(Lesson 2567)(12-31-18) Luke 54-59
“And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass. Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time? Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison. I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.”
In today’s quote, Jesus scolded the scribes, Pharisees and lawyers for their hypocrisy and warned them that none who rejected Him would escaped the wrath to come.~
Monday, December 31, 2018
Sunday, December 30, 2018
Lesson 2566
(Lesson 2566)(12-30-18) Luke 51-53
“ Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.”
In today’s quote, Jesus forewarned that His doctrine would cause divisions among even the closest of friends and relatives. It is glaringly obvious that His warning has come to fruition today. There has never been a time when hatred has ruled the hearts of so many. The doctrine of Jesus Christ has been hi-jacked and virtually replaced with a religion of hypocrisy and greed.
Even though we know that things will only get worse as the end time approaches, it is the duty of all true Christians to stand for the principles of understanding and compassion toward our fellow man/woman.
In this final days, it is very important that we stand aside from the fray and preach the saving grace of God through Jesus Christ to every ear that will listen. ~
“ Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.”
In today’s quote, Jesus forewarned that His doctrine would cause divisions among even the closest of friends and relatives. It is glaringly obvious that His warning has come to fruition today. There has never been a time when hatred has ruled the hearts of so many. The doctrine of Jesus Christ has been hi-jacked and virtually replaced with a religion of hypocrisy and greed.
Even though we know that things will only get worse as the end time approaches, it is the duty of all true Christians to stand for the principles of understanding and compassion toward our fellow man/woman.
In this final days, it is very important that we stand aside from the fray and preach the saving grace of God through Jesus Christ to every ear that will listen. ~
Saturday, December 29, 2018
Lesson 2565
(Lesson 2565)(12-29-18) Luke 49-50
“ I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!”
Today’s lesson is a continuation of yesterday’s and concerns the gross misunderstanding of the term “baptism”, as is generally applied in the New Testament.
As is established by the following quote, baptism was written into the Law of the Jews in the days of Moses: “And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein. For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat: When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the Lord: So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations.”
That part of the Law of Moses established water cleansing (baptism) as essential ONLY to intering into the temple of God or, before practicing any holy ritual. Water cleansing was NEVER seen as having anything to do with one’s eternal salvation.
As John the Baptist said in Matthew 3:11, “ I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:” Therein, John made it very clear that water baptism has nothing to do with the saving grace of God through faith in His only begotten Son. ~
NOTE: There will be much more discussion of this subject as these lessons progress.
“ I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!”
Today’s lesson is a continuation of yesterday’s and concerns the gross misunderstanding of the term “baptism”, as is generally applied in the New Testament.
As is established by the following quote, baptism was written into the Law of the Jews in the days of Moses: “And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein. For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat: When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the Lord: So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations.”
That part of the Law of Moses established water cleansing (baptism) as essential ONLY to intering into the temple of God or, before practicing any holy ritual. Water cleansing was NEVER seen as having anything to do with one’s eternal salvation.
As John the Baptist said in Matthew 3:11, “ I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:” Therein, John made it very clear that water baptism has nothing to do with the saving grace of God through faith in His only begotten Son. ~
NOTE: There will be much more discussion of this subject as these lessons progress.
Friday, December 28, 2018
Lesson 2563
(Lesson 2563)(12-28-18) Luke 49-50
“ I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!”
Because it is so important to correct the misapplications and misunderstandings of the term “baptize” and it’s grammatical variations. Today’s lesson is a continuation of yesterday’s.
As has already been established, and contrary to the thoughts of many, RARELY does the term baptize or it’s variations, imply that water is, or should be, the medium into which a person is to be baptized in order to achieve eternal salvation. In fact, of the few times that the New Testament attributes the use of the term baptize, or one of it’s grammaticall variations to Jesus, ONLY ONCE does the term possibly refer to water as the medium. That being when Jesus referred to “the baptism of John”. And then ONLY because water immersion WAS A PART of the “baptism of John”, certainly NOT it’s full intent. That phrase, “the baptism of John”, actually refers to the message that John taught moreso than it does to the traditional ritual water immersions that John performed, which were solely to prepare his Jewish brethren for the coming of the Messiah. The ritual of water cleansing, by total immersion in water, was written into ancient Hebrew law and has nothing to do with the baptism that saves the eternal soul. ~
NOTE: We will return to this lesson again tomorrow.
