BETRAYAL AND DENIAL

Luke 22:47-62

Still in the same day that Jesus had observed the Passover with his apostles, and spoken of them to come to be, he was betrayed by Judas, and later denied by Peter. The time for his death, burial, and resurrection, had come. Already the burden of the sins of the world was beginning to be bearing down upon him. It was almost more than he could bear, thus his great agony as he prayed to his Father on the Mount of Olives. He had been sent from Heaven for this very purpose. (John 3:16)

BETRAYAL

It is difficult to believe that this, probably by our standards, the most promising of the twelve, would betray the one who came to offer salvation. How often, we are mistaken for we judge character by appearances, actions, and presentation. Jesus chose Judas, knowing full well that this man was not what he appeared to be, and he would be the one to betray him when the right time had come. God looks at the inner person. Did you ever look at your “Year-Book” and who people have written there, was the most likely to succeed? Were they right? Sometimes, that is the last time you have ever heard of them.

  

47  And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near to Jesus to kiss him. Probably, greeting one another with a holy kiss, spoken elsewhere in scripture, was a common greeting among believers, but to choose that as a way of pointing out the one you came to betray!.

48  But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

Even Jesus questioned his choice. He knew Judas’ weakness was the love of money. Nothing is ever hidden from God, whether God the Father, God the Son, or God’s Holy Spirit.

49  When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him Lord, shall we smite with the sword?

This is where the other eleven, new what was happening and Peter sprang forward with his sword. He was a better fisherman than swordsman. He nearly missed altogether.

(Luke 22:38)

50  And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

51  And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far, And he touched his ear, and healed him.

Our Lord does not want violence on His behalf. Christianity is not a religion of violence.

52  Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?

(Luke 22:4, Luke 22:37)

53  When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

“The power of darkness,” is of Satan, not of God.

54  Then took they him, and brought him to the high priest’s house.

And Peter followed afar off.

The fact that Peter followed “afar off” is the reason he was tempted and fell.

(Matthew 26:57, Mark 14:53, Matthew 26:58, Mark 14:54, John 18:15)

DENIAL

The second evil was, Peter’s denial. A few days before he had quickly responded to the question, “Who say ye that I am?” with a prompt, and correct answer.

55  And when they had kindled a fire in the  midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.

(John 18:16-18, John 18:25-27, Matthew 26:3)

56  But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him and said, This man was also with him.

57  And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.

58  And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.

(John 18:26)

59  And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilean.

(Matthew 26:73, Mark 14:70)

60  And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, hie he yet spake, the cock crew.

In every detail Jesus had said this is what would happen. Let us learn this lesson from Peter. Do not deliberately put yourself in a place where you are certain to be tempted. Choose, unless you are striving to reach those about you for the Lord, make your close friends among those of the faith.  One of my mother’ favorite quotations, it is not of the Bible, “Birds of a feather flock together.”   

61  And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

(Luke 7:13, Luke 22:34)

62  And Peter went out and wept bitterly.

If we sin, and we most certainly will, may we follow Peter’s remorseful response. Peter set the example. He wept in repentance, and turned to the Lord.

Judas when out and killed himself. That is “defeatist.” But Peter repented and turned back to the Lord so closely that when he was taken to be crucified he asked, and was, crucified head down!

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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN THIS YEAR

APRIL

28th  Sunday  -  Joshua 20, 21,  Luke 23:26-56,  Psalm 52

29th  Monday  -  Joshua 22, 23,  Luke 24:1-27,  Psalm 53

30th  Tuesday  -  Joshua 24,  Luke 24:28-53,  Proverbs 11:1-6

MAY

1 st  Wednesday  -  Judges 1:1-2:15,  John 1:1-28,  Psalm 54

2 nd Thursday  -  Judges 2:16-3:31,  John 1:29-51,  Psalm 55:1-11

3 rd  Friday  -  Judges 4, 5,  John 2,  Psalm 55:12-23

4th  Saturday  -  Judges 6,  John 3,  Proverbs 11:7-12

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A MEMORY VERSE FOR TODAY

“And said to them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”   -   Luke 24:46-47

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DRIVING IN THE COUNTRY

If you are yelling at the person driving 15 mph in a 55 mph zone, directly in the middle of the road, remember, many people learned to drive on a model of a vehicle  known as John Deere, and this is the proper speed and lane position for that vehicle.

