Lesson 1840

(Lesson 1840)(10-31-16) John 6:15-21

"When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went."

Today's lesson relates the miracle whereby Jesus walked on water.~

Lesson 1839

(Lesson 1839)(10-30-16) John 6:1-14

"After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world."

Today's quote relates how Jesus fed five thousand people with only five loaves of barley and two small fishes having twelve baskets full, left over.

It is important to note that in verse four, it is stated that "the passover, A FEAST OF THE JEWS, was nigh". That statement is important to remember because it confirms that the "passover", a ceremonial meal described in Exodus chapter twelve, which God demanded of the Jews to eat yearly in remembrance of their escape from the death angel and bondage in Egypt. That meal was/is to be eaten ONLY by Jews. It was never intended to be a part of Christian doctrine.~

Lesson 1838

(Lesson 1838)(10-29-16) John 5:33-47

"Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. I receive not honour from men. But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?"

Today's lesson relates how the majority of the Jews of that day refused to accept Jesus as the promised deliverer. Jesus told them that even though they claimed to be followers the Law, they had failed because Moses had foretold of His coming and they still refused to believe in Him. "For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?"~

Lesson 1837

(Lesson 1837)(10-28-16) John 5:25-32

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true."

In today's lesson, Jesus relates that it is not Jesus the human man who has the power to grant eternal life, but rather it is God the Father, borne in His only begotten human Son that grants eternal life.

In verses twenty eight and twenty nine, Jesus said, "the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."

The ONLY way anyone can be righteous (or good) enough to be resurrected unto life, is to have the perfection of Jesus Christ imputed into him/her by the power of God through faith in that same Jesus Christ, the sacrifice for the perfect remitter of all sin. The "good" works we actually do while on earth have nothing to do with whether or not we are resurrected to eternal live. Neither will the bad things we do condemn us from eternal life. Earthly sin won't even be counted against those who believe in Jesus Christ because through the imputed righteousness of that same Jesus Christ, our sins are "justified" (Look up the definition of the word justified).

Paul explained this concept very eloquently in his letter to the Jews in Rome, "For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that JUSTIFIETH the ungodly, HIS FAITH IS COUNTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God IMPUTETH RIGHTEOUSNESS WITHOUT WORKS, Saying, Blessed are they whose INIQUITIES ARE FORGIVEN, and WHOSE SINS ARE COVERED. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord WILL NOT IMPUTE SIN." (Romans 4:3-8 in part.) "Therefore being JUSTIFIED BY FAITH, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." (Romans 5:1-9)

Hereby, those of us who believe in Jesus Christ, having our sins JUSTIFIED BY HIS BLOOD, should have NO fear of condemnation, EVER.~

Lesson 1836

(Lesson 1836)(10-27-16) John 5:24

"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."

Today's short, one verse, lesson contains all the information any lost soul needs to know to guarantee him/herself eternal life.

Herein Jesus said, in essence, that anyone who takes time to learn what He has taught, believes that He is the virgin born Son of God and accepts that knowledge in absolute faith, is guaranteed to inherit eternal life.

Lets break today's quote down by the ultimate meaning of the words and phrases that are applied therein.

A. "Verily, verily I say unto you", simply means that what Jesus said was the absolute truth.

B. "He that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me", refers to anyone who has actually heard or been otherwise informed of the entire doctrine that Jesus taught, believes it and also believes that Jesus is the Son of God, believes too that God exists and is the Master of the universe and ALL things in it, and has the power to eternally preserve the souls of all mankind.

C. "hath everlasting life". The word hath, as it is herein applied means 'ALREADY POSSESSES ', "ever lasting life", which means life eternal or that one shall NEVER die the spiritual death.

D. "and SHALL NOT come into condemnation". This phrase means that by the promise of God, one CANNOT, and will NEVER be condemned, under ANY circumstance.

E. "but is PASSED from death unto life." This phrase means that any person who accepts Jesus Christ and His entire doctrine, has absolute faith that what He preached is fact, is ALREADY PASSED from death unto life.

