Newsletter 276 January 1, 2012
______________________________________________________________________________________________
AFRICA TRACTS GEMS BIBLE STUDIES BOOKLETS
Revelation 21:22-27 King James Version
The Tabernacle and the magnificent temples in Jerusalem were provided on earth for Israel to have a place that they could point to as the Home of God. And they could go to worship Him. Even today the Holy of Holies, the heart of the temple, represented the presence of God and it was before these structures that the people gathered for prayer and worship. Orthodox Jews still do not stand on Temple Mount in case they might tread on holy land. They gather at the Wailing Wall to pray and worship. (It is a remnant of the retaining wall safely distant from the actual site of the temple itself.)
We do not expect to see the building of the Temple in heaven, for to be in Heaven is to be in the very presence of God always. John writes:
22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
(Matthew 24:2, John 4:21, Revelation 1:8, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 7:17, Revelation 14:4)
Light is used throughout the Bible as an indication of the presence of God. God spoke to Moses from the fire of the burning bush. The Tabernacle was filled with Light and smoke when God entered into it; also the temple. In Heaven, the presence of God and His Son, assure eternal light. Without light, life could not exist on earth, just as without the light of Christ and the Father heaven could not exist. We picture Hell as being a place of darkness lighted only by smoke and flames.
23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
(Isaiah 24:23, Isaiah 60:19, Isaiah 60:20, Revelation 21:25, Revelation 22:5, Revelation 21:11, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 7:17, Revelation 14:4)
Christians from all over the world shall walk peacefully in Heaven.
24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it.
(Isaiah 60:3, Isaiah 60:5, Psalm 72:10, Isaiah 49:23, Isaiah 60:16, Revelation 21:26)
25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
(Zechariah 14:7, Revelation 21:23, Revelation 22:5, Revelation 21:12, Revelation 21:15, Isaiah 60:11)
26 And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it.
(Psalm 72:10, Isaiah 49:23, Isaiah 60:16)
27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
(Isaiah 52:1, Ezekiel 44:9, Zechariah 14:21, Revelation 22:14, Revelation 3:5)
Revelation 22:1-5
1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
(Revelation 1:1, Revelation 21:9, Revelation 22:6, Psalm 46:4, Ezekiel 47:1, Zechariah 14:8, Revelation 7:17, Revelation 22:17, Revelation 4:6)
2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
(Revelation 21:21, Ezekiel 47:12, Genesis 2:9, Revelation 2:7, Revelation 22:14, Revelation 22:19)
3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
(Zechariah 14:11, Revelation 21:3, Revelation 7:15)
4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
(Psalm 17:15, Psalm 42:2, Matthew 5:8, Revelation 14:1, Revelation 7:3)
5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
(Zechariah 17:7, Revelation 21:25, Isaiah 60:19, Revelation 21:23, Daniel 7:18, Daniel 7:27, Matthew 19:28, Romans 5:17, Revelation 20:4)
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012
JANUARY
1st. Sunday – Genesis 1, 2, Matthew 1, Psalm 1
2nd. Monday – Genesis 3, 4, Matthew 2, Psalm 2
3rd. Tuesday – Genesis 5, 6, Matthew 3, Psalm 3
4th. Wednesday - Genesis 7, 8, Matthew 4, Proverbs 1:1-7
5th. Thursday - Genesis 9, 10, Matthew 5:1-26, Psalm 4
6th. Friday – Genesis 11, 12, Matthew 5:27-48, Psalm 5
7th. Saturday - Genesis 13, 14, 15, Matthew 6, Psalm 6
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 802 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://pricceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“And, behold, I come quickly: and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
________
A feisty 70 year-old woman had to call a furnace repairman.
After a quick inspection, the man put some oil into the motor and handed her a $70 bill for labor.
"Labor charges! One hour?" she exclaimed. "It only took you five minutes!"
The repairman explained that his company had a minimum one-hour charge on every house call.
"Well, I want my remaining 55 minutes of labor," the lady responded, and she handed him a rake.
The repairman spent the next 55 minutes in her yard bagging leaves.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
CHRIST IS BORN, BETHLEHEM
SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES WITH BOB
Newsletter 275 December 24, 2011
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Luke 2:1-20
Our family has four daughters, all are American, but two were born in America, one in Namibia, and one in South Africa. Jesus grew up in Nazareth, but the prophets had foretold that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem, so God caused Caesar Augustus to decree that everyone must return to the place of his family origins and pay a tax. Joseph and Mary‘s background required them to return to Bethlehem to be counted in a census and pay that tax. It was God’s timing that this should cause Jesus’ birth to be at Bethlehem and fulfill that prophecy. “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel.” (Micah 5:2)
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
(Matthew 22:17, Luke 3:1, Matthew 24:14)
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
(Matthew 4:24)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 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:)
(Luke 1:27)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 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.
(Matthew 1:25)
Surprisingly we were not shown an inn site, but there are two sites for the stables. One is almost literally under the dividing wall between two church buildings. One enters the very old Greek Catholic building, is shown part of the mosaic floor of a still more ancient building that once stood there; then passes down a set of stairs past the traditional site of the stables, and emerges on the other side of the wall into the Aramaic church. We were told that there is a nearby cave that is also a possible alternative site. Bethlehem is a very hilly area, and is probably still surrounded by shepherds with their flocks. I don’t recall any obvious evidence of farming nearby. It is only a few miles from Jerusalem.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 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.
(Luke 1:11, Acts 5:19, Luke 24:4, Acts 12:7)
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
(Matthew 14:27)
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
(Matthew 1:21, John 4:42, Acts 5:31, Matthew 1:16, Matthew 16:16, Matthew 16:20, John 11:27, Luke 1:43, Acts 2:36, Acts 10:36)
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
(1 Samuel 2:34, 2 Kings 19:29, 2 Kings 20:8, Isaiah 7:11, Isaiah 7:14)
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
(Matthew 21:9, Luke 19:38, Luke 3:22, Ephesians 1:9, Philippians 2:13)
15 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.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
(Luke 2:51)
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
(Matthew 9:8)
While the Matthew account is included with the Christmas events, it clearly tool place several months later. These visitors had seen this new star and interpreted it to mean that a new king had been born. Three types of gifts were brought, but there may have been more in the company, and probably were as they had travelled many miles through hostile country. Joseph and Mary, and Jesus had found a house after others had returned home, and Joseph had probably established himself in his trade. But, Bethlehem was not to be their permanent home. He was to come from Egypt. God warned the wise men to return home by a different way that would not be through Jerusalem, and told Joseph to take his family and flee to Egypt
Herod was the power in Jerusalem, and when he heard of these visitors, their wealth, and why they had come, he was very angry. A new king! He was the king! He issued a decree that all the baby boys near Bethlehem be killed. It was quickly done, but baby Jesus was already on his way to Egypt not to return until Herod was dead.
Matthew 2:1-11
1 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,
(Micah 5:2, Luke 2:4-7, Luke 1:5)
2 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.
(Jeremiah23:5, Jeremiah 30:9, Zechariah 9:9, Matthew 27:11, Luke 19:38, Luke 23:38, John 1:49, Numbers 24:17)
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
(John 7:42)
6 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.
(Micah 5:2, John 7:42)
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
(Numbers 24:17)
8 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.
9 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.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 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.
(Matthew 1”18Matthew 12:46, Matthew 24:14)
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012
DECEMBER
25th. Sunday – Zephaniah 1, 2, 3, Revelation 19:1-9, Psalm 147:12-20
27th. Monday – Haggai 1, 2, Revelation 19:10-21, Proverbs 31:10-20
27th. Tuesday – Zechariah 1, 2, 3, 4, Revelation 20, Psalm 148:1-6
28th. Wednesday - Zechariah 5, 6, 7, 8, Revelation 21:1-12, Psalm 148:7-14
29th. Thursday - Zechariah 9, 10, 11, Revelation 21:13-27, Psalm 149
30th. Friday – Zechariah 12, 13, 14, Revelation 22:1-9, Psalm 146
24th. Saturday - Esther 9, 10, Revelation 18:12-24, Proverbs 31:21-31
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 801 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
Matthew 1:23
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
________
A surgeon, an architect, and a politician were considering the question of whose profession was the oldest.
"I think my line of work would win this one hands down," the surgeon said. "After all, Eve was created from Adam's rib, and that sounds like surgery to me."
"Maybe," the architect said, "but before Adam, order was created out of chaos. That was architectural accomplishment."
"Sure," the politician said. "But before that, someone had to create the chaos."
Bob and Phyllis Mills
Newsletter 275 December 24, 2011
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Luke 2:1-20
Our family has four daughters, all are American, but two were born in America, one in Namibia, and one in South Africa. Jesus grew up in Nazareth, but the prophets had foretold that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem, so God caused Caesar Augustus to decree that everyone must return to the place of his family origins and pay a tax. Joseph and Mary‘s background required them to return to Bethlehem to be counted in a census and pay that tax. It was God’s timing that this should cause Jesus’ birth to be at Bethlehem and fulfill that prophecy. “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel.” (Micah 5:2)
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
(Matthew 22:17, Luke 3:1, Matthew 24:14)
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
(Matthew 4:24)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 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:)
(Luke 1:27)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 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.
(Matthew 1:25)
Surprisingly we were not shown an inn site, but there are two sites for the stables. One is almost literally under the dividing wall between two church buildings. One enters the very old Greek Catholic building, is shown part of the mosaic floor of a still more ancient building that once stood there; then passes down a set of stairs past the traditional site of the stables, and emerges on the other side of the wall into the Aramaic church. We were told that there is a nearby cave that is also a possible alternative site. Bethlehem is a very hilly area, and is probably still surrounded by shepherds with their flocks. I don’t recall any obvious evidence of farming nearby. It is only a few miles from Jerusalem.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 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.
(Luke 1:11, Acts 5:19, Luke 24:4, Acts 12:7)
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
(Matthew 14:27)
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
(Matthew 1:21, John 4:42, Acts 5:31, Matthew 1:16, Matthew 16:16, Matthew 16:20, John 11:27, Luke 1:43, Acts 2:36, Acts 10:36)
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
(1 Samuel 2:34, 2 Kings 19:29, 2 Kings 20:8, Isaiah 7:11, Isaiah 7:14)
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
(Matthew 21:9, Luke 19:38, Luke 3:22, Ephesians 1:9, Philippians 2:13)
15 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.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
(Luke 2:51)
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
(Matthew 9:8)
While the Matthew account is included with the Christmas events, it clearly tool place several months later. These visitors had seen this new star and interpreted it to mean that a new king had been born. Three types of gifts were brought, but there may have been more in the company, and probably were as they had travelled many miles through hostile country. Joseph and Mary, and Jesus had found a house after others had returned home, and Joseph had probably established himself in his trade. But, Bethlehem was not to be their permanent home. He was to come from Egypt. God warned the wise men to return home by a different way that would not be through Jerusalem, and told Joseph to take his family and flee to Egypt
Herod was the power in Jerusalem, and when he heard of these visitors, their wealth, and why they had come, he was very angry. A new king! He was the king! He issued a decree that all the baby boys near Bethlehem be killed. It was quickly done, but baby Jesus was already on his way to Egypt not to return until Herod was dead.
Matthew 2:1-11
1 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,
(Micah 5:2, Luke 2:4-7, Luke 1:5)
2 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.
(Jeremiah23:5, Jeremiah 30:9, Zechariah 9:9, Matthew 27:11, Luke 19:38, Luke 23:38, John 1:49, Numbers 24:17)
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
(John 7:42)
6 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.
(Micah 5:2, John 7:42)
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
(Numbers 24:17)
8 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.
9 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.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 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.
(Matthew 1”18Matthew 12:46, Matthew 24:14)
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012
DECEMBER
25th. Sunday – Zephaniah 1, 2, 3, Revelation 19:1-9, Psalm 147:12-20
27th. Monday – Haggai 1, 2, Revelation 19:10-21, Proverbs 31:10-20
27th. Tuesday – Zechariah 1, 2, 3, 4, Revelation 20, Psalm 148:1-6
28th. Wednesday - Zechariah 5, 6, 7, 8, Revelation 21:1-12, Psalm 148:7-14
29th. Thursday - Zechariah 9, 10, 11, Revelation 21:13-27, Psalm 149
30th. Friday – Zechariah 12, 13, 14, Revelation 22:1-9, Psalm 146
24th. Saturday - Esther 9, 10, Revelation 18:12-24, Proverbs 31:21-31
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 801 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
Matthew 1:23
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
________
A surgeon, an architect, and a politician were considering the question of whose profession was the oldest.
"I think my line of work would win this one hands down," the surgeon said. "After all, Eve was created from Adam's rib, and that sounds like surgery to me."
"Maybe," the architect said, "but before Adam, order was created out of chaos. That was architectural accomplishment."
