Lesson 1368

(Lesson 1368)(06-30-15) 1Thessalonians 4:13-18

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."

Today's lesson assures the dead in Christ of their eventual resurrection and describes the glorious and triumphant return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul assured us that the dead in Christ "shall rise first" and then those who remain alive at His coming will rise to "meet with the Lord in the air".

The most wonderful part of this lesson is what Paul said to the saved near the end of today's quote; "and so shall we EVER be with the Lord.

For those of us whom have placed our faith in the virgin birth, life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, that great and wonderful day of His return will mark the beginning of a blissful eternity in heaven where there is no more hurt nor sorrow. A place where righteousness and peace will rule forever.

The sad part of this lesson is that for those whom have rejected Jesus Christ, whether they be dead or alive, that day will be the most horrible day of all time, a day when God's eternal judgment and damnation will fall upon the still unrighteous.

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." (Acts 16:31)~

Lesson 1367

(Lesson 1367)(06-29-15) 1Thessalonians 4:1-12

"Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing."

In this lesson Paul, again, laid out the constraints to which a child of God should subject him/herself. We should refrain from any form of sexual misconduct, always remaining honest in our dealings, despising no one while doing all that we do out of Christian love.

In the last part of today's quote, Paul honored the Thessalonians for their consistency in projecting good will throughout the region.~

Lesson 1366

(Lesson 1366)(06-28-15) 1Thessalonians Chapter 3

"Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain. But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints."

In the first part of today's quote, Paul explained that he had sent Timothy to check on the church at Thessalonica because he was afraid to go into that area of Macedonia seeing that both the Jews and Romans were trying to kill himself and some of the other disciples in an effort to stop the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In the latter part, Paul again complimented the Thessalonian Christians for their continuing effort and undying faith.~

Lesson 1365

(Lesson 1365)(06-27-15) 1Thessalonians Chapter 2

"For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost. But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy."

In the first part of this lesson, Paul spoke of the troubles he and those with him had encountered as they brought the gospel to the Thessalonians. He then recognized the trials that had come before the Thessalonians and praised them for their continuing devotion to the work of our Lord.

In the last part of this chapter, Paul slammed the Jews for killing the prophets of God, even Jesus Himself. He warned the Thessalonians of how the Jews, even then, were doing everything in their power to stop the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles.

Those of us who have studied the bible should thank God daily, not only for His amazing grace through the gospel of Jesus Christ, but for the undying devotion of the Apostle Paul and those like him who lived every day of their lives under the fear of imprisonment or death so as to preserve the gospel of Jesus Christ for us so that we, through it, might find Jesus Christ and receive eternal salvation through Him.~

Lesson 1664

(Lesson 1364)(06-26-15) 1Thessalonians Chapter 1

"Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come."

In today's quote, Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy send their regards to the Thessalonians. They also expressed their great gratitude for the wonderful and diligent work the church was doing toward forwarding the ministry of Jesus Chris, setting them up as an example for the rest of the churches in the region as well as for us today. ~

Lesson 1363

(Lesson 1363)(06-25-15) Colossians Chapter 4

"Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen."

Today's quote relates more of Paul's exhortation to the children of God at Colosse. In closing his letter, he recognized several of the other evangelists who were devoutly working to spread the good news of salvation by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Further, he referred to some of the other churches in the region including the church at Laodicea, a church to which John was told to pass a warning from Christ in the book of Revelation; "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 in part.)

We should strive to remain "hot" in our endeavors to teach God's word to the willing lost.~

Lesson 1362

(Lesson 1362)(06-24-15) Colossians Chapter 3

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons."

In the beginning of today's quote, Paul relates to the children of God that even though their souls have been preserved by faith in Jesus Christ and have been sealed by His Holy Spirit until the day of judgment, saying,"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.", the saved are still responsible to live their lives according to the will of God or be prepared to face the consequences while still on earth.

Herein, Paul also lists the many characteristics that set the truly saved Christians apart from the rest of the world.

Just as Paul says within this lesson, we should strive daily to live our lives to better serve the Lord first, and our fellow man/woman second.~

Lesson 1361

(Lesson 1361)(06-23-15) Colossians 2:16-23

"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh."

Today's lesson is one of the more meaningful lessons on what eternal salvation truly means to the daily lives of those who place their absolute faith in the life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.

