(Lesson 2478)(09-30-18) Mark 13:28-37
“So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.”
Today’s lesson reminds us all to be deligent in our work and even moreso as we see the signs of the end time approaching.
I truly believe that the times demonstrate the Jesus will be returning soon. ~
Sunday, September 30, 2018
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Lesson 2477
(Lesson 2477)(09-29-18) Mark 13:24-27
“ But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.”
Today’s quote relates more signs of the end time. It also contains a glorious promise; “And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.” All who have given their souls to Jesus Christ will be either united with God in heaven or called from the grave to be united with Him. For those of us who are saved, I pray that day comes quickly. ~
“ But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.”
Today’s quote relates more signs of the end time. It also contains a glorious promise; “And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.” All who have given their souls to Jesus Christ will be either united with God in heaven or called from the grave to be united with Him. For those of us who are saved, I pray that day comes quickly. ~
Friday, September 28, 2018
Lesson 2476
(Lesson 2476)(09-28-18) Mark 13:21-23
“ And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.”
In today’s quote, Jesus warned that there will be many “false prophets” who will come forth to decieve us. That warning has already been fulfilled many times over.
Christian people should always be on the alert for those who come to distort and confuse the word of God. As I have said before, there are many of today’s false prophets who would have lost souls to believe that in order to achieve eternal salvation, they must jump through a series of physical hoops such as undergoing water “baptism” and living perfect sin free lives thereafter. That contention is put forth by most all religious organizations. That contention is a complete distortion of what the New Testament actually teaches. Faith in Jesus Christ crucified is the ONLY pre-requisite to everlasting life with God in heaven.~
“ And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.”
In today’s quote, Jesus warned that there will be many “false prophets” who will come forth to decieve us. That warning has already been fulfilled many times over.
Christian people should always be on the alert for those who come to distort and confuse the word of God. As I have said before, there are many of today’s false prophets who would have lost souls to believe that in order to achieve eternal salvation, they must jump through a series of physical hoops such as undergoing water “baptism” and living perfect sin free lives thereafter. That contention is put forth by most all religious organizations. That contention is a complete distortion of what the New Testament actually teaches. Faith in Jesus Christ crucified is the ONLY pre-requisite to everlasting life with God in heaven.~
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Lesson 2475
(Lesson 2475)(09-27-18) Mark 13:14-20
“But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house: And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment. But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter. For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.”
In the first part of today’s quote, Jesus referred to the coming of the “abomination of desolation”. I believe that has already occurred when the Muslim mosgue was erected on the site of the holy temple in Jerusalem.
The remainder of the quote warns of the horrors that will come to pass before Jesus makes His triumphant return to gather those who have believed in Him.
We, as Christians, should keep our eyes and ears open, ever mindful of all the things Jesus has told us herein. The end is inevitable. It is up to us, in the short time we have left, to see to it that every willing soul learns about God’s saving grace through faith in His Son, Jesus, so that they, like ourselves, be given their chance to inherit eternal life. ~
“But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house: And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment. But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter. For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.”
In the first part of today’s quote, Jesus referred to the coming of the “abomination of desolation”. I believe that has already occurred when the Muslim mosgue was erected on the site of the holy temple in Jerusalem.
The remainder of the quote warns of the horrors that will come to pass before Jesus makes His triumphant return to gather those who have believed in Him.
We, as Christians, should keep our eyes and ears open, ever mindful of all the things Jesus has told us herein. The end is inevitable. It is up to us, in the short time we have left, to see to it that every willing soul learns about God’s saving grace through faith in His Son, Jesus, so that they, like ourselves, be given their chance to inherit eternal life. ~
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Lesson 2474
(Lesson 2474)(09-26-18) Mark 13:12-13
“ Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”
Today’s quote relates how relationships between believers and non-believers will deteriorate as time goes forward. Already, today, there are families whose members won’t speak to each other because of their varying religious beliefs.
