that instead of them being the product of someone's imagination, they are actual events in a Biblical description of a future seven-year period called the Tribulation. See that this time is broken into two three-and-a-half year periods when a series of three successive judgments will be unleashed on the earth, including the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Hear a vivid, blow-by-blow description of the major players and events which culminate in fierce battles, ending with the campaign of Armageddon where the entire world attempts to destroy Israel. Find out about Jesus Christ's triumphant return to earth to rescue the Jews. Gain comfort from knowing that no matter how bad things seem, we can have confidence knowing that God is always in control.

Picture the most cruel, blood-thirsty ruler the world has ever known. Attila the Hun? Stalin? Hitler? Listen to this lesson to hear how the Bible describes the Antichrist of the future who is worse than all of the others combined and is so evil he strikes terror in the hearts of all he rules. Find out about his extraordinary rise to power, the evil he perpetuates on the human race, and the way he defiles the Jewish Temple. Learn about the Second Beast/False Prophet who carries out the Antichrist's commands. Envision a series of three judgments on the earth that result in the deaths of one half of mankind. Understand that those who trust in Christ as their Savior now will not have to live through this seven-year period of tribulation.

Who is the Antichrist? Step right up and make your guess or better yet, listen to this message to learn that he won't be revealed until after the Rapture of the church. See that he bursts upon the world stage during a time filled with wars, earthquakes, and epidemics. Observe that this charismatic and cunning man will be empowered by Satan and adored by the masses. Follow the panorama of history where prophecy has already been fulfilled leading to a future, evil kingdom, worse than anything the world has ever known. Be certain of your eternal salvation as you remember that the clock is always ticking down to the end of the Church Age when Christ will come for all who have trusted Him.

Have you ever wished you could be a time traveler into the future? There's a time coming that no one would choose because its horrors almost defy description. Listen to this lesson to learn about a time that was prophesied in the Old Testament when horrendous, indescribable events take place that are beyond anything the world has ever known. See several titles for this seven-year time period including the Day of the Lord and Jacob's trouble. Learn how God pours out His wrath upon the human race and rejoice that all believers of the Church Age will already have been snatched up at the Rapture before this time begins. Choose the present moment to accept Christ's work on the Cross for your salvation so you, too, can escape this violent, deadly dark time.

Perhaps today! Are you eagerly looking forward to Christ's return in the air at the Rapture? Listen to this lesson to learn about the doctrine of imminency and how it should affect each of us. Understand thirteen distinct differences between the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ. Marvel at the remarkable prophecy of Daniel's seventieth week and the amazingly precise timetable it lays out for the Jews. Be challenged to live every day as if the Rapture would happen at any moment.

Do all Christians go up at the Rapture or is it only for those who are living good lives? Listen to this lesson to understand what the Bible teaches about this important event that ends the Church Age. Review the main beliefs of when the Rapture will occur. Listen to several compelling reasons for believing that the Rapture will happen before the Tribulation. Accept the challenge of growing spiritually during the remaining days of this phase of God's plan for the ages.

Did you ever take a sneak peek at the end of a book to see what was going to happen? Listen to this lesson to find out that we don't have to wonder about our future because the Bible tells us about the electrifying event that believers should be anticipating. See the difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ. Learn about resurrection, beginning with Christ's. Explore the various views on when the Rapture will occur and the reasons for believing in a pre-Tribulational Rapture.

"I'll fly away, O glory. I'll fly away." If you've ever longed to be part of the Rapture generation, listen to this lesson to learn how Christians will take an out-of-this world trip and be caught up in the air to meet the Lord. Learn the details of what happens and the reasons we believe this momentous event occurs before the Tribulation. Find out about three sounds that will be heard. See how our deceased loved ones who were believers receive their resurrection bodies and in a twinkling of an eye we join with them. Gain a panoramic view of what happens after this momentous event and an understanding that this knowledge gives us comfort when we face grief and injustice.

If you imagine you're all alone and no one can see you, think again. Listen to this lesson to learn how angels watch Christians. Recognize that how we respond to authority is noted by them. See that angels are eager to learn from us as we study and apply the Word of God to our lives. Understand thirteen great lessons that the angelic conflict teaches us during the Church Age. Begin a study of the Biblical passages that tell us about the Rapture which ends the Church Age.

Since Christians today no longer sacrifice animals at the temple or follow Old Testament rituals, how do they grow to spiritual maturity? Listen to this lesson to learn the five distinct roles of the Holy Spirit in every believer's life. See that it is only during the Church Age that every believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit and understand the unique characteristics of how we are to live our lives. See that spirituality and carnality are mutually exclusive and let us not squander or waste these tremendous assets God has given us.

