Lesson 797

(Lesson 797)(10-31-13) Today's lesson is from Matthew 13:10-23;

"And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."

In the first part of this quote, Jesus explains to His Apostles why He was speaking to the crowd in parables,(analogies). Jesus knew that it would be impossible for them to fully understand the the "kingdom" (His Church), without the guidance of His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit would not descend upon the Church until Jesus had completed His testament, and had been resurrected to return to the Father.

Therefore, Jesus only counseled His Apostles about the details of the Church and temporarily granted them the power to accomplish those things that every member would be empowered to accomplish when the Holy Spirit had fully come.

We must remember that the plan of salvation would not be complete until Jesus had been crucified, buried, and resurrected.
In the latter portion of today's lesson, Jesus explains the parable of "the sower" to His Apostles.~

Lesson 796

(Lesson 796)(10-30-13) Today's lesson begins the thirteenth chapter of Matthew, verses 1-9;

"The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear."

In this lesson, the "seeds" Jesus refers to represent His testament, the gospel He and His disciples would preach, and that would eventually be spread throughout the world. The "ground" mentioned herein, represented the places from which His gospel would, or would not, be spread.

Jesus explained that there would be some who would ignore His word outright (those along the wayside), and others who would pretend to believe, then turn their backs of Him.(stoney ground)
There would be others, however, (the "good" ground) who would believe on Him, accept His amazing grace, and spread the good news of His redeeming power through faith in Him.

Those who today accept the responsibility to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, should always be willing to go to any length to see to it that those who want to hear the gospel, have a chance to hear it. However, modern teachers should always be mindful that Jesus' disciples were explicitly commanded to simply move on when they came across someone who refused to listen, "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."

Sadly, there are many who erroneously feel it is better to continuously rail about the sins of their fellow man/woman, while seemingly ignoring to "go" and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ crucified, risen, and glorified.~

Lesson 795

(Lesson 795)(10-29-13) Today's lesson comes from Matthew 12:46-50:

"While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother."

In this lesson, Jesus goes further to explain that so far as being favored is concerned, the blood kindred of the Jews no longer matters. When Jesus appeared, the "chosen" status of the Hebrew people, was forever extended to include the Gentiles.
Whereas, before the coming of Jesus Christ, God had only dealt with, and through, the blood descendants of Abraham, upon the coming of Jesus Christ, and His new law of grace through faith, the "chosen" status would be extended to include those of us whom have accepted, and those who will accept, that righteousness Jesus can/will impute into us/them, through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

When, in the above reference, Jesus was asked; "Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother."
Although there are many who will disagree with what I've said here, this scripture, along with many other such references throughout the New Testament, is sufficient proof, to me, that today, God's "chosen" people are those who make up His Church.~

Lesson 794

(Lesson 794)(10-28-13) Today's lesson is taken from Matthew 12:43-45:

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation."

In this lesson, Jesus defined the wicked leadership of Israel as an "unclean spirit".
He went on to explain how that after the completion of His upcoming sacrificial ordeal, (His death, burial, and resurrection.) and after the Holy Spirit had fallen upon His Church, the "unclean spirits" (The leadership of the Jews.) would be removed from the comfortable "house" they had before so wickedly controlled. That "house" would be made "empty, swept, and garnished." (Replaced by His Church)

Jesus confirmed this when He said, "Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation."

There are many today who still defend the nation of Israel, and thereby Judaism, because the Jews, before the coming of Christ, were exclusively God's chosen people. However, as was demonstrated in yesterday's lesson, by the coming of Jesus Christ, the "axe" was laid to the root of the "chosen" status of the Jews.

The Jews held exclusive access to the grace of God before the coming of Christ, but today, after He "swept clean" their "house", all those who place their faith in Jesus Christ, share access to God's loving grace.~

Lesson 793

(Lesson 793)(10-27-13) For today's lesson we go to Matthew 12:38-42;

"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."

In this lesson, after being asked to give a sign that would cause the scribes and Pharisees to believe in Him, Jesus drew a parallel between the three day adventure of Jonah in the belly of a fish, with the three day ordeal of His own upcoming death, burial, and resurrection. He explained how the people of Nineveh had repented because of the message Jonah brough, and how, even though He was so much greater that Jonah, His own people, the Jews, would not repent at His coming.

Jesus used the example of the relationship between "the queen of the south" and Solomon, to explain how the Gentiles would eagerly accept Him and build upon His Church.

