Lesson 3224

 (Lesson 3224)(10-31-20) Matthew 24:10-51

    “And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

    Today’s quote reveals the horrors of the things that will come before Jesus makes His triumphant return. 

    I highly recommend that ever serious bible student read and absorb the words that are written here. This lesson needs no further commentary other than to say, even so Lord, come soon.~

Lesson 3223

 (Lesson 3223)(10-30-20) Matthew 24:3-9

    “And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.”

    In today’s lesson, Jesus warns of the horrible things that will befall Christian people before the end comes.

    The lesson also warns of the coming of false teachers who are sent to deceive those whom have accepted God’s grace throught faith in Jesus. Those false teachers are here today. It behooves every one of us, more now than ever, to spread the TRUE gospel of Jesus Christ to every soul who is willing to listen.~ 

Lesson 3222

 (Lesson 3222)(10-29-20) Matthew 24:1-2

    “And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus prophesied the forthcoming destruction of the Hebrew temple.~

Lesson 3221

 (Lesson 3221)(10-28-20) Matthew 23:13-39

    “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus berated the Jews for their hypocrisy and condemned them for their superficiality. 

    Many of our churches today have become the equivalent of those same hypocrites.~

Lesson 3220

 (Lesson 3220)(10-27-20) Matthew 23:1-12

    “Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus made it clear that there is only one Master, and that Master being God, the Father of all things, and Jesus as God in the form of a man.~

    Sadly many of today’s church leaders see themselves as the scribes and Pharisees of the time of Christ. They hold themselves up as being above all others. Jesus clearly said that we, the saved, are all brothers and sisters to Jesus Himself. None to be exhalted over another.~

Lesson 3219

 (Lesson 3219)(10-26-20) Matthew 22:41-46

    “While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.” 

    In today’s quote, Jesus demonstrated that He was the Son of God and that he was also the son of David, but only through David’s lineage.~

Lesson 3218

 (Lesson 3218)(10-25-20) Matthew 22:34-40

    “ But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

    In today’s lesson, Jesus said, in essence, that there are only two commandments that should matter because all the others are covered by them. Those two “great” commandments” being that we should love God for all that we are, and to love everyone else as we love ourselves. Because of our own God given free will, those of us who have accepted Christ are ONLY repsonsible for those two “great” commandments.

    The Commandments still apply to those of us who are eternally saved, but ONLY in that we will be judged for the things we have done when Jesus sits before us at the “judgment seat of Christ”. That judgment will NOT be to determine who is going to hell, it will be held to reward and honor the saints. ~

Lesson 3217

(Lesson 3217)(10-24-20) Matthew 22:23-33

    “The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. And last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her. Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.”

    In the first part of today’s quote, Jesus made it clear that marriages will not be recognized in heaven. 

    In the last part of the quote, Jesus also made it clear that we will be resurrected alive because God is the God of the living, not the dead. 

    Praise God we WILL rise with a new glorified body.~

Lesson 3216

 (Lesson 3216)(10-23-20) Matthew 22:15-22

     Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.”

    In today’s quote, the Pharasees sent emissaries to trick Jesus by asking Him, in essence, if they, being Jews, should pay taxes to the Romans. Ultimately, Jesus, knowing their intent, told them that they should indeed pay their taxes to the Romans but that they should pay their undying allegiance to God.~

Lesson 3215

 (Lesson 3215)(10-22-20) Matthew 22:1-14

    “And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus used another parable to explain how the Jews had seperated themselves from the protection of God’s favor. The fact that the king invited people from the streets to the wedding, is an example of How, since the Jews had rejected God’s grace, it had been taken from them and given to the Gentiles.~

Lesson 3214

 (Lesson 3214)(10-21-20) Matthew 21:28-46

    “But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him. Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons. Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them. But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus used parables to eplain to the Jews that they, because of their rejection of Him and their disobedience to God’s calls, had forfeited their chosen status to those among them who would believe, and the Gentiles.~

Lesson 3213

 (Lesson 3213)(10-20-20) Matthew 21:23-27

    “ And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority? And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him? But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet. And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus confounded the leaders of the Jews who questioned His authority.~

Lesson 3212

 (Lesson 3212)(10-19-20) Matthew 21:18-22

    “Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away! Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”

    Today’s quote contains a most powerful promise to those of us who believe. Therein, Jesus promised that if we have faith in God to deliver, we can have anything we want. He put NO boundaries on that promise. Therefore, if you are in need of anything, have faith in Jesus Christ and pray. Your needs WILL be fulfilled.~

Lesson 3211

 (Lesson 3211)(10-18-20) Matthew 21:14-17

    “And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them. And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were sore displeased, And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise? And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.”

