WHY DID GOD MAKE HELL?

Newsletter 291 April 19, 2012
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More than one word in the original manuscripts of the New Testament have been translated as “Hell” Three of them are Sheol, Hades, and Gehenna. Sheol and Hades both refer to the place of the dead, or where we go when we die before the day of judgment.. The other word is Gehenna, and it refers to the final destination after the judgment. The Catholic teaching of Purgatory is not found or described in the Bible at all. Once people have died, they cannot return to this world until God raises them up for their judgment and to be sent to their final destination, whether that be Heaven or Hell. Once a person dies, he is beyond anything that we can do. He is there to wait for the judgment. This is made quite clear in the account of Lazarus and the rich man found in Luke 16:19-31. Scripture does not call this a parable. It reads:

“There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores. And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died and was buried: And in hell (Hades) he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this place. But Abraham said Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father that thou wouldst send him to my father’s house: For I have five brethren: that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses, and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.”

“There was.” This is not a parable, this is fact. This was before the judgment. The rich man was in a place where he could not reach or be reached by his brothers who were still living. He was in a place where he could see Abraham and Lazarus and that where they were was that was not at all like where he was. He could not go there, nor could they come to him. There was a great gulf between them. The former beggar had no shortage of anything where he was. This was Hades or Sheol, here translated as hell.

In Revelation 20:11-15, on the other hand, we read of a completely different place. This is a prophesy of the judgment and following. “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire,” (Gehenna is translated here “lake of fire”)

Chapter 21 tells us about the destination of those who are written in the book of life.

At this point the Rich man would be judged according to his works, and whether his name is in the book of life. This would be the same book that is referred to in Acts 2:47, “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Those who lived before the establishment of the church would have already been added; to them would be added those who repented of their sins and were baptized in obedience to His command, the key to the church and heaven used by Peter, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

Now let us come back to the question, “Why did God make hell?”

2 Peter 1-5 “Put there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that brought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; and spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness in the flood upon the world of the ungodly. ”

One could go on, but God created the fires of hell for the false prophets, false teachers, the angels that sinned by rejecting Him to follow Satan. Gehenna was created as a final place for all that is evil, and of course all who reject truth for lies, and follow Satan the father of liars.

Christ said, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me.
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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012

APRIL

15th. Sunday – Deuteronomy 33, 34, Luke 17, Psalm 45:10-17
16th. Monday – Joshua 1, Luke 18:1-17, Psalm 46
17th. Tuesday - Joshua 2, 3, Luke 18:18-43, Psalm 47:1-9
18th. Wednesday - Joshua 4, 5, Luke 19:1-27, Proverbs 10:1-10
19th. Thursday - Joshua 6, 7, Luke 19:28-48, Psalm 48
20th. Friday – Joshua 8, 9, Luke 20:1-26, Psalm 49:1-10
21st. Saturday - Joshua 10, Luke 20:27-47, Psalm 49:11-20

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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen:” – Luke 24:5-6
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From the Archive:

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.'

America is the land of opportunity. Everybody can become a taxpayer.

Capital Punishment: Congress comes up with a new tax.

Drive carefully. Uncle Sam needs every taxpayer he can get.

A lady came to the hospital to visit a friend. She had not been in a hospital for several years and felt very ignorant about all the new technology. A technician followed her onto the elevator, wheeling a large, intimidating looking machine with tubes and wires and dials. "Boy, would I hate to be hooked up to that thing," she said.

"So would I," replied the technician. "It's a floor-cleaning machine."

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY PHYLLIS

HE IS NOT HERE - HE IS RISEN

Newsletter 290 April 8, 2012
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Of all the apostles, John is singled out as being the Apostle Jesus Loved. He was one of the inner-circle, and is the one that Jesus asked, just before his death, to care for his mother. This may have had something to do with the fact that John was the youngest of the apostles, did not die the death of a martyrs, and that he lived to an old age. Mary may have still been living at the time John wrote this Gospel.

This account of Resurrection Sunday, is the last of the Gospels to have been written, and reflects the resurrection event looking back a number of years later from the view point of John, who also wrote the book of Revelation.