AMBITIOUS GUEST

Luke 14:7-14

A LESSON IN HUMILITY

I recall an Anglican Priest, we knew in South Africa during the apartheid years. I have no idea what became of him as he was later “asked to go back to Great Britain.” The legal term is deported. I understand that he had been a chaplain of a university in California before he came to Kimberley, where we first met him, his wife, his secretary, and his own chaplain. Having been recently from California, he felt he wanted to meet all Americans in the city and Thanksgiving was the perfect opportunity.  His version of the beginning of Thanksgiving was put in the paper,  and we were surprised when we received a phone call to invite us to his home for Thanksgiving dinner.  I remember that there were two Mormon Missionaries, and an exchange teacher or student, and ourselves. Clearly none of us were interested in his beverages and as he was more interested in politics than God, and Thanksgiving Celebration, we did not even have conversation material in common.

Later, the Anglican Bishop of the Northern Cape’s post became vacant and he was asked to recommend someone, so he recommended himself and moved up to the top of his ladder. He always comes to mind when I need an illustration of the lack of humility.

On more than one occasion, Jesus used Proverbs 25:6-7 as the background for a parable lesson. He too, was at a dinner where the motive was not good.

7  And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked out how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,

I don’t know why the King James Translation speaks of “rooms” when he is clearly speaking of positions at the feast. They reclined at the low table, and even, then there were favored positions. The modern method of preventing this happening is to put place cards for each guest.

(Matthew 23:6)

8  When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;

The native people of Africa are very conscious of seating people according to their idea of rank, even in church. Guests would often be ushered to the platform whether they needed to be there or not. The elders and ministers would be seated on the right side, often facing     facing the center of the room. The women would be in the remaining seats. Rarely did men and their wives sit together, and almost always the children would front center on blankets.

(Proverbs 25:6-7)

9  And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.

I can imagine how disturbing it would be to be moved down, perhaps as bad as to be seated at a dining table on the platform under the only light, using your utensils in American fashion, before a people who had never seen the fork in the right hand or holding peas on the inside of the curve, when everyone knew that it is a left hand tool used with the other side up. They usually ate only with an oversized spoon.

(Luke 3:8)

10  But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher; then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.

I usually managed to sit with the men to the right of the room and sometimes with my wife, unless I was to be the speaker.

                                                    

                                                      

11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

It seems clear to me that Jesus was not really talking about your seat at the table, but rather

with your attitude toward life in general. Do not put yourself forward, or first. We are here to serve, not to be served.

(Proverbs 22:28, Proverbs 29:23, Matthew 23:12, Luke 1:52, Luke 18:14, James 4:10)

A LESSON IN LOVE

12  Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours, lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.

Have you ever heard it said?  “It’s my turn to invite,” or “It’s my turn to be invited.”

Thinking that way reflects exactly that our motive is not right.

13  But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:

14  And thou shalt be blessed, for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just:

God blesses the right motivation, not the seeking of, “my rights.”

(John 5:29, Acts 24:15, Revelation 20:4,5)

                                                              __________

READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN THIS YEAR

APRIL

14th  Sunday  -  Deuteronomy 32,  Luke 16,  Proverbs 9:13-18

            15th  Monday  -  Deuteronomy 33, 34,  Luke 17,  Psalm 45:10-17

            16th  Tuesday  -  Joshua 1,  Luke 18:1-17,  Psalm 46

            17th Wednesday - Joshua 2, 3,  Luke 18:18-43,  Psalm 47:-9

            18th  Thursday  -  Joshua 4, 5,  Luke 19:1-27,  Proverbs 10:1-10

            19th  Friday  -  Joshua 6, 7,  Luke 19:28-48,  Psalm 48

            20th  Saturday  -  Joshua 8, 9,  Luke 20:1-26,  Psalm 49:1-10

__________

LINKS TO OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG SITES

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Biographical, with photos

http://ebooksbybob.blogsport.com

They can be read directly on your computer

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This weekly newsletter in a different format

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Answers to your questions

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Favorite Scripture Quotations

http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com

These represent 70 of the world’s languages

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Short Bible studies

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Longer Bible Studies

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The opening chapters to her nine books in print

__________

THE MEMORY VERSE FOR TODAY

“And he said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoveth Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”  -  Luke 24:46-47

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Happy are they who laugh at their own mistakes, for they shall lead merry lives.

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Blessed are they who do not worship the dollar, for heaven cannot be bought.

