Lessin 1549

(Lesson 1549)(12-31-15) Matthew 13:24-30

"Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn."

　

Far too many otherwise good Christian people are guilty of just what Jesus warned against here in the "parable of the tares".

Jesus knew that Satan would send his angels to live among the membership of His church to do all things possible to choke out the divine message of salvation by grace through faith.

Today it seems the sole purpose of Christianity is to "gather up" those who do Satan's bidding rather than to allow them to be judged by God the Father in due time as Jesus advised herein.

It is not our place to judge the evils of our neighbors, God has already done that. We are to teach His amazing grace to all who will listen and leave judgment to God.

"Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things." (Romans 2:1)~

Lesson 1548

(Lesson 1548)(12-30-15) 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 today's quote Jesus explained how the masses were not equipped to understand His message, and neither could they understand His purpose because His new message of grace through faith could not be known nor understood until He had completed His testament and fulfilled the law by offering Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of those who would come to believe in Him.

In the last part of the quote, Jesus explained the "parable of the sower".~

Lesson 1547

(Lesson 1547)(12-29-15) Matthew 13:1-9

"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."

　

Today's quote relates the parable of "the sower" wherein Jesus explained how there would be some who would pay no attention to what He had to say. Some would hear and quickly forget. Some would want to hear and believe but would have His message drowned out by those who would teach false doctrines in His name.

Then, Jesus said that there would be some who would hear, receive and then go on to teach His soul saving gospel to others, as they should.

Many react to the word of God the same way today as they did when Jesus preached it Himself. There are some who will let it go in one ear and out the other. Some will fire up for a while then quickly move on to something new. Some will hear the true message be so distorted so as to render it meaningless. Then, of course there will be some like I hope we all are, who will continue to preach and teach the gospel until Jesus returns to claim His kingdom and take us home.~

Lesson 1546

(Lesson 1546)(12-28-15) 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 today's quote, Jesus said, in essence, that all of those who choose to follow Him are His brothers and sisters and are more important to Him than even His blood family. This demonstrates that Jesus unconditionally cared for those who trust in Him above all others.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if today those of us who claim Christianity were to keep ourselves as devoted to Christ as He is still devoted to us? Sadly, there are very few who are willing to abandon family and friends and devote entirely to the work of our Lord, yet there are millions more lost souls to reach today than there were when Jesus walked the earth.~

Lesson 1545

(Lesson 1545)(12-27-15) Matthew 12:38-45

"Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. 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 today's lesson, Jesus told the Pharisees that He would provide no further verifying sign of who He was except that He would soon overcome physical death and would rise again on the third day thereby confirming Himself as the prophesied Messiah, the virgin born, only begotten Son of God.

Jesus warned the Pharisees that history, and their own prophets, would judge them as an evil and Godless generation, one that had been give multiple chances to accept God's ways while they chose to reject Him.

In many ways today's so called Christianity identifies very well with the Pharisees of Jesus' day. We display all the outward signs of Godliness while being a rotting and corrupt heap beneath the visible surface. ~

Lesson 1544

(Lesson 1544)(12-26-15) 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."

　

In today's quote, after being called a devil by the Pharisees, Jesus explained that no person can serve to masters and that that person must devote him/herself wholly to one or the other.

I believe Jesus herein, being wholly devoted to the work of His Father, was making reference to the comparison between the open and easy new law of grace through faith and the limitless restrictions of the old Hebrew laws. Jesus was making the point that, upon the completion of His sacrifice, the old law would be done away and replaced by His new law of faith, therefore requiring total repentance, (stepping away) from the old and total devotion to the new.

There is another valuable lesson that can be taken from what Jesus taught in today's quote. There are still those today who teach that the ritual of water baptism is as requisite part of the means by which eternal life is to be achieved. To those I ask, is your ultimate faith in Jesus Christ for the remission of sin, or is your faith in the ritual of water baptism?~

Lesson 15 43

(Lesson 1543)(12-25-15) 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."

In today's quote Jesus demonstrated to the Pharisees that good triumphed over the letter of the law concerning the Sabbath.

In the latter part of the quote Jesus went about healing all manner of souls and demonstrating His awesome power as the only begotten Son of God as Isaiah had prophesied.~

Lesson 1542

(Lesson 1542)(12-24-15) 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."

