I have changed the group description to an open forum inviting all who wish to participate in an open discussion of The New Testament of God's holy word.
It is the desire of the group administration that those who participate keep their remarks serious and on point. One can never know what impact his/her conversation might have on an endangered soul.
Please refrain from posting opinion, please be able to prove your postings with the written word of the New Testament.
Administration encourages the asking of any question you might have concerning what is said in The New Testament and wishes to ultimately establish a better understanding of it. Beginning in Matthew, I will post one lesson per day (If I am physically able.), and will make a comment expressing my belief as to the lessons content.~
Group Rules:
(1) Any member may pose or post bible questions of any nature and on any bible subject.
(2) Any member may answer any question posed by other members.
(3) Administration reserves the right to terminate the membership of any member it deems to be counterproductive to the ultimate goal of this Group.
It is the desire of the group administration that those who participate keep their remarks serious and on point. One can never know what impact his/her conversation might have on an endangered soul.
Please refrain from posting opinion, please be able to prove your postings with the written word of the New Testament.
Administration encourages the asking of any question you might have concerning what is said in The New Testament and wishes to ultimately establish a better understanding of it. Beginning in Matthew, I will post one lesson per day (If I am physically able.), and will make a comment expressing my belief as to the lessons content.~
Group Rules:
(1) Any member may pose or post bible questions of any nature and on any bible subject.
(2) Any member may answer any question posed by other members.
(3) Administration reserves the right to terminate the membership of any member it deems to be counterproductive to the ultimate goal of this Group.
The first chapter of Matthew deals with the lineage of Jesus, it is important but not necessarily critical to the essence of this class. Therefore, first lesson will begin in with the second chapter.~
Lesson (1) Matt. chapter 2, "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life. And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
The second chapter of Matthew is pretty much self explanatory and describes how important our Savior was, even when He was an infant. Joseph and Mary had to take him to Egypt to avoid the wrath of Herod.~
Lesson (2) Matt. 3:1-6, "In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,....And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.....For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.....And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.....Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,....were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins."
These verses explain the coming of John The Baptist, and describe his divine mission.
Let us first define the term "baptize" before we enter into what this lesson intends to provide to the reader.
Baptize, baptism, baptizing and baptized, are word forms that have been transliterated from the original Greek baptizO, baptizma, or baptizmos.
Transliteration does NOT provide an intent or definition of the word that is transliterated, it simply creates a variation of the original term using the letters of the new language. Keep this in mind as we continue.
The original Greek word baptizO simply means to immerse one thing into another, for the purpose of altering the state or condition of the thing to be , or being, immersed.
Therefore, John's purpose, as described in the above verses, was to immerse the Jewish people in the knowledge of the coming of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.
I'll stop here and allow any discussion that I might have inspired to this point.~~
These verses explain the coming of John The Baptist, and describe his divine mission.
Let us first define the term "baptize" before we enter into what this lesson intends to provide to the reader.
Baptize, baptism, baptizing and baptized, are word forms that have been transliterated from the original Greek baptizO, baptizma, or baptizmos.
Transliteration does NOT provide an intent or definition of the word that is transliterated, it simply creates a variation of the original term using the letters of the new language. Keep this in mind as we continue.
The original Greek word baptizO simply means to immerse one thing into another, for the purpose of altering the state or condition of the thing to be , or being, immersed.
Therefore, John's purpose, as described in the above verses, was to immerse the Jewish people in the knowledge of the coming of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.
I'll stop here and allow any discussion that I might have inspired to this point.~~
Lesson (3) Matt. 3:7-12, "But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?....Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:....And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.....And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.....I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:....Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
John, knowing that the Pharisees and Sadducees had come to taunt him and had NOT come to hear his message, asked them to show proof, by their actions, that they had genuinely repented themselves. He told them that just because they were Jews did not mean they were exempt from the wrath of God. By saying "the axe is laid unto the root of the trees", John said that God had away the Jews 'chosen one status, and was going to open up salvation to all. This would be accomplished by the coming of Jesus the Christ and His ultimate sacrifice. John went on to explain how Jesus would offer not just baptism in water but a saving baptism into the Holy Spirit to those who would accept Him as lord. John told of how Jesus would cast out all who refused his saving grace.
John, knowing that the Pharisees and Sadducees had come to taunt him and had NOT come to hear his message, asked them to show proof, by their actions, that they had genuinely repented themselves. He told them that just because they were Jews did not mean they were exempt from the wrath of God. By saying "the axe is laid unto the root of the trees", John said that God had away the Jews 'chosen one status, and was going to open up salvation to all. This would be accomplished by the coming of Jesus the Christ and His ultimate sacrifice. John went on to explain how Jesus would offer not just baptism in water but a saving baptism into the Holy Spirit to those who would accept Him as lord. John told of how Jesus would cast out all who refused his saving grace.
Lesson (4) Matt. 3:13-17, "Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.....But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?....And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.....And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:....And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
It is importand to note that the Hebrew people were required under the law of Moses to be baptized ( in this usage immersed in water), there is, however, no Hebrew word for "baptism" in the English language bible. Again, the term "baptize" is a transliteration from the Greek language to English.
Therefore Jesus, being a Jew, was required under Hebrew law to be ritually baptized (immersed in water) to fully comply with the law, Jesus Himself said, "for this it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness". Remember, Christianity ( The new law of faith.), has not been introduced at this time.
After completeing the requirements of the law Jesus was recognized as God's son.
Jesus was never a sinner, he had no reason to be baptize for the remission of sins since he had none.
An oft used misconception is that Jesus was immersed in water to establish a Christian requirement of water baptism. That is simply not so, Jesus was baptized in water because the law of Moses required all Jews to be immersed.
I will explain in the next lesson why John said he needed to be baptized by Jesus.~
It is importand to note that the Hebrew people were required under the law of Moses to be baptized ( in this usage immersed in water), there is, however, no Hebrew word for "baptism" in the English language bible. Again, the term "baptize" is a transliteration from the Greek language to English.
Therefore Jesus, being a Jew, was required under Hebrew law to be ritually baptized (immersed in water) to fully comply with the law, Jesus Himself said, "for this it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness". Remember, Christianity ( The new law of faith.), has not been introduced at this time.
After completeing the requirements of the law Jesus was recognized as God's son.
Jesus was never a sinner, he had no reason to be baptize for the remission of sins since he had none.
An oft used misconception is that Jesus was immersed in water to establish a Christian requirement of water baptism. That is simply not so, Jesus was baptized in water because the law of Moses required all Jews to be immersed.
I will explain in the next lesson why John said he needed to be baptized by Jesus.~
Lesson (5) Matt. 3:16, "But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?"
Its obvious that John knew he needed more than a ceremonial water bath. There is no doubt in my mind that John knew that Jesus had come with a new baptism, one that would save the souls of man. That is why John said, "I have need to be baptized of thee.
John also recognized that the baptism Jesus offered was the baptism by and into the Holy Spirit through faith in the sacrifice Jesus was about to make for the sins of the whole world.
It is important to note that Jesus did not baptize John in water. If it had been something required for John's salvation, or his admission to Christiandom, Jesus would have most certainly obliged him.
I know there is much controversy concerning this subject that needs to be addressed. If there is anyone who has scriptural evidence that what I've written here is in err, I beg you to post it.~
The purpose of this group is to educate all of us, myself included, so please jump in.~~
Its obvious that John knew he needed more than a ceremonial water bath. There is no doubt in my mind that John knew that Jesus had come with a new baptism, one that would save the souls of man. That is why John said, "I have need to be baptized of thee.
John also recognized that the baptism Jesus offered was the baptism by and into the Holy Spirit through faith in the sacrifice Jesus was about to make for the sins of the whole world.
It is important to note that Jesus did not baptize John in water. If it had been something required for John's salvation, or his admission to Christiandom, Jesus would have most certainly obliged him.
