Lesson 998

(Lesson 998)(06-07-14) Luke 13:18-21

"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."

In today's lesson, Jesus explained how His Church, beginning with that tiny group of disciples,would grow to become active worldwide.

Even though today there are many different "religious" organizations all of which claim to be the one true Church while teaching wildly differing and erroneous doctrines, most of which are in total contrast to the pure gospel of Christ, there are, all over the earth, still small groups who truly represent the pure purpose of Jesus Christ and His divine gospel.

It is the sole responsibility of each individual child of God, just as it was in Jesus' day, to make sure that the organization ("Church") to which they associate themselves is representative of the ultimate will of God. His will being, as stated by Jesus, to preach the pure undistorted gospel of Jesus Christ to every lost soul who is willing to listen, and to maintain the purity of the gospel straight from the pages of His divine word so that those who are spiritually weak can easily understand it.

We are to teach the gospel that has NOT been "interpreted" for the convenience of those who don't want to keep it in the form in which it was originally delivered by Jesus Himself.

In order to do that, we must rely on the power and presence of the Holy Spirit for understanding and guidance. Beyond that, we are to apply common sense as we carefully maintain the context of each individual bible lesson.

The Church Jesus Christ founded over two thousand years ago is still alive and thriving, just as He said it would. The charge is ours to see to it that the rest of the world can truly identify it.~

Lesson 997

(Lesson 997)(06-06-14) Luke 13:10-17

"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."

This lesson is a short one, but again, one that relates directly to the way today's "Christianity" is administered.
The "ruler of the synagogue", from today's quote, got angry because Jesus dared heal the infirm woman on the sabbath day. The "ruler" was far more interested in outward appearance, and maintaining the absoluteness of ritual, than he was in the welfare of his flock.

Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, quickly put the man in his place and explained why his heart was in the wrong place.

This lesson relates to today's "Christianity" in that many congregations praise only those who keep up appearances by faithfully occupying the pews every time the doors swing. I hope unwittingly, they too, just like the "ruler", are ignoring the needs of the lost souls who languish on the underbelly of society. Some of which reside within a stones throw of the "Church".

It seems today that all one need do to maintain a proper "Christian" status, is to show up for "Church" every time the doors swing and flop a few dollars in the collection plate.

I've studied the New Testament extensively and have found NO scriptural foundation for the contention that Christian people are to meet two or three times a week. As a matter of fact, there is only one passage of scripture that mentions assembling together at all; "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."(Hebrews 10:23-25) In this quote, Paul was urging the saved people of Corinth, to stay in contact with each other so as to stay motivated to go and do the footwork for the gospel. He did say that the Corinthians should stay in touch more often as the day of our Lord neared.

It is not my intention to discourage "Church" attendance, it is my Christian duty, as well as it is the duty of ALL Christians, to spread the word of God as far and wide as we can possibly spread it. I assure you, we will come in contact with far more lost souls by going where the "sinners" are, than we ever will sitting on a pew.

Just as the "ruler of the synagogue" was more about appearance than he was substance, we today are guilty of basically the exact same sin.

The following scripture is a warning, I believe, directly aimed at today's Church. "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:15-16)~

Lesson 996

(Lesson 996)(06-05-14) Luke 14:1-9

"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."

Today's lesson demonstrates that there are no degrees of sin, one is either guilty of sin or he/she has placed his/her faith in Jesus Christ and been eternally redeemed from it. There is no middle ground, no halfway sinner, as some today would have us believe.

Jesus made some comparisons to the people of Galilee saying, "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." No matter how small we might consider the sin, the penalty for those without Christ is eternal death. We are all guilty of disobedience through Adam, and until that sin is atoned through acceptance of the sacrifice provided freely to us by Jesus Christ, mankind is doomed to die the eternal death.

In the latter portion of this lesson Jesus gave an example of Himself, and those He came to save, in a parable. The lost are represented by the unproductive fig tree, Jesus is the "dresser" who came to offer a way to stay alive to the doomed tree.

Until we accept God's ultimate plan of salvation, his "operations", we are all doomed to die the death. Thank God that through His grace He provided us a way out. "if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10-9) ~

Lesson 995

(Lesson 995)(06-04) Luke 12:51-58

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

In today's quote, Jesus defines the conditions of society during His time on earth as well the conditions of our present society.

There are whole blocs of people, communities and families split apart by speculation about what is the true "interpretation" of the gospel of Jesus Christ, when in truth there can be no "interpretation" of the gospel, it is what it is.

There is ONLY one truth concerning the word of God and that truth CANNOT be mis"interpreted". It can, however, be deliberately distorted and twisted so as to fool the scripturally ignorant. One might say; Who would deliberately distort the word of God and cause some lost soul to lose their eternity? The answer is Satan! He is alive today and seems to be winning over more and more souls every day.

We have a tendency, as weak sinners and because of the power of Satan, to twist God's divine word to comport with whatever best suits our on life's agenda, "interpreting"(twisting) it to mean whatever best suits our lifestyle.

