Lesson 1783

(Lesson 1783)(08-31-16) Luke 18:18-31

"And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting."

Today's lesson stresses how mankind will put the importance of their earthly wealth ahead of the everlasting destiny of their eternal souls.

Although, in the first part of today's quote, Jesus said, "it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God". He did not mean that it is impossible for a rich person to enter the kingdom. Remember, He also said, "There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more IN THIS PRESENT TIME, and in the world to come life everlasting." By saying this, Jesus made it clear that there is a great difference between those who worship their wealth above all else, and those who achieve and accept the wealth Jesus promised His faithful followers.

Therefore, it is not impossible for the rich to enter the kingdom. They simply must take their faith away from their earthly wealth and place it wholly in the soul saving sacrifice of the only begotten Son of God and continue in His divine will.~

Lesson 1782

(Lesson 1782)(08-30-16) Luke 18:15-17

"And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein."

Today's quote provides much of the basis for the erroneous belief that babies are to be "Christened" or "baptized" into the church soon after birth. "Baptizing" babies in water is a totally un-scriptural ritual tradition that is practiced by Roman Catholicism and many of it's spin-off denominations.

In truth, there is no scriptural foundation for "Christening" babies in water, under any circumstance.

What Jesus intended by what He said in today's quote is that unless a person abandons all other religious preconceptions, clearing his/her mind of all pre-established spiritual ideas, and enters into absolute belief in Christ with no caveats and with a mind as clear as that of a child, that person cannot be accepted into the church. In short, there are can be NO preconditions to becoming a child of God.~

Lesson 1781

(Lesson 1781)(08-29-16) Luke 18:9-14

"And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

Today's lesson should be a very important one to every child of God, and should be diligently taught to those who are new in faith.

In spite of the fact that in Matthew chapter six Jesus made an explicit point of teaching His disciples how they should pray, there is not a church in existence today, that I am aware of, that don't promote just the opposite of what Jesus demanded. Not only did Jesus directly condemn the boastful prayers of the Pharisees, He gave very specific instructions and examples as to how His disciples are to pray in private. "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." (Matthew 6:5-8)

Many of the rituals of Catholicism and Judaism have been carried over into today's "worship" services and have distorted the very principles that Jesus Himself established. I believe that publicly "leading" prayer is one of them.

I have found NO scriptural authorization for what is today called "leading" prayer, and neither have I found any scripturally established condition under which it should be practiced. So far as I have been able to establish, the only possible purpose for "leading" someone in prayer is to presume to know their innermost thoughts and spiritual needs.

Prayer is the most important tool the child of God has in his/her arsenal against the power of Satan. We should be very quick to humbly pray for our spiritual and physical needs as well as the spiritual and physical needs of those around us. However, we should also be sure to offer those prayers in the manner that Jesus demanded of His disciples.~

Lesson 1780

(Lesson 1780)(08-28-16) Luke 18:1-8

"And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?"

Today's lesson relates the power of prayer for those who are persistent in praying for the things they need. As Christian people, our prayers should be constant and our faith should be unwavering. If the children of God maintain those two simple rules, we will never have need for anything.~

Lesson 1779

(Lesson 1779)(08-27-16) Luke 17:20-37

"And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it. And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them. For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation. And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back." Remember Lot's wife. Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.

In today's quote, Jesus explained that His second coming will remain to be a mystery, and warned us to shun those who claim to know the time of His return.

We, the children of God are to be vigilant in working the fields of His word. Preparing every soul we meet for that glorious day when Jesus returns to take us home to eternity. "Even though, Lord Jesus, come soon." ~

Lesson 1778

Lesson 1778)(08-26-16) Luke 17:11-19

"And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole."

Today's quote relates that when Jesus healed the ten lepers, only the Samaritan returned to praise Jesus for what He had done and to give the glory to God.

This is another example of how little respect the Jews had for Jesus. It is also one of the reasons why John said, "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. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:11-14)~

Lesson 1777

(Lesson 1777)(08-25-16) Luke 17:7-10

"But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do."

