Lesson 1051

(Lesson 1051)(07-31-14) John 3:13-21

"And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."

Today's lesson very clearly demonstrates how a lost soul is to become spiritually "reborn" and thereby awarded eternal life and eternal access to the presence of God.
Jesus said; "as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.".

Those of us whom have studied the Old Testament will know that Jesus was referring to a time when the Hebrew people, during their exodus from Egypt, were plagued by countless poisonous snakes. "And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived." (Numbers 21:6-9)

We can determine from what Jesus said in today's quote and His reference to the brass serpent, that all we must do to achieve a spiritual rebirth, and to be saved from eternal death, is to have faith enough to look upon, and rely upon, the risen Jesus Christ just in the same manner that the Hebrew people in the days of Moses looked upon the elevated brass serpent and were given life. Just as is so plainly stated in todays lesson, there are no other hoops that must be jumped through, nor are there other steps to be taken, we need only have faith in a risen Jesus Christ to have eternal life.

Jesus went further in the remaining verses of today's quote to relate the reasons for providing redemption for the sins of the world, He said; "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Because He loved us, God presented a promised means by which we could attain eternal life other than relying upon our own good works.

As Jesus said; "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."

The last part of this lesson establishes where we stand without faith; "He that believeth on him is not condemned: but HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT IS CONDEMNED ALREADY, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."

Keep in mind, this did not say he is condemned because he was not baptized in water, or because he hasn't lived a perfect sin free life, it clearly says that mankind is condemned because he/she did not BELIEVE in the only begotten Son of God.~

Lesson 1050

(Lesson 1050)(07-30-14) John 3:9-12

"Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?"

In today's quote, Nicodemus did not yet understand how being "born again" would work. He obviously did not understand, as we now know, that the rebirth would be accomplished when the lost accepted the renewal of spiritual life that came when Jesus completed His, yet to come, sin remitting sacrifice.

Jesus told Nicodemus, in essence, that as a Jewish spiritual authority, he should have gathered from the study of the prophets, that Jesus (The Messiah), would someday inevitably come and offer a means by which all humanity could receive a spiritual renewal, and a means by which they could have their sin remitted and be redeemed back to the good graces of God.

Jesus said; "we speak what we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness." Jesus, in essence, told Nicodemus that his thinking, much like many today, was restricted to purely physical aspects of redemption and that he had not perceived the spiritual aspects of the same.

Jesus implied that Nicodemus had not understood that the message of the prophets had also predicted a spiritual renewal .

Jesus then said further; "If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?" In that quote, Jesus told Nicodemus that if he was unable to understand and believe the physical aspects of the divine rebirth, then he most certainly would not be able to understand how the renewing (rebirth) of the spirit.

Looking back on this lesson, and knowing what we now know, we should consider how confusing this must have seemed to Nicodemus, seeing that he was being challenged to accept what Jesus said, purely by faith.

More of what Jesus was teaching during His encounter with Nicodemus as tomorrow we continue through the third chapter of John.~

Lesson 1049

(Lesson 1049)(07-29-14) John 3:8

"Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again."

In this verse, Jesus told Nicodemus not to be puzzled by His statement, "Ye must be born again". As was determined in yesterday's quote, the rebirth Jesus was referring to was a rebirth of the spirit, not the physical, or water rebirth.

Sadly, there are too many who sincerely believe that by using the phrase "born of water", as it was applied in yesterday's lesson, and which clearly refers to the physical or "water" birth, Jesus was implying that being immersed in water, or having water sprinkled on one's body constitutes being reborn.

The context of this entire series of lessons and the common sense Jesus applied as He explained it to Nicodemus, simply disallows that possibility.

As was discussed in yesterday's lesson, Jesus spoke of only two births, a natural birth and a rebirth. In order to allow for a separate "water" birth, one would necessarily be required to have a third birth. As was also stated yesterday, the phrase "born of the flesh" is clearly in reference to the physical, or first birth. The phrase "born of the spirit" was clearly in reference to the rebirth of renewal of the spirit. There was no mention of a third birth.

