Friday, May 27, 2011
OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN
Newsletter 245 May 29, 2011
Acts 5:17-32 (King James Version)
ARRESTED WITHOUT CHARGE
Yes, it can happen even today. Soon, following the establishment of Christ’s church on the first Pentecost after his resurrection, the apostles were still preaching, this good news, actually in the temple compound in Jerusalem. It is not surprising that the temple authorities protested and they were arrested and thrown into prison.
17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, (Acts 15:5, Matthew 3:7, Acts 4:1)
18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. (Acts 4:3)
GOD RELEASES AND COMMANDS
God intervened. The temple was built and dedicated to be God’s home in Jerusalem. In it, the Ark of the Covenant represented His presence. To this day, I was told, Orthodox Jews will not walk about on the temple mount, lest they accidentally walk over the site where Holy of Holies was situated.
God releases the apostles, and sends them back to His temple to preach the Good News of salvation.
19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, (Matthew 1:20, Matthew 1:24, Matthew 2:13, Matthew 2:19, Matthew 28:2, Luke 1:11, Luke 2:9, Acts 8:26, Acts 10:3, Acts 12:7, Acts 12:23, Acts 32:23)
20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. (John 6:63, John 6:68)
21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. (John 8:2, Acts 3:6, Matthew 5:22, Acts 5:27, Acts 5:34, Acts 5:41)
22 But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned and told, (Matthew 26:58, Acts 5:26)
THEIR CELL IS EMPTY
The guards, being sent by the temple authorities, found the cell where the had been held prisoners, to be empty, even though the keepers were still on duty in front of the locked doors. They were still bewildered how this could be when it was reported to them that these same prisoners were back preaching right where they were when they were arrested.
23 Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.
24 Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow. (Acts 4:1, Acts 5:26)
THE PRISONERS ARE PREACHING IN THE TEMPLE
What was the Sanhedrin to do? They represented Jewish law, and the temple was their responsibility. The people wished to hear what was being preached, so they were afraid to interfere openly. Instead, they, shall we say invited them to come to the Senate. But, in the privacy of the Senate the conversation became forceful.
25 Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.
26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. (Acts 5:24, Acts 5:22, Acts 4:21, Acts 5:13)
27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, (Matthew 5:22, Acts 5:21, Acts 5:34, Acts 5:41)
Did we not “straitly command you?” To this they added the charge that thy were holding the Senate responsible for Christ’s death.
28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. (Acts 4:18, Matthew 23:35, Matthew 27:25, Acts 2:23, Acts 2:36, Acts 3:14, Acts 7:52)
GOD HAD COMMANDED THIS
Peter spoke for all the apostles when he said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.“
29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. (Acts 4:19)
Then Peter adds the reasons for this statement. This Senate was responsible for Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion, but God responded by his Resurrection and the establishment of the church, the fulfillment of the prophecies they were claiming the right to interpret to their own benefit.
30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. (Acts 3:13, Acts 2:24, Acts 10:39, Acts 13:29, Galatians 3:13, 1 Peter 2:24)
God exaulted Jesus to be the “King of King and the Lord of Lords’” to whom every earthly authority is ultimately responsible. He gave the gift of the Spirit to these and all Christians as witness of the truth of their words.
31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. (Acts 2:31, Acts 3:15, Luke 2:11, Luke 24:47, Acts 2:38)
32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. (Luke 24:48, Acts 15:26, Acts 15:28, Romans 8:15, Hebrews 2:4)
God sent them to the temple, but all Christians to the whole world. The fact is clear. Jesus has all power. Satan and his will answer to Christ when he returns, as are all Christians. (Matthew 28:18,19, Mark 16:15,16)
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
MAY
29th. Sunday – 1 Samuel 26, 27, John 19:23-42, Psalm 68:14-19
30th. Monday – 1 Samuel 28, 29, John 20, Psalm 68:20-27
31st. Tuesday – 1 Samuel 30, 31, John 21, Psalm 68:28-35
JUNE
1st. Wednesday - 2 Samuel 1, 2, Acts 1, Proverbs 14:1-9
2nd. Thursday - 2 Samuel 3, Acts 2, Psalm 69:1-12
3rd. Friday – 2 Samuel 4, 5, Acts 3, Psalm 9:13-28
4th. Saturday - 2 Samuel 6, 7, Acts 4, Psalm 69:29-36
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 785 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
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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
httpv://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” - Acts 4:12
__________
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
__________
I Don't Wanna Work...
1. My first job was working in an orange juice factory, but I got canned. I couldn't concentrate.
2. Then I worked in the woods as a lumberjack, but I just couldn't hack it, so they gave me the axe.
3. After that, I tried to be a tailor, but I just wasn't suited for it - mainly because it was a sew-sew job.
4. Next, I tried working in a muffler factory, but that was too exhausting.
5. Then, I tried to be a chef - figured it would add a little spice to my life, but I just didn't have the thyme.
6. I attempted to be a deli worker, but any way I sliced it I couldn't cut the mustard.
7. My best job was a musician, but eventually I found I wasn't noteworthy.
8. I studied a long time to become a doctor, but I didn't have any patience.
9. Next, was a job in a shoe factory. I tried but I just didn't fit in.
10. I became a professional fisherman, but discovered that I couldn't live on my net income.
11. I managed to get a good job working for a pool maintenance company, but the work was just too draining.
12. So then I got a job in a workout center, but they said I wasn't fit for the job.
13. After many years of trying to find steady work, I finally got a job as a historian - until I realized there was no future in it.
14. My last job was working in Starbucks, but I had to quit because it was always the same old grind.
15. SO, I TRIED RETIREMENT AND FOUND THAT I'M PERFECT FOR THE JOB!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
HONOR TO CHRIST THE KING
Newsletter 244 May 22, 2011
John 12:20-36 (King James Version)
Today’s study follows the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, about which , when he was asked why he did not stop the crowds from crying out “Hosanna”, which is a transliteration of their word meaning “give salvation now,” replied that if he were to try to stop them, even the stones would cry out. He had often told his apostles not to do something as his time was not yet. His time had now come. This was, and still is, the time that he had been waiting for. Today, I have not given cross references, as the text is rather long. Instead, I have used the blue to emphasize words and portions for emphasis..