Now's not the time to give in to discouragement or feeling sorry for yourself. Instead experience the tremendous realities of the time in which we live when all believers are indwelt by God the Holy Spirit and are in union with Christ. Listen to this lesson to learn that the Christian life is a supernatural life filled with blessings and challenges. Understand that in the Church Age we have a completed canon of Scripture and all believers are priests and ambassadors representing God to mankind. Determine to pursue spiritual maturity as you learn about the many benefits and responsibilities of being a member of God's Royal Family.

Who doesn't love a good mystery but what does it mean when the Apostle Paul calls the Church Age a mystery? Listen to this lesson to learn that he isn't referring to a "whodunit" type mystery. Instead, the mystery was that for thousands of years no one knew about the Dispensation of Grace which would follow Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Get a clear understanding that there was a distinct break with the Age of Israel when the Church Age began, including a new unity of Jews and Gentiles, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in every believer, and the emphasis on being a testimony in the Angelic Conflict.

What a triumphant turn of events happened soon after Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. No more bothering with animal sacrifices. Ditch the dietary laws and enjoy some ham and bacon. But much better, enjoy all the benefits of God's amazing grace. Listen to this lesson to learn about the dramatic changes that characterize the present time called the Church Age. Grasp the importance of the baptism, indwelling, and filling of the Holy Spirit. Embrace the necessity of walking by means of the Spirit for spiritual growth. Marvel at the much anticipated Rapture when all Church Age believers will receive their resurrection bodies.

Get ready to tackle important principles that show how Old Testament scriptures are interpreted in the New Testament. Build on last week's lesson to review two methods of interpretation and continue on to two more methods. Find out that the authors had a single intent when they wrote scriptures and how the Holy Spirit applied these in a fuller sense in the New Testament. Learn that there's no such thing as a partial fulfillment of the scriptures. See the difference between typology and application. As you drill down in these areas, allow this understanding to increase your confidence in the inspiration of scripture. For additional information on Midrash/Pesher and Hermeneutics, please see Arnold Fruchtenbaum's paper from the 2009 Chafer Conference.

Bible interpretation is a subject that fills thousands of books and libraries around the world. One area is the subject of whether the writers of the New Testament shed clarification when they quoted Old Testament scriptures. Listen to this lesson to learn that there are four main schools of interpretation. Hear examples in the New Testament where two of these are illustrated. Learn about major scholars in this field and how you can delve into this subject more fully. Appreciate the many ways the scriptures teach patterns and types about the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. For additional information on Midrash/Pesher and Hermeneutics, please see Arnold Fruchtenbaum's paper from the 2009 Chafer Conference.

"Come quickly. Jesus of Nazareth is in town." If you had lived when Jesus was alive on this earth, would you have dropped everything and hurried to hear Him declare He was the Son of God? Or would you have just shrugged Him off as another off-beat preacher? Listen to this lesson to learn that the three and a half years of Jesus' earthly ministry were different from any other period in human history. Learn why this event is a distinct dispensation and how Jesus demonstrated His divinity as He performed the miracles that established His Messiahship.

Many Christians today talk as if they're living during the time of the New Covenant. Listen to this lesson to see what the Scriptures have to say about this. See what it means when it says believers are the ministers of the New Covenant. Get a glimpse into Covenant theology's teaching that the Church is the new Israel and how this belief has led to anti-Semitism. Accept that a literal interpretation of Scripture shows that the New Covenant is with the House of Israel and the House of Judah and will not be in effect until the return of Christ at the Second Coming.

"Extra! Extra! Read all about it! God has made a New Covenant". This was the prophet Jeremiah's announcement. Who is the New Covenant with? Does it include Christians today? Listen to this lesson to explore the many Old Testament scriptures talking about a future New Covenant. Trace its history from the first mention of it down through the ages. Find out what it will be like and who it will include. See how the recipients will not need to study the Bible because they will have all knowledge. Find out how their suffering will prepare them for universal obedience. Believe that this covenant will be the fulfillment of the promises God has made to Israel and rest in the assurance that God always fulfills His promises.

If you want to know the future, don't bother looking in a crystal ball. Instead turn to God's Word where He has laid out His plan for the ages. Listen to this lesson to learn about two of the unilateral covenants God has made with the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Understand the significant facets of the Land Covenant and that there are promises and rewards for obedience and punishment for disobedience. See how it will be fulfilled in its entirety at the Second Coming of Christ. Move on to the Davidic Covenant which reveals who will govern the land God has promised. Learn the identity of David's descendant who will reign forever. Experience a deeper level of faith as you accept that what God has promised He will fulfill.