Now let me write what Jesus meant in John 5:24 in plain ole American English:

ANYONE who knows that Jesus is truly the virgin born Son of the living God, has heard or read His entire doctrine of salvation by grace through faith, believes with all his/her heart that the supreme God of all things has empowered Jesus to redeem the lost souls of all mankind, shall NEVER be in danger of any form of eternal condemnation, but is ALREADY passed from eternal death to eternal life in heaven.

This is a very clear confirmation of the eternal security of the believer.~

Lesson 1835

(Lesson 1835)(10-26-16) John 5:16-23

"And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day. But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him."

In today's quote, Jesus assured the Jews that He was indeed the Son of God and that He answered to no one but God the Father. He further declared that there would be many more miracles to come, even the raising of the dead.

Jesus made it clear that God the Father had given Him all authority over the earth and that whatever respect the Jews were to give to the Father should likewise be given to Him.

The events recorded in this quote mark the beginning of Christianity as we know it. Therein, Jesus began to lay the groundwork for salvation by grace through faith.~

Lesson 1834

(Lesson 1834)(10-25-16) John 5:10-15

"The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole."

In today's quote the infirm man who Jesus had healed told the Jews that it was Jesus who had told him to "take up thy bed and walk".

Lesson 1833

(Lesson 1833)(10-24-16) John 5:1-9

"After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath."

Today's quote relates how Jesus performed another miracle by healing the infirm man by the Bethesda pool.~

Lesson 1832

(Lesson 1832)(10-23-16) John 4:43-54

"Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee. For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country. Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast. So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. Then inquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee."

Today's quote tells of the second miracle performed by Jesus whereby He healed the son of a nobleman from Capernaum, a place where Jesus had been ridiculed not long before.~

Lesson 1831

(Lesson 1831)(10-22-16) John 4:27-42

"And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world."

Today's quote relates how the many of the Samaritans, upon hearing Jesus preach, accepted His word and believed in Him; "when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world."

NOTE: Though many of the Samaritans believed in Jesus, there is no mention of anyone having performed water baptisms among them. This is because the Samaritans were not subjected to the Law of the Jews.

Just as there was no requirement for the Samaritans to be "baptized" in water in the days of Jesus, there is, today, no requirement that Gentiles be bathed in water in order to be saved.~

Lesson 1830

(Lesson 1830)(10-21-16) John 4:1-26

"When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. And he must needs go through Samaria. Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he."

The first part of today's quote confirms that Jesus did not administer water "baptisms", but rather He made disciples of His Jewish brethren whom had already been baptized in water by those who had previously believed in Him. Those water "baptisms" were administered as was required by traditional Hebrew law.

The remainder of the quote relates how Jesus met the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well and how He declared to her, a gentile, that He was the Messiah (Redeemer) that God had promised to send. "Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he."

Jesus also told the woman that He had the power to grant everlasting life to all mankind who would place their faith in Him.~

Lesson 1829

(Lesson 1829)(10-20-16) John 3:24-36

"For John was not yet cast into prison. Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

    

In today's quote, in essence, John verified that Jesus was indeed the Saviour about whom he had preached the coming. He also assured the doubters that Jesus was the only one who could actually "purify" sinners. That was something John, himself, readily admitted he could not do.

In the latter part of the quote, John again very plainly explained what a sinner must do to achieve eternal salvation, "The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. HE THAT BELIEVETH ON THE SON HATH EVERLASTING LIFE: AND HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT THE SON SHALL NOT SEE LIFE; but the wrath of God abideth on him."~

Lesson 1828

(Lesson 1828)(10-19-16) John 3:22-23

"After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized."

The first part of today's quote says Jesus tarried with his disciples and "baptized". That statement can easily be misunderstood without proper study.