GENTILES
20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
The gospel is for all nations, there were Gentiles who believed in God among those who came from far away. They were often simply spoken of as Greeks. Judaism recognized only two divisions, Judaism, and Gentile. Gentile meant anyone who was not a Jew. Those who were open to conversion, were called proselytes.
21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.
23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
GOD
Only three times God spoke audibly to Jesus for men to hear. (1, Baptism, 2.Here, 3. Transfixion)
28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, (Crucifixion), will draw all men unto me.
33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.
34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?
35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
THE PROPHETS
37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
41 These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.
SOME OF THE CHIEF RULERS
42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.
JESUS ACCEPTS THEIR HONOR
45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.
46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
MAY
22nd. Sunday – 1 Samuel 15, 16, John 13, Psalm 66:1-10
23rd. Monday – 1 Samuel 17, John 14, Psalm 66:11-20
24th. Tuesday – 1 Samuel 18, 19, John 15, Proverbs 13:1-12
25th. Wednesday - 1 Samuel 20, John 16, Psalm 67
26th. Thursday - 1 Samuel 21, 22, John 17, Psalm 68:1-6
27th. Friday – 1 Samuel 23, 24, John 18, Psalm 68:7-13
28th. Saturday - 1 Samuel 25, John 19:1-22, Proverbs 13:13-25
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 784 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
httpv://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. - John 10:1
__________
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
__________
TIDBITS OF WIT
“Your work should be a challenge, not a chore, a blessing, not a bore.” - Hal Stebbins
“Why do we say something is out of whack? What is a whack?” - George Carlin
“If a pig loses its voice, is it disgruntled?” – George Carlin
John 12:20-36 (King James Version)
Today’s study follows the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, about which , when he was asked why he did not stop the crowds from crying out “Hosanna”, which is a transliteration of their word meaning “give salvation now,” replied that if he were to try to stop them, even the stones would cry out. He had often told his apostles not to do something as his time was not yet. His time had now come. This was, and still is, the time that he had been waiting for. Today, I have not given cross references, as the text is rather long. Instead, I have used the blue to emphasize words and portions for emphasis..
GENTILES
20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
The gospel is for all nations, there were Gentiles who believed in God among those who came from far away. They were often simply spoken of as Greeks. Judaism recognized only two divisions, Judaism, and Gentile. Gentile meant anyone who was not a Jew. Those who were open to conversion, were called proselytes.
21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.
23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
GOD
Only three times God spoke audibly to Jesus for men to hear. (1, Baptism, 2.Here, 3. Transfixion)
28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, (Crucifixion), will draw all men unto me.
33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.
34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?
35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
THE PROPHETS
37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
41 These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.
SOME OF THE CHIEF RULERS
42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.
JESUS ACCEPTS THEIR HONOR
45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.
46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
MAY
22nd. Sunday – 1 Samuel 15, 16, John 13, Psalm 66:1-10
23rd. Monday – 1 Samuel 17, John 14, Psalm 66:11-20
24th. Tuesday – 1 Samuel 18, 19, John 15, Proverbs 13:1-12
25th. Wednesday - 1 Samuel 20, John 16, Psalm 67
26th. Thursday - 1 Samuel 21, 22, John 17, Psalm 68:1-6
27th. Friday – 1 Samuel 23, 24, John 18, Psalm 68:7-13
28th. Saturday - 1 Samuel 25, John 19:1-22, Proverbs 13:13-25
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 784 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
httpv://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. - John 10:1
__________
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
__________
TIDBITS OF WIT
“Your work should be a challenge, not a chore, a blessing, not a bore.” - Hal Stebbins
“Why do we say something is out of whack? What is a whack?” - George Carlin
“If a pig loses its voice, is it disgruntled?” – George Carlin
Sunday, May 15, 2011
SIN
Newsletter 243 May 15, 2011
DEFINED
Webster defines sin as “the act of breaking a religious or moral law,”
And adds an “error, offense, or fault.“ Webster always defines in connection with the general public’s usage of a word, but let us look at a few references from the Bible and see how God defines it. The first sin, that of Adam and Eve, was more that breaking His command not to eat of that particular tree. It was more than that. It challenged God’s authority to make such a command, and in ignorance lay the real fault on God! The woman you gave me. The irony is that God had made them, and they deny that He had any right to limit them in any way. The result is that they were separated from God. Sin is separation from God. Sin separates man from God here on earth, and if un-repented, for eternal life to come. The prophet Ezekiel said, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:20) Clearly this is far more than an “error, offense, or fault.” It is not just a slap on the hands.
IT IS NOT, “THAT PERSON OVER THERE”
Just one violation makes a sinner of everyone. Romans 3:23 reads, :“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” There is not a human being on earth who has not broken God’s law in some way. The rich young ruler said, “These I have kept from my youth up,” but still he was greedy, he loved his wealth more than the Lord. He left Jesus there. That was his weakness.
JUST ONE EXAMPLE
Our text for today probably had its immediate roots in the confrontation that Jesus had with the Pharisees related in the previous chapter
John 8:1-11 (King James Version)
1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. (Matthew 21:1)
The Mount of Olives faces the temple just across the valley east of the city and seems to be one of the favorite places Jesus and his apostles went for prayer and to be alone in the shelter of the olive trees which can be found there even until today.
2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. (Matthew 26:55, John 8:20)
THE EXAMPLE OF A SINNER
3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
The same law which condemned the woman to be stoned, also condemns her partner to the same punishment. If punishment was the purpose for which they had brought her, they would have brought both, and they did not need Jesus’ approval. In all likelihood one of her accusers was the male involved, and this was a trap they eagerly waited to be sprung.
5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? (Luke 20:10, Luke 22:22)
6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. (Matthew 16:1, Matthew 19:1, Matthew 22:18, Matthew 11:35, Mark 8:11, Mark 10:2, Mark 12:15, Luke 10:25, Luke 11:16, Mark 3:3)
We are not told what Jesus wrote in the dust of the street, but it could have simply been a question as to where was her partner.
