(Lesson 2655)(03-31-19) John 7:14-18
“Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.”
I believe today’s quote is an amazing one in that Jesus points out the difference between the expressed knowledge of mankind, filtered through his/her own ego, compared to the instilled knowledge that comes from the Holy Spirit when one puts his/her faith in God through that same Jesus Christ.
This lesson is especially applicable today when so many of our so-called bible scholars seem much more interested in complicating the Word of God with their own misguided “education” than they are in actually preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ under the prayful guidance of the Holy Spirit.
God’s word indeed says; “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) And, it certainly is NOT my intention to imply that knowing all the words and intent of the gospel text is a bad thing. Far from it. Every child of God should, just as Timothy said, continually study; However, that study should ALWAYS be done under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, NOT under the tuteledge of some “scholar” whose only desire is to fill his/her pockets with money and further his/her meaningless ambition. You do not need a degree to learn about God’s amazing grace. ~
Sunday, March 31, 2019
Saturday, March 30, 2019
Lesson 2654
(Lesson 2654)(03-30-19) John 7:9-13
“When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee. But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he? And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people. Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.”
Today’s lesson tells us that Jesus did, in fact, attend that “feast of the tabernacles”; However, instead of going openly, He waited and went secretly so that the Jews, who were still looking to kill Him, would not immediately know of His presence at the feast. The last part of the quote relates how some of the people were doubtful of Jesus and His intentions.~
NOTE: The “Feast of the Tabernacles”, (Sukkot) is a Jewish traditional celebration to honor and express gratitude for the blessings that God sent upon them as they struggled in the desert after escaping the Egyptian captivity. It is also a celebration of the time to come when all the nations of the earth shall gather in Jerusalem to worship the Messiah.
“When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee. But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he? And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people. Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.”
Today’s lesson tells us that Jesus did, in fact, attend that “feast of the tabernacles”; However, instead of going openly, He waited and went secretly so that the Jews, who were still looking to kill Him, would not immediately know of His presence at the feast. The last part of the quote relates how some of the people were doubtful of Jesus and His intentions.~
NOTE: The “Feast of the Tabernacles”, (Sukkot) is a Jewish traditional celebration to honor and express gratitude for the blessings that God sent upon them as they struggled in the desert after escaping the Egyptian captivity. It is also a celebration of the time to come when all the nations of the earth shall gather in Jerusalem to worship the Messiah.
Friday, March 29, 2019
Lesson 2653
(Lesson 2653)(03-29-19) John 7:1-8
“After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him. Now the Jew's feast of tabernacles was at hand. His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. For neither did his brethren believe in him. Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready. The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast: for my time is not yet full come.”
Today’s quote tells us that during that trying time, Jesus would not go into Judea (“Jewry) because the Jews were out to kill Him because He had healed a man on the Sabbath.~
“After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him. Now the Jew's feast of tabernacles was at hand. His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. For neither did his brethren believe in him. Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready. The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast: for my time is not yet full come.”
Today’s quote tells us that during that trying time, Jesus would not go into Judea (“Jewry) because the Jews were out to kill Him because He had healed a man on the Sabbath.~
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Lesson 2652
(Lesson 2652)(03-28-19) John 6:41-71
“ The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.”
In today’s quote, Jesus explained that, just as the manna from heaven saved the lives of the Jews in the desert, His body and blood are the sacrificial offering that was sent from God the Father to provide eternal life and remit the sins of those who are willing to believe in Him.
It is very difficult for some to understand that simply believing in Jesus can forever change the sinful nature of a human. Simply put, that is because it don’t. Nothing about the physical nature of a believer changes when he or she believes, that person remains a sinner by nature. The only thing that changes when a person accepts Jesus Christ as savior is the “inner man”, the spiritual person. When a lost soul accepts Jesus that person don’t just have his/her sins forgiven, the spirit of that person is made, totally and forever, sin free by the righteousness imputed into all those who believe by the sacrifice that Jesus Christ freely endured. “Even as David describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying blessed are thay whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” (Romans 4:6-8) ~
“ The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.”
In today’s quote, Jesus explained that, just as the manna from heaven saved the lives of the Jews in the desert, His body and blood are the sacrificial offering that was sent from God the Father to provide eternal life and remit the sins of those who are willing to believe in Him.
