Lesson 4000

 Lesson (4000)(12-31-22)  Revelation 2:1-7

    “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”

    Today’s quote is the letter Jesus told John to pass on the the church at Ephesus. Therein, He both congratulated and rebuked the Ephesians for differing elemenst of their behavior.

    It is my believe that the “seven churches of Asia”, as referred to in John’s revelation, represent certain dispensations of time, or progressing generations of the church. Ephesus being the first in the progression.~

Lesson 3999

 Lesson (3999)(12-30-22)  Revelation 1:12-20

    “And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches”

    In today’s quote, Jesus, in all His glory, appeared to John, explaining to him some of the things he was seeing concerning the seven churches, and having him write them down in the book.~

Lesson 3998

 Lesson (3998)(12-29-22)  Revelation 1:9-11

    “ I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.”

    In today’s quote, God told John to write down what he was about to see and send the warnings to the seven churches of Asia.~

Lesson 3997

 Lesson (3997)(12-28-22)  Revelation 1:8

    “ I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”

    Today’s quote is God presenting Himself to us through the voice of John and, from what I have witnessed in my lifetime, this is one of the most underappreaciated acknowledgments that can be found in the entire bible.

    In my experience there are very few who realize the awesomeness of today’s quote. God IS, period. He IS NOT just another individual that we can associate our own lives and experiences with. We cannot approve, or disapprove of what He does, or doesn not do. He simply IS, WAS, and WILL BE. He is omnipotent. He CANNOT be challenged. He is all knowing and all powerful. He DOES NOT make mistakes. He DOES NOT lie. He DOES NOT forget.

    HALLELUJAH! God IS! Praise Him for His amazing, saving grace!~

Lesson 3996

 Lesson (3996)(12-27-22)  Revelation 1:7

    “ Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.”

    Today’s quote foretells the second coming of our Lord Jesus. It is indeed a short, but oh so sweet, lesson. ~

Lesson 3995

 Lesson (3995)(12-26-22)  Revelation 1:4-6

    “John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

    Today’s quote is John’s letter of warning to the seven churches of Asia. This letter is also his warning to every one of us as to the events that will occur leading up to, and after the second coming of Jesus Christ.

    There is a second lesson in today’s quote that, the importance of which, can be easily missed by the casual bible reader. That is that John makes clear that the “washing away” of our sins, is by the blood of Jesus Christs, NOT by water baptism. “Him that loved us, and WASHED US FROM OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BLOOD”.~

Lesson 3994

 Lesson (3994)(12-25-22)  Revelation 1:1-3

    “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”

    If you want a blessing, read and keep the things written in this book.~

Lesson 3993

 Lesson (3993)(12-24-22)  Jude 1:3-25

    “ Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.”

    In today’s quote, Jude warned of those who would come to destroy the true gospel of Jesus Christ. He also foretold the horrible penalty that awaits those who reject the amazing saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 3992

 Lesson (3992)(12-23-22)  Jude 1:1-2

    “ Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.”

   In today's quote, Jude wrote explicitly to “them that are SANCTIFIED by God...”. In order to know who exactly Jude was referring, lets first define the word “sanctified”. My dictionary difines the word as; ‘SANC·TI·FY’

verb: past tense: sanctified; past participle: sanctified

set apart as or declare holy; consecrate. "a small shrine was built to sanctify the site"

Similar: consecrate, make holy, make sacred, bless, hallow, set apart, dedicate to God, anoint, ordain, canonize, beatify, make legitimate or binding by religious sanction., "they see their love sanctified by the sacrament of marriage", 

Similar: approve, sanction, condone, JUSTIFY, vindicate,, free from sin; purify.

"may God sanctify his soul"

Similar: purify, free from sin, absolve, redeem

    Understanding what that word means is important to understanding what kind of people Jude was writing to. 

     Just as Jude’s letter was directed to the “sanctified by God”, it was intended for the same SANCTIFIED people who were ALSO, “PRESERVED IN JESUS CHRIST”.