There will be further clarification of this misunderstanding as the study of John 3 continues.~

　

Lesson 1048

(Lesson 1048)(07-28-14) John 3:1-6

"There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."

Today's lesson is a very important one and when correctly understood, it refutes some scriptural misconceptions that are used as a foundation for the tenets of many erroneous religious isms.

When Jesus saw that Nicodemus was puzzled by His actions, Jesus told him, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Jesus explained to Nicodemus that until His soul had been saved and transformed by undergoing a spiritual rebirth, he would not be able to enter into the "kingdom of God". In other words, Nicodemus would not be saved from eternal death and hell until his spirit had been transformed by the rebirth brought about by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Himself.

Not understanding what Jesus meant by being "born again", Nicodemus asked Jesus to explain. Jesus went further to say; "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and "that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."

As we study the rest of this encounter between Nicodemus and Jesus in the coming days, we should note that Jesus, by making the point made in the last verse of this quote, makes it very clear that He is speaking of only two births not three, the natural birth, "that which is born of the flesh" and the spiritual birth, "that which is born of the spirit".

When, in today's quote, Jesus said; "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.", the "water' birth Jesus referenced is clearly the birth of the flesh and has nothing to do with water baptism.

Note that Jesus NEVER made reference to three births, only two. If His use of the phrase "born of water" had implied a water baptism, He would have of a necessity told Nicodemus he must be born three times, one: Birth of the flesh. Two: Born of water. Three Born of the spirit.

Water baptism is by no stretch of the imagination, implied in what Jesus said in today's quote. Keep this in mind as we continue this lesson tomorrow.~

Lesson 1047

(Lesson 1047)(07-26-14) John 2:12-25

"After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days. And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man."

Today's quote relates how Jesus chased the merchants out of the temple. When the merchants asked Jesus why He had thrown them out, He made a comparison between the destruction of the temple to His forthcoming death, burial, and resurrection.

The final point of this lesson explains why Jesus would not, knowing the hearts of mankind, associate Himself with the common people for fear that they would perceive Him as just another sorcerer. There were, however, many who recognized Him for who He really was and believed in Him.~

Lesson 1046

(Lesson 1046)(07-25-14) John 2:1-10

"And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him."

Today's lesson relates the first miracle performed by Jesus whereas He turned water into wine for the wedding party.

This was the beginning of the many miracles Jesus would perform as He taught and proved Himself to be the only begotten Son of God.~

Lesson 1045

(Lesson 1045)(07-24-14) John 1:35-51

"Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man."

In today's lesson, Jesus began the selection of His twelve Apostles. John's account of this selection process differs slightly from that of Matthew and Mark. In both of those accounts Peter was the first to be called. Here in John's account it was Andrew who brought Peter to Christ.

There are several instances of slight differences in the gospel accounts given of the ministry of Jesus, none of which have any bearing on either the content or intent of His holy word. ~

Lesson 1044

(Lesson 1044)(07-23-14) John 1:32-34

"And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God."

Today's lesson, again, provides us with a distinction between water baptism and the baptism that allows mankind to become "the sons of God", as was stated in a previous lesson: "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name". (John 1:12)

It is made clear herein that those who "believe on His name" are given "the power to become the sons of God".

The power of the Holy Ghost is that "power" that power to become the children of God. By believing on, or becoming one with by immersion into, the name of Jesus Christ, one is given the power of the Holy Ghost, or the power to become a child of God.

This is further evidenced in that the souls of the saved are "sealed" by the Holy Spirit until Jesus returns. That seal was confirmed in Paul's letter to the Ephesians wherein, as he was establishing how saved people are to conduct themselves, said; "grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are SEALED unto the day of redemption." (Ephesians 3:30)

The final part of Today's lesson, John made it clear that Jesus was the one who was sent from God to provide the "baptism" whereby salvation and the power of the Holy Ghost would come; "Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God."~

NOTE: The reason I spend so much time and effort defining the true meaning and intent of water baptism is because one of the greatest, if not THE greatest, misconceptions that has ever been taken from the bible is the contention that water baptism is required to attain eternal salvation.