It is very difficult for some to understand that simply believing in Jesus can forever change the sinful nature of a human. Simply put, that is because it don’t. Nothing about the physical nature of a believer changes when he or she believes, that person remains a sinner by nature. The only thing that changes when a person accepts Jesus Christ as savior is the “inner man”, the spiritual person. When a lost soul accepts Jesus that person don’t just have his/her sins forgiven, the spirit of that person is made, totally and forever, sin free by the righteousness imputed into all those who believe by the sacrifice that Jesus Christ freely endured. “Even as David describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying blessed are thay whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” (Romans 4:6-8) ~
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Lesson 2651
(Lesson 2651)(03-27-19) John 6:22-40
“The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone; (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:) When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Jesus spent much of today’s quote trying to convince those whom had found Him at Capernaum, that He was indeed the Promised One, the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus also made clear that the ONLY means of eternal salvation was through belief in Him.
Twice in today’s quote, Jesus voiced the means my which a lost soul can be assured of everlasting life; “Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye BELIEVE ON HIM WHOM HE HATH SENT.” And again; “ this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
It is important to note that as Jesus twice voiced the means by which one must be saved, He never once mentioned water baptism.
“The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone; (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:) When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Jesus spent much of today’s quote trying to convince those whom had found Him at Capernaum, that He was indeed the Promised One, the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus also made clear that the ONLY means of eternal salvation was through belief in Him.
Twice in today’s quote, Jesus voiced the means my which a lost soul can be assured of everlasting life; “Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye BELIEVE ON HIM WHOM HE HATH SENT.” And again; “ this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
It is important to note that as Jesus twice voiced the means by which one must be saved, He never once mentioned water baptism.
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Lesson 2650
(Lesson 2650)(03-26-19) John 6:16-21
“ And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.”
Today’s quote relates that Jesus miraculously walked on water to join His apostles on the sea.~
“ And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.”
Today’s quote relates that Jesus miraculously walked on water to join His apostles on the sea.~
Monday, March 25, 2019
Lesson 2649
(Lesson 2649)(03-25-19) John 6:1-15
“ After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.”
Today’s quote relates how Jesus took five loaves and two small fishes and miraculously fed about five thousand men having twelve baskets of food left over.
The amazing power of our savior is limitless. Even more amazing is the fact that He freely gives that power to those who will put their undivided faith in Him. “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” (Mark 9:23) ~
“ After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.”
Today’s quote relates how Jesus took five loaves and two small fishes and miraculously fed about five thousand men having twelve baskets of food left over.
The amazing power of our savior is limitless. Even more amazing is the fact that He freely gives that power to those who will put their undivided faith in Him. “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” (Mark 9:23) ~
Sunday, March 24, 2019
Lesson 2648
(Lesson 2648)(03-24-19) John 5:28-47
“ Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true. Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. I receive not honour from men. But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?”
In today’s quote, comparing Himself to John the baptist and how they had responded to Him, Jesus rebuked the Jews for their ongoing unbelief. He related that He, in doing the work ordained by God the Father, would not be the judge of those who were under the Law, but rather He would be the eternal judge and redeemer for those who would come to believe in Him.
In the final part of the quote, in essence, Jesus made it clear that those who were not saved under the Law of Moses had already been judged by God the Father and would stand again before Him to be cast into the lake of fire at the final Judgment. That final judgment will be far different from the judgment that will be faced by those who have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus. The only souls who will be present at the final judgment are those who are alreaady lost because they have rejected God’s saving grace through faith in Jesus Christ.~
“ Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true. Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. I receive not honour from men. But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?”
In today’s quote, comparing Himself to John the baptist and how they had responded to Him, Jesus rebuked the Jews for their ongoing unbelief. He related that He, in doing the work ordained by God the Father, would not be the judge of those who were under the Law, but rather He would be the eternal judge and redeemer for those who would come to believe in Him.
In the final part of the quote, in essence, Jesus made it clear that those who were not saved under the Law of Moses had already been judged by God the Father and would stand again before Him to be cast into the lake of fire at the final Judgment. That final judgment will be far different from the judgment that will be faced by those who have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus. The only souls who will be present at the final judgment are those who are alreaady lost because they have rejected God’s saving grace through faith in Jesus Christ.~
Saturday, March 23, 2019
Lesson 2647
(Lesson 2647)(03-23-19) John 5:24-27
“ Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.”
Today’s lesson contains a very important and powerful message straight from the mouth of our Lord. It is very important that we dissect that message carefully in order to fully grasp what is actuallly intended.
Jesus said; “He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” The promise clearly is that whosoever believes in the virgin born life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ “HATH”, (“Hath” is a present tense word that means one presently owns or has possession of.), everlasting life. Jesus also promised that the believer SHALL (“Shall” is a command that expresses unstoppable future outcome.) not come into condemnation. But “IS” (The word “Is” describes existing, undeniable fact.) passed from death unto life.