    That all means that Jude was, in essence, writing to those of us whom have been saved by faith in Jesus and “preserved” by the Holy Spirit of God, “until the day of redemption”. “Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are SEALED unto the day of redemption”. (Ephesians 4:30)

    This lesson should lay to rest the erroneous notion that once a person’s soul has been saved by the blood of Christ, it can again be condemned by sin.~

Lesson 3991

 Lesson (3991)(12-22-22)  3rd John 1:1-14

    “ The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth. I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true. I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.”

    Today’s quote is John’s letter to Gaius, complimenting him for his faithfulness to God and warning him of the deception of Diotrephes.

    We see in this lesson that the early churches, much like today’s, had their false teachers who were trying desperately to distort and destroy the true gospel of Jesus Christ. 

    I believe those were the times of the beginnings of Roman Catholicism.~

Lesson 3990

 Lesson (3990)(12-21-22)  2nd John 1:9-13

    “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.”

    Today’s quote, in essence, tells us that we should be able to distinguish those who worship God and have faith in Jesus Christ as the ONLY means by which one can inherit eternal life, by their day to day actions.

    I believe that lesson is so very, very true.~

Lesson 3989

 Lesson (3989)(12-20-22)  2nd John 1:5-8

    “And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.”

    Today’s quote, again, reinforces the commandments that Jesus left with us.That is to love God above all else and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.~

Lesson 3988

 Lesson (3988)(12-19-22)  2nd John 1:1-4

    “ The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.”

    Today’s quote is a letter from John to “the elect lady and her children”. It is my belief that the phrase, “elect lady and her children”, refers to some specific local church and it’s members. That thought is somewhat verified by the fact that John seemed to know the people, to whom he was writing, personally.

    I post this because there is confusion among some as to what the term “elect lady” represents.Having said that, so far as I know, there is no scriptural record that determines exactly where that church was located; Therefore, this letter could well have been also purposed for today’s churches.~

Lesson 3987

 Lesson (3987)(12-18-22)  1st John 5:16-21

    “If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.”

    Today’s lesson is further assurance of the eternal security of the believer. The “sin unto death” is the rejection of God’s amazing saving grace through faith in Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 3986

 Lesson (3986)(12-17-22)  1st John 5:13-15

    “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”

    Today’s lesson is an assurance to those of us whom have accepted Jesus Christ as our redeemer, that an eternity in heaven awaits us because of our faith in Him.~

Lesson 3985

 Lesson (3985)(12-16-22)  1st John 5:10-12

    “ He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”

    Today’s quote clearly tells us that if a person’s faith is in anything, or anyone, other than Jesus Christ such as idols or water baptism, that person “hath not life.”~

Lesson 3984

 Lesson (3984)(12-15-22)  1st John 5:5-9

    “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.”

    In today’s quote, John first tells us, “This is He that came by water”. Water birth being a natural human birth. (Water birth has NOTHING to do with water baptism.) Jesus was indeed born a human child by a water birth. 

    Secondly, the quote tells us that Jesus came by blood. His blood birth is representative of, what I believe is, His Jewish heretage, or bloodline.

    Sadly, there are far too many who contend that today’s quote supports the erroneous notion that water baptism represents a birth. If that were to be the case, in order to gain eternal salvation, one would be required to be baptized three times, first, the natural (water) birth, then the birth by water baptism, and then the birth of the spirit. There is only ONE baptism that matters to the eternal salvation of the soul, that is the baptism into Jesus Christ by faith in Him. 

    “For by GRACE are ye saved through FAITH; and that not of yourselves: it is the GIFT of God: NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast”. (Ephesains 2:8-9)

Lesson 3983

 Lesson (3983)(12-14-22)  1st John 5:1-4

    “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

   Today’s quote reaffirms that to be a child of God is to overcome sin, “The world”, by faith in Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 3982

 Lesson (3982)(12-13-22)  1st John 4:1-21

    “ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.”

    Today’s quote is an expansion of yesterday’s lesson. It, AGAIN, assures those of us who have been saved by the grace of God that we are ETERNALLY saved from the torment of hell, and are guaranteed a home in heaven with our amazing, loving God.~

Lesson 3981

 Lesson (3981)(12-12-22)  1st John 3:23-24

    And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.”

    Today’s quote is a very important one in that it makes the point, very clearly, as to how to gain eternal salvation of the soul. 