“ I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!”
Because it is so important to correct the misapplications and misunderstandings of the term “baptize” and it’s grammatical variations. Today’s lesson is a continuation of yesterday’s.
As has already been established, and contrary to the thoughts of many, RARELY does the term baptize or it’s variations, imply that water is, or should be, the medium into which a person is to be baptized in order to achieve eternal salvation. In fact, of the few times that the New Testament attributes the use of the term baptize, or one of it’s grammaticall variations to Jesus, ONLY ONCE does the term possibly refer to water as the medium. That being when Jesus referred to “the baptism of John”. And then ONLY because water immersion WAS A PART of the “baptism of John”, certainly NOT it’s full intent. That phrase, “the baptism of John”, actually refers to the message that John taught moreso than it does to the traditional ritual water immersions that John performed, which were solely to prepare his Jewish brethren for the coming of the Messiah. The ritual of water cleansing, by total immersion in water, was written into ancient Hebrew law and has nothing to do with the baptism that saves the eternal soul. ~
NOTE: We will return to this lesson again tomorrow.
Thursday, December 27, 2018
(Lesson 2563)(12-27-18) Luke 49-50
“ I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!”
Because of today’s total misunderstanding, and in many instances distortion, of the intent of the term baptize and all of it’s grammatical variations, which include, baptized, baptizing and baptism, this lesson is very important to, and very helpful in, correcting those misunderstandings and distortions.
Our English word “baptize”, as it is applied in the New Testament, is merely a transliteration (sound alike) of the ancient Greek word baptizo. Our modern day definition of the word baptize, as well as many earlier definitions, is grossly incorrect and DOES NOT relate the full meaning or intent of the term as it was uttered and applied by those who originally transcribed the text of the New Testament.
The word baptize, in it’s original Aramaic form, and as it should be defined today, relates the overwhelming or inclosing of one substance, entity or situation by another substance, entity or situation for the purpose of permanently altering it’s state. In the most simple terms, it means to put one thing into something else so as to permanently change it.
As this knowledge is applied to today’s quote, Jesus, when He said, “I have a baptism to be baptized with", meant that He had an ordeal that He must endure that would permanently change Him from the mortal man that He was to the immortal Savior that He would soon become. ‘
NOTE: There will be more on this subject in tomorrows lesson.
“ I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!”
Because of today’s total misunderstanding, and in many instances distortion, of the intent of the term baptize and all of it’s grammatical variations, which include, baptized, baptizing and baptism, this lesson is very important to, and very helpful in, correcting those misunderstandings and distortions.
Our English word “baptize”, as it is applied in the New Testament, is merely a transliteration (sound alike) of the ancient Greek word baptizo. Our modern day definition of the word baptize, as well as many earlier definitions, is grossly incorrect and DOES NOT relate the full meaning or intent of the term as it was uttered and applied by those who originally transcribed the text of the New Testament.
The word baptize, in it’s original Aramaic form, and as it should be defined today, relates the overwhelming or inclosing of one substance, entity or situation by another substance, entity or situation for the purpose of permanently altering it’s state. In the most simple terms, it means to put one thing into something else so as to permanently change it.
As this knowledge is applied to today’s quote, Jesus, when He said, “I have a baptism to be baptized with", meant that He had an ordeal that He must endure that would permanently change Him from the mortal man that He was to the immortal Savior that He would soon become. ‘
NOTE: There will be more on this subject in tomorrows lesson.
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Lesson 2562
(Lesson 2562)(12-26-18) Luke 35-48
“ Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”
Today’s quote warns us all to be vigilant in our ministry for Jesus and to be always prepared for His return.
This should be a special warning to those who are Christians in name only. Jesus is indeed coming back, and when He does there will be sadness beyond belief for those who are unprepared. ~
“ Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”
Today’s quote warns us all to be vigilant in our ministry for Jesus and to be always prepared for His return.