Sadly, this specific definition of the terminology applied to today’s quote is necessary to debunk the erroneous contention, made by many so-called Christians, that in order to gain eternal life, one must jump through a series of hoops, water baptism etc. As this lesson clearly establishes, there is ONLY one step to eternal salvation, that is to place one’s faith in the sin remitting power our Lord Jesus Christ.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: It is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
“ Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.”
Today’s lesson contains a very important and powerful message straight from the mouth of our Lord. It is very important that we dissect that message carefully in order to fully grasp what is actuallly intended.
Jesus said; “He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” The promise clearly is that whosoever believes in the virgin born life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ “HATH”, (“Hath” is a present tense word that means one presently owns or has possession of.), everlasting life. Jesus also promised that the believer SHALL (“Shall” is a command that expresses unstoppable future outcome.) not come into condemnation. But “IS” (The word “Is” describes existing, undeniable fact.) passed from death unto life.
Sadly, this specific definition of the terminology applied to today’s quote is necessary to debunk the erroneous contention, made by many so-called Christians, that in order to gain eternal life, one must jump through a series of hoops, water baptism etc. As this lesson clearly establishes, there is ONLY one step to eternal salvation, that is to place one’s faith in the sin remitting power our Lord Jesus Christ.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: It is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Friday, March 22, 2019
Lesson 2646
(Lesson 2646)(03-22-19) John 5:1-23
“After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole. And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day. But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.”
In today’s quote, Jesus performed a miracle by healing the infirm man by the pool called Bethesda on a Sabbath day. After learning who Jesus was and determining that He had broken the Sabbath by commanding the infirm man to “take up thy bed and walk”, the leaders of the Jews started their efforts to find a way by which they could legally kill Jesus.
In the latter part of the quote, Jesus made it clear the He is indeed the Son of God with all the powers of the Father Himself. ~
“After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole. And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day. But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.”
In today’s quote, Jesus performed a miracle by healing the infirm man by the pool called Bethesda on a Sabbath day. After learning who Jesus was and determining that He had broken the Sabbath by commanding the infirm man to “take up thy bed and walk”, the leaders of the Jews started their efforts to find a way by which they could legally kill Jesus.
In the latter part of the quote, Jesus made it clear the He is indeed the Son of God with all the powers of the Father Himself. ~
Thursday, March 21, 2019
Lesson 2645
(Lesson 2645)(03-21-19) John 4:43-54
“ Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee. For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country. Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast. So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.”
In today’s quote, Jesus, because of the nobleman’s faith, performed His second miracle by healing the man’s dying son. ~
“ Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee. For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country. Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast. So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.”
In today’s quote, Jesus, because of the nobleman’s faith, performed His second miracle by healing the man’s dying son. ~
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Lesson 2644
(Lesson 2644)(03-20-19) John 4:35-43
“Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.”
In today’s quote, Jesus told His disciples that the Samaritans, like the whole world, were eager to hear the word of God and the fields were “white already to harvest”.
The quote also tells us that after hearing Jesus, many of the Samaritans believed in Him and proclaimed that He was indeed “the Christ, the Saviour of the world”.~
“Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.”
In today’s quote, Jesus told His disciples that the Samaritans, like the whole world, were eager to hear the word of God and the fields were “white already to harvest”.
The quote also tells us that after hearing Jesus, many of the Samaritans believed in Him and proclaimed that He was indeed “the Christ, the Saviour of the world”.~
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Lesson 2643
(Lesson 2643)(03-19-19) John 4:27-34
“And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.”
In today’s quote, when the Samaritans had come out to see Him, Jesus told His disciples, in essence, that a person can eat anytime but that the time to teach the word of God is when the listeners are present.
Sadly, among today’s Christians the only time alloted for teaching God’s word is on certain designated days, or nights, in the comfort of an air conditioned building.
Those who don’t know Jesus, but like the Samaritans would be willing to hear Him out, are not likely to show up in church. We must take the good news of God’s amazing grace to them, wherever they might be like Jesus did. ~
“And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.”
In today’s quote, when the Samaritans had come out to see Him, Jesus told His disciples, in essence, that a person can eat anytime but that the time to teach the word of God is when the listeners are present.
Sadly, among today’s Christians the only time alloted for teaching God’s word is on certain designated days, or nights, in the comfort of an air conditioned building.
