Lesson 4087

(Lesson 4087)(03-31-23) Matthew 11:16-19

    “ But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.” 

    In today’s quote, Jesus, in essence, said the Jews of His time were like teenagers at the mall. Sadly “Christian” people of today are very much the same.~ 

Lesson 4086

 (Lesson 4086)(03-30-23) Matthew 11:7-15

    “And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus sang the praises of John the baptist, saying that there has never been a prophed like John. Nor was there a prophet who brought a more important message than that if John the batpist. Jesus called John “Elias”.~

Lesson 4085

 (Lesson 4085)(03-29-23) Matthew 11:1-6

    “And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus sent a message, and proof, to John the Baptist that He was indeed the promised Messiah, and that He had already began the journey to His sacrifice for the sins of those who will believe in Him. ~

Lesson 4084

 (Lesson 4084)(03-28-23) Matthew 10:41-42

    “ He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.”

    Today’s lesson is a simple one that challenges the motives of the things we do. We are to do all that we do out of a heart of enduring love.~

Lesson 4083

 (Lesson 4083)(03-27-23) Matthew 10:34-40

    “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus made it clear that He did not come to make life easier for those who reject Him, but rather, He came to give all sinners a way out. 

    We are to accept Jesus as our redeemer even if it costs us our friends and family. That is because, within our spiritual being, we are to allow NOTHING to come between us and Jesus our blessed redeemer.

    We are to carry the light of Jesus with us in every aspect of our lives so that those around us can see the eternal benefits of God’s amazing, saving grace through faith in Jesus Christ~

Lesson 4082

 (Lesson 4082)(03-26-23) Matthew 10:16-33

    “ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” 

    Today’s quote applies to those of us who are the children of God today as it did to those apostles that Jesus sent out to teach the Jews.

    We should preach God’s amazing, saving grace to every person who wants to hear it, without fear, and in full faith that the Holy Spirit of God will be with every word that goes out of our mouths. Praise God for His amazing grace.~

Lesson 4081

 (Lesson 4081)(03-25-23) Matthew 10:9-15

    “ Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. And when ye come into an house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.”

    In today’s lesson, Jesus made it clear to His apostles that they would be amply provided for, and that they were only to preach to those who were willing to hear their words.

    That same rule applies to the children of God today. It is always okay to try to teach the amazing, saving grace of God to everyone. But we are only bound to preach to those who are willing the hear. We are to turn our backs on those who reject the word of God, leaving to His judgment.~

Lesson 4080

 (Lesson 4080)(03-24-23) Matthew 10:8

    “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.”    

     Today’s quote is a furtherance of the instructions Jesus gave to His apostles as He sent them out.

    Those same instructions STILL apply to the children of God today.~

Lesson 4079

 (Lesson 4079)(03-23-23) Matthew 10:7

    “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

    It should be noted that Jesus instructed His apostles to teach the exact same message that John the Baptist taught. That being, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” That was also the same message that Jesus Himself taught, “From that time Jesus began to preach, and say, repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17)~

Lesson 4078

 (Lesson 4078)(03-22-23) Matthew 10:5-6

    “These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

    It is very important to note that Jesus sent His apostles to teach SPECIFICALLY to the Jews. They were told specifically NOT to teach among the Gentiles. This was because, until Jesus had completed His divine sacrifice to remit the sins of ALL people who would believe in Him, the Jews, including Jesus, were still bound by the old laws.~

Lesson 4077

 (Lesson 4077)(03-21-23) Matthew 10-4

    “ And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus named His twelve apostles and gave them power over all manner of disease and sickness.

    Those of us who believe in Jesus today, have those same powers. However, our faith is often too weak to benefit from that power.~

Lesson 4076

 (Lesson 4076)(03-20-23) Matthew 9:32-38

     “ As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel. But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils. And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”

    Today’s quote relates how Jesus continued to demonstrate that He is, indeed, the Son of God as He worked many miracles among the Jews. Jesus also asked His followers to pray for more workers to spread the good news of God’s amazing, saving grace.~

Lesson 4075

 (Lesson 4075)(03-19-23) Matthew 9:27-31

    “And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus contintued to prove Himself as the Son of God by healing two blind men.~

Lesson 4074

 (Lesson 4074)(03-18-23) Matthew 9:23-26

    “ And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.” 

    In today’s quote, Jesus raised the young girl from the dead. ~

Lesson 4073

 (Lesson 4073)(03-17-23) Matthew 9:18-22

    “ While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples. And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.” 

    Today’s quote relates that, no matter who you are, faith in the power of Jesus Christ can accomplish anything. That includes spiritual rebirth and eternal salvation of ones eternal soul.

    The woman, simply by believing, was made whole when Jesus recognized her absolute faith.~  

Lesson 4072

 (Lesson 4072)(03-16-23) Matthew 9:14-17

    “Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast. No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus, by using the analogies, made it clear that the there could be NO mixing of the old laws of the Jews with the new law of faith.

