(Lesson 189) (02-14-12) Luke 4:32-44, "And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power. And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not. And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about. And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her. And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them. Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ. And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them. And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent. And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.

Today's lesson tells of the miracles Jesus performed and how He was accepted and followed by many.~

　

(Lesson 190) (02-15-12) Luke 5:1-11, "And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him."

Today's lesson is Luke's account of Jesus' selection of the first of His Apostles. We might make note that in the differing accounts of the gospels, the manner in which Jesus selected His Apostles is expressed a little differently. However, the important thing to remember, is that, although there are small variations in each of the gospel accounts, the primary message is the same, Jesus chose the same men from the same occupational group, during the same time period, for the same purpose.

Jesus told those earliest of Apostles, they would become fishers of men.

We also find that Jesus continued to perform miracles, witnessed by thousands, as he traveled throughout the region.~~

(Lesson 191) (02-16-12) Luke 5:12-26, "And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him. And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed. And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them. And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him. And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone? But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts? Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day."

This message tells of the amazing faith displayed by those men who brought the man afflicted with leprosy to Jesus for healing. They had, evidently heard of the miraculous power of Jesus and went of a great deal of trouble to get the man to Him.

The scribes and Pharisees are angered by what Jesus said, and start their condemnation of Jesus by accusing Him of blasphemy.

The majority of those who witnessed the healing were amazed and glorified God.~

(Lesson 192)(02-17-12) Luke 5:27-39, "And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. And he left all, rose up, and followed him. And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them. But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days. And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old. And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish. But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved. No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better."

Jesus, while dining with "publicans and sinners", was asked why His Apostles were allowed to eat with the unclean, while the disciples of John and the Pharisees, weren't.
With the comparison of old cloth to new, and the putting of old wine in new bottles, Jesus explained to them that His gospel was new, and could not be mixed with the old Law of Moses.

There are those today who profess to believe that the disciples made by John the Baptist were Christians, that notion, however, is refuted in this text when the Pharisee asked, "Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?", Jesus makes the difference in the two groups clear by the comparison made to old versus new cloth and the old versus new wine bottles.

Christianity cannot, as so many try to assert, be mixed with the law as it was given to Moses. Paul spent a great deal of his ministry trying to explain this fact to the Jews among the newly formed Christian Churches.~

Again, it there are those who disagree with my conclusions, I'll be happy to discuss them further at any time.~

(Lesson 193)(02-18-12) Luke 6:1-11,"And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days? And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him; How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone? And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him. But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth. Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it? And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other. And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus."

The first portion of this lesson, again, distinguishes Jesus and His disciples from those bound by the law, when He said, "That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath." Jesus, in a manner, was telling them He was the Son of God, and that His disciples, because they were learning the new law of faith, were not answerable to the law of Moses.

The latter portion demonstrates how Jesus confounded the Pharisees with His miraculous knowledge, and divine power.~

(Lesson 194)(02-19-12) Luke 6:12-19, "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor. And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all."

In this lesson Jesus identifies His twelve Apostles and continues to heal the sick.~

(Lesson 195)(02-20-12) Luke 6:20-38, "And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."

The promises provided in this lesson are some of the sweetest words ever written, so far as I'm concerned.

The latter verses provide a code by which we all should live.

In my opinion those of us whom are the reborn children of God should follow the two greatest commandments. Matt. 22:38-40, "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 thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

As Jesus implied, if we follow these two commandments, all the rest of the requirements in this lesson will be included.

What a wonderful world this would be if we all simply lived by these two rules.~~~

(Lesson 196) (02-21-12) Luke 6:39-49, "And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye. For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great."

In essence, Jesus tells His Jewish disciples to make sure their on business is in perfect order before they go sticking their noses into the business of others.

He proclaims that the good will be, easily, identified by the fruits they bear. A good tree will not bear bad fruit, and likewise, a bad tree will not bear good fruit etc.

What a blessed place this world would be if only folks would abide by that simple rule.

Today, however, it seems as though the majority of professed "Christians" have an agenda to impose upon themselves rules that fit their particular lifestyle, disregarding the beam in their own eye, while hypocritically condemning others, who by exercising their own God given free will, might only have a mote in their eye.

Jesus NEVER gave His disciples permission to condemn anyone for anything outside the Church, and He gave very explicit instructions as to how to handle the fallen brother, or sister in the Church. We are all imperfect before God in differing ways, therein lies the reason that Jesus had to be crucified.~~

(Lesson 197)(02-22-12) Luke 7:1-10, "Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum. And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick."

The centurian, named in this lesson, gives us a truly great example of faith, and sets the bar for those of us who seek, or claim, Christianity.

He knew, beyond any doubt, that if Jesus would just say the word, his servant would be healed. This man, a Gentile, and a Roman centurian, compelled Jesus to say, in comparing his faith to that of the Jews, "I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel."

Had Peter demonstrated as much faith as this man did, he would never have sank in the water.~~

(Lesson 198)(02-23-12) Luke 7:11-29, "And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about. And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things. And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John."

Herein, Jesus further proves He is the Son of God by restoring life to a dead boy. He then goes on to demonstrate to John's messengers that He truly is the Messiah, the savior of the world.

In the latter portion of this lesson, Jesus further demonstrates how His disciples differ from the Jewish religious leadership of that time, when He more or less, ridiculed them for expecting the greatest of all prophets to come from within their pompous inner circle.

Jesus goes further to say, "but he that is least in the kingdom of God (His Church) is greater than he (John)."

The final message in this lesson tells us that all who heard Him submitted themselves to "the baptism of John".

NOTE: The "baptism of John", as it was applied in this text, was a Jewish rite that was practiced to provide a ritual (external) cleansing, in preparation for some religious service (In this case, the coming of the Messiah), and was required of all devout Jews under the law of Moses. It is NOT that saving baptism undertaken, and demonstrated, by Jesus, as He fulfilled God's promise, by submitting Himself as a sacrifice for all sin.~~

(Lesson 199)(02-24-12) Luke 7:30-35, "But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like? They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept. For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil. The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! But wisdom is justified of all her children."

The first part of this text tells us that the Pharisees and lawyers would not accept the message of John, "But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves", neither did they subject themselves to the ritual water immersion administered by John.

Jesus told the Pharisees and lawyers they were merely playing games with the divine teachings of God.

Jesus said they had condemned John for being too much of a reclusive holy man, and at the same time condemning Jesus for being involved with those who needed Him most, and thereby rejecting both.

In my opinion, there are far too many people today, claiming to be Christians, who play the exact same children's games with the souls of those who look up to them for spiritual guidance.

We must never forget, whatever we say, or do, will ultimately influence someone, either in a spiritually positive or negative way. We should do the very best we can to continually represent absolute bible truth.

We are not now, nor will we ever be, perfect in the flesh, but we should teach those who will listen that there is spiritual perfection through the gospel, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.~

(Lesson 200)(02-25-12) Luke 7:36-50, "And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace."

This lesson is basically the same as the "Alabaster box" lesson in Matthew. However, there is a much clearer account of one particular lesson contained in these verses.
Jesus drew an analogy, comparing what the woman had done, and His reaction to it, and the reaction by the Pharisee, to two debtors, one owing a small amount, and the other owing much more. The creditor had forgiven the entire debt of both.

By drawing this analogy, Jesus made it very clear that He would be regarded much higher by those who perceived themselves as needing much forgiveness, as opposed to those believe they are, for the most part, above sin and require very little forgiveness.

Sadly, the world today is filled with so called "Christians" who display, by their actions, the very same mentality as the Pharisee.

We should always remember, God don't need us, but we desperately need Him.~~

(Lesson 201)(02-26-12) Luke 8:1-18, "And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance. And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have."

In this lesson Jesus puts forth the parable of the sower and explains it to His Apostles. It is important to note that before Jesus explained the parable, He told His Apostles the parable represented the mystery of the Kingdom of God, (His Church) and was not meant for everyone to understand.

I believe that this is where Roman Catholicism gets the idea that the word of God is to be kept strictly within the inner authority of "the church", and not to be distributed to the "laity", or ordinary membership. This notion is readily proven to be nonsensical by a simple further study of the word.
There was a definite need to keep the inner workings of the Christian Church a secret from those early Jews, who made up the masses that followed, and listened to Jesus' teachings. Christianity (The Kingdom of God) could not be taught while the Law of Moses was still in effect, because Christianity is opposite the Law. We know, however, that upon the completion of His testament, Jesus fulfilled, and thereby nullified the Law of Moses, and at the same time confirmed the law of faith.
The parable Jesus relayed, foretold His true Church. The seeds represented God's word, the ground on which they fell represented the people who would aspire to be it's members. He said there would be some who would hear the word and immediately forget it, some would hear it but allow it to be distorted by Satan, and yet others who would hear, and nourish it, causing it to grow and spread.

As we well know today, that parable very truly describes the Church today. There are those who make a big fuss, pretending to be all the excited about undertaking the tasks of a true Christian, and within a very short time, lose interest. There are also those who have heard and know the truth, but for purposes of greed, or other vices, have allowed Satan to choke the life out of it. And, thank God, there are still those few who hold steadfastly to the word, act on it, and teach it to others undistorted, and in truth.~~

(Lesson 202)(02-27-12) Luke 8:19-26, "Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press. And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it. Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him. And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee."

In this lesson, Jesus teaches us that the needs of those who follow Him are more important than the needs of His own earthly family.

There is also, another lesson of faith in this text. Jesus made it known to His Apostles that the storm should not have caused fear in them, seeing that they could have just as easily commanded the wind to stand still and it would have done so.

We, the saved, have access to an awesome power, and should apply it toward the will of God every waking moment of our lives.~

(Lesson 203)(02-28-12) Luke 8:27-39, "And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not. (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.) And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them. Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked. When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country. Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed. Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again. Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.'

This lesson demonstrates how the servants of Satan (demons) recognized Jesus as the Son of God, and by knowing, feared Him.
The man, after Jesus cast out his demons, spread the good news of the power of God throughout all his homeland.~~

(Lesson 204)(02-29-12) Luke 8:40-56, "And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him. And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him. And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace. While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat. And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done."

The lesson tells us that the ailing woman was healed by simply touching the clothes that Jesus wore. However, I don't believe the touching had anything to do with the healing, I believe it was the open exercise of the woman's faith that was the instrument by which Jesus did the healing. In the latter portion of this lesson, Jesus explains that very thing to the messenger from the dead girl's house, "Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole."

What amazing grace it is that allows our bodies and souls to be made whole by simply believing in Jesus Christ for the remission of all our sins.~

(Lesson 205)(03-01-12) Luke 9:1-6, "Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where."

In this lesson we find that Jesus sent out His Apostles to "preach the kingdom of God".

One might ask, how did the Apostles "preach" the kingdom of God? I'll try to explain. We know that, as it is generally used in bible text prior the the the ascension of Jesus, the term "church, or Ekklesia, as transliterated form the Greek, is defined by Strong's bible dictionary as, " (a) an assembly of the people convened at the public place (b) of the council for the purpose of deliberating the assembly of the Israelites (c) any gathering or throng of men assembled by chance, tumultuously".

It is very important to note that this usage, and definition, of the term "church", is in the context of a Jewish gathering, and is not representative of a Christian Church gathering. The term, as it appears here, cannot be applied to Christians until Jesus completes His testament and ascends to the Father.

Having said all that, Jesus, when He instructed the teaching of the kingdom of God, instructed His apostles to go and assemble a group, or assembly, preparing them for the coming of the Messiah, and salvation by grace, through faith.

Jesus simply told them to go and teach the same thing He and John had taught, Matt. 3:2, Matt. 4:17, "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand".

Jesus also told His Apostles to take nothing with them on their journey.

I wonder how many of today's missionaries would strike out to unknown lands under the same circumstances, relying on nothing but faith.~~

(lesson 206)(03-02-12) Luke 9:7-17, "Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead; And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him. And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing. And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place. But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people. For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company. And they did so, and made them all sit down. Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets."

Jesus demonstrates, in this lesson, that if we give all that we have, it will be returned to us many times over. The five loaves and two fishes were multiplied enough to feed the five thousand, with more than they had to start with, left over.

God's grace, through Jesus Christ is limitless to usward, if only we believe, and trust Him to deliver.~~

(Lesson 207)(03-03-12) Luke 9:18-27, "And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again. He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God. And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day. And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God."

Jesus verified to His Apostles that He is the Son of God, and warns them that they are to tell no one until His sacrificial testament is complete.
He explains that the Apostles very lives would be on the line as they followed Him.