Those who don’t know Jesus, but like the Samaritans would be willing to hear Him out, are not likely to show up in church. We must take the good news of God’s amazing grace to them, wherever they might be like Jesus did. ~
Monday, March 18, 2019
Lesson 2642
(Lesson 2642)(03-18-19) John 4:1-26
“When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. And he must needs go through Samaria. Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.”
The first part of today’s quote again verfies that Jesus did not administer ritual water baptisms, but rather, those baptisms were administered by His disciples.
The body of the quote deals with the sermon Jesus preached to the Samaritan woman at the well wherein He admitted to the woman that He is indeed the Messiah. ~
It is beneficial to note that the ancient Samaritans themselves claimed to be a sect of the Jews of the lineage of Jacob through Ephriam and Manasseh.
The Jews dispised the Samaritans because during the Bapylonian captivity the few that had escaped that captivity became inbred with the Assyrians.
“When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. And he must needs go through Samaria. Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.”
The first part of today’s quote again verfies that Jesus did not administer ritual water baptisms, but rather, those baptisms were administered by His disciples.
The body of the quote deals with the sermon Jesus preached to the Samaritan woman at the well wherein He admitted to the woman that He is indeed the Messiah. ~
It is beneficial to note that the ancient Samaritans themselves claimed to be a sect of the Jews of the lineage of Jacob through Ephriam and Manasseh.
The Jews dispised the Samaritans because during the Bapylonian captivity the few that had escaped that captivity became inbred with the Assyrians.
Sunday, March 17, 2019
Lesson 2641
(Lesson 2641)(03-17-19) John 3:23-36
“And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. For John was not yet cast into prison. Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
Today’s quote discusses the difference between the traditional, ritual water baptism (immersion) required of all repentent Jews, as was administered by John the baptist; and the soul cleansing immersion (baptism) into the Holy Spirit that could only be, and was, administered by Jesus Christ Himself: Remember, Jesus did NOT administer water baptisms, therefore, any usage of the term “baptism” in reference to what Jesus did, is a reference to an immersion into, or bestowing of, the Holy Spirit.
We should especially note that the discussion between the Jews and the disciples of John the baptist was about “purifying” and whose baptism actually accomplished the eternal purification required to save one’s eternal soul.
John made it very clear that he, having NOT come down from heaven, not being the Son of God, and as a mortal man, did not have the divine power of God to instill the Holy Spirit into anyone. His baptism; Therefore, just as he had previously stated, “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 will baptize you with the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 3:11).
This lesson, again, verifies that water immersion (baptism) accomplishes no more than a ceremonial cleansing preparation toward repentance.
“And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. For John was not yet cast into prison. Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
Today’s quote discusses the difference between the traditional, ritual water baptism (immersion) required of all repentent Jews, as was administered by John the baptist; and the soul cleansing immersion (baptism) into the Holy Spirit that could only be, and was, administered by Jesus Christ Himself: Remember, Jesus did NOT administer water baptisms, therefore, any usage of the term “baptism” in reference to what Jesus did, is a reference to an immersion into, or bestowing of, the Holy Spirit.
We should especially note that the discussion between the Jews and the disciples of John the baptist was about “purifying” and whose baptism actually accomplished the eternal purification required to save one’s eternal soul.
John made it very clear that he, having NOT come down from heaven, not being the Son of God, and as a mortal man, did not have the divine power of God to instill the Holy Spirit into anyone. His baptism; Therefore, just as he had previously stated, “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 will baptize you with the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 3:11).
This lesson, again, verifies that water immersion (baptism) accomplishes no more than a ceremonial cleansing preparation toward repentance.
Saturday, March 16, 2019
Lesson 2640
(Lesson 2640)(03-16-19) John 3:22
“After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.”
Today’s quote contains a statement wherein the author appears to contradict himself. In this text John left the impression that Jesus, along with His disciples, performed water baptisms; However, in the very next chapter of his book, John clearly states that Jesus did not perform water baptisms; “Though Jesus Himself baptized not, but His disciples”. (John 4:2)
In the following lessons, we will try to establish some clarity concerning this apparent bible contradiciton as we continue studying John’s account.~
“After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.”