"Sure," the politician said. "But before that, someone had to create the chaos."
Bob and Phyllis Mills
Thursday, December 15, 2011
NUMBER - 666
Newsletter 274 December 18, 2011
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Revelation 13:11-18 King James Version
Two beasts dominate this chapter of Revelation. Both of them are servants of the Dragon, (Satan). The first seems to represent the Roman Empire at its peak of political power. The known world was dominated politically. At that time Greek was spoken throughout the empire, roads were built to enable the military to travel rapidly to far-flung cities where there might be rebellions. But. in time there arose another beast.
This is the one we are concerned here, because the message is still that of Satan, but the emphasis here is more of a spiritual nature, and believers are especially targeted. Satan is the master of “half-truth” lies, so this message often sounds good, but soon twists the conclusion to be revealed, a lie. His specialty is a multiplicity of “churches.” The protection is to know the word so that these are evident, and to make it possible to have an answer. Scripture speaks of “false prophets,” and “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” We can recognize them by their lives, and words. This text speaks of “horns like a lamb,” but, one who “speaks as a dragon.” (demon)
ANOTHER BEAST
11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
(Revelation 13:1, Revelation 16:13, Daniel 8:3, Revelation 13:4)
This second beast has all the power and the message of the first, but he claims to follow Christ, just twisting the truth into a lie. He has added religion to his political power. His purpose is the same, to destroy the faith of all believers. As an empire, he failed, but as an apparent believer, he will succeed for a time.
12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
(Revelation 13:4, Revelation 13:14, Revelation 19:20, Revelation 13:8, Revelation 13:15, Revelation 14:9, Revelation 14:11, Revelation 16:2, Revelation 19:20, Revelation 20:4, Revelation 13:3)
PERFORMS MIRACLES
The wonders he performs, added to his deceptive message will convince many, and masses will flock after him. We see it in the mega-churches of today, in the masses of responses to “miraculous” healings, the hypnotic effect of following the masses attracted by music copied from the world.
We have yet to witness the fire from heaven, but it will come. The talking image is already not only possible but here. How many have heard all the toys that talk just as you pass by, or the greeting cards that sing and speak?
13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
(Revelation 12:9, Revelation 13:8, 2 Thessalonians 2:9, Revelation 13:12, Revelation 19:20, Revelation 13:3)
14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
(Matthew 24:24, Revelation 16:14, Revelation 19:20, 1 Kings 18:38, Luke 9:54, Revelation 11:5, Revelation 20:9)
DEATH TO THOSE WHO REJECT
The time is near when these will be placed in religious images, if not already, and a built in camera will record if you have “paid homage” to the idol or not.
15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
(Daniel 3:3, Revelation 13:12, Revelation 14:9, Revelation 14:11, Revelation 16:2, Revelation 19:20, Revelation 20:4)
HIS MARK
The name of this second beast is not given, but his number is. I have in my Bible collection, a New Testament called the Numeric Translation. That is a version based on number values for the letters and words. Very evident is the fact that our computers are all based on numbers, not letters of the alphabet. The number of the second beast is 666.
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
(Revelation 11:18, Revelation 19:5, Revelation 19:18, Galatians 6:17, Revelation 7:3, Revelation 14:9, Revelation 20:4)
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
(Galatians 6:17, Revelation 7:3, Revelation 14:9, Revelation 20:4, Revelation 14:11, Revelation 15:2)
HIS NAME
18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
(Revelation 17:9, Revelation 21:17)
Whether it is physically or emotionally, the forehead, and mind, and the hand and serve, are the same. Revelation 19:20 reveals the judgment for either.
_________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012
DECEMBER
18th. Sunday – Nehemiah 10, 11, Revelation 14:9-20, Proverbs 30:24-33
19th. Monday – Nehemiah 12, Revelation 15, Psalm 145:1-7
20th. Tuesday – Nehemiah 13, Revelation 16:1-11, Psalm 145:8-13
21st. Wednesday - Esther 1, 2, Revelation 16:12-21, Psalm 145:14-21
22nd. Thursday - Esther 3, 4, 5, Revelation 17, Proverbs 31:1-9
23rd. Friday – Esther 6, 7, 8, Revelation 18:1-11, Psalm 146
24th. Saturday - Esther 9, 10, Revelation 18:12-24, Psalm 147:1-11
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 800 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”
Revelation 13:8
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Bob and Phyllis Mills
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Revelation 13:11-18 King James Version
Two beasts dominate this chapter of Revelation. Both of them are servants of the Dragon, (Satan). The first seems to represent the Roman Empire at its peak of political power. The known world was dominated politically. At that time Greek was spoken throughout the empire, roads were built to enable the military to travel rapidly to far-flung cities where there might be rebellions. But. in time there arose another beast.
This is the one we are concerned here, because the message is still that of Satan, but the emphasis here is more of a spiritual nature, and believers are especially targeted. Satan is the master of “half-truth” lies, so this message often sounds good, but soon twists the conclusion to be revealed, a lie. His specialty is a multiplicity of “churches.” The protection is to know the word so that these are evident, and to make it possible to have an answer. Scripture speaks of “false prophets,” and “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” We can recognize them by their lives, and words. This text speaks of “horns like a lamb,” but, one who “speaks as a dragon.” (demon)
ANOTHER BEAST
11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
(Revelation 13:1, Revelation 16:13, Daniel 8:3, Revelation 13:4)
This second beast has all the power and the message of the first, but he claims to follow Christ, just twisting the truth into a lie. He has added religion to his political power. His purpose is the same, to destroy the faith of all believers. As an empire, he failed, but as an apparent believer, he will succeed for a time.
12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
(Revelation 13:4, Revelation 13:14, Revelation 19:20, Revelation 13:8, Revelation 13:15, Revelation 14:9, Revelation 14:11, Revelation 16:2, Revelation 19:20, Revelation 20:4, Revelation 13:3)
PERFORMS MIRACLES
The wonders he performs, added to his deceptive message will convince many, and masses will flock after him. We see it in the mega-churches of today, in the masses of responses to “miraculous” healings, the hypnotic effect of following the masses attracted by music copied from the world.
We have yet to witness the fire from heaven, but it will come. The talking image is already not only possible but here. How many have heard all the toys that talk just as you pass by, or the greeting cards that sing and speak?
13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
(Revelation 12:9, Revelation 13:8, 2 Thessalonians 2:9, Revelation 13:12, Revelation 19:20, Revelation 13:3)
14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
(Matthew 24:24, Revelation 16:14, Revelation 19:20, 1 Kings 18:38, Luke 9:54, Revelation 11:5, Revelation 20:9)
DEATH TO THOSE WHO REJECT
The time is near when these will be placed in religious images, if not already, and a built in camera will record if you have “paid homage” to the idol or not.
15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
(Daniel 3:3, Revelation 13:12, Revelation 14:9, Revelation 14:11, Revelation 16:2, Revelation 19:20, Revelation 20:4)
HIS MARK
The name of this second beast is not given, but his number is. I have in my Bible collection, a New Testament called the Numeric Translation. That is a version based on number values for the letters and words. Very evident is the fact that our computers are all based on numbers, not letters of the alphabet. The number of the second beast is 666.
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
(Revelation 11:18, Revelation 19:5, Revelation 19:18, Galatians 6:17, Revelation 7:3, Revelation 14:9, Revelation 20:4)
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
(Galatians 6:17, Revelation 7:3, Revelation 14:9, Revelation 20:4, Revelation 14:11, Revelation 15:2)
HIS NAME
18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
(Revelation 17:9, Revelation 21:17)
Whether it is physically or emotionally, the forehead, and mind, and the hand and serve, are the same. Revelation 19:20 reveals the judgment for either.
_________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012
DECEMBER
18th. Sunday – Nehemiah 10, 11, Revelation 14:9-20, Proverbs 30:24-33
19th. Monday – Nehemiah 12, Revelation 15, Psalm 145:1-7
20th. Tuesday – Nehemiah 13, Revelation 16:1-11, Psalm 145:8-13
21st. Wednesday - Esther 1, 2, Revelation 16:12-21, Psalm 145:14-21
22nd. Thursday - Esther 3, 4, 5, Revelation 17, Proverbs 31:1-9
23rd. Friday – Esther 6, 7, 8, Revelation 18:1-11, Psalm 146
24th. Saturday - Esther 9, 10, Revelation 18:12-24, Psalm 147:1-11
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 800 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”
Revelation 13:8
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Bob and Phyllis Mills
Thursday, December 8, 2011
THE THRONE OF GOD
Newsletter 273 December 11, 2011
______________________________________________________________________________________________
AFRICA TRACTS GEMS BIBLE STUDIES BOOKLETS
Revelation 4 King James Version
One comes before the throne of God only by invitation. Few have experienced this. John, and Stephen were so invited. That door in heaven was opened by God. Man attempted to build a tower to reach God’s presence at Babylon, only to fail completely. God opened the door and invited John in. We are blessed by what he saw and preserved for us. We may travel the world to see God’s handwork, but this is a glimpse into His very throne room!
1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter.
(Revelation 1:12, Revelation 1:19, Ezekiel 1:1, Revelation 19:11, Revelation 1:10, Revelation 11:12, Revelation 1:19, Revelation 22:6)
IN THE SPIRIT
The only way John could do this was in the spirit. The physical body is not capable to such honor. A glimpse blinded Saul. Stephen entered as he was dying. Moses to whom God spoke, glowed so that he had to wear a veil afterwards. How wonderful that God chose to give us this glimpse..
2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
Earthly thrones, are normally placed in rooms, but there is no mention of a room here. This throne is visible to all. As Christians have access to God in prayer now, they shall also have access in spirit in heaven.
(Revelation 1:10, 1 Kings 22:19, Isaiah 6:1, Ezekiel 1:26, Daniel 7:9, Revelation 4:9)
JASPER (diamond), SARDIUS (ruby red), EMERALD (cool green)
3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
(Revelation 21:11, Revelation 21:20, Ezekiel 1:28, Revelation 10:1, Revelation 21:19)
We are not familiar with all the gems of heaven, but it is thought that Jasper must belike a diamond, reflecting light in the entire spectrum of colors. Many years ago, I was blessed by being able to see a famous diamond, I think it was the Hope, displayed for the public to see. It was placed under a special light and the colors reflected were phenomenal. I suppose one would say “awesome” now, though the word does not adequately describe it, because of its misuse for nearly anything
JOINT RULERS WITH CHRIST
4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
Twenty four seats probably indicate more than the tribes if Israel. They indicate all Christians world wide. The elders who sit upon them all wear crowns. They are co-rulers with Christ, seated, not standing. They are highly honored in having a place that is their own in the very presence of God.
(Revelation 4:6, Revelation 5:11, Revelation 7:11, Revelation 11:16, Revelation 4:10, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:8, Revelation 5:14, Revelation 19:4, Revelation 19:28, Revelation 20:4, Revelation 3:18)
THE AWESOME POWER OF GOD
5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
The Holy Spirit is here represented by the perfect number seven in the lamps., and the thunder and lightnings of the great power of God. World wide, voices of God.
(Exodus 19:16, Revelation 8:5, Revelation 11:19, Revelation 16:18, Exodus 25:37, Zechariah 4:2, Revelation 1:4)
A SEA LIKE GLASS
6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
Clearly this is not a sea as we think of seas. There is no sea in heaven, but my mind goes back to a night on our ship as we approached the Panama Canal from the Pacific side. The sea was absolutely placid and the stars unbelievable. John said “like unto crystal.”
I picture the four cherubim, or “living beings” on all four sides of the throne, who see all, and know all. There will be no whispering with a friend there. They have eyes all over and they hover around the throne constantly praising the Lord. “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty.”
(Ezekiel 1:22, Revelation 15:2, Revelation 21:18, Revelation 21:21, Revelation 4:4, Ezekiel 1:5, Revelation 4:8, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 6:1, Revelation 6:6, Revelation 7:11, Revelation 14:3, Revelation 15:7, Revelation 19:4, Ezekiel 1:18, Ezekiel 10:12)
THE FOUR CREATURES, CHERUBIM
A description of these four suggest that they represent wisdom, courage, diligence, and discretion. This is suggested by the different faces to match.
7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
(Ezekiel 1:10, Ezekiel 10:14)
8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
(Ezekiel 1:5, Revelation 4:6, Revelation 4:9, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 6:1, Revelation 6:6, Revelation 7:14, Revelation 14:3, Revelation 15:7, Revelation 19:4, Isaiah 6:2, Ezekiel 1:18, Ezekiel 10:12, Revelation 14:11, Isaiah 6:3, Revelation 1:8, Revelation 1:4)
9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
(Psalm 47:8, Isaiah 6:1, Revelation 4:2, Deuteronomy 32:40, Daniel 4:34, Daniel 12:7, Revelation 10:6, Revelation 15:7)
The twenty four elders fall down in worship, knowing how unworthy they are. Such praise is for God and His Son alone.