Jesus NEVER commanded that lost souls should be baptized in water. I know there are scriptures that have been mistakenly applied that seem to refute what I've said here, therefore, I will define the ultimate meaning, and usage intent, every time any variation of the term "baptize" appears in these New Testament lessons.

Lesson 1043

(Lesson 1043)(07-22-14) John 1:29-31

"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water."

In this lesson John the Baptist sees Jesus and immediately recognizes Him as the "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" In essence John said, this is the man I have told you about.

There are two elements within this lesson that should be closely scrutinized for what they actually intend. The first is John's declaration that Jesus is the means by which "sin" was/is taken away from the world. It is only Jesus that takes away sin, not water baptism, not obedience to the "ten commandments, and not "good works". John's declaration leaves no room for those steps to be added, as is demanded by so many within modern "Christianity".

Secondly, John makes it very clear that his water baptism was merely a means by which the Jews could PREPARE themselves for the coming salvation to be offered by Jesus Christ.

When introducing Jesus, John declared; "This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water."

In this quote, John established that Jesus was indeed the man of whom he had previously spoken and that his very calling was to make Jesus "manifest to Israel,". John admitted the he knew nothing about Jesus other than that Jesus would be the one whom God had chosen to save the world from sin, and that he (John) was to prepare the people for that coming; "And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel."

In the last part of the lesson John clearly establishes the purpose for water baptism, "therefore am I come baptizing with water." John the baptist affirmed that the sole purpose of water baptism was to prepare the Jewish people for the coming of Christ.~

Lesson 1042

(Lesson 1042)(07-21-14) John 1:21-28

"And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing."

In today's quote, John the Baptist further related that he was NOT the Messiah, nor was he one of the other great prophets returned, he was instead, the man prophesied to be sent from God to prepare His people for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

As we have already learned, that preparation required the John perform water baptism for those who wished to follow Mosaic law by being washed in clean running water (baptized) before entering in to any religious experience.

John went on to demonstrate, again, that he only baptized with water and by so doing, diminished the importance of his water baptism in comparison to the baptism of the Holy Ghost that would soon be offered by Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 1041

(Lesson 1041)(07-20-14) John 1:14-20

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ."

There were many among the Jews, at the time of Christ, who believed John the Baptist to be the promised Messiah, Today's lesson, however, makes it clear that he was not .

Herein, the Apostle John reaffirms that John the Baptist was only the forerunner to Jesus who and was sent only to prepare the Jews for the coming of the real Messiah, who is Jesus Christ.

As is stated in today's quote, when asked "Who art thou?" John the Baptist replied; "I am NOT the Christ."

John again assures us that salvation (grace) comes, not from the Law of Moses, but only through Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 1040

(Lesson 1040)(07-19-14) John 1:6-13

"There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."

In today's quote, John relates the coming of John The Baptist as a preparer and precursor to the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

John herein makes it very clear that John the Baptist did NOT come to provide a means of salvation for the world, but rather he came to prepare his people for the coming of Jesus, who would provide that means of eternal salvation for the world.

Speaking of John the Baptist, John said: "He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light."

There is another element of today's lesson that I feel should be brought to light.

There are those who wrongfully believe that being "born of water" as it is stated in John 3:5 wherein Jesus said; "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.", is a reference to the necessity of water "baptism" and therefore establishes water baptism as a requirement to becoming a "born again" son (child) of God. Nothing could be further from the truth as is clearly demonstrated in today's quote wherein John makes obvious that being "born of water" has no bearing on who becomes "the sons of God"; "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."

