Lesson 3618

 (Lesson 3618)(11-30-21) Acts 3:17-26

    “And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.”

    Today’s quote relates that the coming of Jesus Christ (The Messiah) had been prophesied to the Jews since the beginning of time. The quote also condemns the Jews for their ignorance concerning those prophesies.

    The children of God who are walking this earth today should take this lesson to heart. The prophesies of what is soon to come are blaring in our ears, yet too many ignore them just like the Jews of old ignored the prophets of their day. Study the bible and find the path you should follow. It can mean heaven or hell for you and those who you influence.

    When that final trumpet sounds, its too late.~

Lesson 3617

 (Lesson 3617)(11-29-21) Acts 3:11-16

    “And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering. And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.” 

     Today’s quote relates that Peter and John assured the onlooking Jews that it was not, at all, their power that made the lame man to walk, but rather, it was done by the power of the Holy Spirit through faith in the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 3616

 (Lesson 3616)(11-28-21) Acts 3:1-10

    “ Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God: And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.”

    Today’s quote relates that Peter and John performed a miracle at the temple in Jerusalem, whereby a man, who had been lame from birth, was made to walk again.

    Those who saw the miracle were amazed by the awesome power of the Holy Spirit.~

Lesson 3615

 (Lesson 3615)(11-27-21) Acts 2:42-47

    And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

    Today’s quote relates that the apostles amazed and frightened those who followed them as they, with the power of the Holy Spirit, continued to perform seemingly impossible miracles.

    They quote also relates that the early church lived as a commune. They each shared everything they owned so that none would need for anything. 

    Sadly, out of personal greed and willful ignorance, what is labled “the church” today is non-recognizable as the church that Christ established.~

Lesson 3614

 (Lesson 3614)(11-26-21) Acts 2:39-41

    “For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” 

    Part of today’s quote relates to yesterday’s in that therein, the author says that on that day of the Pentecost celebration, there were three thousand souls added to the church. 

    The New Testament affirms in several passages of scripture that the baptism that provides spiritual rebirth and eternal salvation is the baptism into the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ. We can further confirm that fact by using a little simple math. 

    Part of the quote says, “and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls". The Jewish day began at sunrise and ended and sundown. To believe that the baptism mentioned in this passage was intended to be a water baptism, one must accept that those twelve apostles baptized three thousand people in nine hours. Consider too, that to allow for a full nine hours, they would have been required to start baptizing from the beginning of the sermon that Peter and the others preached.

 The text has already told us that the sermon that Peter and the others preached at that Pentecost celebration, began about the third hour of that day. The third hour, given that pentecost falls in our month of May, when the days are almost equal with the nights and each consists of approximately twelve hours. 

    With that in mind, we can say that having three hours of the day already past, the sermon began at about nine o’clock in the morning. That would leave nine hours before the end of the day. 

    We know that all twelve apostles were present because, according to the author, all twelve participated.  

    Breaking down nine hours into minutes allows five hundred and forty minutes within which those twelve apostles would have had to perform three thousand water baptisms. By dividing those five hundred and forty minutes by three thousand we get 0.18. Multiplying 0.18 by twelve, we get 2.16. That means that each of the twelve apostles would have had to administer one water baptism every 2.16 minutes for nine straight hours beginning when Peter started preaching at nine o’clock AM. 

    As we can easily see, that would be an impossible task. Therefore today’s quote, again, affirms that the baptism that is required to attain spiritual rebirth and eternal salvation IS NOT immersion into water, but rather, the baptism that saves our soul is that baptism administered by Jesus Christ, as referred to by John the Baptist when he said, “I indeed baptize you with water unto (toward) 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.” (Matthew 3:11 in part)~

Lesson 3613

 (Lesson 3613)(11-24-21) Acts 2:37-38

    “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

    The total misinterpretation of today’s quote is the cause of the erroneous contention that water baptism is prerequisite ot eternal salation. Nothing could be further from the truth.