I know there is much controversy concerning this subject that needs to be addressed. If there is anyone who has scriptural evidence that what I've written here is in err, I beg you to post it.~
The purpose of this group is to educate all of us, myself included, so please jump in.~~
Lesson (6) Matt. 4:1-11, "Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.....And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.....And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.....But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.....Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,....And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.....Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.....Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;....And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.....Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.....Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him."
These verses tell how God allowed Jesus to be tempted by the devil and how Jesus refused to give in to the temptation. It is further proof that Jesus is who He says He is, the sinless, only begotten son of Almighty God, a Jew in strict compliance with the Law of Moses.
Lesson (7) Matt. 4:11-16, "Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.....Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;....And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:....That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,....The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;....The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up."
After being tempted by the devil, Jesus traveled to Capernaum as had been prophesied by Esaias.
I believe that these links to the Old Testament prophets are very important to the bible student, in that they link the new testament with the old. They also are a very good reason for studying both to verify the veracity of the entire bible.~
After being tempted by the devil, Jesus traveled to Capernaum as had been prophesied by Esaias.
I believe that these links to the Old Testament prophets are very important to the bible student, in that they link the new testament with the old. They also are a very good reason for studying both to verify the veracity of the entire bible.~
Lesson (8) Matt. 4:17-22, "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.....And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.....And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.....And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.....And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.....And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him."
These verses mark the beginning of Jesus' testimony, "Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." They also tell us when and how Jesus selected His twelve Apostles, His first selections were Peter, Andrew, James and John.~
These verses mark the beginning of Jesus' testimony, "Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." They also tell us when and how Jesus selected His twelve Apostles, His first selections were Peter, Andrew, James and John.~
Lesson (9) Matt. 4:23-25, "And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.....And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.....And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan."
These verses tell of what Jesus did early in His ministry and how he displayed the awesome power of God to those who beard Him, by the healing of the sick. Jesus was proving to the world that He was the Son of the living God.~~
These verses tell of what Jesus did early in His ministry and how he displayed the awesome power of God to those who beard Him, by the healing of the sick. Jesus was proving to the world that He was the Son of the living God.~~
Lesson (10) Matt. 5:1-13, "And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:....And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,....Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.....Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.....Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.....Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.....Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.....Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.....Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.....Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.....Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.....Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.....Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savior, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."
Jesus was teaching these people of the blessings that would come to those who humbled themselves and followed his examples. In the later verses He was telling His Jewish brethren that they had been the only chosen of God, but they had turned away from God, therefore they would no longer control the keys to the kingdom, making way for salvation to be offered also to the Gentiles.~
Jesus was teaching these people of the blessings that would come to those who humbled themselves and followed his examples. In the later verses He was telling His Jewish brethren that they had been the only chosen of God, but they had turned away from God, therefore they would no longer control the keys to the kingdom, making way for salvation to be offered also to the Gentiles.~
Lesson (11) Matt. 5:14-19, "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.....Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.....Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.....Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.....For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.....Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
Jesus is saying that during His stay on earth the Law of Moses will remain in full effect, and will not be done away until His testimony and ultimate sacrifice is finished. He was telling His Jewish brethren not to hide the fact that they were Jews but be proud of it and broadcast it. Jesus also said He came to fulfill the law as prophesied. He was saying that, even though He was bringing a new law of faith , the Jews were to follow the law until such time as it had been fulfilled and replaced by the law of grace.~
We must keep in mind that Jesus was a Jew and was bound by the Law of Moses and could not teach what would later become "Christianity". He was laying the groundwork for His apostles to teach Christianity after He had completed His Testimony and initiated the new law of faith.~
Jesus is saying that during His stay on earth the Law of Moses will remain in full effect, and will not be done away until His testimony and ultimate sacrifice is finished. He was telling His Jewish brethren not to hide the fact that they were Jews but be proud of it and broadcast it. Jesus also said He came to fulfill the law as prophesied. He was saying that, even though He was bringing a new law of faith , the Jews were to follow the law until such time as it had been fulfilled and replaced by the law of grace.~
We must keep in mind that Jesus was a Jew and was bound by the Law of Moses and could not teach what would later become "Christianity". He was laying the groundwork for His apostles to teach Christianity after He had completed His Testimony and initiated the new law of faith.~
Lesson (13) Matt. 5:23-26, "Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;....Leave there thy gift thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.....Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing."
The lesson here is that it is much better to resolve an issue with someone quickly before it gets out of hand and leads to consequences than the problem warrants. Jesus was telling His Jewish brethren, that when they had unresolved issues with each other, not to pretend the problem didn't exist by going on about their daily worship as if there was nothing wrong.~~
Lesson (14) Matt. 5:27-32, "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:....But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.....And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.....And if thy right hand offend thee, cut if off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.....It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:....But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery."
In this lesson, Jesus is demonstrating that to be in obedience with the law, one must obey ever minute detail of it.
Today there are those who believe that in order to get into heaven we must still maintain strict obedience to the same law, that, however is not the case. When Jesus died on the cross the new law of faith replaced the law of Moses as an admission requirement to eternal salvation, He died as a sacrifice for all our sin, past, present and future.
My reasoning for this analysis will become clear as we progress with these lessons. If you're like me, it's good to take notes of the things we cover here because by the time the answer becomes clear, I usually have forgotten the question.~~~:)
In this lesson, Jesus is demonstrating that to be in obedience with the law, one must obey ever minute detail of it.
Today there are those who believe that in order to get into heaven we must still maintain strict obedience to the same law, that, however is not the case. When Jesus died on the cross the new law of faith replaced the law of Moses as an admission requirement to eternal salvation, He died as a sacrifice for all our sin, past, present and future.
My reasoning for this analysis will become clear as we progress with these lessons. If you're like me, it's good to take notes of the things we cover here because by the time the answer becomes clear, I usually have forgotten the question.~~~:)
Lesson (15) Matt. 5:33-37, "Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:....But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:....Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.....Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.....But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil."
In this lesson, Jesus is telling His Jewish brethren not to make threats and rail about things as if they had the power to change them. He told them to keep their conversations to simple truth because adding to or taking from the simple truth distorts it.
In this lesson, Jesus is telling His Jewish brethren not to make threats and rail about things as if they had the power to change them. He told them to keep their conversations to simple truth because adding to or taking from the simple truth distorts it.
Lesson (16) Matt. 5:38-48, "Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:....But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.....And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.....And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.....Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.....Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.....But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;....That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.....For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?....And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?....Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."
In this lesson, Jesus is teaching that folks should not retaliate when offended, but to respond with a forgiving heart and attitude, and to be giving to both our enemies and our friends.~
In this lesson, Jesus is teaching that folks should not retaliate when offended, but to respond with a forgiving heart and attitude, and to be giving to both our enemies and our friends.~
Lesson (12) Matt. 5:20-22, "For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.....Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:....But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Remember, the people Jesus was talking to here were Jews, these are not explicit instructions to Christians, Christianity has not, at that time, been developed.~
Jesus is telling them that if they have no more closely followed the law than have the scribes and Pharisees they have no chance of entering into the Kingdom of heaven. Remember also, that the only way the Jews had of getting to heaven up the completion of sacrifice of Jesus, was to strictly observe the Law of Moses, which we learned through the study of the old testament, was impossible.~
In the next portion of this lesson Jesus is telling them that there is no such thing as large sins and small sins, all sin is the same, if we are guilty of one, we are guilty of them all.~~
Remember, the people Jesus was talking to here were Jews, these are not explicit instructions to Christians, Christianity has not, at that time, been developed.~
Jesus is telling them that if they have no more closely followed the law than have the scribes and Pharisees they have no chance of entering into the Kingdom of heaven. Remember also, that the only way the Jews had of getting to heaven up the completion of sacrifice of Jesus, was to strictly observe the Law of Moses, which we learned through the study of the old testament, was impossible.~
In the next portion of this lesson Jesus is telling them that there is no such thing as large sins and small sins, all sin is the same, if we are guilty of one, we are guilty of them all.~~
We must remember that these lessons are being taught while the Jewish people were still under the law. I say that because some, probably innocently, misrepresent the final verse in this chapter to verify their belief that we, as Christians, are to live perfect lives. We cannot live perfect lives under any circumstance other than through the righteousness imputed into us as born again believers through Jesus Chirst upon the acceptance of His grace through faith. This is verified by Paul in the following:
Romans 4:4-8, "Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.....But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.....Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,....Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.....Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
Lesson (17) Matt. 6:1-4, "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.....Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.....But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:....That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly."