Water baptism is something that is clearly done at the "will of the flesh" and the "will of man" and therefore cannot, in any manner, be connected to the spiritual rebirth that makes one a "son" (child) of God.

John said, "as many as receive Him, to them He gave the power to become the sons of God. God gave humanity the "power" to become His children simply by having FAITH in "His name". Therefore spiritual rebirth comes by "faith", not by water baptism.

The reference to water birth in John 3:5 is clearly a reference to natural, or "water" birth. The rebirth that saves our eternal souls is a spiritual rebirth provided for by having faith in God the Father through Jesus Christ, His Son.

This subject will be considered further when we reach the third chapter of John.~

Lesson 1039

(Lesson 1039)(07-18-14) John 1:1-5

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."

These first five verses of John relate how the universe, mankind, and all other life, came to be. John declared herein that ALL things were created by the will and hand of God. These five verses equally relate the importance of the bible to us, saying plainly that the "word" WAS God.

There are many who question the authorship of much of the bible and challenge its authenticity. This challenge can easily be answered by acknowledging that God Himself was the author by the hand of whomever He divinely chose to write it down.

These verses should provoke us to study the entire Old Testament, since it contains the answers to all the questions about the origin of life and, any other questions that might be asked about God's overall plan and purpose for mankind.

Although it was, at that time, written for the ancient Jews, the Old Testament with is the "schoolmaster" for learning the purpose for the coming of Jesus Christ.

It is doubly hard to understand the New Testament without having studied the Old Testament also; "But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been *baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

John used these five verses as a foundation for His account of The ministry of Jesus.~

*The term "Baptized" as it is applied in this text means; 'having been made one with Jesus Christ'. This is not a reference to water immersion.

Lesson 1038

(Lesson 1038)(07-17-14) Luke 24:15-53

"And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass therein these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.

Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.

Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them. And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen."

Today's quote relates how Jesus, having risen from the dead as He had promised, appeared to His Apostles, first to prove that He had indeed risen, and secondly to give them their final instructions before He ascended back to the Father. All these events took place as they had been prophesied to happen.

We find in this quote that Luke's account of Jesus' final instructions, are not worded the same as those found in Matthew, Mark, or even John. As a matter of fact, they all differ in wording.However, they all include the full and true gospel of Jesus Christ and all imply the same intent although they are worded differently. The overriding message, in all four accounts was that the gospel of Jesus Christ was to be taught to every living soul that would hear it. They were also to remain in Jerusalem until they had received the Holy Ghost.

We should note that there is no reference to "baptism" in Luke's account of those instructions. Jesus simply told them that they were to teach the gospel to the whole world, beginning at Jerusalem: "repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." This clearly implies that "remission of sins" comes only "in His name".

I have said that the use of the term "baptise", as it is applied in both Matthew and Mark's account of these instructions, does not in any way, make reference to the use of water as a remitter of sin. Luke's account verifies that contention in that he never mentions water baptism in his account of Jesus' final instructions. If water baptism were indeed essential to salvation, Luke would have most certainly included it in His account of the ministry of Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 1037

(Lesson 1037)(07-16-14) Luke 24:1-14

"Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass. And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened."

Today's quote contains the most glorious words ever spoken, "He is not here, HE IS RISEN."

Those three words finalized God's promise of redemption for all who will believe.~

Lesson 1036

(Lesson 1036)(07-15-14) Luke 23:26-56

"And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus. And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children. For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us. For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?

And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned. And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.

And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counseller; and he was a good man, and a just: (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid. And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment."

Today's quote describes the horrible torturing events of the crucifixion of Jesus.

As those of us whom have studied the bible know, Jesus had to die as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

Many modern preachers draw special attention to the emotional part of the death of Jesus and there is no doubt that what He went through no human should have to endure. However, they seem to want to make the physical suffering Jesus endured the most important part of what happened that glorious and sad day. Although Jesus did indeed suffer unimaginable pain, our attention should be drawn, not to the physical suffering Jesus endured but to the fact that Almighty God Himself loved us so much that He allowed Himself, in the form of Jesus, His only begotten human Son, to be persecuted, humiliated and killed so that we might have eternal life.

