Lesson 1752

(Lesson 1752)(07-31-16) Luke 12:1-3

"In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops."

In today's quote, Jesus warned His disciples about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. They gave an outward appearance of being a just and righteous lot, yet Jesus knew that inside their purpose was wholly selfish.

As any observing child of God knows, even today, the most prevalent problem with modern "Christianity" is the horrible lack of enthusiasm and blatant hypocrisy that can so easily be found in it. Today's "Christianity" has become the modern day Pharisees.

In Revelation 3:14-19, The Laodiceans were warned about their complacency and I believe that same warning applies to the "church" of today. "And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent."~

Lesson 1751

(Lesson 1751)(07-30-16) Luke 11:37-54

"And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat. And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner. And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you. But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them. Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also. And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres. Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation. Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered. And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things: Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him."

In today's lesson, Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of the Hebrew elite, the Pharisees, lawyers, and scribes. He said that they presented themselves as clean righteous on the outside while they were full of wickedness and guile on the inside.

Much of "Christianity" today follows in the footsteps of those same scribes, lawyers, and Pharisees. They present themselves to the world as righteous, while on the inside they are corrupt, self serving and without the love of God in them. ~

Lesson 1750

(Lesson 1750)(07-29-16) Luke 11:29-36

"And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet. For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light."

In today's quote, Jesus again made it clear that we cannot serve both the principles of light and darkness at the same time. While assuring the Jews that there would be no sign, Jesus said in essence that, abandoning all else, we must rely entirely on our faith in Him.

Jesus made an example of the hypocrisy of His Jewish brethren and how, while giving the appearance of loving and honoring God, they had only worked to serve themselves.~

Lesson 1749

(Lesson 1749)(07-27-16) Luke 11:14-28

"And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils. And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it."

In today's quote, when challenged as to what authority Jesus applied to cast out devils, Jesus demonstrated the logic that one cannot obey two masters and assured His doubters that it was by His faith in the hand of God that the miracles He performed were accomplished.

Jesus also left an example for us in today's quote by relating that we too are to serve only one Master. The words of the quote, in essence, tell us that we cannot put a part of our faith in earthly rituals such as water baptisms or communion suppers while putting another part of our faith in the soul cleansing blood of Jesus Christ. We must either believe that it is water baptism that saves us, or believe that it is the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ that saves us. We must either believe that it is our ability to live perfect lives that saves us, or , we must believe the it is the supreme sacrifice of the only perfect man to have ever lived that saves us. We cannot serve "two masters". We cannot put part of our faith in one thing and another part in something else.

"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." (Romans 4:4-5)

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)~

Lesson 1748

(Lesson 1748)(07-26-16) Luke 11:1-13

"And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"

In today's lesson, Jesus instructed he apostles as to how they should pray. He then cited what would become known as "The Lord's Prayer".

Herein, Jesus made it clear that to a child of God everything is possible through faith and prayer. There can be no clearer promise than that made by Jesus in this quote. If we truly believe that Jesus is the virgin borne Son of God, and that the Father has given Him control of the entirety of all things, all we need to do is ask for what we want, and if that request is within the will of God, we WILL receive our desired answer.~

Lesson 1747

(Lesson 1747)(07-25-16) Luke 10:38-42

"Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

Today's quote tells us how Jesus rebuked Martha for complaining because Mary, her sister, had been working in the ministry of Jesus while neglecting her duties at home. The point being that the work Jesus was about doing was far more important than ones duties at home.

We, the children of God, should never allow anything to stand between us and our service to the purpose of our Lord Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 1746

(Lesson 1746)(07-24-16) Luke 10:25-37

"And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise."

In today's quote, when a certain young lawyer asked Jesus how he could attain eternal life, Jesus told him to fully obey the Law of Moses, to love God with all that he was and to love his neighbor as he loved himself. Then, in order to explain what the word neighbor meant, Jesus told him the parable of "The Good Samaritan". That parable demonstrated that everyone is the neighbor of those who believe in God.

What Jesus said to that young lawyer in today's lesson should not be misunderstood to be a means by which a lost soul can achieve salvation today. We must remember that Jesus was a Jew and in order to maintain perfection under the Law of Moses, Jesus was required to abide by the law until He had been offered up as a sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. Until the death of Jesus, eternal live could only come after achieving perfection under the law. Therefore, Jesus was bound to tell that young lawyer to obey the Law.