HYPOCRISY

 Newsletter 343                                                             April 14, 2013                                           

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HYPOCRISY

Luke 12:2-12

1. Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

Jesus had frequent encounters with the Pharisees, and here warns against the in teaching. Why? Because their faith was false, and their teachings were like leaven, something that seemed so innocent, but in time spread everywhere and took over. The software I am using has a, sidebar, a parallel column, which does a research on the major words I have just typed. It defines “hypocrisy as the state of pretending to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, that one does not actually have.”  As an example, the young man Saul of Tarsus was a Pharisee whose false zeal was so strong that he led in a crusade to destroy all Christians. He had participated in the stoning of Stephen, and carrying letters from the high priest, was on the road to Damascus for that purpose, when the Lord intervened. It is a mistake to say that he was converted on the road to Damascus, but the Lord certainly stopped him, and told him to go on to Damascus where he would be told what he must do. As a stunned, and blinded young man, he was led the rest of the way, and in Damascus he became a Christian himself. In time he came to be known as Paul, and became a powerful evangelist to the Gentiles and the author of much of the New Testament.    

(Matthew 16:6, Matthew 16:11, Mark 8:15)

2. For there is nothing covered, which shall not be revealed; neither hid that shall not be known.

We fool ourselves when we believe that we are hiding anything at all from God. The pedafile who hides under the cloak of pretended religion, is not fooling the Lord, He even knows our idle thoughts, and certainly our use of time. All this will be revealed at the judgement if we have not let him cleanse our sins away.  

(Luke 12:2-90, Matthew 10:26-33, Matthew 10:26, Mark 4:22, Luke 8:17)

3. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

Writers of fiction often speak of “pillowtalk” as a means of gaining information. Even our most intimate conversations are not secret from him.

(Matthew 10:27, Matthew 24:17)

4. And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

(John 15:13-15)

5. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him. which after he hath killed hath power to cast you into hell, yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

Because God is who he is, all powerful, the scope of the creation account is proof of that. Just really open your eyes and see the creation, from a one cell amoeba, to the complexity of the human body, Add to that the love of the creator for his creation, made in his own likeness. Add the purity, of heaven. And it is eternal, without end. One can only stand in awe if he realizes this. This a fear, that one may not be pleasing, but God cared for that through his own Son, giving us a constant reminder, if we gather together every week to partake of the communion memorial service. Fear him, that is give him first place in your life, respect the Creator.

(Hebrews 10:31, Matthew 5:22)

6. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

He cares for, even the little sparrow.

(Matthew 10:29)

7. But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

He cares enough about you to know all there is to know. He knew how many hairs you had as a little baby, how many you have lost, and how many are left. But he knows other things and takes precaution about them. He knew my wife had a tumor long before we learned it, and put us into the hands of a surgeon who took care of it before it became cancerous. Why? Because he had something for us to do in Texas. If a move is forced upon you for some reason, perhaps God has a job for you to do where he sends you. Accept the transfer, and look an opportunity to serve. It will be there.   

(Matthew 10:30)

8. Do as I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God.

Think of him as your proud father in the same way he did of Job to the angel Satan, before his fall.  

(Matthew 10:32,  Luke 15:10, Romans 10:9)

9. But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

Sad it is but many, probably the majority, deny the existence of God.  

(Matthew 10:33, Luke 9:26, Luke 15:10)

10. And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.

Here is the “unforgivable sin.”  Some say it is suicide, but most suicides are the result of mental illnesses. Gof simply will not tolerate the Holy Spirit to be spoken against.

(Matthew 12:31, Matthew 12:32,  Mark 3:28-30)

11. And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:

During the last few days before the Lord’s return, we can expect Christianity to be under persecution by those of the world, Satan’s driven lost souls. Have you never noticed. it is darkest just before the dawn?  “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him. (Satan) whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Revelation 13:8  “And he (Satan) causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or on their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the bast, or the number of his name. 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 13:16-18. I have always felt that this marks when the Book of Life shall be closed, and he shall come to use it for the Judgement Day.

12. For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

(Matthew 10:20, Luke 21:15)

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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH THIS YEAR

APRIL

14th  Sunday  -  Deuteronomy 32,    Luke 16,    Proverbs 9:13-18

15th  Monday  -  Deuteronomy 33, 34,    Luke 17,    Psalm 45:10-17

16th  Tuesday  -  Joshua 1,    Luke 18:1-17    Psalm 46

17th  Wednesday  -  Joshua 2,    Luke 18:18-43,    Psalm 47:1-9

18th  Thursday  -  Joshua 4, 5,    Luke 19:1-27,    Proverbs 10:1-10

19th  Friday  - Joshua 6, 7,    Luke 19:28-48,    Psalm 48

20th  Saturday  -  Joshua 8, 9,    Luke 20:1-26,    Psalm 49:1-10

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LINKS TO OUR CHRISTIAN BLOGS

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__________

THE MEMORY VERSE FOR TODAY

“This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for the many for the remission of sins.”  -  Matthew 26:28

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ONE LINER

A conservative thinks children ought to pray in school; a liberal thinks children ought to ride a bus to school; and a moderate thinks children ought to pray on the bus.