Jesus also warns that those who might be ashamed to speak out for Him would run the risk of being denied by Him, when it they sit before His judgement.

NOTE: Since Jesus exempted His apostles from the law of Moses before He had fulfilled it, there is no biblical record of any of the original twelve Apostles having been baptized in water. This fact further demonstrates that the water baptisms administered by John were only ritual cleansing immersions, undertaken in preparation for the coming of the Messiah. ~~

(Lesson 208)(03-04-12) Luke 9:28-36, "And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said. While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen."~~

In this lesson, God verifies to the Apostles that Jesus is His Son, and that they are to yield to His guidance. "This is my beloved Son: hear him."

Because Jesus took these Apostles with Him to meet Moses and Elias, it is again demonstrated that the Apostles of Christ are set apart, in spiritual knowledge, from the Jewish hierarchy, the scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees.

By having Jesus confirmed to them by God Himself, being allowed the innermost knowledge of the sacrificial ordeal that was about to be taken on by Jesus, and by being designated to learn and teach it, they were in essence, exempted from the Law of Moses. The mission of the Apostles could not run concurrent with the teachings of the Law without them, first, having been unrestricted by the Law.~~

(Lesson 209)(03-05-12) Luke 9:37-45, "And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him. And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child. And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him. And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not. And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither. And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father. And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying."

In this lesson Jesus appears to be frustrated by the lack of faith displayed by His Apostles when they failed to remove the evil spirit from the boy. He, again, told them His time with them was very short and that He would soon be given up as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. They had just come down from the mountain where Jesus had been glorified by His Father and had revealed all these things to them.

Imagine, if it was that easy for the Apostles, who were there with Jesus daily, to fail in the application of their faith, how much easier is it for us to fail today without His physical presence. Just as Jesus told His Apostles that His time with them would be short, so too, is His word telling us that the time we are given to trust His name and accept His grace gets shorter with each passing hour.~~

(Lesson 210)(03-06-12) Luke 9:46-50, "Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great. And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us."

There are two distinct lessons within this short text. The first demonstrates that, in the Church, there is none greater than the other. Jesus said, "for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great."

Roman Catholicism and other isms contend that there are, indeed, positions of authority within, what they call, the Church. They, as well as some other religious sects, make the claim that a person holding an office such as that of Pope, Cardinal, Bishop, or common priest, is capable of forgiving sin, thereby elevating these positions above the rest of the assembly. The lesson we have just read proves that premise, beyond all doubt, to be totally untrue. There is but one remitter of sin, that is the only begotten Son of God, through His sacrificial ordeal, His death, burial, and resurrection. The offices of the true Church are clearly defined and designated in the New Testament text, and are certainly NOT positions of governance, but rather, positions more nearly related to servitude.

The second lesson we find in this text demonstrates how we, as Christians, are to treat those who might, in some small manner, disagree with what we might explicitly believe concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ. The advice Jesus gave John concerning the man who had cast out devils in His name, should be the guiding principle for anyone within the Church. If there are those who agree with us as to the basic principles of the gospel Christ, but might disagree on some minor issue, we are to accept them simply because we are all working toward a common end. However, I believe we should take it upon ourselves, and do all we can to guide and teach those who might be in err concerning the everyday practices of Christianity. An example of this kind of problem, and how Paul handled it, can be found in Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. It would serve us all well to study that letter and practice it's teachings.~~

(Lesson 211)(03-07-12) Luke 9:51-62,"And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village. And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

I don't believe there's a lesson, anywhere in the New Testament text, given today's spiritual and political climate, that is more pertinent to today's Church than the one Jesus laid out, in these few verses.

Jesus made it very clear that the duty that outweighed all others, for His Jewish followers, was to prepare the way of His coming kingdom. Just as those Jewish followers of Christ were to lay aside all else and take up His message. We, today, are to be prepared at any time, and with all that we have, to further the purpose of the gospel of Christ and to spread the good news of His salvation.

We hear a lot of discussion among "Christian" people about the "end of time", when and how it will happen, and what signs there will be of its coming. It is very important, for every child of God, to remember, to those whose names will appear in the obituary column tomorrow, the "end of time" was today.~~

(Lesson 212)(03-08-12) Luke 10:1-24, "After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them."

In this lesson, Jesus appoints seventy two more of His disciples to spread His message. He gave them power over the evils of the earth, just as He had given power to the original twelve.

It is important to note that the message, these new appointees were to preach, is that same consistent message John the Baptist, Jesus, and the original twelve taught. That message being the coming of the the kingdom and the new law of grace through faith. John the Baptist, Matt. 3:2, "And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Jesus, Matt. 4:17, "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." The original twelve, Matt. 10:7, "And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Even to those who would not welcome them, they were to say, "notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you." Jesus wanted, even the hard hearted, to know that the means by which eternal life could be obtained, was soon to come.

The message Jesus taught was a divine blessing to those who would hear it, and a curse upon those who would not.

In the latter portions of this lesson, Jesus reveals that His message was to be a mystery to the leadership of the Jews, but was made clear to those who believed in Him.~~

(Lesson 213)(03-09-12) Luke 10:25-42, "And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise likewise.

Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

The parable of the "good Samaritan" is my favorite, and one often ignored by many professed "Christians" today.
It is far easier, for some, to simply turn a blind eye to the needs of the less fortunate than it is to spend the time and necessary wealth to actually lift them up.
As Christians, we are obligated to these two rules, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." and "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."

When the lawyer asked what he should do to inherit eternal life, Jesus instructed him to do these two things. Because grace had not yet come, the instructions to the lawyer were given in accordance with the Law of Moses. However, we the saved, being the beneficiaries of grace, since the sacrifice of Christ, are bound to practice those same instructions as a confirmation of our faith.~~

(Lesson 214)(03-10-12) Luke 11:1-13, "And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you, 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. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"

In today's lesson, Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray by providing an example. The example we have come to know as the "Lord's Prayer".

Jesus also demonstrates the wonderful love of God by drawing a parallel to the limited love of an earthly Father, bound by inherent sin, and the unencumbered love of our heavenly Father.
As Jesus implied, most of us, as parents, provide for the needs of our children as best we can while bearing the limitations of this sinful human body. Jesus demonstrated that opposed to the limited love of an earthly father, the amazing grace and love of God the Father, is not bound by the prejudice of sin, is limitless, and free for those who will only accept it.~~

(Lesson 215)(03-11-12) Luke 11:14-28, "And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils. And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it."

Some among those who had witnessed Jesus casting out devils accused Him of being an angel of Beelzebub. In studying Jesus' response to them, we must again remember that those of whom Jesus spoke, were Jews. This is important because the things he said were pointed to a people who were supposed to be accepting of Christ and His message but whom, in reality, had rejected both Him, and His message. This is why Jesus spoke of a house divided against itself. He was saying that some of the Jews were open to His gospel, while the majority, along with their leadership, stood against Him. When He said, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.", Jesus was foretelling, because of their unbelief, the downfall of the Jewish nation.

Jesus was also making it clear that it would be self-defeating for Satan to attempt to use the goodness of God to accomplish his own evil ends, and likewise it would be self-destructive for Jesus to use the evils of Satan to bring the willing children to His kingdom.

At the end of this lesson, when a woman blessed the womb that carried the Son of God, Jesus said, "Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it."~~

(lesson 216)(03-12-12) Luke 11:29-36, "And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet. For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light."

In this lesson, Jesus makes it clear that he is, again, speaking to the Jews of that day when he said, "This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet." Jesus explains that just as Jonas was the only warning for the people of Nineve, so would His message, and that of John the Baptist, be the only warning for their generation. The time of Israel's redemption was at hand, and Jesus wanted them all to put away their doubts and spread the good news if its coming.

He tells this group, more or less, that they should be shouting His presence from the housetops and helping Him prepare the Jewish nation for the coming of their savior. But instead, and because of their inherent sinful nature, they challenged His authenticity and plotted to destroy Him.~~

(Lesson 217)(03-13-12) Luke 11:37-44,"And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat. And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner. And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you. But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them."

In this lesson, Jesus berates the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocricical ways, and He warns them of their coming judgement.~~

(Lesson 218)(03-14-12) Luke 11:45-54, "Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also. And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres. Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation. Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered. And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things: Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him."

This lesson should have been added to yesterday's, since they both deal with the same issues. Jesus condemns also the lawyers for their part in the ultimate betrayal and destruction of Isreael.
Much like so many "Christians" today, the scribes, Pharisees, and lawyers, while carefully attending to the superficial, ignore the real needs of the Church.

It is well beyond time that Christianity gets away from the pomp and ritual, pulls together toward fulfilling the most important instructions Jesus gave us, those being, Matt. 22:37-39, 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 thy neighbour as thyself. and Matt. 28:19-20,"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 alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen".~~

(Lesson 219)(03-14-12) Luke 12:1-7 "In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows."

Jesus tells the faithful to beware of the hypocrite, and not to be poisoned by their deception. God sees all things and knows the innermost thoughts of everyone. God knows who the hypocrites are, Rev. 2:13, I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, EVEN WHERE SATANS SEAT IS: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.".

Again, this lesson applies, very much, to today's Christian. There are many who meticulously attend to the pointless pomp and ritual, never missing an opportunity flaunt their self-determined righteousness while, in reality, their hearts are as dark as night.

It is our challenge to root out the influence of the hypocrites and to teach the true doctrine of Jesus Christ.~~

(Lesson 220)(03-16-12) Luke 12:8-12, "Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven. And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say."

In this lesson, Jesus tells of the one sin that can condemn a soul to eternal damnation, that sin being the blasphemy, or rejection, of the Holy Ghost. You might wonder why I say that blasphemy and rejection are one in the same. If one rejects the Holy Ghost (refuses salvation), that one rises against it, and thereby casts blasphemies against it.

Jesus says we can be forgiven for speaking ill of Him, and that's totally understandable because, until He ascended to the Father, Jesus was a mortal man, albeit, the Son of God. The Holy Ghost, however, is the spirit, the very essence of God the Father.

Unlike we today, the disciples, of Jesus' time, didn't have a written bible to refer to when teaching the gospel. Therefore, Jesus assured them that they needed nothing to help them remember, they would have the Holy Ghost to teach them what to say as they spoke.

We, today, can rely on that same power, plus we have the written word.~~

(Lesson 221)(03-17-12) Luke 12:13-21, "And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

Disobedience of the principle Jesus teaches in this lesson is the prime, or sole, cause for the condition this world is in today.
There are so many, worldwide, who go to bed, or to sleep on the ground hungry every night and who live in constant danger of losing their very existence, while an elite few gather all the wealth and glut themselves, then hoard what's left into storage "barns".
God has blessed the USA with an incredible amount of wealth, yet even here, millions have far less than they need for a safe, simple existence.

We should all hit our knees and stay down, rising only to teach the gospel of Jesus crucified, until God, in His mercy, sends His son to take over and end the reign of greed that has so nearly consumed us all. ~~

(Lesson 222)(03-18-12) Luke 12:22-34, "And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

This lesson is one of the sweetest in the whole New Testament to those of us who know salvation. Herein, Jesus assures, those of us who trust Him, that we needn't worry about anything. He tells us that through faith, God will provide for all our needs, a hundred times over.
There is great comfort in this bit of knowledge.~~

(Lesson 223)(03-19-12) Luke 12:35-40, "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."

It should be noted that this lesson was being taught to the Jewish nation, and was a forewarning to the Jews that the law of Moses, and all things spiritual, were about to make a drastic change. Jesus was giving these people a heads up, and prior notice, that the things they had been taught all their lives was about to be uprooted, and replaced with the new law of grace.

Likewise, this lesson applies, very well, to Christianity today. Just as the Jews were to keep their eyes open for the change, we are to keep our eyes skyward and be vigilant in watching for the second coming of our Redeemer.~~

(Lesson 224)(03-20-12) Luke 12:41-48, "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."

Again, this lesson is given primarily to the Jewish nation prior the the coming of the law of grace, but also relates the wonderful promises made to those who diligently seek the second coming of Jesus today.

This lesson is also a warning to those who continue to ignore the gospel, neglect to acknowledge the signs of His coming, and are caught without having accepted His saving grace. ~~

(Lesson 225)(03-21-12) Luke 12:49-59, "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! 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 this lesson, Jesus tells of His purpose. He says His mission is not to bring peace and unity to the Jewish people, but to tear apart traditional thinking among the Jews. He says there will be some who will accept His new law, and others who will adhere to the old, thereby splitting families and friendships.

