(Lesson 2125)(09-30-17) 1 Thessalonians Chapter 1
“Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost. So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.”
Today’s quote delivered greetings from Paul, Silvanus and Timothy to the church at Thessalonica. Paul praised and encouraged them for their diligence in turning from the worship of idols to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.~
Saturday, September 30, 2017
Friday, September 29, 2017
Lesson 2124
(Lesson 2124)(09-29-17) Colossians Chapter 4
“Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.”
Today’s quote concludes Paul’s letter to the Colossians with his salutations and blessings upon the church. He also asked that they receive, with a loving heart, all the disciples of Jesus that he had chosen to send to teach and encourage them. ~
“Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.”
Today’s quote concludes Paul’s letter to the Colossians with his salutations and blessings upon the church. He also asked that they receive, with a loving heart, all the disciples of Jesus that he had chosen to send to teach and encourage them. ~
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Lesson 2123
(Lesson 2123)(09-28-17) Colossians 3:4-25
“When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.”
Today’s quote contains the instructions as to how we, the children of God, should conduct our earthly lives. It also establishes that God is no respector of persons and declares that we are all in this together, each of us bearing an equal share of the responsibility according to the gifts we are given.
Today’s political and social circumstances seem to desperately cry out for Christian devotion, love and understanding more than at any other time in our history.~
“When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.”
Today’s quote contains the instructions as to how we, the children of God, should conduct our earthly lives. It also establishes that God is no respector of persons and declares that we are all in this together, each of us bearing an equal share of the responsibility according to the gifts we are given.
Today’s political and social circumstances seem to desperately cry out for Christian devotion, love and understanding more than at any other time in our history.~
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Lesson 2122
(Lesson 2122)(09-27-17) Colossians 3:1-3
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”
In the first part of today’s quote, Paul again encouraged the Colossians to live their lives in a way so as to reflect the love of God by abstaining from the evils of this earth.
As is well known, the majority of today’s so-called Christian denominations contend that after accepting Jesus as savior, one must live the rest of his/her life without sin in order to maintain one’s eternal salvation. As we see in the final part of verse three of today’s quote, while clearly addressing those Colossians who had accepted Christ as eternal savior, Paul proved that contention to be erroneous indeed when he said, “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”! Let me repeat that last quote, “your life is hid with Christ in God”! If that is true, and we know that Paul would not have said it if it weren’t, nothing we do can EVER be charged against us because our eternal souls are, “hid with Christ in God”, wholly righteous because of the imputed righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ crucified.~
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”
In the first part of today’s quote, Paul again encouraged the Colossians to live their lives in a way so as to reflect the love of God by abstaining from the evils of this earth.
As is well known, the majority of today’s so-called Christian denominations contend that after accepting Jesus as savior, one must live the rest of his/her life without sin in order to maintain one’s eternal salvation. As we see in the final part of verse three of today’s quote, while clearly addressing those Colossians who had accepted Christ as eternal savior, Paul proved that contention to be erroneous indeed when he said, “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”! Let me repeat that last quote, “your life is hid with Christ in God”! If that is true, and we know that Paul would not have said it if it weren’t, nothing we do can EVER be charged against us because our eternal souls are, “hid with Christ in God”, wholly righteous because of the imputed righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ crucified.~
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Lesson 2121
(Lesson 2121)(09-26-17) Colossians 2:16-23
“ Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.”
Today’s quote contains one of the more important lessons, pertaining to Christ’s churches, that is to be found in the New Testament. Therein, Paul clearly warned the Colossians (And thereby today’s Christian churches.) not be distracted from their efforts, in the ministry of the true gospel of Jesus Christ, by those who would demand, as an erroneously required practice, that they/we perform pointless ceremonial rituals and set apart certain days, or anniversaries, that serve no purpose within the ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Although Paul’s warning was mainly intended against the rituals of the Jews that had been imposed by their law such as, celebrating certain days, abstaining from eating certain foods, circumcision, water baptisms, etc., the warning also pertained to the pagan rituals practiced by many of the Gentiles.