Just as Jesus told the women who grieved that day's events; "Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children." Jesus knew that what He was about to do was a far greater thing than physical suffering, He was about to complete the necessary sacrifice for the redemption of all who will believe in Him.

We should take the instructions Jesus left and grieve, not for the pain He suffered, but for those who are lost in the world today. We should make every possible effort to see that they hear the soul saving word of God before it is eternally too late.~

Lesson 1035

(Lesson 1035)(07-14-14) Luke 23:1-25

"And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King. And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.

Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man. And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place. When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean. And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time. And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.

Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.

And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.

And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. I will therefore chastise him, and release him. (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.) And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)

Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.

And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed. And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required. And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will."

Today's quote details the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. It tells us that neither Herod nor Pilate could find fault with Jesus and how both wanted to free Him back to His people. Instead, the high priest of the Jews wanted the murderer Barabbas to be released and insisted that Jesus be put to death.

Peter recounted witnessing those events in Acts 3:13-15; "The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses."~

Lesson 1034

(Lesson 1034)(07-13-14) Luke 22:63-71

"And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him. And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee? And many other things blasphemously spake they against him. And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying, Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe: And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go. Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am. And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth."

Today's quote relates the torture Jesus was put through at the hands of the Jewish leaders just before His crucifixion.

Jesus was hated among the Jewish hierarchy because He upset their apple cart, He destroyed the false illusion of their superiority they had cast before God's people.

The Jewish high priests and their minions, instead of ministering to the people and providing a spiritual link between the people and God, were using the temple, the people, and God's holy commandments, for their own personal comfort and gain.

Much of today's "Christian" leadership is guilty of the exact same spiritual crimes as were those Jewish high priests. Many modern "Churches" are far more interested in the comfort and physical well being of their membership than they are in preaching and teaching the amazing grace of God through Jesus Christ.

Because of their behavior, the majority of the Jews of Jesus' day were persecuted and scattered abroad. A much worse fate awaits those "Christians" who perpetuate false doctrines today.~

Lesson 1033

(Lesson 1033)(07-12-14) Luke 22:39-62

"And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly."

Today's lesson relates how Judas betrayed Jesus, and how the leader of the Jews came like cowards in darkness to take Him.

This lesson also demonstrates the spiritual weakness of the Apostles as they fell asleep while they were supposed to be watching out for Jesus. We know that the second coming of Christ is just as sure to happen as was His crucifixion, that very same weakness and inattention consumes much of what is called Christianity today.

The last part of the lesson exposes the cowardice and hypocrisy of Peter when, just as Jesus had said, Peter denied knowing Him three times before the rooster crowed.~

Lesson 1032

(Lesson 1032)(07-11-14) Luke 22:28-38

"Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough."

In today's lesson Jesus began to prepare His Apostles for life without Him near.

Jesus came as redeemer for the whole world but He was sent among the Jews first giving them first opportunity to repent and return to God, knowing all along that His people would reject Him.

When His mission among the Jews was completed, He turned their fate over the the twelve Apostles; "And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

Jesus clearly intended that Peter and the others were to continue preaching to their own people, He even appointed part of His kingdom to them, seeing that they were to judge the twelve tribes of Israel.

Jesus again singled out Peter and said to Him, "and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." This meant that Peter, after He and the others received the power of the Holy Ghost, was to strengthen his "brethren". Who were Peter's "brethren"? They were not just those other eleven Apostles, Peter's "brethren" were ALL the Jews. Jesus assigned Peter as the Apostle to the Jews just as He appointed Saul of Tarsus (Paul) to be the Apostle to the Gentiles.

This did not men that Peter could no longer teach the Gentiles any more than Paul's appointment prevented him from preaching to the Jews, it simply meant that Peter's primary purpose was to teach the Jews.

