Lesson 1695

(Lesson 1695)(05-31-16) Luke 1:26-56

"And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house."

Today's quote relates the angel's appearance to Mary and the immaculate conception of our Lord Jesus Christ. The quote also relates how an unborn John the Baptist leapt in Elisabeth's womb when he came into the presence of, an also unborn, Jesus.

The immaculate conception of Jesus is a very important part of the plan God for the redemption of a lost world. That immaculate conception allowed Jesus to be born free from the inborn sin that was inflicted on all mankind by the disobedience of Adam. That conception also allowed the "only begotten" Son of God to be born into the earth as a human man who would be forced to face down and overcome the same trials and temptations that face all of a condemned mankind. By Jesus overcoming those temptations of sin, He qualified Himself as worthy to be a perfect sacrifice for the sins of all mankind.

Thank God for His plan of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. For, it is that grace that allows a poor wretched soul like me to be cleansed of all sin by the righteousness of a virgin borne Jesus Christ. And, to be "justified" for my continuous sinful ways by the sacrifice that He made for all of those who will believe.~

Lesson 1694

(Lesson 1694)(05-30-16) Luke 1:5-25

"There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men."

Today's quote relates the immaculate conception of John the Baptist. It also relates that the divine mission God had prepared for John was to prepare the Jews for the coming of the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 1693

(Lesson 1693)(05-29-16) Luke 1:1-4

"Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed."

In these first four verses of Luke, the author advises Theophilus that what he is about to write is the truth of the events concerning the ministry of Jesus Christ as was witnessed by, and related him personally, those who were also witnesses of those events.

Like Matthew and Mark, Luke offers a slightly different account of Jesus words and actions. However, all three agree on the basic principals of the gospel of Jesus Christ as that gospel was related by Jesus Himself.

In the final verse of today's quote Luke said, "It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, THAT THOU MIGHTEST KNKOW THE CERTAINITY OF THOSE THINGS, WHEREIN THOU HAST BEEN INSTRUCTED."

Luke went to great lengths to assure Theophilus that what he was about to write was a true and factual account of the entire ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 1692

(Lesson 1692)(05-28-16) Mark 16:14-20

Today's lesson is another continuance of my attempt to clarify the final instructions Jesus gave to His apostles as those instructions are documented in Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:15-16.

In Matthew 28:19, Jesus, in essence, said that His apostles were to go and educate everyone who would listen about the concept of the Holy Triune, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, (The method by which God allowed, by His grace, the eternal salvation of all those who will believe.)

Like the Matthew account, Mark also related that the apostles were to go and preach the gospel, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Again, "the gospel" that was to be preached is the concept of the Holy Triune, God the Father, the Creator and Master of the universe, God the Son, Jesus, God in the form of a human man, the virgin born sacrificial lamb that was slain as a sacrifice for the sins of the world, and finally God the Holy Ghost, God in the Spirit, the Keeper and justifier of souls who remains on the earth today to serve the needs of the children of God. The apostles were to teach how all the parts of the Holy Triune functioned to provide eternal salvation for the lost.

Unlike the Matthew account, Mark also relates the consequences that await both those who choose to believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and those who choose to reject it. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."

What this text would say in properly translated modern English is; Those who believe in God and have immersed their spiritual selves into the sacrifice of Jesus Christ being sanctified by the grace of God provided through the Holy Triune, are saved. However, those who fail to believe in God are damned.

NOTE: The word "baptized" as it appears in the above text is not meant to imply that water immersion or sprinkling has anything to do with the salvation of the eternal soul. "Baptized" as it applied in the above context, implies a spiritual unity with the sacrificial body of Jesus Christ. It has the same meaning therein as it does in Galatians 3:26-27; "For ye are all the children of God BY FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."