I used these two short verses as one lesson so as to define the intent of the word "baptized" as it is applied herein. "BaptizeD" as it is applied in both usages herein, refers to a ritual water baptism (cleansing) that was required by ancient Hebrew law of all Jews before they could enter into any religious activity, such as prayer, worship, or the offering of a sacrifice. Water baptism was intended to symbolically wash away the uncleanliness of the world in preparation for entry into a holy place, it was NEVER intended as a means by which ones sins could be remitted.

I also wanted to further establish that the ONLY baptism Jesus ever performed, either then or now, was/is the baptism of the Holy Ghost. The baptism of the Holy Ghost occurs when one places his/her faith in the virgin borne life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of the only perfect human man to have ever lived, Jesus Christ.

As John 4:1-3 tells us, Jesus did not actually immerse anyone in water, that preparatory ritual was carried out by other disciples."When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee."~

Lesson 1827

(Lesson 1827)(10-18-16) John 3:19-21

"And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."

We should make special note that the very first thing Jesus said in today's quote was, "this is the condemnation". He then explained what that "condemnation" was. Jesus that His Jewish brethren were so set in their evil habits that they immediately rejected the Messiah when He came for them.

"The condemnation" Jesus defined was and is applied to those who fail to believe in Christ. What those Jews did in their daily lives didn't matter then, just as what a lost soul does today don't matter to their eternity, because those Jews were then, and those who reject Christ are today, ALREADY condemned. But, because of God's infinite mercy, those Jews who chose to believe in Christ then, as well as those of us who choose to put our faith in Jesus Christ today, are guaranteed eternal life. "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)~

Lesson 1826

(Lesson 1826)(10-17-16) John 3:16-18

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."

Today's quote contains God's entire plan of eternal salvation for those who care to accept it.

There is nothing else to be added to that plan, and nothing can be taken away. There are no ceremonies nor rituals such as water baptism required, one must only have faith and believe in the life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Lesson 1825

(Lesson 1825)(10-16-16) John 3:7-15

"Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life."

In today's lesson, Jesus explained to Nicodemus how a spiritual rebirth was not something that could be seen by human eyes, but rather, spiritual rebirth is an act of faith that is unseen except by the lost soul who experiences that rebirth.

In the latter part of today's quote, Jesus gave an example of how salvation by faith would work by simply relying on His supreme sacrifice. He accomplished that when He presented the like example of Moses raising the serpent as a preventative measure against the bite of the deadly snake, "And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived." (Numbers 21:8-9)

Just as simply looking at the brass snake elevated by Moses prevented the bite of the venomous snake from killing the ancient Jews, consciously accepting the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as the ONLY means by which ones sins can be remitted, protects us from an eternity in hell.~

Lesson 1824

(Lesson 1824)(10-15-16) John 3:1-6

"There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."

In today's quote, Jesus told Nicodemus that in order to see the kingdom of God, one must be born again. Nicodemus, in his failure to understand what Jesus meant, asked how can an old man reenter his mothers womb to be reborn. Jesus then explained that the rebirth He was referring to is a spiritual birth achieved by acceptance, by faith, of God's new plan of eternal salvation. Namely, Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, except a man be born of water, (water in this context means flesh) AND of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Many of today's religious isms contend that Jesus' reference to the "water" birth, is a reference to water baptism (immersion). In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. There is NO evidence, anywhere to be found, either in bible text or in any other ancient Hebrew or Greek writings, confirming that the water birth referred to in this text is implicative of a water immersion rather than a natural birth.

It is clear to those who carefully study this lesson, in its true context, that the two births Jesus referenced herein are first, a natural birth accomplished by ones mother, and secondly, a spiritual rebirth accomplished by faith in God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 1823

(Lesson 1823)(10-14-16) John 2:12-25

"After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days. And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man."

Today's quote relates how Jesus chased the merchants out of the temple saying, "Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise."

The Jewish leaders scorned Jesus when He prophesied that the temple would be destroyed and rebuilt in three days. They didn't understand that the temple to which Jesus referred, was His own body which would eventually be crucified and buried to rise again alive, on the third day. Just as He had promised.~

Lesson 1822

(Lesson 1822)(10-13-16) John 2:1-11

"And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him."