In today's lesson Jesus is teaching that when one is extending a helping hand to another who is down trodden, it should be done in private. We are never to brag about helping others. We are to give out of love and with humility. In verse 4 Jesus says that if we give in secret we will be blessed by the Father openly.~~
In today's lesson Jesus is teaching that when one is extending a helping hand to another who is down trodden, it should be done in private. We are never to brag about helping others. We are to give out of love and with humility. In verse 4 Jesus says that if we give in secret we will be blessed by the Father openly.~~
Lesson (18) Matt. 6:5-15, "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
In this lesson, Jesus is teaching his listeners how to pray.~ He says our prayers are to be offered in private and that they are not to be offered in public. And gives explicit examples as to why they are to be in private.~ To me, the lesson here is very straightforward, we are simply NOT to pray in public. Amazingly, and quite to the contrary of what is taught here, I have never been in a Church (any denomination) that didn't inevitably have someone "lead" prayer publicly. There has been reams of paper printed on both sides of the issue of public prayer in schools, courthouses, etc. I am astonished at how anyone could rationally state that one should pray, anywhere, in public. I have been unable to find, anywhere in the New Testament, where this instruction was overturned yet congregations and individual Christians continue to do it. I understand that my opinion on this matter will probably be challenged, and I hope it is, I sincerely would love to be proven scripturally wrong.
In this lesson, Jesus also teaches us how to pray by example.
In this lesson, Jesus is teaching his listeners how to pray.~ He says our prayers are to be offered in private and that they are not to be offered in public. And gives explicit examples as to why they are to be in private.~ To me, the lesson here is very straightforward, we are simply NOT to pray in public. Amazingly, and quite to the contrary of what is taught here, I have never been in a Church (any denomination) that didn't inevitably have someone "lead" prayer publicly. There has been reams of paper printed on both sides of the issue of public prayer in schools, courthouses, etc. I am astonished at how anyone could rationally state that one should pray, anywhere, in public. I have been unable to find, anywhere in the New Testament, where this instruction was overturned yet congregations and individual Christians continue to do it. I understand that my opinion on this matter will probably be challenged, and I hope it is, I sincerely would love to be proven scripturally wrong.
In this lesson, Jesus also teaches us how to pray by example.
Lesson (19) Matt. 16-18, "Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly."
This lesson instructs us to do the things we do to worship God in private. If a public display is made of ones worship, it draws the attention to that person and takes it away from God. We are told to be humble ourselves in all manner of worship, whether it be in the way we act, our demeanor, the way we dress, or other wise. We are to NEVER belittle the importance of God in our lives or our worship.~~WE are promised that if we worship correctly, we will receive rewards from God.~
This lesson instructs us to do the things we do to worship God in private. If a public display is made of ones worship, it draws the attention to that person and takes it away from God. We are told to be humble ourselves in all manner of worship, whether it be in the way we act, our demeanor, the way we dress, or other wise. We are to NEVER belittle the importance of God in our lives or our worship.~~WE are promised that if we worship correctly, we will receive rewards from God.~
Lesson (20) Matt. 6:19-34, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
This lesson instructs those of us who believe in God to depend on Him ONLY, not ourselves, for the things needed in this life. He says that we should NOT store up mass amounts of goods and wealth for future use. He gives examples of how God takes care of the creatures of this earth, who can't provide for themselves, and explains how if God takes care of these lowly creatures, how much more-so he will take care of the needs of His Children. We are to rely on God for all things, under every circumstance, and be careful to give Him all the credit and due praise. God can, in the twinkling of an eye, take everything we think we have worked and built on our own and destroy it to teach us that, ultimately, all things belong to Him. We, as children of God, OWN nothing except His promise of eternal life through the sacrifice of His Son.~
I am a walking example of the fact, that if you are a child of God and have faith in Him to provide, he will give you much much more than you'll ever need.~~
Lesson (21) Matt. 7:1-5, "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."
The lesson here is pretty plain. Jesus is saying that we are not to attempt to correct, or punish, others for their actions when our sins are greater than theirs. If we set a standard that others must maintain, we must be prepared to, even more closely, adhere to that standard. He tells us to get our own act together, down to the least detail, before we try to correct others.~~
The lesson here is pretty plain. Jesus is saying that we are not to attempt to correct, or punish, others for their actions when our sins are greater than theirs. If we set a standard that others must maintain, we must be prepared to, even more closely, adhere to that standard. He tells us to get our own act together, down to the least detail, before we try to correct others.~~
Matt. 7:6, "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you."
Today's lesson appears very short, but is of astronomical importance to all of us, as are all bible lessons.
As I have previously stated, It is my believe that the bible is to be taken literally, that is with the knowledge that there are obvious comparative and metaphorical examples also used. When these comparisons are made however, the text makes their usage obvious. Jesus used many parables in some cases to make His message clearer, and in others, to obviously cloud the issue. We will find examples of that as this class progresses.~
I believe that these individual lessons stand on their own, requiring no support from other passages taken from differing contexts. That is NOT to say that there are not supporting scriptures throughout the New Testament.
Now that I've said that, I've "got some splainin to do".~:) In a comment, to my good friend Dean Stanley, about a previous lesson, I disallowed the use of underlying lessons within lessons. Here we are, soon after, confronting an obvious metaphor used by Jesus. I can still maintain my "literalist" status by declaring that this lesson contains a literally intended metaphor.~ We can positively assert that Jesus was not literally talking about throwing real pearls into a hog pen. ~:)
This lesson tells us that we are not to waste God's time, or ours, on people who are, in essence, the enemies of truth. If we approach someone with the message of the good news of the gospel, and they refuse it we are to simply move on.
Today's lesson appears very short, but is of astronomical importance to all of us, as are all bible lessons.
As I have previously stated, It is my believe that the bible is to be taken literally, that is with the knowledge that there are obvious comparative and metaphorical examples also used. When these comparisons are made however, the text makes their usage obvious. Jesus used many parables in some cases to make His message clearer, and in others, to obviously cloud the issue. We will find examples of that as this class progresses.~
I believe that these individual lessons stand on their own, requiring no support from other passages taken from differing contexts. That is NOT to say that there are not supporting scriptures throughout the New Testament.
Now that I've said that, I've "got some splainin to do".~:) In a comment, to my good friend Dean Stanley, about a previous lesson, I disallowed the use of underlying lessons within lessons. Here we are, soon after, confronting an obvious metaphor used by Jesus. I can still maintain my "literalist" status by declaring that this lesson contains a literally intended metaphor.~ We can positively assert that Jesus was not literally talking about throwing real pearls into a hog pen. ~:)
This lesson tells us that we are not to waste God's time, or ours, on people who are, in essence, the enemies of truth. If we approach someone with the message of the good news of the gospel, and they refuse it we are to simply move on.
Lesson (22) Matt. 7:7-11, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?"
Jesus says here that the prayers of God's children will all be answered, without fail and without limitation, nothing is too much to ask for. He makes it clear that the love of God for His children is much greater than the love we have for our own children.~~
NOTE: There are those who might say; What you say here is wrong because I prayed for so and so and didn't get it. One must remember that the two qualifications for having your prayers answered are, you must be a child of God, and you must have absolute faith that your prayers will be answered.