    Make note that Peter was simply asked, “what shall we do”. To which, Peter replied, “repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost.”

    The quote makes it very clear that the baptism that Peter required of those men, was an immersion INTO the name of Jesus Christ, NOT into water. 

    Remember, the word “baptize” was transliterated from the Greek word “baptizo”, which simply means to immerse. It DOES NOT imply that that immersion must to be into water. A baptism, (immersion) can be accomplished within almost anything.

    What was the reward Peter said would be given to those who were immersed in the name of Jesus Christ? That reward was that they would receive receive the erasure of their sins, and would receive the Holy Ghost. 

    In order to better establish that what I’m saying here is true, lets also remember what John the Baptist said when speaking directly of the meaning and intent of his water immersion, compared to the immersion into the Holy Ghost that Jesus provides. John said, “I indeed baptize you with water unto (toward) 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.”~

     NOTE: We will continue this discussion as tomorrow’s quote contains another issue we should consider in the determination of what kind of baptism those apostles administered to those three thousand souls on that day of Pentecost.

Lesson 3612

 (Lesson 3612)(11-23-21) Acts 2:22-36

    “Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

    In today’s quote, Peter began his sermon to the Jews at Pentecost wherein He explained who Jesus was and how He had been ordained since the beginning of time itself.

    Peter also linked Jesus to the bloodline of David and informed those Jewish men that they had indeed crucified the Son of God.~

Lesson 3611

 (Lesson 3611)(11-22-21) Acts 2:13-21

    “Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

   In the first part of today’s quote, Peter established to the multitude that he and the others were not drunk, as some had said of them, but rather they were filled with the Holy Spirit of God as had been prophesied in the book of Joel, wherein Joel predicted the things that must occur before the reture of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

    Today’s quote also contains another very important lesson. In the last verse of the quote, the writer said, “whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” That statement further confirms that there are no hoops through which a person must jump in order to be born again, but rather, one must ONLY “call on the name of the Lord”.~

Lesson 3610

 (Lesson 3610)(11-21-21) Acts 2:5-12

    “And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?”

    As was mentioned in yesterday’s quote, todays lesson is a continuation of the narrative as it discusses the ensuing events of that day of Pentecost.

     First we should establish why all those men had gathered together. They had come to observe Pentecost, a traditional day of celebration among the Jews. Pentecost was a day of thanks to God  for the first part of the wheat harvest. It was also a day of thanksgiving to God for His deliverance of the Jews out of Egyptian captivity.

    In today’s part of that narrative, wherein the miracle of “tongues” is said to have occurred, men from many different nations and languages reasoned how they were able to understand a man speaking in a totally different language than their own. As I have said before, I don’t believe, as some strongly contend today, that Peter and the others spoke in some garbled new language that no one had ever heard before. Instead, I believe that the miracle was in the ears of the listeners. I believe that the Holy Spirit of God empowered, every soul who heard the message of the day, to hear the words that Peter and the other apostles spoke, in their own language.

    The most important part of the lesson, aside from how it was accomplished, is the fact that God enabled the news of His amazing, saving grace to be spread over a wide area. 

    We should all pray that such a miracle should come to our own ears so that we can better hear the precious word of God today.~

NOTE: The events of that great and glorious day will be further discussed tomorrow.

Lesson 3609

 (Lesson 3609)(11-20-21) Acts 2:1-4

    “ And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

    Today’s quote relates how the Holy Ghost cam the other apostles and bestowed them with power to speak in one language and be understood by the “devout” men from many different nations and tongues.e upon Peter and

    I believe the miracle of that day, was not that Peter and the others spoke in some garbled and strange tongue, but rather that they spoke in their own language and was understood, by their listeners, in their own language.~

NOTE: There will be more discussion of this point later in later lessons.

Lesson 3608

 (Lesson 3608)(11-19-21) Acts 1:21-26

    “Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.”

    Today’s quote concerns the replacement of Judas as an apostle of Christ. In the quote, it was determined that Judas’ replacement would be required to have been, along with the original twelve, a witness to all the things that Jesus accomplished, and all the things He went through during His ministry.