The true gospel of Jesus Christ is clearly defined thoughout the Pages of the New Testament. and, as Paul so clearly stated, should NOT have pointless rituals imposed upon it.~
“ Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.”
Today’s quote contains one of the more important lessons, pertaining to Christ’s churches, that is to be found in the New Testament. Therein, Paul clearly warned the Colossians (And thereby today’s Christian churches.) not be distracted from their efforts, in the ministry of the true gospel of Jesus Christ, by those who would demand, as an erroneously required practice, that they/we perform pointless ceremonial rituals and set apart certain days, or anniversaries, that serve no purpose within the ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Although Paul’s warning was mainly intended against the rituals of the Jews that had been imposed by their law such as, celebrating certain days, abstaining from eating certain foods, circumcision, water baptisms, etc., the warning also pertained to the pagan rituals practiced by many of the Gentiles.
The true gospel of Jesus Christ is clearly defined thoughout the Pages of the New Testament. and, as Paul so clearly stated, should NOT have pointless rituals imposed upon it.~
Monday, September 25, 2017
Lesson 2120
(Lesson 2120)(09-25-17) Colossians 2:13-15
“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
In today’s quote, Paul again confirmed that Jesus fulfilled every part of the old law for those of us who have placed our faith in Him. Paul tells us that Jesus, has “forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross”.
Thank God for such a glorious gift.~
“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
In today’s quote, Paul again confirmed that Jesus fulfilled every part of the old law for those of us who have placed our faith in Him. Paul tells us that Jesus, has “forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross”.
Thank God for such a glorious gift.~
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Lesson 2119
(Lesson 2119)(09-24-17) Colossians 2:1-12
“For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”
In the first part of today’s quote, Paul confessed that even though he had never met face to face with the Colossians, he had wished that one day he might accomplish that. He praised them for their devotion to Christ and ecouraged that they remain faithful.
In the final part of today’s quote, Paul told the Colossians that they were “complete” in Christ, and that they were “circumcised with the corcumcision made without hands, putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:”
We should make note that Paul clearly said the Colossians had put off the body of sins “by the circumcision of Christ”. He did NOT say that those sins were put off by ANY form of water wasing or baptism. This is yet another confirmation that eternal salvation comes by NO means other that by grace, through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul further explained that the souls of those of us who have accepted God’s saving grace, had been immersed with Jesus into that spiritual death that awaits all mortals, but because of God’s saving grace, have been resurrected in the same manner that the body of Jesus was resurrected. We are, “Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead.” ~
“For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”
In the first part of today’s quote, Paul confessed that even though he had never met face to face with the Colossians, he had wished that one day he might accomplish that. He praised them for their devotion to Christ and ecouraged that they remain faithful.
In the final part of today’s quote, Paul told the Colossians that they were “complete” in Christ, and that they were “circumcised with the corcumcision made without hands, putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:”
We should make note that Paul clearly said the Colossians had put off the body of sins “by the circumcision of Christ”. He did NOT say that those sins were put off by ANY form of water wasing or baptism. This is yet another confirmation that eternal salvation comes by NO means other that by grace, through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul further explained that the souls of those of us who have accepted God’s saving grace, had been immersed with Jesus into that spiritual death that awaits all mortals, but because of God’s saving grace, have been resurrected in the same manner that the body of Jesus was resurrected. We are, “Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead.” ~
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Lesson 2118
(Lesson 2118)(09-23-17) Colossians 1:9-29
“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.”
Today’s quote, in general, explains the relationship between Jesus Christ and His churches, especially those among the Gentiles. ~
“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.”
Today’s quote, in general, explains the relationship between Jesus Christ and His churches, especially those among the Gentiles. ~
Friday, September 22, 2017
Lesson 2117
(Lesson 2117)(09-22-17) Colossians 1:1-8
“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.”
Today’s lesson opens Paul’s letter to the children of God at Colosse, conveying his greetings and encouragment. Therein, he congratulates them for their faithfulness to God, and their undying devotion to the ministry of those who work to spread the good news of God’s grace through Jesus Christ.