The unwillingness of the Jewish nation to accept Jesus Christ as the Messiah, cost them their "chosen people" status with God.

In Matthew 3:7-10, John the Baptist gave the example of how the "trees"(The Jews) would have the axe laid to their root because they "bringeth not forth good fruit". John also explained how being a Jew no longer mattered since God is able to raise up His children from stones. (The "children" raised up from those "stones" would later prove to be the Gentiles who took over the Church that Jesus established, the new "chosen people".)

"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." Matt. 3:7-10~

Lesson 792

(Lesson 792)(10-26-13) Today's lesson comes from Matthew 12:22-37;

"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. 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."

After Jesus had healed the man who was possessed by a devil, the Jewish leaders accused Him of using the power of the devil to heal. Jesus quickly demonstrated the absurdity of their claim with this analogy, "a house divided against itself cannot stand". This meant that if one applies his/her own strength (Satan) to defeat his/herself (Satan), that one is doomed from the beginning.

In the second portion of this lesson, Jesus makes it clear that before one takes on any enemy, that one must first demonstrate his/her power over that enemy. In this case, Jesus was proving that the power of God, through Him, could and did, overcome the enemy, even Satan himself.

Jesus further explained that if He had indeed cast out the devil by the power of Satan, the healing would have served no purpose at all, other than to promote Satan.

Then Jesus said the following, "But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.". This meant that by His demonstrating the power of God through the healing, He was proving that good was being done and that the Messiah had indeed come in power, and was standing among them.

The next portion of this lesson, Jesus tells us that the sins of all mankind can be forgiven with one exception, that being the blasphemy or rejection of the Holy Spirit.

Finally, Jesus explained that a "corrupt" tree would always bear bad fruit, while any "good" tree would always bear good fruit. This meant that the healing of the the man who was possessed, could not have come from the power of Satan because it was not a "corrupt" act. The fact that what Jesus had done made the man's life better, the healing in itself was proof that it had come for the loving power of God.~

Lesson 791

(Lesson 791)(10-25-13) Our lesson today comes from Matthew 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."

Today's lesson demonstrates the ongoing conflict between Jesus and the Jewish hierarchy who were out to destroy Him.

He demonstrated to the Pharisees, through His analogy of the fallen sheep, that caring for the injured and infirm was more important than strict obedience to the Law.

What occurred in this lesson also fulfilled another one of Isaiah's prophesies about the coming of Jesus.

We can apply this lesson to some of today's Christians in that, instead of focusing on and trying to correct their own shortcomings, some too quickly leap to condemn others when they don't fully understand the motives of those they accuse.

In essence, the lesson tells us that we are to help those who need help no matter what the law might say, or what the self-righteous might think of us.

The primary purpose of a child of God is to fulfill the two "great" 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. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:37-40)~

Lesson 790

(Lesson 790)(10-24-13) For today's lesson we refer to Matthew 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 is another lesson that can readily be applied to "Christianity" today. Jesus, herein, makes it very clear that He is Lord of all, and that His will supercedes every rule of man, including the Law of Moses.

When the will of God conflicts with the rules of man, in the mind of a true Christian, there should be no contest, the will of God should win out every time.

It seems however, to be the practice of many in today's "Christian" society, to ignore the needs of those around them and instead focus all their attention on adhering strictly to the rules of the law and tradition. They go driving by countless numbers of lost souls on their way to "forsake not the assembling of yourselves together".
Jesus' lesson to the Pharisees in the corn patch, demonstrates that everyday necessities, such as adequate sustinance, take precedent over ALL the traditions of the law. Even King David, who was expecially loved by God, broke the traditional rules of the law and fed His men from the "sacred" show bread.
Today however, there are few who will run the risk of being rebuked by their "churches" to step away from tradition and actually do something that might assist in some lost soul's search for God's saving grace.

In everything we do, as Christians, we should put the will of almighty God first. We should ALWAYS reach out and offer a helping hand to those who are struggling, in any way we can find. We should NEVER allow someone to suffer when it is within our capability to ease that suffering.

Jesus took time out from His ministry to stop and feed the multitudes, "And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat." Matthew 14:15-16~

Lesson 789

(Lesson 789)(10-23-13) Today's lesson is from Matthew 11:20-30;

"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. 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."