It behooves us to make note that Jesus uses a variation of the term "baptism" twice in verse 50. It is very obvious that He is NOT referring to a water immersion, or water baptism, since, at this point, He had already been baptized in water by John the Baptist. Jesus is obviously referring to His upcoming sacrificial ordeal, His death, burial and resurrection, the action by which He will bind and solidify His new law of grace through faith.

When Jesus said, "how am I straitened till it be accomplished!", He was telling His listeners that His purpose could not be complete until He had accomplished that 'straitening' baptism.

Jesus went on to ridicule those who refused to see the change coming. He warned that their lack of proper judgment would lead to their downfall.~~

(Lesson 226)(03-22-12) Luke 13:1-9, "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. He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down."

Jesus warns the Jewish disciples that they are no better than anyone else, that the wrath of God won't spare them just because they are Jews.

He then presents the parable of the baron fig tree. In that parable, Jesus represents Himself as the dresser of the vineyard and the Israelites as the tree

Jesus persuades the Father to allow the tree one more chance, He promises to cultivate it and provide one more chance for those Israelites to repent and prepare for the coming of the new law of grace.~~

(Lesson 227)(03-23-12) Luke 13:10-21, "And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day. The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering? And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him. Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it. And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened."

Herein, Jesus heals the woman, and is chastised by the ruler of the synagogue. Jesus scorned the priest and told him He was justified for healing the woman within the law.

In the final portion of this lesson, Jesus explains how His Church will grow and expand as His word becomes known after His, soul-saving, sacrificial ordeal.~~

(Lesson 228)(03-24-12) Luke 13:22-30, "And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last."

In this lesson, Jesus again warns that time is running out for the people of Israel to repent and accept the coming of the Messiah.

This same warning applies equally today. The continuing warning is here for all who will continue to deny the saving grace of God. Once Jesus closes the door to salvation, it's too late, there will be NO second chance.

When Jesus says "there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.", He is referring to His giving of His Church to the Gentiles.

The Jews, His "first" chosen, rejected Him and became "last", and "the last", the Gentiles who were originally discounted by God, accepted the gospel, and thereby became, "the first".

This may seem complicated to some, but in reality, it is pretty simple. Jesus made it pretty plain, when He said", when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.", He was talking about those Jews of old, who had, by faith, accepted that a Messiah (Jesus) would eventually come and assure their salvation.

When Jesus said, "And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.", He was referring to the Gentiles who would come from all over the earth to inherit His kingdom, and join the faithful Jews as heirs to his kingdom of God, the Church.~~

(Lesson 229)(03-25-12) Luke 13:31-35, "The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee.
And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.
Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord."

This lesson tells of the warning coming from Herod, and how Jesus responded by declaring that He had a mission to accomplish (His soul saving sacrifice), and would not leave until He had finished it.

Jesus tells His followers (Jerusalem) of His willingness to protect them if only they had accepted Him, and again warns of their coming destruction.~~

(Lesson 230)(03-26-12) Luke 14:1-10, "And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him. And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy. And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go; And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day? And they could not answer him again to these things. And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee."

This is another one of my favorite lessons, and a truly great one considering todays state of religious affairs.
Jesus makes a very good point with the parable He put forth. He makes it clear that if one considers Him/herself to be above all others, there can be no further uplifting. However, if one considers oneself to be lower than all others, there is all kind of room to be lifted up.

There are many Churches today, where no matter how small the attendance, Within minutes of opening the doors, all the good seats are always taken.~~

(Lesson 231)(03-27-12) Luke 14:11-24, "For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper."

In this lesson Jesus warns that those who exalt themselves will be brought down and put in their proper places at the bottom of the pile. On the other hand, those who humble themselves, and put aside the things of this earth while serving the perfect will of God, will be rewarded many times over, both here on earth, and in heaven.

The parable of the feast, is representative of Jesus' invitation to God's chosen, the Jews, to take part in His plan, (The coming of His Church and salvation by grace through faith), The Jews, straightway rejected it. Therefore, and because His chosen people had refused Him, Jesus then offered His saving plan to the Gentiles, the poorest of the people. Thereby filling His hypothetical house and table with guests.~~

This lesson teaches the followers of Christ that humility is all important, and that there are NONE, within the Church, who sit in authority over others.~~

(Lesson 232)(03-28-12) Luke 14:26-35, "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."

Jesus makes it very clear, in this lesson, that those of us who choose to follow Him must put His work above all else in our lives. That, to some, seems to be an insurmountable task, however in reality, it is extremely easy. Through His abundant grace, God freely provides every thing we need to accomplish anything if we only abide by His simple rule of faith. The scriptural text that best explains this principle is Romans 4:1-8, "What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin."

This scripture clearly explains that the things required for assured salvation, and an ongoing relationship with God, are all accomplished through faith, and NOT the physical efforts we might make on our own. Our obedience to the law is guaranteed through faith in the operation of God, that operation being, the sacrifice of His only begotten Son for the remission of all sin.~~

(Lesson 233)(03-29-12) Luke 15:1-10, "Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."

Within these ten verses, Jesus makes it clear that one lost soul is of far greater importance to him than countless numbers of those who are saved.

We should learn from this that it is very important to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to every lost soul who wishes to hear it.

In my opinion, too much Christian time is literally wasted teaching the exact same things to the exact same faces two, three, four or even five times a week. Jesus said in Matt. 28:19 in part, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,". Again, in my opinion, this does NOT mean for us to park ourselves in the same pew week after week, relying on others to do the footwork the Lord has charged all of us to participate in.

Again, I am NOT, by what I've said here, condemning those who faithfully attend Church. To the contrary, I believe those who are unable to participate in spreading the gospel by any other means, by all means, should assemble themselves together to uplift and edify those who are capable of taking the word to the masses.

We all have our calling, 1 Cor. 12:28, "And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues."~~

(Lesson 234)(03-30-12) Luke 15:11-32, "And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found."

There is a no more beautiful story told, than this parable Jesus presented to His disciples.

The parable of the prodigal son clearly demonstrates the substance of yesterday's lesson. One lost soul should command more attention from the children of God than all of the saved added together.

If only we all, as Billy said yesterday, pulled together, we could get the true gospel to more of those who so desperately seek it.

I believe that all of us, who represent the Church, should educate ourselves in God's word so as to be able to answer any question a lost soul might ask. We should also pray for, and support those who work the mission fields all over the world. 2 Timothy 2:15, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."~~

(Lesson 235)(03-31-12) Luke 16:1-13, "And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward. Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses. So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord? And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty. Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore. And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."

This parable teaches us that those who will be dishonest when entrusted with little things, will be even more dishonest when entrusted with the larger. We encounter evidence of this truth almost every day of our lives.

What a wonderful world this would be if only we were all honest, and always looking out for the welfare of others, all of the time.~~

(Lesson 236)(04-01-12) Luke 16:14-31, "And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail. Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery. There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead."

In the first portion of this lesson, Jesus tells the Jewish leadership that the teaching of, and preparation for His Church began with the teachings of John the baptist, "The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it."

In the second portion, and in my opinion, there is no better prediction of the ultimate end for those whom are consumed by greed, than the parable of "The rich man and Lazarus".

If we spend all our time and energy worrying about our worldly wealth, we have no time left for the things necessary to living a Christian life.

That is NOT to say that one cannot be a Christian and be wealthy at the same time, as a matter of fact, God guarantees wealth to those who have enough faith in Him, and who will faithfully abide in His will.

It is simply that, in most instances when given a choice between wealth and taking a lead role in the spreading of the gospel, wealth almost invariably wins. This is what prompted Jesus to say, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."(Luke 12:25).

I have experienced what having money does to some, first hand. There was a time in my own life when I had more money than I had ever dreamed of having. I can honestly say, that was the most miserable time of my life. During that time, I was far more concerned with my own worldly gratification, than with being the witness for the gospel of Christ, that I should have been. I thank God that He slapped me back down and headed me in the right direction.

There was absolutely nothing wrong with having the money, but I proved to myself that I am too spiritually weak to handle both obligations, as are so many others.
Now I am not only spiritually more at peace in the grace of God, but also, more financially secure because of it, not rich by any means, but more secure.~~

(Lesson 237)(04-02-12) Luke 17:1-10, "Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do."

In this lesson, Jesus clearly demonstrates how we, as Christians, should treat one another. There is NO limit on the number of times we are to forgive those who would offend us. We are to always think first of others, then of ourselves.

Jesus also gives us another example of the power of faith, He said, " If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you."

My advise concerning this statement is, don't take from this that the faith of a grain of mustard seed is a small amount of faith, to the contrary, the faith of a mustard seed is infinite. What Jesus is telling His disciples, is that if their faith is absolute, and total, they can command the tree to move and it will do so. That same rule applies to us today, if we only believe, we can accomplish anything through faith.~~

(Lesson 238)(04-03-12) Luke 17:11-19, "And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole."

In this lesson, Jesus heals ten lepers, only the Samaritan returned to give thanks to God for what Jesus had done. God's own chosen people, the Jews, took the miracle for granted and walked away, offering no gesture of gratitude.

When some are gravely injured or have a loved one to die, we often hear the question, "how could God allow something horrible like this to happen. In asking such a question, we show ourselves to be just like the ungrateful Jews, so many of us take for granted every good thing that happens to us, then blame God for the bad in our lives.

We must remember that there is no injustice in God, all things belong to Him, all "goodness" comes from His grace, we are the ones who must abide by His simple rules.

Put your all on the altar of faith, practice forgiveness, receive His grace, and there will be nothing to burdensome to overcome.~~

(Lesson 239)(04-04-12) Luke 17:20-30, "And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it. And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them. For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation. And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed."

There are those who believe this lesson has some reference to the second coming of Christ, I don't believe that is exclusively the case, although it can, very easily, apply in that case also. I believe Jesus is making the point that His Church will NOT simply explode into existence as some would have us believe happened during the celebration of Pentecost. I believe Jesus was implying that the Church (The kingdom of God) would grow slowly from the seeds He planted with His Apostles and other faithful disciples during the time of His ministry. Jesus said, "The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it. And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them." During that time, wherever Jesus was, there was His Church, but after His death, the Church was not so readily identifiable.

I believe this can be taken as a warning, from Jesus to His disciples, against the likes of Roman Catholicism and (today) Mormonism. Jesus was warning His followers not to take off after all manner of isms, or someone simply claiming to be of His Church. The Church, in it's infancy, was made up of relatively few Christians. As the gospel spread throughout the region, and the world, the true Church also spread and grew. Jesus said, "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." Jesus was telling His followers that the Church was within each of them, it was within their basic beliefs and faith in His true doctrine, and was not obviously recognizable as an organized institution.

We must remember that, by most accounts, the earliest written portion of the New Testament was done about forty years after Jesus' death. For the most part, all information concerning the Church and its reach, during that time, was in letters of correspondence between groups (Churches) and the memory of the Christians of that day.

From this lesson, we today, can learn that there is but ONE true gospel. It is the duty of all of us, who are saved by the grace of God, and are members of His true Church, to see to it that His word, untarnished, is spread throughout the world.~~

(Lesson 240)(04-05-12) Luke 17:31-37, "In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. Remember Lot's wife. Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together."

Although these verses clearly describe events that will occur at the time of the rapture, I believe it can also, and rightfully, be determined that Jesus is talking about how the Jewish nation will react to, and become split by, the coming of His Church.

We must remember that to the Hebrew people, during that time, the law of Moses was the ONLY legitimate spiritual standard. The sudden change to Christianity would have caused a major upheaval among the people. I believe that upheaval is what Jesus is referring to in this lesson. ~~

(Lesson 241)(04-06-12) Luke 18:1-14, "And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

In the first portion of this lesson, Jesus tells His followers that God's wrath will be swift against those who would abuse His own. Then Jesus asks, "Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?"

Are we faithful to pray for help with those things that trouble us, and do we have faith enough that God will answer our prayers?

In the second portion of this lesson Jesus presents the parable of the Pharisee, and the Publican. This is another one of my favorite lessons. The self-righteous Pharisee considers himself to be above sin. The Publican realizes that he is consumed by sin, and simply asks forgiveness.

This is another example of a great many of today's "Christians". They smugly overlook their own shortcomings while being stiff necked toward those who realize, and admit, they are nothing without the righteousness of Jesus Christ, that through faith, is imputed into them.~~

(Lesson 242)(04-07-12) Luke 18:15-30,"And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!" For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting."

Jesus first tells His disciples to always allow children to come to Him, and referring to children, He made the point that, unless the lost put away their presuppositions about eternal salvation under the Law of Moses, and start all over again with His new law of grace through faith, re-learning it all as with the mind of a child, they could not comprehend, or enter, the kingdom of God.