These Hebrew people to whom Jesus was speaking, were the children of God under the law of Moses and through God's promise to Abraham. We, as Gentiles, and the Hebrew people of today, gained our ability to become the sons/daughters of God as Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. It is through faith in that sacrifice that we, as Gentiles and todays Jews, are able to become the children of God.~~
Jesus says here that the prayers of God's children will all be answered, without fail and without limitation, nothing is too much to ask for. He makes it clear that the love of God for His children is much greater than the love we have for our own children.~~
NOTE: There are those who might say; What you say here is wrong because I prayed for so and so and didn't get it. One must remember that the two qualifications for having your prayers answered are, you must be a child of God, and you must have absolute faith that your prayers will be answered.
These Hebrew people to whom Jesus was speaking, were the children of God under the law of Moses and through God's promise to Abraham. We, as Gentiles, and the Hebrew people of today, gained our ability to become the sons/daughters of God as Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. It is through faith in that sacrifice that we, as Gentiles and todays Jews, are able to become the children of God.~~
Lesson (23) Matt. 7:12, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."
This, as described later in the New Testament, is the second greatest commandment.~ Matt. 22:36-40, "Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
If we love God with all we have and we truly love our neighbors, (Neighbors meaning all God's people, not just the folks across the street.), we have, in effect, honored all the laws of Moses.~~We, today however, live under a new law, it is the law of faith, but even under the law of faith, we are still to love one another as we love ourselves, and treat them as we want to be treated. ~~
This, as described later in the New Testament, is the second greatest commandment.~ Matt. 22:36-40, "Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
If we love God with all we have and we truly love our neighbors, (Neighbors meaning all God's people, not just the folks across the street.), we have, in effect, honored all the laws of Moses.~~We, today however, live under a new law, it is the law of faith, but even under the law of faith, we are still to love one another as we love ourselves, and treat them as we want to be treated. ~~
Lesson (24) Matt. 7:13-14, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
Todays lesson is yet another very profound one.~ Jesus is telling His listeners that there is only ONE way to obtain eternal redemption.~
Although almost the entire world, in one form or another, proclaims to be "religious", in my opinion "religion", for the most part is a massive burden on the divine will of God. Though there are countless millions who proclaim a "belief" in God, in reality there are very few who can truly be counted among the children of God.
Most of the tenets, held by the many differing "faiths", demand that a sinner must maintain a sinless lifestyle, and undergo certain rituals, in order to earn his/her salvation. Nothing, however, could be further from truth. As these lessons will ultimately prove, salvation comes ONLY through acceptance of, and faith in, the sin remitting death, burial and resurrection of Jesus The Christ, The Son of God. Faith is the "straight gate" and the "narrow way".~~
Todays lesson is yet another very profound one.~ Jesus is telling His listeners that there is only ONE way to obtain eternal redemption.~
Although almost the entire world, in one form or another, proclaims to be "religious", in my opinion "religion", for the most part is a massive burden on the divine will of God. Though there are countless millions who proclaim a "belief" in God, in reality there are very few who can truly be counted among the children of God.
Most of the tenets, held by the many differing "faiths", demand that a sinner must maintain a sinless lifestyle, and undergo certain rituals, in order to earn his/her salvation. Nothing, however, could be further from truth. As these lessons will ultimately prove, salvation comes ONLY through acceptance of, and faith in, the sin remitting death, burial and resurrection of Jesus The Christ, The Son of God. Faith is the "straight gate" and the "narrow way".~~
Lesson (25) Matt. 7:15-20, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
Jesus warns his listeners that there will be those who come and teach false doctrines as truth, distorting His word to justify their own agenda. He says they will appear to be good folks, and very believable, but their motives will be far from honorable or righteous. He also says that we will be able to identify them by their actions.
Just as was mentioned in the previous lesson, the second great commandment is that we are to treat others as we want to be treated, so, if someone pretending to teach the word of God is doing so without outwardly expressing the unchallengeable will of the Father in his/her actions, and by having the best interest of everyone in mind, we are to be careful to disregard their message. Jesus also says that those who abuse His message and prey on the weaknesses of some, will be eventually weeded out and cut down.
Sadly, there are many many people who neglect to study the bible for themselves, but listen to, and fall for, the numerous self-promoting false prophets. It is my belief that these corrupt teachers are at work today, not only distorting God's word, but misleading us in many different aspects of our lives. They claim to be working for the good of all, but in truth only wish to promote their own wealth and status. We must be careful to, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Tim. 2:15~~
Jesus warns his listeners that there will be those who come and teach false doctrines as truth, distorting His word to justify their own agenda. He says they will appear to be good folks, and very believable, but their motives will be far from honorable or righteous. He also says that we will be able to identify them by their actions.
Just as was mentioned in the previous lesson, the second great commandment is that we are to treat others as we want to be treated, so, if someone pretending to teach the word of God is doing so without outwardly expressing the unchallengeable will of the Father in his/her actions, and by having the best interest of everyone in mind, we are to be careful to disregard their message. Jesus also says that those who abuse His message and prey on the weaknesses of some, will be eventually weeded out and cut down.
Sadly, there are many many people who neglect to study the bible for themselves, but listen to, and fall for, the numerous self-promoting false prophets. It is my belief that these corrupt teachers are at work today, not only distorting God's word, but misleading us in many different aspects of our lives. They claim to be working for the good of all, but in truth only wish to promote their own wealth and status. We must be careful to, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Tim. 2:15~~
Lesson (26) Matt. 7:21-23, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
Jesus is clearly saying here, that not all those who proclaim to "believe" will enter the kingdom of God. He explains that only those who, "doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven", will be allowed in the kingdom. Now what, you might ask, is "the will of my Father"? John 3:3, "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." This is obviously "the will of the Father", since Jesus clearly says we must be born again to see the kingdom. Now, how is a man/woman born again? John 3:4-7, "Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Some profess that being born again, as applied here, implies that water baptism is this rebirth. If that were in fact true, in order to see the kingdom, you would (1) require a birth of the flesh, (2) a water rebirth (water baptism) and then (3) a rebirth of the spirit! That counts up to one original birth by your mother, and two additional re-births.
It is clear to me that the rebirth described as the one requirement to enter the kingdom of God, is that rebirth of the spirit achieved when one accepts the soul saving sacrifice made by Jesus, the Son of God, for remission of all sin, as was prophesied from the beginning.~~
We will cover the rebirth lesson much more closely when we get to it in our class.~~Also, the way we attain our salvation will be covered in much greater detail.~~
Jesus is clearly saying here, that not all those who proclaim to "believe" will enter the kingdom of God. He explains that only those who, "doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven", will be allowed in the kingdom. Now what, you might ask, is "the will of my Father"? John 3:3, "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." This is obviously "the will of the Father", since Jesus clearly says we must be born again to see the kingdom. Now, how is a man/woman born again? John 3:4-7, "Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Some profess that being born again, as applied here, implies that water baptism is this rebirth. If that were in fact true, in order to see the kingdom, you would (1) require a birth of the flesh, (2) a water rebirth (water baptism) and then (3) a rebirth of the spirit! That counts up to one original birth by your mother, and two additional re-births.
It is clear to me that the rebirth described as the one requirement to enter the kingdom of God, is that rebirth of the spirit achieved when one accepts the soul saving sacrifice made by Jesus, the Son of God, for remission of all sin, as was prophesied from the beginning.~~
We will cover the rebirth lesson much more closely when we get to it in our class.~~Also, the way we attain our salvation will be covered in much greater detail.~~
Lesson (27) Matt. 7:24-29, "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."
Jesus advises His listeners to practice what He preached throughout the foregoing lessons. He says that in so doing, a firm foundation would be established, in truth, that would withstand the challenges set against them by time and those with evil intent. He also forewarns them that failing to follow His teaching could lead to the loss of all they had, I would assume, spiritually as well as physically. They that heard Him were astounded by His authority and knowledge. I can imagine that, we today, would be astounded too.~
Remember, these instructions were given to a people still under, and bound to obey, the law of Moses. We know that when Jesus taught these lessons, He would soon fulfill that law and provide, through His death burial and resurrection, a new law that requires only acceptance of, and total faith in His sacrifice to guarantee our physical and spiritual future.