Today’s quote contains a statement wherein the author appears to contradict himself. In this text John left the impression that Jesus, along with His disciples, performed water baptisms; However, in the very next chapter of his book, John clearly states that Jesus did not perform water baptisms; “Though Jesus Himself baptized not, but His disciples”. (John 4:2)
In the following lessons, we will try to establish some clarity concerning this apparent bible contradiciton as we continue studying John’s account.~
Friday, March 15, 2019
Lesson 2639
(Lesson 2639)(03-15-19) John 3:16-21
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”
The first verse of today’s quote is probably the most widely published and well known verse from the entire bible. In the first two verses of the quote, Jesus, in essence, announced Himself to be the Son of God, or God in the flesh, come down from heaven to save from sin those who would put their faith in Him. Jesus, in essence, made it clear, again in essence, that He was not condemning the world by ending the Law of Moses, but rather He was providing eternal redemption by fulfilling every aspect of the Law for those who would come to believe in Him.~
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”
The first verse of today’s quote is probably the most widely published and well known verse from the entire bible. In the first two verses of the quote, Jesus, in essence, announced Himself to be the Son of God, or God in the flesh, come down from heaven to save from sin those who would put their faith in Him. Jesus, in essence, made it clear, again in essence, that He was not condemning the world by ending the Law of Moses, but rather He was providing eternal redemption by fulfilling every aspect of the Law for those who would come to believe in Him.~
Thursday, March 14, 2019
Lesson 2638
(Lesson 2638)(03-14-19) John 3:9-15
“Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
In the first part of this quote, Jesus rebuked Nicodemus for not understanding that perfect righteousness and forgiveness of all sin could only come from God; and could only be accomplished by accepting the Spiritual rebirth that comes through faith in God’s only begotten Son. Jesus Himself being the one-size-fits-all supreme sacrifice for sin.
In the last part of the quote, Jesus said; “as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up”. Jesus was referring to Himself while telling Nicodemus that He would soon be raised up just as Moses raised the serpent; and that those who would look upon Him for salvation would be saved from sin just as those who looked upon the serpent in Moses’ day would be saved from the bite of the snakes during the plague of snakes.~
“Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
In the first part of this quote, Jesus rebuked Nicodemus for not understanding that perfect righteousness and forgiveness of all sin could only come from God; and could only be accomplished by accepting the Spiritual rebirth that comes through faith in God’s only begotten Son. Jesus Himself being the one-size-fits-all supreme sacrifice for sin.
In the last part of the quote, Jesus said; “as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up”. Jesus was referring to Himself while telling Nicodemus that He would soon be raised up just as Moses raised the serpent; and that those who would look upon Him for salvation would be saved from sin just as those who looked upon the serpent in Moses’ day would be saved from the bite of the snakes during the plague of snakes.~
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Lesson 2637
(Lesson 2637)(03-13-19) John 3:8
“The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”
Today’s quote again verifies that being born of the Spirit, the rebirth that actually remits all sin and saves one’s eternal soul, has nothing to do with the ritual performance of a water immersion, (baptism).
As Jesus clearly stated in the quote, the birth of the Spirit is not something that can be seen or witnessed by anyone, rather, the Spiritual birth is as invisible as the wind. One can see the results of the it, but can never actually see the wind. The very important point that Jesus Made to Nicodemus is that one must be “born of the Spirit” in order to be eternally saved. ~
“The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”
Today’s quote again verifies that being born of the Spirit, the rebirth that actually remits all sin and saves one’s eternal soul, has nothing to do with the ritual performance of a water immersion, (baptism).
As Jesus clearly stated in the quote, the birth of the Spirit is not something that can be seen or witnessed by anyone, rather, the Spiritual birth is as invisible as the wind. One can see the results of the it, but can never actually see the wind. The very important point that Jesus Made to Nicodemus is that one must be “born of the Spirit” in order to be eternally saved. ~
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Lesson 2636
(Lesson 2636)(03-12-19) John 2:1-7
“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”
Today’s lesson is a very, very important one. This lesson contains information, straight from the mouth of Jesus, that debunks the contention that water birth and water baptism are one in the same. It also debunks the idea that water baptism is, as per this text, required before one can be saved from sin.
This lesson clearly establishes that a “water” birth is nothing more than the natural birth of the flesh. The birth of the Spirit is the birth that Jesus referrenced when He said, “Except a man be born again, He cannot see the kingdom of God”. The very important birth that saves the souls of mankind, the birth Jesus spoke of in the quote, was, without doubt, the birth of the Spirit. Jesus went further to clarify His remarks to Necodemus when He said, “that which is BORN OF THE FLESH IS FLESH” and that which is BORN OF THE SPIRIT, IS SPIRIT.” The first birth being that of the flesh, the second birth if of the Spirit.