10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
(Revelation 4:4, Revelation 5:8, Revelation 7:11, Revelation 11:16, Revelation 19:4, Psalm 47:8, Isaiah 6:1, Revelation 4:2, Deuteronomy 32:40, Daniel 4:34, Daniel 12:7, Revelation 4:4, Revelation 10:6, Revelation 5:7)
11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
(Revelation 1:6, Revelation 5:12, Acts 14:15, Revelation 10:6, Revelation 14:7)
_________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
DECEMBER
11th. Sunday – Ezra 8, 9, Revelation 9:1-11, Psalm 140:6-13
12th. Monday – Ezra 10, Revelation 9:12-21, Psalm 141
13th. Tuesday – Nehemiah 1, 2, Revelation 10, Psalm 142
14th. Wednesday - Nehemiah 3, 4, Revelation 11, Proverbs 30:11-23
15th. Thursday - Nehemiah 5, 6, Revelation 12, Psalm 143
16th. Friday – Nehemiah 7, Revelation 13, Psalm 144:1-8
17th. Saturday - Nehemiah 8, 9, Revelation 14:1-8, Psalm 144:9-15
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 799 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” – Revelation 2:10
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Anything For You...
A woman is sitting at a bar enjoying an after work cocktail with her girlfriends when an exceptionally tall, handsome, middle-aged man enters.
He is so striking that the woman can not take her eyes off him.
The man notices her overly attentive stares and walks directly toward her.
Before she can offer her apologies for rudely staring, he leans over and whispers, "I'll do anything, absolutely anything that you want me to do for $20... But, on one condition."
Flabbergasted, the woman asks what the condition is.
The man replies, "You have to tell me what you want me to do in just three words."
The woman considers his proposition for a moment and then removes a $20 bill from her purse, which she presses into the man's hand along with her address.
She then looks deeply into his eyes, and slowly, and meaningfully says,
"Clean my house."
______________________________________________________________________________________________
AFRICA TRACTS GEMS BIBLE STUDIES BOOKLETS
Revelation 4 King James Version
One comes before the throne of God only by invitation. Few have experienced this. John, and Stephen were so invited. That door in heaven was opened by God. Man attempted to build a tower to reach God’s presence at Babylon, only to fail completely. God opened the door and invited John in. We are blessed by what he saw and preserved for us. We may travel the world to see God’s handwork, but this is a glimpse into His very throne room!
1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter.
(Revelation 1:12, Revelation 1:19, Ezekiel 1:1, Revelation 19:11, Revelation 1:10, Revelation 11:12, Revelation 1:19, Revelation 22:6)
IN THE SPIRIT
The only way John could do this was in the spirit. The physical body is not capable to such honor. A glimpse blinded Saul. Stephen entered as he was dying. Moses to whom God spoke, glowed so that he had to wear a veil afterwards. How wonderful that God chose to give us this glimpse..
2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
Earthly thrones, are normally placed in rooms, but there is no mention of a room here. This throne is visible to all. As Christians have access to God in prayer now, they shall also have access in spirit in heaven.
(Revelation 1:10, 1 Kings 22:19, Isaiah 6:1, Ezekiel 1:26, Daniel 7:9, Revelation 4:9)
JASPER (diamond), SARDIUS (ruby red), EMERALD (cool green)
3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
(Revelation 21:11, Revelation 21:20, Ezekiel 1:28, Revelation 10:1, Revelation 21:19)
We are not familiar with all the gems of heaven, but it is thought that Jasper must belike a diamond, reflecting light in the entire spectrum of colors. Many years ago, I was blessed by being able to see a famous diamond, I think it was the Hope, displayed for the public to see. It was placed under a special light and the colors reflected were phenomenal. I suppose one would say “awesome” now, though the word does not adequately describe it, because of its misuse for nearly anything
JOINT RULERS WITH CHRIST
4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
Twenty four seats probably indicate more than the tribes if Israel. They indicate all Christians world wide. The elders who sit upon them all wear crowns. They are co-rulers with Christ, seated, not standing. They are highly honored in having a place that is their own in the very presence of God.
(Revelation 4:6, Revelation 5:11, Revelation 7:11, Revelation 11:16, Revelation 4:10, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:8, Revelation 5:14, Revelation 19:4, Revelation 19:28, Revelation 20:4, Revelation 3:18)
THE AWESOME POWER OF GOD
5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
The Holy Spirit is here represented by the perfect number seven in the lamps., and the thunder and lightnings of the great power of God. World wide, voices of God.
(Exodus 19:16, Revelation 8:5, Revelation 11:19, Revelation 16:18, Exodus 25:37, Zechariah 4:2, Revelation 1:4)
A SEA LIKE GLASS
6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
Clearly this is not a sea as we think of seas. There is no sea in heaven, but my mind goes back to a night on our ship as we approached the Panama Canal from the Pacific side. The sea was absolutely placid and the stars unbelievable. John said “like unto crystal.”
I picture the four cherubim, or “living beings” on all four sides of the throne, who see all, and know all. There will be no whispering with a friend there. They have eyes all over and they hover around the throne constantly praising the Lord. “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty.”
(Ezekiel 1:22, Revelation 15:2, Revelation 21:18, Revelation 21:21, Revelation 4:4, Ezekiel 1:5, Revelation 4:8, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 6:1, Revelation 6:6, Revelation 7:11, Revelation 14:3, Revelation 15:7, Revelation 19:4, Ezekiel 1:18, Ezekiel 10:12)
THE FOUR CREATURES, CHERUBIM
A description of these four suggest that they represent wisdom, courage, diligence, and discretion. This is suggested by the different faces to match.
7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
(Ezekiel 1:10, Ezekiel 10:14)
8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
(Ezekiel 1:5, Revelation 4:6, Revelation 4:9, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 6:1, Revelation 6:6, Revelation 7:14, Revelation 14:3, Revelation 15:7, Revelation 19:4, Isaiah 6:2, Ezekiel 1:18, Ezekiel 10:12, Revelation 14:11, Isaiah 6:3, Revelation 1:8, Revelation 1:4)
9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
(Psalm 47:8, Isaiah 6:1, Revelation 4:2, Deuteronomy 32:40, Daniel 4:34, Daniel 12:7, Revelation 10:6, Revelation 15:7)
The twenty four elders fall down in worship, knowing how unworthy they are. Such praise is for God and His Son alone.
10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
(Revelation 4:4, Revelation 5:8, Revelation 7:11, Revelation 11:16, Revelation 19:4, Psalm 47:8, Isaiah 6:1, Revelation 4:2, Deuteronomy 32:40, Daniel 4:34, Daniel 12:7, Revelation 4:4, Revelation 10:6, Revelation 5:7)
11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
(Revelation 1:6, Revelation 5:12, Acts 14:15, Revelation 10:6, Revelation 14:7)
_________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
DECEMBER
11th. Sunday – Ezra 8, 9, Revelation 9:1-11, Psalm 140:6-13
12th. Monday – Ezra 10, Revelation 9:12-21, Psalm 141
13th. Tuesday – Nehemiah 1, 2, Revelation 10, Psalm 142
14th. Wednesday - Nehemiah 3, 4, Revelation 11, Proverbs 30:11-23
15th. Thursday - Nehemiah 5, 6, Revelation 12, Psalm 143
16th. Friday – Nehemiah 7, Revelation 13, Psalm 144:1-8
17th. Saturday - Nehemiah 8, 9, Revelation 14:1-8, Psalm 144:9-15
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 799 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” – Revelation 2:10
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Anything For You...
A woman is sitting at a bar enjoying an after work cocktail with her girlfriends when an exceptionally tall, handsome, middle-aged man enters.
He is so striking that the woman can not take her eyes off him.
The man notices her overly attentive stares and walks directly toward her.
Before she can offer her apologies for rudely staring, he leans over and whispers, "I'll do anything, absolutely anything that you want me to do for $20... But, on one condition."
Flabbergasted, the woman asks what the condition is.
The man replies, "You have to tell me what you want me to do in just three words."
The woman considers his proposition for a moment and then removes a $20 bill from her purse, which she presses into the man's hand along with her address.
She then looks deeply into his eyes, and slowly, and meaningfully says,
"Clean my house."
Thursday, December 1, 2011
THE CHURCH GOD LOVES
Newsletter 272 December 4, 2011
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Revelation 3:7-13 King James Version
“But who do you say that I am?”
And answering, Simon Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the
living God.”
And answering, Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah,
because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in
heaven. And I also say to you that you are ‘Petros,’ and upon this ‘Petra’ I will
build My church, and the gates of Hades will not be victorious over it“ (Matthew 16:13-20)
At that time, not long before his crucifixion, Jesus said, “I will build.” The only occasion possible for this to happen, is in Acts 2. This reference, Acts 2:47 ends, “The Lord added to the church.” That Pentecost is generally accepted as when Christ built, (established) His church.
Notice the use of two different Greek forms of the word for stone when Jesus spoke to Peter in the Matthew reference. “Petros” the Greek for Peter means a small stone, such as gravel, while “Petra” means a great outcrop of stone such as the famous one in Australia. The church was not built on Peter. It was built on the solid, immovably solid fact that “Jesus is the Christ the Son of God.” He adds his promise that the church will not fail. It is eternal. One becomes a part of that church for eternity, even physical death does not separate him.. He can only be separated by his own choice, that is, by returning to his old sins and rejection of Christ.
The two great “R” movements which stand out in the history of the church are the “reformation movement” and the “restoration movement.”
The “Reformation” movement came about as an attempt to reform the church because of its sins, the selling of “indulgences” (permissions to sin), and other practices which had crept into the church at the time. On October 31, 1517, a priest, Martin Luther, listed 95 such evils,
And nailed them on the door of the church. The result was the eventual formation of the Lutheran Church. This movement utterly failed to reform matters, but started the process of many splinter churches which continued for many years.
On Sept 8, 1809, the second “R” came about in America when Alexander Campbell wrote his ‘”Declaration and Address,” urging the restoration of the unity and doctrines of the church to its Biblical origins. At first this swept like wild fire through the scattered prairie settlements. In those days, the Bible was the basic textbook for education and those who had fled religious persecution in Europe had settled in America. The Bible was where it was meant to be, the authority; the Word of God. It was the rock foundation for successful life.
Today many say, “Surely you don’t want to restore the church of Corinth.” No, we don’t. The letters to Corinth show us how to deal with the same sins today, and of the letters to the churches in Revelation, it is only the church at Philadelphia that received no criticism of the Lord. It can be taken as a pattern of what the church should be doing today. It was pleasing to the Lord.
7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
(Revelation 1:11, Revelation 6:10, 1 John 5:20, Revelation 3:14, Revelation 19:11, Job 12:14, Isaiah 22:22, Matthew 16:19, Revelation 1:18)
8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
The way one can know that he is pleasing the Lord, is that God opens doors of opportunity for each of us to use our inherent abilities in the best way to His glory. The foundation of it all is that we be well founded in the Word. One does not have to be a master. I am battling to set up a Kindle given to me by my daughter. It will come, but it is a challenge. I use “Kindle for PC” on my computer, but this is portable where the computer is desk bound. I can transfer the Bible and all that I need from the computer and carry it all in my pocket, once I get it up and running. All but two of my wife’s books are there, but so far, I still have to use the computer monitor and not the built-in one. Perhaps God will send me someone to show me the way.
(Revelation 3:1, Acts 14:27, Revelation 2:13)
9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
(Revelation 2:9, Isaiah 45:14, Isaiah 49:23, Isaiah 60:14, Isaiah 43:4, John 17:23)
10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
We can expect tests of our patience. While we are here on earth, we are tested and forced to grow.
(John 17:6, Revelation 3:8, Revelation 1:9, 2 Timothy 2:12, 2 Peter 2:9, Revelation 2:10, Matthew 24:14, Revelation 16:14, Revelation 6:10, Revelation 8:3, Revelation 11:10, Revelation 13:8, Revelation 14, Revelation 17:8)
11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
Here is the assurance that Our Lord is aware of our problems and that He will come quickly. Here is our first problem. Our interpretation of quickly is not that of the Lord. We always must learn patience, and trust.
(Revelation 1:3, Revelation 22:7, Revelation 12:20, Revelation 22:5, Revelation 2:10)
12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
The award of patience and trust is that we can be what we probably are not now, pillars in the Lord’s church. I remember touring the Parthenon on the top of the mount in Athens. Typically of it’s era, the roof was supported by massive pillars, and they are still standing after all these years. God wants us to be pillars of the faith, and we can be, if He wants that. He made us to be, or He would not have said this.