Today's lesson relates that Jesus performed His first miracle at a wedding in Cana when He turned the water into wine.~

Lesson 1821

(Lesson 1821)(10-12-16) John 1:43-51

"The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man."

Today's quote relates how Jesus assembled more disciples. It also relates how Nathanael, upon speaking to Jesus, recognized Him as the Son of God.~

Lesson 1820

(Lesson 1820)(10-11-16) John 1:35-42

"Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone."

In the first part of today's quote, John again a day later, confirmed Jesus as "The Lamb of God".

The latter part of the quote demonstrates that Jesus began to select those who would be His apostles. He chose Simon (Peter) the son of Jona first renaming Him Cephas, a name that translated, means stone.

Peter's selection was no more spectacular than the others except that he was chosen first and was dubbed by Jesus as the cornerstone of His church.~

Lesson 1819

(Lesson 1819)(10-10-16) John 1:29-34

"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God."

In today's quote, Jesus appeared to John the Baptist for the first time. Upon seeing Jesus, John immediately recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah in the flesh, and said, "Behold the Lamb of God".

It is important to note, once again, that John made a point of saying that he was ONLY sent to baptize (cleanse) the lost Jews with water, whereas Jesus was sent to baptize (cleanse) all lost souls with the Holy Ghost. We should remember also that Christianity, as we know it today, could not be taught before Jesus had completed His sacrificial ordeal and returned to the Father in heaven. Therefore, the water baptisms that John the baptist performed were simply physical cleansing rituals administered according to Hebrew law as they were required of all Jews before entering into any religious service, or practice.

More on this subject will appear in these lessons as they progress.~

Lesson 1818

(Lesson 1818)(10-9-16) John 1:19-28

"And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why *baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I **baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was **baptizing."

Today's lesson demonstrates that John told the Levites that he was not the promised Messiah, bur rather he was sent to, "Make straight the way of the Lord", or the pave the way for the coming of Jesus, the Messiah.~

*The word "baptizest", as it is applied in this context, means 'to proselytize', or to make disciples.

**The word "baptize, and baptizing", as they are applied in this context, mean to both proselytize, (convert), and then to immerse into water in preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ.

NOTE: The word "baptize" and it's several grammatical variations are all transliterated from the Greek word "baptizo". To 'transliterate' is to simply replace a word in one language with a sound alike word in another language. Transliteration does NOT transfer the meaning or intent of the original word into every application of the replacement. The Greek word 'baptizo' has many different meanings depending upon the context within which it is applied. In general, 'baptizo', in Greek, means to place an object into any substance to be left therein to accomplish a desired, longterm affect.

The following are two examples of usages of the word 'baptize' as it has been transliterated from the Greek word, 'baptizo". If one is "baptized" (baptizoed) into Christ that one has had one's own spiritual body blended with the spiritual body of Christ and left therein so as to become one with Him. One can also be "baptized" (baptizoed) into water in the Jewish tradition which is a simple water immersion (bath), in preparation for some religious action, or ceremony, as was required by ancient Hebrew law.

Lesson 1817

(Lesson 1817)(10-08-16) John 1:14-18

"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 bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him."

In today's lesson John established that he had come to prepare the way for the Messiah. John then proclaimed that Jesus is that promised Messiah, the "only begotten Son of God" sanctioned and ordained by God Himself.~

Lesson 1816

(Lesson 1816)(10-07-16) John 1:6-13

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

    

Today's quote is the account of the apostle John as it relates to the coming and divine obligation of John the Baptist.

This quote relates that the divinely inspired mission of John the Baptist was to, "bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe." The "light" John referred to, through which "all men might believe", is Jesus Christ. Belief in Jesus, (The Light) is the ONLY means by which the sins of mankind can be eternally remitted.

In the latter part of today's quote John assured that, through recognition and belief in Jesus Christ, each of us is given the power to become a child of God.