If Paul could write letters to the “churches” today, I wonder what he would have to say?~
“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.”
Today’s lesson opens Paul’s letter to the children of God at Colosse, conveying his greetings and encouragment. Therein, he congratulates them for their faithfulness to God, and their undying devotion to the ministry of those who work to spread the good news of God’s grace through Jesus Christ.
If Paul could write letters to the “churches” today, I wonder what he would have to say?~
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Lesson 2116
(Lesson 2116)(09-21-17) Philippians 4:15-23
“Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”
In today’s quote, Paul further applauded and thanked the Philippians for their continued support and encouraged them to give God the glory, always.~
“Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”
In today’s quote, Paul further applauded and thanked the Philippians for their continued support and encouraged them to give God the glory, always.~
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Lesson 2115
(Lesson 2115)(09-20-17) Philippians 4:8-14
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.”
In today’s quote, Paul advised the Philippians to abide by the things he had taught them, He thanked them for their continuous giving, even thanked them for the times they would have sent help but had no opportunity.
It is a shame that most of the money that is given to today’s “churches” is used to either pad one individual’s pocket or to pad the seats of those who don’t miss a Sunday sitting in the “church” pews waiting for some lost soul to come a sit down so that the preacher can tell them about Jesus.
We, as the children of God, and members of Christ’s church, are indeed scripturally instructed to assemble ourselves together to exhort and edify one another in the work of the Lord. But, we have allowed congregational attendance to become more important to us as individuals, than is our scriptural duty to “go ye into all the world” and teach the gospel. Nowhere in the New Testament are we instructed to go to some building two or three times a week and sit listening to the same sermon we have heart hundreds of times before.
It is way past time that we take the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who need it instead of waiting for them to come to us.~
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.”
In today’s quote, Paul advised the Philippians to abide by the things he had taught them, He thanked them for their continuous giving, even thanked them for the times they would have sent help but had no opportunity.
It is a shame that most of the money that is given to today’s “churches” is used to either pad one individual’s pocket or to pad the seats of those who don’t miss a Sunday sitting in the “church” pews waiting for some lost soul to come a sit down so that the preacher can tell them about Jesus.
We, as the children of God, and members of Christ’s church, are indeed scripturally instructed to assemble ourselves together to exhort and edify one another in the work of the Lord. But, we have allowed congregational attendance to become more important to us as individuals, than is our scriptural duty to “go ye into all the world” and teach the gospel. Nowhere in the New Testament are we instructed to go to some building two or three times a week and sit listening to the same sermon we have heart hundreds of times before.
It is way past time that we take the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who need it instead of waiting for them to come to us.~
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Lesson 2114
(Lesson 2114)(09-19-17) Philippians 4:1-7
“Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
In today’s quote, Paul again encouraged the Philippians to stay true to the gospel of Jesus Christ, always fulfilling every spiritual as well as material need of their brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.~
“Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
In today’s quote, Paul again encouraged the Philippians to stay true to the gospel of Jesus Christ, always fulfilling every spiritual as well as material need of their brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.~
Monday, September 18, 2017
Lesson 2113
(Lesson 2113)(09-18-17) Philippians 3:15-21
“Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”
In today’s quote, Paul encouraged those children of God at Philipi who were yet weak in the knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ, to seek that knowledge from teachers such as himself, who were first hand observers of the validity of that gospel. He also warned them again that there were those (Mostly Jews) who would use a pretence of the gospel of Christ to line their own pockets, or to fill their own sinful bellies.
It behooves us all to beware that there area many so-called Christians who, yet today, use the precious word of God as a selfish means to fill their own pockets, and thereby to fulfill their own lusts, sacrificing the eternal souls of those they wrongly influence as nothing more than collateral damage.
