Lesson 3194

 (Lesson 3194)(09-30-20) Matthew 18:7-10

    “Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.”

   Today’s quote, in essence, says that the world, at some point, is doomed to be overcome by sin; Therefore, it behooves us all to elliminate whatever there might be that distracts us from our duty to the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

    There is NO sin that will go unpunished. Those who reject the amazing saving grace of God are doomed to the wrath that Jesus promised in today’s quote. 

    Thank God Jesus has already suffered that punishment for those of us who believe in Him.~

Lesson 3193

 (Lesson 3193)(09-29-20) Matthew 18:1-6

    “At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus was asked, “who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven”; After which He said, “Except ye BE CONVERTED, and become AS (or as clear minded as) little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” That DID NOT mean that one must become a literal child in order to enter the kingdom. What Jesus said in effect, is that one must simply erase all prior religious beliefs and be willing to accept Jesus alone as the ONLY redeemer of souls and remitter of sins.

    After He had put a small child on His knee, Jesus went further to say that, “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Therefore, in order to become a part of the Kingdom of heaven, (the church), one must give up all idols and isms. A belief that the ritual of water baptism is a pre-requisite part of one’s eternal salvation is just such and idol.

    In the final part of the quote, Jesus said, “And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” 

    Again, the reference to the “little child”, while maintaining the context wherein the lesson is written, is a reference to any person who has humbled him/herself and accepted Jesus Christ as Savior. In my opinion, what Jesus said is not a reference to a literal child. Therefore, the condemnation Jesus promised is meant for anyone who would offend any child of God.~

Lesson 3192

 (Lesson 3192)(09-28-20) Matthew 17:24-27

    “ And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus scolded the Jews who were taxing their own people for the Romans. And, in the last part of the quote, Jesus made the point that everyone is to pay his/her due taxes no matter who levies them.~

Lesson 3191

 (Lesson 3191)(09-27-20) Matthew 17:14-23

    “And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.”

   The essence of today’s quote is that if we have enough faith, which means if we truly believe that God will answer our prayer, there is no limit to what we can do. 

    The problem with most “Christians” today, is, like those apostles, they don’t have enough faith to really believe God will grant their wishes. Jesus, in today's quote, promised the contrary. 

    Sadly, many people will pray over and over again for the same making the exact same request as if they need to get God’s attention by repitition. That act, in itself, demonstrates a lack of faith. God is omnipotent, He knows everything and hears everything. He will hear every prayer the first time it’s uttered; Therefore, pray once for what you need then forget about it and let God take it from there. He WON’T forget you asked and if your request is within His will and your really believe in Him, you will get your expected answer.~

Lesson 3190

 (Lesson 3190)(09-26-20) Matthew 17:10-13

    “ And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus told His disciples that John the Baptist was representative of Ilias.~

Lesson 3189

 (Lesson 3189)(09-25-20) Matthew 17:1-9

    “And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.”

   Today’s quote relates how Jesus was transfigured before His apostles and again recognized by God the Father when He said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” 

    It behooves us today to reflect on that moment when God instructed us, through the apostles, to hear the words of Jesus. It is my hope that we will obey that command and then spread the word of His amazing saving grace.~

Lesson 3188

 (Lesson 3188)(09-24-20) Matthew 16:21-28

     From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus. knowing His divine purpose was to be a sacrifice for the sins of the world, told His disciples that He would go to Jerusalem to be killed by the Jews.

    We see in this quote that Jesus did indeed call Peter Satan and said Peter was and offense to Him. We know that Peter would eventually deny even knowing Jesus.~

Lesson 3187

 (Lesson 3187)(09-23-20) Matthew 16:18-20

    “ And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.”

    There are millions of so-called Christians who believe that by stating what He did in today’s quote, Jesus gave Peter full authority over the church. That contention is absolutely and totally false. It is proven false by the interaction between Jesus and Peter througout the rest of their relationship. For example, Jesus called Peter Satan only days after they had the conversation mention in today’s lesson.  Mark 8:33, “But when He had turned about, and looked on his disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savorest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.” I cannot believe that Jesus would give all power over His church to Satan. Peter also denied Jesus three times as Jesus was being readied to be crucified. In Acts 10:34 Peter himself said, “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respector of persons”. 

    Again, there is NO way that Jesus would have intended for Peter to be set in dominion over His church. That contention was established and hardened by the Roman Catholic church. 