Today's lesson is a simple one. We, the children of God, are to make certain that all our labor for the Lord is complete before we take our rest. We know that our labor of spreading the good news of God's saving grace won't be completed until our lives are over. Therefore, we will receive our rest and reward only after this life has passed and our eternal life with God in heaven has begun.~

Lesson 1776

(Lesson 1776)(08-24-16) Luke 17:5-6

"And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you."

In today's quote, Jesus assures His disciples of the power of faith. Today those of us, who are believers in Jesus Christ, have the same power through faithful prayer as that which was promised to those disciples.

All we need to do to have our every desire fulfilled is to believe beyond our entire being that God will grant our prayer and, if what we ask is within His divine will, we will, beyond all doubt, have our answer.
God has proven this promise to me too many times for me to keep count.~

Lesson 1775

(Lesson 1775)(08-23-16) Luke 17:1-4

"Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him."

In today's lesson, Jesus warned against causing to sin, or lead astray, someone who might be weaker in faith.

The lesson also stresses that we are to forgive until it hurts and then forgive again and again. Surely, if we are able to be forgiven our sins we should eagerly forgive those who sin against us.~

Lesson 1774

(Lesson 1774)(08-22-16) Luke 16:19-31

"There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead."

Today's quote relates the story of the rich man and Lazarus. The lesson intended by this quote is directed primarily to the Jews as a people. When the rich man asked Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his brothers, reasoning that his brothers would surely believe a man returned from the dead, Abraham responded, "If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead."

Abraham's response to the rich man forewarned that just like the Jews had failed go believe in Moses and God's prophets, and they would neither believe in Jesus Christ, crucified, buried and resurrected. ~

Lesson 1773

(Lesson 1773)(08-21-16) Luke 16:18

"Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery."

Today's lesson is a very short one, but none the less important. This lesson provides that it is almost impossible to divorce a husband or wife without committing adultery. However, Matthew 5:31-32 says, "It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. Therefore, combining the message in both today's quote and what is said in Matthew 5:31-32, it can be established the adultery is the only permissable reason for getting a divorce under the Law.

Matthew 19:3-12 says, "The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry. But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it."

Therefore, combining the message in today's quote with what is said in Matthew 5:31-32, and 19:3-12, it can be established that adultery is the only permissable reason for getting a divorce under the Law.~

Lesson 1772

(Lesson 1772)(08-20-16) Luke 16:14-17

"And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail."

In today's lesson, Jesus condemned the Pharisees for their covetousness and hypocrisy.

Much of what is said about the Pharisees in this lesson can equally be applied to many of today's so-called Christians. It seems the worship of God has become all about pomp and little about getting the good news of God's saving grace to the lost.~

Lesson 1771

(Lesson 1771)(08-19-16) Luke 16:1-13

"And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward. Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses. So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord? And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty. Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore. And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."

In today's quote, as He encouraged His brethren to serve the Lord, Jesus used another parable to establish that a man cannot serve two masters. "No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."~

Lesson 1770

(Lesson 1770)(08-18-16) Luke 15:11-32

"And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found."

Today's lesson relates the parable of "The prodigal son" and demonstrates how God so loves His own that He is willing to forgive even the worst of sinners and accept them into His eternal grace.

This lesson establishes that no matter how far away one might have strayed from God's will, that one will always be welcomed home if he/she is willing to humble him/herself and ask forgiveness believing that Jesus Christ is the remitter of all sin.~

Lesson 1769

(Lesson 1769)(08-17-16) Luke 15:1-10

"Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."

Today's quote relates how important just one lost soul is to Jesus. In the parable, He explained that any good shepherd would abandon the many sheep that were already safe to go and save the one who was in danger of losing its life.

This lesson is a very important example for today's Christians also, in that we too should be willing to leave the comforts of our everyday lives to go and find those who are lost and bring them to the safety and sanctity that comes through faith in Jesus Christ our Lord.~

Lesson 1768

(Lesson 1768)(08-16-16) Luke 14:25-35

"And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."

Today's quote tells us that if we choose to take on the responsibility of being a disciple of Christ, we must abandon all else and devote our lives to Him. That means that nothing should be allowed to stand between us and our devotion to God.