This text clearly demonstrates that one is saved by faith in Christ Jesus and that that faith is counted as a baptism into or a putting on Christ Jesus.~

Lesson 1691

(Lesson 1691)(05-27-16) Mark 16:14-20
Yesterday we established that the word baptizo or baptidzo, the ancient Greek word from which our English word baptize, and its grammatical variations, was transliterated, does not imply a dipping or sprinkling, as commonly occurs in today's water baptisms, but rather they imply a placing of one item into another to be left there permanently in order to provide a desired permanent affect.
Now, to apply this informantion to the in...structions that Jesus left with His apostles. When in Matthew 28:19, Jesus said, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost", He was not implying that His apostles (or we) were to go and dip the lost world into water under the authority of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Instead, Jesus was telling His apostles that they should, by teaching His gospel, totally immerse "all nations" into the knowledge and concept of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost, the Holy Triune.
By teaching what Jesus had taught them about the Holy Triune, the apostles would be providing those who would accept the gospel of Jesus Christ, a means of obtaining eternal salvation through the grace of God the Father, the sacrifice of God the Son, and the soul sealing power of God the Holy Ghost.
By applying the intended meaning of the ancient Greek and translating it as it should be translated, Matthew 28:19 would read; Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature, immersing them permanently into the soul saving power of the Holy Triune of God.

NOTE: The phrase "the name of", as it is applied in Matthew 28:19 implies something that can be taught, or preached which in itself denotes a baptism. This is evidenced by the what Philip said, and the results, in Acts 8:12: "But when they believed Philip PREACHING the things concerning the kingdom of God, and THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, they were baptized, both men and women." By hearing (believing) THE NAME OF Jesus christ preached, those people were "baptized". They were baptized by being taught, not by immersion of dipping into water.
As we can clearly see herein, the phrase "the name of" implies a message that can be, or is to be, taught.
Tomorrow we will make the connection between the two passages that describe Jesus' final instructions to His apostles, Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:16.
If anyone has any questions about my foundation for this lesson, be sure to ask.

Lesson 1690

(Lesson 1690)(05-26-16) Mark 16:14-20

Today's lesson is a continuance of our study into the true meaning of the instructions in Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:16 and is an attempt to fully and accurately define the words "baptize" and most of it's grammatical variations as those variations are applied both in Matthew 28:19 and in Mark 16:16.

We ended yesterday's lesson by making reference to a recipe for pickling that was written down by an ancient Greek physician and poet named Nicander in about 200 BC.

This is a very relevant reference because in the recipe Nicander uses the ancient Greek words 'bapto' and 'baptizo', in common ancient Greek conversation and can be relied upon to determine the accurate meanings of those two words as they are applied in context.

Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be 'dipped' (bapto) into boiling water and then 'baptized' (baptizo) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs, bapto and baptizo, concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first, bapto, is temporary. The second, the act of baptizing the vegetable, produces a permanent change.

As we can see from the common Greek usage of those words, bapto means to simply dip an item into some substance then remove it. 'Baptizo', means to place an item into some substance permanently.

It would do well to make note that baptizo is the ancient Greek word from which our English word "baptize" was transliterated, NOT bapto.

I related all of this to demonstrate that the word most aptly fitting what we call water baptism today, is the ancient Greek word "bapto", NOT "baptizo" since bapto means to dip and remove whereas baptizo means to immerse and leave permanently.~

Tomorrow we will begin explain how applying the accurate definitions to those two words as they appear in the lesson text completely changes the most common understanding of the instructions that Jesus left with His apostles in Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:16.

Lesson 1689

(Lesson 1689)(05-25-16) Mark 16:14-20

"Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen."

In today's quote, Jesus rebuked His apostles for not having enough faith to believe He had returned from the dead.

Today's quote also contains one the most misunderstood and misinterpreted verses in the whole bible. Verse fourteen of this lesson says, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."

Mark 16:16 and Matthew 28:19-20 are simply two different accounts of the same final instructions that Jesus gave to His apostles given before He ascended back to heaven. They are both grossly misunderstood by almost every known religious organization.

I say they are misunderstood and misinterpreted because in both instances variations of the transliterated word baptize: "baptizing" (Matthew 28:19) and "baptized" (Mark 16:16); are most always taken to describe a totally wrong action, that is an immersion, or sprinkling, exclusively in water. Beginning here, I will attempt to prove the validity of what I have asserted.

