Lesson 592

(Lesson 592)(03-31-13) James 2:13-26, "For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

The text of Today's lesson is erroneously relied upon by many as a foundation for their belief that salvation of one's eternal soul does not come by faith alone. In truth, it most assuredly does. Any teaching to the contrary stands in direct contradiction with all other New Testament teaching, for example, Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: NOT OF WORKS, LEST ANY MAN SHOULD BOAST." I could list many, many other examples providing that FAITH ALONE is what saves us.
This text is NOT in contradiction with the rest of the gospel when it is applied in its proper context. The author was making the point that faith must be demonstrated, a saved person must actually achieve something with the exercise of his/her faith. However it is still the faith that saves us, NOT the work.

A constant state of prayer is an exercise of faith. Seeking God first for the answers to life's problems is an exercise and demonstration of ones faith. There are many other ways one can demonstrate the faith that saves them without physically doing anything that others might see.

There is also a very wrong perception among many that doing nothing more that going to "church" every time the doors swing, and refraining from the obvious "sins" are to be considered "works". That is another point that is made by the author of this text, one must actually rely on God for everything, including his/her salvation in order to demonstrate a saving faith.~

Lesson 591

(Lesson 591)(03-30-13) James 2:1-12, "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty."

Today's lesson defines more of the problems apparent among modern "Christians". Some "church" members tend to separate themselves out by class, judging that some are of lesser importance than others, within the "church", because of their financial or societal status.

As is vividly apparent by, not only the teachings of Jesus Himself, but also the contents of this text, this hypocritic bias should not be acceptable among God's people.

Another very important portion of today's verifies that there are NO degrees of "sin". This text clearly states the if a person is guilty of one part of the law, he/she is guilty of the whole law. We know that since Christ fulfilled the Law of Moses, that it no longer applies to modern Christianity, however, Jesus gave us a law that does indeed apply to us. When He was asked, "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." Matthew 22:36-40.

If we violate one portion of this new law, we are guilty of all of it. Therefore, we should NEVER set one person over another within the Church.~

Lesson 590

(Lesson 590)(03-29-13) James 1:17-27, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."

This lesson, to me, defines the condition of the majority within today's "church" with perfection. So many make the ritual journey to the "church" house, once or twice a week, and smugly feel they have "served" the Lord. One does not serve without actually doing something.

According to this lesson, doing nothing more than occupying a pew two or three times a week can be compared to looking at oneself in the mirror, it avails nothing.

We, as Christian people are charged to be active in our Church communities, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."

Sadly modern "Christianity" has become much like the Laodiceans, Revelations 3:15-16, "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."

All of us whom have been saved by the grace of God should approach our duty toward Jesus Christ with a high degree of excitement and devotion, stepping away from the "norm", actually contributing to the well being of our communities, and surrendering ourselves to an active service in spreading the soul saving word of our living God.~

Lesson 589

(Lesson 589)(03-28-13) James 1:9-16, "Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren."

This lesson explains how Christianity promotes equality between wealthy and poor people. One might note that this text does not disallow the imbalance of wealth, it simply encourages the wealthy to humble themselves and to care for the less fortunate among them. It also demonstrates that the difference in that regard will disappear when we all get to heaven.

There is another important lesson in the text, it states that "God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:" As is clearly stated herein, mankind creates his/her own temptation, it does NOT come from God as some contend. An example, God has nothing to do with whether or not evil is present in the world, man, with his own freewill, brought evil into the world.~

Lesson 588

(Lesson 588)(03-27-13) James 1:8, "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways."

This is another powerful lesson in that it perfectly demonstrates the power of faith. James tells his Jewish brethren to exercise their faith in everything they do, not being wishy washy, but having NO doubt that God will keep up His end of the bargain.

A good example of a wishy washy faith is to pray for the same thing over and over again. If we pray a prayer actually believing God will answer that prayer, once is enough, ask then get out of the way, to ask time and time again displays a lack of faith. God won't forget your prayer and if what you want is within His will, He will answer that prayer.