As we now know, only after Jesus lived a perfect life, fulfilled the law and ascended back to heaven, are the lost able to achieve eternal salvation through the new law of grace through faith in the life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. ~

Lesson 1745

(Lesson 1745)(07-23-16) Luke 10:22-24

"All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them."

Today's lesson demonstrates how the mystery of the great redemption promise that was to be honored by our Lord Jesus Christ had been exposed to the apostles. Speaking to those apostles, Jesus said, "Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them."

Sadly, still today, there are many who fail to see and understand the simplicity of salvation by grace through faith.~

Lesson 1744

(Lesson 1744)(07-22-16) Luke 10:13-21

"Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight."

In the first part of today's quote, Jesus named some cities that would suffer His wrath because they had refused to hear His word.

As the seventy two disciples returned they were thrilled to have been given the awesome power over evil that had been instilled in them by the Spirit of God through Jesus Christ.

As Jesus acknowledged the excitement of those disciples because of the power He had given them, he advised them that their excitement, because of the power over evil, should not match their excitement in knowing that they were eternally saved and that their names had been "written in heaven".

I can very truthfully attest that there is no joy that even compares to the joy of knowing that through faith in Jesus Christ, my sins are justified and that I will spend eternity in heaven.~

Lesson 1743

(Lesson 1743)(07-21-16) Luke 10:5-12

"And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city."

In today's quote, Jesus commanded those seventy two disciples to stay in the homes were they were welcomed and where their message was eagerly received. They were also commanded to eat whatever food that was set before them. And, as they left any certain home whereat they had been welcomed, they were to bless that home.

As was mentioned in yesterday's lesson, those disciples were to tell the people that the kingdom of heaven was at hand, or "The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you." The same message that Jesus, John the Baptist and the twelve apostles preached.

In the latter part of today's quote, Jesus warned of the condemnation that would come upon those cities that refused to hear the message those disciples preached. "But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city."~

Lesson 1742

(Lesson 1742)(07-19-16) Luke 10 1-4

"After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way."

In today's quote, Jesus selected and sent out seventy two of his disciples to go ahead and make the way for His coming.

We should note that those seventy two disciples were sent to preach the same message that John the Baptist, the twelve apostles and Jesus Himself had taught. "In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying,Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 3:2)

"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4:17)

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

(Matthew 10:5-7)

It is also important to note that those seventy two disciples were to take wear no shoes nor money. They were told to be totally reliant upon faith in Jesus to provide for their needs.

I wonder how many of today's "Christians" would strike out barefoot to a strange place relying on nothing but their faith?~

Lesson 1741

(Lesson 1741)(07-18-16) Luke 9:57-62

"And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

In today's lesson Jesus made it very clear that we are to let nothing stand in our work as we work to spread the word of God to the lost. That includes friends and family, God comes first. Nothing in our lives should be more important than spreading the good news of redemption from sin through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 1740

(Lesson 1740)(07-17-16) Luke 9:51-56

"And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village."

Today's quote relates that after learning the Samaritans would not let them bring Jesus into Samaria, the apostles were angry and wanted revenge against them. Jesus scolded them, saying, "Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."

We should thank God daily that Jesus chose not to take revenge upon us because of our sins but rather gave up His own life so that we might be saved in spite of those sins.~

Lesson 1739

(Lesson 1739)(07-16-16) Luke 9:49-50

"And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us."

In today's quote, Jesus made a very important point that is greatly ignored among today's "Christians". "He that is not against us if for us".

Today, too many denominations who identify themselves as Christian, condemn and criticize others because of some slight difference in the way they interpret the least important aspects of the gospel. Instead of seeking common ground to forward the work of the church, they separate themselves.

Jesus made it very clear that we are to respect the efforts of others as they strive to spread the good news of God's saving grace. We are to love and respect them whether or not we agree on certain insignificant semantics, and so long as we do agree on the basic doctrine that declares our God as the Master of the universe and that salvation from the debt of sin is by grace through faith in the virgin born, life, death, resurrection and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of our living God.~

Lesson 1738

(Lesson 1738)(07-15-16) Luke 9:46-48

"Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great."

Today's quote relates that when the apostles of Jesus argued among themselves as to who should be the "greatest" among them, Jesus used the example of the acceptance for the responsibility for a child to express that among the children of God, there is no "greatest". Jesus then went further to say, "Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great." Therefore, to express absolute faith in Jesus Christ is greatness in the sight of our Lord Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 1737

(Lesson 1737)(07-14-16) Luke 9:37-45

"And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him. And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child. And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him. And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not. And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither. And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father. And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples, Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men. But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying."