This should be a special warning to those who are Christians in name only. Jesus is indeed coming back, and when He does there will be sadness beyond belief for those who are unprepared. ~
Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Lesson 2561
(Lesson 2561)(12-25-18) Luke 13-34
“And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Today’s is a lesson about jealousy and greed and how it can destroy the soul of mankind. As Jesus related in today’s quote, we should never lay up massive amounts of treasure while others are in need. ~
“And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Today’s is a lesson about jealousy and greed and how it can destroy the soul of mankind. As Jesus related in today’s quote, we should never lay up massive amounts of treasure while others are in need. ~
Monday, December 24, 2018
Lesson 2560
(Lesson 2560)(12-24-18) Luke 12:11-12
“And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.”
In today’s quote, Jesus promised that if any one who has believed in Him, should come into danger because of that belief, that one is to stand on his/her faith before the accusers knowing that God will provide the a winning defense to include the very words one needs to say.
It is a wonderful feeling, knowing that almighty God has our backs. ~
“And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.”
In today’s quote, Jesus promised that if any one who has believed in Him, should come into danger because of that belief, that one is to stand on his/her faith before the accusers knowing that God will provide the a winning defense to include the very words one needs to say.
It is a wonderful feeling, knowing that almighty God has our backs. ~
Sunday, December 23, 2018
Lesson 2559
(Lesson 2559)(12-23-18) Luke 12:8-10
“Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.”
This lesson should be stressed among all of those who claim to be Christians today. In our everyday lives, there is little, if anything, ever discussed about Jesus and what He has done for all of us. Is that because we are ashamed to talk about Him? I pray that is not the case, because if it is, we are in for a rude awakening.
Also in this lesson, touching on the same principal, Jesus warned against blasphemy of the Holy Ghost. Many of today’s Christians, in some ways, guilty of that too. By watching television programs that make fun of Christianity and joke about the Holy Triune of God, we are, by proxy, blaspheming the Holy Ghost. ~
“Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.”
This lesson should be stressed among all of those who claim to be Christians today. In our everyday lives, there is little, if anything, ever discussed about Jesus and what He has done for all of us. Is that because we are ashamed to talk about Him? I pray that is not the case, because if it is, we are in for a rude awakening.
Also in this lesson, touching on the same principal, Jesus warned against blasphemy of the Holy Ghost. Many of today’s Christians, in some ways, guilty of that too. By watching television programs that make fun of Christianity and joke about the Holy Triune of God, we are, by proxy, blaspheming the Holy Ghost. ~
Saturday, December 22, 2018
Lesson 2559
(Lesson 2559)(12-22-18) Luke 12:1-7
“In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.”
In today’s lesson, Jesus warned that we are to beware of the hypocrites that fill the pews of so many of our churches, those who appear beautiful and righteous on the outside, but are like putrid flesh behind the mask.
Like Jesus, in essence, said in the quote, God knows the number of hairs on our heads. We can hide nothing from Him, all things will be exposed when the time comes and those of us whom have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior will be punished here on earth for the evil we do. Those whom have rejected Him will sadly spend an eternity in hell.~
“In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.”
In today’s lesson, Jesus warned that we are to beware of the hypocrites that fill the pews of so many of our churches, those who appear beautiful and righteous on the outside, but are like putrid flesh behind the mask.
Like Jesus, in essence, said in the quote, God knows the number of hairs on our heads. We can hide nothing from Him, all things will be exposed when the time comes and those of us whom have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior will be punished here on earth for the evil we do. Those whom have rejected Him will sadly spend an eternity in hell.~
Friday, December 21, 2018
Lesson 2558
(Lesson 2558)(12-21-18) Luke 11:42-54
“But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them. Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also. And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres. Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation. Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered. And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things: Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.”
In today’s quote, Jesus again condemned the scribes, Pharisees and lawyers because of their blatant hypocrisy.
Every concerned bible student should read this lesson over and over because it so pointedly applies to what is called Christianity today. There are so many who put on the cloak of Christianity while, in truth, only wear it to amass material gain and/or to impress the ignorant. ~
“But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them. Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also. And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres. Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation. Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered. And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things: Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.”
In today’s quote, Jesus again condemned the scribes, Pharisees and lawyers because of their blatant hypocrisy.
Every concerned bible student should read this lesson over and over because it so pointedly applies to what is called Christianity today. There are so many who put on the cloak of Christianity while, in truth, only wear it to amass material gain and/or to impress the ignorant. ~
Thursday, December 20, 2018
Lesson 2557
(Lesson 2557)(12-20-18) Luke 11:37-41
“ And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat ,down to meat. And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner. And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.”