Referring again to the authority of each of the Apostles, Peter was the first selected and was considered among the others to be and elder but had no particular authority over the other Apostles, or the Church. That intent was made evident when Jesus, once again in today's quote, referred to Peter's lack of faith, He said, "Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me."~

Lesson 1031

(Lesson 1031)(07-10-14) Luke 22:21-27

"But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed! And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing. And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth."

In today's quote Jesus, knowing that Judas would betray Him, announced that His betrayer was present and among the twelve chosen Apostles.

After a short discussion of which one the betrayer might be, the conversation turned to who would be the leader of the Apostles in the absence of Jesus.

Jesus then laid down the rules of authority among His Apostles. He said; "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve."

Jesus intended that there be no one Apostle in authority over the others, the strongest were to educate and empower the weakest.

This lesson disproves the Roman Catholic contention, as well as the same contention among other groups, that Peter was the leader of the Apostles, and that the Church was subject to the rule only one mortal man.

Jesus was, and still is, the only authority over His Church, He appointed no man to replace Him in that position.

The pomp, ritual, and hypocrisy that was demonstrated by the Pharisees and Sadducees Jesus so despised, is perfectly demonstrated by the historical and continuing pomp and pageantry of the Roman Catholic "Church". They go to great lengths, both in appearance and actions, to exalt one human being over all others.

There is only one man who is to ever be exalted above others, that is Jesus Himself. We, the saved, the body of His Church, are to regard no man as spiritually superior to another. Instead, we are to work together, uplifting each other toward the common goal of spreading the good news of eternal redemption and forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ our Lord.~

Lesson 1030

(Lesson 1030)(07-09-14) Luke 22:7-20

"Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare? And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."

Today's quote tells us that after the site had been selected whereat Jesus and His Apostles would eat the Passover meal, and after they had sat down to eat, Jesus said to His Apostles; "With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."

Today, "Christianity" in general believes the "passover" (Now commonly called "communion", or "the Lord's supper") is a meal of bread and wine that all Christians are expected to eat in remembrance of, and in tribute to, their belief in Jesus. Some believe the bread and wine actually become the body and blood of Christ as the meal is eaten. Both contentions are wrong and scripturally unfounded.

The ritual eating of the passover meal was a commandment straight from the mouth of God to the Hebrew people just before they were released from their captivity in Egypt. This is all recorded in the 12th chapter of Exodus.

The blood from the sacrificial lamb prepared for the original passover meal, was to be painted on the door posts and above the door of all the Israelites homes so that the death angel, whom God had sent to kill the Egyptian first born, would "pass over" that house.

That night when Jesus ate the passover meal with His Apostles, They were obeying God's command that all Jews keep that tradition until the end of time. " And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever." (Exodus 12:14)

I suggest everyone carefully study the 12th chapter of Exodus and learn exactly why this meal was so important to Jesus and His Apostles.

That night, when Jesus ate with His Apostles, He demonstrated that He was (and still is) the sacrificial lamb that had come to cause the eternal death angel to pass over those who would accept His sacrifice for their sin. The blood of Jesus is to those of us whom have accepted Him is as the blood of the sacrificial lambs that were used in Exodus 12.~

For more on this discussion, refer to Matthew's account of the passover meal. (Matthew 26)

Lesson 1029

(Lesson 1029)(07-08-14) Luke 22:1-6

"Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude."

Today's quote relates how, after being overcome by Satan, Judas Iscariot plots with the leaders of the Jews to capture and kill Jesus.

This lesson marks the beginning of the soul saving sacrifice Jesus would make for all who are willing to accept His grace.

This lesson is very sad in so many ways yet it causes great Joy in those of us who have reaped the eternal benefits of what Jesus' death, burial and resurrection, has done for us.

"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."~

Lesson 1028

(Lesson 1028)(07-07-14) Luke 21:20-38

"And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives. And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him."