It is our duty, as children of God, to call them out and identify them to an unsuspecting world.~
“Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”
In today’s quote, Paul encouraged those children of God at Philipi who were yet weak in the knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ, to seek that knowledge from teachers such as himself, who were first hand observers of the validity of that gospel. He also warned them again that there were those (Mostly Jews) who would use a pretence of the gospel of Christ to line their own pockets, or to fill their own sinful bellies.
It behooves us all to beware that there area many so-called Christians who, yet today, use the precious word of God as a selfish means to fill their own pockets, and thereby to fulfill their own lusts, sacrificing the eternal souls of those they wrongly influence as nothing more than collateral damage.
It is our duty, as children of God, to call them out and identify them to an unsuspecting world.~
Sunday, September 17, 2017
Lesson 2112
(Lesson 2112)(09-17-17) Philippians 3:1-14
“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by annot having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: y means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
In today’s quote, Paul warned the Philippians to “beware of dogs”. He used the term “dogs” to defined the Jews who were constantly trying to kill him and destroy the efforts of all the original Christians.
Paul then went on to express that he himself was a Jew in every respect, even to the point of being a perfect Jew before God because he, unlike those whom he referred to as “dogs”, had accepted the righteousness of Lord Jesus Christ crucified instead of trying to attain righteousness by himself through adherence to the rules of the Law.
Paul said that he now counted all the things that he had done, as a Jew under commandment of the law, to be as useless as human waste. Paul said of himself, “not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith”.
Sadly, the vast majority of so-called Christian world still adheres to the old traditional Jewish contention that righteousness can only be attained by “good works”, or absolute adherence to the old law. Few truly understant that all the elements of the old law were fulfilled by Jesus Christ when He arose from the grave, thereby exempting all those who will believe in Him from the requirement of righteousness through “good works”.~
“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by annot having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: y means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
In today’s quote, Paul warned the Philippians to “beware of dogs”. He used the term “dogs” to defined the Jews who were constantly trying to kill him and destroy the efforts of all the original Christians.
Paul then went on to express that he himself was a Jew in every respect, even to the point of being a perfect Jew before God because he, unlike those whom he referred to as “dogs”, had accepted the righteousness of Lord Jesus Christ crucified instead of trying to attain righteousness by himself through adherence to the rules of the Law.
Paul said that he now counted all the things that he had done, as a Jew under commandment of the law, to be as useless as human waste. Paul said of himself, “not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith”.
Sadly, the vast majority of so-called Christian world still adheres to the old traditional Jewish contention that righteousness can only be attained by “good works”, or absolute adherence to the old law. Few truly understant that all the elements of the old law were fulfilled by Jesus Christ when He arose from the grave, thereby exempting all those who will believe in Him from the requirement of righteousness through “good works”.~
Saturday, September 16, 2017
Lesson 2111
(Lesson 2111)(09-16-17) Philippians 2:19-30
“But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.”
In today’s quote, Paul told the Philippians that he would soon Timothy to minister to them. In the latter part of the quote, he also promised to send Epaphroditus.
When comparing Timothy to most men, Paul said, “For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.”, in today’s quote, he verified that the early churches, even while Paul and the other apostles were near to keep them on the right path and within the gospel, had many of the same problems that are prevalent in the majority of today’s churches. It appears that even Paul had to send assurances that the men he sent to the churches were true men of God who were there to promote the pure gospel of Jesus Christ and not simply out to promote their own interests, as so many obviously do today.~
“But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.”
In today’s quote, Paul told the Philippians that he would soon Timothy to minister to them. In the latter part of the quote, he also promised to send Epaphroditus.
When comparing Timothy to most men, Paul said, “For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.”, in today’s quote, he verified that the early churches, even while Paul and the other apostles were near to keep them on the right path and within the gospel, had many of the same problems that are prevalent in the majority of today’s churches. It appears that even Paul had to send assurances that the men he sent to the churches were true men of God who were there to promote the pure gospel of Jesus Christ and not simply out to promote their own interests, as so many obviously do today.~
Friday, September 15, 2017
Lesson 2110
(Lesson 2110)(09-15-17) Philippians 2:12-18
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now muchmore in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.”