In today’s quote, Jesus made the point that nothing that was created by God could cause a sin to the body.
The Pharisees of that period were sticklers for traditional rituals, much like many so-called Christians of today. Ritual external washing, or baptismal cleansing, was written into the old law of the Jews; However, so was loving and respecting one’s neighbor as equals and treating them fairly in their daily dealings.
In today’s quote, Jesus condemned those Pharisees for practicing the easiest parts of the law, such as minor rituals and sacrifices, while ignoring the substantive parts, such as fairness in their dealings and charity toward their neighbors.
Many of those same faults are prevalent among today’s so-called Christian church members. They insist that everyone attend “church” every time the doors are open while ignoring their over-riding duty to “go” and teach the word of God to “every creature” and diligently attending to the needs of weakest in their communities.~
“ And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat ,down to meat. And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner. And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.”
In today’s quote, Jesus made the point that nothing that was created by God could cause a sin to the body.
The Pharisees of that period were sticklers for traditional rituals, much like many so-called Christians of today. Ritual external washing, or baptismal cleansing, was written into the old law of the Jews; However, so was loving and respecting one’s neighbor as equals and treating them fairly in their daily dealings.
In today’s quote, Jesus condemned those Pharisees for practicing the easiest parts of the law, such as minor rituals and sacrifices, while ignoring the substantive parts, such as fairness in their dealings and charity toward their neighbors.
Many of those same faults are prevalent among today’s so-called Christian church members. They insist that everyone attend “church” every time the doors are open while ignoring their over-riding duty to “go” and teach the word of God to “every creature” and diligently attending to the needs of weakest in their communities.~
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Lesson 2556
(Lesson 2556)(12-19-18) Luke 11:29-36
“ And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet. For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.”
When Jesus was asked to show some sign that He was indeed the promised Messiah, He scolded those who challenged Him. He then related that there would be no sign other than those signs He had demonstrated with the miraculous things which He had already done.
We now know that the greatest of all signs came when Jesus was raised from the dead to overcome sin and to save the souls of all those who would come to believe in Him. “Whosoever believeth in me shall have everlasting life. (John 3:16 in part)~
“ And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet. For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.”
When Jesus was asked to show some sign that He was indeed the promised Messiah, He scolded those who challenged Him. He then related that there would be no sign other than those signs He had demonstrated with the miraculous things which He had already done.
We now know that the greatest of all signs came when Jesus was raised from the dead to overcome sin and to save the souls of all those who would come to believe in Him. “Whosoever believeth in me shall have everlasting life. (John 3:16 in part)~
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Lesson 2555
(Lesson 2555)(12-18-18) Luke 11:14-28
“And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils. And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.”
Today’s quote relates that, when accused of using the power of the Satan to cast out devils, Jesus said, “If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand?”. With that statement, Jesus established that those who work against themselves are doomed to fail.
That same principle applies to those of us who today who take on the mantel of Jesus Christ. Our efforts are made pointless if we preach the gospel then go out and oppose it in our personal lives. We are to love God with all that we are, and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. ~
“And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils. And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.”
Today’s quote relates that, when accused of using the power of the Satan to cast out devils, Jesus said, “If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand?”. With that statement, Jesus established that those who work against themselves are doomed to fail.
That same principle applies to those of us who today who take on the mantel of Jesus Christ. Our efforts are made pointless if we preach the gospel then go out and oppose it in our personal lives. We are to love God with all that we are, and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. ~
Monday, December 17, 2018
Lesson 2554
(Lesson 2554)(12-17-18) Luke 11:1-13
“ And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?”
In today’s lesson Jesus gave an example of how we should pray. He also gave assurances that the prayers of the faithful will ALWAYS be answered by our loving heavenly Father and Graceful God. ~
“ And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?”