　

In this lesson, Jesus demonstrated to the Pharisees that He ruled over the old Law and rebuked them for their hypocrisy.

This lesson also demonstrates that judgment of what is, or what is not sin, belongs solely to God and is not to be administered by those who are themselves, guilty of sin.

In dealing with the self righteous scribes and Pharisees who were pursuing a woman caught in adultery, Jesus said; "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." (John 8:7 in part.) Therefore, knowing that we are ALL sinners, we are NEVER in a position to judge the sins of others.~

Lesson 1541

(Lesson 1541)(12-23-15) Matthew 11:25-30

"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 today's lesson Jesus gave thanks to God the Father for allowing the weakest to inherit knowledge of the coming kingdom.

In the latter part of this quote Jesus relates how easy it is to come to Him for everlasting life; "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.".~

Lesson 1540

(Lesson 1540)(12-22-15) Matthew 11:16-24

"But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee."

In today's lesson Jesus berated His Jewish brothers and sisters for rejecting the message that was preached by John the Baptist wherein he prophesied the coming of the Messiah. He also rebuked them because after they had seen the many miracles He had performed, they failed to recognize that He, Jesus, was indeed the promised Messiah.~

Lesson 1539

(Lesson 1539)(12-21-15) Matthew 11:1-15

"And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."

In today's quote, Jesus assured John the Baptist by messenger that He is indeed the promised Messiah as evidenced by the wonderful works He had done.

In the last part of the lesson Jesus exalts John as the greatest of the prophets while clearly stating that the least among the children of God are equal in greatness to John in the sight of our heavenly Father.~

Lesson 1538

(Lesson 1538)(12-20-15) Matthew 10:34-42

"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward."

Today's lesson demonstrates how Jesus knew, and warned, that there would be those who would take up His cross to do His work and how by doing so they would cause all manner of dissention between themselves, their families, friends and neighbors.

Historically, the majority of the world has fought against the true gospel of Jesus Christ as if it were a plague on humanity. But, praise God His church and His truth have prevailed against all enemies just as He promised it would: "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18)

Jesus challenged all of us whom have placed our faith in Him to step out and defend His truth against all who try to quash it, at all cost. To those who gladly accept that challenge Jesus promised everlasting life. To those who deny it, hell awaits.~

Lesson 1537

(Lesson 1537)(12-19-15) Matthew 10:26-33

"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. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."

In today's lesson Jesus, in essence, assured His disciples that He would protect them in the face of all enemies. He also promised that the reward for preaching His gospel would be much greater than any physical hurt this earthly body could possibly endure.

We, the children of God, those of us who fear and serve Him, are more valuable to God than all the creatures on earth combined.

In the last part of today's quote we are given a challenge; "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."

With Jesus Christ as a redeemer, keeper and ally we are guaranteed eternal life in the presence of God Himself. Without Him we are nothing and are condemned to an everlasting lake of fire.~

Lesson 1536

(Lesson 1536)(12-18-15) Matthew 10:16-25

"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. 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?"

In today's lesson Jesus warned His disciples about the danger they would encounter as they preached the coming of the Messiah.

Sadly, in much of the world outside the U.S. today those who are teachers of the gospel are constantly subjected to all manner of ill treatment, some are imprisoned and some have even lost their lives in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here in America, the harvest is ripe and there is no danger to the teachers, yet there are still so few who will take up the cross of Christ and carry it among the lost souls who are crying out for it.~

Lesson 1535

(Lesson 1535)(12-17-15) Matthew 10:11-15

"And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. And when ye come into an house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city."

Today's quote, further established specific ground rules for those who would carry the message Jesus instructed, was directly intended for His disciples on that day, however, those same instructions apply to those who would spread the gospel of Jesus Christ today.

This is very important to note because today there are many who call themselves Christians who, instead of simply preaching the gospel to those who want and need to hear it, try also to force the gospel onto those who are not willing to hear it. Jesus made it very clear that we are to walk away from those who refuse to hear God's word and leave them to the divine judgment of God Himself.

It is not our duty to force the rules of Christianity upon a world of non-believers, it is our duty teach Jesus Christ to every soul that is willing to listen and to abide by the rules true Christianity within ourselves. We are also to encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ to do the same.~

Lesson 1534

(Lesson 1534)(12-16-15) Matthew 10:8-10

"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat."