While congratulating the Philippians for thier loyalty and devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ, Paul said, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”. There are some today, who contend that this bit of text is a foundation for their belief that a lost soul, through keeping him/herself from all sin, is required to “work out” their own salvation. However, according to the vast majority of New Testament teaching, nothing could be further from the truth.
As is clearly documented throughout the New Testament, eternal salvation comes to each lost soul by by grace (a gift from God) through faith alone. “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) The following is another confirmation that salvation comes by faith, (believing). When Paul was asked by the Philippian jailer, “what shall I do to be saved”, Paul said, “Believe on (have faith in) the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” There was NO requirement beyond belief, or faith. Yet another confirmation that salvation is by faith alone comes straight from the mouth of Jesus Christ, “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.”
There can be no greater confirmation or assurance than that coming straight from the mouth of God.~
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now muchmore in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.”
While congratulating the Philippians for thier loyalty and devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ, Paul said, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”. There are some today, who contend that this bit of text is a foundation for their belief that a lost soul, through keeping him/herself from all sin, is required to “work out” their own salvation. However, according to the vast majority of New Testament teaching, nothing could be further from the truth.
As is clearly documented throughout the New Testament, eternal salvation comes to each lost soul by by grace (a gift from God) through faith alone. “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) The following is another confirmation that salvation comes by faith, (believing). When Paul was asked by the Philippian jailer, “what shall I do to be saved”, Paul said, “Believe on (have faith in) the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” There was NO requirement beyond belief, or faith. Yet another confirmation that salvation is by faith alone comes straight from the mouth of Jesus Christ, “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.”
There can be no greater confirmation or assurance than that coming straight from the mouth of God.~
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Lesson 2109
(Lesson 2109)(09-14-17) Phillipians 2:1-11
“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Paul, in today’s quote, expressed his desire that the Philippians (and thereby all Christianity) maintain their humility toward one another as Jesus Himself had remaind humble toward His humanity, even though He is God Himself.
We are, as the children of God, to treat every person equally, no matter thier position in life. We are to love God first and above all esled. Secondly we are to love our fellow man/woman as we love ourselves. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all they soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and geat commandment. And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love they neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40 in part.)
“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Paul, in today’s quote, expressed his desire that the Philippians (and thereby all Christianity) maintain their humility toward one another as Jesus Himself had remaind humble toward His humanity, even though He is God Himself.
We are, as the children of God, to treat every person equally, no matter thier position in life. We are to love God first and above all esled. Secondly we are to love our fellow man/woman as we love ourselves. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all they soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and geat commandment. And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love they neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40 in part.)
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Lesson 2108
(Lesson 2108)(09-13-17) Phillipians 1:21-30
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.”
In the first part of today’s quote, Paul, in essence, expressed that if he should die, he could go and be with Jesus and live forever in heavenly bliss. He knew that would be a far better place than being here on earth where he had to continuously bear persecution at the hands of even those who were supposed to be fellow Christians. But, being the truly devoted apostle he was, Paul opted to stay here on earth and go on preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and supporting the churches he had ordained.
In the latter part of the quote, Paul encouraged the Phillipians to keep the faith and to conduct themselves in the manner befitting a child of God, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ”.~
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.”
In the first part of today’s quote, Paul, in essence, expressed that if he should die, he could go and be with Jesus and live forever in heavenly bliss. He knew that would be a far better place than being here on earth where he had to continuously bear persecution at the hands of even those who were supposed to be fellow Christians. But, being the truly devoted apostle he was, Paul opted to stay here on earth and go on preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and supporting the churches he had ordained.
In the latter part of the quote, Paul encouraged the Phillipians to keep the faith and to conduct themselves in the manner befitting a child of God, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ”.~
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Lesson 2107
(Lesson 2107)(09-12-17) Phillipians 1:12-20
“But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.”
To understand what Paul talked about in today’s quote, one must realize that he was imprisoned, under house arrest, in Rome. In the quote he related how his imprisonment had actually aided his evangelism, in that it had drawn more attention to him than he otherwise would have gotten. He was actually more widely recognized, and respected, because by his notoriety among the Jews than he was by his overall popularity.