7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. (John 8:10, Matthew 7:1, Romans 2:1, Deuteronomy 17:7)
8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
One wonders if it may not have been the name of the guilty person. It doesn’t really matter, they had all sinned, and they all knew that Jesus knew. One sin, any sin, condemns one as a sinner. There is no such thing as “white lies,” or any other division into major or minor sins. All have sinned and fallen short of God’s standards. All are saved through the grace of God who willingly sent His Son to make a way for our redemption through him.
9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? (John 8:7)
11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. (John 3:17, John 5:14)
God has done His part, and Jesus his; now it is up to us, like that woman, accept His grace, through repentance and obedience to Him. (Romans 13:14) “Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. We do that through the new birth, being born of water and the Spirit.” (John 3:5, Acts 2:38)
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
MAY
15th. Sunday – 1 Samuel 1, 2, John 9, Psalm 61
16th. Monday – 1 Samuel 3, 4, John 10:1-21, Proverbs 12:1-13
17th. Tuesday – 1 Samuel 5, 6, 7, John 10:22-42 Psalm 62
18th. Wednesday - 1 Samuel 8, 9, John 11:1-27, Psalm 63
19th. Thursday - 1 Samuel 10, 11, John 11:28-57, Psalm 64
20th. Friday – 1 Samuel 12, 13, John 12:1-22, Proverbs 12:14-28
21st. Saturday - 1 Samuel 14, John 12:23-50, Psalm 65
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 783 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
httpv://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36
__________
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
__________
Simple operation
A man was seen fleeing down the hall of the hospital just before his operation.
"What's the matter?" he was asked.
He said, "I heard the nurse say, 'It's a very simple operation, don't worry, I'm sure it will be all right."
"She was just trying to comfort you, what's so frightening about that?"
"She wasn't talking to me. She was talking to the doctor.
I had a cataract operation yesterday, but I am sure it is not his first!
DEFINED
Webster defines sin as “the act of breaking a religious or moral law,”
And adds an “error, offense, or fault.“ Webster always defines in connection with the general public’s usage of a word, but let us look at a few references from the Bible and see how God defines it. The first sin, that of Adam and Eve, was more that breaking His command not to eat of that particular tree. It was more than that. It challenged God’s authority to make such a command, and in ignorance lay the real fault on God! The woman you gave me. The irony is that God had made them, and they deny that He had any right to limit them in any way. The result is that they were separated from God. Sin is separation from God. Sin separates man from God here on earth, and if un-repented, for eternal life to come. The prophet Ezekiel said, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:20) Clearly this is far more than an “error, offense, or fault.” It is not just a slap on the hands.
IT IS NOT, “THAT PERSON OVER THERE”
Just one violation makes a sinner of everyone. Romans 3:23 reads, :“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” There is not a human being on earth who has not broken God’s law in some way. The rich young ruler said, “These I have kept from my youth up,” but still he was greedy, he loved his wealth more than the Lord. He left Jesus there. That was his weakness.
JUST ONE EXAMPLE
Our text for today probably had its immediate roots in the confrontation that Jesus had with the Pharisees related in the previous chapter
John 8:1-11 (King James Version)
1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. (Matthew 21:1)
The Mount of Olives faces the temple just across the valley east of the city and seems to be one of the favorite places Jesus and his apostles went for prayer and to be alone in the shelter of the olive trees which can be found there even until today.
2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. (Matthew 26:55, John 8:20)
THE EXAMPLE OF A SINNER
3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
The same law which condemned the woman to be stoned, also condemns her partner to the same punishment. If punishment was the purpose for which they had brought her, they would have brought both, and they did not need Jesus’ approval. In all likelihood one of her accusers was the male involved, and this was a trap they eagerly waited to be sprung.
5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? (Luke 20:10, Luke 22:22)
6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. (Matthew 16:1, Matthew 19:1, Matthew 22:18, Matthew 11:35, Mark 8:11, Mark 10:2, Mark 12:15, Luke 10:25, Luke 11:16, Mark 3:3)
We are not told what Jesus wrote in the dust of the street, but it could have simply been a question as to where was her partner.
7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. (John 8:10, Matthew 7:1, Romans 2:1, Deuteronomy 17:7)
8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
One wonders if it may not have been the name of the guilty person. It doesn’t really matter, they had all sinned, and they all knew that Jesus knew. One sin, any sin, condemns one as a sinner. There is no such thing as “white lies,” or any other division into major or minor sins. All have sinned and fallen short of God’s standards. All are saved through the grace of God who willingly sent His Son to make a way for our redemption through him.
9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? (John 8:7)
11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. (John 3:17, John 5:14)
God has done His part, and Jesus his; now it is up to us, like that woman, accept His grace, through repentance and obedience to Him. (Romans 13:14) “Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. We do that through the new birth, being born of water and the Spirit.” (John 3:5, Acts 2:38)
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
MAY
15th. Sunday – 1 Samuel 1, 2, John 9, Psalm 61
16th. Monday – 1 Samuel 3, 4, John 10:1-21, Proverbs 12:1-13
17th. Tuesday – 1 Samuel 5, 6, 7, John 10:22-42 Psalm 62
18th. Wednesday - 1 Samuel 8, 9, John 11:1-27, Psalm 63
19th. Thursday - 1 Samuel 10, 11, John 11:28-57, Psalm 64
20th. Friday – 1 Samuel 12, 13, John 12:1-22, Proverbs 12:14-28
21st. Saturday - 1 Samuel 14, John 12:23-50, Psalm 65
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 783 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
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Our weekly Bible Letter
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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
httpv://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36
__________
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
__________
Simple operation
A man was seen fleeing down the hall of the hospital just before his operation.
"What's the matter?" he was asked.
He said, "I heard the nurse say, 'It's a very simple operation, don't worry, I'm sure it will be all right."
"She was just trying to comfort you, what's so frightening about that?"
"She wasn't talking to me. She was talking to the doctor.