Yesterday's quote related how Jesus instructed his apostles to go into the lands of the Jews only telling them to prepare for the coming of a means through which they could achieve eternal life simply by having faith in the promised Messiah.

Today's quote relates how those apostles were to prepare for and conduct that journey. Jesus said, "Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat."

That means those apostles were take nothing for their own upkeep and comfort other than the message they were to bring and a strong dose of faith in Jesus Christ.

I wonder how many of today's so-called Christian preachers have faith enough to strike out into unknown lands to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ with nothing more than the clothes on their backs?

This lesson assures us that if we go about doing the work Jesus instructed us to do, relying solely on Him for our sustenance, we are guaranteed to thrive and to succeed.
The fields are full for the harvest and waiting for us to gather the lost souls to the soul saving gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 1533

(Lesson 1533)(12-15-15) Matthew 10:5-7

"These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Today's is a very short lesson but a very important one that is often overlooked or misunderstood in bible study. Note that Jesus told the apostles to stay away from the Gentiles and to go and preach only to their own Jewish brethren. This information is important in that it confirms that the message, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand.", was meant to warn and prepare the Jewish nation about the inevitable coming of the new doctrine of Christianity, a wholly new law that could not be preached until the old Law was done away. Jesus would replace that old Law. That replacement, however, could not occur until Jesus had finished His divine mission to be a perfect sacrifice for the sins of all mankind, "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." Jesus, during His ministry, fulfilled every requirement of the old Law and allowed for it to be replaced with the new law of salvation by grace through faith.
The message the apostles were to teach was NOT Christian doctrine as many today contend. The doctrine of Jesus Christ, which later would be called "Christianity" could not be taught until Jesus had successfully fulfilled the old Law, completed His supreme sacrifice and ascended back to the Father in heaven.

It is very important to keep all bible study within it's original context so as not to distort the intent of each individual lesson.~

Lesson 1532

(Lesson 1532)(12-14-15) Matthew 10:1-4

"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."

Today's quote lists the names of the twelve original apostles. The quote also designates Peter as the "first" apostle. The relevance of that distinction will be demonstrated in a forthcoming lesson.

As is related herein, the apostles were given divine power over all manner of sickness and disease.

It is very important to note that the Holy Spirit of God, and the awesome power that comes with it, dwells in the soul of every born again child of God, even today. As Jesus promised in Matthew 18:18-20, anything we might ask as a group and in faith shall be granted: "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

This lesson confirms the awesome power of prayers when they are offered by a unified group of faithful believers. Therefore, we, the born again children of God, should come together in prayer often and without fail.~

Lesson 1531

(Lesson 1531)(12-13-15) Matthew 9:32-38

"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."

Today's quote relates how Jesus continued to cast out devils, heal the sick and bless the lives of everyone he encountered.

In the last part of the quote Jesus told His disciples, to include the children of God today, to pray for more workers to gather the vast harvest of lost souls.

There were thousands who searched for the amazing grace of God when Jesus walked the land. Today there are billions of lost souls who await our efforts to spread the good news of God's amazing, soul saving grace.

Our time to serve the Lord is becoming shorter with each passing hour.~

Lesson 1530

(Lesson 1530)(12-12-15) Matthew 9:27-31

"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."

There are again two lessons that should be taken from today's quote. The first, of course, is the fact that Jesus gave sight to the two blind men. The second, is much more subtle and also very important to the children of God today.

Notice that after Jesus had given sight to the blind men he said, "According to your faith be it unto you." That saying, in essence, means that if those two men had faith in Jesus to do the work their vision be fully restored.

That same rule applies today to those who wish to achieve eternal salvation. If a lost soul simply has faith in Jesus for *remission of his/her sins, their sins WILL be remitted according to that faith.~

*According to Strong's bible dictionary remission is defined as follows; (1) release from bondage or imprisonment (2)forgiveness or pardon, of sins (letting them go as if they had never been committed), (3)remission of the penalty.

Lesson 1529

(Lesson 1529)(12-11-15) 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."