Faith is grossly misunderstood by many who claim to be Christians. Some will tell you they believe then immediately prove they don't by doubting.

God is there, He hears, and He will not forget.~

Lesson 587

(Lesson 587)(03-26-13) Hebrews Chapter 13, "Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner. Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words. Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you. Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you. Grace be with you all. Amen."

There is no need for me to try to expand upon what is written in this lesson, it is the perfect example of how Christian people are to live their lives. I will, therefore, simply say, Amen!~

Lesson 586

(Lesson 586)(03-25-13) Hebrews 12:18-29, "For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire."

Today's lesson is a warning to all those who would reject the grace of God by denying the sacrifice of His Son.

The author reminds us of what happened to the Children of Israel when they refused to follow the Law of Moses as it was given by God Himself. He clearly establishes that Jesus is the LAST hope for those who are lost.

Through faith in Jesus Christ we inherit His righteousness and thereby are presented as lily white, and completely obedient to the commandments placed on all sinners by the Father.~

Lesson 585

(Lesson 585)(03-24-13) Hebrews 12:7-17, "If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears."

This lesson tells us that the chastening hand of Jesus Christ is a constant reminder that He is with us, and that we are indeed on of His.
The life of a child of God will undoubtedly make wrong decisions and face troubles as we grow in Chris, simply because sin is ultimately a part of our nature. However, we are promised that, through it all, we are protected from eternal judgment by that same Jesus Christ who punishes us.

When Jesus smacks your hand, be thankful that He is there watching over you.~

Lesson 584

(Lesson 584)(03-23-13) Hebrews 12:1-6, "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."

Today's lesson should be vigilantly taught by all who profess Christianity. This author encouraged the Hebrews to cherish the punishment they received for their inherent day to day sins of the flesh. We should, as children of God, all recognize that the challenges we confront and the setbacks we suffer are confirmation that our Lord Jesus Christ loves us and is forever there to keep us pointed in the right direction. "My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."
We must always remember, the only righteousness within us is that righteousness that is imputed in us through our faith in Jesus. Without Him, "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:".~

Lesson 583

(Lesson 583)(03-22-13) Hebrews 11:8-40, "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect."

Contained in this lesson is a list of the many who demonstrated faith unto salvation, beginning with Abraham and continuing through the entirety of the Old Testament.

The faith demonstrated in these examples is the same faith that saves the souls of the lost today. The people mentioned in these examples placed their faith in, and looked forward toward the promised redeemer, just as we today, look back to the redeeming sacrifice made by Jesus for the salvation of the eternal souls of all who will believe.

God established a deliverer from the very beginning, Genesis 2:9, "And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; THE TREE OF LIFE also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil." This "tree of life" is representative of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6.

Jesus is the redeemer in which the earliest Jews placed their faith.~

Lesson 582

(Lesson 582)(03-21-13) Hebrews 11:1-7, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith."

This lesson demonstrates how faith is the actionable characteristic of a child of God and is ALL that is required to achieve that status. A saved individual is recognizable by their fruits (Matt. 7:20, "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."), those fruits being an ongoing zeal to spread the soul saving gospel of Jesus Christ and a genuine love for God first, then their fellow man/woman. A child of God cannot be judged by the actions that those whom have denied God have declared to be "sins".

Everything that a child of God does is pleasing to Him because it is JUSTIFIED by Jesus Himself, Romans 8:30-34, "Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us."

Those of us whom have placed our faith in Christ have taken on HIS righteousness and are viewed by The Father as perfect and without sin.

It is abundantly clear that salvation is given ONLY to those who are JUSTIFIED by faith in God through Christ Jesus.~

Lesson 581

(Lesson 581)(03-20-13) Hebrews 10:26-39, "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul."

The text of this lesson, over time, has been grossly misunderstood and incorrectly taught by many who hold the belief that a true believer may again become subject to eternal judgment for their "sins of the flesh".