Sadly, there are many so-called Christians who impose all manner of obstacles to the pure will of God concerning how Christians are to conduct themselves and how lost souls are to be saved.
Many propose to believe that the way to eternal life is through faith in Jesus Christ crucified, but then require a list of hoops that are to be jumped through before one can ‘save him/herself’. Whereas; in truth, NO SINNER CAN SAVE HIM/HERSELF! NO physical act of ANY man or woman has anything to do with their soul’s salvation. We have all been condemned to spiritual death by the fall of Adam and the ONLY redemption from that sin is to bury it in the life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ crucified through absolute faith in Him.
We can easily see by what is occuring around us that the time of the end is rapidly approaching. It is the duty of EVERY Christian to do everything within their power to teach the lost about the wonderful and blessed, soul saving grace of God, before it is too late.~
“ Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”
Today’s quote relates how relationships between believers and non-believers will deteriorate as time goes forward. Already, today, there are families whose members won’t speak to each other because of their varying religious beliefs.
Sadly, there are many so-called Christians who impose all manner of obstacles to the pure will of God concerning how Christians are to conduct themselves and how lost souls are to be saved.
Many propose to believe that the way to eternal life is through faith in Jesus Christ crucified, but then require a list of hoops that are to be jumped through before one can ‘save him/herself’. Whereas; in truth, NO SINNER CAN SAVE HIM/HERSELF! NO physical act of ANY man or woman has anything to do with their soul’s salvation. We have all been condemned to spiritual death by the fall of Adam and the ONLY redemption from that sin is to bury it in the life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ crucified through absolute faith in Him.
We can easily see by what is occuring around us that the time of the end is rapidly approaching. It is the duty of EVERY Christian to do everything within their power to teach the lost about the wonderful and blessed, soul saving grace of God, before it is too late.~
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Lesson 2473
(Lesson 2473)(09-24-18) Mark 13:11
“But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.”
In today’a lesson, Jesus told His followers that they should never worry about preparing themselves for the inevitable confrontations that would come with those who disbelieve their message. He said the Holy Ghost would intercede to speak on their behalf in any situation. There is no better protector or intermediary than the Holy Ghost.
We, who are saved by faith in the grace of God through Jesus Christ crucified, have a very special gift. We have the awesome power of the Holy Spirit granted to us to both guide us in our every deed; And to actually put the correct words in our mouths when the need arises. What a glorius gift and what a wonderful God we worship. ~
“But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.”
In today’a lesson, Jesus told His followers that they should never worry about preparing themselves for the inevitable confrontations that would come with those who disbelieve their message. He said the Holy Ghost would intercede to speak on their behalf in any situation. There is no better protector or intermediary than the Holy Ghost.
We, who are saved by faith in the grace of God through Jesus Christ crucified, have a very special gift. We have the awesome power of the Holy Spirit granted to us to both guide us in our every deed; And to actually put the correct words in our mouths when the need arises. What a glorius gift and what a wonderful God we worship. ~
Monday, September 24, 2018
Lesson 2472
(Lesson 2472)(09-24-18) Mark 13:7-10
“And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows. But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
Today’s lesson lists a few of the things that will occur before Christ will return. The lesson also relates how those early Christians would be treated by the Leaders of the Jews. Even today, Christianity is condemned and abused in many parts of the world.~
“And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows. But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
Today’s lesson lists a few of the things that will occur before Christ will return. The lesson also relates how those early Christians would be treated by the Leaders of the Jews. Even today, Christianity is condemned and abused in many parts of the world.~
Sunday, September 23, 2018
Lesson 2417
(Lesson 2471)(09-23-18) Mark 13:1-6
“ And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled? And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”
In today’s quote, when asked for the signs of the end time, Jesus warned His disciples of the coming of false prophets.