In today’s lesson Jesus gave an example of how we should pray. He also gave assurances that the prayers of the faithful will ALWAYS be answered by our loving heavenly Father and Graceful God. ~
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Lesson 2553
(Lesson 2553)(12-16-18) Luke 10:38-42
“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
This lesson, though it appears to be simple, is in one way a very profound one. It says, in essence, that there is no work more important than hearing, learning about and spreading the glorious gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. ~
“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
This lesson, though it appears to be simple, is in one way a very profound one. It says, in essence, that there is no work more important than hearing, learning about and spreading the glorious gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. ~
Saturday, December 15, 2018
Lesson 2552
(Lesson 2552)(12-15-18) Luke 10:25-37
“ And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.”
In today’s lesson, as the lawyer tried to tempt Jesus by asking Him what he must do to receive eternal life, Jesus responded to him by relating the parable of the “Good Samaritan”. By doing so, and with His follow up, Jesus established that in order for that young man to acheive eternal life, he must love God with all his heart, soul, and mind; And, he must love his neighbor as he loved himself. In essence, Jesus told that young man that he must live in obedience to every whit of the old law, or in effect, live a perfect, sin free life.
The very purpose for the sacrifice of God’s own Son was so that mankind could acheive redemption from Adam’s sin and gain eternal life through faith in the perfection of Jesus. As was proven by the Jews from the beginning, it is impossible for mankind to live without sin. We are all guilty daily. Thank God for His grace. ~
“ And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.”
In today’s lesson, as the lawyer tried to tempt Jesus by asking Him what he must do to receive eternal life, Jesus responded to him by relating the parable of the “Good Samaritan”. By doing so, and with His follow up, Jesus established that in order for that young man to acheive eternal life, he must love God with all his heart, soul, and mind; And, he must love his neighbor as he loved himself. In essence, Jesus told that young man that he must live in obedience to every whit of the old law, or in effect, live a perfect, sin free life.
The very purpose for the sacrifice of God’s own Son was so that mankind could acheive redemption from Adam’s sin and gain eternal life through faith in the perfection of Jesus. As was proven by the Jews from the beginning, it is impossible for mankind to live without sin. We are all guilty daily. Thank God for His grace. ~
Friday, December 14, 2018
Lesson 2551
(Lesson 2551)(12-14-18) Luke 10:21-24
“In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.”
It is very important to note, before we go further with this lesson, that God’s plan of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ was kept a secret and could not be made known, except to the chosen disciples, because Jesus had not yet completed His miraculous, and soul saving death, burial, and resurrection because no one would have understood it.
In today’s quote, Jesus thanked God for His divine method of salvation. He then revealed to His apostles that the things they were seeing, hearing, and were a part of, had been, and were still, hidden from the rest of the Jews.
Therefore, until such a time as Jesus had completed His divine mission, the task of the apostles was to learn the truth of the entire gospel and to use the power that Jesus had granted them to prepare their Hebrew brethren for His coming.~
“In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.”
It is very important to note, before we go further with this lesson, that God’s plan of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ was kept a secret and could not be made known, except to the chosen disciples, because Jesus had not yet completed His miraculous, and soul saving death, burial, and resurrection because no one would have understood it.
In today’s quote, Jesus thanked God for His divine method of salvation. He then revealed to His apostles that the things they were seeing, hearing, and were a part of, had been, and were still, hidden from the rest of the Jews.
Therefore, until such a time as Jesus had completed His divine mission, the task of the apostles was to learn the truth of the entire gospel and to use the power that Jesus had granted them to prepare their Hebrew brethren for His coming.~
Thursday, December 13, 2018
Lesson 2550
(Lesson 2550)(12-13-18) Luke 10:1-20
“After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.”
Today’s quote relates that Jesus sent out seventy two of His disciples to preach His word throughout the region wherein He would be traveling.
This Luke account, as did the others, states that Jesus gave specific instructions to those disciples. They were to take nothing with them except the clothes they had on their backs. They were to rely totally upon the people who accepted them for their needs. Also, they were to walk away from the people who refused to listen to their message, leaving them to the judgment and wrath of God.
I believe that the cause of Jesus Christ today would be far better served if those who claim to be His people would devote more time to seeking out willing listeners and ignoring those who have already rejected Christ.
Church attendance is a truly blessed activity but just sitting in a pew does little to forward the word of God. Christian people should do as those seventy two disciples, we should get up, go and reach out to those outside the church, those who don’t occupy the seat next to our own every Sunday. Those lost souls who do not come to the church every time the doors swing. That is where the fields are ripest. ~
“After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.”
