Newsletter 301 June 24, 2012
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Acts 9:10-20
King James Version (KJV)
In the last study we noted that Saul did not become a Christian on the road to Damascus. While he was blinded, and waiting in Damascus, God was already working upon him. Paul was praying to God, and certainly the Holy Spirit would have been working on his conscience. It was not that Saul did not know the message the Christians believed and were teaching. He already knew that, but the Spirit would have been bringing him to the conviction that he had been wrong. Jesus, who spoke to him as he traveled, really was the Son of God, and he had been persecuting the Way. He wasn’t serving God, he had been used of Satan. Today we find when, how, and what happened immediately afterwards. God sent a messenger, who would restore his eyesight. Perhaps not perfectly, for he prayed three times, we are told later, that the “thorn in his flesh” be removed. God didn’t remove it entirely. He gave him the strength to bear with it. He used a scribe to do his writing, and once at least added his note at the end as an assurance that it was truly his letter. We all have a “thorn” we would like removed, perhaps several. It is one of the ways that the Lord leads us. In my case, I preach, and teach, but I do not have an orator’s voice. When you are using one or two interpreters, you do not need to rely on a powerful voice, the interpreters will add the volume as they do instant translations.
A DISCIPLE NAMED ANANIAS
10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. We do not know much about this Ananias, One commentary says he was a leader in Damascus. He may have been, but the Scripture only says he was a disciple.
(Genesis 14:15, 2 Corinthians 11:32; Galatians 1:17, Acts 22:12, Acts 10:3, Acts 10:17, Acts 10:19, Acts 11:5, Acts 12:9, Acts 16:9, Acts 18:9)
GO TO THE HOUSE OF JUDAS IN THE STREET CALLED STRAIGHT
11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth.
I believe God does speak to us even today. Phyllis believes he told her when we met that I was the one. Her mother had told her to beware of sailors, but God overrode that warning. I probably would not have responded as I did had not I had a friend at college who was smitten with her sister and who had shown me their joint photo before we ever met. On a much later occasion, I totally believe that God spoke to me as I was praying privately and earnestly. What I was praying about came to be, not immediately, but in God’s timing, as it did with her. On a number of occasions God provided for our needs at times when the cash was really low, and that needed was really great. The Gospel Tract Centre buildings came at such a time as did printing equipment needs in similar fashion.
(Acts 9:30, Acts 11:25, Acts 21:39, Acts 22:3)
12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
HEAL HIS BLINDNESS
(Mark 5:23, Acts 6:6, Acts 9:17)
This was such a time for Ananias. Growing faith always seems to start with such a beginning. I remember when the growing need of the Lincoln Bible Institute, now known as the Lincoln Christian University, for buildings and space tested all our faiths. It seemed that a lodge owned orphanage in the city was the need, but God, knowing what lay ahead, did not lead there. Now, we just praise Him that He did not allow that. What problems He directed us away from! and, MY, how He has blessed.
13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
Saul’s reputation was known and Ananias was certainly hesitant about looking him up. Probably we all have faced such a test, and failed it. I know I have, and I am ashamed of my fear at the time.
(Acts 8:3, Acts 9:32, Acts 9:41, Acts 26:10, Romans 1:7, Romans 15:25,Romans 16:2, Romans 15:15, 1 Corinthians 1:2)
14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
A RELUCTANT EVANGELIST
(Acts 9:2, Acts 9:21, Acts 7:59)
15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
(Acts 13:2, Romans 1:1, Romans 9:23, Galatians 1:15, Ephesians 3:7, Acts 22:21, Acts 26:17, Romans 1:5, Romans 11:13, Galatians 1:16, Galatians 2:7, Ephesians 3:1, Ephesians 3:8, 1 Timothy 2:7, 2 Timothy 4:17, Acts 25:22, Acts 26:1, Acts 26:32, 2 Timothy 4:17)
16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
(Acts 20:23, Acts 21:4, Acts 21:11, Acts 21:13, 2 Corinthians 6:4, 2 Corinthians 11:23-27, 1 Thessalonians 3:3)
17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Mark 5:23, Acts 6:6, Acts 9:12, Acts 22:13, Acts 2:4)
HE BECAME A CHRISTIAN!