The English word "baptize", and it's grammatical variations (except for the word 'baptism' a noun which was transliterated from the Greek word "baptisma", also a noun) were all transliterated from the Greek word 'baptizo'. The word "baptize" was never intended to convey the medium into which a person, or thing, is to be 'baptized', that is meant to be established by the context within which the word is applied. The Greek word 'baptizo' (or 'baptidzo') is a 'one word fits all' term that can define anything having to do with placing one item into another AND LEAVING IT THERE for the purpose of altering the form or state of that item.

In simpler terms, to "baptize" simply means to permanently place an item (or person) into some substance or ideology, leaving it there to achieve a desired effect.

A great example of what the Greek word 'baptizo' (English 'baptize') actually means, and what its application implies in today's lesson as well as in Matthew 28:19-20, is given in the only application I've been able to find where the two words "bapto" (to dip) and "baptizo"(to permanently install) were used in common Greek conversation, is in a recipe for pickling vegetables that was written by the Greek poet and physician Nicander who lived around 200 BC.

NOTE:Tomorrow's lesson will take up here and go on in the explanation of what today's lesson and the passage from Matthew 28:19-20 actually are intended to tell us.~

Lesson 1688

(Lesson 1688)(05-24-16) Mark 16:7-13

"But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you. And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid. Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them."

Today's quote relates that even though the apostles would, in the end, all come to accept and fully believe in the resurrection of Jesus, most were, at first, very reluctant to believe.

Their doubts came in spite of the fact that some of their own had seen Jesus in person and had talked to Him.

Marks account of these events differs in wording from the accounts of the other gospels, yet all the accounts agree on the general content and on the most important elements of the events.

In the next few days we will attempt to separate out the two most important lessons that are conveyed in the different accounts and bind them together into one total and coherent account.~

Lesson 1687

(Lesson 1687)(05-23-16) Mark 16:1-6

"And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him."

Today's lesson contains the three most glorious and earth stunning words ever spoken, "HE IS RISEN".

When Jesus overcame death He freely passed that same opportunity to every lost soul on earth who will simply, and forever, believe in Him.

In order to obtain eternal life, there are no tasks to be fulfilled nor rituals to be performed. One need only believe that God is the sovereign ruler of the universe and that Jesus, God's only begotten Son, is Christ, who was virgin borne, lived, died on a cross as a sacrifice for ALL the sins of the world, was resurrected on the third day and, after completing His divine task,ascended back to the Father in heaven.~

Lesson 1686

(Lesson 1686)(05-22-16) Mark 15:22-47

"And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull. And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not. And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors. And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, Save thyself, and come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him. And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias. And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down. And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God. There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem. And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathaea, and honourable counseller, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus. And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre. And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid."

Today's lesson is Mark's account of the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is nothing that can be added that will enhance the importance of this both horrific, and glorious day. Horrific in that Jesus was made to suffer pain and humiliation beyond all human imagination. Glorious in that the events of that day began the process by which a lost world can gain eternal salvation. All praise be unto Jesus my savior forever. Thank God for the His blessed grace. ~

Lesson 1685

(Lesson 1685)(05-21-16) Mark 15:1-21

"And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate. And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it. And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing. And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee. But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled. Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired. And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.
And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them. Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews? For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy. But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them. And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews? And they cried out again, Crucify him. Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him. And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band. And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head, And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews! And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him. And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross."

In today's lesson, Jesus was taken before Pilate where His life was traded for the life of Barabbas, a known murderer. After the Jews had refused to free Him, Jesus was mocked as "the king of the Jews", beaten and eventually taken away to be crucified.

Jesus was killed, not for any guilt that He had brought upon Himself, but rather for the guilt that is born into every one of us who will simply believe in Him.~

Lesson 1684

(Lesson 1684)(05-20-16) Mark 14:53-72

"And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes. And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire. And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none. For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying, We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands. But neither so did their witness agree together. And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses? Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death. And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands. And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest: And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth. But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew. And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them. And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto. But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak. And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept."