My synopsis can be verified by what Jesus said to the ruler. Jesus first made the point that all goodness comes from God, when He said, "Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God." Jesus was telling the man that righteousness could not be obtained by obedience to the law, it had to come from acceptance of, or faith in the grace of God the Father, through the sacrificial ordeal of the Son.

Jesus was also saying that the ruler probably would not understand what He was teaching unless he had the clear mind of a child to rationalize the full meaning of His message that would be made clearer, after His death, burial, and resurrection. Therefore, Jesus said the following, "Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.", meaning that the man would have to renounce his beliefs and learn to believe, from the beginning, as a child learns the things of life.

When Jesus said, " For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.", He knew it would be very difficult for the rich, who feel they have no great earthly need, to understand that they are direly lacking in spiritual knowledge of the law of faith necessary to accomplish eternal salvation.

Jesus again promises untold wealth to those who believe in Him, both here on earth, and in heaven.~~

(Lesson 243)(04-08-12) Luke 18:31-43, "Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken. And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God."

In this lesson, Jesus separates His chosen twelve from the other disciples and forewarns them of His upcoming sacrificial ordeal. After He had told them, this text makes it clear that the twelve did not yet understand what Jesus meant. Jesus knew they would gain understanding with the coming of the Holy Spirit after He had ascended, John 14:26, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

It is hard for some to understand that the concept of God's plan for the salvation of those who would accept Him, was deliberately kept from the disciples of Jesus, to be revealed only after His death, burial and resurrection. One must remember that John the Baptist, Jesus, and the twelve apostles, all taught of the coming of the savior, knowing that salvation could not be understood and would not come until Jesus had performed His divine task for the remission of all sin. This is a part of the "operation of God" mentioned in Col. 2:12, "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.".

In the latter portion of this lesson Jesus gives sight to a blind man, assuring him that his faith had saved him.~~

(Lesson 244)(04-09-12) Luke 19:1-28, "And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem."

There is much more to this lesson than the story of "little Zaccheaus" climbing a tree to see Jesus.

This lesson is best understood realizing that Zaccheaus, a Publican tax collector despised by most of the Jewish people was, unlike most of them, a devout God fearing Jew, "Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Jesus was referring to Zaccheaus' actions, under the law, when He presented "the parable of the nobleman". He was praising Zaccheaus for his keeping of the fundamentals of the law, and his fairness toward his brethren. Jesus then told Zaccheaus, "This day is salvation come to this house", implying to Zaccheaus that his Messiah was, at last, there with him. When Jesus said He had, "come to seek and to save that which was lost", He was singling out Zacchaeus as representative of those workers whom He had come to save, those who trusted God, and who go about their daily lives in a fair and forgiving manner.

Jesus, presenting the parable, outlined the consequences set apart for those hypocrites who, considering themselves above sin, had turned their backs on God.

Jesus went on, through the parabel, to warn the Jews that in the end, to those who had much (faith), (like Zacchaeus), more would be given, and from those who had little, (the Pharisees and Sadducees) all would be taken.

The direct lesson to us is that there is NO goodness except that which comes from the love of God.~

(Lesson 245)(04-10-12) Luke 19:29-40, "And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither. And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him. And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them. And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt? And they said, The Lord hath need of him. And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon. And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

This lesson is Luke's account of the grand entry Jesus made in to Jerusalem in preparation for His sacrificial ordeal, fulfilling Old Testament prophesy.

Would we, today, be so inclined to celebrate our savior's triumphant homecoming, as His disciples did then?~~

(Lesson 246)(04-11-12) Luke 19:41-48, "And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation. And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought; Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves. And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him, And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him."

This lesson tells us that when Jesus saw Jerusalem, He cried knowing, in advance, what was going to happen to His beloved Jewish brethren and their city, soon after His ordeal was completed. It is historical fact, soon after Jesus ascended, Rome destroyed and ransacked Jerusalem, just as Jesus had promised.

This lesson also tells of Jesus' entry into the temple, and how He threw out those who wrongfully used it.

What Jesus did in the temple that day greatly agitated the Hebrew high priests, and is one of the things that started the ball rolling toward His ultimate, soul saving, ordeal on the cross.

The majority of these events confirmed old testament prophesy.~~

(Lesson 247)(04-12-12) Luke 20:1-18, "And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders, And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority? And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me: The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not? But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet. And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was. And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things. Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time. And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty. And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty. And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out. Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him. But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours. So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them? He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it, they said, God forbid. And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder."

In this lesson, Jesus refuses to tell the Jewish high priests by what authority He preached. Instead He compared His message to that of John the Baptist, knowing that they were afraid to ridicule John before the people.

Jesus then related the parable of the vineyard. The first three men, the vineyard owner sent to the husbandmen, represent the old testament prophets of God that were sent to, and rejected by, the Jewish people. The fourth, the owners son, represented Jesus, the Son of God. As we know, He too was rejected and crucified by God's chosen people, the Jews.

Jesus went on to warn of the consequences the Jews would suffer for their rejection of Himself and God's truth.

NOTE: The phrase, "The baptism of John", as it appears in the first portion of this lesson, is referring to John's overall message, not the water immersions he performed.~

(Lesson 248)(04-13-12) Luke 20:19-26, "And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them. And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor. And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly: Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no? But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me? Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's. And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's. And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace."

In this lesson, the high priests and scribes tried to cause Jesus to make a legal slip so they could bring Him before the governor. Again, He saw through their scheme and gave an answer they could not refute. Jesus simply said that it was the obligation of the Jewish people to pay their taxes to the Roman authority. He did this by saying that the money ultimately belonged to the Romans anyway. It was not issued by God, therefore, it was not owed to God.~

(Lesson 249)(04-14-12) Luke 20:27-47, "Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him, Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children. And the second took her to wife, and he died childless. And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died. Last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife. And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him. Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said. And after that they durst not ask him any question at all. And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David's son? And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies thy footstool. David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son? Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples, Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation."

In this lesson, Jesus makes it clear that, in heaven, there will be no marriages, nor will earthly marriages be recognized.

This lesson also tells the disciples that when those who are saved reach heaven, they will be become as angels, independent of one another.

Later in this text, Jesus explained how, even though David existed long before, Jesus Himself was born to Mary in the flesh, Jesus in the spirit, had appeared during the time of David, He was David's Lord, sitting at the right hand of the Father. This may be confusing to some :), however it simply means that Jesus, in spirit, has been from the beginning, He only came in the flesh to provide a means of salvation to all of mankind, long after David had died.

The very last part of this text warns the disciples of Christ not to be dragged into, or fooled by, the hypocrisy of those who choose to wear pompous robes and who make a great pretense of their religious devotion.

Does these descriptions apply to any one, or any religious group you might know of today?

(Lesson 250)(04-15-12) Luke 21:1-4, "And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had."

In my opinion, this lesson is directly aimed at almost the entirety of today's "Christianity".

In almost every Church, two or three times a week, we see generally the same faces and the same hands dropping the same pittance into a collection plate.

We should NEVER be guilty of thinking that giving a small portion of our wealth will suffice for fulfilling our responsibility toward the spreading of God's word, and the expansion of His Church.

I am convinced that if we truly believe in the gospel of Christ, and if we believe that giving of our wealth is scripturally implied, and if we are going to make the pretense of following that belief, we should dedicate much much more of ourselves and our wealth, just as the widow did.

We, as Christians should always remember, God is in control of the entirety of all existence, He don't need our money. However, He does demand our faith and trust.

When we consider giving, it should never be limited by anything other than the needs of those to whom we are giving. We should maintain enough faith in God that He will, as He promised, restore every thing we give, with a loving heart, a hundred times over.

I am convinced that giving of our wealth to build a more comfortable place from which to make a pretense of worship, as some do, is not what Jesus had in mind.~~

(Lesson 251)(04-16-12) Luke 21:5-9, "And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.

In my opinion, Luke describes the events of this series of lessons with a clarity that is not provided by Matthew, or Mark. Luke's account makes it much easier to determine to whom these teachings are directly, and indirectly, intended.

Although later in this text, events leading up to the return of Christ and the end of time as we know it, are discussed, this particular lesson deals with warning the Jews of the coming Roman devastation of Jerusalem.

This lesson begins when one of the disciples draws attention to the beauty of the temple and its expensive adornment, Jesus immediately makes it clear that the temple, no matter the beautiful adornment, is just a building, and will very soon be destroyed leaving no stone upright.

Jesus clearly explains that the destruction of the temple is not a sign of the end time, but rather the onset of the scattering of the Jewish people, "But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by." Jesus, more or less, told them that even though the Romans had destroyed the temple and scattered the Jews, it was no a sign of the end times.

The Roman persecution and the destruction of the temple were only part of a chain of events that must occur. Jesus explains that His disciples are to hold firm to their faith during the turmoil, and not allow themselves to be led astray by bad men proclaiming themselves to be the Messiah.

Although those of us who believe need no proof, Ancient history tells us that those events occurred just as Jesus said they would, including the rising of false messiahs. ~~

(Lesson 252)(04-17-12) Luke 21:10-38, "Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls. And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives. And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him."

This lesson is secondary to, and an extension of yesterday's this portion of Luke's text clearly defines the signs of the second coming of Jesus Christ as well as the destruction of Israel.

Jesus tells us in the parable how we can know, the time of His coming is near, by the apparent signs.

I am convinced, as have been many before me :), the time is ripe.~~

(Lesson 253)(04-18-12) Luke 22:1-6, "Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude."

This lesson explains how Judas, who to this point, had been a loyal disciple, was allowed to be twisted by Satan, betraying Jesus to the hands of those who would crucify Him.

Its hard not to blame Judas for betraying Jesus, as many do, knowing that Judas was a very important part of God's plan to grant soul redeeming grace to the rest of us through the death, burial and resurrection of our Savior. Had Judas not done what he did, and God had not set up some other means, we would have no redemption from sin. I pray Judas found that redemption for himself after the horrible thing he had to do.~~

(Lesson 254)(04-19-12) Luke 22:7-23, "Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare? And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed! And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing."

In this lesson, Jesus and His twelve apostles obey God's law by partaking of the Passover meal.

The meal is now referred to as "communion","the last supper" or "the Lord's supper", is a part of Jewish law and tradition stemming from a direct commandment from God through Moses and Aaron to the people of Israel. Eating this meal in celebration of Passover was, and still is, a requirement of devout Jews under the law, and is to be practiced by the children of Israel forever.

NOTE: Exodus 12:1-14, "And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you. Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof. And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire. And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD's passover. For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever."~~

(Lesson 255)(04-20-12) Luke 22:24-32, "And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth. Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."

In this lesson, Jesus, hearing the argument between the Apostles, as to who would be the leader, said, "he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve". This means that, in Christ's Church, there is no one in authority over the others. Jesus even classified Himself as a servant of the Church.

This text pretty much debunks the notion of a papal authority put forth by Roman Catholicism.

Jesus also designated the Apostles as judges over the twelve tribes of Israel.

Jesus, talking to Peter, said, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." Through His prayer, Jesus gave Peter divine strengthening of faith, knowledge, and wisdom, to teach the other Apostles and keep them together, until the coming of the Holy Ghost.~

(Lesson 256)(04-21-12) Luke 22:33-38, "And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough."

In this lesson, after Peter had told Jesus how faithful he would be, Jesus told Peter that he would betray Him three times before the night was over.
I believe, that with the reference to the scrip and sword, Jesus was telling His Apostles that they would be on their own until He could rise from the dead, completing His sacrificial ordeal, and ascend to the Father to be replaced by His Holy Spirit. ~~

(Lesson 257)(04-22-12) Luke 22:39-46, "And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation."

This lesson tells us of the horrible dread that came over our savior as He contemplated His coming crucifixion, even after the angel comforted Him. Through His mental agony, Jesus was still concerned with the faith of those Apostles that were there with Him.

We must remember, Jesus, even though He was, and is, the Son of God was at that time still in His human body. That body suffered pain and mental anguish just like we do today. What a wonderful, wonderful savior is Jesus Christ my Lord!~~

(Lesson 258)(04-23-12) Luke 22:47-62, "And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly."

In this lesson Peter demonstrates how easily he betrayed Jesus after promising to stay with Him until the end.
This is a lesson from which we should all learn that at some time in our life all of us come to a place where we must either choose Christ and His saving power, or reject Him and lose everything, even our very souls.
I have never been able to understand how anyone could turn their back on the eternal salvation Jesus bought and paid for with His life.