This lesson clearly establishes that only those who reject the saving grace of God, through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, are at risk of that final judgment. The author says, "Now the just shall live by faith", this means that those whose faith is absolute, will have no need to even acknowledge "sins of the flesh" so far as those sins concern the condition of the eternal soul. This fact is confirmed by the last statement in this lesson, "But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul." In truth, a genuinely reborn child of God does NOT and CANNOT "willfully sin"!
The author, comparing the punishment of those who disobeyed Moses' law to those who denied and crucified Christ, says, "He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?" This passage very clearly establishes that the author is referring to those who reject the testament of Jesus outright, as opposed to those who commit "sins of the flesh".

Though this statement speaks to "sinners", it is clearly referring to those who, "who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing."

The punishment promised herein applies ONLY to those who have rejected Christ.~

Lesson 580

(Lesson 580)(03-19-13) Hebrews 10:15-25, "Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

There are two very important parts to today's lesson, the first of which is the author's confirmation that since Jesus offered Himself up as a 'one time fits all' sacrifice for the sins of the world, there has been, nor will there ever be, another means by which mankind can achieve redemption from sin. "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, THERE IS NO MORE OFFERING FOR SIN."

For those of us whom have been sanctified by our faith in Jesus Christ, there simply is NO more sin, as sin pertains to the eternal salvation of our souls.

Will we continue to commit the "sins of the flesh" absolutely! However, through our faith in Christ, those "everyday sins" are JUSTIFIED by the blood of that same Jesus Christ and no longer do they separate us from God the Father!

The second very important portion of this text is its reference to the assembling of Christian people, the Church.

I have yet to find any scriptural reference to a required time frame for the assembling of the Church. Among many isms, it is held that the membership should meet at least once a week, that assembly being generally restricted to either Saturday, or Sunday. Again, I have found NO scriptural reference requiring an established assembly, no matter what the determined date.

There is, however, scriptural evidence that the Church is URGED to assemble, "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

This is the ONLY passage in the entire New Testament that even vaguely suggests that Church members are to assemble themselves together and it does NOT specify any particular time line.

There are those who, from this single passage, have established that if one does not attend "church" every time the door swings, they are no obeying the commandments of Jesus Christ.

Nothing could be further from the truth! These, obviously well intentioned Christians, have made "church" attendance appear to be more important than the fulfilling of the great commission, which is, in part, to "go ye therefore, and teach all nations".
My interpretation of the above passage is that we are not to simply accept Christ as savior and go on our separate ways. We are encouraged to assemble in order to accomplish those things this passage specifically refers to, which are, "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:" This is the ultimate purpose of an assembly as laid out by the author of this entire text and we are further encouraged to assemble for this purpose more often as we see the day of redemption approaching.

Sadly there are those who have resolved themselves to obeying the one part of this text at the expense of the full challenge Jesus placed upon His Church.~

Lesson 579

(Lesson 579)(03-18-13) Hebrews 10:1-14, "For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:] And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified."

This lesson so clearly explains that the sacrifice made by Jesus was the ONLY remitter of ALL sin, I am hesitant to even comment on it. However, there are some statements herein that must be highlighted.

The first is the fact that prior to, and after the coming of Jesus Christ, no amount of human ritual has had, or ever will have, any effect whatsoever on the sins of mankind. If the rituals and sacrifices had been sufficient for the forgiveness of sin, there would never have been the recurrence of sin after a sacrifice had been made, "For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins."

This author is telling us that once sin has been atoned (for those of us who believe, happened when Jesus was resurrected from the dead), there is no need for further atonement! That is because the guilt ("consience") of sin, for those of us who believe, is GONE and can never return. Jesus, because of His supreme sacrifice, has forever removed the guilt, ("conscience") of sin for those who are "sanctified". The term sanctified means to be separated from, or exempted from a particular thing of consequence. In this usage, to be sanctified means to be separated from the guilt of sin. Therefore, those of us who have been "sanctified" by faith in Christ Jesus, have been separated out from among those who sin, 1 John, 3:9, "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God."