Today’s quote relates that Jesus sent out seventy two of His disciples to preach His word throughout the region wherein He would be traveling.
This Luke account, as did the others, states that Jesus gave specific instructions to those disciples. They were to take nothing with them except the clothes they had on their backs. They were to rely totally upon the people who accepted them for their needs. Also, they were to walk away from the people who refused to listen to their message, leaving them to the judgment and wrath of God.
I believe that the cause of Jesus Christ today would be far better served if those who claim to be His people would devote more time to seeking out willing listeners and ignoring those who have already rejected Christ.
Church attendance is a truly blessed activity but just sitting in a pew does little to forward the word of God. Christian people should do as those seventy two disciples, we should get up, go and reach out to those outside the church, those who don’t occupy the seat next to our own every Sunday. Those lost souls who do not come to the church every time the doors swing. That is where the fields are ripest. ~
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Lesson 2549
(Lesson 2549)(12-12-18) Luke 9:57-62
“And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
In today’s quote, Jesus demanded that those who choose to follow Him, when called upon, should abandon all else to serve His will. ~
“And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
In today’s quote, Jesus demanded that those who choose to follow Him, when called upon, should abandon all else to serve His will. ~
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Lesson 2548
(Lesson 2548)(12-11-18) Luke 9:51-56
“And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.”
Today’s quote relates how Jesus forgave the Samaritans for not allowing Him to enter their community and scolded His apostles for their unseemly attitude toward those same Samaritans. ~
“And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.”
Today’s quote relates how Jesus forgave the Samaritans for not allowing Him to enter their community and scolded His apostles for their unseemly attitude toward those same Samaritans. ~
Monday, December 10, 2018
Lesson 2547
(Lesson 2547)(12-10-18) Luke 9:49-50
“ And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.”
Today’s quote contains a powerful lesson for those of us who truly represent the cause of Jesus Christ. Therein, Jesus established that, no matter what certain denominations teach, unless they are in direct contradiction with the plan of salvation set out by Jesus and His apostles, we are to accept them as friends of the church. We are not required to promote their philosophies, but we are required to leave them to their own judgment without browbeating or condemning them.~
“ And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.”
Today’s quote contains a powerful lesson for those of us who truly represent the cause of Jesus Christ. Therein, Jesus established that, no matter what certain denominations teach, unless they are in direct contradiction with the plan of salvation set out by Jesus and His apostles, we are to accept them as friends of the church. We are not required to promote their philosophies, but we are required to leave them to their own judgment without browbeating or condemning them.~
Sunday, December 9, 2018
Lesson 2546
(Lesson 2546)(12-09-18) Luke 9:46-48
“Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.”
In today’s quote, the instruction that Jesus left for all or us who have been saved by the grace of God, have become members of His church, and have taken on the task of representing Him to others, is that there is not one of us that is above or beneath another. We area ALL equals in the sight of God, none better or worse than anyone else.
This lesson also relates that we are to take in those that are weak like the child represented in today’s quote.
In my opinion, one of the most heinous sins that is committed by Christian people today, is the failure to reach out to those who are percieved to be lesser than we. We should all remember that Jesus had NO dress code and He did not require those with whom He associated Himself to be “upstanding” people. Jesus related to the basest parts of society, those His fellow Jews called “sinners”. Those are the people to whom we, as Christians, should devote our time. We accomplish NOTHING by preaching to the choir. ~
“Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.”
In today’s quote, the instruction that Jesus left for all or us who have been saved by the grace of God, have become members of His church, and have taken on the task of representing Him to others, is that there is not one of us that is above or beneath another. We area ALL equals in the sight of God, none better or worse than anyone else.
This lesson also relates that we are to take in those that are weak like the child represented in today’s quote.
In my opinion, one of the most heinous sins that is committed by Christian people today, is the failure to reach out to those who are percieved to be lesser than we. We should all remember that Jesus had NO dress code and He did not require those with whom He associated Himself to be “upstanding” people. Jesus related to the basest parts of society, those His fellow Jews called “sinners”. Those are the people to whom we, as Christians, should devote our time. We accomplish NOTHING by preaching to the choir. ~
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Lesson 2545
(Lesson 2545)(12-08-18) Luke 9:37-45
“And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child. And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him. And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not. And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither. And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father. And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples, Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men. But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.”