When we look around today, we can easily see many false teachers pretending to be messengers of God while preaching all manner of heathenistic heresies. The best protection against those who would distort and defile God’s word is to study the teachings of Jesus and His apostles, just as we are doing in this class. Taking one lesson at a time in the context within which it is written. ~
“ And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled? And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”
In today’s quote, when asked for the signs of the end time, Jesus warned His disciples of the coming of false prophets.
When we look around today, we can easily see many false teachers pretending to be messengers of God while preaching all manner of heathenistic heresies. The best protection against those who would distort and defile God’s word is to study the teachings of Jesus and His apostles, just as we are doing in this class. Taking one lesson at a time in the context within which it is written. ~
Saturday, September 22, 2018
Lesson 2470
(Lesson 2470)(09-22-18) Mark 12:41-44
“And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.”
Today’s quote establishes that a gift from one who has plenty means far less than a gift from those who have little to give. ~
“And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.”
Today’s quote establishes that a gift from one who has plenty means far less than a gift from those who have little to give. ~
Friday, September 21, 2018
Lesson 2469
(Lesson 2469)(09-21-18) Mark 12:35-40
“And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the son of David? For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool. David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly. And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.”
Today’s lesson demonstrates that Jesus was the Son of God even during the time of king David. God the Father, the Son and The Holy Ghost, were, are and always will be the Lord and Master of all things.
“And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the son of David? For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool. David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly. And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.”
Today’s lesson demonstrates that Jesus was the Son of God even during the time of king David. God the Father, the Son and The Holy Ghost, were, are and always will be the Lord and Master of all things.
Thursday, September 20, 2018
Lesson 2468
(Lesson 2468)(09-20-18) Mark 12:28-34
“ And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.”
In today’s quote, Jesus said, in essence, that to love God with all that we are, and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, are the two most important commandments and that those two contain all the commandments combined.
If we, while loving God, would truly love every other human being as much as we love ourselves, there would be no sin charged againse us.~
“ And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.”
In today’s quote, Jesus said, in essence, that to love God with all that we are, and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, are the two most important commandments and that those two contain all the commandments combined.
If we, while loving God, would truly love every other human being as much as we love ourselves, there would be no sin charged againse us.~
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Lesson 2467
(Lesson 2467)(09-19-18) Mark 12:26-27
“And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.”
Today’s quote makes if vividly clear that God will never allow one of His to die. He, God the Father, being ONLY “the God of the living”. Those who die, having rejected God’s saving grace throught Jesus Christ, do not belong to God and do NOT have the security of the believer. Those who die having rejected Christ belong in the group that Jesus addressed in Matthew 7:23 while talking about false prophets; “And then will I profess to them, I NEVER KNEW YOU: depart from me, ye that work eniquity.” Those of us who have accepten Jesus as savior will be resurrected when that time comes. ~
“And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.”
Today’s quote makes if vividly clear that God will never allow one of His to die. He, God the Father, being ONLY “the God of the living”. Those who die, having rejected God’s saving grace throught Jesus Christ, do not belong to God and do NOT have the security of the believer. Those who die having rejected Christ belong in the group that Jesus addressed in Matthew 7:23 while talking about false prophets; “And then will I profess to them, I NEVER KNEW YOU: depart from me, ye that work eniquity.” Those of us who have accepten Jesus as savior will be resurrected when that time comes. ~
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Lesson 2466
(Lesson 2466)(09-18-18) Mark 12:18-25
“Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed. And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise. And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also. In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife. And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God? For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.”
In today’s lesson, Jesus made it clear that a marriage bound on earth will not be recognized in heaven. Although I thoroughly believe that we will recognize, and know, each other in heaven. The ties of marriage will not apply since we will be “as the angels” each being our own individual spirit; Whereas, through marriage we are both, husband and wife, through the eyes of God, seen as one individual person.~
“Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed. And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise. And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also. In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife. And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God? For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.”