Today's lesson relates how Jesus was falsely accused by the high priest of the Jews then condemned to death.

The last part of the lesson relates how Peter, after the third time he had denied knowing Jesus, cried as he remembered what Jesus had said, "Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice."~

Lesson 1683

(Lesson 1683)(05-19-16) Mark 14:42-52

"Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand. And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him. And they laid their hands on him, and took him. And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me? I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled. And they all forsook him, and fled. And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked."

Today's quote relates how Jesus, being betrayed by Judas, was captured and taken away by the chief priests, scribes and elders of the Jews.

It also relates how the apostles, Peter, James and John, ran away and abandoned Jesus to go alone to face His brutal and undeserved torture and crucifixion.~

Lesson 1682

(Lesson 1682)(05-18-16) Mark 14:32-41

"And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words. And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him. And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners."

Today's quote relates how the human part of Jesus showed dread as He prayed that God remove Him from the horrible events that were about to take place. Meanwhile, the apostles Jesus had chosen to stand watch, Peter, James and John, slept as Jesus agonized.

Sadly, as did Peter, James and John on the night before Jesus was crucified, the great majority of "Christianity" lays asleep today as Satan prepares to take literally billions of souls into an eternal hell. Ever born again child of God should awaken and be vigilant in the task that Jesus has entrusted unto us by taking every advantage in furthering His saving grace through the teaching of His gospel to every soul who will listen. Praying unceasingly for those who have faithfully taken up the task.~

Lesson 1681

(Lesson 1681)(05-17-16) Mark 14:27-31

"And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all."

Today's quote relates how Jesus knew that His death was soon to come. It also tells us how Jesus knew that Peter and the other apostles, even though they had sworn to stay by His side, would abandon Him when his final hour had come.~

Lesson 1680

(Lesson 1680)(05-16-16) Mark 14:12-26

"And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover? And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him. And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us. And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. And in the evening he cometh with the twelve. And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me. And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I? And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish. The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born. And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God. And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives."

Today's quote is Mark's account of the "Last Supper", or what is today ritualized as the "Lord's Supper" or communion.

When we have completed the related lessons from all four of the gospels, I intend to do a special lesson on the significance, or insignificance, of "The Lord's Supper" to modern Christianity.~

Lesson 1679

(Lesson 1679)(05-15-16) Mark 14:10-11

"And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them. And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him."

Today's short lesson relates how Judas conspired to betray Jesus to the chief priests of the Jews. Judas' actions of betrayal set into motion the soul redeeming sacrifice of our Lord.~

Lesson 1678

(Lesson 1678)(05-14-16) Mark Chapter 14:1-9

"After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death. But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people. And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her."

Today's quote relates the story of the woman who, knowing that Jesus was about to die, anointed Him with a very expensive oil she brought in an "alabaster box".

Make note of what Jesus said after after he explained to His apostles why the woman was justified in what she had done. Jesus said, "Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her."

There could be no clearer instruction, yet in today's churches, one seldom, if ever, hears the story of the woman and the "alabaster box". Could it be that we, today, pay far to much attention to our chosen favorite details of bible scripture and ignore many of the direct instructions that came straight out of the mouth of Jesus Himself?

Another example of a direct instruction from Jesus that goes almost totally ignored in today's churches is found in Matthew 6:6-8; "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."~

Lesson 1677

(Lesson 1677)(05-13-16) Mark Chapter 13

"And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled? And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows. But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. And the gospel must first be published among all nations. But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house: And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment. But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter. For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days. And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven. Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch."

This thirteenth chapter of Luke is Jesus' prophecy of the end times and His warning of the signs that will distinguish the days of His triumphal return.

It behooves all of us to carefully study what Jesus said herein so that we are totally prepared for His second coming and that we are capable of teaching His warning to those around us, seeing that our only challenge is to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to every lost soul who is willing to listen and to obey His two great commandments.~

Lesson 1676

(Lesson 1676)(05-12-16) Mark 12:38-44

"And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation. And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living."

Today's lesson should be one of the most important lessons a child of God can learn beyond how to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ and the elements of his/her own salvation.