Paul was very precise in the way he expressed that no matter what a child of God does in the flesh, in regards to rules made by mankind or what so many today refer to as sin, their soul is eternally protected by the grace of God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul said; "Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? " This clearly means that because, through faith, one's eternal soul is sealed by the Holy Spirit, that that one is no longer bound by the rules that are made up by some who have no knowledge of, or relationship with, God and His "operation".

It behooves every child of God to adhere to the two "great" commandments remembering that those two commandments are the only commandments that apply to the children of God. Jesus said; "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 in part.)

All the Christian rules of life are wound into those two commandments. If we keep God and His divine will foremost in everything we do and make sure that every action we take is taken with the best interest of all people in mind, we have obeyed the two "great" commandments. ~

Lesson 1360

(Lesson 1360)(06-22-15) Colossians 2:10-15

"And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it."

Today's lesson assures the saved that because they have, through faith, been immersed into the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, they are free from all the restrictions of the Law.

The faith of a Christian is to him/her the same specific identifier as was circumcision to the Jews. Paul, speaking of all believers to the children of God at Colosse, said, "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it."

We should make note that Paul said to the saved, He has forgiven you "all tresspasses".

There are many who today contend that the phrase "buried with Him in baptism" as it is applied in today's quote implies that the saved are buried with Christ by water baptism, that assertion is horribly wrong and misleading to the casual bible student.

It is important to note that immediately after Paul stated the phrase "buried with Him in baptism", he said, "wherein also ye are risen with him THROUGH THE FAITH OF THE OPERATION OF GOD. It is clearly NOT water baptism that remits the sins of the lost, but rather are buried with Him by FAITH in the plan of God to redeem sin through the life and sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We should remember what this same Paul said in Ephesians 2:8-9; "For by grace are ye saved THROUGH FAITH; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast." Water baptism is a physical work and therefore cannot be the means by which we are saved.~

Lesson 1359

(Lesson 1359)(06-21-15) Colossians 2:4-9

"For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily."

In today's lesson, Paul, although he had never personally met any of the Colossian Christians, shared and declared a common bond with them through their common faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Herein, Paul warned the Colossians to; "beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."

That warning was a common theme to the early churches because he knew that there were forces of evil whose great desire it was to destroy those who would perpetuate the good news of God's grace through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Sadly, the very things Paul so vehemently warned those early churches about have been almost entirely incorporated in most of today's "churches". False "philosophy" is being taught instead of the pure gospel of Jesus Christ, "vain deceit" has replaced the loving compassion that Christ instilled into His true disciples.

"Church"goers today spend far too much time and energy on personal comfort and outward appearance and very little, if any, on developing the inner spirit through the truth of the gospel of Christ.

Group pomp and ritual have replaced humble solitary prayerful worship. Modern "Christians" have become as the Laodiceans, to whom Jesus said; "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."

I fear that many among us who today claim the Christian mantel will be spit out when, as Jesus said; "For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God."

It's not too late, we can still turn our efforts back toward the task that was originally given us, we can still preach with a loud voice that through God's loving grace, eternal salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ crucified.~

Lesson 1358

(Lesson 1358)(06-20-15) Colossians 2:1-3

"For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

In today's quote, Paul again refers to the "mystery of God". In the third verse of the quote he identifies what that mystery is about. The mystery of God concerns the necessity and structure of the "Godhead" or the Holy Triune which is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

The mystery of God is the method by which He planned for and provided eternal salvation to all the generations of mankind from the very beginning.

Through the first dispensation of time, God the Father dealt one on one with His chosen people either directly or through their own appointed representatives. During that dispensation God established a book of laws that we today commonly refer to as the law of Moses. Those laws provided that if the Hebrew people would, or could, obey them to perfection, they could achieve eternal salvation on their own. However, God knew that mankind would be unable to obey those laws and therefore created a master plan, or "operation" whereby all those who continued to worship and maintain absolute faith in Him would be provided a means of eternal redemption, even though they could not live their lives to perfection as required by the law.

In the second dispensation, by the grace of God the Father, Jesus was sent to deal directly with the people and to live a perfect sin free life in total obedience to the law wherethrough He became the only qualifier to be a perfect sacrifice for the sins of those who would place their faith in God through Him.