Without the resurrection, there could be no such thing as the church, and the salvation of lost souls. It is not possible to know what the world would be like without the ministry of Christ. This was the final stamp of approval of His divinity and the completion of his work. All that remained to be done were the final proofs to the believers and handing over all into their hands at Pentecost following his ascension back to be with his Father, where he promised to prepare a place for all obedient believers. (John 3:16)

I am partial to that promise in the King James Version where he says, “in my Father’s house are many mansions.” All of Heaven is going to be beyond description.

John 20:1-10 (King James Version)

RESURRECTION SUNDAY

1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulcher, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulcher. (John 20:1-8, Matthew 28:1-8, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-10John 19:25, John 20:18, Matthew 27:60, Matthew 27:66, Matthew 28:2, Mark 15:46, Mark 16:3, Luke 24:2, John 11:38)

PETER AND JOHN

2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the LORD out of the sepulcher, and we know not where they have laid him. (John 13:23, John 20:13)

3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulcher. (Luke 24:12, John 20:3-10)

4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulcher

5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. (John 20:11, John 19:40)

PETER SEES THE GRAVE CLOTHING LYING, BUT NO BODY

6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulcher, and seeth the linen clothes lie,

7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. (John 11:44, John 19:40)

8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulcher, and he saw, and believed. (John 20:4)

9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. (Matthew 22:29, John 2:22, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:46)

10 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. (Luke 24:12)

We know that the women had witnessed where the body was placed but probably not that a Roman guard was placed there or that it was sealed with the Roman seal. They had seen that it was hurriedly placed there and clearly felt that inadequate spices were used.

Mary Magdalene arrived first, very early. It was she who ran to find Peter and John. John, being much younger, outran Peter, but it was Peter who first entered into the tomb itself.

He would have instantly known that the body had not been removed by man. Men would have taken the wrappings and the napkin along with the body, but they found those still there, not in a heap, but still as they were when they still enclosed the body, and with the napkin neatly folded and lying by itself.

The other accounts give additional information. One was, that Jesus had risen, not been carried away as the Jew’s fabricated story suggests.

He arose, and he still lives to this day. Weeks later, he ascended back to be with the Father and to prepare for the time when all faithful and obedient will follow him to claim the eternal mansion or dwelling place that he has prepared for them.
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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012

APRIL

8th. Sunday – Deuteronomy 18, 19, 20, Luke 11:27-54, Psalm 42:7-11
9th. Monday – Deuteronomy 21, 22, Luke 12:1-30, Psalm 43
10th. Tuesday - Deuteronomy 23, 24, Luke 12:31-59, Proverbs 9:1-12
11th. Wednesday - Deuteronomy 25, 26, 27, Luke 13, Psalm 44:1-12
12th. Thursday - Deuteronomy 28, Luke 14, Psalm 44:13-26
13th. Friday – Deuteronomy 29, 30, 31, Luke 15, Psalm 45:1-9
14th. Saturday - Deuteronomy 32, Luke 16, Proverbs 9:13-18

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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen:” – Luke 24:5-6
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For even more quotations check out Phillips' Treasury of Humorous Quotations


"Procrastination is suicide on the installment plan." -Author Unknown

"The idle man does not know what it is to enjoy rest, for he has not earned it." --John Lubbock

"Tomorrow is the only day in the year that appeals to a lazy man." --Jimmy Lyons

"The laziest man I ever met put popcorn in his pancakes so they would turn over by themselves." --W.C. Fields

"Determine never to be idle... It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing." --Thomas Jefferson

"A lazy person, whatever the talents with which he set out, will have condemned himself to second-hand thoughts and to second-rate friends." --Cyril Connolly

"There is no fatigue so wearisome as that which comes from lack of work." -Charles Haddon Spurgeon

WE WANT A KING!

Luke 19:28-44

King James Version

MAKE WAY FOR THE KING!