(Revelation 3:5, 1 Kings 7:21, Jeremiah 1:18, Galatians 2:9, Revelation 14:1, Revelation 22:4, Ezekiel 48:35, Revelation 21:2, Galatians 4:26, Hebrews 13:14, Revelation 21:2, Revelation 21:10, Isaiah 62:2, Revelation 2:17)
13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
So many times we Hear, but we do not “listen.” The Letter to Philadelphia is one we must listen to.
(Revelation 3:6)
_________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
DECEMBER
4th. Sunday – Daniel 7, 8, Revelation 3:1-10, Psalm 138
5th. Monday – Daniel 9, 10, Revelation 3:11-22, Psalm 139:1-8
6th. Tuesday – Daniel 11, 12, Revelation 4, Proverbs 29:19-27
7th. Wednesday - Ezra 1:1-2:42, Revelation 5, Psalm 139:9-16
8th. Thursday - Ezra 2:43-3:13, Revelation 6, Psalm 139:17-24
9th. Friday – Ezra 4, 5, Revelation 7, Psalm 140:1-5
10th. Saturday - Ezra 6, 7, Revelation 8, Proverbs 30:1-10
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 798 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
New Perspective...
After being married 25 years, a man looked at his wife one day and said, "You know, 25 years ago we lived in a cheap apartment, drove a cheap car, had only a sofa bed and watched a 14" black and white television.
But, every night I got to sleep with a hot 25-year-old blonde."
"Now," he continued, "We have a nice house, a new car, a big flat-screen TV, but I have to sleep with a 50-year-old woman. It doesn't seem fair."
His wife was a reasonable woman.
She replied, "Well, why don't you go out and get yourself a hot 25-year-old blonde? Then I'll make sure you will once again live in a cheap apartment, drive a cheap car, have only a sofa bed and watch a 14" black and white television."
The man rethought his priorities.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Revelation 3:7-13 King James Version
“But who do you say that I am?”
And answering, Simon Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the
living God.”
And answering, Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah,
because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in
heaven. And I also say to you that you are ‘Petros,’ and upon this ‘Petra’ I will
build My church, and the gates of Hades will not be victorious over it“ (Matthew 16:13-20)
At that time, not long before his crucifixion, Jesus said, “I will build.” The only occasion possible for this to happen, is in Acts 2. This reference, Acts 2:47 ends, “The Lord added to the church.” That Pentecost is generally accepted as when Christ built, (established) His church.
Notice the use of two different Greek forms of the word for stone when Jesus spoke to Peter in the Matthew reference. “Petros” the Greek for Peter means a small stone, such as gravel, while “Petra” means a great outcrop of stone such as the famous one in Australia. The church was not built on Peter. It was built on the solid, immovably solid fact that “Jesus is the Christ the Son of God.” He adds his promise that the church will not fail. It is eternal. One becomes a part of that church for eternity, even physical death does not separate him.. He can only be separated by his own choice, that is, by returning to his old sins and rejection of Christ.
The two great “R” movements which stand out in the history of the church are the “reformation movement” and the “restoration movement.”
The “Reformation” movement came about as an attempt to reform the church because of its sins, the selling of “indulgences” (permissions to sin), and other practices which had crept into the church at the time. On October 31, 1517, a priest, Martin Luther, listed 95 such evils,
And nailed them on the door of the church. The result was the eventual formation of the Lutheran Church. This movement utterly failed to reform matters, but started the process of many splinter churches which continued for many years.
On Sept 8, 1809, the second “R” came about in America when Alexander Campbell wrote his ‘”Declaration and Address,” urging the restoration of the unity and doctrines of the church to its Biblical origins. At first this swept like wild fire through the scattered prairie settlements. In those days, the Bible was the basic textbook for education and those who had fled religious persecution in Europe had settled in America. The Bible was where it was meant to be, the authority; the Word of God. It was the rock foundation for successful life.
Today many say, “Surely you don’t want to restore the church of Corinth.” No, we don’t. The letters to Corinth show us how to deal with the same sins today, and of the letters to the churches in Revelation, it is only the church at Philadelphia that received no criticism of the Lord. It can be taken as a pattern of what the church should be doing today. It was pleasing to the Lord.
7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
(Revelation 1:11, Revelation 6:10, 1 John 5:20, Revelation 3:14, Revelation 19:11, Job 12:14, Isaiah 22:22, Matthew 16:19, Revelation 1:18)
8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
The way one can know that he is pleasing the Lord, is that God opens doors of opportunity for each of us to use our inherent abilities in the best way to His glory. The foundation of it all is that we be well founded in the Word. One does not have to be a master. I am battling to set up a Kindle given to me by my daughter. It will come, but it is a challenge. I use “Kindle for PC” on my computer, but this is portable where the computer is desk bound. I can transfer the Bible and all that I need from the computer and carry it all in my pocket, once I get it up and running. All but two of my wife’s books are there, but so far, I still have to use the computer monitor and not the built-in one. Perhaps God will send me someone to show me the way.
(Revelation 3:1, Acts 14:27, Revelation 2:13)
9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
(Revelation 2:9, Isaiah 45:14, Isaiah 49:23, Isaiah 60:14, Isaiah 43:4, John 17:23)
10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
We can expect tests of our patience. While we are here on earth, we are tested and forced to grow.
(John 17:6, Revelation 3:8, Revelation 1:9, 2 Timothy 2:12, 2 Peter 2:9, Revelation 2:10, Matthew 24:14, Revelation 16:14, Revelation 6:10, Revelation 8:3, Revelation 11:10, Revelation 13:8, Revelation 14, Revelation 17:8)
11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
Here is the assurance that Our Lord is aware of our problems and that He will come quickly. Here is our first problem. Our interpretation of quickly is not that of the Lord. We always must learn patience, and trust.
(Revelation 1:3, Revelation 22:7, Revelation 12:20, Revelation 22:5, Revelation 2:10)
12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
The award of patience and trust is that we can be what we probably are not now, pillars in the Lord’s church. I remember touring the Parthenon on the top of the mount in Athens. Typically of it’s era, the roof was supported by massive pillars, and they are still standing after all these years. God wants us to be pillars of the faith, and we can be, if He wants that. He made us to be, or He would not have said this.
(Revelation 3:5, 1 Kings 7:21, Jeremiah 1:18, Galatians 2:9, Revelation 14:1, Revelation 22:4, Ezekiel 48:35, Revelation 21:2, Galatians 4:26, Hebrews 13:14, Revelation 21:2, Revelation 21:10, Isaiah 62:2, Revelation 2:17)
13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
So many times we Hear, but we do not “listen.” The Letter to Philadelphia is one we must listen to.
(Revelation 3:6)
_________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
DECEMBER
4th. Sunday – Daniel 7, 8, Revelation 3:1-10, Psalm 138
5th. Monday – Daniel 9, 10, Revelation 3:11-22, Psalm 139:1-8
6th. Tuesday – Daniel 11, 12, Revelation 4, Proverbs 29:19-27
7th. Wednesday - Ezra 1:1-2:42, Revelation 5, Psalm 139:9-16
8th. Thursday - Ezra 2:43-3:13, Revelation 6, Psalm 139:17-24
9th. Friday – Ezra 4, 5, Revelation 7, Psalm 140:1-5
10th. Saturday - Ezra 6, 7, Revelation 8, Proverbs 30:1-10
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 798 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
New Perspective...
After being married 25 years, a man looked at his wife one day and said, "You know, 25 years ago we lived in a cheap apartment, drove a cheap car, had only a sofa bed and watched a 14" black and white television.
But, every night I got to sleep with a hot 25-year-old blonde."
"Now," he continued, "We have a nice house, a new car, a big flat-screen TV, but I have to sleep with a 50-year-old woman. It doesn't seem fair."
His wife was a reasonable woman.
She replied, "Well, why don't you go out and get yourself a hot 25-year-old blonde? Then I'll make sure you will once again live in a cheap apartment, drive a cheap car, have only a sofa bed and watch a 14" black and white television."
The man rethought his priorities.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
CHRIST WILL TAKE OVER!
Newsletter 271 
November 27, 2011
______________________________________________________________________________________________
2 Peter 2:1-10 King James Version
EXPECT FALSE PROPHETS
Many seem to expect things to get better and better until Christ returns to rule, but Scripture seems to point out that the very opposite is to be expected. It would seem that things are going to make a full cycle until they are very similar to that which existed at the time of Noah and the great flood. Christ will return as judge and then to set things in order.
Today there are many false teachers all about us, evidence by the many churches, cults and pagan religions to be found in America. Many of these deny the divinity of Christ. They shall be judged of the Lord.
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
(Deuteronomy 13:1, Jeremiah 6:13, 2 Corinthians 11:13, Matthew 7:15, 1 Timothy 4:1, Galatians 2:4, Jude 4, 1 Corinthians 11:19, Galatians 5:20, Revelation 6:10, 1 Corinthians 6:20)
MANY WILL FOLLOW THEM
There is no shortage of people who follow such leaders. Some of the largest gatherings in His name deny in practice that He is Lord of Lord and King of Kings, the creator all that we see about us. They not only deny Christ to the Son of God, but condemn those who believe the Bible.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
(Genesis 19:5, 2 Peter 2:7, 2 Peter 2:18, Jude 4, Acts 16:17, Acts 22:4, Acts 24:14, Romans 2:24)
THEY WILL BE MEN FILLED WITH GREED
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
(1 Timothy 6:5, 2 Peter 2:14, Jude 16, 2 Corinthians 2:17, 1 Thessalonians 2:5, Romans 16:18, 2 Peter 1:16, Deuteronomy 32:35)
GOD WILL REMEMBER AND PUNISH
God has a long and perfect memory and has prepared a place for even the angels who rebelled. God did not make hell for mankind, He made it for the punishment of fallen angels, who rebelled against his authority.
4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
(Jude 6, Revelation 20:11)
Mankind was so deluded by Satan by the time of Noah that he had no alternative but to destroy all but eight persons, through whom He repopulated the world after the great flood.
5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
(Ezekiel 26:20, 2 Peter 3:6, Genesis 6:8, ,9, 1 Peter 3:20, 2 Peter 3:6)
By the time of Abraham and Lot many again turned away and the result was the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. In this case angels led Lot, and his two daughters to safety. His wife looked back, probably longingly remembering their home in those evil cities, and was turned into a pillar of salt.
6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly.
(Genesis 19:24, Jude 7, Isaiah 1:9, Matthew 10:15, Matthew 11:23, Romans 9:29, Jude 15)
7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
(Genesis 19:16, Genesis 19:29, Genesis 19:5, 2 Peter 2:2, 2 Peter 2:18, Jude 4, 2 Peter 3:17)
Even to this day, the name of Sodom is remembered in the word “sodomy,” after their evil lives. Let remained righteous, but in reality, he lost his personal family because of where he chose to make his home.
8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
(Hebrews 11:4)
The time is coming when Christ will sort out the good from the bad as in the parable of the sheep and the goats. I still remember sorting and washing bushels of potatoes in my aunt’s grocery store to remove the rotten from the good, and throw away the bad before they corrupted the entire basket, as they certainly would if left. Like the potatoes, God wants to save all, but he will separate and destroy before the world becomes so corrupted that even the righteous are in danger.
9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
(1 Corinthians 10:13, Revelation 3:10, Matthew 10:15, Jude 6)
10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
(2 Peter 3:3, Jude 16, Jude 18, Titus 1:7)
_________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
NOVEMBER
27th. Sunday – Ezekiel 48, 1 Peter 5, Psalm 135:1-12
28th Monday – Joel 1, 2, 3, 2 Peter 1, Proverbs 29:1-9
29th. Tuesday – Habakkuk 1, 2, 3, 2 Peter 2, Psalm 135:13-21
30th. Wednesday - Obadiah, 2 peter 3, Psalm 136:1-12
DECEMBER
1st. Thursday - Daniel 1, 2, Revelation 1, Psalm 136:13-26
2nd. Friday – Daniel 3, 4, Revelation 2:1-17, Proverbs 29:10-18
3rd. Saturday - Daniel 5, 6, Revelation 2:18-29, Psalm 137
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 797 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.co
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.” – 2 Peter 2:9
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
___________
Most of us spend the first six days of the week sowing wild oats, then we go to church on Sunday and pray for a crop failure.
A Bible that is falling apart probably belongs to someone who isn’t.
November 27, 2011
______________________________________________________________________________________________
2 Peter 2:1-10 King James Version
EXPECT FALSE PROPHETS
Many seem to expect things to get better and better until Christ returns to rule, but Scripture seems to point out that the very opposite is to be expected. It would seem that things are going to make a full cycle until they are very similar to that which existed at the time of Noah and the great flood. Christ will return as judge and then to set things in order.