    The last part of the quote lists the names of those from which Judas’ replacement would be chosen. They were, “Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias”. Matthias was eventually chosen to replace Judas as an apostle.~

Lesson 3607

 (Lesson 3607)(11-18-21) Acts 1:16-20

    “Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.”

    Today’s quote relates the fulfilling of a prophecy and the fate of Judas after he had betrayed Jesus to be crucified on the cross.

    The quote also reaffirms that the narrative of the bible is not to be taken as literal in every sense of the word. That fact is obviated by the conflicting narratives concerning the actions of Judas as they appear in the Mattew account and here, then again in today’s account recorded in the book of Acts.

    A sincere bible student should keep in mind that there are NO contradictions in the bible as it concerns the intent of God’s Holy word to usward. Keep in mind that we are to study to show ourselves approved. And, we are to “rightly” divide the word of truth.~

Lesson 3606

 (Lesson 3606)(11-17-21) Acts 1:12-15

    “Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)”

    Today’s quote relates the the apostles assembled in Jerusalem after Jesus ascended.~

Lesson 3605

 (Lesson 3605)(11-16-21) Acts 1:6-11

    “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”

    In today’s quote Jesus again promised His apostles that He would send the Holy Ghost to enable and empower them to understand the mystery of His gospel, and to spread it throughout the earth.~

Lesson 3604

 (Lesson 3604)(11-15-21) Acts 1:1-5

    “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.”

    Today’s lesson begins our study into the book of Acts. The book of Acts was written in Greek, presumable, by Luke and is an account the early Christian churches, ad well as the actions of a few of the apostles of Christ, after Jesus had arisen from the dead and had ascended back to heaven.

    From the introduction to the book of Acts, we should make a note of the remark that Luke made concerning baptisms, both physical and spiritual . Luke related that John the Baptist had baptized or, better said, immersed, his followers in water, which he, indeed, did. We should remember that every Jew, before Christ died, was required by the old law, to undergo a physically cleansing water immersion ritual before they could be allowed to lawfully repent their sins, or take part in any religious ritual. 

    The baptism “with water”, that is referred to in today’s lesson, is a totally different baptism from the baptism into the Holy Spirit that saves one’s eternal soul and provides an eternal spiritual rebirth. That fact is again verified in the final part of today’s quote wherein Luke said, “BUT YE shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. Luke was stressing the point that water baptism had NO power over sin or the condition of one’s soul, and that the baptism of, or into, the Holy Ghost which would soon occur, was ALL powerful against ANY sin, and is, indeed, the baptism that saved their eternal souls.~

Lesson 3603

 (Lesson 3603)(11-14-21) John 21:18-25

    Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.”

    Today’s quote is John’s account of the last instructions that Jesus left with His apostles as He prepared to ascend back to the Father.

    It is important to note that John’s account of those final instructions is altogether different from the account’s offered by Matthew, Mark and Luke. 

    This is another lesson that destroys the contention that every word of the bible is to be taken as literal in it’s intent. 

    The New Testament is a narrative of the life, works and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. There were many different authors of that narrative, and, by nature, they all saw and expressed certain things differently. It does NOT take away from the truthfulness of God’s word as a whole.~

Lesson 3602

 (Lesson 3602)(11-13-21) John 21:15-19

    “So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus challenged Peter three times to “feed” His sheep. That challenge was intended to encourage Peter to preach the gospel of Christ, and to teach the other apostles the “mystery” of God’s divine will.~

Lesson 3601

 (Lesson 3601)(11-12-21) John 21:1-14

    “After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.”

    Today’s quote relates the third time that Jesus appeared to some of His apostles after he had gloriously risen from the dead.~

Lesson 3600

 (Lesson 3600)(11-11-21) John 20:30-31

    “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”

    Today’s quote needs no further commentary. It speaks very plainly for itself.~

Lesson 3599

 (Lesson 3599)(11-10-21) John 24-29

    “But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”

    Today’s quote relates and confirms the story of “doubting Thomas” and how he was eventually convinced that Jesus had arisen from the dead, saying, “My Lord and my God”.