A spirit of jubilation swept the city of Jerusalem as the people were celebrating the year’s greatest ingathering to worship at the temple. The amazing account of Jesus’ feeding of the thousands, followed by his raising from the dead, Lazarus, a man who have been buried days before, persuaded the throngs that here was the Messiah who would be crowned king. Surely he could lead them in triumphal rebellion against the hated Romans. They were ready for a king, so long as he filled their expectation of an earthly kingdom.

28 And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.
29 And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,
30 Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.
31 And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.
32 And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.
33 And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?
34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him.
35 And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.

One can‘t help wondering if it was not his disciples, perhaps even the apostles who first cried out, “Make way for the king!” They had certainly been discussing that possibility, to the stage that they were even discussing who would hold what appointment in his kingdom. Judas, probably felt that just a “nudge” in the right direction could start such a demand, and that he possibly would become the treasurer, after all, he already carried the bag with their meager funds.

36 And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.
37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

This began on slopes of the Mount of Olives, and by the time they had descended to the valley, and started to approach the entry gate ahead, the throngs within the city heard, saw, and joined in. We celebrate this as “Palm Sunday.”

This king would not be a king like those they knew. His would not be a kingdom with armies and great military strength. Most can’t visualize such a kingdom. His is a kingdom characterized by love; a kingdom of peace. The non-believer does not see the multitudes of believers and of angels in his command.

38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.
It was the religious leaders associated with the temple and some of the Pharisees in the multitudes who spoke up against it. Their own positions of authority and power would be the first to fall away.
39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.
40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

His reply indicated that there was no way to stop them. How it must have broken his heart to know that he very multitudes who were now shouting praises would, in only a few days, cry for his death, and reject his purpose in coming in the first place. I am sure that he was also weeping for the world’s multitudes today who place their trust in men, and not God.

41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,
44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

Only forty years later, the temple was gone, “not one stone upon another.” To this day two thousand years later, darkness and not light rules that mountain top. We await His return when we are told He shall enter in triumph through that, now sealed up gate in the wall of Jerusalem.
His Spiritual Kingdom thrives. It shall not be destroyed even though the whole world is destined to be burned.
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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012

APRIL

1st. Sunday – Deuteronomy 1, 2, Luke 8:41-56, Psalm 40:1-8
2nd. Monday – Deuteronomy 3, 4, Luke 9:1-22, Proverbs 8:22-31
3rd. Tuesday - Deuteronomy 5, 6, Luke 9:23-45, Psalm 40:9-17
4th. Wednesday - Deuteronomy 7, 8, 9, Luke 9:46-62, Psalm 41:1-6
5th. Thursday - Deuteronomy 10, 11, Luke 10:1-20, Psalm 41:7-13
6th. Friday – Deuteronomy 12, 13, 14, Luke 10:21-42, Proverbs 8:32-36
7th. Saturday - Deuteronomy 15, 16, 17, Luke 11:1-26, Psalm 42:1-6

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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.” - Matthew 22:37-38
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The T-Shirt -from Simon Says

My kindergarten-aged daughter suddenly announced just before school that she needed to take a clean T-shirt to class. She told us the teacher was going to iron an anti-drug message on it. My wife frantically swept through our daughter's room, finding nothing usable but one tee shirt that already had something printed on one side. She sent it off to school with our daughter.

That afternoon, our daughter returned and happily showed off her shirt. On one side it said, 'Families are Forever.' (Continued Next Page)

And on the other: 'Be Smart, Don't Start.

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES: HANDY LITTLE CHART

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES: HANDY LITTLE CHART

GETHSEMANE

Newsletter 288 March 25, 2012
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Mark 14:32-52
King James Version (KJV)

A few years ago, Mel Gibson, released the film titled “The Passion.” I purchased a DVD copy of it expecting to view it each year just before Easter. For a Christian it is filled with heart breaking scenes, and my wife refused to view it through even once, let alone every year. But, one of the commentaries I read in preparing these few words, pointed out very clearly. It was not the Physical death on the cross that caused Jesus in Gethsemane to pray as he did. Crucifixion was the most a lingering, painful death, and was used only for the most violent crimes. It was always a very public death as a visual lesson to show the power of the Romans.
This was why Jesus had come to earth in the first place. Now his public ministry was completed. The weeks that came after his resurrection concentrated on the apostles and his disciples, those who had stayed with him through everything.