I had a cataract operation yesterday, but I am sure it is not his first!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
THE WORD
Newsletter 242 May 8, 2011
John 1:1-5 (King James Version)
Before we look at the scripture itself, we need to realize that, from the context, any time in it that the writer refers to “John” he means John the Baptist, and that he never refers to himself as John. We know, however, that it was written by John, the brother of Jesus.
This portion of the book of John, including the few verses in the middle that I have not had space to include, is called the prologue of the book. This portion is very rich in material starting, as in Genesis, “In the beginning.” The very first words introduce the fact that Jesus, is more than being just a man, he was from the very beginning, before the creation. In fact he was part of the trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Verse three tells us that nothing was created without him. We can expect that John is going to reveal overwhelming evidence that Jesus is the Christ, the only begotten Son of God It is not his purpose to give us a biography of Jesus’ life. The other Gospels do that. There are several key words of description used throughout the book. The first of these is used three times in the first verse. Jesus is the word.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (Genesis 1:1, Colossians 1:12, 1 John 1:1, John 1:14, Revelation 19:13, John 17:5, 1 John 1:2, Philippians 2:6)
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
We have learned that the creation was brought about by the entire Godhead. In Genesis 1:26, we read, “Let us make man in our own image.” God first prepared a suitable home for man. He was not the product of a “big-bang,” nor of thousands of years of gradual changes. From the beginning he was, and is, different than the animal life, sin may make him more like them, but they are different from the beginning. In my lifetime, I have had two pets that stand out to me. Our dog Ted, loved to “shake hands.”
And years later “Peaches” loved to “pray” but both were still only much loved dogs, and neither was in the image of God. See the attached photo of Peaches.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. (John 3:1-10, 1 Corinthians 8:6, Colossians 1:16, Hebrews 1:2)
We may manipulate, or breed, but we do not “make” anything. It is still true that without God “not anything” is made. I am reminded of the “sourdough bread’ my mother made in my childhood. Often made it, and saved a “start” each time, but occasionally, she had to go back to the bakery and buy a new start of yeast. The old died and she had to go back to the source. God is our source. Jesus said, “No man cometh unto the Father but by me.” Go to the Word. In Him is light and life.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. (John 5:26, John 11:25, John 14:6, John 8:12, John 9:5, John 12:46)
And that light makes all the difference. Where there is light, is no darkness. The darkness is driven away.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. (John 3:19)
That Word became flesh. That portion of the Godhead became flesh. Why? Because of love, His love for that which He had made, mankind. (John 3:16)
John 1:14-18
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (Revelation 19:13, Romans 1:1, Galatians 4:4, Philippians 2:7, 2 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 2:14, 1 John 1:1, 1 John 4:2, 2 John 7. Revelation 21:3, Luke 9:32, John 2:11, John 17:22, John 17:24, 2 Peter 1:16, 1 John 1:1, John 1:16, Romans 5:21, Romans 6:14, John 8:32, John 14:6, John 18:37)
15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. (John 1:7, Matthew 3:11, John 1:27, John 1:30)
Note: here that the writer refers to John the Baptist simply as “John”. The context, identifies which john. Here, he introduces a new word, “grace” The Law given to Moses, and modified and manipulated by the Sanhedrin knew nothing about grace. It took the love of God through Jesus to introduce to us this whole new concept. We can’t earn salvation, it is given by a loving God, to his children, through His Son.
16 And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. (Ephesians 1:23, Ephesians 3:19, Colossians 1:19, Colossians 2:9)
17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. (John 7:19, John 1:14, Romans 5:21, Romans 6:14, John 8:32, John 14:6, John 18:37),
18 No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. (Exodus 33:20, John 6:46, Colossians 1:15, 1 Timothy 6:16, 2 John 4:12, John 3:16, John 3:18, 1 John 4:9, Luke 16:22, John 13:23, John 3:11)
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
MAY
8th. Sunday – Judges 12, 13, John 5:24-47, Proverbs 11:13-21
9th. Monday – Judges 14, 15, John 6:1-38, Psalm 58:1-6
10th. Tuesday – Judges 16, 17, John 6:39-71, Psalm 58:7-11
11th. Wednesday - Judges 18, 19, John 7:1-31, Psalm 59:1-8
12th. Thursday - Judges 20, 21, John 7:32-53, Proverbs 11:22-31
13th. Friday – Ruth 1, 2, John 8:1-32, Psalm 59:9-17
14th. Saturday - Ruth 3, 4, John 8:33-59, Psalm 60
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 782 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
httpv://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that through him the world might be saved.” John 3:17
__________
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
__________
A man jumps out of an airplane with a parachute on his back. As he's falling, he realizes hiss chute is broken. He doesn't know anything about parachutes, but as the earth rapidly approaches, he realizes his options are limited; he takes off the parachute and tries to fix it himself on the way down. The wind is ripping past his face, he's dropping like a rock, and at 5000 feet, another man goes shooting up past him. In desperation, the man with the chute looks up and yells, "Hey do you know anything about parachutes?!"
The guy flying up looks down and yells, "No, do you know anything about gas stoves?!"
John 1:1-5 (King James Version)
Before we look at the scripture itself, we need to realize that, from the context, any time in it that the writer refers to “John” he means John the Baptist, and that he never refers to himself as John. We know, however, that it was written by John, the brother of Jesus.
This portion of the book of John, including the few verses in the middle that I have not had space to include, is called the prologue of the book. This portion is very rich in material starting, as in Genesis, “In the beginning.” The very first words introduce the fact that Jesus, is more than being just a man, he was from the very beginning, before the creation. In fact he was part of the trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Verse three tells us that nothing was created without him. We can expect that John is going to reveal overwhelming evidence that Jesus is the Christ, the only begotten Son of God It is not his purpose to give us a biography of Jesus’ life. The other Gospels do that. There are several key words of description used throughout the book. The first of these is used three times in the first verse. Jesus is the word.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (Genesis 1:1, Colossians 1:12, 1 John 1:1, John 1:14, Revelation 19:13, John 17:5, 1 John 1:2, Philippians 2:6)
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
We have learned that the creation was brought about by the entire Godhead. In Genesis 1:26, we read, “Let us make man in our own image.” God first prepared a suitable home for man. He was not the product of a “big-bang,” nor of thousands of years of gradual changes. From the beginning he was, and is, different than the animal life, sin may make him more like them, but they are different from the beginning. In my lifetime, I have had two pets that stand out to me. Our dog Ted, loved to “shake hands.”