In this quote Jesus laid out the events that were, and are, to take place before His return to earth, after the completion of His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.

If we look back in history we see that the temple in Jerusalem was indeed destroyed and the Jewish nation was overcome and scattered all over the known world.

One can follow the signs and easily determine just how close the second coming of Christ must surely be.

To those of us who are saved by God's grace, there is a very cherished statement made in today's quote. Speaking of the end time, after most of these things had come to pass, Jesus said; "And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." What a blessed word, redemption.~

Lesson 1027

(Lesson 1027)(07-06-14) Luke 21:5-19

"And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.

Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls."

Today's lesson is a forewarning to Jesus' disciples, of things to come. Jesus foretold the destruction of the city of Jerusalem by the Romans. He warned that some would even become enemies of their own families.

As look back through history tells us that everything Jesus predicted has either already happened, presently happening, or can be seen in our immediate future.

Heaven knows there are false teachers and preachers everywhere we look. What today is being taught to be the gospel of Jesus Christ has been so watered down so as to have little meaning at all.
It behooves us all to intently study today's quote and to rededicate ourselves to an intense effort to rehabilitate the image of the children of God.

I believe the time of Christ's return is nearing at a very quick pace, but beyond that, simply out of love for our God, we should make every effort to spread the good news of His saving grace as if Jesus were with us now.~

Lesson 1026

(Lesson 1026)(07-05-14) Luke 21:1-4

"And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had."

Today's is a lesson on both faith and devotion, in that the rich men gave far more money to the temple treasury, their money meant little in comparison to the two mites that were given by the widow. By giving all the money she had, that widow demonstrated true devotion to God's work and absolute faith in Him. She knew that God would provide for her needs even though she had no more money.

Wouldn't it be so much easier for the Church to reach out to the lost if all the wealthy who claim to be God's people, were to give of their wealth in proportion to what that widow gave?

As is demonstrated in today's lesson, it is not the amount of the gift that is important to God, it is the intent of the gift along with the faith and devotion shown by the giver.

Jesus made a promise to those Jews who, during His ministry, gave all they had toward His purpose; "And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life."

That same promise stands today for those who will devote all they have to the ministry of the gospel.~

Lesson 1025

(Lesson 1025)(07-04-14) Luke 20:27-47

"Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him, Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children. And the second took her to wife, and he died childless. And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died. Last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife. And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.

Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him. Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said. And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.

And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David's son? And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies thy footstool. David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son? Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples, Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation."

This lesson takes up a lot of type space but it is very short in it's intent. Jesus simply clarified that there will be no specific associations in heaven. A husband will no longer be a husband, and a wife will no longer be a wife. The bond that made them one here on earth, will be broken. We will have no family as such in heaven, we will all be brothers and sisters among the children of God. We will be total equals in every regard.

Jesus said; "The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection."

In the very last part of this lesson, Jesus again points out the hypocrisy of those who call attention to themselves in the name of God while grossly exaggerating their devotion to the Lord's work.

Sadly, it seems today's "Christianity" is infested with them.~

Lesson 1024

(Lesson 1024)(07-03-14) Luke 20:20-26

"And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor. And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly: Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no? But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me? Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's. And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's. And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.

In today's lesson Jesus was approached by the leaders of the Jews who asked, in essence, whether or not it was right for His followers to pay taxes. Seeing that they were only trying to cause Him trouble with the Romans Jesus said; "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's."

This lesson establishes that then, and even today, we are to obey the laws of our land. If the government demands that we do certain things, we are obligated to do them, including, so much as we all hate it, paying taxes.

This, however, does NOT require that we do things that are contrary to the gospel of Christ.

Those of us who are fortunate enough to live here in the USA are blessed to live in a country where our religious freedom is, for the most part, guaranteed and respected.