The seventh chapter of Matthew contains some very valuable lessons that apply to us today as much as they did to those who heard Jesus teach them. But we should be very careful not to distort the context in which these lessons were taught in an attempt to establish a basis for something other than the absolute truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.~~
Jesus advises His listeners to practice what He preached throughout the foregoing lessons. He says that in so doing, a firm foundation would be established, in truth, that would withstand the challenges set against them by time and those with evil intent. He also forewarns them that failing to follow His teaching could lead to the loss of all they had, I would assume, spiritually as well as physically. They that heard Him were astounded by His authority and knowledge. I can imagine that, we today, would be astounded too.~
Remember, these instructions were given to a people still under, and bound to obey, the law of Moses. We know that when Jesus taught these lessons, He would soon fulfill that law and provide, through His death burial and resurrection, a new law that requires only acceptance of, and total faith in His sacrifice to guarantee our physical and spiritual future.
The seventh chapter of Matthew contains some very valuable lessons that apply to us today as much as they did to those who heard Jesus teach them. But we should be very careful not to distort the context in which these lessons were taught in an attempt to establish a basis for something other than the absolute truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.~~
Lesson (28) Matt. 8:1-13, "When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour."
This lesson tells, not only of the healing power of our savior as the Son of God, but also that this is the beginning of Jesus' teaching about the awesome power of faith. This centurion was obviously a Roman citizen, a man of much authority, and there is room, in this example, to assume he was not necessarily a Jew. Jesus said to the crowd, "Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." This meant that the chosen people of God, as a whole, had less faith in the Jewish God than did this Roman. The man's request was granted solely on his demonstration of total faith in Jesus' ability go grant it.
We will cover in much greater detail the role faith plays, not only in our eternal redemption but also in our everyday lives, as these lessons proceed. God's word, His promise and our faith in it will fulfill our needs and keep us through eternity. ~~
This lesson tells, not only of the healing power of our savior as the Son of God, but also that this is the beginning of Jesus' teaching about the awesome power of faith. This centurion was obviously a Roman citizen, a man of much authority, and there is room, in this example, to assume he was not necessarily a Jew. Jesus said to the crowd, "Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." This meant that the chosen people of God, as a whole, had less faith in the Jewish God than did this Roman. The man's request was granted solely on his demonstration of total faith in Jesus' ability go grant it.
We will cover in much greater detail the role faith plays, not only in our eternal redemption but also in our everyday lives, as these lessons proceed. God's word, His promise and our faith in it will fulfill our needs and keep us through eternity. ~~
Lesson (29) Matt. 8:14-17, "And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them. When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses."
This lesson again confirms Jesus as the all powerful Son of an Almighty God in that all things were, and are, in submission to His will. Jesus has the power, through the Father, to totally reshape the universe if He so desires.~~
This lesson also confirms the prophesy of Esaias.~~
This lesson again confirms Jesus as the all powerful Son of an Almighty God in that all things were, and are, in submission to His will. Jesus has the power, through the Father, to totally reshape the universe if He so desires.~~
This lesson also confirms the prophesy of Esaias.~~
Lesson (30) Matt. 8:18-20, "Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side. And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head."
With this lesson, Jesus is telling those who might profess to follow Him, that the road He would be taking would be a rocky one and that there would be no comfortable places to rest.
Unlike today, the early followers of Jesus could be imprisoned or killed for there faith. Jesus was warning these to make sure they knew what they were getting into before making they would not keep.~~
I wonder, if counted, what the number of "Christians" would be today if we lived under the same threat as did the early followers of Jesus. I'll bet the "few" mentioned earlier in these lessons would be the only ones with their hands up.~~
With this lesson, Jesus is telling those who might profess to follow Him, that the road He would be taking would be a rocky one and that there would be no comfortable places to rest.
Unlike today, the early followers of Jesus could be imprisoned or killed for there faith. Jesus was warning these to make sure they knew what they were getting into before making they would not keep.~~
I wonder, if counted, what the number of "Christians" would be today if we lived under the same threat as did the early followers of Jesus. I'll bet the "few" mentioned earlier in these lessons would be the only ones with their hands up.~~
Lesson (31) Matt. 8:21-22, "And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead."
This lesson sounds a little cruel on the surface, but it very aptly teaches us the order of importance of the things we should do in this life.
As Christians, delivering the gospel of The Father, The Son, and the Holy Ghost, is the single most important thing we will ever have a chance to do. Jesus says, "let the dead bury the dead", in essence, this means that the earthly things, though they may seem important to us in the flesh, can be done by those who aren't going to do anything else anyway.
That last category, in my opinion, are the pew sitters I described in a comment on the previous lesson.
(NOTE) I mistakenly listed the previous lesson as covering Matt. 8:18-22, it should have read Matt. 8:18-20. Forgive me, I'll try to do better.~~:)
This lesson sounds a little cruel on the surface, but it very aptly teaches us the order of importance of the things we should do in this life.
As Christians, delivering the gospel of The Father, The Son, and the Holy Ghost, is the single most important thing we will ever have a chance to do. Jesus says, "let the dead bury the dead", in essence, this means that the earthly things, though they may seem important to us in the flesh, can be done by those who aren't going to do anything else anyway.
That last category, in my opinion, are the pew sitters I described in a comment on the previous lesson.
(NOTE) I mistakenly listed the previous lesson as covering Matt. 8:18-22, it should have read Matt. 8:18-20. Forgive me, I'll try to do better.~~:)
Lesson (32) Matt. 8:23-27, "And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!"
This lesson, not only demonstrates the power of the Son of God to control the elements, it also exposes the lack of faith of mankind, even Jesus' chosen disciples.
Any one of the them could have asked the father, through faith in His Son, to calm the storm and it would have been done. Instead, they woke Jesus prompting His remark, "Oh ye of little faith".~~
(Note) As these lessons progress, we should pay very close attention to the number to times Jesus uses the word, "faith" and how and when He applies it.~~
This lesson, not only demonstrates the power of the Son of God to control the elements, it also exposes the lack of faith of mankind, even Jesus' chosen disciples.
Any one of the them could have asked the father, through faith in His Son, to calm the storm and it would have been done. Instead, they woke Jesus prompting His remark, "Oh ye of little faith".~~
(Note) As these lessons progress, we should pay very close attention to the number to times Jesus uses the word, "faith" and how and when He applies it.~~
Lesson (33) Matt. 8:28-34, "And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts."
This lesson is not only another demonstration of Jesus' power, it also tells us that the demons of Satan recognized Jesus, "thou Son of God", as soon as they saw Him. Whereas the demons of Satan KNEW Jesus was the Son of God, we must have FAITH that He is.
Notice that one of the demons said, "art thou come hither to torment us BEFORE THE TIME?" This tells me that Satan and his followers already know that their ultimate defeat is coming when The Father gathers His children home and Satan and his angels are all judged and cast into the eternal pit.
There is another lesson in this passage. Jesus demonstrated how we are to treat our enemies when he granted the demons request to be cast into the herd of swine.
The citizens of Gergesenes were obviously so stunned by the power of Jesus that they became afraid and asked Him to leave.~~
This lesson is not only another demonstration of Jesus' power, it also tells us that the demons of Satan recognized Jesus, "thou Son of God", as soon as they saw Him. Whereas the demons of Satan KNEW Jesus was the Son of God, we must have FAITH that He is.
Notice that one of the demons said, "art thou come hither to torment us BEFORE THE TIME?" This tells me that Satan and his followers already know that their ultimate defeat is coming when The Father gathers His children home and Satan and his angels are all judged and cast into the eternal pit.
There is another lesson in this passage. Jesus demonstrated how we are to treat our enemies when he granted the demons request to be cast into the herd of swine.