Jesus was subsequently sacrificed and died on a Roman cross, was entombed, rose again on the third day, as was prophesied, to rule over that spiritual death that God imposed upon all those who rejected Him from the beginning. By Jesus' overcoming of that spiritual death, the opportunity was given to all mankind to immerse themselves by faith into Him, therethrough also overcoming the spiritual death.

In the third dispensation, after Jesus had ascended back to the Father in heaven, the Holy Spirit was sent to work for and with those who would put their faith in Jesus Christ to. That same Holy Spirit is with us today and seals the salvation of all those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ.

The above dispensations make up the "operation of God". His identity in each of the above dispensations make up what is the Holy Triune or the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is the name into which we are to immerse all converts; "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, immersion them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:".

This is an abbreviated version of the "mystery" of God, I hope, at least, it might inspire some to further study the bible in its entirety. ~

Lesson 1357

(Lesson 1357)(06-19-15) Colossians 1:18-29

"And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily."

Today's quote confirms that Jesus was appointed by God the Father as His intermediary with all mankind. God appointed Jesus as the head of the Church and gave Him all power over it. Jesus is the means by which God receives all things to Himself, both in the heavens and here on earth. Without Jesus Christ there can be no relationship with God, nor can there can be any communication. Prayer to God without Jesus as the intercessor goes no farther than the ceiling because God does not know the lost until they are redeemed and made wholly righteous by faith in Jesus Christ; "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. (Matthew 7:22-23)

With Jesus came the revealing of God's mystery which is the means of redemption for the eternal souls of mankind. That mystery was kept secret from even the Jews, God's chosen, but is now revealed to all who will find it through the life, death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank God for His amazing grace.~

Lesson 1356

(Lesson 1356)(06-18-15) Colossians 1:1-17

"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist."

In today's quote, Paul extended greetings from himself and Timothy to the children of God at Colosse. He praised the Colossians for their Godly work and exhorted them to keep up the effort.

In the latter part of the quote, Paul established that the strength and eternal salvation of the Colossians had come through the loving grace of God in Jesus Christ through faith in His sacrifice for the sins of all who will believe in him.~

Lesson 1355

(Lesson 1355)(06-17-15) Philippians 4:8-23

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."

In today's lesson, Paul admonished the Philippians to always do the right thing and in doing so, they would keep their minds clean and above the snares of evil that are always lurking to discredit the grace of God.

In the latter part of the quote, Paul expressed his gratitude toward the Philippians for their continued support of his ministry.~

Lesson 1354

(Lesson 1354)(06-16-15) Philippians 4:1-7

"Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

In today's quote, Paul encouraged the Philippians to stay steadfast in the ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ while maintaining a good and positive attitude toward each other in all things.

The Philippians were, just as we are, to be happy in their faith, fearing nothing, confident that God has the backs of His children in anything they might confront in life.

Praise God for His amazing grace.~

Lesson 1353

(Lesson 1353)(06-15-15) Philippians 3:15-21

"Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself."

In today's quote, Paul demands that the children of God continuously strive toward perfection realizing that we are imperfect beings and that perfection can only come to us through faith in the perfect righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul said we should continually look for "the saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself."

If any lost person places his/her absolute faith in life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God will transform their old body of sin into the perfection that is Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Salvation only comes to those who appear wholly righteous and without sin before God. As Paul said, in Romans 4:5 faith fulfills the righteousness requirement for salvation, "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness."~

Lesson 1352

(Lesson 1352)(06-14-15) Philippians 3:1-14

"Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

In today's quote, Paul described himself as being, and having, for all his life, been, a Jew in every aspect, a Pharisee. He then goes on, in essence, to explain that because of his conversion on the road to Damascus and his faith in Jesus Christ, he had overcome the bindings of the Law and had given himself entirely over to the ministry of the Gospel of that same Jesus Christ.

Paul herein, and again, explained that the righteousness that is required to receive eternal salvation does not come from the "good" deeds that we might do here on earth, but rather, that righteousness comes from having faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, as Paul said, "not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection".

No human is capable of living a perfect, sin-free life as Jesus did, therefore, because God the Father demands absolute righteousness in His own, Jesus gave Himself as a perfectly righteous offering to die for ALL the sins of those who will put their faith in Him.