In today’s quote, Paul made it known to the Philippians that he was most pleased because through both his notoriety and popularity the gospel of Jesus Christ was being preached all over Rome. He was extremely pleased that, at whatever personal cost to him, the gospel was being preached.
Wouldn’t it be a wonderful thing if we had someone like Paul around today. ~
“But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.”
To understand what Paul talked about in today’s quote, one must realize that he was imprisoned, under house arrest, in Rome. In the quote he related how his imprisonment had actually aided his evangelism, in that it had drawn more attention to him than he otherwise would have gotten. He was actually more widely recognized, and respected, because by his notoriety among the Jews than he was by his overall popularity.
In today’s quote, Paul made it known to the Philippians that he was most pleased because through both his notoriety and popularity the gospel of Jesus Christ was being preached all over Rome. He was extremely pleased that, at whatever personal cost to him, the gospel was being preached.
Wouldn’t it be a wonderful thing if we had someone like Paul around today. ~
Monday, September 11, 2017
Lesson 2106
(Lesson 2106)(09-11-17) Phillipians 1:1-11
“Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Today’s quote relates Paul’s love and admiration for the church at Philippi. Therein, he lifted them up because of their persistent adherence to the pure gospel of Jesus Christ.
Sadly, the writer of Revelation 3:15-16, addressing the church at Laodicea, a church much like many of today’s so-called Christian churches, hit the nail right on the head when he wrote; “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”
It is far beyond time that those of us who still adhere to the true Gospel of Jesus Christ
get out and make a difference. It is up to us to see to it that a lost world hears the truth of Jesus Christ before it is eternally too late.~
“Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Today’s quote relates Paul’s love and admiration for the church at Philippi. Therein, he lifted them up because of their persistent adherence to the pure gospel of Jesus Christ.
Sadly, the writer of Revelation 3:15-16, addressing the church at Laodicea, a church much like many of today’s so-called Christian churches, hit the nail right on the head when he wrote; “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”
It is far beyond time that those of us who still adhere to the true Gospel of Jesus Christ
get out and make a difference. It is up to us to see to it that a lost world hears the truth of Jesus Christ before it is eternally too late.~
Sunday, September 10, 2017
(Lesson 2105)(09-10-17) Ephesians 6:19-24
“And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.”
In today’s quote, Paul asked that all the prayers of the church extend to Him as he continued to spread the undefiled gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In the latter part of the quote Paul told the Ephesians to accept Tychicus, a brother in Christ who would teach them all things concerning the goings and comings of the early churches.~
“And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.”
In today’s quote, Paul asked that all the prayers of the church extend to Him as he continued to spread the undefiled gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In the latter part of the quote Paul told the Ephesians to accept Tychicus, a brother in Christ who would teach them all things concerning the goings and comings of the early churches.~
Saturday, September 9, 2017
Lesson 2104
(Lesson 2104)(09-09-17) Ephesians 6:11-18
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”
Today’s quote instructs the children of God to arm themselves with all the power that is given by the written word of God. We are also to constantly, and with absolute faith, call upon the limitless power of the Holy Spirit to provide us with the necessary knowledge and ability to take on any doctrinal adversary.
In short, we are to study God’s word continuously while excercising our faith constantly. “Study to shew theyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed. Rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)~
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”
Today’s quote instructs the children of God to arm themselves with all the power that is given by the written word of God. We are also to constantly, and with absolute faith, call upon the limitless power of the Holy Spirit to provide us with the necessary knowledge and ability to take on any doctrinal adversary.
In short, we are to study God’s word continuously while excercising our faith constantly. “Study to shew theyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed. Rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)~
Friday, September 8, 2017
Lesson 2013
(Lesson 2103)(09-08-17) Ephesians 6:1-10
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
In today’s quote, as well as in the previous few, Paul gives us the instructions as to how a Christian family should function in their day to day lives. Although we no longer have “masters” and “servants”, as such, the lesson also relates how a Christian employer/employee relationship should function. And, this lesson can also be applied to how prisoners should relate to their supervisors and how prison supervisors should relate to their charges.