To achieve eternal life and be accepted as the children of God, we must surrender our lives through absolute faith in the soul redeeming sacrifice that was made by our Lord Jesus Christ, the virgin born Son of God.~

Lesson 1767

(Lesson 1767)(08-15-16) Luke 14:16-24

"Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper."

In today's lesson, Jesus used the parable of the great supper to demonstrate how He had first brought His soul saving grace to the Jews, His blood brethren and God's chosen people. The parable also demonstrates how after the Jews rejected Jesus, He offered that blessed saving grace to the Gentiles who for the most part, eagerly accepted it.

Thank God that He saw fit to justify my sins and give the divine gift of eternal salvation to the likes of me. ~

Lesson 1766

(Lesson 1766)(08-14-16) Luke 14:12-15

"Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God."

In this lesson, Jesus told His disciples to avoid doing things for those who are capable of caring for themselves because it makes them feel obligated to return the favor. Instead, He said it is better to do good things for those who really in need.

This lesson is yet another encouragement to obey the two "great" commandments. Love God with all you are and love your neighbor as you love yourself. ~

Lesson 1765

(Lesson 1765)(08-13-16) Luke 14:7-11

"And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

In today's quote, Jesus told His disciples to always allow others to be placed above them in their everyday lives as well as in the church.

By using a parable, Jesus explained that if a person falsely considers him/herself to deserve favoritism above others, that person is doomed to be embarrassed when he or she is eventually put in their proper place.
We, as Christians, should always consider everyone else before we consider ourselves. To do so is to obey the two "great" commandments that Jesus gave us in Matthew 22:37-39, "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."~

Lesson 1764

(Lesson 1764)(08-12-16) Luke 14:1-6

"And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him. And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy. And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go; And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day? And they could not answer him again to these things."

In today's lesson, Jesus, knowing the Pharisees would accuse Him of breaking the sabbath, reasoned with them that any man would reach out to save a fallen animal, even on the sabbath day. Therefore, Jesus justified Himself for healing the man who was afflicted with drops

Lesson 1763

(Lesson 1763)(08-11-16) Luke 13:31-35

"The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee. And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected. Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord."

In today's quote, Jesus, after being warned about Herod's desire to kill Him, vowed not to enter into Jerusalem until the day He would lay down His life for the sins of those who would believe in Him.~

Lesson 1762

(Lesson 1762)(08-10-16) Luke 13:18-30

"Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it. And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last."

In the first part of today's lesson, Jesus compared His church to a small seed that would eventually grow into a huge tree. The prophesy that Jesus made that day has proved to be exactly right. From the small seed the apostles of Jesus planted during their ministries, Christianity has grown into the world's largest religion.

In the latter part of this lesson, Jesus warned His people, (The Jews), that the only road to eternal salvation ran through faith in Him and that there would be many who would reject His supreme sacrifice and would be condemned to a lost eternity.

Jesus said, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him." (John 14:1-7)~

Lesson 1761

(Lesson 1761)(08-09-16) Luke 13:10-17

"And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day. The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering? And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him."

In today's lesson, Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of the Jewish spiritual leaders as they falsely accused Him of breaking the sabbath by healing the infirm woman.

Sadly, many of us today are guilty of the same hypocritical offense when we call out the sins of our neighbors while we too bear the guilt of sin.

Our scriptural duty and commandments, in the order in which they are to be performed, are to love God with all that we are, to love our neighbors as we love ourselves and to be a continuously shining and open testimony to the love and grace of God. Nowhere in the bible either demands, or authorizes us to be the sin police. Those who live outside the grace of God do so of their own accord and have already been judged by God the Father. It is NOT our place to judge anyone as those Jewish leaders tried to falsely judge Jesus. ~

Lesson 1760

(Lesson 1760)(08-08-16) Luke 13:1-9

"There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.''

In today's lesson, Jesus used a parable to encourage His followers to teach and cultivate those lost souls around them so the message of His saving sacrifice could take root and lead His people to eventual redemption from the debt of sin that all have in common.

Just as importantly today, it is our responsibility to teach every ear that is willing to listen so that as many as possible hear of the saving grace of God through Jesus Christ and receive inner peace and everlasting life through Him.~

Lesson 1759

(Lesson 1759)(08-07-16) Luke 12:51-59

"Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass. Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time? Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison. I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite."

