PROOF THAT JESUS WAS DEAD

SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES WITH BOB

Newsletter 298 June 3, 2012
___________________________________________________________________________JOHN 19:34-42
The Lord often used simple things to illustrate profound truths. We have no problem associating shed blood as being essential to salvation. Animal sacrifices had been a part of God’s plan for rolling back the sins of the Children of Israel illustrated in the blood splatterd on their door frames at the inauguration feast celebrating the passing over of the death angel in Egypt, and the sacrifices with the use of the blood of the sacrificial animals offered on the altar of the tabernacle and later the temples. Even though perfect animals were chosen, they never removed the sin. They were a representation that which would come.

Christ, who had no sin, came to become the perfect sacrifice, one that would, not roll back, but would remove the sins of the individual. Salvation is a very individual, personal, relationship. I can’t repent for you or anyone else, neither can I be baptized for another, however much I might wish I could, not even for a loved one. I can teach my child, and pray for him, but he has to believe in Jesus whose blood was shed for him, confess his divinity, and obey his command to be baptized for the remission of sins before he can be assured of his salvation. John clearly reports Jesus’ words in John 3:16, “except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven.” And Peter applies them in Acts 2:38.

34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

(1 John 5:6, 1 John 5:8)

When the Roman soldiers were told to hasten the deaths of those on the cross, they did so of the criminals, but not of Jesus. These were hardened men. They knew death when they saw it. They knew Jesus was dead so they made proof positive. They ran a spear into his lifeless body. The fact that water and blood flowed forth was proof enough. If the heart was still beating, blood alone would have gushed forth. They had their proof, and so did John, as he affirms in the next line.
35 And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.

John 15:27, John 21:24)

36 For these things were done, that the scripture might be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

(John 19:24, John 19:28, Exodus 12:46, Numbers 9:12, Psalm 34:20)

37 And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

(Zechariah 12:10, Revelation 1:7)

38 And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.

(John 19:38-42, Matthew 27:57-61, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-56, Mark 15:43, John 7:13)

39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pound weight.

(John 3:1, Mark 16:1, Psalm 45:8, Proverbs 7:17, Proverbs 7:55, Proverbs 4:14, Matthew 2:11, John 12:3)

40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.

(Matthew 26:12, Mark 14:8, John 11:44, Luke 24:12, John 20:5, John 20:7)
Joseph of Arimathaea, and Nicodemus, both wealthy, both well known Jewish leaders, but both at that time not openly disciples of Christ, were used of God to fulfill important prophecies concerning the Lord’s death, and burial. After his resurrection, they apparently became openly his followers.

41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulcher, wherein was never man yet laid.

(Matthew 27:60, Luke 23:53)

The “Garden Tomb” certainly fills the description, and is certainly near what is called “The Place of the Skull,” but. whether it is truly the tomb of this particular rich man, is uncertain. This is one of those questions we will probably only have answered when he comes in his glory. It is certainly “nigh at hand,” and outside the city walls, both now and then.

42 There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.

(John 19:14, John 19:31, John 19:20, John 19:41)
_________

READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012

JUNE

3rd. Sunday – 2 Samuel 4, 5, Acts 3, Psalm 69:13-28
4th. Monday – 2 Samuel 6, 7, Acts 4, Psalm 69:29-36
5th. Tuesday - 2 Samuel 8, 9, Acts 5:1-16, Proverbs 14:10-18
6th. Wednesday - 2 Samuel 10, 11, Acts 5:17-42, Psalm 70
7th. Thursday - 2 Samuel 12, 13, Acts 6, Psalm 71:1-8
8th. Friday – 2 Samuel 14, 15, Acts 7:1-36, Psalm 71:9-18
9th. Saturday - 2 Samuel 16, 17, Acts 7:37-60, Proverbs 14:19-25

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Representing 70 world languages
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Short Bible studies
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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
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THINK ABOUT THIS

The scribes and other religious leaders in Jesus’ day did not object that Jesus preached and prayed. What bothered them, was the fact that his teaching moved people to action.
Does this sound familiar? Do you feel the restrictions tightening on religious influence? First, the symbols of Christianity are banished. Then prayer is banned from the public arena and consigned to mere “private” devotion. Also, we can preach, but we are not allowed to speak what the Bible speaks, because Biblical content is termed “hate speech” in the world of “political correctness.”
At the end of this road lies a church irrelevant to real life. That’s more like a historical museum, not the church for which Jesus died.
-Selected and adapted - RKO