In today’s lesson, Jesus rebuked His apostles for their lack of faith demostrated by their failure to remove the devil from a young boy.
Jesus, after healing the boy, again told His apostles, in essence, that He would soon be crucified and taken from them.~
“And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child. And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him. And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not. And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither. And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father. And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples, Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men. But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.”
In today’s lesson, Jesus rebuked His apostles for their lack of faith demostrated by their failure to remove the devil from a young boy.
Jesus, after healing the boy, again told His apostles, in essence, that He would soon be crucified and taken from them.~
Friday, December 7, 2018
Lesson 2544
(Lesson 2544)(12-07-18) Luke 9:28-36
“And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said. While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.”
Today’s quote is the Luke account of the same events that were spoken of in Matthew 17 and Mark 9. In the presence of Moses and Elias and witnessed by Peter, John and James, a voice from a cloud confirmed Jesus to be the Son of God.~
“And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said. While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.”
Today’s quote is the Luke account of the same events that were spoken of in Matthew 17 and Mark 9. In the presence of Moses and Elias and witnessed by Peter, John and James, a voice from a cloud confirmed Jesus to be the Son of God.~
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Lesson 2543
(Lesson 2543)(12-06-18) Luke 9:18-27
“ And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again. He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God. And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day. And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.”
In the first part of today’s quote, the apostles declared that Jesus was the prophesied Messiah, the promised Savior of those who are lost. Jesus also foretold of His coming death, burial, and resurrection.
In the latter part of the quote, Jesus, in essence, made the promise that those who follow and obey His commands will inherit eternal life and all the blessings that come with being a reborn child of God. He also promised that much would be required of those of us who have been saved from sin and have received, or will receive, that divine inheritance by accepting God’s saving grace.
Jesus also warned that if we are ashamed to testify to and defend His holy name, He too will be ashamed to testify before God the Father on our behalf.
It behooves all of us who have tasted that heavenly gift to preach the name of Jesus to every soul willing to listen.
First learn the word of God, then teach it.~
“ And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again. He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God. And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day. And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.”
In the first part of today’s quote, the apostles declared that Jesus was the prophesied Messiah, the promised Savior of those who are lost. Jesus also foretold of His coming death, burial, and resurrection.
In the latter part of the quote, Jesus, in essence, made the promise that those who follow and obey His commands will inherit eternal life and all the blessings that come with being a reborn child of God. He also promised that much would be required of those of us who have been saved from sin and have received, or will receive, that divine inheritance by accepting God’s saving grace.
Jesus also warned that if we are ashamed to testify to and defend His holy name, He too will be ashamed to testify before God the Father on our behalf.
It behooves all of us who have tasted that heavenly gift to preach the name of Jesus to every soul willing to listen.
First learn the word of God, then teach it.~
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Lesson 2542
(Lesson 2542)(12-05-18) Luke 9:10-17
And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing. And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place. But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people. For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company. And they did so, and made them all sit down. Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.”
Today’s quote relates the massive miracle that Jesus performed when He healed the wounds, cured the sickness, and fed five thousand people with only five loaves of bread and two small fishes. All praise and glory be to God, our Father, forever. ~
And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing. And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place. But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people. For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company. And they did so, and made them all sit down. Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.”
Today’s quote relates the massive miracle that Jesus performed when He healed the wounds, cured the sickness, and fed five thousand people with only five loaves of bread and two small fishes. All praise and glory be to God, our Father, forever. ~
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Lesson 2541
(Lesson 2541)(12-04-18) Luke 9:7-9
“Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead; And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.”
Today’s quote relates that king Herod had begun to be concerned about who Jesus really was. This was probably the beginning of Herod’s quest to destroy everything Jesus would accomplish throughout His ministry.~
“Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead; And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.”
Today’s quote relates that king Herod had begun to be concerned about who Jesus really was. This was probably the beginning of Herod’s quest to destroy everything Jesus would accomplish throughout His ministry.~
Monday, December 3, 2018
Lesson 2540
(Lesson 2540)(12-03-18) Luke 9:1-6
“ Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.”