Paul also, again, encouraged the children of God at Philippi to, "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." That should also be our "high calling". We should devote ourselves daily to the spreading of the glorious good news of God's eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ our Lord.~

Lesson 1351

(Lesson 1351)(06-13-15) Philippians 2:19-30

"But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me."

In today's quote, Paul informed the Philippians that he was sending Timothy to make sure they kept themselves within, and devoted to, the pure gospel of Christ. Timothy, was one of Paul's most trusted teachers. And, knowing that he would adhere strictly to the gospel, Paul appointed Timothy to be the temporary "pastor" or "bishop" of the Church at Philippi.

In the last part of the quote, Paul also promised to return Epaphroditus who, along with him, had suffered through and recovered from, some horrible times during their ministry. Epaphroditus was yet another one of Paul's trusted teachers and one who cared deeply for the people at Philippi.~

Lesson 1350

(Lesson 1350)(06-12-15) Philippians 2:14-18

"Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me."

Today's lesson should be especially taken to heart by every caring child of God alive today.

Herein, Paul warned the Philippians (and us) against "murmerings and disputings".Therefore, as representatives of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we should go about our daily lives without contempt for the actions of those around us no matter what they do. We should always remember that all things can be settled with the power of the Holy Spirit through fervent prayer, the condition and eternal fate of the lost is ultimately in God's hands and He will call to Christ those whom He will call. It is not our duty, nor are we scripturally allowed, to force the gospel on anyone. We are to preach it unceasingly to those who are willing to listen, but we are to leave those who are disinterested to their own fate without stirring up contentions among them.

In the latter part of today's quote, Paul demonstrated his gratitude for the children of God at Philippi and encouraged them to continue in their appointed work.~

Lesson 1349

(Lesson 1349)(06-11-15) Philippians 2:12-13

"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."

The first verse of today's quote contains these words; "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling". Many today misinterpret that statement to mean that a lost soul is to "work" out their own salvation by living a perfect life so as to earn their way to heaven. That assertion is wrong in every aspect. It it were to be true, the bible would be a contradiction of itself and therefore meaningless. Paul, in the same breath that he uttered those words, went further to say; "For it is God which WORKETH IN YOU both to will and to do of his good pleasure." That means, so long as we have faith in Jesus Christ, God is in charge of what we do as His children so far as the salvation of our souls is concerned.

In Romans 4:4-5, Paul said, "Now to him that worketh is the reward NOT RECKONED OF GRACE, BUT OF DEBT. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, HIS FAITH IS COUNTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS." That clearly means that if we have faith, nothing we do has an effect on the security of our eternal souls. Another example can be found in Ephesians 2:8-9, this also clearly defines how a lost soul is saved; "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."

The second verse of today's quote assures us that it is God who is in control of our salvation, not ourselves. If we have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ that faith IS total righteousness in the sight if God, no matter what we do in the flesh.~

Lesson 1348

(Lesson 1348)(06-10-15) Philippians 2:1-11

"If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

In today's quote Paul encouraged the Philippians to stay the course by being of the same mind to do those things necessary to uplift and edify their brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. They were then, and we are today, to exalt our fellow members of the body of Christ above ourselves in all things with absolute humility. In doing so we remain in accordance with the second "great" commandment that is to love our neighbors as ourselves.

In the last part of this lesson, Paul reminds us that we will be accountable for every action we take, be they good or bad. In the end every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.~

Lesson 1347

(Lesson 1347)(06-09-15) Philippians 1:21-30

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me."

In today's quote Paul expressed his temptation to desire death to the suffering he underwent as he worked in the ministry of the gospel.

In the latter part of the quote he exhorted the Philippians to continue their hard work and to be prepared to "suffer for His sake".

The children of God today should be willing, and prepared, to undergo the same hardships and suffering that Paul withstood in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 1346

(Lesson 1346)(06-08-15) Philippians 1:12-20

"But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Chris According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death."

Today's lesson is another very important and interesting one and is, for the most part, overlooked in today's Christian conversation.

Note that Paul said; "Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice."

Paul said, in essence, it doesn't matter how, for what purpose, or by whom the message of eternal salvation is preached, it will serve God's purpose and that He will be honored and glorified thereby.