   Today’s lesson tells us how Jesus continued to heal sick and infirm and how He mocked the priests and scribes by praising the truthfulness of a child.~

Lesson 3210

 (Lesson 3210)(10-17-20) Matthew 21:10-13

    “And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee. And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.”

   Today’s quote relates how Jesus chased the hypocritical Jews from the temple, accusing them of making it into a “den of thieves”.~

Lesson 3209

 (Lesson 3209)(10-16-20) Matthew 21:1-9

    “And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.” 

   Today’s quote relates how Jesus made his prophetic entrance into Jerusalem where He would later be sacrificed for our sins.~

Lesson 3208

 (Lesson 3208)(10-15-20) Matthew 20:29-34

    And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David. And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David. And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.”

   Today’s quote tells us that as Jesus passed by, He gave sight to two blind men who then followed Him. 

Lesson 3207

 (Lesson 3207)(10-14-20) Matthew 20:24-28

    “ And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus told His apostles that no one of them was to be positioned above another in His church. Even Jesus Himself, God in man, He who had the power to destroy the earth at will, humbled Himself as a servant to His followers and gave Himself freely as an eventual sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. 

    Today’s quote also decries the erroneous Roman Catholic contention that one man, the pope, is to be elevated above all others in the church. That contention is an insult to the will of God.

     Jesus Christ is the ONLY head of the church as it was then and as it forever will be, and we, the children of God, are simply it’s body. ~

Lesson 3206

 (Lesson 3206)(10-13-20) Matthew 20:20-23

    “Then came to him the mother of Zebedees children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.”

    Today’s quote generally concerns a mother of two sons, who were both apostles of Jesus, asking a favor of Jesus Himself. To which Jesus replied that it was not His to decide. 

    We should note that Jesus applied a form of the word ‘baptize’ six times in the quote. It behooves us, at this point, to make note that the word “baptize”, as it is applied in the quote, was transliterated from the Greek word baptizo, a word that has multiple meanings and intents. In the applications above, Jesus used those forms of the word to define the ordeal of His forthcoming death at the behest of the Jews. NONE of the above usages of those variations, of the word ‘baptize’, are in reference to water, in ANY form.

    This is VERY important to remember because literally millions of so-called Christians, apparently consider the word ‘baptize’, in every one of it’s New Testament applications, to be in reference to a ritual that includes immersion into water. Today’s quote cleary demonstrates that that contention is a false one. 

    As these lessons progress I intend to demonstrate how that the word ‘baptize’‘ in every one of it’s New Testament applications, does indeed imply an immersion into, or envelopement within, something such as Jesus’ being enveloped by, or immersed within, His, then forthcoming,sacrificial ordeal with the Jews and Romans, as He implied in today’s quote.

    The ONLY baptism, or baptizing, that should be considered, concerning the salvation of one’s eternal soul, is that baptism INTO (NOT WATER BUT) Jesus Christ as mentioned in Romans 6:3-4 which says, “Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized INTO (NOT WATER BUT) Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

   Then again in Galatians 3:26-27, “For ye are ALL the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized INTO Christ have put on Christ.”~ 

Lesson 3205

 (Lesson 3205)(10-12-20) Matthew 20:17-19

    “ And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus told His apostles that He would be wrongfully shamed and crucified at the behest of the Jews.~

Lesson 3204

 (Lesson 3204)(10-11-20) Matthew 20:1-16

     For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen”

    In today’s quote, Jesus used a parable to explain that even though the Jews had been the “chosen” ones from the beginning, it gave them no advantage in the sight of God. Because of thier disobedience, they had relinquished their “chosen” status to the Gentiles. That was the explanation of the statement, “the last shall be first, and the first shall be last”.~

Lesson 3203

 (Lesson 3203)(10-10-20) Matthew 19:23-30

    “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus explained that, under the Law, it would be almost impossible for the rich to gain eternal salvation. That was because they wouldn’t relinquish their wealth and follow every aspect of the old Law, to which they were still subject until Jesus had completed His divine mission of being sacrificed for the remission of all sin.

    It behooves us to make note that in the final words of today’s quote, Jesus said, “the last shall be first and the first shall be last.” 

    The “first”, as that word was applied, were the Jews. They were God’s original chosen people, yet they could not, or would not obey the laws that God provided for them. 

    The “last” are the Gentiles to which, after the Jews rejection of Jesus, God gave eternal salvation through faith in that same Jesus. 