SIN ARISES FROM WITHIN

Mark 7:14-23 Though they would probably not admit it if you asked them, most people are followers and not leaders. The first day in child care they might play happily with the same few toys, but as the group grows larger they begin to want, or even demand the toys that another is playing with. A few years later, as teen-agers they begin to want and even demand that their parents provide them with the type of clothing others are wearing, they want the same computers and computer games, or a car like someone, (they will say everyone) has. As soon as they are on their own, they will want adult toys and these become really expensive finer homes, in richer communities, swimming pools, flashy cars, boats, travel. They want to lead the pack. Call it what you may, they want to be leaders, but for there to be leaders, there have to be followers. No one wants to be a follower.

In contrast Jesus, the Son of God, who made everything from a single atom to the universe, became the sacrificial lamb, that our sins might be saved. John 1:2,3, “The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.”

Are not Jesus’ accusations of the Pharisees and scribes, who were being addressed and described as hypocrites, not also true of many who have the same sinful habits today? Their basic problem was that, while they knew the scriptures, they placed more importance on their own traditions than the Word of God? Their hearts were polluted, therefore, their teachings were also corrupt. Jesus compared the church to a flock of sheep, with a shepherd to lead them. When the flock of the church follows a shepherd who does not teach the word. He is at fault because he does not teach the truth of the Word, and they are at fault because they base their beliefs and actions in response to what he has said and do not confirm them with the Word. Jesus’ final command would be, “teaching them to observe all things Whatsoever I have commanded you.” He was teaching them then what they must pass along to others and eventually to us. The shepherd led the flock. Did you ever try to drive a flock of sheep? We soon learned, when we drove in open range in Africa, a herd of sheep may be grazing peaceably beside the road, but if anything, perhaps a goat, makes a dash for the other side in front of the car, every last one of the sheep will follow.

 Mark 7:6-8 6

He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.

 (Isaiah 29:13)

 Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, but are they really so unusual? Isaiah called them hypocrites, that is, they pretended to be what they really were not. What they said, and told the people they were teaching to do, was not what they did themselves. Their hearts were unclean. Really, they were like that beautiful tea pot that we may use several times without actually putting it in the dishwasher in order not to damage the outside decorations. The inside quickly becomes stained and discolored.

 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

 (Isaiah 29:13)

 They went for their message to the wrong sources. We were once invited as a special outing to accompany friends to a meal in a restaurant followed by the film, “Moses, Prince of Egypt.” The plot was Hollywood loosely related to the Biblical reality, acceptable if you kept in mind that the Biblical account is truth while the film is mostly fiction based on a historical truth. But, as a production, it was probably the most beautifully drawn, production I have ever seen.

8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other like such things ye do.

 (Mark 7:3, Mark 7:5, Mark 7:9, Mark 7:13, Galatians 1:14)

 The Pharisees were careful, to the extreme, in observing the letter of the laws they had placed around those of God, but not so careful of the original laws. South Africa actually has three capitals, They are far apart. The actual capital buildings are in Pretoria, the Courts in Bloemfontein, and the Parlament meets in Cape Town. Friends of ours rented a furnished apartment from a Jewish member of Parlament during the time he was away in Cape Town. I remember when they moved in that they were horrified with the condition of the kitchen in this luxury building and she emptied every cupboard and had a thorough cleaning before she could entertain, Her husband was a vice President of a major oil firm sent there to seek oil sites, probably off shore. Since he had to entertain all sorts of guests in his work, the company said they would pay for them to rent the best and provide a car since they did not know just how long they would be there. There was a meat and bread slicer in the kitchen and they were told not to worry, but that this would be destroyed after they left as they may have sliced something that was not kosher. The same would be true of the pots and pans as well.

 9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

 (Mark 7:3, Mark 7:5, Mark 7:8, Mark 7:13, Galatians 1:14)

 This is exactly why there are so many denominations and cults today, all of whom claim to be teaching the word of God. The Pharisees had their traditions; the cults also have their traditions which they emphasize more than the Bible. And, every denomination has its own creeds and traditions that they are more careful to observe than the Bible itself. The Bible speaks of only one church that which was established at Pentecost and which has continued to search and keep those things commanded of the Lord,

 Mark 7:14-23 14

Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:

 15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. We reveal who we are by what we do and say, not by what we eat and drink.