This lesson does NOT to imply that the many different isms of today, those who distort the true gospel of Christ by teaching all manner of contrived heresy such as Mormonism, Catholicism, Campbellism, et al, are to be respected and accepted simply because they mention the name of Jesus in their heretical doctrines. But rather TRUE Christian people should always be prepared to loudly and defiantly defend the basic tenets of the ONE pure message that Jesus Christ taught during His ministry and was passed to His chosen Apostles. Jesus' message is that eternal salvation comes as Paul said in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God; Not of works, lest any man should boast."

Paul also profoundly declared that no amount of human suffering should stop the children of God from continually proclaiming the saving grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 1345

(Lesson 1345)(06-07-15) Philippians 1:1-11

"Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God."

Today's quote bears Paul's salutations to the Church at Philippi and encourages them, as well as we all who have taken up the banner of Jesus Christ, to stay diligent in their/our ministry of the gospel and to do all that we do; "unto the glory and praise of God."~

Lesson 1344

(Lesson 1344)(06-06-15) Ephesians 6:16-24

"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen."

In today's quote, Paul relates as to how we should defend ourselves against the "fiery darts of the wicked". He said we should do this by; "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit".

Any adversity that we, the children of God, might encounter in our daily lives can be overcome simply by having faith in God and asking that He help us through.

We should always remember that if we have sufficient faith we wield the awesome power of the Holy Spirit and can overcome any challenge that might befall us. "Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done." (Matthew 21:21).

Paul also asked herein that the Ephesians pray for him as he went about spreading the good news of God's eternal salvation. We too should continually pray for those who take it upon themselves to spread that good news of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 1343

(Lesson 1343)(06-05-15) Ephesians 6:10-15

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;"

Today's quote is one more in a list of many very important instructions Paul wrote to the children of God.

One point of particular interest is what Paul warns the children of God against. He said that we are to armor ourselves "against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

This instruction clearly tells us to prepare ourselves against, not only the sins of the flesh, but also against the institutional evil perpetrated by those institutions who hold power over the individual and are far more dangerous to the purpose of true gospel of Jesus Christ than are the individual sins of the believer.

Many glaring examples that are today representing "spiritual wickedness in high places" are those organized groups who make a mockery of the pure doctrine of Jesus Christ. Those heretical groups who attempt to distort the intent of Jesus' doctrine by inserting ancient pomp and ritual into it so as to make themselves appear more important. They falsely assert that mankind is partially, or wholly, responsible to work out, or pay for, his/her own eternal salvation.

Sadly, there are very few of us left who still accept that salvation is a free gift from God through the sacrifice of His only begotten Son and cannot be earned or bought by any individual at any price.

The ONLY means by which a man/woman can be eternally saved is because; "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 in part.)~

Lesson 1342

(Lesson 1342)(06-04-15) Ephesians 6:1-9

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him."

Again, there is nothing I can add to this lesson that will make it any plainer than Paul made it in today's quote, except to say that every child of God, or potential child of God, should read this passage over and over until it is burned into the brain.

If we the children of God follow these simple rules, those who see us in our daily lives will surely recognize, by the fruits we bear, that we are indeed the born again disciples of Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 1341

(Lesson 1341)(06-03-15) Ephesians 5:25-33

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband."

Yesterday's lesson gave instructions as to how a Christian wife is to interact with her husband. Today's quote relates how a Christian man is to interact with his wife.

The commandment Paul herein laid out for the Christian husband is far more demanding upon him than the commandment made to the wife in that a husband bears the responsibility for both. With the exception of adultery (a different lesson), the good or bad in a marriage as well as the way it is confronted reflects solely upon the husband seeing that he is designated as the responsible part of the union.

When a man and woman marry they are no longer two distinctly different people but rather they become one body with two individually interacting parts. A Christian husband is to love his wife; "even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it." That means that a Christian man is to devote himself entirely to his wife and to cherish her as if she were a part of his own body.

In the final analysis, Paul's commandment to Christian marriage partners is; "Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband."

If these simple rules were applied in all marriages today, what a wonderful world this would be.~

Lesson 1340

(Lesson 1340)(06-02-15) Ephesians 5:22-24

"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing."

Today's quote is a commandment to Christian wives. There is nothing that can be added to this commandment that would make it more clear.~

Lesson 1339

(Lesson 1339)(06-01-15) Ephesians 5:1-21

"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God."

Today's lesson is self explanatory and requires no further commentary. It is another list of the things Christian people should and should not do. To put them simply, we are to be good to one another and walk as if God were here with us, which in Spirit, He is.~