In order for Nicodemus to understand the term “reborn”, Jesus was compelled to put His remarks in simpler form. He did so by clarifying that Nicodemus would not be required to re-enter his mother’s womb to be physically born again, but rather, bey acceptance of Jesus as savior, he would be reborn in the Spirit of God to the point of remission of sin and eternal salvation.
In order to receive everlasting life and frogiveness of all sin, a lost soul must indeed be “born again”; However that new birth, not the “water” birth, or the birth of the flesh, but rather, is an overwhelming by, and of, the Holy Spirit. ~
“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”
Today’s lesson is a very, very important one. This lesson contains information, straight from the mouth of Jesus, that debunks the contention that water birth and water baptism are one in the same. It also debunks the idea that water baptism is, as per this text, required before one can be saved from sin.
This lesson clearly establishes that a “water” birth is nothing more than the natural birth of the flesh. The birth of the Spirit is the birth that Jesus referrenced when He said, “Except a man be born again, He cannot see the kingdom of God”. The very important birth that saves the souls of mankind, the birth Jesus spoke of in the quote, was, without doubt, the birth of the Spirit. Jesus went further to clarify His remarks to Necodemus when He said, “that which is BORN OF THE FLESH IS FLESH” and that which is BORN OF THE SPIRIT, IS SPIRIT.” The first birth being that of the flesh, the second birth if of the Spirit.
In order for Nicodemus to understand the term “reborn”, Jesus was compelled to put His remarks in simpler form. He did so by clarifying that Nicodemus would not be required to re-enter his mother’s womb to be physically born again, but rather, bey acceptance of Jesus as savior, he would be reborn in the Spirit of God to the point of remission of sin and eternal salvation.
In order to receive everlasting life and frogiveness of all sin, a lost soul must indeed be “born again”; However that new birth, not the “water” birth, or the birth of the flesh, but rather, is an overwhelming by, and of, the Holy Spirit. ~
Monday, March 11, 2019
Lesson 2635
(Lesson 2635)(03-11-19) John 2:18-25
“Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.”
In today’s quote, Jesus referencing His body as the temple and knowing that the Jews would soon kill Him, promised to return from the grave in three days.
The quote also tells us that many of the Jews, having witnessed the miracles that Jesus had performed, believed in Him.~
“Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.”
In today’s quote, Jesus referencing His body as the temple and knowing that the Jews would soon kill Him, promised to return from the grave in three days.
The quote also tells us that many of the Jews, having witnessed the miracles that Jesus had performed, believed in Him.~
Sunday, March 10, 2019
Lesson 2634
(Lesson 2634)(03-10-19) John 2:12-17
“After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days. And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.”
Today’s quote relates how Jesus, in compliance with prophecy, chased the profiteers out of the temple as they were selling their wares.~
“After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days. And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.”
Today’s quote relates how Jesus, in compliance with prophecy, chased the profiteers out of the temple as they were selling their wares.~
Saturday, March 9, 2019
Lesson 2633
(Lesson 2633)(03-09-19) John 2:1-11
“And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.”
Today’s quote relates how Jesus miraculously converted water into wine for a wedding. That was the first of many notable miracles that would be performed by Jesus, our Savior.~
“And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.”
Today’s quote relates how Jesus miraculously converted water into wine for a wedding. That was the first of many notable miracles that would be performed by Jesus, our Savior.~
Friday, March 8, 2019
Lesson 2632
(Lesson 2632)(03-08-19) John 43-51
“ The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.”
In the first part of today’s quote Philip was added to the apostleship. In the latter part, Nathanael also recognized Jesus as the Son of God and was promised that he would see many miracles performed by the hand of Jesus. ~
“ The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.”
In the first part of today’s quote Philip was added to the apostleship. In the latter part, Nathanael also recognized Jesus as the Son of God and was promised that he would see many miracles performed by the hand of Jesus. ~
Thursday, March 7, 2019
Lesson 2631
(Lesson 2631)(03-07-19) John 35-42
“Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.”
In the first part of today’s quote, John the Baptist acknowledged Jesus as “the lamb of God”, the Messiah, the Promised One who had come to save the world from sin.
The latter part of the quote relates that Jesus began choosing those who would be His apostles, beginning with Peter. John’s account of this occurance differs greatly from the other accounts in almost every aspect. Herein, the apostle chose to follow Jesus because they recognized Him as the Son of God; Whereas, in the other accounts, Jesus carefully selected the apostles from men who were busy with their life’s work.