And years later “Peaches” loved to “pray” but both were still only much loved dogs, and neither was in the image of God. See the attached photo of Peaches.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. (John 3:1-10, 1 Corinthians 8:6, Colossians 1:16, Hebrews 1:2)
We may manipulate, or breed, but we do not “make” anything. It is still true that without God “not anything” is made. I am reminded of the “sourdough bread’ my mother made in my childhood. Often made it, and saved a “start” each time, but occasionally, she had to go back to the bakery and buy a new start of yeast. The old died and she had to go back to the source. God is our source. Jesus said, “No man cometh unto the Father but by me.” Go to the Word. In Him is light and life.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. (John 5:26, John 11:25, John 14:6, John 8:12, John 9:5, John 12:46)
And that light makes all the difference. Where there is light, is no darkness. The darkness is driven away.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. (John 3:19)
That Word became flesh. That portion of the Godhead became flesh. Why? Because of love, His love for that which He had made, mankind. (John 3:16)
John 1:14-18
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (Revelation 19:13, Romans 1:1, Galatians 4:4, Philippians 2:7, 2 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 2:14, 1 John 1:1, 1 John 4:2, 2 John 7. Revelation 21:3, Luke 9:32, John 2:11, John 17:22, John 17:24, 2 Peter 1:16, 1 John 1:1, John 1:16, Romans 5:21, Romans 6:14, John 8:32, John 14:6, John 18:37)
15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. (John 1:7, Matthew 3:11, John 1:27, John 1:30)
Note: here that the writer refers to John the Baptist simply as “John”. The context, identifies which john. Here, he introduces a new word, “grace” The Law given to Moses, and modified and manipulated by the Sanhedrin knew nothing about grace. It took the love of God through Jesus to introduce to us this whole new concept. We can’t earn salvation, it is given by a loving God, to his children, through His Son.
16 And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. (Ephesians 1:23, Ephesians 3:19, Colossians 1:19, Colossians 2:9)
17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. (John 7:19, John 1:14, Romans 5:21, Romans 6:14, John 8:32, John 14:6, John 18:37),
18 No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. (Exodus 33:20, John 6:46, Colossians 1:15, 1 Timothy 6:16, 2 John 4:12, John 3:16, John 3:18, 1 John 4:9, Luke 16:22, John 13:23, John 3:11)
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
MAY
8th. Sunday – Judges 12, 13, John 5:24-47, Proverbs 11:13-21
9th. Monday – Judges 14, 15, John 6:1-38, Psalm 58:1-6
10th. Tuesday – Judges 16, 17, John 6:39-71, Psalm 58:7-11
11th. Wednesday - Judges 18, 19, John 7:1-31, Psalm 59:1-8
12th. Thursday - Judges 20, 21, John 7:32-53, Proverbs 11:22-31
13th. Friday – Ruth 1, 2, John 8:1-32, Psalm 59:9-17
14th. Saturday - Ruth 3, 4, John 8:33-59, Psalm 60
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 782 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
httpv://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that through him the world might be saved.” John 3:17
__________
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
__________
A man jumps out of an airplane with a parachute on his back. As he's falling, he realizes hiss chute is broken. He doesn't know anything about parachutes, but as the earth rapidly approaches, he realizes his options are limited; he takes off the parachute and tries to fix it himself on the way down. The wind is ripping past his face, he's dropping like a rock, and at 5000 feet, another man goes shooting up past him. In desperation, the man with the chute looks up and yells, "Hey do you know anything about parachutes?!"
The guy flying up looks down and yells, "No, do you know anything about gas stoves?!"
IT IS I MYSELF
Newsletter 241 May 1, 2011
Luke 24:36-49 (King James Version)
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
Closed and locked doors were no barrier to the resurrected Christ who simply walked through them. The apostles were frightened as they knew that he had died, but did not realize that his risen body was different in many ways. Those who had walked with him on the road had not recognized him until he prayed for the food. He was different yet the same in that his wounds were still there to be seen and touched. Again, after Peter had taken them fishing with him at Galilee they had also not immediately recognized him. We shall be like him, and probably will not be immediately recognized in our new bodies made for eternity, but, like him, our personalities will shine through for all to see.
36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. (Mark 16:14, John 20:19)
37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. (Matthew 14:26, Mark 6:49)
38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. (John 20:20, John 20:27, 1 John 1:1)
PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
Even in his new body, the evidence will be there as a reminder of the price our salvation cost him, and of his great love all.
40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. (John 20:27)
HIS FRESH WOUNDS
Thomas had doubted, but his doubts fled at the sight of those wounds in his hands, feet, and side. The sight of those wounds will be a constant reminder for eternity, just as I bear a scar on my right thumb, as evidence of the sharpness of a gift pocket knife many years ago. It will be there as long as I live in this body.
The fact that Jesus ate physical food provided proof that he had a body. He was not only spirit as a ghost.
41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? (Luke 24:11, John 21:5)
42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
43 And he took it, and did eat before them. (Acts 10:41)
HE ATE FOOD
The purpose of food is to sustain life, but in heaven it is probably not so necessary though still a pleasure. We read of the tree of life which bears a different fruit at intervals.
44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. (Luke 9:2, Luke 9:44, Luk2 18:31-34, Luke 22:37, Luke 24:17, Psalm 2:7, Acts 13:33, Psalm 16:10, Acts 2:27, Psalm 22:1-18, Matthew 27:34-48, Psalm 69:1-21, John 19:28, Psalm 72, Psalm 110:1, Matthew 22:43, Psalm 118:22, Matthew 21:42)
HE REMINDED THEM WHAT HE HAD TOLD THEM
45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, (Luke24:32, Acts 16:14, 1 John 5:20)
THIS WAS A PROPHECY FULFILLED
The fulfillment of the prophecy of his death, burial, and resurrection remains his greatest miracle, proof of his divinity. He died on Friday, and arose Sunday making that the day his own gather to praise and worship him. The communion memorial service is the very heart of that gathering. It cries out, “He lives!” And we too can live through Him. It was the custom of the early church that this was their reason for gathering. (Acts 20:7) “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them,” Paul knew they would gather for this purpose and they did.