    The last sentence of today’s quote relates to those of us who have never seen Jesus, yet, believe in Him absolutely. Jesus “blessed” us all that day. ~

Lesson 3598

 (Lesson 3598)(11-09-21) John 20:23

    “Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.”

    Today’s quote is the basis for the belief, in Catholicism et al, that a Catholic Priest can remit sin. That is a totally unfounded contention. Jesus was speaking directly, and explicitly, to His apostles and gave, only them, that exclusive power.

    God alone has the power to forgive sin. First the sinner must believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and that He died as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of all those who will believe in Him. Then, and ONLY then, his/her sins can be remitted by simply asking God to forgive those sins through the power in the Holy name of Jesus Christ.

    Can a child of God pray for the sins of others? Absolutely! Could those prayers sometimes be answered? Absolutely! However, the one who prayed, and the one prayed for, must BOTH be believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16 in part)~

Lesson 3597

 (Lesson 3597)(11-08-21) John 20:21-22

    “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:”

    Today’s is a great lesson to dispel the notion that the New Testament is to be taken as absolutely literal.

    The events described in today’s lesson, wherein Jesus “breathed” the Holy Ghost upon His apostles, is in blatant contrast with the account of those events as they are related in the book of Acts.

    Acts 2:1-4:  “And when the day of Pentecost was fullly come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

    This apparant contrast DOES NOT, in any way, take away from the truth of the meaning and intent of the New Testament as a whole. It means nothing to those of us who have studied the entirety of the Bible.

    The importance of all the accounts is that Jesus, as He promised, sent the Holy Ghost, without which there would be NO eternal salvation. Praise God for His amazing grace!~ 

Lesson 3596

 (Lesson 3596)(11-07-21) John 20:11-20

    “ But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.”

    Today’s quote relates that, after Jesus had risen from the dead, He first appeared to Mary, then to His apostles.~

Lesson 3595

 (Lesson 3595)(11-06-21) John 20:1-10

    “The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.”

    Today’s quote relates that Mary Magdalene, Peter and John, “that other apostle”, discovered that Jesus Had risen from the dead as He had said He would.

    What an amazing day of grace for those of us who believe in Him. HE IS RISEN!!

Lesson 3594

 (Lesson 3594)(11-05-21) John 19:38-42

    “And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.”

    Today’s lesson relates the Jesus’ body was prepared in the manner of the Jews, and laid in a borrowed grave that was furnished by one of His followers.~

Lesson 3593

 (Lesson 3593)(11-04-21) John 19:31-37

    “ The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.”

    Today’s quote relates that the Romans soldiers did not break Jesus’ legs as was the custom for those who were crucified so close to the sabbath. That action fulfilled and confirmed the biblical scripture.

    There are those who tend to stress the deeply emotional aspects of the death of our Savior. To me, that takes attention away from the awesome results of what Jesus did that day. Athough its sad that Jesus suffered so intensely, I believe that the more important aspects of His death are the astounding accomplishment  He achieved that blessed day. He gave His life so that we can have life everlasting. Praise God!~

Lesson 3592

 (Lesson 3592)(11-0-321) John 19:28-30

    “After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”

    Today’s quote relates that, after being fed vinegar for His thirst, Jesus gave up His life for all who will come to believe in Him. He died that horrible death so that we, the children of God, don’t have to.~

Lesson 3591

 (Lesson 3591)(11-02-21) John 19:25-27

    “When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.”

    Today’s quote relates, that before Jesus died, He charged John, an apostle, and His younger brother, to care for their mother.~

Lesson 3590

 (Lesson 3590)(11-01-21) John 19:23-24

    “Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.”

    Today’s quote relates how, as Jesus was crucified, the Roman soldiers split up His belongings equally among themselves. They then cast lots for His coat.~