Now, after establishing the memorial of his death to come, he and the closest of the Apostles retired to Gethsemane to pray. Though he asked them to pray with him, there is no evidence that they did. Gethsemane, situated on the south-western slopes of the Mount of Olives, is still there. I am told that some of the oldest trees may be the same trees. Whether that is true or not, is not really so important, but this was a favorite place where he and the apostles apparently often went for prayer and private instruction. It is just across from the Temple site.

32 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.
Leaving them to wait and keep watch for him, he went alone a little farther and prayed to his Father God.
33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;
34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.
Why does the scripture say he was “exceeding sorrowful”? He knew, in intimate detail, how he would be arrested, mocked, beaten, and finally crucified. This is what the “Passion” emphasized, and shows so vividly. This is one of those times when he went to His Father for strength and assurance.
35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.
36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

In his agony, he still remembered to pray, “Not what I will, but what thou wilt.” So often, our prayers are centered on what we want, and not what God wants of us. He has something for each of us to do. We take communion to a dear apartment-bound friend of ours each Sunday, and try to stay for a visit as she has very few visitors. This past Sunday, she asked, “But what can I do?” They she answered her question, “other than pray.” We all have those who need the Spirit’s guidance and blessing. We may have friends or family members who are ill, or who have drifted from the faith, or even not yet given their hearts to the Lord. We may be the only ones who are concerned enough to pray for them. God knows what we are capable of doing, we can pray.

37 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?

Peter, James, and John were all sleeping, but it was Peter who had just declared he would never forsake him, and it was Peter that Jesus knew needed to be praying, as he would be the leader of them all after his departure. Watch, and pray “lest ye enter into temptation.” He knew Peter would follow at a distance, stand by the fire in the court yard, and be tempted because of being where he should have been. John was not tempted, because he showed himself by being near Jesus. The servants knew who he was. Do people know where we stand?

38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
It was because of the weakness of the flesh, that Peter was tempted, and denied that he even knew Jesus. His Galilean accent betrayed him.
39 And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.

The second prayer was the same. The prayer was the same, but underlying that, was the fact of what his death would accomplish. He would take upon himself all the sins of the world. This is the burden that horrified him, far beyond the crucifixion itself. This is why his Father would turn from him as he breathed his last on the cross and caused him to cry out, “Why hast thou forsaken me?” That is a rhetorical question. The answer is obvious to all. We recall, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” He did not sin, but he chose to die for us.

40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.
41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
42 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.
43 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

In a culture which had a number of kisses of various sorts, the feet, the back or palm of the hand, or the hem of the garment, but, Judas chose the one reserved for one for whom you had the very highest respect, emphasizing the betrayal all the more.

45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.
46 And they laid their hands on him, and took him.
47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?
49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.
50 And they all forsook him, and fled.
51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:
52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.

This young man could well have been the writer of this Gospel, the son of Mary the upper room of whose house the apostles have left earlier that evening. It is thought that he had been sleeping and simply heard the commotion of the passing crowd and followed wearing a simple Roman toga or his sleeping garments.

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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012

MARCH

25th. Sunday – Numbers 21, 22, Luke 5:18-39, Proverbs 8:1-11
26th. Monday – Numbers 23, 24, 25, Luke 6:1-26, Psalm 37:21-31
27th. Tuesday - Numbers 26, Luke 6:27-49, Psalm 37:32-40
28th. Wednesday - Numbers 27, 28, 29, Luke 7:1-23, Psalm 38:1-12
29th. Thursday - Numbers 30, 31, Luke 7:24-50, Proverbs 8:12-21
30th. Friday – Numbers 32, 33, Luke 8:1-18, Psalm 38:13-32
31st. Saturday - Numbers 34, 35, 36, Luke 8:19-40, Psalm 39

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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41
__________


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From the Archive

The football coach, dejected because his team was losing, looked down at his bench of available substitutes and yelled, "All right Jones, go in there and get ferocious!"