There is no greater assurance that to know that, once we have believed, we are exempted from sin.~

Lesson 578

(Lesson 578)(03-17-13) Hebrews 8:16-28, "For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation."

This is yet another one of the most telling lessons in the entire New Testament. It very clearly explains the necessity for the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ as a remitter for the sins of those who accept Him. It clearly demonstrates that God demands a blood sacrifice for the sins of mankind. It explains how under the Law of Moses, the high priest offered all manner of animals to purify the things of the tabernacles and temples, however, those sacrifices did not atone for the sins of man, it took the blood of Christ, the perfect human, the virgin borne son of the living God, to atone for the evils brought on man by Adams disobedience. The ceremonial washings (baptisms) and the blood of animal sacrifices prepared the high priest to enter the holy of holies, these sacrifices did not then, nor will they ever, cleanse us from sin. The blood shed by our Lord Jesus Christ allowed Him to enter the presence of God on our behalf and to thereby become our eternal redeemer once and for all.~

Lesson 577

(Lesson 577)(03-16-13) Hebrew 9:1-15, "Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance."

Today's lesson is further explanation of religious requirements under Jewish Law, and hidden inside it is a condemnation of the belief that certain ceremonies such as water baptism et al are a means by which one can purge or remit the guilt of sin. This text tells us that rituals didn't work then, and were completely done away by the sacrifice and testament of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The following statement appears within this author's description of the holy tabernacle, as it existed under the Law of Moses, and it's operational functions. Verses 9-10, "Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that COULD NOT MAKE HIM THAT DID THE SERVICE PERFECT, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, AND *DIVERS WASHINGS, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation."

This writing firmly establishes that ritual in any form is useless as they pertain to the eternal salvation of the soul.

*"Divers washings" describes the ritual of baptism as practiced by the Hebrew people under the Law. This ritual has been carried over and wrongly imposed into the gospel of Jesus Christ by the majority of today's religious isms.~

Lesson 576

(Lesson 576)(03-15-13) Hebrews Chapter 8, "Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away."

Today's lesson continues with the explanation of the coming of a new covenant, the law of faith, to replace the old Law. Jesus was, from the beginning, designated administrator of the new covenant just as Melchisedec was the administrator of the first covenant which was under the Law as it was given to Moses.~

Lesson 575

(Lesson 575)(03-14-13) Hebrews Chapter 7, "For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore."

Today's lesson is a long one, but it would destroy its meaning to break it into separate lessons simply for convenience sake.

Herein, its is explained that Melchisedec was ordained by God to be the supreme high priest of the Jewish people. He was the spiritual superior of Abraham and Moses so far as the Jews were concerned. He held the same office over the administration of all things under the Law of Moses, as Jesus, since His coming, over all things spiritual concerned within the new "Law of Faith".

It is shown that Melchisedec was the first "High Priest" and Jesus is the second and last.

Upon the completion of Jesus' sacrifice, He became high priest to both the Jews and Gentiles, ultimately, the whole world.

In essence, the whole philosophy of worship was altered with the coming of Christ and His doing away with, (fulfilling) the law of Moses.

I recommend that that as bible students, we individually research Melchisedec to learn what he meant to the Jewish faith and what this lesson entails.~

Lesson 574

(Lesson 574)(03-13-13) Hebrews 6:7-20, "For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."

This lesson is an exhortation to the Christians among the Hebrews urging them to remain steadfast and humble in their devotion to the gospel.
It also reassures us of the promise that was made to Abraham and his seed in that we who are born again believers in Jesus Christ are, through and by the grace of God, among the seed of Abraham.

Blessed assurance!~

Lesson 573

(Lesson 573)(03-12-13) Hebrews 6:1-6, "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame."

Within today's lesson are some of the most comforting words ever spoken to those of us who truly believe that Jesus is the only remitter of sins and have placed our faith in Him.
It simply says that IF one who is saved by the Grace of God could fall away, or his/her salvation (which CANNOT happen), in order to regain it, Jesus would have to be brought back to earth and sacrificed a second time.