In today’s lesson, Jesus made it clear that a marriage bound on earth will not be recognized in heaven. Although I thoroughly believe that we will recognize, and know, each other in heaven. The ties of marriage will not apply since we will be “as the angels” each being our own individual spirit; Whereas, through marriage we are both, husband and wife, through the eyes of God, seen as one individual person.~
Monday, September 17, 2018
Lesson 2465
(Lesson 2465)(09-17-18) Mark 12:13-17
“ And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words. And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it. And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.”
This lesson shows that, in their attempt at deception, those Pharisees and Herodians learned that they should pay their taxes. ~
“ And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words. And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it. And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.”
This lesson shows that, in their attempt at deception, those Pharisees and Herodians learned that they should pay their taxes. ~
Sunday, September 16, 2018
Lesson 2464
(Lesson 2464)(09-16-18) Mark 12:1-12
“And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard. And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty. And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled. And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some. Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours. And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard. What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others. And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.”
Today’s quote is a parable that describes how God had, many times throughout their history, sent men, even Jesus Himself, to convince the Jews to repent and return to Him. They rejected every attempt. They eventually, not only rejected Jesus, they had Him killed. ~
“And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard. And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty. And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled. And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some. Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours. And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard. What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others. And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.”
Today’s quote is a parable that describes how God had, many times throughout their history, sent men, even Jesus Himself, to convince the Jews to repent and return to Him. They rejected every attempt. They eventually, not only rejected Jesus, they had Him killed. ~
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Lesson 2463
(Lesson 2463)(09-15-18) Mark 11:27-33
“And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things? And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me. And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed. And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
When the Jewish leaders asked Jesus, by what authority He preached, Jesus challenged them by asking, in essence, if “the baptism of John” was a message sent from God, or had John simply made it up. They would not answer Jesus’ question out of fear of the people.
There is another lesson in this quote that has been ignored by the vast majority of bible scholars throughout the history of Christianity. The lesson I’m referring to is the confirmation that the phrase, “the baptism of John”, has two distinctly different meanings. One usage of the phrase, the baptism of John, refers to the physical water immersions that John oversaw. The other usage of the phrase, the baptism of John, refers to the message that John brought. The latter is definition the Jewish leadership applied in today’s quote. That fact is apparent when they considered that Jesus might think they didn’t “believe it”. One cannot believe or disbelieve a physical action such as water immersion, it either occurs or it doesn’t. On the other hand, if the phrase referred to the message John brought, it makes perfect sense that one would either believe it or not.
This distinct difference in the meaning and application of the phrase, the baptism of John, will be very important in understanding some of the lessons we will confront as our study continues.
The usage of that phrase in today's quote clearly referred to the message John taught.~
“And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things? And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me. And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed. And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
When the Jewish leaders asked Jesus, by what authority He preached, Jesus challenged them by asking, in essence, if “the baptism of John” was a message sent from God, or had John simply made it up. They would not answer Jesus’ question out of fear of the people.
There is another lesson in this quote that has been ignored by the vast majority of bible scholars throughout the history of Christianity. The lesson I’m referring to is the confirmation that the phrase, “the baptism of John”, has two distinctly different meanings. One usage of the phrase, the baptism of John, refers to the physical water immersions that John oversaw. The other usage of the phrase, the baptism of John, refers to the message that John brought. The latter is definition the Jewish leadership applied in today’s quote. That fact is apparent when they considered that Jesus might think they didn’t “believe it”. One cannot believe or disbelieve a physical action such as water immersion, it either occurs or it doesn’t. On the other hand, if the phrase referred to the message John brought, it makes perfect sense that one would either believe it or not.
This distinct difference in the meaning and application of the phrase, the baptism of John, will be very important in understanding some of the lessons we will confront as our study continues.