All we need to do to get it, is put our trust in Him.~~

(Lesson 259)(04-24-12) Luke 22:63-71, "And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him. And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee? And many other things blasphemously spake they against him. And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying, Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe: And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go. Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am. And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth."

This lesson tells of the horrible treatment Jesus received just prior to His being condemned to death and the ordeal that would provide eternal salvation to the world by remitting all sin for those who would only believe.
As sad as these events appear from an emotional point of view, just imagine what a fix we would be in had they not occurred.~~

(Lesson 260)(04-25-12) Luke 23:1-25, "And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King. And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it. Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man. And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place. When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean. And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time. And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate. And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves. And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. I will therefore chastise him, and release him. (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.) And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.) Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go. And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed. And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required. And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will."

This lesson tells how the entire Jewish hierarchy turned their backs on Jesus and demanded that He be crucified, even after both Pilate and Herod, had found Him innocent of any wrong doing.

Again, we can take comfort in that He went through all the suffering for us, "John 1:14, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."
Sadly, His torture and death was a necessary part of God's plan.~~

(Lesson 261)(04-26-12) Luke 23:26-31, "And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus. And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children. For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us. For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?"

Jesus, even through His suffering, warned the people of the coming fall of Israel. He was telling them that there would be even more suffering to come to His people, the Jews.~~

(Lesson 262)(04-27-12) Luke 23:32-43, "And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise."

This lesson is Luke's account of the crucifixion of our savior, and how He was humiliated by, both His own Jewish people, and the Roman soldiers. In the latter portion, Jesus assures the thief being crucified with Him, that His salvation is secure, demonstrating that it is never too late for the lost to seek salvation.~~

(Lesson 263)(04-28-12) Luke 23:44-56, "And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned. And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things. And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counseller; and he was a good man, and a just: (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid. And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.

This lesson is a continuance of the crucifixion of our savior. There must have been a horrible feeling of forboding among those who had just crucified the only perfect human being who ever lived, the only begotten Son of the living God.

(Lesson 264)(04-29-12) Luke 24:1-34, "Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass. And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass therein these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon."

"HE IS RISEN!" The most wonderful words ever spoken! There is no more that needs to be said about that glorious event.~~

(Lesson 265)(03-30-12) Luke 34:35-44, "And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread. And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them. And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me."

In this lesson, Jesus proves Himself to be risen to His doubting disciples. He also fulfills the promise He made to His Apostles as they ate the Passover meal, Matt. 26:29, "But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."

This lesson, again, proves that the Church, (kingdom) was in existence before Pentecost.

Jesus also confirms that, as prophesied, the Law of Moses was fulfilled upon the completion of His death, burial, and resurrection.~~

(Lesson 266)(05-01-12) Luke 24:44-53, "Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen."

Herein Jesus opens the minds of His Apostles and gives them understanding of His purpose and those things that could not be disclosed to them during His ministry. The mystery of eternal salvation was finally disclosed to them. Jesus proclaimed that He was, indeed the Son of God, the prophesied salvation that had finally come through the completion of His Godly mission.

This lesson clarifies, and confirms, the commentary I made earlier in this series, concerning the teachings of John the Baptist, Jesus, the original twelve Apostles, and finally the seventy two other disciples sent out by Jesus. Their message was not directly a means through which eternal salvation would immediately come, nor were their revealed teachings so much a pattern for Christian life as it was a means of conversion for the Jews, the message was to prepare the nation of Israel for the coming of the Messiah and the building of His Church. Salvation by grace through faith, could not be taught, as such, until Jesus had completed His divinely appointed sacrifice for sin.

Had salvation by grace been directly taught, Jesus and the others would have been in violation of the law God handed down to Moses. We know Jesus did not violate that law because He died as the only perfect human being to have ever lived.

In the final part of this text, Jesus promises to send the Holy Ghost to further empower His Apostles, "And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."
The overlying lesson here is that we shouldn't try to teach salvation by grace, using only those teachings put forth in the earliest part of the four gospels, seeing that Jesus did not reveal the entire plan of eternal salvation until He had completed His sacrificial ordeal.~~

(Lesson 267)(05-02-12) John 1:1-14, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."

This lesson begins the testament of St. John The Divine concerning the coming, and actions, of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

I love the way John writes and the forthrightness of his technique, John leaves no room for doubt as to who Jesus was and is.

John gives glowing recognition of our Lord and explains how He came to give us sufficient power to become brothers and sisters to Jesus in His kingdom, the Church, "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:".

Salvation is so very simple! One must only believe to become the son/daughter of God!
How has Satan managed to so distort this simple message to a point that millions, the world over, believe they must be perfect in the flesh to inherit eternal salvation?~~

(Lesson 268)(05-03-12) John 1:15-17, "John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ."

I don't believe I ever met a person, claiming to be a Christian, that would try to refute the fact that eternal salvation comes by grace. There are many, however, who will try to make one believe that one must work to earn that grace. Some say also that one must maintain perfection in the flesh throughout their entire life to keep it. Nothing could be further from the truth, as Paul wrote in Romans "4:4-5, "Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." Acts 13-39, "And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses." Righteousness is a complete absence of sin. If one already has an absolute absence of sin, he/she need not work to achieve it.
This short lesson very definitely, refutes the notion that eternal salvation requires anything more than faith in Jesus Christ.
John, very clearly says, "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." The law demanded perfection in the flesh, just as the Apostle Paul said, grace does not! One cannot earn grace, it is very clearly a gift from God the Father through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ His only begotten Son!~~

(Lesson 269)(5-04-12) John 1:18-27, "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose."

In this lesson John, re-confirms that the message of John the Baptist was, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias."
John the Baptist was not sent to preach the message of eternal salvation, he was sent to preach the coming of Christ, and administer traditional Jewish water baptisms to those Jews who would believe that Jesus was the Messiah.~~

(Lesson 270)(05-05-12) John 1:28-34, "These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God."

Herein, John the Baptist is approached by Jesus and instantly recognizes Him and refers to Him as the "Lamb of God", who's coming was prophesied in the old testament. John tells his disciples that the coming of Jesus is the only reason for his ministry, and informs them that his performing ritual water baptism was simply to prepare men of Israel, who would hear him, for the soul saving baptism that would be offered through Jesus Himself.

It forever amazes me that the vast majority of those calling themselves "Christian" still split their faith by believing one must be baptized in water to inherit eternal life when the ultimate baptizer, John the Baptist clearly says that Jesus provided the baptism by which one must be saved.

In order to be eternally saved one must put 100% of their faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the remittance of their sins, one cannot put half in a water baptism and the other half in Jesus.~~

(Lesson 271)(05-06-12) John 1:35-51, "Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man."

In this lesson John gives a different accounting of the way Jesus selected His twelve Apostles than did the others. It is my belief that the method Jesus used to select them matters very little in the overall testament of our savior.

In the latter portion of this lesson, Jesus assures Nathanael that he will have seen many miracles before His time on earth is finished.~~

(Lesson 272)(05-07-12) John 2:1-11, "And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him."

This lesson tells of the miracle of the "water to wine", which, according to John, was one of the first miracles Jesus performed.~~

(Lesson 273)(05-08-12) John 2:12-25, "After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days. And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man."

In this lesson Jesus enters the temple and cleans out the traders and money changers who had defiled the temple. Explaining why He threw them out, He also foretold His death, burial and resurrection, but none understood what He meant, they thought He was referring to the destruction of the temple building.

Knowing their hearts, Jesus did not attach Himself to those who believed Him only because of the miracles He performed.

He knew all along how we are, thank God He gave us salvation anyway!~~

(Lesson 274)(05-09-12) John 3:1-7, "There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again."

This lesson is very important in that the vast majority of religious doctrines, claiming to be Christian, profess to believe Jesus was referring to a water immersion when He said, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.". Nothing, however, could be further from the truth. The context in which that statement was made will not allow it to be referring to an immersion into water as a rebirth.

The "water" birth, referred to here by Jesus, is clearly the natural, physical birth. The mother's "water" breaks with each physical birth.

Jesus said, "Except a man be born again". This statement using the word "again" implies only two births, not the three, 'except a man be born again and again', that would be required if water "baptism" were to be counted among them. If Jesus had been referring to water immersion, or baptism, one would need be, first physically born, then born again of "water" then again, born of the spirit. Clearly, there are only two births mentioned here, the physical "water birth, and the spiritual birth.

Simply put, in order to obtain eternal salvation, one must only believe in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.

Sadly to those who believe otherwise,water baptism, or immersion, has nothing to do with the salvation of the eternal soul. It is the baptism of ones soul into the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ that saves, and that only.~~

(Lesson 269)(5-04-12) John 1:18-27, "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose."

In this lesson John, re-confirms that the message of John the Baptist was, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias."
John the Baptist was not sent to preach the message of eternal salvation, he was sent to preach the coming of Christ, and administer traditional Jewish water baptisms to those Jews who would believe that Jesus was the Messiah.~~

(Lesson 270)(05-05-12) John 1:28-34, "These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God."

Herein, John the Baptist is approached by Jesus and instantly recognizes Him and refers to Him as the "Lamb of God", who's coming was prophesied in the old testament. John tells his disciples that the coming of Jesus is the only reason for his ministry, and informs them that his performing ritual water baptism was simply to prepare men of Israel, who would hear him, for the soul saving baptism that would be offered through Jesus Himself.

It forever amazes me that the vast majority of those calling themselves "Christian" still split their faith by believing one must be baptized in water to inherit eternal life when the ultimate baptizer, John the Baptist clearly says that Jesus provided the baptism by which one must be saved.

In order to be eternally saved one must put 100% of their faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the remittance of their sins, one cannot put half in a water baptism and the other half in Jesus.~~

(Lesson 271)(05-06-12) John 1:35-51, "Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man."

In this lesson John gives a different accounting of the way Jesus selected His twelve Apostles than did the others. It is my belief that the method Jesus used to select them matters very little in the overall testament of our savior.

In the latter portion of this lesson, Jesus assures Nathanael that he will have seen many miracles before His time on earth is finished.~~

(Lesson 272)(05-07-12) John 2:1-11, "And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him."

This lesson tells of the miracle of the "water to wine", which, according to John, was one of the first miracles Jesus performed.~~

(Lesson 273)(05-08-12) John 2:12-25, "After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days. And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man."

In this lesson Jesus enters the temple and cleans out the traders and money changers who had defiled the temple. Explaining why He threw them out, He also foretold His death, burial and resurrection, but none understood what He meant, they thought He was referring to the destruction of the temple building.

Knowing their hearts, Jesus did not attach Himself to those who believed Him only because of the miracles He performed.

He knew all along how we are, thank God He gave us salvation anyway!~~

(Lesson 274)(05-09-12) John 3:1-7, "There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again."

This lesson is very important in that the vast majority of religious doctrines, claiming to be Christian, profess to believe Jesus was referring to a water immersion when He said, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.". Nothing, however, could be further from the truth. The context in which that statement was made will not allow it to be referring to an immersion into water as a rebirth.

The "water" birth, referred to here by Jesus, is clearly the natural, physical birth. The mother's "water" breaks with each physical birth.

Jesus said, "Except a man be born again". This statement using the word "again" implies only two births, not the three, 'except a man be born again and again', that would be required if water "baptism" were to be counted among them. If Jesus had been referring to water immersion, or baptism, one would need be, first physically born, then born again of "water" then again, born of the spirit. Clearly, there are only two births mentioned here, the physical "water birth, and the spiritual birth.

Simply put, in order to obtain eternal salvation, one must only believe in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.

Sadly to those who believe otherwise,water baptism, or immersion, has nothing to do with the salvation of the eternal soul. It is the baptism of ones soul into the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ that saves, and that only.~~

(Lesson 276)(05-11-12) John 3:19-36, "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. For John was not yet cast into prison. Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

In the first portion of this lesson, John demonstrates the difference between the water baptism he practiced and the spiritual baptism offered through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

John, in the discussion with his disciples about purification, again verifies, that his water baptism is a means by which one physically purifies oneself in the flesh as provided for by Hebrew law, while the spiritual baptism, offered by Jesus, is a purification of the eternal soul to the point of life everlasting. "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

The wrath of God is what one risks by turning down the spiritual baptism offered by Jesus Christ. ~~

(Lesson 277)(05-12-12) John 4:1-26, "When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. And he must needs go through Samaria. Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he."