The scribes that Jesus warned about in the beginning of this lesson could very well be what is recognized as the majority of today's "church" practitioners. In far to many of our modern churches, the preacher will be clad in some kind of robe or other garment that sets him/herself apart from the rest of the congregation. The same applies to many "church" choirs, since they too are generally clad in long robes that distinguish them form the congregation. Today's "church" is also infested with many other select "ministries" that cater only to small part of the general congregation.

In my opinion, these things are the very practices Jesus warned us about in today's lesson. He made it very clear that the children of God are to separate themselves from the rest of the world ONLY by their Godly actions and obedience to the two great commandments. We are certainly not to set ourselves apart by dressing in distinguishing clothing so as to present ourselves as superior to others in the church.

"Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples, Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation." (Luke 20:45-47)

This lesson also demonstrates that it is far more important in the sight of God that we give from the things that we need the most so as to demonstrate the true spirit of giving, as did the widow referenced in today's quote.

We, as true Christians, are to remain humble in every thing we do, especially in our fellowship with our brothers and sisters. We are to give until it hurts knowing that whatever we give for the sake of God, we will receive a hundred fold in return; "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life." (Matthew 19:29)~

Lesson 1675

(Lesson 1675)(05-11-16) Mark 12:35-37

"And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David? For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool. David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly."

Today's quote is a short one but a very important one. Herein, Jesus gave proof through the history of king David's own words, that He, being both the Father and the Son, was present from the beginning , even during the time of David. Yet by being born to Mary in a man's body, He is also the son of David by lineage.

The point of the lesson is that Jesus is God born in to the body of a human man by a virgin woman, Mary, through the lineage of king David, as the prophecies had previously declared.~

Lesson 1674

(Lesson 1674)(05-10-16) Mark 12:28-34

"And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? 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. And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question."

In today's quote, as a part of His answer to the scribe, Jesus pointed out that there are only two "great" commandments. He said, "There is none other commandment greater than these." The Matthew account makes the meaning of this exchange more clear, "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)

The Matthew account is more to the point of what is meant by the quote, in that it clarifies that all the other commandments, after the coming of Christ and His new law of faith, were wrapped up in just those two "great" commandments.

The apostle Paul said that if we believe in the saving power of Jesus Christ, our sins are JUSTIFIED. "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. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and WHOSE SINS ARE COVERED. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin." (Romans 4:4-8) Therefore, those of us whom have accepted Jesus Christ as our intermediary before God, need only concern ourselves with obeying those two "great" commandments, and if we do, all the others commandments will have been also obeyed. ~

Lesson 1673

(Lesson 1673)(05-09-16) Mark 12:18-27

"Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed. And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise. And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also. In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife. And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God? For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven. And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err."

Today's quote relates that marriage will not be recognized in heaven in the same manner that it is recognized here on earth. Jesus said, "For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven."~

Lesson 1672

(Lesson 1672)(05-08-16) Mark 12:13-17

"And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words. And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it. And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him."

In today's quote, Jesus made it clear that Christian people are to pay our taxes as required by civil law, without question.

"Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men" (1 Peter 2:13-15)

Today's text also makes it clear that the things in our lives that are wholly dedicated to God are to be attended to apart from our earthly business or possessions.~

Lesson 1671

(Lesson 1671)(05-07-16) Mark 12:1-12

"And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard. And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty. And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled. And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some. Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son. But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours. And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard. What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others. And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way."

In the parable contained in today's quote, the vineyard represents the will of God in the earth. The Husbandmen that were to tend the vineyard were the Jews, God's first chosen people. The first two servants that were sent to the husbandmen represent Moses and the prophets. The son that was last sent and killed represented Jesus Christ.

The parable demonstrates how the Jews, in their disobedience throughout their history, failed to obey the laws of God. Instead, they twisted the commandments of God and tried to profit from their self established positions of authority. The parable also demonstrates why, and how, the "chosen" status was taken from the Jews and transferred to the believing Gentiles who would establish and be charged with furthering the doctrine of Jesus Christ through the authority of the Holy Spirit and His church.