The usage of that phrase in today's quote clearly referred to the message John taught.~
Friday, September 14, 2018
Lesson 2463
(Lesson 2463)(09-14-18) Mark 11:25-26
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
This lesson tells us that if we don’t have the ability to forgive those who wrong us, we will not be forgiven before God. In other words, if we are unwilling to forgive, and continue to hold grudges against those who wrong us, we, ourselves, are not worthy of God’s forgiveness.~
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
This lesson tells us that if we don’t have the ability to forgive those who wrong us, we will not be forgiven before God. In other words, if we are unwilling to forgive, and continue to hold grudges against those who wrong us, we, ourselves, are not worthy of God’s forgiveness.~
Thursday, September 13, 2018
Lesson 2462
(Lesson 2462)(09-13-18) Mark 11:20-24
And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”
Today’s lesson relates the effects of absolute faith. Jesus cursed the fig tree having absolutely no doubt that it would wither and die, just as it did.
He went on to promise that whatsoever we ask in prayer, if we have sufficient faith, we will receive it no matter the request. What a glorious promise.
There are today, and probably always have been, many who claim to believe in the power of prayer yet pray over and over again for the same thing, not realizing that to pray for the same thing more than once is an open demonstration of a lack of faith. If one truly believes that God is omnipotent and will answer the prayers of a faithful person, there is NEVER a need to pray for something more than once. God will hear our prayers the first time, He WILL NOT forget that we asked. If the prayer is within His will to answer, it will be answered. If it is not His will, the prayer will never be answered, no matter how many times it is prayed.
Those of us who believe in Jesus Christ should offer up our prayers once, forget about it. By doing so we demonstrate our faith in Him and His promise.~
And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”
Today’s lesson relates the effects of absolute faith. Jesus cursed the fig tree having absolutely no doubt that it would wither and die, just as it did.
He went on to promise that whatsoever we ask in prayer, if we have sufficient faith, we will receive it no matter the request. What a glorious promise.
There are today, and probably always have been, many who claim to believe in the power of prayer yet pray over and over again for the same thing, not realizing that to pray for the same thing more than once is an open demonstration of a lack of faith. If one truly believes that God is omnipotent and will answer the prayers of a faithful person, there is NEVER a need to pray for something more than once. God will hear our prayers the first time, He WILL NOT forget that we asked. If the prayer is within His will to answer, it will be answered. If it is not His will, the prayer will never be answered, no matter how many times it is prayed.
Those of us who believe in Jesus Christ should offer up our prayers once, forget about it. By doing so we demonstrate our faith in Him and His promise.~
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Lesson 2461
(Lesson 2461)(09-12-18) Mark 11:15-19
And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine. And when even was come, he went out of the city.”
And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine. And when even was come, he went out of the city.”
Today’s lesson tells us that after Jesus had cleared the temple of vendors and money changers, the leaders of the Jews began plotting to destroy Him. ~
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Lesson 2460
(Lesson 2460)(09-11-18) Mark 11:11-14
“And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve. And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.”
In today’s lesson, Jesus condemned a fig tree because it bore no fruit. That same rule applies to those who profess to be followers of Jesus, yet bear no evidence (fruit) of their committment.
The lesson is simple, if you profess to believe that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, and accept the awesome gifts that come with it, you are bound to do things that demonstrate to others that you are indeed, one of His.~
“And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve. And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.”
In today’s lesson, Jesus condemned a fig tree because it bore no fruit. That same rule applies to those who profess to be followers of Jesus, yet bear no evidence (fruit) of their committment.
The lesson is simple, if you profess to believe that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, and accept the awesome gifts that come with it, you are bound to do things that demonstrate to others that you are indeed, one of His.~
Monday, September 10, 2018
Lesson 2459
(Lesson 2459)(09-10-18) Mark 11:1-10
“And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither. And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him. And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go. And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him. And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.”
Today’s lesson relates that Jesus caused a great celebration, among His followers, as He entered into Jerusalem, for the last time, before He would be, unmercifully, sacrificed, on the cross, for the sins of all believing mankind.~
“And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither. And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him. And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go. And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him. And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.”