The citizens of Gergesenes were obviously so stunned by the power of Jesus that they became afraid and asked Him to leave.~~
Lesson (34) Matt. 9:1-8, "And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,)Arise, and walk" And he arose, and departed to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men."
Jesus demonstrates that sin is the cause of the afflictions suffered by mankind. By forgiving this man's sin, Jesus healed His body.
This lesson also contains one of the first attempts, by the Scribes, to condemn Jesus under the law by accusing Him of blasphemy. Jesus demonstrated that the end justified the means, in that whether he said, " thy sins be forgiven thee", or "Arise, and walk" made no difference to the end result. Jesus having the power to forgive sin and to heal the body, and knowing that sin was the ultimate cause, chose to simply say, "thy sins be forgiven thee". Seeing that the Scribes were scheming against Him, to derail their plot, Jesus said, "Arise, and walk" after which the man arose and went to his house.~~
Jesus demonstrates that sin is the cause of the afflictions suffered by mankind. By forgiving this man's sin, Jesus healed His body.
This lesson also contains one of the first attempts, by the Scribes, to condemn Jesus under the law by accusing Him of blasphemy. Jesus demonstrated that the end justified the means, in that whether he said, " thy sins be forgiven thee", or "Arise, and walk" made no difference to the end result. Jesus having the power to forgive sin and to heal the body, and knowing that sin was the ultimate cause, chose to simply say, "thy sins be forgiven thee". Seeing that the Scribes were scheming against Him, to derail their plot, Jesus said, "Arise, and walk" after which the man arose and went to his house.~~
Lesson (35) Matt. 9:9-13, "And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
This lesson first tells us about Jesus' selection of Matthew as one of His chosen disciples. It then goes on to explain that Jesus did not set Himself apart from those who needed Him the most because of their status or appearance. He explained that the Scribes and Pharisees were of the chosen of God and had the covenant with Abraham and the law to themselves, therefore, the Publicans and sinners were presumably the most in need of His healing grace. Jesus said He was there to bestow mercy, "But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice:".
It is important to remember that Jesus was a Jew and while He was teaching these things, and performing these miracles, He was bound to do His teaching within, and could not violate, the boundaries of the Law of Moses. He could not openly condemn the Scribes, Pharisees, and Saducees because they were the rightful representatives of the law. Jesus would not become the savior of all mankind until He had completed His sacrifice. Luke 12:50, "But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!"
There will be more on these topics as these lessons progress.~~
This lesson first tells us about Jesus' selection of Matthew as one of His chosen disciples. It then goes on to explain that Jesus did not set Himself apart from those who needed Him the most because of their status or appearance. He explained that the Scribes and Pharisees were of the chosen of God and had the covenant with Abraham and the law to themselves, therefore, the Publicans and sinners were presumably the most in need of His healing grace. Jesus said He was there to bestow mercy, "But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice:".
It is important to remember that Jesus was a Jew and while He was teaching these things, and performing these miracles, He was bound to do His teaching within, and could not violate, the boundaries of the Law of Moses. He could not openly condemn the Scribes, Pharisees, and Saducees because they were the rightful representatives of the law. Jesus would not become the savior of all mankind until He had completed His sacrifice. Luke 12:50, "But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!"
There will be more on these topics as these lessons progress.~~
Lesson (36) Matt. 9:14-17, "Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast. No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved."
The first thing that should be noted here, is the separating of "the disciples of John", from the disciples of Jesus. The disciples of John were devout Jews who had not yet subscribed to the teachings that Jesus put forth. Jesus is telling John's disciples that He will only be with His followers for a short time, and that they should celebrate His presence as fully as they could.~
(NOTE) The significance of there being two differing sets of disciples will become clearer as these lessons progress into the Apostle Paul's writings.~
By talking about putting new patches on old cloth, and new wine into old bottles, Jesus is teaching that the Law of Moses, and His new law of faith cannot be mixed together, seeing that one would greatly deplete the significance of the other. The law of Moses required that those bound to it were to be in total compliance with it, in every detail, and at all times. Whereas Jesus' new law of faith only required that one simply believe that through the sacrifice, (Death, burial and resurrection), of The Son of God, the only human perfection under the old law, all sin was forgiven (remitted). ~~
The first thing that should be noted here, is the separating of "the disciples of John", from the disciples of Jesus. The disciples of John were devout Jews who had not yet subscribed to the teachings that Jesus put forth. Jesus is telling John's disciples that He will only be with His followers for a short time, and that they should celebrate His presence as fully as they could.~
(NOTE) The significance of there being two differing sets of disciples will become clearer as these lessons progress into the Apostle Paul's writings.~
By talking about putting new patches on old cloth, and new wine into old bottles, Jesus is teaching that the Law of Moses, and His new law of faith cannot be mixed together, seeing that one would greatly deplete the significance of the other. The law of Moses required that those bound to it were to be in total compliance with it, in every detail, and at all times. Whereas Jesus' new law of faith only required that one simply believe that through the sacrifice, (Death, burial and resurrection), of The Son of God, the only human perfection under the old law, all sin was forgiven (remitted). ~~
Lesson(37) Matt. 9:27-38, "And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country. As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel. But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils. And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."
This lesson tells how Jesus continued to heal the sick. He also , again, stated that it was through faith that these miracles were accomplished.
The unbelieving Pharisees accused Jesus of some kind of sorcery when He threw out the devil that had possessed the man, "He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils." they said.
This lesson also reflects the compassion of Christ as He viewed the huge crowd that had amassed to see and hear Him. He told His disciples to pray that help would come to spread His new gospel of faith.~~
This lesson tells how Jesus continued to heal the sick. He also , again, stated that it was through faith that these miracles were accomplished.
The unbelieving Pharisees accused Jesus of some kind of sorcery when He threw out the devil that had possessed the man, "He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils." they said.
This lesson also reflects the compassion of Christ as He viewed the huge crowd that had amassed to see and hear Him. He told His disciples to pray that help would come to spread His new gospel of faith.~~
Lesson (38) Matt. 10:1-7, "And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Jesus identifies His twelve Apostles and gives them power over sickness, disease, and unclean spirits. He then sends them out to deliver His Gospel, He also told them exactly what to do, "And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand." Remember, this is the exact same message that John the Baptist taught. Matt. 3:2, "And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
It is important to note that the power Jesus gave the Apsotles, at this meeting, was NOT identified as the Holy Spirit, or Holy Ghost. The Apostles would not receive the Holy Ghost until Pentecost following Jesus' death, burial, resurrection, and ascention back to the Father.
Note also that Jesus specifically instructs His Apostles NOT to take His message to the Gentiles, but to preach only to the Jews. We will learn in later lessons that the Apostle Paul was selected to bring the gospel to the Gentiles.
This is all very important in that there are many who attempt to teach the gospel of faith from what was specifically intended for the Hebrew people, who were, at that time, still bound by the Law of Moses. Although there are segments of what is said in these teachings that can be overlapped into the "new law", one teaching from it risks being challenged on the intent.~~
Jesus identifies His twelve Apostles and gives them power over sickness, disease, and unclean spirits. He then sends them out to deliver His Gospel, He also told them exactly what to do, "And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand." Remember, this is the exact same message that John the Baptist taught. Matt. 3:2, "And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
It is important to note that the power Jesus gave the Apsotles, at this meeting, was NOT identified as the Holy Spirit, or Holy Ghost. The Apostles would not receive the Holy Ghost until Pentecost following Jesus' death, burial, resurrection, and ascention back to the Father.
Note also that Jesus specifically instructs His Apostles NOT to take His message to the Gentiles, but to preach only to the Jews. We will learn in later lessons that the Apostle Paul was selected to bring the gospel to the Gentiles.
This is all very important in that there are many who attempt to teach the gospel of faith from what was specifically intended for the Hebrew people, who were, at that time, still bound by the Law of Moses. Although there are segments of what is said in these teachings that can be overlapped into the "new law", one teaching from it risks being challenged on the intent.~~
Lesson (39) Matt. 10:8-15, "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. And when ye come into an house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city."