Jones jumped to his feet, "Sure coach," he cried, slamming on his headgear.

"What's his number?"

__________

A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her 5 and
6 year-olds. After explaining the commandment "Honor thy Father and thy mother," she asked, "Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?"

Without missing a beat one little boy answered, "Thou shall not kill."

WHEN OUR LORD RETURNS!

SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES WITH BOB Newsletter 287 March 18, 2012 ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Mark 13:24-37 King James Version (KJV) This portion of the Mark’s Gospel is so filled with wonder, that I have decided to depart from following the reading guide for the next three weeks so that I can open with the resurrection just before Resurrection Sunday. Last week we dealt with the Tribulation era, which seems to be with us now, but, will end when the Lord comes to the rescue of His own. Today, we read of what we can expect when that day arrives. Some things we do not know, but of this we can be certain. He is coming, and He has told us what will happen on that day. THE VERY UNIVERSE SHALL BE SHAKEN He starts with the words, “those days, after the tribulation.” These next two verses tell of the shaking of the very universe, not only the earth, but the whole of His creation. Genesis tells us that He spoke, “and it was so.” He not only created all, but all shall also suffer at His word. First, the sun will be darkened, and since the moon is lighted by reflected sun light, it too will disappear, along with all the heavenly bodies that merely reflect the sun’s light. Only those that generate their own light will remain, or will they? He does not say. The balance of the universe, held together by God’s power, will be shaken when He permits comets and other heavenly bodies to crash into one another upsetting the perfect balance that now exists. 24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, 25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. THEN ALL SHALL REALIZE THE POWER OF THE LORD 26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. Only the great power of the creator can set things right again. That is the Son of God we know as Jesus. (John 1:1-2) Here He is called the Word. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” 27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven. They will gather the saved from all the earth, even those who may be circling earth in space craft or aircraft, passenger and crew alike. NO ONE KNOWS EXACTLY WHEN THIS SHALL HAPPEN But, he has told us that we can judge by the signs, and the world is filled with signs. At the present time, we enjoy the flowering trees, and soon the flower beds will be filled with blossoms. We know Summer is near when we see this. All about us we see the struggles of a tired, neglected, and abused world. It is time to bolster our faith and be diligent in His work, that He may find us working when he comes. 28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: 29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. 30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. 31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. 33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. 34 For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. 35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: 36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. Last Sunday early evening, I fell asleep and the result was that the first hymn was being sung as we entered the door of the church we attend in the evenings. I would not have missed that for anything. One after another every hymn was one we knew and loved. We don’t want to miss anything God has for us! Why not? Because He loves us and has prepared the best for us like his father did for his prodigal son. 37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. ________ READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012 MARCH 18th. Sunday – Numbers 5, 6, Luke 2:21-40, Psalm 35:1-10 19th. Monday – Numbers 7, Luke 2:41-52, Psalm 35:11-18 20th. Tuesday - Numbers 8, 9, 10, Luke 3:1-17, Psalm 35:19-28 21st. Wednesday - Numbers 11, 12, 13, Luke 3:18-38, Proverbs 7:21-27 22nd. Thursday - Numbers 14, 15, Luke 4:1-22, Psalm 36 23rd. Friday – Numbers 16, 17, Luke 4:23-44, Psalm 37:1-9 24th. Saturday - Numbers 18, 19, 20, Luke 5:1-17, Psalm 37:10-20 __________ OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS (With links to 813 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’nine published books __________ THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE “Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ , the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.” – Mark 14:61-62 __________ http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0 Humor ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Watch What You Order! A timid soul who dropped into a cheap hash house one day because his usual eating place was crowded. He sat down and waited for service. He waited and waited and waited some more. Finally, he signaled the waiter who came over and asked roughly, "Yeah, whadda 'ya want?" The timid soul murmured, "Boiled eggs and toast, please." About a half-hour later the waiter slammed the eggs down in front of him and snarled, "Is there anything else, buddy?" "Yes", said the timid soul, "a few kind words." The waiter's eyes narrowed as he looked around. Then, leaning over, he whispered, "OK, don't eat the eggs!" (From "Corn Kernels, Drumsticks And God's Kindness)

THE TRIBULATION

                                         
 Newsletter 286                                        March 11, 2012 _________________________________________________________________________________

 Mark 13:1-23 (King James Version)

1 And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!

 This was not the temple of Solomon, which had already been destroyed and eventually replaced with a much inferior structure. Still, it was a building to be proud of, and the apostles were more than “impressed.” They saw a wonder of their day, a building that left them overwhelmed. Jesus’ reply to their comments, laid the foundation for his further comments on what to expect after these buildings would be destroyed, with not a trace of them remaining.