Today’s lesson relates that Jesus caused a great celebration, among His followers, as He entered into Jerusalem, for the last time, before He would be, unmercifully, sacrificed, on the cross, for the sins of all believing mankind.~
Friday, September 7, 2018
(Lesson 2458)(09-07-18) Mark 10:46-52
“And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.”
Today’s quote relates that Jesus performed another miracle when He gave sight to “Blind Bartimaeus.
NOTE: I will be out of town for the next few days and unable to post the daily lesson. It is my intention that the next lesson should be posted Monday, September 10. I’m sorry and will try to do better. :)
“And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.”
Today’s quote relates that Jesus performed another miracle when He gave sight to “Blind Bartimaeus.
NOTE: I will be out of town for the next few days and unable to post the daily lesson. It is my intention that the next lesson should be posted Monday, September 10. I’m sorry and will try to do better. :)
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Lesson 2457
(Lesson 2457)(10-06-18) Mark 10:35-45 “And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
In today’s quote, after being aske a favor by James and John; “Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized”.
It is very important to note that, in that statement, a grammatical variation of the word baptize is applied six times, and not one of those six applications are, in any way, a reference to the dipping within, sprinkling upon, or total immersion into, water.
I point that out to dispel the erroneous contention that, in the New Testament, every application of a variation of the word baptize refers to some form of cleansing ritual that requires water.
The baptism that is required to save the eternal soul has nothing to do with water, but rather, is an immersion of that eternal soul into the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ.
“For by GRACE are ye saved THROUGH FAITH; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Water baptism is a “work” of “man”. ~
In today’s quote, after being aske a favor by James and John; “Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized”.
It is very important to note that, in that statement, a grammatical variation of the word baptize is applied six times, and not one of those six applications are, in any way, a reference to the dipping within, sprinkling upon, or total immersion into, water.
I point that out to dispel the erroneous contention that, in the New Testament, every application of a variation of the word baptize refers to some form of cleansing ritual that requires water.
The baptism that is required to save the eternal soul has nothing to do with water, but rather, is an immersion of that eternal soul into the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ.
“For by GRACE are ye saved THROUGH FAITH; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Water baptism is a “work” of “man”. ~
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Lesson 2456
(Lesson 2456)(09-05-18) Mark 10:35-45
“ And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
In today’s quote, Jesus demonstrated that there are to be no favorites among His followers. He made it very clear, to John and James, that positions within His heavenly kingdom were not His to assign, but rather, that would be His Father’s decision.
There is another element to today’s quote that we will discuss tomorrow.~
“ And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
In today’s quote, Jesus demonstrated that there are to be no favorites among His followers. He made it very clear, to John and James, that positions within His heavenly kingdom were not His to assign, but rather, that would be His Father’s decision.
There is another element to today’s quote that we will discuss tomorrow.~
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Lesson 2455
(Lesson 2455)(09-04-18) Mark 10:32-34
“And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him, Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles: And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.”
In today’s lesson, Jesus again told His followers how He would soon be persecuted and killed and would rise again the third day having triumphed over all sin. ~
“And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him, Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles: And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.”
In today’s lesson, Jesus again told His followers how He would soon be persecuted and killed and would rise again the third day having triumphed over all sin. ~
Monday, September 3, 2018
Lesson 2454
(Lesson 2454)(09-03-18) Mark 10:26-32
And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.”
Today’s quote is a strong confirmation of yesterday’s lesson. Jesus herein confirms that those of us who choose to put our faith in Him will ultimately lose nothing, but rather, we will win the jackpot during our lives here on earth, and even moreso throughout eternity. jESUS SAID; “There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; AND IN THE WORLD TO COME ETERNAL LIFE.”
And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.”
Today’s quote is a strong confirmation of yesterday’s lesson. Jesus herein confirms that those of us who choose to put our faith in Him will ultimately lose nothing, but rather, we will win the jackpot during our lives here on earth, and even moreso throughout eternity. jESUS SAID; “There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; AND IN THE WORLD TO COME ETERNAL LIFE.”