In today's quote, Jesus warned of the division that would come among the people. He warned that His new law would separate friends, families and whole communities. It would serve us well to remember that when Jesus made thar prediction, He was talking strictly to a Jewish audience. He knew there would be many of His own people who would reject His new law of grace, through faith, and would hold on the old traditional laws and ways of the Pharisees, and Sadducees et al. The foreknowledge of Jesus, as we know, has proven to be very true. As a matter of fact, and just as Jesus promised, there are hundreds of different religions today that are mixtures of the true doctrine of Jesus Christ, Paganism and Judaism. Catholicism is a classic example of just such a religion.

Therefore, being made aware of the danger we should continually refer to the entire bible, that divine word that God has left for us, to determine what parts of a groups tenets are truly based on the divine ministry of Jesus Christ, and what parts merely stem from the old Law that governed the Jews before the sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 1758

(Lesson 1758)(08-06-16) Luke 12:50

"But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!"

In today's quote, Jesus made reference to His, soon to come, sacrificial ordeal and referred to it as a "baptism". We know that Jesus was not using the term baptism to define a water immersion because John the Baptist had already baptized Jesus in water, as was required of all Jews under God's law. Also, there is but one scripturally authorized baptism. "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Ephesians 4:4-6)

This is important because so many of today's "Christians" wrongfully believe that water baptism is either a pre-requisite to eternal salvation or a conditional step to eternal salvation. The grammatical variations of the term "baptized" demonstrate that the word can identify all manner of actions other than water immersion.

We will further examine the usage and implied intent of the term baptism, and its grammatical variations, as we continue these lessons.~

Lesson 1757

(Lesson 1757)(08-05-16) Luke 12:35-49

"Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I if it be already kindled?"

In today's quote, Jesus tells us to remain prepared for His return. He also tells us that the reward will be great for those who continue to work right up to the hour of His coming. Therefore, it behooves us all the remain diligent and constant in our efforts to teach others about the amazing saving grace of God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God". (Ephesians 2:8 in part.)~

Lesson 1756

(Lesson 1756)(08-04-16) Luke 12:13-34

"And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

In today's lesson, Jesus made the point that we are not to take pride in the things we might own, nor are we to concern ourselves with any of the material things of this earth, but rather, we are to share everything we own with those who need them more than we and rely totally upon our faith in our Lord to continually provide the things we need.

Faith in God through our Lord Jesus Christ is the key to our happiness and contentment both in this earthly life as well as throughout all eternity.~

Lesson 1755

(Lesson 1755)(08-03-16) Luke 12:11-12

"And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say."

Today's quote tells us that whenever we are challenged by those who would oppress us because of our belief and faith in Jesus Christ, we are to rely totally upon the Holy Spirit for our defense.

We need not worry about what we will say, the Holy Spirit will provide us with the words to defend ourselves.

I don't believe, however, that the assurance in today's lesson excuses those who refuse to study the word of God. We are clearly commanded to continually study so as to keep our sword of knowledge sharp for the occasions when we are required to use it to defend our faith.

"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)~

Lesson 1754

(Lesson 1754)(08-02-16) Luke 12:8-10

"Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven."

In today's quote Jesus blessed us with a promise that if we preach His name to those around us He will stand up for us in the presence of God the Father. He also warned us that if we deny Him in our daily lives, He will deny us before God.

The last part of this quote is very straight forward and leaves no room for confusion. If we speak ill of Jesus, it can be forgiven. But, if we make light of the Holy Spirit of God, and blaspheme Him, it will never be forgiven.

I believe that statement means that if a soul rejects the Holy Spirit, that soul has no chance of eternal redemption and will suffer the ultimate wrath of God, in hell, throughout eternity.~

Lesson 1753

(Lesson 1753)(08-01-16) Luke 12:4-7

"And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows."

In today's quote Jesus reminded His followers to be afraid of those who teach false doctrines that might cause some to lose their own souls. He was referring to the Pharisees, scribe and lawyers as being the hypocritical false teachers.

Also, though today's lesson is a short and simple one, it relates that nothing can be hidden from God. Our lives are as open books so far as God is concerned. ~