HIS WILL BE DONE

John 5:19-30 King James Version
GOD’S SON WAS OBEDIENT
While he was in human form, Jesus did not ask us to do anything that he did not do himself. Even as a young lad, though all things had been made by him, he was obedient to Joseph and Mary. He had been conversing with the leaders of the temple, but as soon as they found him, he left that discussion and “went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them:” (Luke 2:50-51) Several years later, before he began his ministry, he sought out John and set the example of being baptized of him in the Jordan. This so pleased God that He spoke from heaven, saying, “Thou art my beloved Son: in thee I am well pleased. (Luke 3:22)
This was not for the remission of sins, but that we might see and follow his example.
19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
Jesus entire life on earth was that he might please his Father who had sent him. Unfortunately none of us are so eager to follow our earthly fathers, let alone God.
I remember an incident from my own childhood. We lived three miles from a small village, it still could be described that way. Our farm, no longer there, faced a gravel road. My parents planned to go to do their usual weekly grocery shopping at my aunt’s grocery store there. To them, it was a necessary trip, but to me it was a major disappointment I was not to go with them. On this particular week end I was told to take the sharp hoe from the garden and to chop back all the weeds that bordered the road before they returned. I recall that I was bitterly angry and weeping, but I started chopping blindly at the weeds, and the inevitable happened. I missed a big weed and hit the instep of my left foot. Fortunately it happened as they were leaving, and my bare foot was bathed in kerosene and a bandage applied. I still bear the scar today, and still remember the lesson I learned.
(Matthew 26-39, John 5:30, John 6:38, John 8:28, John 12:49, John 14:10)
As He obeyed his Father, we too must obey him.
20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
(Matthew 3:17, John 3:35, 2 Peter 1:17, John 14:12)
Our stubborn independent action often brings problems that could have been avoided.
21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
(Romans 4:17, Romans 8:11, John 11:25)
Eternal life comes through loving obedience. When Jesus gives new life to his own, it is eternal, but it is altogether upon us to accept it.
JESUS WILL JUDGE ALL MANKIND
22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
(John 5:27, John 9:39, Acts 10:42, Acts 17:31)
God does not seek to destroy. He sent Jesus to save, but in saving some, he must reject others.
As a youth, I sometimes worked for my aunt in that same grocery store. She sold fresh fruit and vegetables by weight, and I often was given the task of sorting out spoiling produce. I particularly remember the potatoes. If they are not removed, a bad potato will damage all near it. That was a smelly job, but it had to be done for the sake of the good. That is a lot like the “judgment” to come. The good must be separated from the bad, for there can be no sin or corruption in heaven. The parable about the separating of the goats from the sheep and setting them to opposite sides is the same event described. It has to be, but it is the “goodness” or the “badness” that determines where they go, not the judge. I also “candled” all the eggs that my aunt bought for resale. “As we judge, we shall be judged.” We are responsible for our own destination.
The only way we can really honor God is through honoring His Son. “The word was God.” (John 1:1) He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” He came to do the Father’s will.
23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
(Luke 10:16, 1 John 2:23)
THE RESULT OF HEARING AND BELIEVING, WILL BE DOING HIS WILL
If we believe that Jesus is the Lord, the Son of God, we show that belief by obeying His commandments. Years ago, we commented that the new missionary’s children did not seem to show the respect for their parents that the South African children did. Today we see a generation, now adults, that is also disrespectful of others, but more seriously of God.
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
(John 3:18, John 12:44, John 20:31, 1 John 5:13, John 3:18, 1 John 3:14)
Even the dead will hear and rise, those that believe to life eternal, and those that do not believe to eternal damnation. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall the damned.” (Mark 16:16)
25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
(John 4:21, John 4:23, John 5:28, Luke 15:24, John 6:60, John 8:43, John 8:47, John 9:27)
26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
(John 1:4, John 6:57) 27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
(John 9:39, Acts 10:42, John 17:31)
28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
(John 4:21, John 11:24, 1 Corinthians 15:52)
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
(Daniel 12:2, Matthew 25:46, Acts 24:15)
30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
John 5:19, John 8:16, John 4:34, John 6:38)
All that Jesus did was by the will of the Father _________ READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012
MAY
13th. Sunday – Ruth 1, 2, John 8:1-32, Psalm 59:9-17 14th. Monday – Ruth 3, 4, John 8:33-59, Psalm 60 15th. Tuesday - 1 Samuel 1, 2, John 9, Psalm 61 16th. Wednesday - 1 Samuel 3, 4, John 10:1-21, Proverbs 12:1-13 17th. Thursday - 1 Samuel 10:22-42, John 10:22-42, Psalm 62 18th. Friday – 1 Samuel 8, 9, John 11:1-27, Psalm 63 19th. Saturday - 1 Samuel 10, 11, John 11:28-57, Psalm 64
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 821 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
“Jesus answered, Verily, verily I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” - John 3:5 __________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt dp epwpk 0 I Wanna Grow Old With You... A couple had been married for 40 years and also celebrated their 60th birthdays.