What a wonderful place this old world would be if everyone just simply followed the above Christian example.~
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
In today’s quote, as well as in the previous few, Paul gives us the instructions as to how a Christian family should function in their day to day lives. Although we no longer have “masters” and “servants”, as such, the lesson also relates how a Christian employer/employee relationship should function. And, this lesson can also be applied to how prisoners should relate to their supervisors and how prison supervisors should relate to their charges.
What a wonderful place this old world would be if everyone just simply followed the above Christian example.~
Thursday, September 7, 2017
Lesson 2102
(Lesson 2102)(09-07-17) Ephesians 5:32-33
“This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”
In the beginning of today’s quote, Paul clearly established that his remarks were meant to demonstrate Christ’s love for the church (The Children of God), and His relationship with it. He also demonstrated how we should adore Him over all else.
The last part of the quote informs us that our marriages should NOT be master/servant relationships, in either direction. But rather, from the side of either husband or wife, our marriages should be a reflection of how Jesus loves us. It behooves us to remember that Jesus loved us enough to die a horrible death for us. We, as Christians, should love our husbands/wives to the same degree.~
“This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”
In the beginning of today’s quote, Paul clearly established that his remarks were meant to demonstrate Christ’s love for the church (The Children of God), and His relationship with it. He also demonstrated how we should adore Him over all else.
The last part of the quote informs us that our marriages should NOT be master/servant relationships, in either direction. But rather, from the side of either husband or wife, our marriages should be a reflection of how Jesus loves us. It behooves us to remember that Jesus loved us enough to die a horrible death for us. We, as Christians, should love our husbands/wives to the same degree.~
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Lesson 2101
(Lesson 2101)(09-06-17) Ephesians 5:22-31
“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.”
Today’a quote should be taken with what Paul said in Galatians 3:27-28, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, THERE IS NEITHER MALE NOR FEMALE: FOR YE ARE ALL ONE IN CHRIST JESUS.”
It is my belief that the combination of the two quotes sufficiently explain this lessons intent.~
“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.”
Today’a quote should be taken with what Paul said in Galatians 3:27-28, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, THERE IS NEITHER MALE NOR FEMALE: FOR YE ARE ALL ONE IN CHRIST JESUS.”
It is my belief that the combination of the two quotes sufficiently explain this lessons intent.~
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Lesson 2100
(Lesson 2100)(09-05-17) Ephesians 5:19-21
“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”
Today’s quote contains more of Paul’s instructions to the children of God concerning their daily conduct.
Also, the first verse of today’s quote is commonly used as a part the foundation for the contention that instrumental music should not be used in a church worship service. (Namely,most churches of Christ, so-called.) To me, that argument is asinine and should be denounced out of hand. There is NO scripture in the New Testament that either justifies or condemns the practice of using instrumental music as a part of a worship service in church. Therefore, any argument against it, or any argument for it, lacks basis in fact. Since none of the writers of the New Testament saw the practice as important enough to deny head on, I am convinced that whether to use instrumental music in worship, or not, should be left up to the individual, or the individaul church as a whole. ~
“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”
Today’s quote contains more of Paul’s instructions to the children of God concerning their daily conduct.
Also, the first verse of today’s quote is commonly used as a part the foundation for the contention that instrumental music should not be used in a church worship service. (Namely,most churches of Christ, so-called.) To me, that argument is asinine and should be denounced out of hand. There is NO scripture in the New Testament that either justifies or condemns the practice of using instrumental music as a part of a worship service in church. Therefore, any argument against it, or any argument for it, lacks basis in fact. Since none of the writers of the New Testament saw the practice as important enough to deny head on, I am convinced that whether to use instrumental music in worship, or not, should be left up to the individual, or the individaul church as a whole. ~
Monday, September 4, 2017
Lesson 2099
(Lesson 2099)(09-04-17) Ephesians 5:18
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”
Today’s quote is a short one but it is very important to be taken as a stand alone lesson because of the vast misunderstanding of what the quote actually says.