Those of us who have studied God's promise, know that cannot happen because those whom have accepted a sacrificed Jesus Christ as intercessor for their sins, are sealed by the Holy Spirit of God until the resurrection of man. John 6:27-29, "Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath GOD THE FATHER SEALED. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye BELIEVE ON HIM HE HATH SENT."

Both the means of access and the promised seal are given in this passage.

I thank God my soul is saved and sealed!~

Lesson 572

(Lesson 572)(03-11-13) Hebrews Chapter 5, "For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

Today's lesson is a continuance of the proving of Christ as One singled out by God as the redeemer of the world, "And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec."

Three examples are herein given of those chosen of God to complete His divine purpose, the first mentioned is Aaron, the second is Melchisedec, and the third is Jesus Christ to whom was granted the power over all sin.
The latter portion of this lesson deals with those who stray from the pure gospel of Christ and how they must be fed "milk" again to re-educate themselves with the doctrine of faith.~

Lesson 571

(Lesson 571)(03-10-13) Hebrews Chapter 4, "Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

This lesson again affirms the security of the believer. Paul reiterates that, for those of us who believe on our Lord Jesus Christ as a 'one size fits all' remitter of all sins, "rest", or our heavenly eternity, has been assured by God Himself since the beginning of time.~

Lesson 570

(Lesson 570)(03-09-13) Hebrews Chapter 3, "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief."

In this lesson, as Paul discusses the denial of God by the Hebrew people as Moses led them out of Egypt, we discover that they were denied entry into the promised land, not because of the sins they committed, but because of their unbelief.

Since Jesus came, brought the law of grace, and gave Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of all who will only believe in Him, to those who, in faith, believe that Jesus is the redeemer, our eternal residence in the kingdom of God in heaven, is guaranteed.

We see herein that, just as the Hebrews were judged upon their disbelief, we to will be so judged, not for our personal actions, but whether or not we accept Jesus Christ as Savior.~

Lesson 569

(Lesson 569)(03-08-13) Hebrews Chapter 2, "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted."

This lesson demonstrates how Jesus, the human man, was born of God and sent to die the death as an atoning sacrifice for the sins of all who will believe in Him. This continues Paul's argument that Jesus was set apart from the angels in that He is the Son of God, a third of the Holy Triune, and indeed God in the form of a man.

NOTE: It appears that a part of this letter to the Hebrews is missing from the Holy Bible. Paul invariably started his letters with a salutation to those to whom he was writing. However, the epistle to the Hebrews has no such salutation. It is also missing the cause for Paul's discussion of the authenticity and spiritual placing of Jesus as compared to the angels of God. I say that because everything Paul did was a reaction to something someone else, or a certain group, had done. That, of course, is with the exception of his teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I certainly don't mean to imply that the word of God is incomplete but I would surely love to hear the discussion that was Paul's finding it necessary to explain the separation of Jesus, as a spiritual entity, from the angels.

Mostly, I'm just glad that he did. :) ~

Lesson 568

(Lesson 568)(03-07-13) Hebrews Chapter 1, "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?"

Today's lesson demonstrates that someone, probably among the Jews, was putting forth the idea that Jesus was an angel, compelling Paul to go about proving that Jesus was indeed the only begotten Son of God and NOT and angel.

There are those today who identify Jesus as a mere prophet or an angel. Mormonism identifies Jesus as the brother of Satan!
Our purpose, as devoted Christians, is to be a beacon to the true gospel of Jesus Christ as He presented it Himself. We can do this by educating ourselves to the pure doctrine of Christ and challenging those who so blatantly misrepresent it.
It's high time we rise to our duty as those to whom God has entrusted His word.~

Lesson 567

(Lesson 567)(03-06-13) Philemon Chapter 1, "Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen."

