Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Lesson 2507

(Lesson 2507)(10-31-18) Luke 3:7-9
    “Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin 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: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”

    There is an ultra-important lesson to be taken from the first sentence of today’s quote. Therein, John addressed those who had come to “be baptized of him”. He was clearly referencing those who had heard of him and had come to hear his message. Also, John was prepared so that if any of them accepted his message and repented themselves before God, they could be ritually “baptized”, or immersed in water, as per Hebrew Law and tradition.
    This information is very important to the bible student because almost all “Christian” scholars erroneously leave the impression that when referencing “the baptism of John”, one is to accept it as ONLY a reference to the water immersions (baptisms) John was charged to perform, when in fact, the phrase refers primarily to the message John was sent to preach.~
NOTE: Tomorrows lesson will also be taken from today’s quote. 

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Lesson 2506

(Lesson 2506)(10-30-18) Luke 3:1-6
    “Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”

    Today’s lesson names those who were in positions of power as John the Baptist began his ministry. It also conveys John’s divine purpose, which was to; “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”
    It is important to note that John, himself, did NOT preach salvation to the world, he simply preached that his Jewish brethren were to prepare themselves for the coming of the Savior (Messiah), our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. It is also very important to remember that John preached exclusively to the Jews, he did NOT preach to the Gentiles. The reason John preached only to Jews will become evident as these lessons progress.~

Monday, October 29, 2018

Lesson 2505

(Lesson 2505)(10-29-18) Luke 2:40-52
    “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”

    Today’s lesson relates the young life of Jesus as He began to grow into a man. It also relates that even as a twelve year old boy, Jesus was as astute with the teachings of the Law and the prophets as were the elder Jews.
    It is important to note that the author of the book of Luke has a much more detailed method of writing in comparison with the authors of Matthew and Mark. We will also note that the book of Luke varies widely, from that of Matthew and Mark, in its narrative of the life of Jesus. I hope to point out those variances as we proceed with these lessons.~

Sunday, October 28, 2018

Lesson 2504

(Lesson 2504)(10-28-18) Luke 2:21-39
    “And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.”

    In today’s lesson Jesus was taken to the temple to receive all the rights that were, by Hebrew law, visited upon all Jewish newborn boys on the eighth day of their life.~

Saturday, October 27, 2018

Lesson 2503

(Lesson 2503)(10-27-18) Luke 2:15-20
    “And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”

   Today’s quote relates the story of the three wise men who came from the East bearing gifts for our Savior, Baby Jesus.

Friday, October 26, 2018

Lesson 2502

(Lesson 2502)(10-26-18) Luke 2:1-14
    And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

   Today’s quote relates the birth of Jesus, our Savior. What a glorious day the was for those of us who believe in Him.~

Thursday, October 25, 2018

I am in LR away from my PC I hope to get home and post the lesson late this afternoon. If I don’t make it, the next lesson will be posted tomorrow. Thanks for your patience, I’ll try to do better. 😔