Today there are many false teachers all about us, evidence by the many churches, cults and pagan religions to be found in America. Many of these deny the divinity of Christ. They shall be judged of the Lord.
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
(Deuteronomy 13:1, Jeremiah 6:13, 2 Corinthians 11:13, Matthew 7:15, 1 Timothy 4:1, Galatians 2:4, Jude 4, 1 Corinthians 11:19, Galatians 5:20, Revelation 6:10, 1 Corinthians 6:20)
MANY WILL FOLLOW THEM
There is no shortage of people who follow such leaders. Some of the largest gatherings in His name deny in practice that He is Lord of Lord and King of Kings, the creator all that we see about us. They not only deny Christ to the Son of God, but condemn those who believe the Bible.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
(Genesis 19:5, 2 Peter 2:7, 2 Peter 2:18, Jude 4, Acts 16:17, Acts 22:4, Acts 24:14, Romans 2:24)
THEY WILL BE MEN FILLED WITH GREED
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
(1 Timothy 6:5, 2 Peter 2:14, Jude 16, 2 Corinthians 2:17, 1 Thessalonians 2:5, Romans 16:18, 2 Peter 1:16, Deuteronomy 32:35)
GOD WILL REMEMBER AND PUNISH
God has a long and perfect memory and has prepared a place for even the angels who rebelled. God did not make hell for mankind, He made it for the punishment of fallen angels, who rebelled against his authority.
4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
(Jude 6, Revelation 20:11)
Mankind was so deluded by Satan by the time of Noah that he had no alternative but to destroy all but eight persons, through whom He repopulated the world after the great flood.
5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
(Ezekiel 26:20, 2 Peter 3:6, Genesis 6:8, ,9, 1 Peter 3:20, 2 Peter 3:6)
By the time of Abraham and Lot many again turned away and the result was the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. In this case angels led Lot, and his two daughters to safety. His wife looked back, probably longingly remembering their home in those evil cities, and was turned into a pillar of salt.
6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly.
(Genesis 19:24, Jude 7, Isaiah 1:9, Matthew 10:15, Matthew 11:23, Romans 9:29, Jude 15)
7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
(Genesis 19:16, Genesis 19:29, Genesis 19:5, 2 Peter 2:2, 2 Peter 2:18, Jude 4, 2 Peter 3:17)
Even to this day, the name of Sodom is remembered in the word “sodomy,” after their evil lives. Let remained righteous, but in reality, he lost his personal family because of where he chose to make his home.
8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
(Hebrews 11:4)
The time is coming when Christ will sort out the good from the bad as in the parable of the sheep and the goats. I still remember sorting and washing bushels of potatoes in my aunt’s grocery store to remove the rotten from the good, and throw away the bad before they corrupted the entire basket, as they certainly would if left. Like the potatoes, God wants to save all, but he will separate and destroy before the world becomes so corrupted that even the righteous are in danger.
9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
(1 Corinthians 10:13, Revelation 3:10, Matthew 10:15, Jude 6)
10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
(2 Peter 3:3, Jude 16, Jude 18, Titus 1:7)
_________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
NOVEMBER
27th. Sunday – Ezekiel 48, 1 Peter 5, Psalm 135:1-12
28th Monday – Joel 1, 2, 3, 2 Peter 1, Proverbs 29:1-9
29th. Tuesday – Habakkuk 1, 2, 3, 2 Peter 2, Psalm 135:13-21
30th. Wednesday - Obadiah, 2 peter 3, Psalm 136:1-12
DECEMBER
1st. Thursday - Daniel 1, 2, Revelation 1, Psalm 136:13-26
2nd. Friday – Daniel 3, 4, Revelation 2:1-17, Proverbs 29:10-18
3rd. Saturday - Daniel 5, 6, Revelation 2:18-29, Psalm 137
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 797 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.co
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.” – 2 Peter 2:9
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
___________
Most of us spend the first six days of the week sowing wild oats, then we go to church on Sunday and pray for a crop failure.
A Bible that is falling apart probably belongs to someone who isn’t.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY
Newsletter 270 November 20, 2011
James 1:19-25 King James Version
One commentary, I consulted, suggests that this must of necessity be the first New Testament book to be written, and that James, the half brother of Jesus and a pillar of the church in Jerusalem, wrote it for the benefit of the Christians who had been scattered from Jerusalem as a result of the persecutions under Herod Agrippa 1, which followed the death of Stephen. Josephus, the Jewish historian, said that James was martyred in the year 62 a.d. That would have been eight years before the fall of Jerusalem in 70 a.d.
James deals with the practical day-to-day need of these scattered Christians from the Jerusalem church. I think of it as being a “handbook” where the letters of Paul to the churches went into greater depth and detail for the churches that had by that time developed specific problems. Both, in perfect agreement, deal with the needs of the church of their greater acquaintance.
SWIFT TO HEAR - SLOW TO SPEAK
That means that we need to be good listeners, but not to jump into a conversation with our ideas until we are sure of them. One of my professors used to say, never say “I think.” No one wants to know what you think, but be positive about what you know to be true. We know God’s word is true, so, use the word of God, but if someone does not understand it as you, don’t get angry about it. You can not change a person with angry words.
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
(1 John 2:21, Acts 1:15, James 1:2, James 1:16, James 2:1, James 2:5, James 2:14, James 3:1, James 3:10, James 4:11, James 5:12, James 5:19, Proverbs10:19, Proverbs 17:27, Proverbs 16:32, Ecclesiastes 7:9)
20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Angry words, won’t convict a person who does not want to believe something.
(Matthew 5:22, Ephesians 4:26)
BOLSTER YOUR THOUGHTS WITH THE WORD
I have seen many old church homes that have been bolstered physically
to keep them from crumbling. Likewise, let us “back up” our faith with the Word.
21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
One version says, “putting aside all filthiness, and all that remains of wickedness” of which the commentary compares this line as one would put aside all his dirty clothes and put on clean. That of course means we must put off our old sinful thoughts and ways, and replace them with clean and pure. The way to change a habit is to replace it with a new one. It does not work to stop sinning, if you don’t replace with other actions and thoughts.
BECOME DOERS OF THE WORD
The Lord’s Day (Revelation 1:10) should never be replaced with self-centered activities. Hearing is good, but we are just fooling ourselves if we allow that to be our only commitment, faith is linked with action. Faith and works are twins that are always found together.
(Ephesians 4:22, 1 Peter 2:1, Ephesians 1:13, 1 Peter 1:22)
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
(Matthew 7:24-27, Luke 6:46-49, Romans 2:13, James 1:22-25, James 2:14-20)
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
(1 Corinthians 13:12)
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
(John 8:32, Romans 8:2, Galatians 2:4, Galatians 6:2, James 2:12, 1 Peter 2:16, John 13:7)
_________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH THIS YEAR
NOVEMBER
20th. Sunday – Ezekiel 35, 36, James 3, Proverbs 28:1-14
21st. Monday – Ezekiel 37, 38, James 4. Psalm 130
22nd. Tuesday – Ezekiel 39-40:1-31 James 5, Psalm 131
23rd. Wednesday - Ezekiel 40:32-41:1-28, 1 Peter 1, Psalm 132
24th. Thursday - Ezekiel 42, 43, 1 Peter 2, Proverbs 28:15-28
25th. Friday - Ezekiel 44, 45, 1 Peter 3, Psalm 133
26th. Saturday - Ezekiel 46, 47, 1 Peter 4, Psalm 134
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 797 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”
- James 3:24
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
_________
Lines That Make You Smile
1. Being 'over the hill' is much better than being under it!
2. Wrinkled Was NOT One of the Things I Wanted to Be When I Grew up!
3. Procrastinate Now!
4. I Have a Degree in Liberal Arts; Do You Want Fries With That?
5. A hangover is the wrath of grapes.
6. A journey of a thousand miles must, begin with a cash advance.
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
7. Stupidity is not a handicap. Park elsewhere!
8. He who dies with the most toys, is nonetheless DEAD.
9. A picture is worth a thousand words, but it uses up three thousand times the memory.
10. Ham and eggs...A day's work for a chicken, a lifetime commitment for a pig.
James 1:19-25 King James Version
One commentary, I consulted, suggests that this must of necessity be the first New Testament book to be written, and that James, the half brother of Jesus and a pillar of the church in Jerusalem, wrote it for the benefit of the Christians who had been scattered from Jerusalem as a result of the persecutions under Herod Agrippa 1, which followed the death of Stephen. Josephus, the Jewish historian, said that James was martyred in the year 62 a.d. That would have been eight years before the fall of Jerusalem in 70 a.d.
James deals with the practical day-to-day need of these scattered Christians from the Jerusalem church. I think of it as being a “handbook” where the letters of Paul to the churches went into greater depth and detail for the churches that had by that time developed specific problems. Both, in perfect agreement, deal with the needs of the church of their greater acquaintance.
SWIFT TO HEAR - SLOW TO SPEAK
That means that we need to be good listeners, but not to jump into a conversation with our ideas until we are sure of them. One of my professors used to say, never say “I think.” No one wants to know what you think, but be positive about what you know to be true. We know God’s word is true, so, use the word of God, but if someone does not understand it as you, don’t get angry about it. You can not change a person with angry words.
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
(1 John 2:21, Acts 1:15, James 1:2, James 1:16, James 2:1, James 2:5, James 2:14, James 3:1, James 3:10, James 4:11, James 5:12, James 5:19, Proverbs10:19, Proverbs 17:27, Proverbs 16:32, Ecclesiastes 7:9)
20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Angry words, won’t convict a person who does not want to believe something.
(Matthew 5:22, Ephesians 4:26)
BOLSTER YOUR THOUGHTS WITH THE WORD
I have seen many old church homes that have been bolstered physically
to keep them from crumbling. Likewise, let us “back up” our faith with the Word.
21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
One version says, “putting aside all filthiness, and all that remains of wickedness” of which the commentary compares this line as one would put aside all his dirty clothes and put on clean. That of course means we must put off our old sinful thoughts and ways, and replace them with clean and pure. The way to change a habit is to replace it with a new one. It does not work to stop sinning, if you don’t replace with other actions and thoughts.
BECOME DOERS OF THE WORD
The Lord’s Day (Revelation 1:10) should never be replaced with self-centered activities. Hearing is good, but we are just fooling ourselves if we allow that to be our only commitment, faith is linked with action. Faith and works are twins that are always found together.
(Ephesians 4:22, 1 Peter 2:1, Ephesians 1:13, 1 Peter 1:22)
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
(Matthew 7:24-27, Luke 6:46-49, Romans 2:13, James 1:22-25, James 2:14-20)
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
(1 Corinthians 13:12)
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
(John 8:32, Romans 8:2, Galatians 2:4, Galatians 6:2, James 2:12, 1 Peter 2:16, John 13:7)
_________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH THIS YEAR
NOVEMBER
20th. Sunday – Ezekiel 35, 36, James 3, Proverbs 28:1-14
21st. Monday – Ezekiel 37, 38, James 4. Psalm 130
22nd. Tuesday – Ezekiel 39-40:1-31 James 5, Psalm 131
23rd. Wednesday - Ezekiel 40:32-41:1-28, 1 Peter 1, Psalm 132
24th. Thursday - Ezekiel 42, 43, 1 Peter 2, Proverbs 28:15-28
25th. Friday - Ezekiel 44, 45, 1 Peter 3, Psalm 133
26th. Saturday - Ezekiel 46, 47, 1 Peter 4, Psalm 134
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 797 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”
- James 3:24
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
_________
Lines That Make You Smile
1. Being 'over the hill' is much better than being under it!
2. Wrinkled Was NOT One of the Things I Wanted to Be When I Grew up!
3. Procrastinate Now!
4. I Have a Degree in Liberal Arts; Do You Want Fries With That?
5. A hangover is the wrath of grapes.
6. A journey of a thousand miles must, begin with a cash advance.
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
7. Stupidity is not a handicap. Park elsewhere!
8. He who dies with the most toys, is nonetheless DEAD.
9. A picture is worth a thousand words, but it uses up three thousand times the memory.
10. Ham and eggs...A day's work for a chicken, a lifetime commitment for a pig.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
THE URGENCY FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Newsletter 269 November 13, 2011
Hebrews 6:1-8 King James Version
JESUS COMMANDED TEACHING DOCTRINE
In the great commission of our Lord Jesus said, “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 always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16) The instruction and emphasis is “whatsoever I have commanded you.” The basic facts spoken of in these two references are basic to faithful Christianity.
In (Hebrews 6:1,) Paul calls them “the principles of the doctrine of Christ.” This is the reason that I edited a booklet of the scriptures presenting these and other basic doctrines, and titled it Christian Doctrines. With brief introductions, I put it together almost totally of scripture, as a workbook requiring the student to look each text up and complete the words I wanted to emphasize, in the spaces left for them. The final page had ten places for the addresses of friends. This worked beautifully in that requests simply rolled in, especially after I made it available in all the official languages of the country, and more from other countries. South Africa alone has eleven official languages and dialects.