    Therein, John said, referring to the commandment of God, “That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another”. It can’t be put any clearer than that. In order to receive rebirth of the spirit and eternal redemption from sin, one must ONLY obey that commandment. There are no other hoops that must be jumped through, such as water baptism, or, for that matter, any other “good work”. 

    Once a lost person accepts the fact that Jesus payed the price for ALL sin, that person is placed under the guardianship of the Holy Spirit, being WHOLLY JUSTIFIED for anything they do,  and CANNOT be removed from that eternal security. ~ 

Lesson 3980

 Lesson (3980)(12-11-22)  1st John 3:14-22

    “ We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.”

    Today’s lesson is that we express our love for our neighbors by our actions, and not just in words only.

Lesson 3979

 Lesson (3979)(12-10-22)  1st John 3:10-13

    “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.”

    Today’s quote tells us that the children of God can be recognized by the way they treat those around them. T

    The second “great” commandment left to us by Jesus Himself, is to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.~

Lesson 3978

 Lesson (3978)(12-09-22)  1st John 3:1-9

    “ Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 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.”

    Today’s quote makes the very clear point that those of us whom have been saved have been ETERNALLY saved.   

    To be lost, and condemned to an eternal hell, is to be sinful. Those of us whom have been reborn, and have had our sins, not just forgiven, but JUSTIFIED by the blood of Jesus Christ, CANNOT commit sin. Just as John makes vividly clear in today’s quote, “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.”~

Lesson 3977

 Lesson (3977)(12-08-22)  1st John 2:18-29

    “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.”

    In today’s lesson, John said, “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

    I believe this is a reference to some of those early disciples, including even some of the apostles, who distorted the gospel of Jesus Christ by forcing the principles of the old Jewish laws on their converts. Namely circumcisions and water baptisms. There were also those who added elements of paganism to the gospel of Jesus and formed the Roman Catholic church.~

Lesson 3976

 Lesson (3976)(12-07-22)  1st John 2:12-17

    I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

    Today’s quote tells us to follow, and engage ourselves in, the things that are good and Godly. It tells us to shun worldly things such as the lust of the flesh, greed, and pride.~

Lesson 3975

 Lesson (3975)(12-06-22)  1st John 2:1-11

    “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.”

    In today’s quote, John writes “no new commandment unto you, but and old comandment which ye had from the beginning”. That commandment is,in essence, that we love one another as Jesus Christ loves us.~

Lesson 3947

 Lesson (3974)(12-05-22)  1st John 1:5-10

    “ This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

    In today’s quote, John speaks of the inherent sin nature of mankind. He also assures us that if we confess our sin, Jesus is faithful to forgive.~

Lesson 3973

 Lesson (3973)(12-04-22)  1st John 1:1-4

    “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.”

    In today’s quote, John, as a personal witness verified the coming of Jesus Christ the Lord. He spoke of himself and many others who were also witnesses to the ministry of Jesus and the miracles and wonders the He performed. John also proclaimed that he had come to further the gospel of Christ through his own ministry.~

Lesson 3972

 Lesson (3972)(12-03-22)  2nd Peter 3:1-18

    “This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” 

    Today’s quote warns us all to stay faithful to our belief that Jesus will return, and assures us that He indeed will return.

    Another important point that is made in today’s quote is that, to God, one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day. This is important because there are many who contend that the beginning and end of the world, as we know it, can be measured by recorded time. Nothing could be further from the truth. NO ONE can possibly know the exact time of either the beginning, or the end.~

Lesson 3971

 Lesson (3971)(12-02-22)  2nd Peter 2:1-22

     But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet. These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.”

    Today’s lesson warns of those who would come to distort and try to destroy the gospel of Jesus Christ. Just as Peter predicted, the Roman Catholicism did just that. Along with the many other isms of our day, that distortion is still ongoing today. Sadly, that distortion is causing millions of lost souls to be condemned to an eternal hell.

Lesson 3970

 Lesson (3970)(12-01-22)  2nd Peter 1:1-21

    “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

    In today’s quote, Peter reminded his Christian brothers and sisters of God’s amazing saving grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and counciled them to not  stray from it.

    Peter also told them that soon his time on earth would come to an end as he had been forewarnned by Jesus.~