Notice that “be filled with the Holy Ghost.:”
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
The return of his eyesight, was more than physical, it was also proof that this was the answer to his prayers. Saul was a man of action, and his first reaction was as those at Pentecost had cried out, Acts 2:37, “What shall we do?” Repentance, and faith demand action, and that is what happened, Like those at Pentecost, he was baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38) We don’t know how long he stayed in Damascus, but for “certain days” he preached the message which head been trying to destroy before! He was a changed man., and he was preaching at the very places he had letters from the High Priest asking them to aid him to do the very opposite. Oh, that all Christians would be firm in that truth. Jesus is the Christ the Son of God!
19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
(Acts 26:20, Acts 9:26, Acts 9:38, Acts 11:26)
20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
(Acts 13:5, Acts 13:14, Acts 14:1, Acts 16:13, Acts 17:2, Acts 17:10, Acts 18:4, Acts 18:19, Acts 19:8, Matthew 4:3, Acts9:22, Acts 13:33)
_________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012
JUNE
24th. Sunday – 1 Kings 13, Acts 16:19-40, Psalm 78:1-8
25th. Monday – 1 Kings 14, 15, Acts 17, Proverbs 15:19-26
26th. Tuesday - 1 Kings 16, 17, Acts 18, Psalm 78:9-20
27th. Wednesday - 1 Kings 18, Acts 19:1-20, Psalm 78:21-30
28th. Thursday - 1 Kings 19:1-20:21, Acts 19:21-41, Psalm 78:31-39
29th. Friday – 1 Kings 20:22-21:29, Acts 20, Proverbs 15:27-33
30th. Saturday - 1 Kings 22, Acts 21:1-16, Psalm 78:40-55
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 824 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://e-books by bob.blogspot.com
Several e-books now available to read on line
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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’ nine published books
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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow;” Acts 20:7
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Yoke Joke
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An old man limped into the doctor's office and said, "Doctor, my knee hurts so bad, I can hardly walk!"
The doctor slowly eyed him from head to toe, paused and then said, "Sir, how old are you?"
"I'm 98," the man announced proudly.
The doctor just sighed, and looked at him again. Finally he said, "Sir, I'm sorry. I mean, just look at you. You are almost one hundred years old, and you're complaining that your knee hurts? Well, what did you expect?"
The old man said, "Well, my other knee is 98 years old too, and it doesn't hurt!"
______________________________________________________
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Thursday, June 21, 2012
Thursday, June 14, 2012
SAUL OF TARSUS, LEARNED, BUT MISINFORMED
Newsletter 300 June 17, 2012
___________________________________________________________________________
Acts 9:1-9
King James Version
DRIVEN BY MISINFORMED ZEAL
If you want to know what is wrong with the world, ask a student. That is, if you want to join the mis-informed. The really informed, know that only the Lord can understand, let alone straighten it out.
Saul of Tarsus, if he were living today, would have the best education possible. His Doctorate of Divinity degree would have come from a famous university. The library in Tarsus ranked only third in fame, in the Roman empire, and he had sat at the feet of the most famous teacher in Jerusalem. He was a Pharisee, a leader. But he was misinformed about Jesus Christ, so his zeal was misdirected. This young man could go to the very highest power, and he did. He went to the high priest for a permit to destroy Christianity, called The Way at that time. He had assisted in the death of Stephen and now he wanted more.
1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
(Acts 8:3, Acts 9:13-21)
2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
(Acts 9:14, Acts 9:21, Acts 22:5, Acts 26:10, Matthew 10:17, Genesis 14:15, 2 Corinthians 11:32, Galatians 1:17, John 14:6, Acts 18:25, Acts 19:9, Acts 19:23, Acts 22:4, Acts 24:14, Acts 24:22)
Clearly the high priest had no regard for the command of God, “Thou shalt not kill.” He had already, also been involved in the death of Jesus Christ, so the letters were quickly written and Saul was on his way to Damascus.