Sadly, there are some who wrongfully believe that we are to force our belief system on others. We are not authorized to judge the actions of others, we are to simply leave them to the judgment of God. Jesus told us how to deal with unbelievers when He sent out His teachers; "whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city." (Matthew 10:14-15)

The only judgment that we are authorized to make as members of Christ's Church, is restricted to our brothers and sisters in the Church, as Jesus said in Matthew 18:15-17: "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican."

Therefore, true Christian people are ONLY authorized to condemn the actions of fellow Church members, we are NOT to condemn unbelievers for theirs.

God has already judged those who deny His saving grace, we have no need to do so.~

Lesson 1023

(Lesson 1023)(07-02-14) Luke 20:9-19

"Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time. And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty. And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty. And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out. Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him. But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours. So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them? He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it, they said, God forbid. And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them."

In today's quote, Jesus, condemning the Jews for their disobedience and hypocrisy, used a parable to relate how God had sent Moses, the prophets, and even His own Son to deliver His chosen people from their sins.

It is related in the parable that the Jewish people, throughout history, had rejected God's many offers as they turned further and further away from Him, eventually even crucifying and killing His only begotten Son, not caring the Jesus represented God in the flesh.

Today there are many, claiming to bear the cross of Christ, who see the Jews as still being a special people to God and therefore somehow hold them in high esteem.

Jesus made it very clear within today's quote, as He said; "He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others." The "husbandmen" represent the Jews.

Jesus clearly said that what had been the chosen status of the Jews was to be taken away from them and given to others, namely, the Gentiles.

Although there is some scriptural reference to end time special treatment for a select few from the original twelve tribes of Israel, the Church, the kingdom of God Jesus founded here on earth two thousand years ago, was then, and still remains in the hands of those Gentiles who God had made His new "chosen people" replacing the disobedient Jews.

Today's Jews still teach basically the same form of Judaism they practiced in Jesus day which prompted God to send Him to redeem the world from sin and to take away the chosen status of the Jews. Therefore, those who in some way feel scripturally obligated to the Jewish nation, should rethink that position.~

Lesson 1022

(Lesson 1022)(07-01-14) Luke 20:1-8

"And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders, And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority? And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me: The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not? But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet. And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was. And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things."

In today's lesson, and in response to the challenge of His authority by the chief priests, scribes, and elders, Jesus asked if they believed "the baptism of John" was sent from God, or was it conceived by man. They admitted they weren't able to tell from where it came. Jesus then said; "Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things." In simpler terms for us today, Jesus said, if you can't determine on your own where my authority comes from, I am not obligated to tell you.

This lesson has another element that is often overlooked by far too many who call themselves followers of Christ. Many inadvertently interpret the phrase, "the baptism of John", as defining only the water immersion (water baptism) process John administered. That is very, very, wrong and horribly misleading to those who are seeking the truth of God's holy word.
In truth, the phrase "the baptism of John" defines the entire ministry of John. It defines his message of repentance and the coming of Christ as well as the physical practice of ritual Jewish water "baptisms", as they were required under Hebrew law.

What I have said her is verified by the reasoning of the chief priests, elders, and scribes, when they reasoned, "Why then BELIEVED ye him not?"

One cannot disbelieve a water baptism, it is a physical act that is witnessed and either occurs or does not. However, one can, and must, believe or disbelieve a message.

This matters so much to New testament bible study because the phrase appears in some crucial scriptural text that can easily be misrepresented if the wrong definition of the phrase is applied. For example; "And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 19:1-5)

We see that those disciples, mentioned in the above quote, said they had been subjected to "John's baptism", meaning they had believed John's message that Christ was coming, and had also subjected themselves to the ritual water immersion John performed, but they had not yet been saved by the grace of God through Jesus Christ.

As the quote tells us, "John's baptism" was not sufficient to there salvation, it had ONLY prepared them for the coming of the salvation that would be made available by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Realizing their dilemma of those disciples, Paul preached to them salvationby grace through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, after which they were "baptized in the name of the Lord".

We will further clarify the meaning of "John's baptism" as these lessons continue.~