There are two great lessons of faith in today's quote. The first is demonstrated by the confidence that was shown by the man, (certain ruler), who knew that by simply touching his daughter, Jesus could resurrect her from the dead. The second was demonstrated by the woman who knew Jesus' power to be such that if she could just touch the hem of his clothes she would be healed.

What a wonderfully powerful lesson the children of God could teach today if only we would demonstrate our faith with the confidence that was shown by the man and woman mentioned in today's quote.

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5:1-2) What a glorious and wonderful promise.~

Lesson 1528

(Lesson 1528)(12-10-15) 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."

In today's quote, Jesus made the point that it was impossible to integrate Christian doctrine into the old Law of Moses or to teach a new way to those who were entrenched in the old.

He made His point by comparing putting a new cloth patch (Christianity) on old, worn out piece of clothing (Judaism) or, pouring new wine (The doctrine of salvation by grace through faith) into old bottles (Those who wouldn't come away from the old Law).

Sadly, there are many of today's so-called Christians who still try to co-mingle Christianity with the rules of the old Hebrew law. Some things that are erroneously incorporated into much of modern "Christian" dogma is water baptism, ritual prayer and strict adherence to every rule that is laid out in the Old Testament. Many of today's false doctrines preach that these things must be accomplished as a means by which one must achieve eternal salvation.

In fact, eternal salvation requires nothing more than repentance and absolute faith in the life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. "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 1527

(Lesson 1527)(12-09-15) Matthew 9:8-13

"But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men. 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 first part of today's quote relates how the people marveled at the power of Jesus as He healed the palsied man and rebuked the scribes.

The second part of the quote relates how the Pharisees objected when Jesus selected Matthew as an apostle and then sat down with him to eat. The Jews, under the Law, were not allowed to mingle with gentiles or those who were considered by Jews to be "sinners". Matthew was such a man. Jesus, knowing their hearts, said, in essence that those who considered themselves already perfect had no need of a guide to perfection; "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."

Thank God, Jesus came to heal the unworthy such as myself.~

Lesson 1526

(Lesson 1526)(12-08-15) Matthew 9:3-7

"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."

Today's quote demonstrates some of the hatred and distrust the Jewish leadership had toward Jesus from the very beginning. This lesson also confirms yesterday's in that Jesus noted that there was no difference between healing the sick and forgiving sin, they are one in the same. Forgiveness of sin is the healing of the spirit whereby all illness can be healed. As this lesson says, and we already know, Jesus the redeemer holds power over all sin.~

Lesson 1525

(Lesson 1525)(12-07-15) 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."

In the last sentence of today's quote Jesus said, "Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee." Notice He didn't say 'your palsy is healed'. That indicates that the reason for the man's palsy was the sin that was in him, not just because he had come into contact with some disease.

It is important today that all of us remember all illness is caused by the sin that is inherent in mankind since to disobedience of Adam. I am convinced that if a born again child of God were to live his/her life in perfect accordance with the instructions Jesus laid out for us during His ministry, we would never suffer illness of any kind.~

Lessson 1524

(Lesson 1524)(12-06-15) Matthew 8:28-34

"And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts."

Today's lesson demonstrates how Jesus can be despised by those whom are accustomed to evil, and who don't know recognize the goodness and change that He can bring.

The citizens of Gergesenes wanted Jesus to leave their land because they didn't understand the the value of the good that came from freeing the tortured man from the grasp of the demons as compared to the monetary value of the lost swine.

The attitude of the Gergsenes is still alive and well today. There are many who are so content in being a part of the evil that goes on around them that they choose to remain in it instead of stepping out to the goodness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 1523

(Lesson 1523)(12-05-15) Matthew 8:23-27

"But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead. And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Today's quote relates how little faith, even those who were closest to Jesus, demonstrated when fear overcame them. Those disciples should have had faith that nothing bad could possibly happen while Jesus was with them.

The quote also relates the awesome power of God over all things, including the weather.

Jesus is always in the boat with those of us who have placed our faith in Him. I wonder what He would say about the tiny amount of faith that is demonstrated by many of those who claim to be His people today?

Jesus promised to provide whatever we need if we truly need it and simply ask in faith. If you pray for something and don't get the answer you want, you might consider this quote; "Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. (James 4:2-3)~

Lesson 1522

(Lesson 1522)(12-04-15) Matthew 8:18-22

"Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side. And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead."

