LIKEWISE ALSO SAID THEY ALL

Newsletter 184  March 12, 2010

Bob Mills

Simon, later known as Peter was well known for speaking before he thought. That is where the saying “impetuous Peter” came from. Sometimes what he said was good, for example when he spoke up quickly saying what was in his heart, “Thou art the Christ the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16) “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68), but this time he was different, he said, “Although all shall be offended, yet will not I,“ (Mark 14:29) He spoke too quickly, but he wasn’t alone, ”likewise also said they all.” (Mark 14:31)

Mark :14:27-31      (King James Version)

27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. (Zechariah 13:7)

28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. (Matthew 28:16)

29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.

30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. (Matthew 26:34, Mark 14:68, Mark 14:72, John 13:38)

31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all

………………………………............................................................................................

When Jesus was taken by the soldiers and the mob sent by the priests, the apostles all fled, all but Peter and John it is apparent. John was well known in Jerusalem, and was able to become our eye-witness of all that happened, but Peter stayed among those in the courtyard

Mark 14:66-72

66 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:

67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth. (Mark 14:54, Mark 1:24)

68 But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew. (Mark 14:54)

69 And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.

70 And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto. (Mark 14:68, Matthew 26:73, Luke 22:59)

71 But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.

72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept (Mark 14:30, Mark 14:68)

Peter made mistake after mistake. He tried to hide his involvement. He followed at a distance. He mingled with non-believers in the fringes of the crowd of onlookers. And when he was questioned, he lapsed into his old language of an angry fisherman. When he realized what he had said, and done, he repented immediately with tears, and then he became an example for us.

Let us be like Peter in this. When we realize we have sinned, let us repent with tears, and return to our Lord. This same Peter had summed it up for us all with his earlier words, “Thou art the Christ.” and “where shall we go.” There is no one else, no other authority, and we can trust no other example. We too are surrounded by non-believers. Let us walk by the Light of His Word.

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RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010

MARCH

14th. Sunday – Leviticus 26, 27, Luke 1:26-38, Psalm 34:1-7

15th. Monday – Numbers 1, Luke 1:39-56, Psalm 34:8-14

16th. Tuesday – Numbers 2, 3, Luke 1:57-80, Psalm 34:15-22

17th. Wednesday - Numbers 4, Luke 2:1-20, Proverbs 7:6-20

18th. Thursday – Numbers 5, 6, Luke 2:21-40, Psalm 35:1-10

19th. Friday – Numbers 7, Luke 2:41-52, Psalm 35:11-18

20th. Saturday – Numbers 8, 9, 10, Luke 3:1-17, Psalm 35:19-38

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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“…. Whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?”

Luke 9:24-25

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A group of psychiatrists were attending a convention. Four of them decided to leave, and walked out together. One said to the other three, "People are always coming to us with their guilt and fears, but we have no one that we can go to when we have problems." The others agreed. Then one said, "Since we are all professionals, why don't we take some time right now to hear each other out?"The other three agreed. The first then confessed, "I have an uncontrollable desire to kill my patients." The second psychiatrist said, "I love expensive things and so I find ways to cheat my patients out of their money whenever I can so I can buy the things I want."The third followed with, "I'm involved with selling drugs and often get my patients to sell them for me."The fourth psychiatrist then confessed, "I know I'm not supposed to, but no matter how hard I try, I can't keep a secret..."

_______________


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WHO SHALL BE THE GREATEST?

Newsletter 182 February 27, 2010

Matthew 18:1-5, Luke 9:46-50


Bob Mills

Our tour bus stopped near a present day Synagogue situated on a hill top overlooking the Sea of Galilee, Goland Heights on the far shore, and the harbor nearby. Several stone carvings lined the path, but the ruins of an ancient synagogue, which showed signs that it had once also been used as a church was more complete than most. Only a short stroll away were the ruins of a home, now protected by a modern museum that reminded me of a so called “flying saucer.” Our guide informed us that this ruin was the synagogue where Jesus had preached and then gone to the home of Peter nearby where he healed Peter’s mother-in-law. If that is so, the events of our text took place here. These ruins are in the right place, and fishing boats are nearby as well, but whether these are the actual remains would be difficult to prove. They are certainly very ancient.