    Peter, the first to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, being given the keys to the kingdom was a demonstration of the power that was given to the entirety of the church. That power was NOT just given to Peter Alone. ~

Lesson 3186

 (Lesson 3186)(09-22-20) Matthew 16:13-17

    “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.”

    In today’s quote, Peter, with the divine guidance of God Father, recognized Jesus to be “the Christ, the Son of the living God”.~

Lesson 3185

 (Lesson 3185)(09-21-20) Matthew 16:5-12

    “ And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread. Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus advised His apostles that they should beware of the teachings of the Jews. It was obvious to Jesus that the Jews were out to destroy the purity of His divine doctrine. 

    Under the obvious guidance of Satan, the leadership of the major Jewish sects, Pharisees and Saducees, set out to pollute the doctrine of Jesus Christ with elements of the old Law so as to destroy it’s intent. With the help of what became Roman Catholicism, they suceeded, in that Jewish rituals such as water baptism, and others of today’s unscriptural church traditions, stem directly from the laws and traditions of the Jews. Such rituals should have NO place in the today’s Christian message and worship.~

Lesson 3184

 (Lesson 3184)(09-20-20) Matthew 16:1-4

    “The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus again rebuked the leadership of the Jews for their hypocrisy.~

Lsson 3138

 (Lesson 3183)(09-19-20) Matthew 15:29-39

    And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there. And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them: Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel. Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way. And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude? And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full. And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children. And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala.”

    Today’s quote relates that Jesus continued to work many miracles of healing. The latter portion of the quote relates how Jesus miraculously fed over four thousand people with a seven loaves of bread and a few fish. 

    Jesus said, in essence, that we, with sufficient faith, could oversee the same miracles.~

Lesson 3182

 (Lesson 3182)(09-18-20) Matthew 15:21-28

    “Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.”

   There is a very, very important lesson in today’s quote. Therein, Jesus made it vividly clear that He had come to preach explicitly to the Jews. He said virtually those same words when He said, “I am not sent BUT unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” That means that Jesus was sent to teach the new law of grace through faith to the Jews ONLY, just as were the twelve apostles and the 72 disciples that Jesus had sent out. “These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go NOT into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

    After Jesus had satisfied the prophesy that the Jews would indeed reject the Messiah, the Gentiles received the message of God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ through the teaching of Paul, Jesus’ divinely chosen apostle to the Gentiles. Paul was aided by many others who would take up the cause of Jesus Christ as Paul preached throughout the region.  

    All of this is important because there are, what appear to be, discrepancies between the message that was meant explicitly for the Jews as opposed to the message that would be given to the Gentiles. The Jews were instructed in a manner befitting the old Law, whereas, the Gentiles were NEVER bound by ancient Hebrew law. 

    Many of the laws that governed ONLY the Jews still erroneously appear in much of today’s “Christianity”, such as water baptisms etc.~

Lesson 3181

 (Lesson 3181)(09-17-20) Matthew 15-10-20

    “And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable. And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.”

    In today’s lesson, Jesus made it clear that it’s not what a person eats or drinks the defiles him/her; Rather, it is the evil words that are said and the evil actions that rots the heart of mankind.~ 

Lesson 3179

 (Lesson 3179)(09-15-20) Matthew 14:34-36

    “And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret. And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.”

    Today’s quote relates how Jesus continued to work great miracles of healing.~

Lesson 3178

 (Lesson 3178)(09-14-20) Matthew 14:23-33

    “And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.” 

    Today’s quote exposed Peter’s lack of faith. Knowing this, Peter was the man who the Roman Catholic church erroneously elevated to be the supreme authority over Christ’s church. 

    There are other instances in the New testament wherein Peter was exposed for his weakness of faith. We will cover more of them as these lessons continue. ~

Lesson 3177

 (Lesson 3177)(09-13-20) Matthew 14:14-22

    “ And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. He said, Bring them hither to me. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children. And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes ot

    In today’s quote, Jesus performed the miracle of the five loaves and two fishes. In doing so, Jesus therein demonstrated, once again, the awesome power of faith.~

 (Lesson 3176)(09-12-20) Matthew 14:1-13

    “At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife. For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger. And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus. When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.”

    Today’s lesson relates the beheading of John the Bapist. This lesson also relates that king Herod though Jesus was John the Baptist risen from the dead.~

Lesson 3175

 (Lesson 3175)(09-11-20) Matthew 13:54-58

    “And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.”