During the celebration, a fairy appeared and said that because they had been such a loving couple all these years, she would give them one wish each.

Being the faithful, loving spouse for all these years, naturally the wife wanted for herself and her husband to have a romantic vacation together, so she wished for them to travel around the world.

The fairy waved her wand and boom! The wife had the tickets in her hand.

Next, it was the husband`s turn and the fairy assured him he could have any wish he wanted, all he needed to do was ask for his heart`s desire.

He paused for a moment, and then said, "Well, honestly, I`d like to have a woman 30 years younger than me."

The fairy picked up her wand and kazoom"

The husband turned 90.

WEIGH THE CONSEQUENCES

Newsletter 294 May 6, 2012 __________________________________________________________________________________The prophecies Jesus related in the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew, written nearly 2000 years ago, could almost be composed from the news headlines of today; undisciplined youth running uncontrolled in the streets destroying other people’s private property, rape and plunder, ominous concerns about the political future of, even ”Christian” nations. There is no such thing of course as a Christian nation. People become Christians, not nations. However a religion can dominate if the nation so chooses. Even the Clerical leaders of today often deny the deity of the Messiah, the very heart of the Gospel, they claim to represent. The headlines of our newspapers tell of wars, strange plagues and illnesses, starvation and nature gone wild in severity and frequency. Records are being broken from as far back as history has recorded them. Our world is building up to an ultimate disaster far beyond our ability to understand. The world’s religions have no answers. Only the Creator of everything can save us, and that is why he sent our Lord in the first place. “For (He) God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. Yes, Christ Jesus is both the Creator and the Savior of the earth. He will also be the one before whom it shall stand in judgment. He is, He was, and He will always be. “In the beginning was the Word (Jesus Christ) 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.” John 1:1-3

 The above things being true, it is time that we studied Matthew 24, yes, the entire chapter! If two pages are too much for you, start with verse six. After this, turn to the final book of the Bible, Revelation, and read, (The whole book would be good, but in particular don’t miss Revelation 13:8, “and all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” We know that that those were entered there by our Lord. Just being on a church roll is not enough. It being His church, they were written there by the Lord. “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:47. These are those who had responded to Peter’s sermon, because of their faith, repented of their sins, and were baptized for the forgiveness of their sins. Acts 2:38 and following

 The economical stability of the world is under attack. This is exactly what we should expect. “And he (Satan) causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark on their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred three score and six. (666) Revelation 13:16-18.

 Christians must have nothing to do with that number for it is Satan’s mark of ownership. “If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.” Revelation 14:9-11. Patrick Henry is quoted as having said: “Give me liberty, or give me death.“ A voice from heaven said, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” Revelation 14:13. This is an eternal “life or death decision.” Weigh the consequences. They will be eternal.

 _________

READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012 


 MAY

6th. Sunday – Judges 9, John 4:27-54, Psalm 57:1-6
7th. Monday – Judges 10, 11, John 5:1-23, Psalm 57:7-11
8th. Tuesday - Judges 12, 13, John 5:24-47, Proverbs 11:13-21
9th. Wednesday - Judges 14, 15, John 6:1-38, Psalm 58:1-6
10th. Thursday - Judges 16, 17, John 6:39-71, Psalm 58:7-11
11. Friday – Judges 18, 19, John 7:1-31, Psalm 59:1-8
12th. Saturday - Judges 20, 21, John 7:32-53, Proverbs 11:22-31

 __________

  OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
 (With links to 820 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

 “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of the blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” - John 1:11-13

 __________

TO ALL THE WORLD

Newsletter 293 April 29, 2012
______________________________________________________________________________________________

Luke 24:44-53
King James Version (KJV)

The period of time covered by these few verses in the final chapter of Luke, form a connecting link between the resurrection and the ascension , and also bridge Luke’s gospel to his other book, Acts of Apostles. The other Gospels contain material not included here. Luke is also linking the Mosaic era with that of the church. Many prophecies were fulfilled in his life, he reminds them. Now he is going to make certain that they remember by spending his remaining days teaching these men, and not the multitudes. No more parables. This reminds me of the fact that the final year in South African high schools is spent, not on new material so much as “revising” that which the students had been taught in preparation for writing that last days-long series of examinations called “Matric.”