In this lesson Jesus berates those cities that had refused to hear and believe His truth. He goes on the state that He is the ONLY means of redemption and again encourages the people to hear Him.

the last portion of this lesson contains some of the sweetest words that are spoken in the New Testament, "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."
Its a shame that so many choose to distort the meaning of this quote by imposing false restrictions on God's plan for eternal salvation.~

Lesson 788

(Lesson 788)(10-22-13) For today's lesson we refer to Matthew 11:16-19:

"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."

In today's lesson, Jesus rails against the uncaring inconsistency of the Jews of His day. It seems the Jewish people, the very ones God had chosen to represent Him, expressed no particular purpose, they simply carped against everything and stood for nothing except their own habitual uselessness.

This lesson is another that can be applied directly to "Christianity today. Wherever we might choose to go, we find designated and organized places of "worship" where "worshippers" show up two or three times a week and "worship". Sadly, very few of these "worshippers" are willing to step away from their established ritual and take on the things that are really required to spread the good news of eternal redemption.
Jesus sent the following message to the Church at Laodicea; "And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 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." (Revelation 3:14-16)

Just like the Jewish nation, who were at that time, God's only chosen people and were supposed to represent His will before the coming of Jesus, Christianity today has become "lukewarm". Again, just like the ancient Jews, "Christians" have become a do nothing but "worship" people! We have forgotten what Jesus told His disciples to do just before He ascended, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
[20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matt. 28:19-20)
Instead of being "teach"ers, we have become only listeners! Therefore, we are subject to being judged by the same standard as the Laodiceans.

*The word "baptizing", as it is applied in Matt. 28:19 correctly translates to, 'immersing', which means to bury within, this instruction has nothing to do with water "baptism". If written in today's common English, the instruction would read as follows, 'Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, burying them within the concept of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"

This too will be discussed more fully as these lessons progress.~

Lesson 787

(Lesson 787)(10-21-13) Today's lesson comes from Matthew 11:&-15:

"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."

In this lesson, Jesus identifies John the Baptist as the greatest of all the prophets. The one who the man God chose to lay the groundwork for the coming of the Messiah.

It was obvious by what Jesus said, "What went ye out into the wilderness to see?", that the Jews had expected that the man who would announce the arrival of the Lord would be someone of high esteem, someone from among their own priesthood, instead, John came from out of the desert with nothing, a common man wearing camel skin, gaining sustainance from only the things God had granted him in the desert.

There is a great lesson herein for today's Christian people. These few verses warns us that God has no respect for pomp and ritual, and does not expect His children to practice it. God chooses His workers from among the common people, not from among those who are considered by others to be the elite.

It appeared that Jesus had disdain for those who held themselves out for high positions, and those who tried to bring acclaim upon themselves.

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Matthew 7:15~

Lesson 786

(Lesson 786)(10-20-13) Today's lesson comes from Matthew 11:1-6:

"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."

The very first verse in this lesson tells us that Jesus had taught His disciples everything they needed to know before they set out to teach the news of His coming, "when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples".

That statement meant that Jesus had covered all the important issues in preparation for sending out His Apostles. The instructions contained within Matthew chapter ten covered: What, How When, Why, and to whom, the Apostles were to preach the news of the coming of Jesus Christ.

It is very important, for those of us who take upon ourselves the responsibility to teach New Testament truth, to make make sure we learn, and apply, each element of these instructions. Of course, the restriction that only allowed the Apostles to teach the Jews, no longer applies since the Church today includes both Jews and Gentiles and the rules of the *Law of Moses have been fulfilled by Jesus.

Herein also, John learned that Jesus, the Messiah, had truly come. John's work was almost complete, he had done what he was divinely destined to do. He had prepared the way of the Lord and preached the coming of the kingdom of Christ, and had lived to learn of its beginning.

By sending the men back to tell John about the miracles He had performed, and those that were being done by His disciples, Jesus assured John that He was indeed the promised Messiah, the one who would "baptize" those who would believe in Him with the Holy Ghost.

*The ten commandments that so many of today's "Christians" want posted all over the place, thought they give good direction for a Christian should live, were a part of the law of Moses and were, as was the rest of that law, fulfilled by the Jesus Christ. "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: (Matt. 5:17-18), "I am not come to destroy, but to FUFIL. 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." Through the perfect sacrifice that was made by Jesus Christ, the Law of Moses was fulfilled, and the rules that apply to those of us whom have accepted His saving grace, have forever changed.