    Today’s quote relates that Jesus was rejected by the people of His own hometown. Because of having known Him all of His life and even after seeing the miracles He performed, they would not believe that Jesus was the promised Messiah.~

Lesson 3175

 (Lesson 3175)(09-10-20) Matthew 13:36-53

    “Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field: Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old. And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.”

    In the first part of today’s quote, Jesus explained the details of the parable of the tares. He explained that the good seed represented those who would come to believe in Him and work for His purpose. The tares, or  the seed that did not produce, represented those who would reject His grace and serve Satan.

    Today we can easily see that among those who claim the Christian mantel, the tares are everywhere. It is our duty, as the children of God, to teach His word and convert as many of the unbelievers, or tares, as we possibly can. ~

Lesson 3174

 (Lesson 3174)(09-09-20) Matthew 13:31-35

    “Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.”

   Using a parable in today’s quote, Jesus explained how the church would grow and expand throughout the whole world. He was right as always. Today some form of Christianity is taught in every corner of the globe.~

Lesson 3173

 (Lesson 3173)(09-08-20) Matthew 13:24-30

    Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.”

    The most important part of today’s quote is that it clarifies that we, the children of God, are NOT to worry about the sins that are commited by those (tares) who choose not to obey God’s will. Jesus, in essence, said that there will be those (tares) among the vast field of souls who will try to distort and destroy His gospel. We, the children of God, are to leave them alone and trust that God will glean them from among the saints before we are all gathered home.~

Lesson 3172

 (Lesson 3172)(09-07-20) Matthew 13:16-23

    “But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus explained to His apostles the parable of the sower.  

Lesson 3171

 (Lesson 3171)(09-06-20) Matthew 13:10-15

    “And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus explained to his apostles why he had spoken the the Jews in parables. Jesus, in essence, said that the Jews would not, and could not, understand His gospel. 

    Knowing that the Jewish hierarchy would never accept Him, it was the Jews about whom Jesus spoke when He said, “but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.” The Law was taken from the Jews when Jesus fulfilled it. 

     When Jesus said, “For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance”, He was referring to those who would choose to believe in Him. In that quote, Jesus was referring to Himself because He was with them then, and He’s still with us now.~

Lesson 3170

 (Lesson 3170)(09-05-20) Matthew 13:1-9

    “The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth. And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus spoke to the multitude of Jews in parables knowing that they would not understand the “mystery” of the new Law of salvation by grace through faith.~

Lesson 3169

 (Lesson 3169)(09-04-20) Matthew 12:46-50

    “ While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus defined His family as being all those who will come to follow and to believe in Him. Those of us who are saved by God’s amazing grace through faith in Jesus, are the brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ Himself. We ARE the children of God.~

Lesson 3168

 (Lesson 3168)(09-03-20) Matthew 12:38-45

    “Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.” 

    In essence, in today’s quote, because of their disbelief, Jesus informed the hierarchy of the Jews that they were in far better shape under the Law than they would be after Jesus had fulfilled that Law.

    In many ways, today’s “Christianity”, because of  it’s penchant for making God’s word fit it’s twisted narrative, is guilty of the same failures that doomed those Jews. That is, that their belief in themselves and their own hypocritical actions is directly opposed to what should be their total faith in the perfection and sacrifice of Jesus Christ crucified.~

Lesson 3167

 (Lesson 3167)(09-02-20) Matthew 12:31-37

    Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”

    In the first part of today’s quote, Jesus made it vividly clear that there is no forgiveness for the blasphemy of the Holy Ghost. 

    The lesson also establishes that what is created in our minds, concerning our faith, is who we are. 

    In the last part of the quote Jesus rebuked Pharisees, the “generation of vipers”, saying that nothing good can come from a bad source. Jesus knew that the Pharisees were notoriously hypocritical and would not accept His amazing saving grace under any circumstance. Their whole intent, from the beginning, was to destroy Him.~

Lesson 3166

 (Lesson 3166)(09-01-20) Matthew 12:22-30

    “Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.”

   Today’s lesson, in essence, relates that those who preach anything other than that Jesus is the Son of God, and that all power over the souls of mankind are given to Him by the Father, are the enemies of Jesus. “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.”

   This lesson, in essence, establishes that the teachings that Jesus provides of Himself, and those provided of Him by His apostles in the New Testament, are NOT to be altered, added to, or watered down. Whereas, in the case of water baptism, literally ‘watered’ down, by restrictions and unnecessary rituals.~