This lesson relates that those who take up the cross of Christ, to follow Him, should be prepared to give up everything they own and simply walk away if Jesus asks.

Today's so called Christians have become so accustomed to their comfortable, air conditioned, padded pews that they will fabricate all manner of excuses when asked to step out of that comfort zone and take on the task of actually working to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I believe the Revelation letter to the church at Laodicea perfectly describes the attitude of today's so called Christian churches and it also warns of the consequences of that attitude: "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)~

Lesson 1521

(Lesson 1521)(12-03-15) Matthew 8:14-17

"And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them. When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses."

In today's lesson Jesus first took away the fever from Peter's mother-in-law, He healed many and also freed those who were possessed with devils. These things were done in accordance with the prophesy of Isaiah.~

Lesson 1520

(Lesson 1520)(12-02-15) Matthew 8:5-13

"And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour."

The first part of today's lesson demonstrates how one must only have faith in Jesus Christ in order to receive the blessings we need, or desire. Jesus need not be present to work a miracle in our lives, we need only to put our faith in Him and ask.

As was noted in today's quote, simply because the centurion believed that Jesus was able, if asked to heal his servant, He would, and could do it. Jesus, acknowledging the faith of the centurion, did indeed heal his servant.

There are two separate lessons within today's quote. (It is important to note that the centurion was a Roman soldier, one who was probably hated among the Jews.)

The first lesson relates the healing of the centurion's servant, and the second is that the descendants of the Jewish forefathers would wholly reject Jesus Christ and would be replaced by the Gentiles and therefor would be "cast out" of the kingdom. Speaking of the faith of the centurion compared to the faith of the Jews, Jesus said, "Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."~

Lesson 1519

(Lesson 1519)(12-01-15) Matthew 8:1-4

"When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them."

Today's lesson relates how Jesus healed the leper then told him to tell no one then to go to the temple and make an offering as was required by Hebrew Law. We should make note that the Law of Moses remained in full affect, and as Jesus was a Jew, the Law even applied to Him until He had fulfilled His obligation as the perfect redeeming sacrifice for the remission of all the sins of those who would place their faith in Him.~

Lesson 1518

(Lesson 1518)(11-30-15) Matthew 7:21-29

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."

In today' lesson, Jesus makes it perfectly clear that none of those who wrongly teach His word nor any of those who wrongly act upon His true doctrine will be a part of His heavenly kingdom.

We know that today there are hundreds of religious "faiths" who present themselves as the preachers of the gospel. We also know that that there are hundreds of those who preach distorted heresy in the name of Christianity.

It behooves the bible student to make note that there is ONLY ONE true gospel of Jesus Christ and that all of those who follow some distorted heresy will be locked out of the kingdom of God, just as Jesus said; "I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

Mankind was made imperfect by the disobedience of Adam, and remains imperfect yet today. The only means by which mankind can achieve the perfect righteousness that is required to again be restored to the presence of God is to have the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ imputed into him/her through absolute faith in His soul redeeming life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension.~

Lesson 1517

(Lesson 1517)(11-29-15) Matthew 7:15-20

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."

This is one of the simplest lessons in the entire New Testament yet one of the most commonly disregarded by so many who call themselves Christians.

The rules of Christianity are so simple that any child can understand them, yet today there are many so called Christian denominations who have totally ignored this lesson and allowed the teachers of heresy to take over and distort the simple gospel of Jesus Christ. It is actually difficult to find a "church" that still teaches only the pure gospel of Jesus Christ.

As Jesus so plainly said in today's quote, "by their fruits ye shall know them". Therefore we, as the true children of God, should shun the practices of those who preach outrageous fallacies and seek out those who advocate for the pure gospel of Jesus Christ. That pure and simple gospel is, in essence, that the lost should put their faith in the soul redeeming sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ for remission of all sin, and then should obey the two "great" commandments that were given to us straight from the mouth of our savior. We should love our God with all that we are and we should treat all mankind as we would have them treat us.

If we teach this simple plan and if we do the simple things that are herein laid out, we will have met the demands of our God and therefore through the righteousness that is imputed into us through Jesus Christ, all our fruits will be seen as "good" fruits.