This, and other, seeming inconsistencies between the gospel accounts demonstrates how, through mouth to mouth communication some content can be forgotten, distorted, or confused over time: However, this DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY take away from the veracity of the overall message that has been brought forth by the New Testament record. It is all the more reason that one should “study to shew thyself approved” before God.~
“Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.”
In the first part of today’s quote, John the Baptist acknowledged Jesus as “the lamb of God”, the Messiah, the Promised One who had come to save the world from sin.
The latter part of the quote relates that Jesus began choosing those who would be His apostles, beginning with Peter. John’s account of this occurance differs greatly from the other accounts in almost every aspect. Herein, the apostle chose to follow Jesus because they recognized Him as the Son of God; Whereas, in the other accounts, Jesus carefully selected the apostles from men who were busy with their life’s work.
This, and other, seeming inconsistencies between the gospel accounts demonstrates how, through mouth to mouth communication some content can be forgotten, distorted, or confused over time: However, this DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY take away from the veracity of the overall message that has been brought forth by the New Testament record. It is all the more reason that one should “study to shew thyself approved” before God.~
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Lesson 2630
(Lesson 2630)(03-06-19) John 32-34
“And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.”
Today’s quote again recognized that it is NOT water baptism such as was administered by John the Baptist that embeds the Holy Ghost, but rather, it is Jesus who “baptizes” with the Holy Ghost. The baptism that is received through faith in Jesus Christ is that baptism which provides remission of sins and ultimately the redemption of one’s eternal soul.~
“And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.”
Today’s quote again recognized that it is NOT water baptism such as was administered by John the Baptist that embeds the Holy Ghost, but rather, it is Jesus who “baptizes” with the Holy Ghost. The baptism that is received through faith in Jesus Christ is that baptism which provides remission of sins and ultimately the redemption of one’s eternal soul.~
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Lesson 2629
(Lesson 2629)(03-05-19) John 29-31
“ The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.”
Today’s quote is a confirmation of my commentary yesterday. Therein, John clearly states that it is Jesus who remits sin, NOT water baptism. The last sentence of the quote verfies that John was sent to prepare the Jews for the coming of the Savior. A part of that praparation was to administer ritual water baptisms per the requirements of the Law of Moses that was given to the Jews ONLY. ~
“ The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.”
Today’s quote is a confirmation of my commentary yesterday. Therein, John clearly states that it is Jesus who remits sin, NOT water baptism. The last sentence of the quote verfies that John was sent to prepare the Jews for the coming of the Savior. A part of that praparation was to administer ritual water baptisms per the requirements of the Law of Moses that was given to the Jews ONLY. ~
Monday, March 4, 2019
Lesson 2628
(Lesson 2628)(03-04-19) John 24-28
“And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.”
Today’s quote is John’s account of the same events that were described 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”), Mark 1:8 (“I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.”) and Luke 3:16 (“John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:”). In all three accounts, it is clearly established that the water baptisms that were performed by John the Baptist were the same ritual baptisms that had always been traditionally, and by law, demanded of any Jew who was seeking redemption from sin. All four accounts clearly establish that water baptism is NOT the baptism that instills the Holy Ghost, but rather it is the spiritual baptism that is accomplished through faith in Jesus Christ that remits, saves a sinner’s eternal soul and instills the Holy Ghost.~
“And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.”
Today’s quote is John’s account of the same events that were described 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”), Mark 1:8 (“I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.”) and Luke 3:16 (“John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:”). In all three accounts, it is clearly established that the water baptisms that were performed by John the Baptist were the same ritual baptisms that had always been traditionally, and by law, demanded of any Jew who was seeking redemption from sin. All four accounts clearly establish that water baptism is NOT the baptism that instills the Holy Ghost, but rather it is the spiritual baptism that is accomplished through faith in Jesus Christ that remits, saves a sinner’s eternal soul and instills the Holy Ghost.~
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Lesson 2627
(Lesson 2627)(03-03-19) John 18-23
“ No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.”
Today’s quote relates that John the Baptist readily admitted that he was not the Christ, but rather was sent by God to; “Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.”
This text makes it clear that nothing John did had any bearing on the salvation of one’s eternal soul. The entirety of John’s teachings, including his performance of water baptisms, were to; “prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” (Isaiah 40:3 in part)
John was sent by God to inform the Jews that the Messiah was soon to come and that they should repent and cleanse themselves toward that coming. John was to teach that Jesus would bring the means of eternal salvation, his actions were merely prepatory to what Jesus alone would bring the means by which one could achieve eternal salvation and everlasting life. “I indeed baptize you with water UNTO repentance but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I’m not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:” (Matthew 3:11)
John’s water baptism was “unto” repentance, it was NOT unto remittance of sin as some would have us believe.~
“ No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.”