In today's quote Jesus healed a young man possessed of a devil His apostles had been unable to cast out. After completing the task and berating His apostles because of their lack of faith, Jesus said, "Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men. But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying."

Jesus was telling them that soon He would be taken away from them and that they would then be required to demonstrate enough faith to accomplish the things they would be charged to do.

Even today we, the children of God, fail miserably when it comes to the application of, and reliance on, our pitifully weak faith. We know that God has promised to give us whatever we ask if we truly believe we will receive it, yet we still fail to demonstrate our faith in our every day lives.~

Lesson 1736

(Lesson 1736)(07-13-16) Luke 9:28-36

"And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said. While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen."

Today quote is Luke's account of Jesus' mountain top meeting with Moses and Elias. God spoke from a cloud and declared Jesus to Be His Son.

The following are the Matthew and Mark accounts of this same event. Matthew 17:1-9, "And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead."

Mark 9:2-10, "And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them. And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus. And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid. And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves. And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead. And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean."~

Lesson 1735

(Lesson 1735)(07-12-16) Luke 9:23-27

"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God."

In today's quote, Jesus made the point that those of us who choose to follow Him should dedicate our lives to Him. That means that we must be wholly devoted to Him only. We are to have no other distractions that might take away from God in our lives.

NOTE: The wording of verse twenty three of today's quote causes me some concern, as does the equivalent wording in the accounts of this lesson found in Matthew and Mark.

A part of verse twenty three of today's lesson recounts Jesus as saying that one must "take up his cross daily". That phrase puzzles me in that 'taking up the cross' seems to be out of place in this context seeing that the significance of that phrase was not made apparent until Jesus was crucified on a cross that He was made to carry.

The word "cross", as it is generally applied in the New Testament, is defined as the horrible means by which Jesus and thousands of Christians were killed. Yet, as it is applied in today's quote, the word seems to be defining something totally different. Herein, the phrase seems to define a daily burden, or a load. That particular usage, to me, is an anomaly since the significance of the phrase "take up the cross" or take up "your'" cross, was established AFTER Jesus was made to carry the cross upon which He was crucified.

I understand that details like this don't much matter to many bible students, but to me, those details are what gives the overall message of God's word it's perfect meaning. I believe we are to use every means at our disposal to understand the explicit meaning of the word of God, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)

It appears to me that either the original author, or the translater/transliterater applied a phrase that could have only been coined after Jesus was crucified. It seems to make no difference on the surface, but I would sure love to know what Jesus said in the original Aramiac language. ~

Lesson 1734

(Lesson 1734)(07-11-16) Luke 9:23

"Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day."

Today's quote is a short one but none-the-less very important in that herein Jesus prophesied the completion of His divine mission which would end with His death on the cross.

In Luke 12:50 Jesus referred to the events of His death, burial and resurrection as a "baptism" that He must endure. Reflecting on what Jesus said in today's quote will help us better understand the full intent of His use of the word "baptism" when we reach that lesson.~

Lesson 1733

(Lesson 1733)(07-10-16) Luke 9:18-22

"And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again. He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God. And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day."

 

In today's quote, Jesus was confirmed by Peter to be Christ the promised Messiah.

In verse twenty one Jesus instructed His apostles to tell no one who He really was, "And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing".

I don't know why Jesus wanted His true identity to be kept secret other than that His plan of eternal salvation could not come into full affect until He had completed His divine sacrifice and had returned to the Father in heaven.

Remember, Jesus, John the Baptist, the twelve apostles and the seventy two disciples that He sent out, were to go only to their Jewish brethren and were to teach repentance under Jewish law. They were also to teach that salvation was to soon come to everyone.

They could not teach the full gospel of Jesus Christ, nor could they teach salvation by grace because the neither would be completed until Jesus had finished His ministry, crucified, buried, risen and ascended. In fact, neither the true identity of Jesus nor His doctrine would become widely known until after He had ascended and sent the Holy Ghost to His apostles and His church.~

Lesson 1732

(Lesson 1732)(07-09-16) Luke 9:10-17

"And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing. And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place. But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people. For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company. And they did so, and made them all sit down. Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets."

Today's quote relates the miracle of the five loaves and two fishes with which Jesus and His apostles fed about five thousand men.

Another lesson defining the awesome power of faith in God.~

Lesson 1731

(Lesson 1731)(07-08-16) Luke 9:7-9

"Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead; And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him."