 16 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

17 And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.

 (Mark 2:1, Mark 3:20, Mark 9:28, Mark 15:15)

 18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;

 19 Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats

 (Romans 14:1-12, Colossians 2:16, Luke 11:41, Acts 10:15, Acts 11:9,)

 20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.

 (Matthew 15:18, Mark 7:23)

 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

 (Matthew 6:23, Matthew 20:15)

 23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

 (Mark 7:24-30, Matthew 15:21-28, Matthew 11:21, Mark 7:31)

 The end result is sin, a few of which he enumerates in verses 21 and 22. These all arise in the heart where they are planned before they mature in action.

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OUR MARCHING ORDERS

Matthew 28:20-21 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Mark 16:15,16, and this they did, Acts 2:39, Acts 8:28ff) Paul in writing to his frequent associate and fellow worker Timothy, gave what could be called his last marching orders. (2 Timothy 1:13) These instructions were appropriate not only for Timothy, , but for all of us. . We are fighting the same battle against Satan. Our task is the same, no matter how intense the battle should become. As God told Noah to preach a message of repentance, during the one hundred years it took him to construct the ark, he knew that the only ones who would believe would be Noah’s own family. Still he gave the opportunity to all who lived then to be saved when the earth was destroyed by water in the Great flood. Today we are living in the days when, “they shall not endure sound doctrine,” and we face the final destruction of the earth, not by flood, but by fire. I recall the statement of a charismatic Pentecostal preacher, several years ago, who told me, “I don’t preach doctrine.” He might just as well have said, “I don’t preach what the Lord has sent me to preach, I preach what the people want to hear.” The, almost annually occuring horrific wild fires in our country should open our eyes to that last event to come. They are certainly a very graphic warning, yet one seldom hears anyone making the comparison at all. Paul, in writing to his frequent associate and fellow worker, gave what could be called his last marching orders. These were appropriate not only for Timothy, but for all of us. We are fighting the same battle against Satan. Our task is the same, no matter how intense the battle should become. God told Noah to preach a message of repentance for a hundred years to all who would listen, while he was building the ark. God knew that the only ones who would believe would be Noah’s own family, but he gave the opportunity to all The earth was to be destroyed by the flood then. Today we are living in days when "they shall not endure sound doctrine", and we face the final destruction of the earth, not by gradual warming and melting of the ice caps, but by fire. I recall the statement of a Charismatic Pentecostal evangelist, several years ago, who said "I don’t preach doctrine". This year’s horrific wild fires in California should open our eyes of that event to come, certainly they are a graphic warning, yet I have not heard one word of that fact. As Jesus said to the apostles, "teaching them all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:20), so we must also do. Jesus said, "teach them," and Paul "preach the word." It is the same command passed on to a new generation." Jesus said to the apostles, “teaching hem all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” (Matthew 29:20) We must do this as well. Paul passed along the message when he said, preach the word.” It is the same admonition passed on by every generation. "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word: be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:1-8 The quick, the dead, and his Kingdom. Notice that he separates those of his kingdom, from those who are living, and not living at the time of his coming to judge. Why is it that those of his kingdom are separated from the others? Is it not perhaps because they have been caught up to meet him in the air? These are the ones who have heeded the charge and have been preaching the word. In John 1:1 we have noted that the "Word" was with God and the Word was God and the Word had a part in the creation of all things. The word was Christ. We are to be preaching Christ and what he has taught us. Whether people believe it or not, is not the question. In fact, we know that most will reject it, but that is not our basis for preaching, just as it was not with Noah. We are told that they will not endure sound doctrine, and will prefer little stories instead. Paul calls them fables. A fable can be an illustration but not the content of the whole message as is sometimes heard. Not everyone is going to like the evangelist, especially if he is the bearer of bad news. Read the prophets of the Old Testament days. Sometimes the kings they were told to carry a message to, were violent in their rejection. One had his scroll cut into pieces and thrown into the fire as it was being read, Jeremiah was thrown into an abandoned cistern, Elijah fled for his life from Jezebel. I, myself, was cautious as I collected my mail at my post office box after I received a threatening letter in response to tracts I had distributed in the Oriental Plaza of Johannesburg. The box could easily have been watched. Christians can "endure afflictions" in any period of history. Paul was able to say of himself, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." Are we able to say the same? If we are, we are also able to say with confidence, "there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." Let us look forward to that day with confidence.