The journey appeared to be blessed of God until they neared Damascus.
A SELF-RIGHTEOUS ZEALOT
Ask nearly any Christian and you will get the answer that Saul was converted, became a Christian, on the road to Damascus. That simply is not confirmed by scripture.
3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
Yes, he was blinded by the brilliant light which shone upon him, and he heard the voice of Jesus. This is where he first realized that what he had been doing, and was about to continue doing, was in rebellion against God almighty. Jesus was about to take control, and redirect him, but first he must be converted. That would take place in Damascus. Jesus points out his error.
(1 Corinthians 15:8)
4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
(Acts 22:7, Acts 26:14)
ANTI-GOD
This Doctor of Divinity, needed to repent and confess the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the very one he had given himself without reservation to destroy. Yes, absolutely, it is possible to be very religious, without being a Christian.
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
(Acts 9:16)
Here is the all important question. “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” He had to do more than call Jesus Lord. Matthew says the same in Matthew 7:22-23, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Then he had three days to ponder these words before his question was answered. He was stopped in his tracts.
STOPPED IN HIS TRACKS
7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
(Acts 26:14, John 12:29, Acts 22:9)
8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
(Acts 9:18, Acts 22:11, Genesis 14:15, 2 Corinthians 11:32, Galatians 1:17)
9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
ONLY THEN WAS HIS QUESTION ANSWERED.
Next week we will continue from here.
_________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012
JUNE
17th. Sunday – 1 Kings 3, 4, Acts 12, Proverbs 15:1-8
18th. Monday – 1 Kings 5, 6, Acts 13:1-25, Psalm 74:18-24
19th. Tuesday - 1 Kings 7, Acts 13:26-52, Psalm 75
20th. Wednesday - 1 Kings 8, Acts 14, Psalm 76
21st. Thursday - 1 Kings 9, 10, Acts 15:1-22, Proverbs 15:9-18
22nd. Friday – 1 Kings 11, Acts 15:23-41, Psalm 77:1-9
23rd. Saturday - 1 Kings 12, Acts 16:1-18, Psalm 77:10-20
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 823 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://e-books by bob.blogspot.com
Several e-books now available to read on line
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
“Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and the kings, and the children of Israel. For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” - Acts 9:15,16
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___________________________________________________________________________
Acts 9:1-9
King James Version
DRIVEN BY MISINFORMED ZEAL
If you want to know what is wrong with the world, ask a student. That is, if you want to join the mis-informed. The really informed, know that only the Lord can understand, let alone straighten it out.
Saul of Tarsus, if he were living today, would have the best education possible. His Doctorate of Divinity degree would have come from a famous university. The library in Tarsus ranked only third in fame, in the Roman empire, and he had sat at the feet of the most famous teacher in Jerusalem. He was a Pharisee, a leader. But he was misinformed about Jesus Christ, so his zeal was misdirected. This young man could go to the very highest power, and he did. He went to the high priest for a permit to destroy Christianity, called The Way at that time. He had assisted in the death of Stephen and now he wanted more.
1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
(Acts 8:3, Acts 9:13-21)
2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
(Acts 9:14, Acts 9:21, Acts 22:5, Acts 26:10, Matthew 10:17, Genesis 14:15, 2 Corinthians 11:32, Galatians 1:17, John 14:6, Acts 18:25, Acts 19:9, Acts 19:23, Acts 22:4, Acts 24:14, Acts 24:22)
Clearly the high priest had no regard for the command of God, “Thou shalt not kill.” He had already, also been involved in the death of Jesus Christ, so the letters were quickly written and Saul was on his way to Damascus.
The journey appeared to be blessed of God until they neared Damascus.