This lesson requires that I re-explain the origin of our English term, "baptism". The term "baptism" does not appear in the original Greek text of the gospels and does NOT define any particular action other than 'to immerse or dip', it was "TRANSLITERATED" from the Greek term,"baptizO", by the scholars assembled by King James who translated the bible to English from the original Greek. The transliteration process simply puts together a group of letters that will cause the term being transliterated to sound like the original term. Transliteration does NOT transfer original intent, or definition as does the TRANSLATION process.

The term "baptizeO", in Greek conversation, simply meant to immerse or enwrap one item or entity into another. The use of water, or any substance, was not implicitly implied by its use. "Baptism", on the other hand, has been made to, very narrowly, define a water immersion. As we can see by the first portion of this lesson, there is more than one substance into which one can be "baptized". That fact is very clearly established by the use of the term baptizO to define both,what Jesus taught, and what John physically administered.

Since this clarification has taken up so much space and time, we will continue this lesson tomorrow. It is very important that we get this right. I hope everyone understands why when this lesson is finally completed. :)~

(Lesson 278)(05-13-12) Yesterday we discovered one of the reasons why there is so much misunderstanding about water baptism and its proper application within Christianity. Baptism IS required for eternal salvation, but its the baptism of the spirit as offered by Jesus Christ, NOT the water baptism as was practiced by John the Baptist, as some would have us believe.

It is vividly clear, to those who study the bible, in depth with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that there is a great difference between the baptisms performed by Jesus and those water immersions practiced by John the Baptist.

John explained in Matt. 3:11, "I indeed baptize you with water unto 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:".

The discussion, yesterday and today, is to help better understand the seeming conflict in verse one and verse two of this lesson, the first verse says Jesus baptized and made disiciples, then immediately following, the second verse said that He didn't. This simply meant that Jesus baptized and made disciples in the spirit while John made disciples in the flesh.

This is very important to remember as we continue to study the bible, this knowledge will help better understand why we should always apply the definition to the term "baptize" or "baptism" that is demanded by the context in which the term is used.

In the latter portion of this lesson, Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well and tells her about the living water he possesses. Jesus lays out her life before her, convincing her that He is the Messiah, the Christ.~~

(Lesson 279)(05-14-12) John 4:27-38, "And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours."

In this lesson, the woman goes to the men of Samaria and tells them of the miracle Jesus performed. Jesus explains to His disciples why He has come, and preaches that some must sow the seed of His coming while others will bring the lost to redemption, so that both may celebrate the harvest.~~

(Lesson 280)(05-15-12) John 4:39-42, "And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world."

In this very short and powerful lesson, Jesus provides an example of what He had just taught His Disciples.

While some immediately believed the Messiah had come, simply from the word of the woman, others were only convinced after hearing Jesus Himself. The woman planted the seed, and Jesus, and His disciples, reaped the harvest.~~

(Lesson 281)(05-16-12) John 4:43-54, "Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee. For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country. Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast. So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. Then inquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee."

This lesson is the perfect example of how faith works. The nobleman, after hearing Jesus say, "Thy son liveth", immediately went about His business knowing that because Jesus had said it, his son was healed.

If we today would display such faith, we would want for nothing. However, that degree of faith is rare in humanity. We, many times, attempt to make ourselves a part of the miracle, and in so doing guarantee failure. We CANNOT help God, He doesn't need our help. He simply asks us to have faith in Jesus Christ to get the job done, and get out of the way!~~

(Lesson 282)(05-17-12) John 5:1-18, "After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.
The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole. And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day. But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God."

In this lesson, Jesus heals the man at the pool on the sabbath. The Jewish hierarchy were angry with Jesus because the sabbath is the seventh day of the week and a holy day set aside by God to rest from the weeks work. The Jewish leaders set about persecuting Jesus for working on the Sabbath. As was God's plan, they would continue to pursue Jesus until they eventually concocted enough evidence to crucify Him.~~

The New Testament Bible Class

New testament bible class

　

I have changed the group description to an open forum inviting all who wish to participate in an open discussion of The New Testament of God's holy word.
It is the desire of the group administration that those who participate keep their remarks serious and on point. One can never know what impact his/her conversation might have on an endangered soul.
Please refrain from posting opinion, please be able to prove your postings with the written word of the New Testament.
Administration encourages the asking of any question you might have concerning what is said in The New Testament and wishes to ultimately establish a better understanding of it. Beginning in Matthew, I will post one lesson per day (If I am physically able.), and will make a comment expressing my belief as to the lessons content.~
Group Rules:
(1) Any member may pose or post bible questions of any nature and on any bible subject.
(2) Any member may answer any question posed by other members.
(3) Administration reserves the right to terminate the membership of any member it deems to be counterproductive to the ultimate goal of this Group.

The first chapter of Matthew deals with the lineage of Jesus, it is important but not necessarily critical to the essence of this class. Therefore, first lesson will begin in with the second chapter.~

Lesson (1) Matt. chapter 2, "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life. And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

The second chapter of Matthew is pretty much self explanatory and describes how important our Savior was, even when He was an infant. Joseph and Mary had to take him to Egypt to avoid the wrath of Herod.~

Lesson (2) Matt. 3:1-6, "In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,....And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.....For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.....And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.....Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,....were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins."
These verses explain the coming of John The Baptist, and describe his divine mission.
Let us first define the term "baptize" before we enter into what this lesson intends to provide to the reader.

Baptize, baptism, baptizing and baptized, are word forms that have been transliterated from the original Greek baptizO, baptizma, or baptizmos.
Transliteration does NOT provide an intent or definition of the word that is transliterated, it simply creates a variation of the original term using the letters of the new language. Keep this in mind as we continue.
The original Greek word baptizO simply means to immerse one thing into another, for the purpose of altering the state or condition of the thing to be , or being, immersed.
Therefore, John's purpose, as described in the above verses, was to immerse the Jewish people in the knowledge of the coming of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.
I'll stop here and allow any discussion that I might have inspired to this point.~~

Lesson (3) Matt. 3:7-12, "But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?....Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:....And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.....And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.....I indeed baptize you with water unto 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:....Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

John, knowing that the Pharisees and Sadducees had come to taunt him and had NOT come to hear his message, asked them to show proof, by their actions, that they had genuinely repented themselves. He told them that just because they were Jews did not mean they were exempt from the wrath of God. By saying "the axe is laid unto the root of the trees", John said that God had away the Jews 'chosen one status, and was going to open up salvation to all. This would be accomplished by the coming of Jesus the Christ and His ultimate sacrifice. John went on to explain how Jesus would offer not just baptism in water but a saving baptism into the Holy Spirit to those who would accept Him as lord. John told of how Jesus would cast out all who refused his saving grace.

Lesson (4) Matt. 3:13-17, "Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.....But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?....And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.....And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:....And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

It is importand to note that the Hebrew people were required under the law of Moses to be baptized ( in this usage immersed in water), there is, however, no Hebrew word for "baptism" in the English language bible. Again, the term "baptize" is a transliteration from the Greek language to English.
Therefore Jesus, being a Jew, was required under Hebrew law to be ritually baptized (immersed in water) to fully comply with the law, Jesus Himself said, "for this it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness". Remember, Christianity ( The new law of faith.), has not been introduced at this time.
After completeing the requirements of the law Jesus was recognized as God's son.
Jesus was never a sinner, he had no reason to be baptize for the remission of sins since he had none.
An oft used misconception is that Jesus was immersed in water to establish a Christian requirement of water baptism. That is simply not so, Jesus was baptized in water because the law of Moses required all Jews to be immersed.
I will explain in the next lesson why John said he needed to be baptized by Jesus.~

Lesson (5) Matt. 3:16, "But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?"
Its obvious that John knew he needed more than a ceremonial water bath. There is no doubt in my mind that John knew that Jesus had come with a new baptism, one that would save the souls of man. That is why John said, "I have need to be baptized of thee.
John also recognized that the baptism Jesus offered was the baptism by and into the Holy Spirit through faith in the sacrifice Jesus was about to make for the sins of the whole world.
It is important to note that Jesus did not baptize John in water. If it had been something required for John's salvation, or his admission to Christiandom, Jesus would have most certainly obliged him.
I know there is much controversy concerning this subject that needs to be addressed. If there is anyone who has scriptural evidence that what I've written here is in err, I beg you to post it.~
The purpose of this group is to educate all of us, myself included, so please jump in.~~

Lesson (6) Matt. 4:1-11, "Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.....And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.....And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.....But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.....Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,....And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.....Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.....Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;....And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.....Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.....Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him."

These verses tell how God allowed Jesus to be tempted by the devil and how Jesus refused to give in to the temptation. It is further proof that Jesus is who He says He is, the sinless, only begotten son of Almighty God, a Jew in strict compliance with the Law of Moses.

Lesson (7) Matt. 4:11-16, "Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.....Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;....And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:....That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,....The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;....The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up."
After being tempted by the devil, Jesus traveled to Capernaum as had been prophesied by Esaias.
I believe that these links to the Old Testament prophets are very important to the bible student, in that they link the new testament with the old. They also are a very good reason for studying both to verify the veracity of the entire bible.~

Lesson (8) Matt. 4:17-22, "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.....And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.....And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.....And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.....And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.....And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him."
These verses mark the beginning of Jesus' testimony, "Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." They also tell us when and how Jesus selected His twelve Apostles, His first selections were Peter, Andrew, James and John.~

Lesson (9) Matt. 4:23-25, "And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.....And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.....And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan."

These verses tell of what Jesus did early in His ministry and how he displayed the awesome power of God to those who beard Him, by the healing of the sick. Jesus was proving to the world that He was the Son of the living God.~~

Lesson (10) Matt. 5:1-13, "And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:....And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,....Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.....Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.....Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.....Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.....Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.....Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.....Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.....Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.....Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.....Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.....Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savior, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."

Jesus was teaching these people of the blessings that would come to those who humbled themselves and followed his examples. In the later verses He was telling His Jewish brethren that they had been the only chosen of God, but they had turned away from God, therefore they would no longer control the keys to the kingdom, making way for salvation to be offered also to the Gentiles.~

Lesson (11) Matt. 5:14-19, "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.....Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.....Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.....Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.....For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.....Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

Jesus is saying that during His stay on earth the Law of Moses will remain in full effect, and will not be done away until His testimony and ultimate sacrifice is finished. He was telling His Jewish brethren not to hide the fact that they were Jews but be proud of it and broadcast it. Jesus also said He came to fulfill the law as prophesied. He was saying that, even though He was bringing a new law of faith , the Jews were to follow the law until such time as it had been fulfilled and replaced by the law of grace.~

We must keep in mind that Jesus was a Jew and was bound by the Law of Moses and could not teach what would later become "Christianity". He was laying the groundwork for His apostles to teach Christianity after He had completed His Testimony and initiated the new law of faith.~

　

Lesson (13) Matt. 5:23-26, "Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;....Leave there thy gift thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.....Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing."

The lesson here is that it is much better to resolve an issue with someone quickly before it gets out of hand and leads to consequences than the problem warrants. Jesus was telling His Jewish brethren, that when they had unresolved issues with each other, not to pretend the problem didn't exist by going on about their daily worship as if there was nothing wrong.~~

Lesson (14) Matt. 5:27-32, "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:....But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.....And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.....And if thy right hand offend thee, cut if off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.....It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:....But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery."

In this lesson, Jesus is demonstrating that to be in obedience with the law, one must obey ever minute detail of it.
Today there are those who believe that in order to get into heaven we must still maintain strict obedience to the same law, that, however is not the case. When Jesus died on the cross the new law of faith replaced the law of Moses as an admission requirement to eternal salvation, He died as a sacrifice for all our sin, past, present and future.
My reasoning for this analysis will become clear as we progress with these lessons. If you're like me, it's good to take notes of the things we cover here because by the time the answer becomes clear, I usually have forgotten the question.~~~:)

Lesson (15) Matt. 5:33-37, "Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:....But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:....Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.....Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.....But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil."

In this lesson, Jesus is telling His Jewish brethren not to make threats and rail about things as if they had the power to change them. He told them to keep their conversations to simple truth because adding to or taking from the simple truth distorts it.