~

Lesson 1516

(Lesson 1516)(11-28-15) Matthew 7:13-14

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

Today's lesson is a simple one that is often misunderstood. Jesus said "Enter ye in at the strait gate" causing many to contend that a person is to live a perfect, sin free life in order to enter into heaven. That is not what this instruction means at all. To enter in at the "strait" gate is simply to enter through Jesus Christ, He is the "strait gate". We human individuals, without the righteousness that is imputed into us through faith in Jesus Christ, are incapable of living without sin. That fact was acknowledged by Jesus Himself in Matthew 19:17; "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." The commandments that apply to us today are the ones Jesus explicitly left for us; "And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. THERE IS NONE OTHER COMMANDMENT GREATER THAN THESE." (Mark 12:29-31)~

Lesson 1515

(Lesson 1515)(11-27-15) Matthew 7:12

"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."

Today's is a perfect example of what Christianity is all about. After a lost soul has accepted the soul saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, all that is required of that Christian is to teach the gospel of Christ and to treat those around him/her as we would have he/she treat us.~

Lesson 1514

(Lesson 1514)(11-26-15) Matthew 7:7-11

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?"

In today's quote Jesus promised those of us whom have accepted He loving grace, that whatever we ask of God, he will provide. Jesus compared the love of God has for His children with the love we have for our own kids. We, of course, will give our children anything they need and likewise God will provide all things for His own.~

Our American society has set aside this one day to give thanks for the year's bountiful harvest as well as the many other blessings from God's grace. I believe we should be thankful to God for all things every hour or every day.

Lesson 1513

(Lesson 1513)(11-25-15) Matthew 7:1-5

"Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."

I don't think there is a lesson in the bible that more desperately needs to be taught among today's "Christians" than this one.

Herein, Jesus clearly instructed His followers (Christians) not to judge the actions of others. We must simply set an example that reflects a more perfect Christian light toward a lost world, yet today, everywhere you look there is some so called Christian group loudly condemning the actions of their neighbors while their own actions, in reality, are far more despicable before God than the actions of those they accuse.

In Romans 2:1, Paul reaffirms what Jesus said to those who condemn the actions of others; "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things."

In Romans 2:2-3, Paul tells us who is to do the judging and what will happen to those who take it upon themselves to accuse others; "But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?"

Therefore, it behooves us to spend much more of our time cleaning up our own spiritual act while keeping ourselves out of the business of those around us.

We are to be gospel teachers, NOT gospel enforcers.~

Lesson 1512

(Lesson 1512)(11-24-15) Matthew 6:22-24

"The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."

I overlooked this part of yesterday's lesson and I apologize for that. In this quote, Jesus said, in essence, that the image we project is what we truly are. If our eyes are set on evil then it is pursuant that we ourselves, will project that same evil. And, if our eyes are set only on good and desirable things, likewise, our image will project that goodness.

As Jesus said, we cannot serve to masters, we either see and do only good, through the righteousness imputed in us by Jesus Christ, or we are without the righteousness of Jesus Christ and therefore a servant evil and "mammon", Satan.

Therefore it behooves us to keep our heads up and our eyes on the glory of God through our Lord, Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 1511

(Lesson 1511)(11-23-15) Matthew 6:22-34

"The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

Today's lesson is pretty much a continuation of yesterday's in that within it Jesus instructed us to place our faith in God and rely on Him for all the things we need.

The essence of the lesson is that if we truly believe in God we will never have need of anything else. He will provide for those of us who believe under every circumstance.~

Lesson 1510

(Lesson 1510)(11-22-15) Matthew 6:19-21

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

This lesson is aimed directly at those who strive to save up great fortunes. In this quote, Jesus made it very clear that we are not to store our wealth such that it is no benefit to anyone.

We are far better served both spiritually and physically to spread our excess wealth around so that it benefits everyone.

God has promised His people that they will want for nothing so long as they have faith enough to ask Him to provide their needs. "your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." (Matthew 6:8 in part) "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you." (John 16:23 in part) With that promise in hand, there is never a need for a Christian to save up for that "rainy day".~

Lesson 1509

(Lesson 1509)(11-21-15) Matthew 6:16-18

"Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly."