These are basic doctrines, which explains why I was really shocked when a minister and customer in our book store made the statement, “Oh I never teach doctrines.” If that is so, what does he preach? These are the foundation. On the other hand there was the street evangelist, who taught his listeners the scriptures on baptism, and then brought 25 of them for me to baptize, with his assistance in the baptistery of our chapel.
1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (Philippians 3:13, Hebrews 5:12, Hebrews 5:14, Hebrews 9:14)
BASIC DOCTRINES
From these basic doctrinal scriptures, one can go on to study more deeply. At one time while our fellow missionary was still living, he made this booklet a requirement for new students in the minister’s training school he headed. This was particularly true if they came from another background. Some of the best ministers came with this introduction.
2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (John 3:25, Acts 19:3, Acts 6:6, Acts 17:31)
3 And this will we do, if God permit. (Acts 18:21)
SECURITY IN THE FAITH
Scripture, correctly understood and taught, brings light into darkness. Once, one has learned of the scriptures, and received the Holy Spirit in baptism, (Acts 2:38) his life is enlightened, filled with light, and the promise of Heaven is his. Christ Jesus brings light, and shows the way to His Father God.
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, (2 Corinthians 4:4, 2 Corinthians 4:6, Hebrews 10:32, John 4:10, Ephesians 2:6, Galatians 3:2, Hebrews 2:4)
Regretfully, there will be those who let their light go out, they have “tasted the word of God,” but have not appreciated what they have been given nor of the “world to come.”
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, (1 Peter 2:3, Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 2:5)
Not realizing what they have been given, they fall away back into sin, and forfeit Heaven. They make the sacrifice of our Lord forfeit for the sake of the world.
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (Matthew 19:26, Hebrews 10:26, 2 Peter 2:21, 1 John 5:16, Hebrews 10:29)
7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: (2 Timothy 2:6)
8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. (Genesis 3:17, Deuteronomy 29:22)
That one’s life can be either a blessing, or a curse, is illustrated here. The same portion of land can bear crops or thorns and briars. As a child, we lived on a small farm of small fields. Much good land was lost by those fences. One can till only so close to a fence or either side, and that is where we went to pick wild blackberries from the briars that grew there. Now, most of those are now gone and that space is farmed as well.
The doctrines of the Bible unite, but the doctrines of men divide. Don’t be like the minister who never taught doctrine, be like the one without benefit of a building, who taught truth, and reaped abundantly.
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
NOVEMBER
13th. Sunday – Ezekiel 21, 22, Hebrews 11:1-22, Psalm 124
14th. Monday - Ezekiel 23, Hebrews 11:23-40, Psalm 125
15th. Tuesday – Ezekiel 24, 25, 26, Hebrews 12:1-11, Psalm 126
16th. Wednesday - Ezekiel 27, 28, Hebrews 12:12-29, Proverbs 27:21-27
17th. Thursday - Ezekiel 29, 30, Hebrews 13, Psalm 127
18th. Friday – Ezekiel 31, 32, James 1, Psalm 128
19th. Saturday - Ezekiel 33, 34, James 2, Psalm 129
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 798 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“ 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 we see the day approaching,” Hebrews 10:24-25
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
_________
I Wonder...
Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are going dead?
Why do banks charge a fee on 'insufficient funds' when they know there is not enough money?
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?
Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?
Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?
Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?
Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?
Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?
Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?
Hebrews 6:1-8 King James Version
JESUS COMMANDED TEACHING DOCTRINE
In the great commission of our Lord Jesus said, “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 always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16) The instruction and emphasis is “whatsoever I have commanded you.” The basic facts spoken of in these two references are basic to faithful Christianity.
In (Hebrews 6:1,) Paul calls them “the principles of the doctrine of Christ.” This is the reason that I edited a booklet of the scriptures presenting these and other basic doctrines, and titled it Christian Doctrines. With brief introductions, I put it together almost totally of scripture, as a workbook requiring the student to look each text up and complete the words I wanted to emphasize, in the spaces left for them. The final page had ten places for the addresses of friends. This worked beautifully in that requests simply rolled in, especially after I made it available in all the official languages of the country, and more from other countries. South Africa alone has eleven official languages and dialects.
These are basic doctrines, which explains why I was really shocked when a minister and customer in our book store made the statement, “Oh I never teach doctrines.” If that is so, what does he preach? These are the foundation. On the other hand there was the street evangelist, who taught his listeners the scriptures on baptism, and then brought 25 of them for me to baptize, with his assistance in the baptistery of our chapel.
1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (Philippians 3:13, Hebrews 5:12, Hebrews 5:14, Hebrews 9:14)
BASIC DOCTRINES
From these basic doctrinal scriptures, one can go on to study more deeply. At one time while our fellow missionary was still living, he made this booklet a requirement for new students in the minister’s training school he headed. This was particularly true if they came from another background. Some of the best ministers came with this introduction.
2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (John 3:25, Acts 19:3, Acts 6:6, Acts 17:31)
3 And this will we do, if God permit. (Acts 18:21)
SECURITY IN THE FAITH
Scripture, correctly understood and taught, brings light into darkness. Once, one has learned of the scriptures, and received the Holy Spirit in baptism, (Acts 2:38) his life is enlightened, filled with light, and the promise of Heaven is his. Christ Jesus brings light, and shows the way to His Father God.
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, (2 Corinthians 4:4, 2 Corinthians 4:6, Hebrews 10:32, John 4:10, Ephesians 2:6, Galatians 3:2, Hebrews 2:4)
Regretfully, there will be those who let their light go out, they have “tasted the word of God,” but have not appreciated what they have been given nor of the “world to come.”
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, (1 Peter 2:3, Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 2:5)
Not realizing what they have been given, they fall away back into sin, and forfeit Heaven. They make the sacrifice of our Lord forfeit for the sake of the world.
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (Matthew 19:26, Hebrews 10:26, 2 Peter 2:21, 1 John 5:16, Hebrews 10:29)
7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: (2 Timothy 2:6)
8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. (Genesis 3:17, Deuteronomy 29:22)
That one’s life can be either a blessing, or a curse, is illustrated here. The same portion of land can bear crops or thorns and briars. As a child, we lived on a small farm of small fields. Much good land was lost by those fences. One can till only so close to a fence or either side, and that is where we went to pick wild blackberries from the briars that grew there. Now, most of those are now gone and that space is farmed as well.
The doctrines of the Bible unite, but the doctrines of men divide. Don’t be like the minister who never taught doctrine, be like the one without benefit of a building, who taught truth, and reaped abundantly.
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
NOVEMBER
13th. Sunday – Ezekiel 21, 22, Hebrews 11:1-22, Psalm 124
14th. Monday - Ezekiel 23, Hebrews 11:23-40, Psalm 125
15th. Tuesday – Ezekiel 24, 25, 26, Hebrews 12:1-11, Psalm 126
16th. Wednesday - Ezekiel 27, 28, Hebrews 12:12-29, Proverbs 27:21-27
17th. Thursday - Ezekiel 29, 30, Hebrews 13, Psalm 127
18th. Friday – Ezekiel 31, 32, James 1, Psalm 128
19th. Saturday - Ezekiel 33, 34, James 2, Psalm 129
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 798 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“ 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 we see the day approaching,” Hebrews 10:24-25
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
_________
I Wonder...
Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are going dead?
Why do banks charge a fee on 'insufficient funds' when they know there is not enough money?
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?
Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?
Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?
Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?
Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?
Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?
Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?
Saturday, November 5, 2011
DO NOT NEGLECT SALVATION
Newsletter 268 November 6, 2011
Hebrews 2:1-4
King James Version
This portion of scripture is introduced with the word “therefore,” referring back to Gods statement, “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?” They have been sent with the message of salvation for Christians.
WE NEED TO LISTEN.
1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
We all have heard things that we did not bother to remember, because they did not seem important at the time, or they were things that we thought we might need to know some time in he future, or they were things that we knew were really important. If God has chosen to send a messenger to deliver a message and the Holy Spirit to help us to understand and confirm it, then it is of utmost importance! If He has sent His own Son to carry it, it is urgent. Christ Jesus came with a message of salvation for believers. We need to hear and act.
TO IGNORE IT IS A SIN
2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
Two words stand forth in this sentence, The first word, transgression, describes the sin of commission. It carries the meaning, “to step across the line,” to know and simply deliberately do it anyway. For example to know that it is a sin to eat the only apple on your neighbor’s young apple tree, but to steal and eat it anyway. The second word, disobedience, is a little different. It means to know what one should do, but to ignore and not do that God has directed. Under this category falls to know what God has commanded to be the way to be saved, but to substitute something one would rather do in its place. As an example, to only partially obey the command to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. To ignore either one is to only partially obey. Immersion without repentance or repentance without immersion are equally sins. Peter’s words on that glorious first Pentecost after Jesus’ resurrection were, “Repent and be baptized (immersed) every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” (Acts 2:38)
HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE?
This is, of course, a rhetorical question. We are not expected to answer, because it is obvious that to not respond to the Lord, failure is certain. Jesus gave the answer when he said, “No man cometh unto the father but by me.” We can not disobey God and be saved. Neither, can we ignore him as if we do not know the way. There is no other way than through the way that Jesus gave to his apostles. The answer is the same whether you were contemporary with the apostles, or live today in the heart of Africa, or Dallas, Texas. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life, for God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16,17)
3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
To know what God wants of us, and to choose to put it off or aside, is of course, an answer.
GOD HAS GIVEN US SIGNS AND WONDERS
The very existence of the creation demands a creator. We do not question that the motor car we drive was designed and built by someone. How can we live in a universe that shows with every season the clockwork of God? Men ask, “Where did it come from?” God has answered that question, “In the beginning God.” There is not a man on earth that has not seen God’s hand in everything, if he will just look and wonder. What did God do? “He created the heavens and the earth.”
4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will.
__________
ANSWERED PRAYER
All praise to God! and, thanks to our daughter, Donna, who drove miles to drive me to surgery and again this morning. I am now seeing better than I have for a very long time this morning. I am to return to Dr Ku’s office next week and again in a few weeks.
_________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
NOVEMBER
6th. Sunday – Ezekiel 7, 8, Hebrews 6, Psalm 119:169-176
7th. Monday - Ezekiel 9, 10, 11, Hebrews 7, Psalm 120
8th. Tuesday – Ezekiel 12, 13, Hebrews 8, Proverbs 27:1-10
9th. Wednesday - Ezekiel 14, 15, Hebrews 9:1-14, Psalm 121
10th. Thursday - Ezekiel 16, Hebrews 9:15-28, Psalm 122
11th. Friday – Ezekiel 17, 18, Hebrews 10:1-18, Psalm 123
12th. Saturday - Ezekiel 19, 20, Hebrews 10:19-39, Proverbs 27:11-20
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 797 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“ Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” - Hebrews 5:8,9
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
_________
From the Archive
A priest is walking down the street one day when he notices a very small boy trying to press a doorbell on a house across the street.
However, the boy is very small and the doorbell is too high for him to reach.
After watching the boys efforts for some time, the priest moves closer to the boy's position.
He steps smartly across the street, walks up behind the little fellow and, placing his hand kindly on the child's shoulder leans over and gives the doorbell a solid ring.
Crouching down to the child's level, the priest smiles benevolently and asks, "And now what, my little man?"
To which the boy replies, "Now we run!"
Hebrews 2:1-4
King James Version
This portion of scripture is introduced with the word “therefore,” referring back to Gods statement, “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?” They have been sent with the message of salvation for Christians.
WE NEED TO LISTEN.
1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
We all have heard things that we did not bother to remember, because they did not seem important at the time, or they were things that we thought we might need to know some time in he future, or they were things that we knew were really important. If God has chosen to send a messenger to deliver a message and the Holy Spirit to help us to understand and confirm it, then it is of utmost importance! If He has sent His own Son to carry it, it is urgent. Christ Jesus came with a message of salvation for believers. We need to hear and act.
TO IGNORE IT IS A SIN
2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
Two words stand forth in this sentence, The first word, transgression, describes the sin of commission. It carries the meaning, “to step across the line,” to know and simply deliberately do it anyway. For example to know that it is a sin to eat the only apple on your neighbor’s young apple tree, but to steal and eat it anyway. The second word, disobedience, is a little different. It means to know what one should do, but to ignore and not do that God has directed. Under this category falls to know what God has commanded to be the way to be saved, but to substitute something one would rather do in its place. As an example, to only partially obey the command to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. To ignore either one is to only partially obey. Immersion without repentance or repentance without immersion are equally sins. Peter’s words on that glorious first Pentecost after Jesus’ resurrection were, “Repent and be baptized (immersed) every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” (Acts 2:38)
HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE?