Lesson (16) Matt. 5:38-48, "Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:....But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.....And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.....And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.....Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.....Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.....But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;....That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.....For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?....And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?....Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."
In this lesson, Jesus is teaching that folks should not retaliate when offended, but to respond with a forgiving heart and attitude, and to be giving to both our enemies and our friends.~

Lesson (12) Matt. 5:20-22, "For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.....Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:....But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Remember, the people Jesus was talking to here were Jews, these are not explicit instructions to Christians, Christianity has not, at that time, been developed.~

Jesus is telling them that if they have no more closely followed the law than have the scribes and Pharisees they have no chance of entering into the Kingdom of heaven. Remember also, that the only way the Jews had of getting to heaven up the completion of sacrifice of Jesus, was to strictly observe the Law of Moses, which we learned through the study of the old testament, was impossible.~

In the next portion of this lesson Jesus is telling them that there is no such thing as large sins and small sins, all sin is the same, if we are guilty of one, we are guilty of them all.~~

We must remember that these lessons are being taught while the Jewish people were still under the law. I say that because some, probably innocently, misrepresent the final verse in this chapter to verify their belief that we, as Christians, are to live perfect lives. We cannot live perfect lives under any circumstance other than through the righteousness imputed into us as born again believers through Jesus Chirst upon the acceptance of His grace through faith. This is verified by Paul in the following:
Romans 4:4-8, "Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.....But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.....Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,....Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.....Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

Lesson (17) Matt. 6:1-4, "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.....Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.....But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:....That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly."

In today's lesson Jesus is teaching that when one is extending a helping hand to another who is down trodden, it should be done in private. We are never to brag about helping others. We are to give out of love and with humility. In verse 4 Jesus says that if we give in secret we will be blessed by the Father openly.~~

Lesson (18) Matt. 6:5-15, "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

In this lesson, Jesus is teaching his listeners how to pray.~ He says our prayers are to be offered in private and that they are not to be offered in public. And gives explicit examples as to why they are to be in private.~ To me, the lesson here is very straightforward, we are simply NOT to pray in public. Amazingly, and quite to the contrary of what is taught here, I have never been in a Church (any denomination) that didn't inevitably have someone "lead" prayer publicly. There has been reams of paper printed on both sides of the issue of public prayer in schools, courthouses, etc. I am astonished at how anyone could rationally state that one should pray, anywhere, in public. I have been unable to find, anywhere in the New Testament, where this instruction was overturned yet congregations and individual Christians continue to do it. I understand that my opinion on this matter will probably be challenged, and I hope it is, I sincerely would love to be proven scripturally wrong.
In this lesson, Jesus also teaches us how to pray by example.

Lesson (19) Matt. 16-18, "Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly."

This lesson instructs us to do the things we do to worship God in private. If a public display is made of ones worship, it draws the attention to that person and takes it away from God. We are told to be humble ourselves in all manner of worship, whether it be in the way we act, our demeanor, the way we dress, or other wise. We are to NEVER belittle the importance of God in our lives or our worship.~~WE are promised that if we worship correctly, we will receive rewards from God.~

　

Lesson (20) Matt. 6:19-34, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

This lesson instructs those of us who believe in God to depend on Him ONLY, not ourselves, for the things needed in this life. He says that we should NOT store up mass amounts of goods and wealth for future use. He gives examples of how God takes care of the creatures of this earth, who can't provide for themselves, and explains how if God takes care of these lowly creatures, how much more-so he will take care of the needs of His Children. We are to rely on God for all things, under every circumstance, and be careful to give Him all the credit and due praise. God can, in the twinkling of an eye, take everything we think we have worked and built on our own and destroy it to teach us that, ultimately, all things belong to Him. We, as children of God, OWN nothing except His promise of eternal life through the sacrifice of His Son.~
I am a walking example of the fact, that if you are a child of God and have faith in Him to provide, he will give you much much more than you'll ever need.~~

Lesson (21) Matt. 7:1-5, "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."

The lesson here is pretty plain. Jesus is saying that we are not to attempt to correct, or punish, others for their actions when our sins are greater than theirs. If we set a standard that others must maintain, we must be prepared to, even more closely, adhere to that standard. He tells us to get our own act together, down to the least detail, before we try to correct others.~~

Matt. 7:6, "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you."

Today's lesson appears very short, but is of astronomical importance to all of us, as are all bible lessons.
As I have previously stated, It is my believe that the bible is to be taken literally, that is with the knowledge that there are obvious comparative and metaphorical examples also used. When these comparisons are made however, the text makes their usage obvious. Jesus used many parables in some cases to make His message clearer, and in others, to obviously cloud the issue. We will find examples of that as this class progresses.~
I believe that these individual lessons stand on their own, requiring no support from other passages taken from differing contexts. That is NOT to say that there are not supporting scriptures throughout the New Testament.
Now that I've said that, I've "got some splainin to do".~:) In a comment, to my good friend Dean Stanley, about a previous lesson, I disallowed the use of underlying lessons within lessons. Here we are, soon after, confronting an obvious metaphor used by Jesus. I can still maintain my "literalist" status by declaring that this lesson contains a literally intended metaphor.~ We can positively assert that Jesus was not literally talking about throwing real pearls into a hog pen. ~:)

This lesson tells us that we are not to waste God's time, or ours, on people who are, in essence, the enemies of truth. If we approach someone with the message of the good news of the gospel, and they refuse it we are to simply move on.

Lesson (22) Matt. 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?"

Jesus says here that the prayers of God's children will all be answered, without fail and without limitation, nothing is too much to ask for. He makes it clear that the love of God for His children is much greater than the love we have for our own children.~~

NOTE: There are those who might say; What you say here is wrong because I prayed for so and so and didn't get it. One must remember that the two qualifications for having your prayers answered are, you must be a child of God, and you must have absolute faith that your prayers will be answered.
These Hebrew people to whom Jesus was speaking, were the children of God under the law of Moses and through God's promise to Abraham. We, as Gentiles, and the Hebrew people of today, gained our ability to become the sons/daughters of God as Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. It is through faith in that sacrifice that we, as Gentiles and todays Jews, are able to become the children of God.~~

Lesson (23) Matt. 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."

This, as described later in the New Testament, is the second greatest commandment.~ Matt. 22:36-40, "Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 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 thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
If we love God with all we have and we truly love our neighbors, (Neighbors meaning all God's people, not just the folks across the street.), we have, in effect, honored all the laws of Moses.~~We, today however, live under a new law, it is the law of faith, but even under the law of faith, we are still to love one another as we love ourselves, and treat them as we want to be treated. ~~

Lesson (24) Matt. 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."
Todays lesson is yet another very profound one.~ Jesus is telling His listeners that there is only ONE way to obtain eternal redemption.~
Although almost the entire world, in one form or another, proclaims to be "religious", in my opinion "religion", for the most part is a massive burden on the divine will of God. Though there are countless millions who proclaim a "belief" in God, in reality there are very few who can truly be counted among the children of God.
Most of the tenets, held by the many differing "faiths", demand that a sinner must maintain a sinless lifestyle, and undergo certain rituals, in order to earn his/her salvation. Nothing, however, could be further from truth. As these lessons will ultimately prove, salvation comes ONLY through acceptance of, and faith in, the sin remitting death, burial and resurrection of Jesus The Christ, The Son of God. Faith is the "straight gate" and the "narrow way".~~

Lesson (25) Matt. 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."

Jesus warns his listeners that there will be those who come and teach false doctrines as truth, distorting His word to justify their own agenda. He says they will appear to be good folks, and very believable, but their motives will be far from honorable or righteous. He also says that we will be able to identify them by their actions.
Just as was mentioned in the previous lesson, the second great commandment is that we are to treat others as we want to be treated, so, if someone pretending to teach the word of God is doing so without outwardly expressing the unchallengeable will of the Father in his/her actions, and by having the best interest of everyone in mind, we are to be careful to disregard their message. Jesus also says that those who abuse His message and prey on the weaknesses of some, will be eventually weeded out and cut down.

Sadly, there are many many people who neglect to study the bible for themselves, but listen to, and fall for, the numerous self-promoting false prophets. It is my belief that these corrupt teachers are at work today, not only distorting God's word, but misleading us in many different aspects of our lives. They claim to be working for the good of all, but in truth only wish to promote their own wealth and status. We must be careful to, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Tim. 2:15~~

Lesson (26) Matt. 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."

Jesus is clearly saying here, that not all those who proclaim to "believe" will enter the kingdom of God. He explains that only those who, "doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven", will be allowed in the kingdom. Now what, you might ask, is "the will of my Father"? John 3:3, "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." This is obviously "the will of the Father", since Jesus clearly says we must be born again to see the kingdom. Now, how is a man/woman born again? John 3:4-7, "Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Some profess that being born again, as applied here, implies that water baptism is this rebirth. If that were in fact true, in order to see the kingdom, you would (1) require a birth of the flesh, (2) a water rebirth (water baptism) and then (3) a rebirth of the spirit! That counts up to one original birth by your mother, and two additional re-births.
It is clear to me that the rebirth described as the one requirement to enter the kingdom of God, is that rebirth of the spirit achieved when one accepts the soul saving sacrifice made by Jesus, the Son of God, for remission of all sin, as was prophesied from the beginning.~~
We will cover the rebirth lesson much more closely when we get to it in our class.~~Also, the way we attain our salvation will be covered in much greater detail.~~

Lesson (27) Matt. 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."

Jesus advises His listeners to practice what He preached throughout the foregoing lessons. He says that in so doing, a firm foundation would be established, in truth, that would withstand the challenges set against them by time and those with evil intent. He also forewarns them that failing to follow His teaching could lead to the loss of all they had, I would assume, spiritually as well as physically. They that heard Him were astounded by His authority and knowledge. I can imagine that, we today, would be astounded too.~
Remember, these instructions were given to a people still under, and bound to obey, the law of Moses. We know that when Jesus taught these lessons, He would soon fulfill that law and provide, through His death burial and resurrection, a new law that requires only acceptance of, and total faith in His sacrifice to guarantee our physical and spiritual future.
The seventh chapter of Matthew contains some very valuable lessons that apply to us today as much as they did to those who heard Jesus teach them. But we should be very careful not to distort the context in which these lessons were taught in an attempt to establish a basis for something other than the absolute truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.~~

Lesson (28) Matt. 8:1-13, "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 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. 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."

This lesson tells, not only of the healing power of our savior as the Son of God, but also that this is the beginning of Jesus' teaching about the awesome power of faith. This centurion was obviously a Roman citizen, a man of much authority, and there is room, in this example, to assume he was not necessarily a Jew. Jesus said to the crowd, "Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." This meant that the chosen people of God, as a whole, had less faith in the Jewish God than did this Roman. The man's request was granted solely on his demonstration of total faith in Jesus' ability go grant it.
We will cover in much greater detail the role faith plays, not only in our eternal redemption but also in our everyday lives, as these lessons proceed. God's word, His promise and our faith in it will fulfill our needs and keep us through eternity. ~~

Lesson (29) Matt. 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."

This lesson again confirms Jesus as the all powerful Son of an Almighty God in that all things were, and are, in submission to His will. Jesus has the power, through the Father, to totally reshape the universe if He so desires.~~
This lesson also confirms the prophesy of Esaias.~~

Lesson (30) Matt. 8:18-20, "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."

With this lesson, Jesus is telling those who might profess to follow Him, that the road He would be taking would be a rocky one and that there would be no comfortable places to rest.
Unlike today, the early followers of Jesus could be imprisoned or killed for there faith. Jesus was warning these to make sure they knew what they were getting into before making they would not keep.~~

I wonder, if counted, what the number of "Christians" would be today if we lived under the same threat as did the early followers of Jesus. I'll bet the "few" mentioned earlier in these lessons would be the only ones with their hands up.~~

Lesson (31) Matt. 8:21-22, "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."

This lesson sounds a little cruel on the surface, but it very aptly teaches us the order of importance of the things we should do in this life.
As Christians, delivering the gospel of The Father, The Son, and the Holy Ghost, is the single most important thing we will ever have a chance to do. Jesus says, "let the dead bury the dead", in essence, this means that the earthly things, though they may seem important to us in the flesh, can be done by those who aren't going to do anything else anyway.
That last category, in my opinion, are the pew sitters I described in a comment on the previous lesson.
(NOTE) I mistakenly listed the previous lesson as covering Matt. 8:18-22, it should have read Matt. 8:18-20. Forgive me, I'll try to do better.~~:)

Lesson (32) Matt. 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!"

This lesson, not only demonstrates the power of the Son of God to control the elements, it also exposes the lack of faith of mankind, even Jesus' chosen disciples.
Any one of the them could have asked the father, through faith in His Son, to calm the storm and it would have been done. Instead, they woke Jesus prompting His remark, "Oh ye of little faith".~~
(Note) As these lessons progress, we should pay very close attention to the number to times Jesus uses the word, "faith" and how and when He applies it.~~

Lesson (33) Matt. 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."