Today's lesson tells us that if we fast or deprive ourselves for the Lord's sake, we are to do it secretly. Allowing others to know about our suffering would draw attention to ourselves and would negate the desired affect of the fast. ~

Lesson 1508

(Lesson 1508)(11-20-15) Matthew 6:14-15

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Today's lesson is another very short one but is nonetheless very important. As is made clear in this quote, If Christian people expect God to forgive us, we should always be faithful to forgive those who would spitefully use us or those who would do us harm.

To hold a grudge against another person allows that person to have permanent control over a part of the life of the one harboring the grudge. Therefore, it is in the best interest of all of us to, first obey the instructions of Jesus to obtain the God's forgiveness, but then also to forgive those who offend us for our own personal benefit

Lesson 1507

(Lesson 1507)(11-19-15) Matthew 6:5-13

"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."

Today's lesson contains another one of the most misunderstood and abused passages of scripture that is to be found anywhere in the New Testament. In today's quote, Jesus makes it glaringly clear that we are NOT to pray in public, yet in every denomination, type, or form of "church" I've ever heard of, public prayer is a part of the "worship" program. As this lesson so clearly demonstrates, to rise in the midst of a crowd and "lead" prayer stands in blatant contradiction to what Jesus directly instructed His followers to do.

The practice of public prayer gains no more for the one offering the prayer, or for those for whom the prayer is offered, than does a correctly offered private prayer. Public prayer can only draw undue attention to the person "leading" the prayer just as Jesus warned against; "thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men."

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." as stated in James 5:16 in part, should be our motivation to pray only in the manner that Jesus authorized and so clearly instructed us to do in today's lesson.~

Lesson 1506

(Lesson 1506)(11-18-15) Matthew 6:1-4

"Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly."

This fourth chapter of Matthew contains some of the most misunderstood and abused lessons that are to be found anywhere in the New Testament.

Today's quote teaches us how we are to correctly do our charitable giving. It very clearly demands that any time we extend the helping hand of giving to someone in need, we are to do it is such a way that assures no one else will ever know about it.

The act of giving is a spiritually fulfilling experience for which God has promised great rewards that will also be given in secret. However, if giving is done in such a way as to publicly demonstrate the "goodness" of the giver, purely for the sake of one's own ego, in the eyes of God it is not considered giving at all.

True Christian giving should never be made known until such a time as the one who has the need might choose to reveal it.~

Lesson 1505

(Lesson 1505)(11-17-15) Matthew 5:38-48

"Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

The first part of today's quote relates how Old Testament law required equally fitting the punishment to the crime, "eye for an eye" etc. The demands Jesus makes in the new law of faith, require even more of us than that. He said we are to replace punishments of vengeance, "eye for and eye" etc, with love and forgiveness, even in the most extreme of circumstances.

The new method is much harder for mankind to accomplish than was the old because of the inherent sin nature of humanity.

If we have been wronged, or offended, instead of lashing out at our offenders as would be the natural human way to respond, we are to give our opressors whatever they want, always treating them with the same love and respect that we desire of them.

In the last sentence of today's quote, Jesus placed a seemingly impossible demand on His followers, He said; "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

You should make note that I said it is a "seemingly" impossible demand. It is, in fact, a very easy demand to obey. All one need do to be "perfect" before God is to accept the perfection of Jesus Christ through absolute faith in His soul cleansing sacrifice by receiving the perfect righteousness that is imputed into those of us whom have placed our faith in Him.~

Lesson 1504

(Lesson 1504)(11-16-15) Matthew 5:33-37

"Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil."

The best lesson that can be taken from today's short quote is that we are to always be honest and humble in our conversation, never swearing an oath upon God or anything else in heaven or earth. ~

Lesson 1503

(Lesson 1503)(11-15-15) Matthew 5:31-32

"It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery."

Today's lesson is a short and simple one, it establishes that there is only one reason for a married couple to be granted a divorce in the sight of God. A married couple can divorce ONLY if one or the other in a marriage union commits adultery.

In order to establish what constitutes adultery, we should think back to the earlier lesson wherein Jesus said that if we look upon someone other than our husband or wife with lust in our hearts, we are equally guilty of adultery as if we had actually made physical, sexual contact with another person. That reality very clearly relates, given the inherent sin nature of mankind, the impossibility of staying absolutely faithful to a marriage partner as faithfulness is defined in this lesson.