    Therefore, today, salvation is open to all, both Jews and Gentiles, regardless of their sins. That is because those of us who believe, have the righteousness of Jesus imputed into us and cannot sin. “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he CANNOT sin; because he is born of God. (1 John 3:9)~

Lesson 3202

 (Lesson 3202)(10-09-20) Matthew 19:16-

    “ And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.” 

    In today’s quote, a young man asked Jesus how he could enter into the kingdom; After which, Jesus told him to keep the commandments and to sell all that he owned, giving the proceeds to the poor. 

    We must remember that Jesus gave him those directions while the Jews could only access eternal salvation by obeying every “whit” of the Law.     

    Thank God that today, since Jesus gave His life and fulfilled every “whit” of the Law for all our sins, all that is now required to achieve eternal salvation is to place one’s faith in the righteousness of Jesus Christ crucified.~

 (Lesson 3201)(10-08-20) Matthew 19:13-15

    Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.”

    There are many who contend that children of a certain ages are not capable of comprehending God, eternal salvation, and their need for it. They say that a lost person must be mature before they can surrender their souls to God’s grace. Today’s quote lays that contention to rest. Jesus said, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."~ 

Lesson 3200

 (Lesson 3200)(10-07-20) Matthew 19:10-12

    “His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry. But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus clarified that the rules of divorce do not apply to those who, for whatever reason, never marry.

    This quote also explains the unfounded contention in the Catholic church that priests should never marry.~

 (Lesson 3198)(10-05-20) Matthew 18:21-35

    Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”

   Today’s lesson plainly tell us that if we don’t forgive those who are offensive, or indebted to us, neither will we be forgiven.~

(Lesson 3199)(10-06-20) Matthew 19:1-9

    And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan; And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there. The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.”

       In today’s quote, Jesus made it clear that the ONLY reason a divorce should be granted is if the wife, or husband, commits adultery.~

Lesson 3198

 (Lesson 3198)(10-05-20) Matthew 18:21-35

    Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”

   Today’s lesson plainly tell us that if we don’t forgive those who are offensive, or indebted to us, neither will we be forgiven.~

Lesson 3197

 (Lesson 3197)(10-04-20) Matthew 18:19-20

     Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For  Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

    Today’s quote, again, reaffirms that the power of the Holy Spirit is given to the church as a whole. Those powers were NEVER intended to be placed with any one individual, such as Peter. And most certainly not to someone who identifies as a “pope”.

    Jesus, in essence, said that so long as there are as many as two members of the church in agreement concerning matters of the church, the power is theirs to move on that matter. 

    Jesus went further to say that “where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” That means that “church” can be conducted anywhere and at any time so long as there are two or three members gathered together in His name.

    It seems that in today’s “Christianity”, the most important thing a child of God can do is be there whenever the church house doors swing. I wholeheartedly disagree with that. Although the children of God should ALWAYS assemble, in some form, to worship God and edify one another, to me, as is expressed throughout the New Testament, the most important thing that a child of God can do is to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to every soul who is willing to hear it, no matter where, or under what circumstances, they are to be found.~

Lesson 3196

 (Lesson 3196)(10-03-20) Matthew 18:18

    Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

    In today’s quote Jesus gave a blessed power to ALL of those who make up His church. 

    In and earlier lesson from Matthew 13:18-19 Jesus said, “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. 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.

   I made that point because the Roman Catholic church contends that the “keys of the kingdom”  were promised explicitly to Peter, excluding all others. When in fact, as we clearly can see in today’s quote, that promise was made to any and all members of the church. 

    From that gross misinterpretation of the text, Roman Catholicism created the office of the pope. A position that was NEVER authorized by Jesus. As a matter of fact, the entirety of what Jesus taught was contrary to ANYONE being in a position of authority over the church, except Jesus Himself. ~

Lesson 3196

 (Lesson 3196)(10-02-20) Matthew 18:15-17

    “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.”

    Today’s quote relates how Jesus told His disciples to deal with the brethren who would commit offenses against them. Those instructions were NOT a generalization as to how we should respond to the offenses that are made against us by those outside the church. Jesus made that clear when He said, “ if thy BROTHER shall trespass against thee”.~

Lesson 3195

 (Lesson 3195)(10-01-20) Matthew 18:11-14

    “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.”

    Today’s lesson relates that the condition of the individual is more important in the sight of God than the condition of the masses. That is realizing that the individuals make up the masses. 

    Many of our churches today seem to have, either never learned, or have forgotten that lesson. It appears that the primary purpose of today’s churches is to keep the flock together instead of taking the message of God’s amazing saving grace to lost souls wherever they may be found.~