There will be much more coverage of this issue as these lessons progress.~

Lesson 785

(Lesson 785)(10-19-13) For today's lesson we refer to Matthew 10:40-42;

"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."

In this very short lesson, Jesus makes some extremely important points. First He defines who they are that have a chance to be recognized among His disciples, and thereby counted among whom the seed of the gospel can be planted, "He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me."

Jesus, again talking to an entirely Jewish audience, makes it clear that those Jews (As well as the lost today.) who are willing to step out and listen to His gospel, will be among those who are separated out from among the rejectors and, in essence, given a much greater chance to become His own.

Jesus goes on to make the point that for whatever effort is extended, an equal reward will be offered, "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." He then goes on to say, in essence, that those who genuinely make an effort to do the things inherent in a child of God, such as caring for a someone in need, will also receive a 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 lesson defines, and lays out the requirements of those who desire to reflect a truly Christian attitude as being receptive to His saving grace, and practicing the love of others that the gospel so obviously demands.~

Lesson 784

(Lesson 784)(10-18-13) Out lesson for today comes from Matthew 10:34-39;

"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."

Jesus knew those hypocrites among the Jewish hierarchy, the high priests, scribes, lawyers, of both the Pharisees, and Sadducees, whom all had so long benefitted from their distorted version of the Law of Moses, were not going to go down without an enormous fight. Therefore, He warned His disciples to be prepared for a battle to the death as they spread the news of His new law of faith, and salvation by grace through faith.

Every day our modern news outlets post the number of those whom have been killed somewhere in the world, in the name of some religion. Even so-called "Christian" groups rabidly condemn each other because of their own ignorance and often grossly distorted, versions of the gospel of Christ.

Jesus, by knowing the hearts of mankind and knowing their greed driven nature, very accurately prophesied, not only the horrendous price that would be paid by early Christians but also the struggles faced by those who preach scriptural truth today.

Jesus said that those who were unwilling to take a stand and defend His gospel were not His, "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."

He also those who are unwilling to take His gospel on the road, "And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me."

In the final portion of this lesson, Jesus said, "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." This means that if we place more value on the everyday lives we lead than we do on our duty to teach the lost, we will lose the very life we are trying to build. However, if step out and diligently go about spreading the good news of His redemption, we will inherit whatever life we desire.~

Lesson 783

(Lesson 783)(10-17-13) (10-17-13) today's instruction comes from Matthew 10:32-33;
"Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him I will confess 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."

This lesson is a simple and short one. Jesus simply said that those who deny him are doomed.
It is our challenge, as Christians, to teach Jesus to all who are willing to listen, so that He cannot be denied.~

Lesson 782

(Lesson 782(10-16-13) Today's lesson is taken from Matthew 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."

In today's lesson Jesus assures those who would dare to spread His message that they should not fear those who would rise up against them, "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."

Those of us who profess to be Christians today should take this lesson to heart. There is much more to fear from those who preach false doctrines, and distort the gospel of Jesus Christ, than there is from those who don't believe at all.
Jesus also said, "What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops."
We should loudly preach those things that Jesus has left us in His blessed testament.~

Lesson 781

(Lesson 781)(10-15-13) Todays lesson comes from Matthew 10:21-23;

"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 is another extremely important lesson for those who believe eternal salvation is an "on again, off again" deal, that depends upon whether or not one is a "sinner" at any particular time.

There is much misunderstand about what Jesus meant when He said, "but he that endureth to the end shall be saved."

First, we must remember that Jesus was talking to a group of Jews who were about to set out on a mission to replace the religious laws of their own people. They were about to openly defy the very laws that had governed their belief system for most of their entire history.

Jesus, very correctly, prepared them for that task by warning them of the dangers they would confront. Jesus knew the faith of those men would be stretched to its limits, it was His test of their worthiness to go on as His representatives, after He had ascended back to the Father. His statement, "he that endureth to the end shall be saved." meant that those who, while He was yet with them, held firmly to their faith in Him, even in the face of death, would show themselves worthy to be called His Apostles. Jesus gave this test knowing that if they placed their faith in Him, they would not die at the hands of those they would confront. Therefore, just as faith in Jesus Christ secures the eternal salvation of the children of God today, the faith of those Apostles would ultimately save not only their lives but, after the sacrificial ordeal of Christ, also their eternal souls.