Jesus endowed His chosen twelve with powers over all things, as is noted in the above passages. He sent them out to spread the gospel of the coming kingdom and told them to take nothing with them more than the clothing they were wearing, assuring them that all their worldly needs would be provided as they travelled.
Jesus told them to find a houses that were "worthy", (I believe this means that they were to find the home of someone of the Jewish faith who were willing to hear the gospel, because of what He had told them in the previous lesson, "Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."). They were to salute, or greet, those in the home and if the residents were found worthy (acceptable), the Apostles were to stay in that house until they had finished their teaching.
The Apostles were also commanded to ignore those who chose not to hear the gospel, and to leave them to their inevitable damnation.
We, today, need to remember that we are not to preach to those who choose not to be 'pretch' to.~~
Jesus endowed His chosen twelve with powers over all things, as is noted in the above passages. He sent them out to spread the gospel of the coming kingdom and told them to take nothing with them more than the clothing they were wearing, assuring them that all their worldly needs would be provided as they travelled.
Jesus told them to find a houses that were "worthy", (I believe this means that they were to find the home of someone of the Jewish faith who were willing to hear the gospel, because of what He had told them in the previous lesson, "Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."). They were to salute, or greet, those in the home and if the residents were found worthy (acceptable), the Apostles were to stay in that house until they had finished their teaching.
The Apostles were also commanded to ignore those who chose not to hear the gospel, and to leave them to their inevitable damnation.
We, today, need to remember that we are not to preach to those who choose not to be 'pretch' to.~~
Lesson (40) Matt. 10:16-23, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come."
This lesson, very accurately, foretells the treatment that those who would maintain the true gospel of Jesus, throughout the ages, would endure. Examples include the horrible treatment of Christians, first by the Roman themselves, then by the Roman Catholic "Church", with it's centuries long inquisition, then the perscution continued by the Muslim purges. Even today, in some regions, true Christian people are tortured and slaughtered for their beliefs.
My reference to Catholicism as an enemy of Christianity is certainly not intended to offend anyone, its simply historical fact. If I don't take a stand and teach these lessons as the bible truly presents them, I might as well quit and allow the Word of God to be trampled into the ground.~~
This lesson, very accurately, foretells the treatment that those who would maintain the true gospel of Jesus, throughout the ages, would endure. Examples include the horrible treatment of Christians, first by the Roman themselves, then by the Roman Catholic "Church", with it's centuries long inquisition, then the perscution continued by the Muslim purges. Even today, in some regions, true Christian people are tortured and slaughtered for their beliefs.
My reference to Catholicism as an enemy of Christianity is certainly not intended to offend anyone, its simply historical fact. If I don't take a stand and teach these lessons as the bible truly presents them, I might as well quit and allow the Word of God to be trampled into the ground.~~
Lesson (41) Matt. 10:24-31, "The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows."
This lesson is first teaching the Apostles that there is no master nor servant among them, they are all equal in the sight of God and should reflect that among themselves. He says that those who worship Satan shall be recognized as Satan worshippers, and likewise, those who do the bidding of God The Father will be recognized as His children.
Jesus is assuring the Apostles that they are not to hold back in their teaching out of fear, He assures them that they should teach exactly what He tells them to teach and that they will be protected by the awesome power of almighty God. He assured the Apostles that God knows everything, always, and protects His own continually.~~
This lesson is first teaching the Apostles that there is no master nor servant among them, they are all equal in the sight of God and should reflect that among themselves. He says that those who worship Satan shall be recognized as Satan worshippers, and likewise, those who do the bidding of God The Father will be recognized as His children.
Jesus is assuring the Apostles that they are not to hold back in their teaching out of fear, He assures them that they should teach exactly what He tells them to teach and that they will be protected by the awesome power of almighty God. He assured the Apostles that God knows everything, always, and protects His own continually.~~
Lesson (42) Matt. 10:31-42, "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward."
This is a very profound lesson, in that it so much applies to many of today's "Christians".
Jesus makes it very clear that we, as His disciples, are to stand up for His gospel, and to preach it without hesitation or limitation. He says that those who fail to represent Him, will not be represented by Him.
It has been my experience that many "Christian" people, are unwilling to discuss, in any detail, their spiritual life, and why they believe what they do. Most, defend their timidness by saying their spirituality is a private matter and to try to defend it would only cause an argument. That is blatantly wrong according to today's lesson. Jesus very much realized, and said, that what He brought was going to incite dissensions among families, communities, and even nations to whom His gospel would be taught. He understood that God's chosen, the Hebrew people, especially would have a hard time accepting such a drastic change simply on the word of a preacher. But, He went on to, very carefully, explain the consequences for those who failed Him.~~
This is a very profound lesson, in that it so much applies to many of today's "Christians".
Jesus makes it very clear that we, as His disciples, are to stand up for His gospel, and to preach it without hesitation or limitation. He says that those who fail to represent Him, will not be represented by Him.
It has been my experience that many "Christian" people, are unwilling to discuss, in any detail, their spiritual life, and why they believe what they do. Most, defend their timidness by saying their spirituality is a private matter and to try to defend it would only cause an argument. That is blatantly wrong according to today's lesson. Jesus very much realized, and said, that what He brought was going to incite dissensions among families, communities, and even nations to whom His gospel would be taught. He understood that God's chosen, the Hebrew people, especially would have a hard time accepting such a drastic change simply on the word of a preacher. But, He went on to, very carefully, explain the consequences for those who failed Him.~~
Lesson (43) Matt. 11:1-15, "And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."
By drawing notice to the miracles He had performed, Jesus assured the two messengers of John, that He was indeed the Promised One.
I think its important to note that Jesus did not come right out and say 'Yes, tell John that I am the Messiah', instead, He asked them to prove it by His actions.
In the second portion of this lesson Jesus asked His following, what they had expected to see when they had gone to meet John in the desert. Jesus said John had come as a simple man carrying a simple truth, not as the High Priests would have expected it, John being adorned in beautiful robes with all manner of pageantry. Jesus said John came like one of them, a common man with a very un-common and powerful message.
Jesus regarded John The Baptist as one of the greatest prophets, but went on to assure His listeners that God, within His kingdom, saw John as no greater than any one among them.
Jesus assured His listeners, that by the coming of John the doors to the kingdom of God would soon be open to all who would but accept His grace.~~
By drawing notice to the miracles He had performed, Jesus assured the two messengers of John, that He was indeed the Promised One.
I think its important to note that Jesus did not come right out and say 'Yes, tell John that I am the Messiah', instead, He asked them to prove it by His actions.
In the second portion of this lesson Jesus asked His following, what they had expected to see when they had gone to meet John in the desert. Jesus said John had come as a simple man carrying a simple truth, not as the High Priests would have expected it, John being adorned in beautiful robes with all manner of pageantry. Jesus said John came like one of them, a common man with a very un-common and powerful message.
Jesus regarded John The Baptist as one of the greatest prophets, but went on to assure His listeners that God, within His kingdom, saw John as no greater than any one among them.
Jesus assured His listeners, that by the coming of John the doors to the kingdom of God would soon be open to all who would but accept His grace.~~
Lesson (44) Matt. 11:16-26, "But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight."
Jesus says that in spite of the wonderful works He has done and the miracles He has performed, there are those who won't hear Him. He warns of the wrath to come to those who have rejected His gospel.~~
Jesus says that in spite of the wonderful works He has done and the miracles He has performed, there are those who won't hear Him. He warns of the wrath to come to those who have rejected His gospel.~~
Lesson (45) Matt. 11:27-30, "Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Here, Jesus says that God The Father has given all things over to Him "All things are delivered unto me of my Father:". This includes the souls of mankind.
This lesson clearly reveals that God has NO contact with mortal men/women, except through Jesus Christ. "neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him" God the Father sees no one except through the Son.