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: (Luke 24:26, Luke 24:44, Luke 24:7)
THE RESURRECTION
Their message was “repentance and remission of sins,” beginning from Jerusalem. It pains me to witness a baptism, when it is not pointed out that this is the purpose behind it. How will men know, if we don’t say so, especially at that time ? (Acts 2:38)
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Acts 5:31, Acts 19:43, Acts 13:38, Acts 26:18, Matthew 28:19)
CHURCH IN JERUSALEM FIRST
His church began in Jerusalem. If a church does not trace it’s heginning to Jerusalem, then it can not be his.
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
MAY
1st. Sunday – Judges 1:1-2:15, John 1:1-28, Psalm 54
2nd. Monday – Judges 2:16-3:31, John 1:29-51, Psalm 55:1-11
3rd. Tuesday – Judges 4, 5, John 2, Psalm 55:12-23
4th. Wednesday - Judges 6, John 3, Proverbs 11:7-12
5th. Thursday - Judges 7, 8, John 4:1-26, Psalm 56
6th. Friday – Judges 9, John 4:27-54, Psalm 57:1-6
7th. Saturday - Judges 10, 11, John 5:1-23, Psalm 57:7-11
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 781 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
httpv://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” – John 3:19
__________
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
__________
From the Archive
Everyone should own a comfortable bed and a comfortable pair of shoes because one spends most of his life in one or the other. The next time you think life is not worth living, stop and think of the alternative.
A good idea for a highway billboard: 'YOU ARE NOT WATCHING THE ROAD.'
Luke 24:36-49 (King James Version)
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
Closed and locked doors were no barrier to the resurrected Christ who simply walked through them. The apostles were frightened as they knew that he had died, but did not realize that his risen body was different in many ways. Those who had walked with him on the road had not recognized him until he prayed for the food. He was different yet the same in that his wounds were still there to be seen and touched. Again, after Peter had taken them fishing with him at Galilee they had also not immediately recognized him. We shall be like him, and probably will not be immediately recognized in our new bodies made for eternity, but, like him, our personalities will shine through for all to see.
36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. (Mark 16:14, John 20:19)
37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. (Matthew 14:26, Mark 6:49)
38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. (John 20:20, John 20:27, 1 John 1:1)
PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
Even in his new body, the evidence will be there as a reminder of the price our salvation cost him, and of his great love all.
40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. (John 20:27)
HIS FRESH WOUNDS
Thomas had doubted, but his doubts fled at the sight of those wounds in his hands, feet, and side. The sight of those wounds will be a constant reminder for eternity, just as I bear a scar on my right thumb, as evidence of the sharpness of a gift pocket knife many years ago. It will be there as long as I live in this body.
The fact that Jesus ate physical food provided proof that he had a body. He was not only spirit as a ghost.
41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? (Luke 24:11, John 21:5)
42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
43 And he took it, and did eat before them. (Acts 10:41)
HE ATE FOOD
The purpose of food is to sustain life, but in heaven it is probably not so necessary though still a pleasure. We read of the tree of life which bears a different fruit at intervals.
44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. (Luke 9:2, Luke 9:44, Luk2 18:31-34, Luke 22:37, Luke 24:17, Psalm 2:7, Acts 13:33, Psalm 16:10, Acts 2:27, Psalm 22:1-18, Matthew 27:34-48, Psalm 69:1-21, John 19:28, Psalm 72, Psalm 110:1, Matthew 22:43, Psalm 118:22, Matthew 21:42)
HE REMINDED THEM WHAT HE HAD TOLD THEM
45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, (Luke24:32, Acts 16:14, 1 John 5:20)
THIS WAS A PROPHECY FULFILLED
The fulfillment of the prophecy of his death, burial, and resurrection remains his greatest miracle, proof of his divinity. He died on Friday, and arose Sunday making that the day his own gather to praise and worship him. The communion memorial service is the very heart of that gathering. It cries out, “He lives!” And we too can live through Him. It was the custom of the early church that this was their reason for gathering. (Acts 20:7) “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them,” Paul knew they would gather for this purpose and they did.
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: (Luke 24:26, Luke 24:44, Luke 24:7)
THE RESURRECTION
Their message was “repentance and remission of sins,” beginning from Jerusalem. It pains me to witness a baptism, when it is not pointed out that this is the purpose behind it. How will men know, if we don’t say so, especially at that time ? (Acts 2:38)
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Acts 5:31, Acts 19:43, Acts 13:38, Acts 26:18, Matthew 28:19)
CHURCH IN JERUSALEM FIRST
His church began in Jerusalem. If a church does not trace it’s heginning to Jerusalem, then it can not be his.
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
MAY
1st. Sunday – Judges 1:1-2:15, John 1:1-28, Psalm 54
2nd. Monday – Judges 2:16-3:31, John 1:29-51, Psalm 55:1-11
3rd. Tuesday – Judges 4, 5, John 2, Psalm 55:12-23
4th. Wednesday - Judges 6, John 3, Proverbs 11:7-12
5th. Thursday - Judges 7, 8, John 4:1-26, Psalm 56
6th. Friday – Judges 9, John 4:27-54, Psalm 57:1-6
7th. Saturday - Judges 10, 11, John 5:1-23, Psalm 57:7-11
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 781 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
httpv://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” – John 3:19
__________
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
__________
From the Archive
Everyone should own a comfortable bed and a comfortable pair of shoes because one spends most of his life in one or the other. The next time you think life is not worth living, stop and think of the alternative.
A good idea for a highway billboard: 'YOU ARE NOT WATCHING THE ROAD.'
