Lesson 5378

 Lesson 5378)(10-28-26) Luke 13:1-5 

    " There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." 

 

      In today's quote, Jesus used two tragic local events, people put to death by Pilate and victims of a collapsing tower, to correct the common assumption that sudden suffering proves some people are worse than others. He warned that all people are equally sinful and that we all face spiritual death unless we repent and turn to God. There is a lot to be said for this lesson today in that there are countless "Christians" today who believe they are better off spiritually than others because, like the Pharisees, they commit themselves to the bare minimum of what God has required of them. Nothing could be further from the truth. ~ 

Lesson 5377

 Lesson 5377)(10-27-26) Luke 12:51-59 

    " Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass. Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time? Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison. I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite." 

 

     In today's quote, Jesus explained that His coming brings division rather than peace, separating even families based on whether they have accepted His grace. He urges discernment, warning people to recognize the spiritual urgency of the age. We are to settle our spiritual debts before judgment arrives and stand fully reconciled with God. ~ 

Lesson 5376

 Lesson 5376)(10-26-26) Luke 12:49-50 

    " I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!" 

 

     Today's quote speaks of the intense trials and testing that accompany true commitment, to God. In the second verse of today's quote, Jesus made reference to His, soon to come, "baptism". The usage of the word "baptism" in the quote, IS NOT a reference to water immersion, but rather, it is a reference to Jesus' immersion into His own physical death. The "baptism" Jesus referred to serves as the exact pattern for the spiritual death and burial we must undergo to attain eternal salvation. ~ 

Lesson 5375

 Lesson 5375)(10-25-26) Luke 12:35-48 

    "Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more." 

 

      Today's quote speaks to us about staying spiritually alert, faithful, and prepared for the unexpected return of the Lord. It teaches that we should keep our lights of faith burning brightly and our service active. It is important to note here that  merely occupying the same seat in some comfortable air conditioned building 2 to 3 times per week, DOES NOT constitute "service". Service is active, NOT passive. We are to actually get off our seats and engage our communities about the amazing saving grace of God through faith in the blood of His only Begotten Son. This lesson emphasizes accountability, reminding us that greater privilege and knowledge carry a greater responsibility to act in obedience and readiness. ~