This lesson is not only another demonstration of Jesus' power, it also tells us that the demons of Satan recognized Jesus, "thou Son of God", as soon as they saw Him. Whereas the demons of Satan KNEW Jesus was the Son of God, we must have FAITH that He is.
Notice that one of the demons said, "art thou come hither to torment us BEFORE THE TIME?" This tells me that Satan and his followers already know that their ultimate defeat is coming when The Father gathers His children home and Satan and his angels are all judged and cast into the eternal pit.
There is another lesson in this passage. Jesus demonstrated how we are to treat our enemies when he granted the demons request to be cast into the herd of swine.
The citizens of Gergesenes were obviously so stunned by the power of Jesus that they became afraid and asked Him to leave.~~

Lesson (34) Matt. 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, and walk" 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."

Jesus demonstrates that sin is the cause of the afflictions suffered by mankind. By forgiving this man's sin, Jesus healed His body.
This lesson also contains one of the first attempts, by the Scribes, to condemn Jesus under the law by accusing Him of blasphemy. Jesus demonstrated that the end justified the means, in that whether he said, " thy sins be forgiven thee", or "Arise, and walk" made no difference to the end result. Jesus having the power to forgive sin and to heal the body, and knowing that sin was the ultimate cause, chose to simply say, "thy sins be forgiven thee". Seeing that the Scribes were scheming against Him, to derail their plot, Jesus said, "Arise, and walk" after which the man arose and went to his house.~~

Lesson (35) Matt. 9:9-13, "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. 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."

This lesson first tells us about Jesus' selection of Matthew as one of His chosen disciples. It then goes on to explain that Jesus did not set Himself apart from those who needed Him the most because of their status or appearance. He explained that the Scribes and Pharisees were of the chosen of God and had the covenant with Abraham and the law to themselves, therefore, the Publicans and sinners were presumably the most in need of His healing grace. Jesus said He was there to bestow mercy, "But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice:".
It is important to remember that Jesus was a Jew and while He was teaching these things, and performing these miracles, He was bound to do His teaching within, and could not violate, the boundaries of the Law of Moses. He could not openly condemn the Scribes, Pharisees, and Saducees because they were the rightful representatives of the law. Jesus would not become the savior of all mankind until He had completed His sacrifice. Luke 12:50, "But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!"
There will be more on these topics as these lessons progress.~~

Lesson (36) Matt. 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."

The first thing that should be noted here, is the separating of "the disciples of John", from the disciples of Jesus. The disciples of John were devout Jews who had not yet subscribed to the teachings that Jesus put forth. Jesus is telling John's disciples that He will only be with His followers for a short time, and that they should celebrate His presence as fully as they could.~
(NOTE) The significance of there being two differing sets of disciples will become clearer as these lessons progress into the Apostle Paul's writings.~

By talking about putting new patches on old cloth, and new wine into old bottles, Jesus is teaching that the Law of Moses, and His new law of faith cannot be mixed together, seeing that one would greatly deplete the significance of the other. The law of Moses required that those bound to it were to be in total compliance with it, in every detail, and at all times. Whereas Jesus' new law of faith only required that one simply believe that through the sacrifice, (Death, burial and resurrection), of The Son of God, the only human perfection under the old law, all sin was forgiven (remitted). ~~

Lesson(37) Matt. 9:27-38, "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. 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."

This lesson tells how Jesus continued to heal the sick. He also , again, stated that it was through faith that these miracles were accomplished.
The unbelieving Pharisees accused Jesus of some kind of sorcery when He threw out the devil that had possessed the man, "He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils." they said.
This lesson also reflects the compassion of Christ as He viewed the huge crowd that had amassed to see and hear Him. He told His disciples to pray that help would come to spread His new gospel of faith.~~

Lesson (38) Matt. 10:1-7, "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. 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. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Jesus identifies His twelve Apostles and gives them power over sickness, disease, and unclean spirits. He then sends them out to deliver His Gospel, He also told them exactly what to do, "And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand." Remember, this is the exact same message that John the Baptist taught. Matt. 3:2, "And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
It is important to note that the power Jesus gave the Apsotles, at this meeting, was NOT identified as the Holy Spirit, or Holy Ghost. The Apostles would not receive the Holy Ghost until Pentecost following Jesus' death, burial, resurrection, and ascention back to the Father.
Note also that Jesus specifically instructs His Apostles NOT to take His message to the Gentiles, but to preach only to the Jews. We will learn in later lessons that the Apostle Paul was selected to bring the gospel to the Gentiles.
This is all very important in that there are many who attempt to teach the gospel of faith from what was specifically intended for the Hebrew people, who were, at that time, still bound by the Law of Moses. Although there are segments of what is said in these teachings that can be overlapped into the "new law", one teaching from it risks being challenged on the intent.~~

Lesson (39) Matt. 10:8-15, "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. 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, inquire 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."

Jesus endowed His chosen twelve with powers over all things, as is noted in the above passages. He sent them out to spread the gospel of the coming kingdom and told them to take nothing with them more than the clothing they were wearing, assuring them that all their worldly needs would be provided as they travelled.
Jesus told them to find a houses that were "worthy", (I believe this means that they were to find the home of someone of the Jewish faith who were willing to hear the gospel, because of what He had told them in the previous lesson, "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."). They were to salute, or greet, those in the home and if the residents were found worthy (acceptable), the Apostles were to stay in that house until they had finished their teaching.
The Apostles were also commanded to ignore those who chose not to hear the gospel, and to leave them to their inevitable damnation.
We, today, need to remember that we are not to preach to those who choose not to be 'pretch' to.~~

Lesson (40) Matt. 10:16-23, "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."

This lesson, very accurately, foretells the treatment that those who would maintain the true gospel of Jesus, throughout the ages, would endure. Examples include the horrible treatment of Christians, first by the Roman themselves, then by the Roman Catholic "Church", with it's centuries long inquisition, then the perscution continued by the Muslim purges. Even today, in some regions, true Christian people are tortured and slaughtered for their beliefs.

My reference to Catholicism as an enemy of Christianity is certainly not intended to offend anyone, its simply historical fact. If I don't take a stand and teach these lessons as the bible truly presents them, I might as well quit and allow the Word of God to be trampled into the ground.~~

Lesson (41) Matt. 10:24-31, "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."

This lesson is first teaching the Apostles that there is no master nor servant among them, they are all equal in the sight of God and should reflect that among themselves. He says that those who worship Satan shall be recognized as Satan worshippers, and likewise, those who do the bidding of God The Father will be recognized as His children.
Jesus is assuring the Apostles that they are not to hold back in their teaching out of fear, He assures them that they should teach exactly what He tells them to teach and that they will be protected by the awesome power of almighty God. He assured the Apostles that God knows everything, always, and protects His own continually.~~

Lesson (42) Matt. 10:31-42, "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. 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. 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."

This is a very profound lesson, in that it so much applies to many of today's "Christians".
Jesus makes it very clear that we, as His disciples, are to stand up for His gospel, and to preach it without hesitation or limitation. He says that those who fail to represent Him, will not be represented by Him.
It has been my experience that many "Christian" people, are unwilling to discuss, in any detail, their spiritual life, and why they believe what they do. Most, defend their timidness by saying their spirituality is a private matter and to try to defend it would only cause an argument. That is blatantly wrong according to today's lesson. Jesus very much realized, and said, that what He brought was going to incite dissensions among families, communities, and even nations to whom His gospel would be taught. He understood that God's chosen, the Hebrew people, especially would have a hard time accepting such a drastic change simply on the word of a preacher. But, He went on to, very carefully, explain the consequences for those who failed Him.~~

Lesson (43) Matt. 11:1-15, "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. 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."

By drawing notice to the miracles He had performed, Jesus assured the two messengers of John, that He was indeed the Promised One.
I think its important to note that Jesus did not come right out and say 'Yes, tell John that I am the Messiah', instead, He asked them to prove it by His actions.
In the second portion of this lesson Jesus asked His following, what they had expected to see when they had gone to meet John in the desert. Jesus said John had come as a simple man carrying a simple truth, not as the High Priests would have expected it, John being adorned in beautiful robes with all manner of pageantry. Jesus said John came like one of them, a common man with a very un-common and powerful message.
Jesus regarded John The Baptist as one of the greatest prophets, but went on to assure His listeners that God, within His kingdom, saw John as no greater than any one among them.
Jesus assured His listeners, that by the coming of John the doors to the kingdom of God would soon be open to all who would but accept His grace.~~

Lesson (44) Matt. 11:16-26, "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. Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight."

Jesus says that in spite of the wonderful works He has done and the miracles He has performed, there are those who won't hear Him. He warns of the wrath to come to those who have rejected His gospel.~~

Lesson (45) Matt. 11:27-30, "Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Here, Jesus says that God The Father has given all things over to Him "All things are delivered unto me of my Father:". This includes the souls of mankind.
This lesson clearly reveals that God has NO contact with mortal men/women, except through Jesus Christ. "neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him" God the Father sees no one except through the Son.
This is very important to remember as we continue through these lessons, seeing that this lesson has great bearing on the security of the eternally saved. If we should be able to fall away from salvation, there is no other sacrifice that will be made, to once again, connect us with the Eternal Father. The sacrifice Jesus made to erase all sin will only be made once.
In the latter portion of this lesson, Jesus tells us how to approach The Father through Him. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
This is one of my most cherished bible passages.~~

Lesson (46) Matt. 12:1-8, "At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day."

This lesson tells us that Jesus was given power over the old law, although He would remain bound to it until His testimony and sacrifice were complete.
When Jesus fulfilled the law, it was superceded by the new law of grace through faith.
The disciples were able to blamelessly eat from the corn because Jesus had exempted them from observance of the sabbath just as God had justified David when he ate the "shewbread" in the Temple.
Sadly, there are many today who are convinced that they must obey the law and commandments to retain there salvation. This lesson clearly proves that those of us who have taken on Christ as savior are exempt from the law and it's commandments.~~

Lesson (47) Matt. 12:9-21, "And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue: And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other. Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all; And charged them that they should not make him known: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust."

This lesson marks the beginning of the effort by the Jewish hierarchy to condemn Jesus and to eventually crucifiy Him. It also fulfills the prophesy, Isa. 42-1 "Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles."
The latter portion of this lesson tells how Jesus, knowing that the Jews as a nation, will not accept Him, turns over the *Kingdon of God, to the Gentiles.

*I believe there is substantial scriptural evidence that Jesus started His Church when He selected and called the first of the Apostles who were jews, therefore, I believe also that primarily, the term "kingdom", as used in some instances within these lessons, refers to the Church. Having said this, it should be explained that the bible record clearly shows that the Church was not greatly increased until the saving grace of God, through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus and the fulfilling of the law, was passed on to the Gentiles. There will be many many more lessons concerning the Church as these lessons progress.
This subject is certainly open to some interpretation and I welcome any scripturally based input.~~

Lesson (48) Matt. 12:21-32, "Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."

Here, the Pharisees accuse Jesus of being an implement of Satan. Saying that His powers of healing come from the devil. Jesus told them that their accusation was rediculous and that Satan would only be hurting himself by destroying his own angels. Jesus goes on to further prove His status by demonstrating that His power obviously comes from God in that He must first overpower Satan to accomplish His miracles.
He says that those who don't work for Him, are working against Him.
Jesus says that all things can be forgiven except the denial or blasphemy of The Holy Ghost.~~

Lesson (49) Matt. 12:33-37, "Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."

Unlike what many teach, there is NO middle ground with God. You are either His through Christ, or not. A person without Christ CANNOT do good in the sight of God because sin is inherent in man since the fall of Adam. A saved person, on the other hand, can do no evil in the sight of God, because Jesus stands between the saved man and God, showing only the righteousness of The Son.
Verse 33 says, (in my crude English) Be saved, or be damned. Jesus goes on to call His listeners snakes and asks how they could expect anything good to come from an inherently corrupt heart.
Jesus says that those who face the judgement, without the imputed righteousness of Christ, will be condemned.~~

Lesson (50) Matt. 12:38-45, "Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.

The scribes and Pharisees asked to have a sign that Jesus was the real Messiah. Jesus told them, "there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas". He went on to compare the story of Jonah and the whale to His own upcoming sacrificial ordeal. Just as the people of Nineveh were spared by the ordeal of Jonah's three days inside the whale and his preaching, we who rely on the sacrifice of Jesus to save us, are spared from eternal damnation.
Jesus says, " The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: BECAUSE THEY REPENTED at the preaching of Jonas;". Note that the Ninevites REPENTED and avoided physical destruction. Jesus went on to say, "and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here." which means to us that the redemption brought by Jesus is far greater than that of Jonah, in that it is redemption unto eternal life.
Jesus, when He said, "The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it:, is noting that after the Jews have rejected Him as the Messiah, the Gentiles, through faith, would rise to carry forth His gospel recognizing that He truly is the redeemer sent from God.~~