Once we have accepted the amazing grace of God, through Jesus Christ, we are guaranteed that our souls will be sealed by the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:30, "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." This passage clearly says that the sould of the saved are sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption! ~

Lesson 780

(Lesson 780)(10-14-13) For today's lesson we refer to Matthew 10:16-20;

"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."

In this lesson, Jesus warned His Apostles of the dangers that lay in wait for them as they went about spreading the news of His arrival.

The Apostles, were confronted by a well established group of religionists made up of mostly Jewish leaders and Gentile political figures, who would readily kill the Apostles to maintain their positions of power.
Jesus said, "I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves."

The writings of Paul and the others would later bear this out just as Jesus had warned. Many of the early disciples met their death while faithfully maintaining their devotion to, and teaching the good news of salvation by grace through faith. Those who were Killed included both Peter and Paul.

It behooves us to pay attention to what Jesus said they/we should do in preparation for their/our defense before the councils that would oppose them/us.

Jesus said, "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."

Although the challenges we, as teachers of the word, confront today are far less likely to be life threatening, it is still very comforting to know that the Holy Spirit of God has our backs. If those of us who dare to teach the pure gospel of Jesus Christ are confronted by false doctrines or the laws of those who hate us, Jesus said, the Holy Spirit will speak in our defense. What a wonderful and blessed security blanket!

With this in mind, we should study tirelessly and awake each day challenging ourselves to teach more lost souls God's plan of salvation.~

Lesson 779

(Lesson 779)(10-13-13) This lesson comes from Matthew 10:7-15;

"And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand."

In this lesson, Jesus disclosed the message His Apostles were to teach. It's is the same message Jesus taught, Matt. 4:17, "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." It is the also the exact same message that was preached by John the baptist, Matt. 3:1-2, "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.".

I will try to establish why John, Jesus and the Apostles taught this message and how this message is to be understood today.

In the Old Testament, after all humanity had been destroyed except Noah, Ham, Shem, Japheth and their wives. And, after God's covenant with Abraham and his seed, God required His people to live by a set of rules, (The Law of Moses). Violation of that Law meant eternal separation from God unless the disobedience was atoned under the guidelines set out by the Law.

That procedure for atonement included three separate and distinct steps. The first was to "repent" the disobedience,(admit that you guilty and never do it again). Second, the "sinner" was required to submit themselves to a ritual water bath, (water baptism) which figuratively "washed" away the sin. Then Third the "sinner" was required to offer up some living thing as a blood sacrifice. After those three steps were completed the "sinner" was again reconciled to God.

As our heavenly Father knew from the beginning that it would, that Law horribly failed because of inherent sin in mankind (Adam's disobedience) and his/her inability to follow any set of rules at all.

God the Father, after giving mankind countless chances and watching them fail over and over again, sent His Son Jesus, in human form, to live the perfect example under the Law and to be a perfect sacrifice (Under the Law) for the sins of all who will only believe in Him.

I said all that to establish why the message "Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." was so important to the Jewish people of Jesus' day.

That message simply meant that the prophesies had been fulfilled and the Messiah had come. It was to prepare the Jews for the transition from the Law of Moses, to the new law of grace through faith by which the new "kingdom" would abide. That message was meant only for the Jews of Jesus' day.~

Lesson 778

(Lesson 778)(10-12-13) Our lesson today comes from Matthew 10:1-6;

"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."

In the very first part the instructions Jesus gave to those twelve named Apostles, Jesus told them to PREACH TO JEWS ONLY. They were told to avoid the Gentiles altogether, specifically the Samaritans.

There is much significance to be placed on Jesus telling His Apostles to avoid the Gentiles. That is because they, themselves were all Jews and under the Law of Moses no Jew was allowed to associate with Gentiles since they were considered unclean under the Law.

The Law of Moses remained in full affect until Jesus completed His divine ordeal and ascended back to heaven.
Once Jesus had been crucified, buried, resurrected, and had ascended the law God had given Moses would be fulfilled for both Jews and Gentiles who would come to accept Jesus as the Messiah and accept His sacrifice as the, 'one time fits all', remitter of ALL sin.

Jesus, Himself being a Jew, was, during His earthly ministry, bound to obey the Law of Moses until His testament of perfection was complete.

Lesson 777

(Lesson 777)(10-11-13) Today's lesson is taken from Matthew 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 again confirms the power of Jesus Christ over all things. Jesus said something very interesting as He gave sight to the two blind men, He asked, "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."