    With  knowledge that NO person can live a life worthy of eternal salvation under the old law, God sent His Son, Jesus, to live a perfect life according to those laws so that anyone who believes in Him can receive His righteousness by faith in His shed blood. Thereby becoming sinless in the sight of God through the righteousness of Jesus.~

Lesson 4071

 (Lesson 4071)(03-15-23) Matthew 9:10-13

    “And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus made it clear that His mercy is for those who need it. Praise God for that! The grace of God has no place with those who sadly reject it.~

Lesson 4070

 (Lesson 4070)(03-14-23) Matthew 9:9

    “And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus selected Matthew, the tax collector to be an apostle.~

Lesson 4069

 (Lesson 4069)(03-13-23) Matthew 9:1-8

    “ And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus healed a man of the palsy and confronted the scribes over their overly strict and imperfect adherence to their laws.~

Lesson 4068

 (Lesson 4068)(03-12-23) Matthew 8:28-34

    “And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.”

     In today’s quote, Jesus performed another miracle when He cast the devils from the two crazed men of the Gergesenes.

    The people were so frightened they ran Jesus and His followers away.~

Lesson 4067

(Lesson 4067)(03-11-23) Matthew 8:23-27

    “ And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!”

    In today’s quote, the apostles were stunned when Jesus performed one of His greatest miracles, calming the raging sea.~ 

Lesson 4066

 (Lesson 4066)(03-10-23) Matthew 8:18-22

    “ Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side. And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus made the very clear point that if one chooses to follow him, that one must give up everything else and “let the dead bury the dead”. ~

Lesson 4065

 (Lesson 4065)(03-09-23) Matthew 8:14-17

    “And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them. When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.”

    Today’s quote relates that Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law fulfilling a prophesy by Esaias.~

Lesson 4064

 (Lesson 4064)(03-08-23) Matthew 8:5-13

    “And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.”

    Today’s lesson relates the absolute faith of a certain centurian, of which, Jesus said, “Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. In saying that, Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of the Jews.~

Lesson 4063

 (Lesson 4063)(03-07-23) Matthew 8:1-4

    “ When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.”

    In today’s lesson, Jesus healed the leper telling Him to tell no one what had happened, but rather, go to the priest and make an offering as was commanded by the law.

    It’s important to note that, at that point, Jesus was teaching that His followers obey the laws of the Jews. Had not yet begun to speak of the way by which mankind could be eternally saved from their sins.~

Lesson 4062

 (Lesson 4062)(03-6-23) Matthew 7:24-29

    “ Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”

    Todays’s quote ends this session of Jesus’ instructions to His people. He also included in this quote the penalty for those who failed to follow His direction.

    It is worthy to note that NOT ONCE in the entirety of those instructions did Jesus mention water baptism or any other physical act of mankind.~

Lesson 4061

 (Lesson 4061)(03-5-23) Matthew 7:21-23

    “ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

    Today’s quote is a message that, I believe, was first meant for the Jewish hierarchy of Christ’s day, and then to those who promote all manner of religeous pomp and ritual in today’s “worship.

    Sadly, there are many who go to great lengths to impress other sinners with their concocted ceremonies and holier than thou, ritual nonsense. That will get them NOWHERE with God.

    As Jesus made perfectly clear in today’s quote, we need not impress anyone with what we do but God Himself. To do that we need ONLY to accept His amazing, saving grace by accepting the shed blood of Jesus as the remitter of all sin. Once and for all.~ 

Lesson 4060

(Lesson 4060)(03-4-23) Matthew 7:15-20

    “ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

    Today’s quote is a warning. First to the Jews when they were God’s chosen, and now to all the children of God. “Beware of false prophets”. They are indeed EVERYWHERE in today’s “Christianity”. 

Lesson 4059

 (Lesson 4059)(03-3-23) Matthew 7:13-14

     Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

    Today’s lesson is, to me, one of the most profoundly under applied instructions, as applied by today’s “Christianity”,  that can be found in the New Testament.

    There is just ONE means by which one can attain eternal life, that is through faith in the soul saving blood of Jesus Christ.There are no hoops to jump through such as water baptism or other physical acts preceeding out of the minds of mankind. One’s salvation need not be recogized by anyont but God Himself. It comes by simple and absolute faith in the virgin born life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. Nothing more, or nothing less.

    “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)~

Lesson 4058

 (Lesson 4058)(03-2-23) Matthew 7:12

    “ Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”

    Today’s quote relates the “golden rule”. It still applies to the children of God today, just as it did in the day Jesus spoke to His Jewish brethren. 

    Actually, Jesus posed it as one of the two “great” commandments; “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 they neighbour as thyself.”

    Do these two things and you have obeyed the will of Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 4057

 (Lesson 4057)(03-01-23) Matthew 7:7-11

    “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”

    Today’s quote assures those of us who are, by faith, the children of God, that if we ask for ANYTHING, that is within the will of God to give, we WILL receive it.~