This is very important to remember as we continue through these lessons, seeing that this lesson has great bearing on the security of the eternally saved. If we should be able to fall away from salvation, there is no other sacrifice that will be made, to once again, connect us with the Eternal Father. The sacrifice Jesus made to erase all sin will only be made once.
In the latter portion of this lesson, Jesus tells us how to approach The Father through Him. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
This is one of my most cherished bible passages.~~
Here, Jesus says that God The Father has given all things over to Him "All things are delivered unto me of my Father:". This includes the souls of mankind.
This lesson clearly reveals that God has NO contact with mortal men/women, except through Jesus Christ. "neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him" God the Father sees no one except through the Son.
This is very important to remember as we continue through these lessons, seeing that this lesson has great bearing on the security of the eternally saved. If we should be able to fall away from salvation, there is no other sacrifice that will be made, to once again, connect us with the Eternal Father. The sacrifice Jesus made to erase all sin will only be made once.
In the latter portion of this lesson, Jesus tells us how to approach The Father through Him. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
This is one of my most cherished bible passages.~~
Lesson (46) Matt. 12:1-8, "At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day."
This lesson tells us that Jesus was given power over the old law, although He would remain bound to it until His testimony and sacrifice were complete.
When Jesus fulfilled the law, it was superceded by the new law of grace through faith.
The disciples were able to blamelessly eat from the corn because Jesus had exempted them from observance of the sabbath just as God had justified David when he ate the "shewbread" in the Temple.
Sadly, there are many today who are convinced that they must obey the law and commandments to retain there salvation. This lesson clearly proves that those of us who have taken on Christ as savior are exempt from the law and it's commandments.~~
This lesson tells us that Jesus was given power over the old law, although He would remain bound to it until His testimony and sacrifice were complete.
When Jesus fulfilled the law, it was superceded by the new law of grace through faith.
The disciples were able to blamelessly eat from the corn because Jesus had exempted them from observance of the sabbath just as God had justified David when he ate the "shewbread" in the Temple.
Sadly, there are many today who are convinced that they must obey the law and commandments to retain there salvation. This lesson clearly proves that those of us who have taken on Christ as savior are exempt from the law and it's commandments.~~
Lesson (47) Matt. 12:9-21, "And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue: And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other. Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all; And charged them that they should not make him known: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust."
This lesson marks the beginning of the effort by the Jewish hierarchy to condemn Jesus and to eventually crucifiy Him. It also fulfills the prophesy, Isa. 42-1 "Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles."
The latter portion of this lesson tells how Jesus, knowing that the Jews as a nation, will not accept Him, turns over the *Kingdon of God, to the Gentiles.
*I believe there is substantial scriptural evidence that Jesus started His Church when He selected and called the first of the Apostles who were jews, therefore, I believe also that primarily, the term "kingdom", as used in some instances within these lessons, refers to the Church. Having said this, it should be explained that the bible record clearly shows that the Church was not greatly increased until the saving grace of God, through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus and the fulfilling of the law, was passed on to the Gentiles. There will be many many more lessons concerning the Church as these lessons progress.
This subject is certainly open to some interpretation and I welcome any scripturally based input.~~
This lesson marks the beginning of the effort by the Jewish hierarchy to condemn Jesus and to eventually crucifiy Him. It also fulfills the prophesy, Isa. 42-1 "Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles."
The latter portion of this lesson tells how Jesus, knowing that the Jews as a nation, will not accept Him, turns over the *Kingdon of God, to the Gentiles.
*I believe there is substantial scriptural evidence that Jesus started His Church when He selected and called the first of the Apostles who were jews, therefore, I believe also that primarily, the term "kingdom", as used in some instances within these lessons, refers to the Church. Having said this, it should be explained that the bible record clearly shows that the Church was not greatly increased until the saving grace of God, through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus and the fulfilling of the law, was passed on to the Gentiles. There will be many many more lessons concerning the Church as these lessons progress.
This subject is certainly open to some interpretation and I welcome any scripturally based input.~~
Lesson (48) Matt. 12:21-32, "Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."
Here, the Pharisees accuse Jesus of being an implement of Satan. Saying that His powers of healing come from the devil. Jesus told them that their accusation was rediculous and that Satan would only be hurting himself by destroying his own angels. Jesus goes on to further prove His status by demonstrating that His power obviously comes from God in that He must first overpower Satan to accomplish His miracles.
He says that those who don't work for Him, are working against Him.
Jesus says that all things can be forgiven except the denial or blasphemy of The Holy Ghost.~~
Here, the Pharisees accuse Jesus of being an implement of Satan. Saying that His powers of healing come from the devil. Jesus told them that their accusation was rediculous and that Satan would only be hurting himself by destroying his own angels. Jesus goes on to further prove His status by demonstrating that His power obviously comes from God in that He must first overpower Satan to accomplish His miracles.
He says that those who don't work for Him, are working against Him.
Jesus says that all things can be forgiven except the denial or blasphemy of The Holy Ghost.~~
Lesson (49) Matt. 12:33-37, "Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."
Unlike what many teach, there is NO middle ground with God. You are either His through Christ, or not. A person without Christ CANNOT do good in the sight of God because sin is inherent in man since the fall of Adam. A saved person, on the other hand, can do no evil in the sight of God, because Jesus stands between the saved man and God, showing only the righteousness of The Son.
Verse 33 says, (in my crude English) Be saved, or be damned. Jesus goes on to call His listeners snakes and asks how they could expect anything good to come from an inherently corrupt heart.
Jesus says that those who face the judgement, without the imputed righteousness of Christ, will be condemned.~~
Unlike what many teach, there is NO middle ground with God. You are either His through Christ, or not. A person without Christ CANNOT do good in the sight of God because sin is inherent in man since the fall of Adam. A saved person, on the other hand, can do no evil in the sight of God, because Jesus stands between the saved man and God, showing only the righteousness of The Son.
Verse 33 says, (in my crude English) Be saved, or be damned. Jesus goes on to call His listeners snakes and asks how they could expect anything good to come from an inherently corrupt heart.
Jesus says that those who face the judgement, without the imputed righteousness of Christ, will be condemned.~~
Lesson (50) Matt. 12:38-45, "Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
The scribes and Pharisees asked to have a sign that Jesus was the real Messiah. Jesus told them, "there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas". He went on to compare the story of Jonah and the whale to His own upcoming sacrificial ordeal. Just as the people of Nineveh were spared by the ordeal of Jonah's three days inside the whale and his preaching, we who rely on the sacrifice of Jesus to save us, are spared from eternal damnation.
Jesus says, " The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: BECAUSE THEY REPENTED at the preaching of Jonas;". Note that the Ninevites REPENTED and avoided physical destruction. Jesus went on to say, "and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here." which means to us that the redemption brought by Jesus is far greater than that of Jonah, in that it is redemption unto eternal life.
Jesus, when He said, "The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it:, is noting that after the Jews have rejected Him as the Messiah, the Gentiles, through faith, would rise to carry forth His gospel recognizing that He truly is the redeemer sent from God.~~
The scribes and Pharisees asked to have a sign that Jesus was the real Messiah. Jesus told them, "there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas". He went on to compare the story of Jonah and the whale to His own upcoming sacrificial ordeal. Just as the people of Nineveh were spared by the ordeal of Jonah's three days inside the whale and his preaching, we who rely on the sacrifice of Jesus to save us, are spared from eternal damnation.
Jesus says, " The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: BECAUSE THEY REPENTED at the preaching of Jonas;". Note that the Ninevites REPENTED and avoided physical destruction. Jesus went on to say, "and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here." which means to us that the redemption brought by Jesus is far greater than that of Jonah, in that it is redemption unto eternal life.
Jesus, when He said, "The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it:, is noting that after the Jews have rejected Him as the Messiah, the Gentiles, through faith, would rise to carry forth His gospel recognizing that He truly is the redeemer sent from God.~~