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 9:22, Luke 9:44, Luke 18:31-34, Luke 22:37, many others)

NOW THEY UNDERSTOOD

“Then opened he their understanding.” He prepared them to stand on their own through the power of the Spirit. Most of the New Testament was recorded by others than the eleven, Judas was no more. The others scattered as evangelists. There will be no ministers, evangelists, or teachers in Heaven. Why not? Because our knowledge will be complete and we will know the answers to those things that we now don’t understand. I for one look forward to being able to do those things that I can’t do now.
45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

(Luke 24:32, Acts 16:14, 1 John 5:20)

AS IT HAS BEEN WRITTEN

HE WOULD SUFFER, DIE AND ARISE
Jesus had told them again and again that his was a ministry of suffering, that he was going to die and rise again, but they didn’t really believe him. Only days before, they had been discussing who would be the greatest in his kingdom

How many people today, do not believe he is coming again to judge? How many don’t even believe that he ever existed, let alone arose to live again? How many do not believe that there is such a thing as sin, or Heaven , or Hell? How many alcoholics, how many liars, how many killers expect to go to heaven? Scripture clearly points out that there will be none such there.

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)

47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

REPENTANCE OF SINS WOULD BE PREACHED

(Acts 5:31, Acts 10:43, Acts 13:38, Acts 26:18, Matthew 28:19)

To tell the world the truth of these things is up to us, and naturally, will bring to the surface the rage of being in the wrong.

48 And ye are witnesses of these things.

WOULD BE WITNESSES

(Acts 1:8, Acts 1:22, Acts 2:32, Acts 3:15, Acts 4:33, Acts 5:32, Acts 10:39, Acts 10:41, Acts 13:31, 1 Peter 5:1)

They, and all who believe since, have the task of setting the example in word and deed.

WAIT IN JERUSALEM FOR POWER OF THE SPIRIT

But, they were told to wait in Jerusalem. Why? “until ye be endued with power from on high.” That power came at Pentecost, when thousands heard, believed on Christ, and obeyed his command to be “baptized for the remission of sins”
49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

(John 14:26, Acts 1:4)

50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

(Matthew 21:17, Acts 1:12)

AT BETHANY HE BLESSED THEM AND ASCENDED

51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
ACTS 1:9-12

9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

(Luke 24:50, Luke 24:51, Acts 1:2)

10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

(Luke 24:4, John 12:20)

11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

(Acts 2:7, Acts 13:31, Mark 16:19, Acts 19:22, Matthew 16:27, Acts 3:21)

12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey:(Approximately 3.5 miles, Luke 24:52, Matthew 21:1)

52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:

53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

_________


READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012

APRIL

29th. Sunday – Joshua 22, 23, Luke 24:1-27, Psalm 53
30th. Monday – Joshua 24, Luke 24:28-53, Proverbs 11:1-6

MAY

1st. Tuesday - Judges 1:1-2:15, John 1:1-28, Psalm 54
2nd. Wednesday - Judges 2:16-3:31, John 1:29-51, Psalm 55:1-11
3rd. Thursday - Judges 4, 5, John 2, Psalm 55:12-23
4th. Friday – Judges 6, John 3, Proverbs 11:7-12
5th. Saturday - Judges 7, 8, John 4:1-26, Psalm 56

__________

OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS

(With links to 819 titles)

Ctrl/click to follow these links

http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
://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
of Phyllis’ nine published books

__________

THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

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


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Yoke Joke
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Move

The orthopedic surgeon I work for was moving to a new office, and his staff was helping transport many of the items. I sat the display skeleton in the front of my car, his bony arm across the back of my seat.

I hadn't considered the drive across town. At one traffic light, the stares of the people in the car beside me became obvious, and I looked across and explained, "I'm delivering him to my doctor's office."

The other driver leaned out of his window. "I hate to tell you, lady," he said, "but I think it's too late!" -Via MsKitty

From the Archive

A manager has to take on some sport by his doctor so he decides to play tennis. After a couple of weeks his secretary asks him how he's doing. "It's going fine", the manager says, "When I'm on the court and I see the ball speeding towards me my brain immediately says: To the corner! Back hand! To the net! Smash! Go back!".

"Really? What happens then?" the girl asks enthusiastic.

"Then my body says: Who? Me? Don't talk nonsense!"