 The “wailing wall” at which pious Jews gather to weep and pray are not a part of the temple. That wall of huge blocks of stone is actually a part of the retaining wall that supports an extension of the temple mount. There are two mosques built on the mount and I was told one on a lower level.

 2 And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,

  THE MOUNT OF OLIVES

There is now a lookout point on the mountain overlooking the old city. I chose to ignore the man who wanted to take a picture of us mounted on the back of a camel but focused on the dome of the mosque on temple mount across the way. I have never seen parallel maps of this exact area of Jesus’ day and of today, but I would expect the temple to have been just to the right of the mosque in my photo. There is a large area empty there where we were not permitted to go. Where we were standing could well have been where Jesus wept for the city, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!” In that wall that there still exists the blocked gate through which it is said that he will re-enter the city as he had done in the “triumphal entry” many years ago. A Islam cemetery presently also blocks that side of the walled city.

  PEOPLE STILL ASK, “WHEN?”

 4 Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?

 This is a very natural question, but it does not answer the really important fact that no matter when it is, many will not be prepared. The important question to ask, of ourselves, is if we are ready. He wants us to live in expectation of his arrival at any time. I have personally many times simply asked of myself, “Do I want to be at that place doing what is being done there when Jesus returns.” That simple question has kept me from going many questionable places, and doing many questionable things! I am a better person because of it.

  FALSE PROPHETS ABOUND

 5 And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:

6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

 EVERY GENERATION HAS HAD ITS WARS AND CHAOS REIGNS

 7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.

8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.

BELIEVERS WILL BE BETRAYED BY THOSE THEY TRUSTED

9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

BUT THE GOSPEL WILL STILL BE SPREAD, THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL LEAD US

 10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.

11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.

13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:

16 And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.

17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.

19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.

20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:

For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.

  BUT ALL THESE THINGS HAVE ALREADY HAPPENED

 Yes, but when you see it happening everywhere, and more severely, then draw close to him and his Word. The time is upon us. The Holy Spirit will help.

 ________

  READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012 MARCH

 11th. Sunday – Leviticus 21, 22, Mark 15:25-47, Psalm 33:1-11
 12th. Monday – Leviticus 23, 24, Mark 16, Psalm 33:12-22
 13th. Tuesday - Leviticus 25, Luke 1:1-25, Proverbs 7:1-5
 14th. Wednesday - Leviticus 26, 27, Luke 1:26-38, Psalm 34:1-7
 15th. Thursday - Numbers 1, Luke 1:39-56, Psalm 34:8-14
 16th. Friday – Numbers 2, 3, Luke 1:57-80, Psalm 34:15-22
 17th. Saturday - Numbers 4, Luke 2:1-20, Proverbs 7:6-20

 __________

  OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS

 (With links to 812 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

 __________

THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“Go ye unto all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature, He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” – Mark 16:15-16

 __________

 http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

 Humor

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Amazing Faith The fill-in Sunday School teacher was new to the classroom and struggling to open a combination lock on the supply cabinet. She had been told the combination, but couldn't quite remember it. Finally she went to the pastor's study and asked for help.

 The pastor came into the room and began to turn the dial. After the first two numbers he paused and stared blankly for a moment. Finally he look serenely heavenward and his lips moved silently. Then he looked back at the lock, and quickly turned to the final number, and opened the lock.

 The teacher was amazed. "I'm in awe at your faith, Pastor," she said.

 "It's really nothing," he answered. "The number is on a piece of tape on the ceiling."