One purpose of our approach through theses individual lessons is to make sure that the original intent of every detail of the Gospel of Christ is made crystal clear to all who choose to study them.

In the latter portion of today's lesson, Jesus touches on the reason why we should strive constantly to make sure that His word is kept pure for every generation.

Jesus said: "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?"
There can be no more clear commandment that this. We are to take it upon ourselves to learn and keep the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are NEVER to rely on someone else's "interpretation" of what it means.

Through constant prayer, relying on the assistance and awesome power of the Holy Spirit of God, all things will be made clear to us, even to the weakest of us.

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)~

Lesson 994

(Lesson 994)(06-03-14) Luke 12:49-50

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

Today's lesson is a continuation of yesterday's.

When Jesus said, "I have a baptism to be baptized with", he was NOT referring to the type of water cleansing ritual as was practiced by John the Baptist. Instead, He was referring to His whole purpose here on earth, , in general, and in particular, His soul saving sacrificial ordeal, His death, burial, resurrection, and eventual ascension.

The above applications of the words baptism, and baptized, are transliterated from the same Greek word "baptizo" as was the word "baptize" that is applied in reference to the ritual washings practiced by John the Baptist; "I indeed baptize you WITH WATER unto"(Toward)" 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:" (Matthew 3:11). This means that the vast majority of times when the word "baptize", or one of it's grammatical variations is applied in the New Testament, is is in reference to something other than water as the medium into which the "baptism" is to occur.

In today's lesson, Jesus was telling His disciples that He was about to become totally cleansed by the true purpose for His coming, which was to be the sacrificial lamb for the sins of the entire world. He was about to be overtaken by death so as to rise again and conquer it as a soul redeeming mechanism for all who will place their faith in Him.

As we continue to study these New Testament lessons, some variation of the word "baptize" will appear many times. We should be very careful in making sure that we understand what is meant by its usage in every instance throughout the New Testament.

We will be careful to analyze its intent in every lesson wherein the word is contained.

Some form of water baptism is honored and practiced by every "Christian" denomination that I have ever known. Most all of them, in many instances, misrepresent the intent of the term, "baptism". ~

Lesson 993

(Lesson 993)(06-02-14) Luke 12:49-50

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

Every lesson in the New Testament is an important part of the gospel of Jesus Christ and how it is to be administered by those who make up His Church. Some lessons, such as today's, specifically clarify the intent of that gospel and when carefully studied, guarantees the original intent of the gospel of Christ will stand forever, just as He promised it would; "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." (Matthew 24:35, Mark 13:31, Luke 21:33)

Throughout ALL of, what is today considered, "Christianity", there is a common misrepresentation of the term "baptize" and of it's grammatical variations, baptism, baptized, etc.

Our English word "baptize" was transliterated from the Greek word baptizo.

Transliteration is a process by which a word from one language is replaced with a sound alike word in a different language. Transliteration does not, however, replace the original word with a word that provides the original meaning and intent.

"Baptizo" became "baptize" when the Greek 'o' was simply replaced by an English 'e'.

When a word is translated, especially a word that has become so important to New Testament study as has the word "baptize", it should have been replaced with a word, or words, from the English language that has/have the same meaning, or at least, very near the meaning of the original word.

By simply TRANSLITERATING the word "baptizo" to "baptize", a sound alike word, and not TRANSLATING it to an English word, or phrase, having the same specific meaning, those translators, whether intentionally or not, caused the meaning of the original word baptizo to be distorted in its differing intention in almost every separate application throughout the New Testament.

This applies to today's lesson in that Jesus said; "I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!" This statement, although a form of the term "baptize" is applied twice within it, has nothing at all to do with water "baptisms". Why is that important? Because the transliteration of the word baptizo was grossly insufficient to explain what Jesus meant when He applied the word twice in today's lesson. Today's example is just one of many in the New testament where the inability to determine the intent of the term baptize when each time it is applied, is causing a gross distortion of the original intent of the gospel of Jesus Christ.~
NOTE:There will be much more on this topic as these lessons progress.

Lesson 992

(Lesson 992)(06-10-14) 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."

In today's lesson, Jesus told Peter that the "wise steward" would be blessed with great authority. Jesus asked, "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.".
We see, by what Jesus said, that anyone who maintains, teaches, and defends the purity of His gospel qualify as wise stewards.

We should make note that this lesson is directed specifically to those who KNOW the will of God, and also know Jesus is "Lord" of all.

In the final part of this lesson Jesus said; "that servant, which KNEW his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes." Jesus then said, speaking to those who are simply ignorant of the will of God, "he that KNEW NOT, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes."

This means that those who know the will of God, and are aware of His amazing grace, yet refuse to accept Jesus Christ and defend His gospel, will be punished far more than those who never heard it.

It behooves all Christian people to actively and always promote the true and complete gospel of Jesus Christ. To those of us who know Jesus Christ, much has been given, and so too from us, much shall be demanded.

"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." (James 4:17)~