WHERE ARE YOU BUILDING YOUR HOUSE?

Newsletter 292 April 22, 2012
______________________________________________________________________________________________

“…whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And everyone that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man which built his house upon the sand: and the rains descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” Matthew 7:24-27

We have all seen, and some have lived in houses such as these described of Jesus in his parable. When we first married, my wife and I bought a small mobile-home. It was supported by crank-down jacks on whatever ground it happened to be sitting on at the time. We moved it several times so that varied with each place. Then, when we moved to Africa, my brother-in-law lived in it and it came to an unhappy end. While they were shopping in town, a tornado came along and because it had no foundation, and was in no way tied down, it was rolled over and smashed. Nearly fifty years later, when we retired back to live in Texas, we bought a double-wide manufactured home. It is supported on many cement pillars and anchored with a number of steel anchors, however the soil is still a problem. This soil is of clay and swells or shrinks depending on the moisture content. In the heat of summer it can resemble baked bricks, but after prolonged rain it becomes like mush. This adds to the problem of stability.

Jesus was likening our lives to such houses. There will be good times and there will be difficult times in every life. The life based on the firm foundation of faith in God, gained through a knowledge of his word, and making it our foundation in life, will stand, while the life that just takes whatever comes along and having no real foundation, may not survive the difficult times. The same conditions will exist for both, but the one with a firm footing of faith in God is the one which will stand

In Matthew 16:18-19, Jesus used the same analogy, this time he is speaking of the church. “And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

In contrast to the two houses, each built by men, one built on a shifting foundation of sand and the other on firm solid rock, the church is built by the Lord Jesus Christ, its head. Peter was to be the instrument of its beginning and thus it was he who preached the opening sermon. This we can read in Acts 2. He opened the doors to heaven with the words, “God hath made this same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, 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. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” Acts 2:37-39

The result of this sermon was that about 3000 “gladly received his word and were baptized.” “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved,” verse -47. The church of Jesus Christ is founded on a solid rock outcrop, and even the gates of Hades, (death) shall not prevail against it. Persecutions, beginning in Jerusalem and continuing right up until the very present time, have not destroyed the church. It shall still be here when Jesus returns to judge the living and the dead, and Hades shall give up the dead to be judged. Christ’s kingdom began with the church in Jerusalem and will continue even in heaven forever.

Let us build our lives on the firm foundation of His Word. A man can lose his faith and leave the church, but the church will never abandon a faithful believer.

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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012

APRIL

22nd. Sunday – Joshua 11, 12, Luke 21:1-19, Proverbs 10:11-20
23rd. Monday – Joshua 13, 14, Luke 21:20-38, Psalm 50:1-15
24th. Tuesday - Joshua 15, Luke 22:1-23, Psalm 50:16-23
25th. Wednesday - Joshua 16- 17:13, Luke 22:24-46, Psalm 51:1-9
26th. Thursday - Joshua 17:14-18:28, Luke 22:47-71, Proverbs 10:21-32
27th. Friday – Joshua 19, Luke 23:1-25, Psalm 51:10-19
28th. Saturday - Joshua 20, 21, Luke 23:26-56, Psalm 52

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OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS

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Ctrl/click to follow these links

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Our weekly Bible Letter
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Questions and discussions
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Favorite Scripture Quotation
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Representing 70 world languages
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Short Bible studies
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http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“But as many as received him, to them gave he the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: – Luke 24:52
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http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
__________
From the Archive:

"Being a child at home alone in the summer is a high-risk occupation. If you call your mother at work thirteen times an hour, she can hurt you." ~Erma Bombeck
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Jill: I just don't understand the attraction golf holds for men.

Mary: TELL me about it! I went golfing with my husband one time, and he told me I asked too many questions!

Jill: Well, I'm sure you were just trying to understand the game. What questions did you ask?
Mary: I thought I asked legitimate questions . . . like, "Why did you hit the ball into that lake?"
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My job as a land surveyor took me to a golf course that was expanding from 9 holes to 18 holes.

Using a machete to clear thick brush in an area I was mapping, I came upon a golf club that an irate player must have tossed away. It was in good condition, so I picked it up and continued on.

When I broke out of the brush onto a putting green, two golfers stared at me in awe. I had a machete in one hand, a golf club in the other, and behind me was a clear-cut swath leading out of the woods.

"There," said one of the golfers, "is a guy who hates to lose his ball!"
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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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OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS

(With links to 817 titles)

Ctrl/click to follow these links

http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
://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




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

__________

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

__________

OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS

(With links to 816 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

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


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

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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