Sunday, September 2, 2018
2453
(Lesson 2453)(09-02-18) Mark 10:17-25
“And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”
Today’s lesson, although not all that apparent to some, for those of us who have fully studied the entirety of God’s plan of salvation, is a lesson about faith. After Jesus telling the young man that in order to have eternal life, he would have to give away all of his riches. Something, of course, being human, the young man was not willing to do. It is good to remember too, that Jesus gave him that command with the foreknowledge that the young man wouldn’t be able to do it.
The lesson about faith comes in knowing that the young man would not have actually been required to sell all that he had in order to be eternally saved, he needed only have enough faith in Jesus to be sincerely willing to do it.
Jesus will take nothing from those who believe in Him that He won’t replace hundreds of times over.
Attaining eternal life only requires that a lost soul have absolute and total faith in the knowledge that Jesus will redeem him/her from whatever he/she does and that the physical things we do here on earth have nothing to do with it. “Therefore being JUSTIFIED by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”. (Romans 5:1) ~
“And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”
Today’s lesson, although not all that apparent to some, for those of us who have fully studied the entirety of God’s plan of salvation, is a lesson about faith. After Jesus telling the young man that in order to have eternal life, he would have to give away all of his riches. Something, of course, being human, the young man was not willing to do. It is good to remember too, that Jesus gave him that command with the foreknowledge that the young man wouldn’t be able to do it.
The lesson about faith comes in knowing that the young man would not have actually been required to sell all that he had in order to be eternally saved, he needed only have enough faith in Jesus to be sincerely willing to do it.
Jesus will take nothing from those who believe in Him that He won’t replace hundreds of times over.
Attaining eternal life only requires that a lost soul have absolute and total faith in the knowledge that Jesus will redeem him/her from whatever he/she does and that the physical things we do here on earth have nothing to do with it. “Therefore being JUSTIFIED by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”. (Romans 5:1) ~
Saturday, September 1, 2018
Lesson 2452
(Lesson 2452)(09-01-18) Mark 10:10-16
“ And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter. And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery. And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.”
The beginning of today’s lesson, as yesterday’s, deals with marriage and divorce. As is plainly stated herein, divorce is a sin. A sin of which, among the many, I too, am guilty.
In the latter part of today’s quote, Jesus spoke of the innocence of children, when He said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” When Jesus made that statement, He was not simply referring to children themselves, He was also referring to a state of total submission that a lost soul must take on in order to be a part of His Church. In other words, in order to be a part of “the kingdom of God”, (The church) we must submit ourselves to Jesus as open minded and accepting as were those young children that Jesus referred to in the quote.
Again, sadly, there are some who believe that a child should be ceremonially handed over to Christ at a very early age in order that he/she can be a part of Christ’s church. That is one of the reasons Roman Catholics “baptize” babies. That practice is, in my opinion, asinine, since almost the entire text of the New Testament makes it plain that any lost soul can accept Jesus as savior and become a member of His church any day of his/her life.~
“ And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter. And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery. And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.”
The beginning of today’s lesson, as yesterday’s, deals with marriage and divorce. As is plainly stated herein, divorce is a sin. A sin of which, among the many, I too, am guilty.
In the latter part of today’s quote, Jesus spoke of the innocence of children, when He said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” When Jesus made that statement, He was not simply referring to children themselves, He was also referring to a state of total submission that a lost soul must take on in order to be a part of His Church. In other words, in order to be a part of “the kingdom of God”, (The church) we must submit ourselves to Jesus as open minded and accepting as were those young children that Jesus referred to in the quote.
Again, sadly, there are some who believe that a child should be ceremonially handed over to Christ at a very early age in order that he/she can be a part of Christ’s church. That is one of the reasons Roman Catholics “baptize” babies. That practice is, in my opinion, asinine, since almost the entire text of the New Testament makes it plain that any lost soul can accept Jesus as savior and become a member of His church any day of his/her life.~
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