Again, I believe the purpose Jesus established by proposing this lesson is to demonstrate that we (All of mankind) cannot abide by the actual letter and intent of Old Testament law. I believe Jesus, by proposing this series of lessons, was demonstrating the need for His perfection which can be imputed into us all through faith in Him.~

Lesson 1502

(Lesson 1502)(11-14-15) Matthew 5:27-30

"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut if off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell."

Today's quote, much more than simply definines what constitutes adultery, it demonstrates how impossible it is for an inherently sinful human race to live up to the standards established in Old Testament law.

Today, there are many who believe that in order to commit adultery one must actually engage in sexual contact with someone other than one's own husband or wife. As we see in today's quote, that is not at all true. If anyone, with lust in his/her heart, merely looks at someone other than husband or wife, that one is just as guilty of the sin of adultery as is one who actually has physical, sexual contact.

"Thou shalt not commit adultery" is another one of the specific Ten Commandments that were given to Moses by the hand of God.

I believe that in this series of lessons, Jesus intended to demonstrate how utterly impossible it is for inherently sinful mankind to be eternally saved by obeying the letter of the Old Testament law.

I believe Jesus intended to demonstrate the need for a one-time-fits-all redeemer who could stand as an unblemished, perfect intercessor, or sacrifice, between the sinful nature of mankind and a loving, forgiving God.~

Lesson 1501

(Lesson 1501)(11-13-15) Matthew 5:21-22

"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire."

In today's quote Jesus compares the Old Testament commandment, "thou shalt not kill" to His two "great" commandments that are stated in Matthew 22:37-40; "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.".

The comparison determines that one who harbors anger toward his/her "brother", cannot possibly love that "neighbour" as he/she loves him/herself and therefore is equally as guilty before God as one who commits murder.

I know this may sound ridiculous to some, but it is precisely what meant to demonstrate in today's quote. Those who kill are in danger of "the judgment", equally, those who harbor anger toward a brother or sister, is in danger of "the judgment". Both offenses carry the same penalty before God, according to the words of Jesus Himself.

There are more comparisons that will further establish the truth of this analysis as these lessons progress.~

Lesson 1500

(Lesson 1500)(11-12-15) Matthew 5:21-48

"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut if off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

Even though there are many individual lessons in today's quote, (We will begin tomorrow covering them on by one.), the full quote has one overriding lesson.

The overall point of what Jesus said herein was to establish the difference between the rules of the old law as compared to the rules of His new law of faith.

As was noted in yesterday's lesson, in order to comply with the entire intent of the old Hebrew law, one must only obey the two commandments laid out by Jesus in Matthew 22:37-40; "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

If we give the responsibility of our individual sins over to Jesus Christ and indeed love our neighbors as we love ourselves we will have obeyed the entirety of both the old law AND the new law set forth in today's lesson and in Matthew 22:37-40.

If, and when, a lost soul takes on the righteousness that is imputed into him/her by Jesus Christ through faith in His redeeming sacrifice, he/she presents him/herself as perfectly righteous before God. Faith equals righteousness; "For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." (Romans 4:3) ~

Lesson 1499

(Lesson 1499)(11-11-15) Matthew 5:17-20

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."

We should make note that today's quote was directed to the Jews who, like Jesus Himself, were still bound to obey Old testament law until it was completely fulfilled by the life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. It was not addressed to Christian people, nor was it addressed to the Gentiles.

We should also note that Jesus put a time limit on the law when He said, "one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, TILL ALL BE FULFILLED. Jesus said, in essence, that until He had completed His soul saving sacrificial ordeal and thereby fulfilled the entirety of the law, the law would remain in full affect.

This is very important because there are many today who contend that the commandments of the law still remain in effect for Christian people today, which is simply not true. Jesus made it explicitly clear that in Christian law there are only 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)

Again, in essence, Jesus said, for those who would accept Him and later be called Christians, the two commandments were the ONLY commandments within the new law of Christian faith.~

Lesson 1498

(Lesson 1498)(11-10-15) Matthew 5:1-16

"And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

In order to accomplish everything that God requires of us we need only place our absolute faith and trust in Jesus Christ and obey those things He laid out for us in today's quote.

Today's is such a beautiful lesson and was one of my mother's favorites~