This means that Jesus did not freely heal those two blind men, He placed a price on that healing. He said, "according to your FAITH be it unto you."
In order for the blind men to receive sight, they were were required to have absolute faith that their sight would be given to them. Which, evidently, they did because their sight was granted.

That same rule applies to the children of God today. In order for our prayers to be answered as we desire, we must place absolute faith in God to grant that specific request. The degree of faith we place in the answer will ultimately determine the degree to which our prayer requests will be honored.

In simple terms, if we half-heartedly ask that a brother/sister be healed, that brother/sister might, or might not, be fully healed. If, on the other hand, we pray KNOWING that God will honor His promise, and if that healing is within His will, that brother/sister WILL be healed.

Also, if we pray the same prayer over and over again as if God didn't hear us the first time, or as if He might have forgotten that we prayed, we demonstrate a lack of faith. Don't we KNOW that through Jesus Christ we worship and omniscient, all powerful God, one who sees, hears, and knows all things? Therefore, when we pray, we are to pray and then confidently begin waiting for the answer. There is no need to ask again! God will NOT forget, and if our request is within His divine will to usward, our answer will come just as we requested it.

Sadly their are too many who are horribly misguided about who, how, when, and why, they should pray.

Unqualified prayer will never be answered. James 4:3, "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.~

Lesson 776

(Lesson 776)(10-10-13) Our lesson for today is taken from Matthew 9:18-26;

"While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples. And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land."

This lesson is a further demonstration of the power of Jesus Christ over all things. The woman merely touched Jesus' clothes and through her faith in His supreme power as the Son of God, her condition was healed.

Likewise, the daughter of the "ruler" was raised from the dead because of the man's demonstrated faith in Jesus as having the power to return his daughter's life to her.

This is a powerful lesson in that it again reassures us of the power of faith. If those of us who believe in Jesus, make our prayer requests, not wondering if, but KNOWING, that Jesus will be faithful to keep His promise, we can have anything for which we ask within the will of God. "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."(Matthew 7:7-8)
Jesus made that promise while explaining the things available to the members of His Church, His children.~

Lesson 775

(Lesson 775)(10-09-13) This lesson is taken from Matthew 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."

This lesson clearly establishes that the Church was established long before the day of Pentecost, and was NOT established by the ministry, nor baptisms, of John the Baptist. The Church started when Jesus selected Peter and James as His first Apostles. They were the first members of His Church.

(NOTE: There is NO scriptural evidence that any of the original twelve Apostles were EVER baptized in water.)

We should note that, in today's lesson, reference is made to "the disciples of John". This establishes that the followers of John (Those who awaited the coming of Christ and practiced Judaism, the Jewish religion.) were a separate group from the disciples of Christ.

There are many today who believe that John's disciples and the disciples of Christ were the same group and that one's baptism must be traced to John the Baptist in order to be a legitimate water baptism. As we can see herein, the water baptism that John administered, had NOTHING to do with the Church that Jesus established. John's water baptism pertained to a totally different group of disciples.

John amassed his Jewish disciples by ceremonially baptizing them in water as per the Law of Moses, thereby preparing them for the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

Just as John himself said, "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:"

The following statement also makes a clear distinction between the disciples of John and the disciples of Christ. "Why do WE and the Pharisees fast oft, but THY DISCIPLES fast not?" This shows that, in that statement, there is an US and a THEM.

Jesus said, in essence, that where there is no sin, there is no need of redemption. John's disciples believed they were redeemed by the law. The purpose of Jesus' coming was to be a redeemer to those who believed they needed to be redeemed. He went on to explain, by using metaphors, how salvation by grace, could not be reconciled with the rules of the Law of Moses. The Law of Moses and salvation by grace through faith, are two completely different doctrines. If we, as the early Jews tried to, mix the two doctrines, both become worthless. Therefore Jesus fulfilled the law for those of us who believe in Him, and established His new law of grace.

"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." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Lesson 774

(Lesson 774)(10-08-13) Today's lesson concerns the selection of Matthew to the Apostleship and also the hypocrisy of the Jewish hierarchy, Matthew 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."

The actions of the Pharisees mentioned in this lesson, are reflected by far too many who represent today's "church".

Over the centuries taking the message to the sinners, (That method of teaching practiced by Jesus.), has sadly morphed into a system within which the "church" membership all come together two or three times a week and sit waiting for the lost to suddenly appear.