Today’s quote relates that John the Baptist readily admitted that he was not the Christ, but rather was sent by God to; “Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.”
This text makes it clear that nothing John did had any bearing on the salvation of one’s eternal soul. The entirety of John’s teachings, including his performance of water baptisms, were to; “prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” (Isaiah 40:3 in part)
John was sent by God to inform the Jews that the Messiah was soon to come and that they should repent and cleanse themselves toward that coming. John was to teach that Jesus would bring the means of eternal salvation, his actions were merely prepatory to what Jesus alone would bring the means by which one could achieve eternal salvation and everlasting life. “I indeed baptize you with water UNTO repentance but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I’m not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:” (Matthew 3:11)
John’s water baptism was “unto” repentance, it was NOT unto remittance of sin as some would have us believe.~
Saturday, March 2, 2019
Lesson 2626
(Lesson 2626)(03-02-19) John 15-17
“John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”
Today’s quote establishes the huge difference between salvation under the Law of Moses and salvation by grace through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Before the sacrificial crucifixion of Jesus, it was law among the Jews, that the only means by which a lost soul could be redeemed was to live in absolute obedience to the Law the was given to Moses by God Himself. Redemption from the violation of any one of the rules of the Law required the sinner to, first repent the sin, then to offer a blood sacrifice for that specific sin. Before a sinner could enter the tabernacle or temple, to offer the sacrifice, the sinner was required to ritually cleanse him/herself by submitting to a ritual water dipping, or as is today recognized, a water baptism. Once those three actions had been taken the sin was forgiven and the sinner was back in the good graces of God.
Since the coming of Jesus Christ the requirements of the Law of Moses no longer apply to the salvation of the eternal soul. Since Jesus offered up His lifes blood as a sacrifice for ALL sin, the only requirement for eternal salvation is to be “baptized”, not just dipped, but immersed into Christ through absolute faith in His blood sacrifice. Thereby having the righteousness of Jesus Christ imputed into us eternally through faith in Him.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: NOT of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) ~
“John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”
Today’s quote establishes the huge difference between salvation under the Law of Moses and salvation by grace through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Before the sacrificial crucifixion of Jesus, it was law among the Jews, that the only means by which a lost soul could be redeemed was to live in absolute obedience to the Law the was given to Moses by God Himself. Redemption from the violation of any one of the rules of the Law required the sinner to, first repent the sin, then to offer a blood sacrifice for that specific sin. Before a sinner could enter the tabernacle or temple, to offer the sacrifice, the sinner was required to ritually cleanse him/herself by submitting to a ritual water dipping, or as is today recognized, a water baptism. Once those three actions had been taken the sin was forgiven and the sinner was back in the good graces of God.
Since the coming of Jesus Christ the requirements of the Law of Moses no longer apply to the salvation of the eternal soul. Since Jesus offered up His lifes blood as a sacrifice for ALL sin, the only requirement for eternal salvation is to be “baptized”, not just dipped, but immersed into Christ through absolute faith in His blood sacrifice. Thereby having the righteousness of Jesus Christ imputed into us eternally through faith in Him.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: NOT of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) ~
Friday, March 1, 2019
Lesson 2625
(Lesson 2625)(02-29-19) John 1:14
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
Today’s lesson assures us that Jesus is as His word describes Him. In essence, just as this lesson says, the Word is Jesus, and Jesus is His word. The word of God (Jesus) is “full of grace and truth”. That, in it’self defines Jesus. ~
NOTE: Yesterday’s lesson contained a typo that actually changed the intent. The last paragraph should have read, The last part of the quote refers to the welcoming of the Gentiles, after the Jews had rejected Jesus, to be included in God’s plan of eternal salvation for ALL mankind. The Gentiles are those who: “were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
I apologize for my error and will try to do better.
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
Today’s lesson assures us that Jesus is as His word describes Him. In essence, just as this lesson says, the Word is Jesus, and Jesus is His word. The word of God (Jesus) is “full of grace and truth”. That, in it’self defines Jesus. ~
NOTE: Yesterday’s lesson contained a typo that actually changed the intent. The last paragraph should have read, The last part of the quote refers to the welcoming of the Gentiles, after the Jews had rejected Jesus, to be included in God’s plan of eternal salvation for ALL mankind. The Gentiles are those who: “were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
I apologize for my error and will try to do better.
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