A SELF-RIGHTEOUS ZEALOT
Ask nearly any Christian and you will get the answer that Saul was converted, became a Christian, on the road to Damascus. That simply is not confirmed by scripture.
3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
Yes, he was blinded by the brilliant light which shone upon him, and he heard the voice of Jesus. This is where he first realized that what he had been doing, and was about to continue doing, was in rebellion against God almighty. Jesus was about to take control, and redirect him, but first he must be converted. That would take place in Damascus. Jesus points out his error.
(1 Corinthians 15:8)
4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
(Acts 22:7, Acts 26:14)
ANTI-GOD
This Doctor of Divinity, needed to repent and confess the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the very one he had given himself without reservation to destroy. Yes, absolutely, it is possible to be very religious, without being a Christian.
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
(Acts 9:16)
Here is the all important question. “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” He had to do more than call Jesus Lord. Matthew says the same in Matthew 7:22-23, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Then he had three days to ponder these words before his question was answered. He was stopped in his tracts.
STOPPED IN HIS TRACKS
7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
(Acts 26:14, John 12:29, Acts 22:9)
8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
(Acts 9:18, Acts 22:11, Genesis 14:15, 2 Corinthians 11:32, Galatians 1:17)
9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
ONLY THEN WAS HIS QUESTION ANSWERED.
Next week we will continue from here.
_________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012
JUNE
17th. Sunday – 1 Kings 3, 4, Acts 12, Proverbs 15:1-8
18th. Monday – 1 Kings 5, 6, Acts 13:1-25, Psalm 74:18-24
19th. Tuesday - 1 Kings 7, Acts 13:26-52, Psalm 75
20th. Wednesday - 1 Kings 8, Acts 14, Psalm 76
21st. Thursday - 1 Kings 9, 10, Acts 15:1-22, Proverbs 15:9-18
22nd. Friday – 1 Kings 11, Acts 15:23-41, Psalm 77:1-9
23rd. Saturday - 1 Kings 12, Acts 16:1-18, Psalm 77:10-20
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 823 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://e-books by bob.blogspot.com
Several e-books now available to read on line
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
“Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and the kings, and the children of Israel. For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” - Acts 9:15,16
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Saturday, June 9, 2012
THE PROBLEM SOLVED!
Newsletter 299 June 10, 2012
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ACTS 6:1-8
In any gathering of people, there are certain to be differences of opinion. The larger the group, the more likely is this to e expected, but it is not necessarily a bad thing. The sincerity of the people, makes a great difference. If they are all of the faith, and that faith is in the divinity and authority of Christ and his recorded word, the Bible, then the solution can make the bond even greater. In the early years of my service for the Lord, when I was to listen and learn, but not to contribute, there arose a major problem in one of the African churches. It represented probably the largest circuit of believers in the country, and was composed people from two major ethnic backgrounds. The minister was a Coloured man, while the problem arose in the Xhosa side of his people. At the time the leader among the missionaries, was a man of considerable experience, but who led primarily by exerting his own strong leadership personality. During the discussion under consideration, the building was filled with Xhosas, whom came, every man among them, with his walking stick, called a “knobkerry.” I do not remember even one reference to the Bible in that hours long session. Needless to say, no solution was agreed upon, The Xhosa women called down evil spells upon us, and we eventually left the building under the threat of being stoned.
Be thankful for occasions dealt with in the Bible such as this one. God directs how to speak in His word.
1 And in those days, when the number of disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily administration.
There were two ethnic groups here. This was a large body of people. There could have been as many as twenty thousand men by this time. The Hellenistic Jews were primarily Jews from other parts of the Greek Empire. The others represented the Jews of a strict background, having grown up under the instruction of the temple authorities. Both parties were suspicious and looking for trouble. Have we ever heard of that before? Of course. Reasons may differ, but this is the way it was handled then.
The elders and leaders may well have been negligent of this particular matter. The problem existed, and it could have festered and gotten much worse.