Sadly, there are far too many socalled Christian organizations who contend that ANY consumption of alchohol is a sin to be avoided. That contention, as is clearly established in today’s quote, is totally wrong. Paul clearly warned the children of God to “be not drunk with wine, WHEREIN IS TO EXCESS”, he DID NOT condemn the consumption of alcohol, at all.
Although among many individuals the consumption of alcohol is a disease and cannot be controlled and always leads to drunkeness “wherein is to excess”, thankfully the vast majority of those who consume alchol do not suffer from that disease and are perfectly capable of keeping their consumption level below “excess”.
By offering this commentary, I certainly don’t mean to be an advocate for the consumption of alcohol, however, I do intend to expose the false contention that ALL consumption of alcohol is evil. ~
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”
Today’s quote is a short one but it is very important to be taken as a stand alone lesson because of the vast misunderstanding of what the quote actually says.
Sadly, there are far too many socalled Christian organizations who contend that ANY consumption of alchohol is a sin to be avoided. That contention, as is clearly established in today’s quote, is totally wrong. Paul clearly warned the children of God to “be not drunk with wine, WHEREIN IS TO EXCESS”, he DID NOT condemn the consumption of alcohol, at all.
Although among many individuals the consumption of alcohol is a disease and cannot be controlled and always leads to drunkeness “wherein is to excess”, thankfully the vast majority of those who consume alchol do not suffer from that disease and are perfectly capable of keeping their consumption level below “excess”.
By offering this commentary, I certainly don’t mean to be an advocate for the consumption of alcohol, however, I do intend to expose the false contention that ALL consumption of alcohol is evil. ~
Sunday, September 3, 2017
Lesson 2098
(Lesson 2098)(09-03-17) Ephesians 5:1-17
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lo And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secrett. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”
Today’s quote gives us more instructions as to how a born again child of God is to conduct him/herself.
What a wonderful world this would be if these rules were obeyed by everyone.~
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lo And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secrett. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”
Today’s quote gives us more instructions as to how a born again child of God is to conduct him/herself.
What a wonderful world this would be if these rules were obeyed by everyone.~
Saturday, September 2, 2017
(Lesson 2097)(09-02-17) Ephesians 4:30
“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”
Today’s qoute is taken from a part of yesterday’s lesson. I did this because this verse makes a point that is not clearly present in other parts of the New testament. That is, that once a soul is saved, it is eternally saved, or in effect, saved forever.
Most of today’s “Christian” organizations contend that after one places his/her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, that one must, of one’s own accord, maintain his/her own souls salvation so as to prevent slipping back into a state of utter condemnation. We see herein, as is firmly established in this quote, with NO conditions and from the point of acceptance, one’s eternal soul is sealed by the Holy Spirit of God “until the day of redemption.” It don’t get any better than that.~
“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”
Today’s qoute is taken from a part of yesterday’s lesson. I did this because this verse makes a point that is not clearly present in other parts of the New testament. That is, that once a soul is saved, it is eternally saved, or in effect, saved forever.
Most of today’s “Christian” organizations contend that after one places his/her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, that one must, of one’s own accord, maintain his/her own souls salvation so as to prevent slipping back into a state of utter condemnation. We see herein, as is firmly established in this quote, with NO conditions and from the point of acceptance, one’s eternal soul is sealed by the Holy Spirit of God “until the day of redemption.” It don’t get any better than that.~
Friday, September 1, 2017
(Lesson 2096)(09-01-17) Ephesians 4:17-32
“This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
Today’s quote is a perfect discription of how a child of God should conduct him/herself in their daily lives. There is nothing thay can be added that would make it any plainer. Amen.~
“This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
Today’s quote is a perfect discription of how a child of God should conduct him/herself in their daily lives. There is nothing thay can be added that would make it any plainer. Amen.~
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