Today's quote relates how Herod, the king of Judea, was confused and concerned by the things that Jesus and His apostles were doing. Herod was afraid John the Baptist had risen from the dead because he didn't realize who Jesus was.~

Lesson 1730

(Lesson 1730)(07-07-16) Luke 9:1-6

"Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where."

In today's quote, before sending them out to prepare their fellow Jews for the kingdom of God, Jesus gave them power over all devils and diseases. They were to rely strictly upon faith for their sustenance and wellbeing.

Today, every born again child of God has the same power over the devil and his diseases that was given to those apostles, so long as they have absolute faith in Jesus Christ. This is the promise Jesus made to us, "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." (Mark 11:23)

Therefore, it is duty of the faithful to keep and exercise that faith by praying without ceasing for the health and wellbeing of those around us and for those things that advance the will of God in our lives.~

Lesson 1729

(Lesson 1729)(07-06-16) Luke 8:40-56

"And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him. And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him. And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace. While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat. And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done."

Today's quote tells us of how Jesus both healed the woman and raised the young girl from the dead. Both miracles are examples of how faith in Jesus Christ can accomplish anything.~

Lesson 1728

(Lesson 1728)(07-05-16) Luke 8:26-39

"And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee. And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not. (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.) And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them. Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked. When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country. Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed. Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again. Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him."

Today's quote relates how Jesus cast out the devils who had controlled a certain Gadarene.

It is important to note that even the devils recognized Jesus as the "Son of God most high".

In the latter part of the quote, the redeemed man wanted to go and follow Jesus but was denied because he could do more for the cause of Jesus by witnessing to his own people about the miraculous thing Jesus had done for him.~

Lesson 1727

(Lesson 1727)(07-04-16) Luke 8:22-25

"Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him."

Today's quote again demonstrates that Jesus has power over all things in the earth, including the wind and the sea. It also demonstrates the weakness of the faith of mankind in that even those apostles who had witnessed the many miracles Jesus had performed, were still stunned by His awesome power.

It would serve us well to remember that through the Holy Spirit, that same power is available to every child of God who has sufficient faith. "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." (Mark 11:23)

Sadly there are few who can muster that much faith. Does that statistic mean that many of those who profess Christianity don't really believe what we teach? Sadly, the answer to that question is yes. "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." (James 2:26) Therefore, every child of God should wake up their dead faith and practice it daily knowing that Faith has NO limits. If there's something, anything you want that is within the limits of God's will, pray for it believing God will answer your prayer, and you WILL get your desired answer.~

Lesson 1726

(Lesson 1726)(07-03-16) Luke 8:19-21

"Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press. And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it."

In today's quote, Jesus made the distinction between His earthly kinship to His mother and brothers and separated them from His spiritual kinship.

Jesus, in essence, declared that His true brothers and sisters are, and will be, those who accept His word and truly become, as He is, the children of God in mankind.

It is important to note that by accepting Christ as our savior and putting absolute faith in His righteousness as a substitute for our sins, forgiveness and redemption, we actually become the children of God, the true spiritual brothers and sisters of Jesus; "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name". (John 1:12)~

Lesson 1725

(Lesson 1725)(07-02-16) Luke 8:1-18

"And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance. And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have."

In today's lesson, Jesus told the parable of the sower. When His apostles asked what it meant, He explained that there would only be a few who would devotedly receive His word accept it, and teach it to others. Jesus also explained why He used the parable: He said, "Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others" (It is given) "in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand." In other words, Jesus never intended for the people who had gathered to understand what He meant by His use of the parable. That was because the "mystery" of His gospel would not be perfected until He had undergone His sacrificial ordeal and returned to the Father in heaven. It was necessary for His apostles to understand because they would be required to teach His gospel in His absence. "For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have."~

Lesson 1724

(Lesson 1724)(07-01-16) Luke 7:36-50

"And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace."

Today's quote relates how much more forgiveness means to those of us who have lived our lives on the underside of society where sin rules everything. To those who are only guilty of a minor misdeed, forgiveness don't necessarily mean that much. But, to people like me, who have lived a life that has been, for the most part, totally contrary to the will of God, His forgiveness is the most precious thing in our lives.

In the last part of today's quote, Jesus forgave the sins of the woman with the alabaster box. Jesus said, "Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace."

God's forgiveness has already been granted to every soul who has learned the word of God and who has put his/her faith in the virgin borne life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. That soul is sealed until the day of redemption by the Holy Spirit of God; "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

My encouragement to everyone who will listen is that you study God's word from Genesis 1 all the way through the final amen in the Revelation. If you do that, you will learn the way of eternal salvation, it is simple; "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24) "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)~