"There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:6-13)~

Lesson 1670

(Lesson 1670)(05-06-16) Mark 11:27-33

"And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things? And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me. And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed. And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things."

In today' lesson, when Jesus was confronted by the Jewish hierarchy and asked by what authority He preached: knowing that they counted John the baptist as a true prophet; Jesus asked if John preached by the authority of God or by his own authority? That question stumped the chief priests because either way they answered would box them into an unwanted corner. If they answered that John was authorized by God, they would be giving legitimacy to Jesus because John had previously baptized Jesus and acknowledged Him as the Son of God. And, if they said John had no authority other than his own, they would cause an uprising among all the thousands who counted John as a true man of God.

There are two distinctly different lessons that should be learned from today's quote. The first is that the Jewish hierarchy were out to destroy Jesus whether or not He was truly the Son of God. The second is that the phrase, "the baptism of John", describes much more than simply the water "baptisms" he performed. That phrase, "the baptism of John", most importantly refers to the message that John preached: "As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, PREPARE YE THE WAY OF THE LORD, make his paths straight. (Luke 3:4)~

Lesson 1669

(Lesson 1669)(05-04-16) Mark 11:12-26

"And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine. And when even was come, he went out of the city. And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."

Today's quote relates how Jesus, in a demonstration to His apostles that having faith works miracles, condemned the fig tree and caused it to die.

Jesus also assured the faithful that whatever they might desire can be theirs if they pray believing beyond all doubt that their prayer will be answered. "Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith."

Jesus also noted that God will not forgive those who themselves fail to be forgiving. We are to live as Godly a life as our sin-ridden body will allow. We are to be forever forgiving. We are to bind ourselves in faith to the fact that Jesus is our source of spiritual strength in all things, even to the eternal salvation of our very soul.~

Lesson 1668

(Lesson 1668)(05-04-16) Mark 11:1-11

"And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither. And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him. And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go. And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him. And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve."

In today's quote, Jesus made His triumphant entry into Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover and where He would eventually be crucified as a sacrifice for the sins of the world, Himself becoming the new means of "Passover" for those of us who have placed our faith in Him.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." (John 3:16-17)

Lesson 1667

(Lesson 1667)(05-03-16) Mark 10:46-52

"And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way."

In today's quote, Jesus healed "Blind Bartimaeus" by giving Him sight. It is very important to note what Jesus did and what He said as the blind man received his sight. Jesus actually did nothing physically, He didn't touch Bartimaeus, nor did He say any kind of healing prayer. Jesus simply said "thy faith hath made thee whole". It took nothing more than faith in the redeeming power of Jesus to cause Blind Bartimaeus to receive his sight.

That same awesome power is available to anyone on earth today who can muster absolute faith In Jesus Christ. He promised us time and again that if we have sufficient faith, we can do anything. "verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith." (Mark 11:23 in part.)~

Lesson 1666

(Lesson 1666)(05-02-16) Mark 10:35-45

"And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."

Today's quote Mark's account of what was covered in Matthew 20:20, wherein the Zebedee brothers attempted to set themselves apart for the rest of the apostles to which Jesus replied; "Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all."

This lesson confirms that the Roman Catholic contention that Peter was selected as the "chiefest" of the apostles is not substantiated by the words out of Jesus' own mouth.

Today's quote also, again, verifies that the term "baptize", and it's grammatical variations, do not always refer to an immersion into water. It is clear that when Jesus applied variations of the term in today's quote, He was referring to His, soon to come, sacrificial ordeal.

For a full study of what today's lesson indicates please refer to lessons from Matthew 20:20-28, lessons 1579 and 1580, wherein the term "baptize" and it's overall implications are discussed on more detail.~

Lesson 1665

(Lesson 1665)(05-01-16) Mark 10:32-34

"And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him, Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles: And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again."

    In today's quote, Jesus told His apostles about His, soon to come, soul saving sacrifice wherein He would be killed and would rise again on the third day leaving the sins of the world in the grave for those of us who , have and will, place our absolute faith in Him.

     "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:14-18)~