Friday, April 22, 2011
PASSOVER AND COMMUNION LINKS
Newsletter 240 April 24, 2011
Luke 22:7-23 (King James Version)
(Matthew 26:17-19, Mark 14:12-16)
COMMUNION WAS GIVEN DURING THE PASSOVER
The children of Israel regarded Passover with very special reverence. It called to memory many things, their years of slavery in Egypt, ending with the death of the first born of the Egyptians, the hastily prepared meal with unleavened bread, the blood of the lamb on the door lintels. Even until the present time this is a very special annual memorial celebrated in every Jewish home.
7 Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. (Mark 14:12)
8 And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. (Acts 3:1, Acts 3:11, Acts 4:13, Acts 4:19, Acts 8:14, Galatians 2:9)
9 And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?
10 And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.
11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
12 And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.
13 And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
14 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. (Matthew 26:20. Mark 14:17, Mark 6:30)
15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: (Luke 14:15, Luke 22:18, Luke 22:30, Revelation 19:9)
Jesus chose this time, and this feast, as the time to establish another memorial for the church to come. Christians call it the Lord’s Supper, or Communion. Like the Passover, it commemorates the death of the first born, represented in the Passover feast by the lamb. The Lord’s blood was shed on Calvary’s cross as the blood of the lamb was placed on the door lintels. His sinless body is represented by the unleavened bread in the Passover feast. In The Communion, the fruit of the vine represents His blood shed for our salvation.
16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
BOTH ARE MEMORIALS
17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: (Luke 22:17-20, Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25, 1 Corinthians 10:17, Matthew 14:19)
BOTH USE THE SAME EMBLEMS
18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. (Matthew 26:29, Mark 14:25)
UNLEAVENED BREAD
19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. (Matthew 14:19)
FRUIT OF THE VINE
20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. (Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24, Exodus 24:8, Jeremiah 31:31, 1 Corinthians 11:25, 2 Corinthians 3:6, Hebrews 8:8, Hebrews 8:13, Hebrews 9:15)
21 But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. (Luke 22:21-23. Matthew 26:21-24, Mark 14:18-21, Psalm 41:9, John 13:18, John 13:21-22, John 13:26)
22 And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed! (Acts 2:23, Acts 4:28, Acts 10:42, Acts 17:31)
23 And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
APRIL
24th. Sunday – Joshua 15, Luke 22:1-23, Psalm 50:16-23
25th. Monday – Joshua 16-17:13, Luke 22:24-46, Psalm 51:1-9
26th. Tuesday – Joshua 17:14-18:28, Luke 22:47-71, Proverbs 10:21-32
27th. Wednesday - Joshua 19, Luke 23:1-25, Psalm 51:10-19
28th. Thursday - Joshua 20, 21, Luke 23:26-56, Psalm 52
29th. Friday – Joshua 22, 23, Luke 24:1-27, Psalm 53
30th. Saturday - Joshua 24, Luke 24:28-53, Proverbs 11:1-6
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 780 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
httpv://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“Except a man is born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” – John 3:5
__________
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
__________
Legal Semantics...
A lawyer runs a stop sign and gets pulled over by a sheriff's deputy. He thinks that he is smarter than the deputy because he is sure that he has a better education.
He decides to prove this to himself and have some fun at the deputy's expense...deputy says, "License and registration, please."
Lawyer says, "What for?"
Deputy says, "You didn't come to a complete stop at the stop sign ..."
Lawyer says, "I slowed down, and no one was coming."
Deputy says, "You still didn't come to a complete stop. License and registration, please."
Lawyer says, "What's the difference?"
Deputy says, "The difference is, you have to come to a complete stop, that's the law. License and registration, please!"
Lawyer says, "If you can show me the legal difference between slow down and stop, I'll give you my license and registration and you give me the ticket, if not you let me go and no ticket."
Deputy says, "Exit your vehicle, sir." At this point, the deputy takes off his gloves and starts slapping the lawyer and says, "Do you want me to stop or just slow down?"
Luke 22:7-23 (King James Version)
(Matthew 26:17-19, Mark 14:12-16)
COMMUNION WAS GIVEN DURING THE PASSOVER
The children of Israel regarded Passover with very special reverence. It called to memory many things, their years of slavery in Egypt, ending with the death of the first born of the Egyptians, the hastily prepared meal with unleavened bread, the blood of the lamb on the door lintels. Even until the present time this is a very special annual memorial celebrated in every Jewish home.
7 Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. (Mark 14:12)
8 And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. (Acts 3:1, Acts 3:11, Acts 4:13, Acts 4:19, Acts 8:14, Galatians 2:9)
9 And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?
10 And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.
11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
12 And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.
13 And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
14 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. (Matthew 26:20. Mark 14:17, Mark 6:30)
15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: (Luke 14:15, Luke 22:18, Luke 22:30, Revelation 19:9)
Jesus chose this time, and this feast, as the time to establish another memorial for the church to come. Christians call it the Lord’s Supper, or Communion. Like the Passover, it commemorates the death of the first born, represented in the Passover feast by the lamb. The Lord’s blood was shed on Calvary’s cross as the blood of the lamb was placed on the door lintels. His sinless body is represented by the unleavened bread in the Passover feast. In The Communion, the fruit of the vine represents His blood shed for our salvation.
16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
BOTH ARE MEMORIALS
17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: (Luke 22:17-20, Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25, 1 Corinthians 10:17, Matthew 14:19)
BOTH USE THE SAME EMBLEMS
18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. (Matthew 26:29, Mark 14:25)
UNLEAVENED BREAD
19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. (Matthew 14:19)
FRUIT OF THE VINE
20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. (Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24, Exodus 24:8, Jeremiah 31:31, 1 Corinthians 11:25, 2 Corinthians 3:6, Hebrews 8:8, Hebrews 8:13, Hebrews 9:15)
21 But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. (Luke 22:21-23. Matthew 26:21-24, Mark 14:18-21, Psalm 41:9, John 13:18, John 13:21-22, John 13:26)
22 And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed! (Acts 2:23, Acts 4:28, Acts 10:42, Acts 17:31)
23 And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
APRIL
24th. Sunday – Joshua 15, Luke 22:1-23, Psalm 50:16-23
25th. Monday – Joshua 16-17:13, Luke 22:24-46, Psalm 51:1-9
26th. Tuesday – Joshua 17:14-18:28, Luke 22:47-71, Proverbs 10:21-32
27th. Wednesday - Joshua 19, Luke 23:1-25, Psalm 51:10-19
28th. Thursday - Joshua 20, 21, Luke 23:26-56, Psalm 52
29th. Friday – Joshua 22, 23, Luke 24:1-27, Psalm 53
30th. Saturday - Joshua 24, Luke 24:28-53, Proverbs 11:1-6
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 780 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
httpv://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“Except a man is born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” – John 3:5
__________
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
__________
Legal Semantics...