(Acts 11:26, Acts 2:47, Acts 6:7, Acts 9:29, Acts 11:20, 2 Corinthians 11:22, Philippians 3:5, Acts 9:39, Acts 9:41, 1 Timothy 5:3, Acts 4:35, Acts 11:29)
2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
They were busy in the field of prayer, evangelism, teaching, persuading, winning souls. That is not to say that this was a less worthy work, but that it should be done by persons who can give their time to it more freely.
3 Wherefore brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
Several of the deacons, servants, were also evangelists. Philip, for example, was busy converting many in Samaria, when he was called of God and sent to meet with and convert the Ethiopian. This conversion is a masterpiece. It starts with an unprepared African and step by step presents the process of his conversion until, at the end, the Holy Spirit caught Philip away, and the Ethiopian continued on his way, rejoicing. We know, as we look back, that he must have shared as he had taught, for the church in Ethiopia still exists today.
In the case of Stephen, another, we have much of his sermon on record, ending with his vision of heaven and his stoning.
These, two of the seven, reveal that to be a Deacon, a servant of the church, is something to be taken seriously. They were not chosen to fill an “office.” They were chosen to supply the answer to a need. That need might be short termed, or it might be continuing. They might be to be in charge or preparing and serving the Communion; they could be greeters welcoming at the door, they could be visiting the sick, or perhaps they could be all these things at the same time.
(John 21:23, Acts 1:15, Acts 2:4)
4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
But the work of the elders, is to teach, to pray, and to minister or perhaps all of these.
(Acts 1:14)
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
It is interesting to note, that the complaint had arisen from the Helenistic members of the church. Every name in this list is a Greek name, not a Hebrew name. When there are problems and complaints, perhaps of those from whom they come, mature men of wisdom of that background should be set aside to provide the answer.
(Acts 6:8, Acts 11:19, Acts 22:20, Acts 6:3, Acts 11:24, Acts 8:5, Acts 21:8, Matthew 23:15, Acts 11:19)
6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
In a public act of worship, they were set aside with prayer and set to work. One does not select these men by the term or year, but by the task.
(Acts 1:24, Numbers 8:10, Numbers 27:18, Deuteronomy 34:9, Mark 5:23, Acts 8:17, Acts 9:17, Acts 13:3, Acts 19:6, 1 Timothy 4:142 Timothy 1:6, Hebrews 6:2)
7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of priests were obedient to the faith.
Do this and the word planted among men will flourish. We do not “win souls,” we plant the seed on well prepared ground and God blesses it, even to the point in Jerusalem, of converting the “opposition.”
(Acts 12:24, Acts 19:20, Acts 6:1, Acts 13:8, Acts 14:22, Galatians 1:23, Galatians 6:10, Jude 3:20)
8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
(John 4:48)
_________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012
JUNE
10th. Sunday – 2 Samuel 18, Acts 8:1-24, Psalm 71:19-24
11th. Monday – 2 Samuel 19, Acts 8:25-40, Psalm 72
12th. Tuesday - 2 Samuel 20, 21, Acts 9:1-22, Proverbs 73:1-14
13th. Wednesday - 2 Samuel 22, Acts 9:23-43, Proverbs 14:26-35
14th. Thursday - 2 Samuel 23, 24, Acts 10:1-18, Psalm 73:15-28
15th. Friday – 1 Kings 1, Acts 10:19-48, Psalm 74:1-9
16th. Saturday - 1 Kings 2, Acts 11, Psalm 74:10-17
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 822 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://e-books by bob.blogspot.com
Several e-books now available to read on line
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
“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.” - Acts 20:7
__________
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School Smarts...
A college pizza delivery boy arrived at the house of Mr. Smith. He delivered the pizza to his trailer.
After giving it to him, Mr. Smith asked: "What is the usual tip?"
"Well," replied the youth, "this is my first trip here, but the other guys say if I get a quarter out of you, I'll be doing great."