This is, of course, a rhetorical question. We are not expected to answer, because it is obvious that to not respond to the Lord, failure is certain. Jesus gave the answer when he said, “No man cometh unto the father but by me.” We can not disobey God and be saved. Neither, can we ignore him as if we do not know the way. There is no other way than through the way that Jesus gave to his apostles. The answer is the same whether you were contemporary with the apostles, or live today in the heart of Africa, or Dallas, Texas. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life, for God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16,17)
3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
To know what God wants of us, and to choose to put it off or aside, is of course, an answer.
GOD HAS GIVEN US SIGNS AND WONDERS
The very existence of the creation demands a creator. We do not question that the motor car we drive was designed and built by someone. How can we live in a universe that shows with every season the clockwork of God? Men ask, “Where did it come from?” God has answered that question, “In the beginning God.” There is not a man on earth that has not seen God’s hand in everything, if he will just look and wonder. What did God do? “He created the heavens and the earth.”
4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will.
__________
ANSWERED PRAYER
All praise to God! and, thanks to our daughter, Donna, who drove miles to drive me to surgery and again this morning. I am now seeing better than I have for a very long time this morning. I am to return to Dr Ku’s office next week and again in a few weeks.
_________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
NOVEMBER
6th. Sunday – Ezekiel 7, 8, Hebrews 6, Psalm 119:169-176
7th. Monday - Ezekiel 9, 10, 11, Hebrews 7, Psalm 120
8th. Tuesday – Ezekiel 12, 13, Hebrews 8, Proverbs 27:1-10
9th. Wednesday - Ezekiel 14, 15, Hebrews 9:1-14, Psalm 121
10th. Thursday - Ezekiel 16, Hebrews 9:15-28, Psalm 122
11th. Friday – Ezekiel 17, 18, Hebrews 10:1-18, Psalm 123
12th. Saturday - Ezekiel 19, 20, Hebrews 10:19-39, Proverbs 27:11-20
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 797 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“ Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” - Hebrews 5:8,9
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
_________
From the Archive
A priest is walking down the street one day when he notices a very small boy trying to press a doorbell on a house across the street.
However, the boy is very small and the doorbell is too high for him to reach.
After watching the boys efforts for some time, the priest moves closer to the boy's position.
He steps smartly across the street, walks up behind the little fellow and, placing his hand kindly on the child's shoulder leans over and gives the doorbell a solid ring.
Crouching down to the child's level, the priest smiles benevolently and asks, "And now what, my little man?"
To which the boy replies, "Now we run!"
Saturday, October 29, 2011
ANTI!CHRIST IS HERE NOW
Newsletter 267 October 30, 2011
1 John 2:15-27 King James Version
The excessive love of the material things of this world, which we call “materialism” has a far more sinister name, “antichrist.” Scripture tells us that it is impossible to love “mammon” and God at the same time, and that we must make a choice between them. Actually these three words are synonyms for the same thing. The majority of mankind is madly in love with material objects, whether they be in the form of money, homes, massive flat screen televisions, computers, luxury automobiles, all are included in the term, “mammon.” We can not permit that love to take charge of our lives. If we do, the spirit of antichrist, has won . The word antichrist mere means against, or opposed to Christ. The Christian can not be a lover of physical things. Certainly, there may be a time come when there will be “the” antichrist, but his spirit is alive and well even today.
LOVE NOT THE WORLD
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
IT IS THE LAST TIME
This is not something we can to face many years from now, there are many of this spirit upon us now. It is already the last time.
18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
MANY WERE NO LONGER WITH THEM.
Even in John’s day, those strong in the faith stayed with them even through persecution, but those weaker were being replaced by new babes in the Lord. Thus it is possible to grow rapidly and still be weaker, like the Willow by the stream compared to the Oak at a distance from the water..
19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
ALL DREW STRENGTH FROM THE LORD
Spiritual strength does not come from the material things of the world. It comes only from the Lord. Those to whom John was writing knew this fact, they only needed to be encouraged to avail themselves of the truth through prayer and the word. God has given the material blessings of the world as tools for his work; not as a goal in life. He gives wealth that we might be generous in support of the weaker, buildings that we might use them to His glory, yes, even television and computers that we might be able to spread His message of salvation.
20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
If they knew the truth, and they did, They had the power to make things go smoothly, like grease on a rusty hinge, to God’s glory. God sees to it that all Christians have that needed to work smoothly together to His glory. John was not writing to teach, they had been taught. He was writing to encourage..
21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
ANTICHRIST IS ANYONE WHO DENIES GOD
22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.
27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him
____________
PRAYER REQUEST.
I WILL BE HAVING A SECOND CATARACT OPERATION MONDAY. Please pray that all will go well. I will still have a retina problem. We just pray that it will not require more attention. If I miss next week’s mailing, it will be because there is a problem of some sort.
_________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
OCTOBER
30th. Sunday – Song of Solomon 5, 6, 3 John, Psalm 119:120-136
31st. Monday – Song of Solomon 7, 8, Jude, Proverbs 26:11-20
NOVEMBER
1st. Tuesday – Lamentations 1, 2, Hebrews 1, Psalm 119:137-144
2nd. Wednesday - Lamentations 3, Hebrews 2, Psalm 119:145-152
3rd. Thursday - Lamentations 4, 5, Hebrews 3, Psalm 119:153-160
4th. Friday – Ezekiel 1,2,3, Hebrews 4, Proverbs 26:21-28
5th. Saturday - Ezekiel 4, 5, 6, Hebrews 5, Psalm 119:161-168
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 797 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“ Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” - 2 John 9-11
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
_________
Problem Solving in the Suburbs
A neighbor was annoyed because he had to search for his newspaper each morning after the paperboy tossed it. Often he would find it, covered with dirt, under the car in the gravel driveway.
Then one-day the paperboy's mother mentioned that her son's ambition was to play professional basketball.
Our neighbor had an idea. When he got home, he attached a basketball hoop to a post on the front porch. Sure enough, the next morning there was a resounding "plunk" as the newspaper sailed through the hoop and landed by the door.
He never had to search for his paper again.
1 John 2:15-27 King James Version
The excessive love of the material things of this world, which we call “materialism” has a far more sinister name, “antichrist.” Scripture tells us that it is impossible to love “mammon” and God at the same time, and that we must make a choice between them. Actually these three words are synonyms for the same thing. The majority of mankind is madly in love with material objects, whether they be in the form of money, homes, massive flat screen televisions, computers, luxury automobiles, all are included in the term, “mammon.” We can not permit that love to take charge of our lives. If we do, the spirit of antichrist, has won . The word antichrist mere means against, or opposed to Christ. The Christian can not be a lover of physical things. Certainly, there may be a time come when there will be “the” antichrist, but his spirit is alive and well even today.
LOVE NOT THE WORLD
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
IT IS THE LAST TIME
This is not something we can to face many years from now, there are many of this spirit upon us now. It is already the last time.
18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
MANY WERE NO LONGER WITH THEM.
Even in John’s day, those strong in the faith stayed with them even through persecution, but those weaker were being replaced by new babes in the Lord. Thus it is possible to grow rapidly and still be weaker, like the Willow by the stream compared to the Oak at a distance from the water..
19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
ALL DREW STRENGTH FROM THE LORD
Spiritual strength does not come from the material things of the world. It comes only from the Lord. Those to whom John was writing knew this fact, they only needed to be encouraged to avail themselves of the truth through prayer and the word. God has given the material blessings of the world as tools for his work; not as a goal in life. He gives wealth that we might be generous in support of the weaker, buildings that we might use them to His glory, yes, even television and computers that we might be able to spread His message of salvation.
20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
If they knew the truth, and they did, They had the power to make things go smoothly, like grease on a rusty hinge, to God’s glory. God sees to it that all Christians have that needed to work smoothly together to His glory. John was not writing to teach, they had been taught. He was writing to encourage..
21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
ANTICHRIST IS ANYONE WHO DENIES GOD
22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.
27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him
____________
PRAYER REQUEST.
I WILL BE HAVING A SECOND CATARACT OPERATION MONDAY. Please pray that all will go well. I will still have a retina problem. We just pray that it will not require more attention. If I miss next week’s mailing, it will be because there is a problem of some sort.
_________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
OCTOBER
30th. Sunday – Song of Solomon 5, 6, 3 John, Psalm 119:120-136
31st. Monday – Song of Solomon 7, 8, Jude, Proverbs 26:11-20
NOVEMBER
1st. Tuesday – Lamentations 1, 2, Hebrews 1, Psalm 119:137-144
2nd. Wednesday - Lamentations 3, Hebrews 2, Psalm 119:145-152
3rd. Thursday - Lamentations 4, 5, Hebrews 3, Psalm 119:153-160
4th. Friday – Ezekiel 1,2,3, Hebrews 4, Proverbs 26:21-28
5th. Saturday - Ezekiel 4, 5, 6, Hebrews 5, Psalm 119:161-168
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 797 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“ Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” - 2 John 9-11
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
_________
Problem Solving in the Suburbs
A neighbor was annoyed because he had to search for his newspaper each morning after the paperboy tossed it. Often he would find it, covered with dirt, under the car in the gravel driveway.
Then one-day the paperboy's mother mentioned that her son's ambition was to play professional basketball.
Our neighbor had an idea. When he got home, he attached a basketball hoop to a post on the front porch. Sure enough, the next morning there was a resounding "plunk" as the newspaper sailed through the hoop and landed by the door.
He never had to search for his paper again.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
THEIR CONVERSION
Newsletter 265 October 16, 2011
1 Thessalonians 2:1-16
NOT IN VAIN
This is considered to be the first of Paul’s letters to the churches, and the church at Thessalonica did not seem to have the moral or doctrinal problems that some of the others has so it is not a book with a lot of doctrinal teaching. Paul here spends more time on practical matters.
This chapter begins with his encouraging them that he feels that his time there was well spent, and well worth all that had happened. It was not in vain. There were places that he probably felt that his stay was not only painful, but ineffective. Thessalonica was definitely time well spent.
1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:
Being that Philippi was a nearby city, they would have been aware that at Philippi he had been arrested, and mistreated, but that he had been well accepted by some, including the jailor and his family, and of course Lydia and her fellow workers in their trade.
2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.
3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
The fact is that we are sent of God and not of men, and our message is not our own. We are His spokesmen and it is to Him that we must answer. This is as true today as it was in that day. We will be judged by how well we represent God and His word, not whether people believe and obey. Every day that passes means we are one day nearer to the judgment. This is even more apparent when we compare our own present span of life with the average span. Some are already well past that point years ago.
4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
If we are overly concerned that we please men, we would drop all reference to “sin” and “stewardship,” and “repentance,“ and “forgiveness.“ In fact there are many who preach such a message today. A church I knew in South Africa treated the musical portion of their worship as a “pep session.” building up to the message which will make people feel even better about themselves and their lives. For example, to pray specifically for what you want, their evangelist wanted gleaming black Mercedes. After all, they reasoned, God wants to bless you. I would like to see the chapter and verse for that particular promise. You won’t find it if you are thinking of this life on earth. Jesus suffered, and we can expect to get the same sort of response. He does promise blessings if we suffer for his sake.
Speaking from personal experience, my email address and blog addresses have been appropriated by the “Nigerian Mafia.” They in turn have the full attention of the United Nations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Secretary of State, and others, even the receiver of Revenue. The fact that I know none of these people is hard to believe when there are bank accounts In Lagos, and other banks as well, which have my e-mail address in place of a name on them. I can neither close them nor move them. To go to Nigeria in person, would be to risk one’s life, perhaps even a knock on my own apartment door, for they have scattered over the world. If it is ever made available, I have a list of worthy Christian missions and charities to send it, after taxes of course. I am not holding my breath though. It is up to my Lord.
5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
A FREE MESSAGE
Paul, as ourselves, did not expect those we hope to help to pay as well. He was a tent maker, I a missionary..
6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
NOT CHARGEABLE
9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
MINISTRY OF WITNESSING
We, along with the church at Thessalonica, are saved to tell others of our Lord and His message of salvation because of his great love.
10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
EXHORTED AND COMFORTED
11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
BRING THE WORD
13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
_________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
OCTOBER
16th. Sunday – Jeremiah 37, 38, 39, 2 Thessalonians 1, Psalm 119:41-48
17th. Monday – Jeremiah 40, 41, 42, 2 Thessalonians 2, Psalm 119:49-56
18th. Tuesday – Jeremiah 43, 44, 2 Thessalonians 3, Psalm 119:57-64
19th. Wednesday - Jeremiah 45, 46, 47, Titus 1, Proverbs 25:11-20
20th. Thursday - Jeremiah 48, 49:27, Titus 2, Psalm 119:65-72
21st. Friday – Jeremiah 49:28-50:46, Titus 3, Psalm 119:73-80
22nd. Saturday - Jeremiah 51:1-58, Philemon, Proverbs 119:81-88
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS BY CATEGORIES
(With links to 794 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;” - 1 Thessalonians 1:2
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
_________
CHURCH ANSWERING MACHINE
“For the church service schedule, press one, For office hours, press two, For forgiveness of sins, press three, If you want to pray alone, hang up”
“When it comes to giving, some folks stop at nothing.”