It is the duty of a member of Christ's Church to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matt. 28:19-20) There is no direction in this commandment to go and sit anywhere, we are clearly to GO and teach, not SIT and teach.

The Pharisees, spoken of in this lesson, condemned Jesus for mixing with, and preaching to, "sinners". The "church" today also broadly condemns those who step away from their comfortable little "church" circle and dare go where the "sinners" actually are.

Jesus warned us about becoming complacent when He sent a message to the Church at Laodicea, "And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 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." (Revelation 3:14-16)

Its time for Christians to step away from the security of the little self-righteous niches that have falsely come to be called the Churches and take on the duty that was laid on us by Jesus Himself.

Its past time to GO where the lost are and teach the good news of the grace of God to all who will listen.~

Lesson 773

(Lesson 773)(10-07-13) Todays lesson is a follow up on our last lesson and comes from Matthew 9:3-8;

"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, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. 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."

This lesson is not so much about the miracle Jesus performed for the leper, as it is about the hypocrisy of those Scribes.

It again demonstrates the authenticity of Jesus, His power, and how the Jews had come to make God's plan all about themselves while ignoring the true purpose of the Law that God had given them.

Those Scribes (Devout Jews) were so entrenched in the letter of the Law, as they defined it, so as to blind themselves to the intent of that Law. They didn't recognize that the Man standing in front of them was the Son of God, who, in essence, was the author of the very Law they were accusing Him of violating.

The intent of God's law was, and is, to uplift and better the lives of mankind while allowing him/her a path to redemption. What more powerful demonstration of love, and obedience to that law, could there be than to cure someone of a horrible disease? Yet, those Scribes defined what Jesus did as a sin against the Law.

Jesus very precisely defined sin in Matthew 22:35-40, "Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 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."

Jesus said, in essence, that all sin is encompassed within these two commandments. ("the law and the prophets") The worldly things we do daily, that do not in any way violate either of these commandments, are NOT sins.

Jesus said, "On these two dommandmenst hang all the law and the prophets." Meaning that anything that is done within the limitations of these two commandments cannot be sin. On the other hand, anything that is done in violation of any part of these two commandments IS sin.

If our actions have the intent of exalting God, and are always done for the benefit of our fellow man, they CANNOT be called sinful, no matter what those actions might be.~

Lesson 772

(Lesson 772)(10-03-13) Today's lesson is taken from Matthew 9:1-2;

"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."

This lesson makes one, very clear, very concise, point, that point being that faith alone brings forgiveness of sin.

There is very little to be added to this statement, "Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee."

All that was required to forgive the palsied man's sin, was his faith!

Those who contend that one must receive water baptism and/or jump through a series of worldly hoops to receive forgiveness, should study this lesson over and over again.~

Lesson 771

(Lesson 771)(10-02-13) Our lesson for today comes from Matthew 8:34;

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."

The most prominent point made in today's lesson is that those devils recognized Jesus to be the Son of God the moment they saw Him.

They also immediately demonstrated that Jesus had power over them to do with them as He pleased and were afraid of what His choice might be.

This lesson is a very important confirmation of Jesus' power over Satan, in all his various forms. He stands ready to intercede and chase the devils out of our lives whenever we call on Him.~

Lesson 770

(Lesson 770)(10-01-13) Today's lesson is comes from Matthew 8:24-27;

"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 gives us another example of the promise that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, those of us who have placed our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, can accomplish anything, even to the point of calming a raging sea.

When the storm raged and the ship was tossed, just like most of us probably would today, Jesus' disciples became afraid and went running to Him for help. Seeing their fear, Jesus asked them, "Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?" Jesus knew that if the faith of those disciples had been sufficient, all they would have had to do was, through His name, command the sea to stand still and the water would have obeyed their command. Instead, however, they demonstrated a complete lack of faith and went running for help.

Many of today's "Christians" are guilty of that same lack of faith. We pretend to believe that our prayers will be answered, but don't truly believe we will receive the answer we desire. We are the cause of our own suffering in that we don't rely of the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ to fulfill the promise He made to us.
In John 14:12-14 Jesus made this wonderful promise, to both His early disciples, and those of us who place our absolute faith in Him today, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it."

When our lives become troubled, the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ stands ready to grant us the power, through faith, to overcome all storms. Praise God, there is no greater power than that.~