Today’s is a very important lesson in that it relates explicitly to how Jesus intended His followers to preach His word to the lost. Not only did Jesus give His apostles (And modern believers) power over all evil, He told them that they needed to take nothing with them for their journey, knowing that through faith, all things would be provided for them. He also told them that if they encountered someone who chose not to hear their words, they were to “shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them”.
This last part of Jesus’ instructions is a great part of what is so sadly wrong with the way today’s “Christian” people go about conducting their duty to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We all seem to want to point out and condemn the failures of others while overlooking out own shortcomings. I’m as guilty as anyone; However, there are too many who wrongfully try to pass laws that would force our neighbors to obey the will of God only as they believe it should be obeyed. In today’s lesson, Jesus refuted that argument when He clearly made the point that if a person is unwilling to listen to what the gospel says, we, as real Christians, are to have nothing more to do with them and leave them to the eternal wrath of God. (Romans 2:1) “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.”
“ Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.”
Today’s is a very important lesson in that it relates explicitly to how Jesus intended His followers to preach His word to the lost. Not only did Jesus give His apostles (And modern believers) power over all evil, He told them that they needed to take nothing with them for their journey, knowing that through faith, all things would be provided for them. He also told them that if they encountered someone who chose not to hear their words, they were to “shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them”.
This last part of Jesus’ instructions is a great part of what is so sadly wrong with the way today’s “Christian” people go about conducting their duty to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We all seem to want to point out and condemn the failures of others while overlooking out own shortcomings. I’m as guilty as anyone; However, there are too many who wrongfully try to pass laws that would force our neighbors to obey the will of God only as they believe it should be obeyed. In today’s lesson, Jesus refuted that argument when He clearly made the point that if a person is unwilling to listen to what the gospel says, we, as real Christians, are to have nothing more to do with them and leave them to the eternal wrath of God. (Romans 2:1) “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.”
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Lesson 2539
(Lesson 2539)(12-02-18) Luke 8:41-56
“ And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him. And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him. And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace. While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat. And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.”
Today’s quote contains, what is to me, one of the most profound demonstrations of faith that is to be found in the New Testament. The woman with the issue, spoken of therein, didn’t just simply believe that Jesus could heal her, she KNEW that He could. If today, we, as Christian people, would demonstrate such faith, what a wonderful world we would live in.
Today’s quote also relates another major miracle that Jesus performed when He brought back the young daughter of Jairus from the dead.
We, today, often lose sight of the fact that we, as the blessed and redeemed followers of Jesus Christ, could also work the miracles that Jesus did, if only we had sufficient faith. ~
“ And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him. And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him. And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace. While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat. And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.”
Today’s quote contains, what is to me, one of the most profound demonstrations of faith that is to be found in the New Testament. The woman with the issue, spoken of therein, didn’t just simply believe that Jesus could heal her, she KNEW that He could. If today, we, as Christian people, would demonstrate such faith, what a wonderful world we would live in.
Today’s quote also relates another major miracle that Jesus performed when He brought back the young daughter of Jairus from the dead.
We, today, often lose sight of the fact that we, as the blessed and redeemed followers of Jesus Christ, could also work the miracles that Jesus did, if only we had sufficient faith. ~
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Lesson 2538
(Lesson 2538)(12-01-18) Luke 8:26-40
“And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee. And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not. (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.) And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them. Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked. When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country. Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed. Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again. Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him. And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.”
Today’s quote relates how Jesus removed the devils from a Gadarene man and put them into hogs that subsequently ran into the lake and were drowned.
It is important to note that the devils, who had taken over the body of that Gadarene man, already knew Jesus was the Son of God when they first saw Him. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if He were to be so easily recognized today?
By casting out those devils, Jesus eventually returned and converted many of the Gadarenes after they had gotten over their initial fear of Him. ~
“And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee. And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not. (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.) And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them. Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked. When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country. Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed. Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again. Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him. And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.”
Today’s quote relates how Jesus removed the devils from a Gadarene man and put them into hogs that subsequently ran into the lake and were drowned.
It is important to note that the devils, who had taken over the body of that Gadarene man, already knew Jesus was the Son of God when they first saw Him. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if He were to be so easily recognized today?
By casting out those devils, Jesus eventually returned and converted many of the Gadarenes after they had gotten over their initial fear of Him. ~
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