"Is that so?" snorted Mr. Smith. "Well, just to show them how wrong they are, here's five dollars."
"Thanks," replied the youth, "I'll put this in my school fund."
"What are you studying in school?" asked Larry.
The lad smiled and said: "Applied psychology."
OUR 62ND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY WAS LAST SUNDAY
__________
PRAY FOR GUIDANCE:
As you know, the computer was down. We had to call in a Geek from Best Buy to come get it up and going again, apparently a firewall was in conflict with another firewall, but he recommended that I either have them clean up the files to eliminate all the bad files that have built up over the years or get a new computer and reserve it for email and these studies on the web as the desk top machine is going slower and slower and may quit at any time. An alternative would be to buy a new portable machine and dedicate it only to on line things. As we have Verizon, it would not add to our on line costs, so we are “thinking.” The cost would little different between the two choices but the latter would be a fresh start on a new machine..
________________________________________________________________________
ACTS 6:1-8
In any gathering of people, there are certain to be differences of opinion. The larger the group, the more likely is this to e expected, but it is not necessarily a bad thing. The sincerity of the people, makes a great difference. If they are all of the faith, and that faith is in the divinity and authority of Christ and his recorded word, the Bible, then the solution can make the bond even greater. In the early years of my service for the Lord, when I was to listen and learn, but not to contribute, there arose a major problem in one of the African churches. It represented probably the largest circuit of believers in the country, and was composed people from two major ethnic backgrounds. The minister was a Coloured man, while the problem arose in the Xhosa side of his people. At the time the leader among the missionaries, was a man of considerable experience, but who led primarily by exerting his own strong leadership personality. During the discussion under consideration, the building was filled with Xhosas, whom came, every man among them, with his walking stick, called a “knobkerry.” I do not remember even one reference to the Bible in that hours long session. Needless to say, no solution was agreed upon, The Xhosa women called down evil spells upon us, and we eventually left the building under the threat of being stoned.
Be thankful for occasions dealt with in the Bible such as this one. God directs how to speak in His word.
1 And in those days, when the number of disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily administration.
There were two ethnic groups here. This was a large body of people. There could have been as many as twenty thousand men by this time. The Hellenistic Jews were primarily Jews from other parts of the Greek Empire. The others represented the Jews of a strict background, having grown up under the instruction of the temple authorities. Both parties were suspicious and looking for trouble. Have we ever heard of that before? Of course. Reasons may differ, but this is the way it was handled then.
The elders and leaders may well have been negligent of this particular matter. The problem existed, and it could have festered and gotten much worse.
(Acts 11:26, Acts 2:47, Acts 6:7, Acts 9:29, Acts 11:20, 2 Corinthians 11:22, Philippians 3:5, Acts 9:39, Acts 9:41, 1 Timothy 5:3, Acts 4:35, Acts 11:29)
2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
They were busy in the field of prayer, evangelism, teaching, persuading, winning souls. That is not to say that this was a less worthy work, but that it should be done by persons who can give their time to it more freely.
3 Wherefore brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
Several of the deacons, servants, were also evangelists. Philip, for example, was busy converting many in Samaria, when he was called of God and sent to meet with and convert the Ethiopian. This conversion is a masterpiece. It starts with an unprepared African and step by step presents the process of his conversion until, at the end, the Holy Spirit caught Philip away, and the Ethiopian continued on his way, rejoicing. We know, as we look back, that he must have shared as he had taught, for the church in Ethiopia still exists today.
In the case of Stephen, another, we have much of his sermon on record, ending with his vision of heaven and his stoning.
These, two of the seven, reveal that to be a Deacon, a servant of the church, is something to be taken seriously. They were not chosen to fill an “office.” They were chosen to supply the answer to a need. That need might be short termed, or it might be continuing. They might be to be in charge or preparing and serving the Communion; they could be greeters welcoming at the door, they could be visiting the sick, or perhaps they could be all these things at the same time.