Paul wrote this letter to Philemon and the others sending his blessing and salutation, encouraging the Church family to take in Onesimus, someone who obviously had at some time caused contention among them.
This lesson is a glowing example of how, we as Church members, are to forgive and forget the wrong doings of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Paul even offered to personally take on any debt that Onesimus might have left unpaid.

This letter must have been written in Paul's latter years, "Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as PAUL THE AGED, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ."

If only we today could muster the diligence of Paul and some of the other disciples.~

Lesson 566

(Lesson 566)(03-05-13) Titus Chapter 3, "Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen."

This lesson contains one of my very favorite passages, "For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH WE HAVE DONE, BUT ACCORDING TO HIS MERCY HE SAVED US, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being JUSTIFIED BY HIS GRACE, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

There is nothing I can add to that.~

Lesson 565

(Lesson 565)(03-04-13) Titus Chapter 2, "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee."

In todays lesson Paul describes how a Christian family is to conduct itself. If these simple rules were followed in modern families the world would be in a much, much better place.

Lesson 564

(Lesson 564)(03-03-13) Titus Chapter 1, "Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."

Today's is another lesson wherein Paul warns Titus and the faithful against those who would distort the truth of the Gospel. Paul said, "For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, SPECIALLY THEY OF THE CIRCUMCISION: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

As we study the New Testament and learn about the beginnings of the Christian Church as it grew among the Gentiles, we must remember how Paul, unlike Peter, fought against the constant drive to inject Jewish pomp and ritualistic influence onto the Gentile believers. They demanded things that were in clear contradiction with the gospel.

Today the true Church, Just as Paul predicted, struggles to stand up against pressure from those who would twist the true doctrine of Jesus Christ so that it is monetarily beneficial to those who would preach it. They separate the children of God into classes by wearing distinguishing robes and other disgusting bling. There are ceremonies demanded that are totally absent from the commandment of Jesus Himself.

Those of us who believe there should be perfection in the preaching of God's word should stand up and demand that the Church be returned to its original, authorized, task which is to spread the promise of the amazing grace of God through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the remittance of sins for those who simply believe in Him.~

Lesson 563

(Lesson 563)(03-02-13) 2 Timothy Chapter 4, "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren. The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen."

At the beginning of this lesson, while encouraging Timothy to remain true to the gospel, Paul draws a vivid picture of Today's Christianity. "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

This statement very correctly describes what passes for a "worship" service today. There are those who shirk their resposibility to the gospel by practicing all manner of pomp and ritual two or three times a week insisting that it suffice for a teaching the gospel "to every creature". In most instances these rituals draw attention away from the message of salvation and onto those who participate in them. In many instances, "church" has become a sideshow.

Like Paul, I believe the duty of a Christian is to first be prepared to teach the pure gospel of Jesus Christ, without the bells and whistles, to every soul who will listen and to give freely to make sure the needs of the Church community are met.

In the latter portion of this lesson, Paul gives his final instructions to Timothy and gives him a who was where in the ministry to the Gentiles.~

Lesson 562

(Lesson 562)(03-01-13) 2 Timothy Chapter 3, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

The first part of today's lesson very clearly identifies what has happened to Christianity today. We have become a religion of convenience, whatever feels good, do it. If the restrictions of true Christianity are too burdensome we simply ignore them and pretend the bible justifies our actions.

It is my firm belief that the truly saved walk a different walk and talk a different talk. Not because they God requires it of them, but because they choose to because of their spiritual rebirth. They don't pretend to live above sin, they simply accept the fact that until they receive their glorified bodies, they are consumed by sin, also accepting the responsibility for their actions in the knowledge that they are born sinners, and allowing the grace of our omniscient God to "justify" them.

In the final portion of today's lesson, Paul sums up what is expected of a Christian, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." If we study as we should we will learn that we, as Christians, are a work in progress toward a perfection we will never attain until such a time as God converts our bodies into the pure sin free beings that were Adam and Eve before they disobeyed God. Until that time we are to obey these two simple commandments , "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." Matthew 22:37-39.