A lawyer runs a stop sign and gets pulled over by a sheriff's deputy. He thinks that he is smarter than the deputy because he is sure that he has a better education.
He decides to prove this to himself and have some fun at the deputy's expense...deputy says, "License and registration, please."
Lawyer says, "What for?"
Deputy says, "You didn't come to a complete stop at the stop sign ..."
Lawyer says, "I slowed down, and no one was coming."
Deputy says, "You still didn't come to a complete stop. License and registration, please."
Lawyer says, "What's the difference?"
Deputy says, "The difference is, you have to come to a complete stop, that's the law. License and registration, please!"
Lawyer says, "If you can show me the legal difference between slow down and stop, I'll give you my license and registration and you give me the ticket, if not you let me go and no ticket."
Deputy says, "Exit your vehicle, sir." At this point, the deputy takes off his gloves and starts slapping the lawyer and says, "Do you want me to stop or just slow down?"
Saturday, April 16, 2011
REPENT YE THEREFORE AND BE CONVERTED
Newsletter 239 April 17, 2011
First impressions are lasting impressions. The unusual dress of the “Herero” women of Namibia can’t help but be noticed. Using hand cranked Singer sewing machines, they made their own dresses and turbans, basically in the style that the earliest missionaries wore. Their skirts swept the ground in several layers. The waists were fitted, and the “mutton” sleeves covered the entire arm. These ladies considered themselves to be Christians, because they dressed as their missionaries had dressed.
These women fled if they spotted a camera, lest you steal their souls, they drank to excess their home brewed mixtures, and we found the first night, they stole what was not fastened down under lock and key. The meaning of “repentance” seemed not to be in their lives.
Later among church members in South Africa, we found they had no problem with “baptism,” but they ignored “repent” in the same sentence. “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19). Christianity is more than dress, or even singing loudly and attending every worship service.
Luke 13:22-30 (King James Version)
22 And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. (Luke 9:51)
23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,
NOT ALL WHO KNOCK SHALL ENTER
The apostles enquired, “Are there few that be saved ?” They had witnessed the feeding of thousands of eager people, they had seen people being healed their illnesses, but now the excitement seemed to be waning, and the excitement less. The bottom line was motivation. What motivates great crowds ? Many are attracted. They “knock” at the door, but they don’t open their hearts, and make that commitment that means a total new way of life; a new birth of water and Spirit. A new beginning as a result of totally repenting of the old ways. Strive to enter in. The way is narrow. It takes a good eye and a concentrated mind to thread a needle, and it takes a controlled life to enter into the narrow gate ahead.
24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. (Mark 7:13)
GOD WILL CLOSE THE DOOR OF OPPORTUNITY
The time is coming when the door of opportunity will close. Only Noah and his immediate family. Still living with him, entered the ark, then God closed the door. There would have been millions of people all about them. The ark is a “picture” of the church. There will be millions who have not repented of their sins, who will be outside when He comes again.
25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: (Matthew 25:10, Matthew 7:22, Matthew 25:11, Matthew 7:23, Matthew 25:12, Luke 13:27)
EVEN ANY APPARENT FOLLOWERS WILL BE REJECTED
The sad fact is that there will be millions who have lived under the delusion that they are serving God. Several things can be wrong. They may have never made the right start at all. They may not have repented of the old way of life. They may have never been obedient to the Lord in the new birth, baptism. Their motivation may have been wrong. Even their witnessing may be at fault. Jesus said “enter in by the straight” gate, meaning narrow. There will be, and are “false prophets.”
(Luke 3:8)
26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.
WE ARE NOT SAVED BY WORKS
But, one of the greatest reasons is that many think they are saved by their works, whereas works are a product of Christianity. One does works because he is a Christian, not to make him one.
27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. (Luke 13:25, Psalm 6:8, Matthew 25:41)
AWARE OF BEING REJECTED
There shall be many who will be rejected.
28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. (Matthew 8:12, Matthew 22:13, Matthew 25:10)
29 And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
EVERY NATION INCLUDED.
All are invited. All want to be accepted, and we can know that we will be by being in the Lord Jesus. Where we start out is meaningless, but where we consciously chose to stay makes all the difference. Repentance means a change from living in the manner of the world to living in the manner of Christ. The rewards are eternal and can not be measured by this world's measurements.
(Matthew 8:11)
30 And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last. (Matthew 19:30, Matthew 20:16, Mark 10:31)
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
APRIL
17th. Sunday – Joshua 2, 3, Luke 18:18-43, Psalm 47:1-9
18th. Monday – Joshua 4, 5, Luke 19:1-27, Proverbs 10:1-10
19th. Tuesday – Joshua 6, 7, Luke 19:28-48, Psalm 48
20th. Wednesday - Joshua 8, 9, Luke 20:1-26, Psalm 49:1-10
21st. Thursday - Joshua 10, Luke 20:27-47, Psalm 49:11-20
22nd. Friday – Joshua 11, 12, Luke 21:1-19, Proverbs 10:11-20
23rd. Saturday - Joshua 13, 14, Luke 21:20-38, Psalm 50:1-15
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 779 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’ 8 published books
httpv://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” – Luke 18:25
__________
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
__________
SIGNS THAT YOU'VE GROWN UP:
-6:00 a.m. is when you get up, not when you go to bed.
-You watch the Weather Channel.
-Jeans and a sweater no longer qualify as 'dressed up.'
-You don't know what time Taco Bell closes anymore.
-Your car insurance goes down and your payments go up.
-You feed your dog Science Diet instead of McDonald's leftovers.
-Dinner and a movie is the whole date instead of the beginning of one.
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