What do pomegranates on the hems of Jewish High Priests' robes have in common with the Mosaic Law? Listen to this lesson to learn about the 613 laws given to Moses and the Israelites who had been redeemed from slavery in Egypt. Find out the purposes of the Mosaic Law and how it clarified sin and showed the people their need for a Savior. See why the Mosaic Law is not still in effect today. Learn about the warnings God gave the Israelites of five cycles of discipline if they disobeyed as a nation and see how these horrific consequences have played out in history.

From the shadowy pages of ancient history comes a man from a family of moon worshipers who believed in the one true God. Listen to this lesson to learn how God made a covenant with him that promised him a specific land, many descendants, and that he would be a blessing to all peoples. See how Abraham never owned the land during his lifetime but that this unconditional, irreversible promise will be fulfilled in the future. Realize that when you see the Jewish nation today it reveals how God is still working out His plans to bless mankind through Abraham. Please note that the beginning of this video is incorrectly labeled as Lesson #8.

Powerful angelic beings seducing beautiful women resulting in half-human/half-angel offspring. Sound like a hair-raising, page-turning fantasy novel? Listen to this lesson to learn the original true account of this episode in the angelic conflict and how it led to the devastating flood in Noah's day. Learn about God's covenant with Noah and its six premises, including the death penalty and human government. See how once again mankind failed resulting in the Tower of Babel. Realize that although man fails, God remains faithful.

If your idea of angels are of little cherubic heavenly beings flitting around to help people, get ready for this true epic saga of angels and the rebellion of Lucifer. See how this resulted in the angelic conflict and the creation of mankind. Learn the role all humans have in this high-stakes undertaking. Examine the Creation covenant God made with Adam and the five mandates given to the human race. Find out the dire consequences that followed Adam and Eve's disobedience which reverberate to this day. Appreciate how God, in grace, provided the solution for sin.

If a panoramic view of history is your cup of tea, then you're going to love this lesson. Starting in eternity past, see how God created angels and learn about the subsequent fall of Satan. With God's restoration of planet Earth and the creation of mankind came the Age of the Gentiles which ended with the Tower of Babel. Continue to the Age of Israel beginning with Abraham through the coming of Christ and completed in the future Tribulation. Stop and observe the great parentheses that takes place called the Church Age where we are today and look forward to the Messianic Age and Christ's thousand year reign on the earth. Examine the unique characteristics of each dispensation that demonstrate God's loving care for mankind.

Imagine buying a house without a contract that laid out all the legal requirements. Or accepting a job offer without a firm contract. Listen to this lesson to see that God has given legal contracts or covenants to mankind that set out His promises and our obligations. Learn the riveting facts about eight different covenants and which ones are dependent upon man's obedience. See the difference between the terms "Age" and "Dispensations". Let these powerful truths give you total confidence that God has a perfect plan down to the last detail and can be depended upon to fulfill all He has promised.

What if you had the opportunity to conduct a one-on-one interview with the Creator of the world? Would you want to know His plans and purposes for human history? Listen to this lesson to learn that in His Word God has revealed distinct dispensations or administrations for handling the affairs of mankind. See the differences between ages and dispensations and how new dispensations always begin with new revelation. Understand that for each dispensation God has delegated responsibilities and stewards to carry out these responsibilities. Hear a number of definitions from the leading exponents of dispensationalism.

Pack your bags for an enlightening journey through the pivotal points of human history, past, present, and future. Understand that God decreed distinct intervals with unique rules and regulations and progressive revelation. Find out the full meaning of the word dispensations and its synonyms and how each of these periods are characterized by different means of administration. Allow your thinking to become organized as you prepare to embrace your responsibilities during the time in which we live.

Psst... Come over here a little closer. How would you like a behind-the-scenes peek at God's plan for the ages? It's not really a secret. God has clearly revealed His Plan and it can be known by taking the Bible literally with the words meaning just what they say. Hear several thrilling examples of the exacting, literal way God fulfilled His prophecies in the past and be comforted knowing that all future prophecies will be enacted just as predicted. Learn the three essential elements of God's plan and how all other interpretations of God's Word can be measured against them.

Does your life seem as helter-skelter as a house made without a blueprint? A lopsided room here, a crooked roof there, and tiny crooked windows that let in little light? All our lives would be like that without God's master plan for the ages. Listen to this lesson to understand the outline of history as described in the Scriptures. See how this unblemished plan includes the angels in eternity past and continues throughout human history ending in the defeat of Satan with the coming of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Be ready in the coming weeks to learn the details and how this foolproof plan explains the meaning of life, the meaning of suffering, and the purpose for history.