“If one first gives himself to the Lord, all other giving is easy.”
1 Thessalonians 2:1-16
NOT IN VAIN
This is considered to be the first of Paul’s letters to the churches, and the church at Thessalonica did not seem to have the moral or doctrinal problems that some of the others has so it is not a book with a lot of doctrinal teaching. Paul here spends more time on practical matters.
This chapter begins with his encouraging them that he feels that his time there was well spent, and well worth all that had happened. It was not in vain. There were places that he probably felt that his stay was not only painful, but ineffective. Thessalonica was definitely time well spent.
1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:
Being that Philippi was a nearby city, they would have been aware that at Philippi he had been arrested, and mistreated, but that he had been well accepted by some, including the jailor and his family, and of course Lydia and her fellow workers in their trade.
2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.
3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
The fact is that we are sent of God and not of men, and our message is not our own. We are His spokesmen and it is to Him that we must answer. This is as true today as it was in that day. We will be judged by how well we represent God and His word, not whether people believe and obey. Every day that passes means we are one day nearer to the judgment. This is even more apparent when we compare our own present span of life with the average span. Some are already well past that point years ago.
4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
If we are overly concerned that we please men, we would drop all reference to “sin” and “stewardship,” and “repentance,“ and “forgiveness.“ In fact there are many who preach such a message today. A church I knew in South Africa treated the musical portion of their worship as a “pep session.” building up to the message which will make people feel even better about themselves and their lives. For example, to pray specifically for what you want, their evangelist wanted gleaming black Mercedes. After all, they reasoned, God wants to bless you. I would like to see the chapter and verse for that particular promise. You won’t find it if you are thinking of this life on earth. Jesus suffered, and we can expect to get the same sort of response. He does promise blessings if we suffer for his sake.
Speaking from personal experience, my email address and blog addresses have been appropriated by the “Nigerian Mafia.” They in turn have the full attention of the United Nations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Secretary of State, and others, even the receiver of Revenue. The fact that I know none of these people is hard to believe when there are bank accounts In Lagos, and other banks as well, which have my e-mail address in place of a name on them. I can neither close them nor move them. To go to Nigeria in person, would be to risk one’s life, perhaps even a knock on my own apartment door, for they have scattered over the world. If it is ever made available, I have a list of worthy Christian missions and charities to send it, after taxes of course. I am not holding my breath though. It is up to my Lord.
5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
A FREE MESSAGE
Paul, as ourselves, did not expect those we hope to help to pay as well. He was a tent maker, I a missionary..
6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
NOT CHARGEABLE
9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
MINISTRY OF WITNESSING
We, along with the church at Thessalonica, are saved to tell others of our Lord and His message of salvation because of his great love.
10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
EXHORTED AND COMFORTED
11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
BRING THE WORD
13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
_________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
OCTOBER
16th. Sunday – Jeremiah 37, 38, 39, 2 Thessalonians 1, Psalm 119:41-48
17th. Monday – Jeremiah 40, 41, 42, 2 Thessalonians 2, Psalm 119:49-56
18th. Tuesday – Jeremiah 43, 44, 2 Thessalonians 3, Psalm 119:57-64
19th. Wednesday - Jeremiah 45, 46, 47, Titus 1, Proverbs 25:11-20
20th. Thursday - Jeremiah 48, 49:27, Titus 2, Psalm 119:65-72
21st. Friday – Jeremiah 49:28-50:46, Titus 3, Psalm 119:73-80
22nd. Saturday - Jeremiah 51:1-58, Philemon, Proverbs 119:81-88
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS BY CATEGORIES
(With links to 794 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;” - 1 Thessalonians 1:2
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
_________
CHURCH ANSWERING MACHINE
“For the church service schedule, press one, For office hours, press two, For forgiveness of sins, press three, If you want to pray alone, hang up”
“When it comes to giving, some folks stop at nothing.”
“If one first gives himself to the Lord, all other giving is easy.”
Thursday, October 6, 2011
WILLING TO SUFFER FOR THE LORD?
Newsletter 264 October 9, 2011
Philippians 1:12-26 King James Version (KJV)
This letter is addressed to the church at Philippi. This church began with the conversion of Lydia and her fellow workers when they believed his teaching and obeyed his instructions out under the trees that bordered the riverside. Then it probably doubled with the conversion of the jailer and his family after they had been arrested and thrown into prison. These were people who knew hard work and suffering, and they showed this in the intensity of their love for others and for Paul, their evangelist. They sent often to aid him, even though at the time of writing, he was in prison again. He was there again because of preaching unpopular truths to nonbelievers.
He never complained of these problems, but counted them to be permitted of God that His Word might be preached, even to those who rejected it.
12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
God can turn all conditions to good if we allow Him.
PAUL’S IMPRISONMENT SPREAD THE GOSPEL EVEN IN THE PALACE
13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;
How else could he have reached the very guards and staff of the palace? and through them, many others as well.
THIS STRENGTHENED THE FAITH OF THE CHURCH
14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
There began during and after the great depression in America, a period when church buildings were neglected, and people were suffering, My own mother resorted to welfare for a short time, and I as a child mowed yards for 25c a time. Pockets were empty, but people were living by faith, and missionary projects both at home and abroad flourished. Bible colleges opened all over the nation. I, myself, enrolled in one of those infant schools, now a university. Then it had one concrete block building on an 18 inch campus all around. That was a time when faith and love flourished, and the church grew by leaps and bounds all over the world; also the college!
BUT IT WAS ALSO A TIME WHEN SOME BEGAN TO PREACH FOR THE WRONG MOTIVES.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
When things are easy, there is also a tendency to follow the easy path of seeking, not for love, but numbers for number’s sake, wealth, huge congregations, beautiful buildings with every amenity, and the ways of the world creep in. Why? Probably because the members feel unloved and neglected; perhaps, that they have become just a number.
17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
The whole gospel message is a message of love, so make those other things at least secondary, and return to a love based message where every convert has a job to do out of love. Not everyone is self motivated. Those will stay, but if he feels unloved and unnecessary, perhaps even “used” the weaker is going to find greener fields in which to graze, using the illustration of the church as like a flock.
18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
LIKE PAUL, TO DIE IS GAIN FOR ALL BELIEVERS
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
IF THE CHURCH SUFFERS, IT WILL GROW.
23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
BUT IF IT IS SOFT, UNLOVED, UNLOVING, AND FAITHLESS, IT IS ALREADY DEAD AND DOES NOT KNOW IT.
That is the difference between the church at Philippi, (Revelation 3:7-13) and the church at Laodicea. (Revelation 3:14-22).
To me the church at Philippi represents the church struggling and coming out of the depression years, the church at Laodicea, the present, (materialist), loveless time of wealth, numbers, pride, and unfortunately death.
If we think of the letters to the churches as charting the church from beginning until the end of the era, then, the last one is also a warning. God spoke to all of them up until the last one as a body. He speaks to Laodicea as individuals.
_________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
OCTOBER
9th. Sunday – Jeremiah 20, 21, 22, Colossians 3, Psalm 118:1-8
10th. Monday – Jeremiah 23, 24, Colossians 4, Psalm 119:9-16
11th. Tuesday – Jeremiah 25, 26, 1 Thessalonians 1, Proverbs 24:23-34
12th. Wednesday - Jeremiah 27, 28, 29, 1 Thessalonians 2, Psalm 119:17-24
13th. Thursday - Jeremiah 30, 31, 1 Thessalonians 3, Psalm 119:25-32
14th. Friday – Jeremiah 32, 33, 1 Thessalonians 4, Psalm 119:33-40
15th. Saturday - Jeremiah 34, 35, 36, 1 Thessalonians 5, Proverbs 25:1-10
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 793 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth: and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” - Philippians 2:9-11
__________
http://www.earchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com/2010/09/order-book-for-christmas
SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS ! – Forward this along to all your friends. The saved will rejoice and the unsaved need its message the most, so everyone is blessed: YOU FOR SHARING, AND ALL FOR READING.
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
_________
If you have insomnia, don’t count sheep,. Talk to the shepherd.
Sign in the window of the IRS - In God we trust; everyone else we audit.
If evolution is true, why do mothers still have only two hands?
Philippians 1:12-26 King James Version (KJV)
This letter is addressed to the church at Philippi. This church began with the conversion of Lydia and her fellow workers when they believed his teaching and obeyed his instructions out under the trees that bordered the riverside. Then it probably doubled with the conversion of the jailer and his family after they had been arrested and thrown into prison. These were people who knew hard work and suffering, and they showed this in the intensity of their love for others and for Paul, their evangelist. They sent often to aid him, even though at the time of writing, he was in prison again. He was there again because of preaching unpopular truths to nonbelievers.
He never complained of these problems, but counted them to be permitted of God that His Word might be preached, even to those who rejected it.
12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
God can turn all conditions to good if we allow Him.
PAUL’S IMPRISONMENT SPREAD THE GOSPEL EVEN IN THE PALACE
13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;
How else could he have reached the very guards and staff of the palace? and through them, many others as well.
THIS STRENGTHENED THE FAITH OF THE CHURCH
14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
There began during and after the great depression in America, a period when church buildings were neglected, and people were suffering, My own mother resorted to welfare for a short time, and I as a child mowed yards for 25c a time. Pockets were empty, but people were living by faith, and missionary projects both at home and abroad flourished. Bible colleges opened all over the nation. I, myself, enrolled in one of those infant schools, now a university. Then it had one concrete block building on an 18 inch campus all around. That was a time when faith and love flourished, and the church grew by leaps and bounds all over the world; also the college!
BUT IT WAS ALSO A TIME WHEN SOME BEGAN TO PREACH FOR THE WRONG MOTIVES.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
When things are easy, there is also a tendency to follow the easy path of seeking, not for love, but numbers for number’s sake, wealth, huge congregations, beautiful buildings with every amenity, and the ways of the world creep in. Why? Probably because the members feel unloved and neglected; perhaps, that they have become just a number.
17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
The whole gospel message is a message of love, so make those other things at least secondary, and return to a love based message where every convert has a job to do out of love. Not everyone is self motivated. Those will stay, but if he feels unloved and unnecessary, perhaps even “used” the weaker is going to find greener fields in which to graze, using the illustration of the church as like a flock.
18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
LIKE PAUL, TO DIE IS GAIN FOR ALL BELIEVERS
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
IF THE CHURCH SUFFERS, IT WILL GROW.
23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
BUT IF IT IS SOFT, UNLOVED, UNLOVING, AND FAITHLESS, IT IS ALREADY DEAD AND DOES NOT KNOW IT.
That is the difference between the church at Philippi, (Revelation 3:7-13) and the church at Laodicea. (Revelation 3:14-22).
To me the church at Philippi represents the church struggling and coming out of the depression years, the church at Laodicea, the present, (materialist), loveless time of wealth, numbers, pride, and unfortunately death.
If we think of the letters to the churches as charting the church from beginning until the end of the era, then, the last one is also a warning. God spoke to all of them up until the last one as a body. He speaks to Laodicea as individuals.
_________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
OCTOBER
9th. Sunday – Jeremiah 20, 21, 22, Colossians 3, Psalm 118:1-8
10th. Monday – Jeremiah 23, 24, Colossians 4, Psalm 119:9-16
11th. Tuesday – Jeremiah 25, 26, 1 Thessalonians 1, Proverbs 24:23-34
12th. Wednesday - Jeremiah 27, 28, 29, 1 Thessalonians 2, Psalm 119:17-24
13th. Thursday - Jeremiah 30, 31, 1 Thessalonians 3, Psalm 119:25-32
14th. Friday – Jeremiah 32, 33, 1 Thessalonians 4, Psalm 119:33-40
15th. Saturday - Jeremiah 34, 35, 36, 1 Thessalonians 5, Proverbs 25:1-10
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 793 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth: and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” - Philippians 2:9-11
__________
http://www.earchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com/2010/09/order-book-for-christmas
SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS ! – Forward this along to all your friends. The saved will rejoice and the unsaved need its message the most, so everyone is blessed: YOU FOR SHARING, AND ALL FOR READING.
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
_________
If you have insomnia, don’t count sheep,. Talk to the shepherd.
Sign in the window of the IRS - In God we trust; everyone else we audit.
If evolution is true, why do mothers still have only two hands?
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