(John 21:23, Acts 1:15, Acts 2:4)
4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
But the work of the elders, is to teach, to pray, and to minister or perhaps all of these.
(Acts 1:14)
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
It is interesting to note, that the complaint had arisen from the Helenistic members of the church. Every name in this list is a Greek name, not a Hebrew name. When there are problems and complaints, perhaps of those from whom they come, mature men of wisdom of that background should be set aside to provide the answer.
(Acts 6:8, Acts 11:19, Acts 22:20, Acts 6:3, Acts 11:24, Acts 8:5, Acts 21:8, Matthew 23:15, Acts 11:19)
6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
In a public act of worship, they were set aside with prayer and set to work. One does not select these men by the term or year, but by the task.
(Acts 1:24, Numbers 8:10, Numbers 27:18, Deuteronomy 34:9, Mark 5:23, Acts 8:17, Acts 9:17, Acts 13:3, Acts 19:6, 1 Timothy 4:142 Timothy 1:6, Hebrews 6:2)
7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of priests were obedient to the faith.
Do this and the word planted among men will flourish. We do not “win souls,” we plant the seed on well prepared ground and God blesses it, even to the point in Jerusalem, of converting the “opposition.”
(Acts 12:24, Acts 19:20, Acts 6:1, Acts 13:8, Acts 14:22, Galatians 1:23, Galatians 6:10, Jude 3:20)
8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
(John 4:48)
_________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012
JUNE
10th. Sunday – 2 Samuel 18, Acts 8:1-24, Psalm 71:19-24
11th. Monday – 2 Samuel 19, Acts 8:25-40, Psalm 72
12th. Tuesday - 2 Samuel 20, 21, Acts 9:1-22, Proverbs 73:1-14
13th. Wednesday - 2 Samuel 22, Acts 9:23-43, Proverbs 14:26-35
14th. Thursday - 2 Samuel 23, 24, Acts 10:1-18, Psalm 73:15-28
15th. Friday – 1 Kings 1, Acts 10:19-48, Psalm 74:1-9
16th. Saturday - 1 Kings 2, Acts 11, Psalm 74:10-17
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 822 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://e-books by bob.blogspot.com
Several e-books now available to read on line
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
“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.” - Acts 20:7
__________
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School Smarts...
A college pizza delivery boy arrived at the house of Mr. Smith. He delivered the pizza to his trailer.
After giving it to him, Mr. Smith asked: "What is the usual tip?"
"Well," replied the youth, "this is my first trip here, but the other guys say if I get a quarter out of you, I'll be doing great."
"Is that so?" snorted Mr. Smith. "Well, just to show them how wrong they are, here's five dollars."
"Thanks," replied the youth, "I'll put this in my school fund."
"What are you studying in school?" asked Larry.
The lad smiled and said: "Applied psychology."
OUR 62ND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY WAS LAST SUNDAY
__________
PRAY FOR GUIDANCE:
As you know, the computer was down. We had to call in a Geek from Best Buy to come get it up and going again, apparently a firewall was in conflict with another firewall, but he recommended that I either have them clean up the files to eliminate all the bad files that have built up over the years or get a new computer and reserve it for email and these studies on the web as the desk top machine is going slower and slower and may quit at any time. An alternative would be to buy a new portable machine and dedicate it only to on line things. As we have Verizon, it would not add to our on line costs, so we are “thinking.” The cost would little different between the two choices but the latter would be a fresh start on a new machine..
Monday, June 4, 2012
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
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 821 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://e-books by bob.blogspot.com
Several e-books now available to read on line
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
of Phyllis’ nine published books
__________
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
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
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 821 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://e-books by bob.blogspot.com
Several e-books now available to read on line
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
of Phyllis’ nine published books
__________
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
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt dp epwpk 0
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
Thursday, May 10, 2012
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.
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.
Friday, May 4, 2012
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
__________
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
__________
Thursday, April 26, 2012
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
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
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!"
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