Lesson 5214

 (Lesson 5214)(05-15-26) Mark 1:4-8 

   “John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.” 

 

   Today’s quote describes the ministry of John the Baptist in the wilderness, where he preached the baptism of repentance. Multitudes from the land of Judea and Jerusalem went out to hear his message. During his ministry, John drew a sharp contrast between his own work and the upcoming mission of Jesus Christ. He declared that one mightier than he was coming after him, whose shoes he was not worthy to untie. John explicitly defined the limits of his own practice by stating, "I indeed have baptized you with water: but He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost." This proclamation by John creates a definitive separation between the outward, temporary physical act and the inward, permanent spiritual transformation. John's water ritual served as an introductory, symbolic call to repentance, but it lacked the power to save or permanently alter the soul. By contrasting his use of water with Christ's future baptism, John identified the Holy Ghost as the sole agent of true, soul-saving immersion. This distinction reinforces the principle that physical dipping in water is merely a preparatory shadow, whereas the genuine, identity-changing immersion into the divine nature is a supernatural act reserved exclusively for Christ through the baptism of the Holy Spirit. ~ 

 

Lesson 5213

 (Lesson 5213)(05-14-26) Mark 1:1-3 

   “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” 

 

   Today’s quote relates the prophetic coming of John the Baptist and describes his divine mission which was to “Prepare the way of the Lord”. John was not sent to preach the gospel of Christ because there was no “gospel of Christ” until Jesus had finished His own divine mission which was to die the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all who will come to believe in Him. John simply preached the coming of the Savior and baptized the willing Jews in water in preparation for that coming. ~ 

Lesson 5212

 (Lesson 5212)(05-13-26) Matthew 28:16-20 

   “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” 

 

   Today’s quote relates that the eleven disciples travel to a mountain in Galilee as instructed by Jesus. When they see him, they worship him, though some among them experienced doubt. Jesus approached and declared that all power in heaven and in earth has been given unto him. He then issued the Great Commission, commanding them to go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, while instructing them to observe all things he had commanded. He concluded with the promise that he is with them always, even unto the end of the world. 

    Today’s quote is one of the most misunderstood to be found in the Bible. In context, the quote relates to Jesus’ last command to His apostles: to go into all the world, TEACH AND BAPTIZE (immerse) all new believers INTO THE NAME OF THE HOLY TRIUNE: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The confusion arises because there are some who contend that water is implied as the baptismal medium to be applied in that command. We should note that there is NO reference to water, either implied or otherwise, anywhere in Jesus’ command. The action of baptizing (Immersing) into the name of the Holy Triune signifies a spiritual burial whereby the believer is placed into (through “teach”ing and believing in) the complete nature and authority of the Godhead, thereby being eternally indwelled by the Holy Spirit. ~ 

Lesson 5211

 (Lesson 5211)(05-12-26) Matthew 28:7-15 

   “And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.” 

 

    In today’s quote, an angel standing outside the tomb told the women to go quickly and tell the disciples that Jesus was risen and would meet them in Galilee, but as they went, Jesus met them and repeated the message; meanwhile, some of the soldiers who were told to guard the tomb where Jesus had been laid, told the leadership of the Jews what had happened, the priests gave the soldiers large sums of money to say the disciples had stolen the body as they slept, a story which was commonly reported among the Jews from then on. ~ 

Lesson 5210

 (Lesson 5210)(05-11-26) Matthew 28:1-6 

   “In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” 

 

   Today’s quote contains the three most precious words ever spoken: “He is risen”. ~