(Lesson 2125)(09-30-17) 1 Thessalonians Chapter 1
“Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost. So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.”
Today’s quote delivered greetings from Paul, Silvanus and Timothy to the church at Thessalonica. Paul praised and encouraged them for their diligence in turning from the worship of idols to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.~
Saturday, September 30, 2017
Friday, September 29, 2017
Lesson 2124
(Lesson 2124)(09-29-17) Colossians Chapter 4
“Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.”
Today’s quote concludes Paul’s letter to the Colossians with his salutations and blessings upon the church. He also asked that they receive, with a loving heart, all the disciples of Jesus that he had chosen to send to teach and encourage them. ~
“Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.”
Today’s quote concludes Paul’s letter to the Colossians with his salutations and blessings upon the church. He also asked that they receive, with a loving heart, all the disciples of Jesus that he had chosen to send to teach and encourage them. ~
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Lesson 2123
(Lesson 2123)(09-28-17) Colossians 3:4-25
“When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.”
Today’s quote contains the instructions as to how we, the children of God, should conduct our earthly lives. It also establishes that God is no respector of persons and declares that we are all in this together, each of us bearing an equal share of the responsibility according to the gifts we are given.
Today’s political and social circumstances seem to desperately cry out for Christian devotion, love and understanding more than at any other time in our history.~
“When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.”
Today’s quote contains the instructions as to how we, the children of God, should conduct our earthly lives. It also establishes that God is no respector of persons and declares that we are all in this together, each of us bearing an equal share of the responsibility according to the gifts we are given.
Today’s political and social circumstances seem to desperately cry out for Christian devotion, love and understanding more than at any other time in our history.~
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Lesson 2122
(Lesson 2122)(09-27-17) Colossians 3:1-3
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”
In the first part of today’s quote, Paul again encouraged the Colossians to live their lives in a way so as to reflect the love of God by abstaining from the evils of this earth.
As is well known, the majority of today’s so-called Christian denominations contend that after accepting Jesus as savior, one must live the rest of his/her life without sin in order to maintain one’s eternal salvation. As we see in the final part of verse three of today’s quote, while clearly addressing those Colossians who had accepted Christ as eternal savior, Paul proved that contention to be erroneous indeed when he said, “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”! Let me repeat that last quote, “your life is hid with Christ in God”! If that is true, and we know that Paul would not have said it if it weren’t, nothing we do can EVER be charged against us because our eternal souls are, “hid with Christ in God”, wholly righteous because of the imputed righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ crucified.~
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”
In the first part of today’s quote, Paul again encouraged the Colossians to live their lives in a way so as to reflect the love of God by abstaining from the evils of this earth.
As is well known, the majority of today’s so-called Christian denominations contend that after accepting Jesus as savior, one must live the rest of his/her life without sin in order to maintain one’s eternal salvation. As we see in the final part of verse three of today’s quote, while clearly addressing those Colossians who had accepted Christ as eternal savior, Paul proved that contention to be erroneous indeed when he said, “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”! Let me repeat that last quote, “your life is hid with Christ in God”! If that is true, and we know that Paul would not have said it if it weren’t, nothing we do can EVER be charged against us because our eternal souls are, “hid with Christ in God”, wholly righteous because of the imputed righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ crucified.~
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Lesson 2121
(Lesson 2121)(09-26-17) Colossians 2:16-23
“ Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.”
Today’s quote contains one of the more important lessons, pertaining to Christ’s churches, that is to be found in the New Testament. Therein, Paul clearly warned the Colossians (And thereby today’s Christian churches.) not be distracted from their efforts, in the ministry of the true gospel of Jesus Christ, by those who would demand, as an erroneously required practice, that they/we perform pointless ceremonial rituals and set apart certain days, or anniversaries, that serve no purpose within the ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Although Paul’s warning was mainly intended against the rituals of the Jews that had been imposed by their law such as, celebrating certain days, abstaining from eating certain foods, circumcision, water baptisms, etc., the warning also pertained to the pagan rituals practiced by many of the Gentiles.
The true gospel of Jesus Christ is clearly defined thoughout the Pages of the New Testament. and, as Paul so clearly stated, should NOT have pointless rituals imposed upon it.~
“ Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.”
Today’s quote contains one of the more important lessons, pertaining to Christ’s churches, that is to be found in the New Testament. Therein, Paul clearly warned the Colossians (And thereby today’s Christian churches.) not be distracted from their efforts, in the ministry of the true gospel of Jesus Christ, by those who would demand, as an erroneously required practice, that they/we perform pointless ceremonial rituals and set apart certain days, or anniversaries, that serve no purpose within the ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Although Paul’s warning was mainly intended against the rituals of the Jews that had been imposed by their law such as, celebrating certain days, abstaining from eating certain foods, circumcision, water baptisms, etc., the warning also pertained to the pagan rituals practiced by many of the Gentiles.
The true gospel of Jesus Christ is clearly defined thoughout the Pages of the New Testament. and, as Paul so clearly stated, should NOT have pointless rituals imposed upon it.~
Monday, September 25, 2017
Lesson 2120
(Lesson 2120)(09-25-17) Colossians 2:13-15
“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
In today’s quote, Paul again confirmed that Jesus fulfilled every part of the old law for those of us who have placed our faith in Him. Paul tells us that Jesus, has “forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross”.
Thank God for such a glorious gift.~
“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
In today’s quote, Paul again confirmed that Jesus fulfilled every part of the old law for those of us who have placed our faith in Him. Paul tells us that Jesus, has “forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross”.
Thank God for such a glorious gift.~
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Lesson 2119
(Lesson 2119)(09-24-17) Colossians 2:1-12
“For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 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 first part of today’s quote, Paul confessed that even though he had never met face to face with the Colossians, he had wished that one day he might accomplish that. He praised them for their devotion to Christ and ecouraged that they remain faithful.
In the final part of today’s quote, Paul told the Colossians that they were “complete” in Christ, and that they were “circumcised with the corcumcision made without hands, putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:”
We should make note that Paul clearly said the Colossians had put off the body of sins “by the circumcision of Christ”. He did NOT say that those sins were put off by ANY form of water wasing or baptism. This is yet another confirmation that eternal salvation comes by NO means other that by grace, through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul further explained that the souls of those of us who have accepted God’s saving grace, had been immersed with Jesus into that spiritual death that awaits all mortals, but because of God’s saving grace, have been resurrected in the same manner that the body of Jesus was resurrected. We are, “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.” ~
“For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 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 first part of today’s quote, Paul confessed that even though he had never met face to face with the Colossians, he had wished that one day he might accomplish that. He praised them for their devotion to Christ and ecouraged that they remain faithful.
In the final part of today’s quote, Paul told the Colossians that they were “complete” in Christ, and that they were “circumcised with the corcumcision made without hands, putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:”
We should make note that Paul clearly said the Colossians had put off the body of sins “by the circumcision of Christ”. He did NOT say that those sins were put off by ANY form of water wasing or baptism. This is yet another confirmation that eternal salvation comes by NO means other that by grace, through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul further explained that the souls of those of us who have accepted God’s saving grace, had been immersed with Jesus into that spiritual death that awaits all mortals, but because of God’s saving grace, have been resurrected in the same manner that the body of Jesus was resurrected. We are, “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.” ~
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