What an awesome blessing is the grace of God.~

Lesson 1815

(Lesson 1815)(10-06-16) John 1:1-5

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."

Today's lesson relates how God the Father is the origin of everything that can be perceived by mankind.

The last sentence of today's quote relates how mankind, from the beginning, rejected the supreme authority of God.~

Lesson 1814

(Lesson 1814)(10-05-16) Luke 24:44-53

"And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen."

In today's lesson, Jesus first opened the minds of the apostles so they would understand all that He had taught them. He then imparted to them His final instructions, the things He required His disciples to do after He had returned to heaven.

NOTE: The serious bible student should closely compare the instructions Jesus herein gave to His disciples, according to Luke, to the accounts of the same events given by Matthew, Mark and John, (The book of John gives no actual account of Jesus' final instructions other than to tell His disciples, through Peter, to "feed my sheep").

All four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John differ in their accounts of the final instructions given to the apostles by Jesus, in person. Those instructions, by many, are referred to as "The Great Commission".

It is very important to note that no variation of the word "baptize" appears in either Luke's or John's account of those events. I don't make note of the failure to apply the a variation of the word "baptize" in order to minimize the meaning of the word as it is applied in Matthew and Mark. But rather, My intention is to draw attention to the actual meaning of those variations as they are applied in both Matthew and Mark.

In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus said, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

In Mark 16:15-16 in part, Jesus said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."

In the account related by Matthew 28:19-20, the word "baptizing" implies that those to whom the disciples were to teach the gospel, were to be immersed into, or sanctified by, the power of God The Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost.

In Mark's account, Mark 16:16, Jesus said, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved". Mark's account meshes perfectly with that of Matthew when properly understood. If indeed a lost soul believes in the divine sacrifice made by the only begotten Son of God, that one will be saved. That lost soul will, at he point of believing, also be "baptized" in the sanctity of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost.

There is NO indication in Mark 16:16 that a person is required to be immersed into water in order to achieve eternal salvation. Salvation only requires that a lost soul should first believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, through absolute faith, be "baptized" into the sanctity of the God in all three of His Holy entities.~

NOTE: If there are any questions concerning this lesson, please let me know. I will do my very best to explain this lesson if much more detail.

Lesson 1813

(Lesson 1813)(10-04-16) Luke 24:32-43

"And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread. And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them."

In today's quote, when Peter and the other apostle became convinced that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead and returned to Jerusalem to tell the others, Jesus appeared to all the apostles allowing them to feel the scars in His hands and side.

What an awesome feeling that must have been for those apostles to verify that the Savior of all mankind was risen from the dead, just as He had promised.~

Lesson 1812

(Lesson 1812)(10-03-16) Luke 24:10-31

"It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass. And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass therein these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight."

Today's quote relates how Mary Magdalene, and the women with her, discovered that the tomb was opened and that Jesus had risen from the dead. When they returned and told Peter and the others what had happened, Peter ran to the tomb himself also finding the tomb empty, but unconvinced that Jesus had actually risen.

As Peter and one of the other apostles traveled toward Emmaus, Jesus appeared them, talking with them and eventually confirming that He was Jesus who had indeed overcome death and lived to redeem all of mankind who would come to put their faith in Him.~

Lesson 1811

(Lesson 1811)(10-02-16) Luke 24:1-9

"Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest."

Today's lesson contains some of the most precious and meaningful words that have ever been written, "He is not here, but is risen". Because Christ our Lord overcame death and rose from the grave, we are given, through faith in Him, the power to become the sons/daughters of God.

Had it not been for the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, we would all be doomed to and eternity in hell. Thank God for that glorious day of our salvation.~

Lesson 1810

(Lesson 1810)(10-01-16) Luke 23:44-56

"And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned. And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things. And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counseller; and he was a good man, and a just: (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid. And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment."

Today's quote relates how Jesus was crucified and then laid and sealed in the tomb of Joseph the counselor.~