I would estimate that this was about twenty five miles from Nazareth, which we had just visited. It was a short distance by bus, but Jesus and his apostles would have arrived walking. Apparently some of the men to the rear of the company, had been discussing, privately they thought, what positions they would each hold in Jesus’ kingdom.

Mark 9:33-41 (King James Version)

33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? (Mark 9:33-37, Matthew 18:1-5, Luke 9:46-48, Mark 3:19)

34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. (Matthew 18:4, Mark 9:50, Luke 22:24)

35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. (Matthew 20:26, Matthew 23:11, Mark 10:43, Mark 10:44, Luke 22:26)

36 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,

37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me. (Matthew 10:40, Luke 10:16, John 13:20)

Knowing that they had been arguing about, Jesus went to the heart of the matter. They had been arguing as to of them was the greatest. He did not answer their disagreement, but, using a small child, because it was the home of Peter some assume that it may have been Peter’s son, he taught them a lesson in humility. Small children were often treated as a servant. Probably even household servants sent them for things they needed in their work. They take pride in being able to help.

38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. (Mark 9:38-40, Luke 9:49, Luke 9:50, Numbers 11:27-29)

39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

40 For he that is not against us is on our part. (Matthew 12:30, Luke 11:23)

41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. (Matthew 10:42)

John, perhaps trying to change the direction of the conversation, opened the door to another lesson they needed to learn. They need to realize that they were not the only servants of God. If the man was able to perform miracles in the name of Jesus, he had to be a follower of Jesus, not one of the twelve, but still a disciple. Like Elijah, who fled from the clutches of Jezebel, and who felt that he was the only faithful servant remaining, needed to be reminded that God has many faithful servants.

We do not have to be a leader in the faith to share what we know, and to do a kindness in his name. It may be a drink of water, convenient toilet facilities, or a cup of soup. Our Bible bookstore had such available just by the entrance. Christ served the needs of others and so can we. Let’s do it with a humble spirit, because we love HIM.

__________

Talking Time...

A drunk was proudly showing off his new apartment to a couple of his friends late one night.

He led the way to his bedroom where there was a big brass gong and a mallet.

"What's with that big brass gong?" one of the guests asked. "Its not a gong. Its a talking clock", the drunk replied.

"A talking clock? Seriously?" asked his astonished friend. "Yup", replied the drunk.

"How's it work?" the friend asked, squinting at it. "Watch", the drunk replied.

He picked up the mallet, gave the gong an ear-shattering pound, and stepped back. The three stood looking at one another for a moment.

Suddenly, someone on the other side of the wall screamed, "Hey, jerk! It's one-fifteen in the morning!"

_I PLEDGE TO READ MY BIBLE THROUGH THIS YEAR

FEBRUARY

28th. Sunday – Exodus 30,31, Mark 10:1-31, Psalm 28

MARCH

1st. Monday – Leviticus 1.2.3. Mark 10:32-52. Proverbs 6:12-19

2nd. Tuesday – Leviticus 4,5,6, Mark 11, Psalm 293rd. Wednesday – Leviticus 7,8, Mark 12:1-17, Psalm 30:1-7

4th. Thursday - Leviticus 9, 10, Mark 12:18-44, Psalm 30:9-12

5th. Friday – Leviticus 11, 12, Mark 13:1-20, Proverbs 6:20-29

6th. Saturday - Leviticus 13, Mark 13:21-37, Psalm 31:1-8

______________________


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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“And he said unto them, Go ye unto all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”

Mark 16:15,16


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PARABLES ON HIS KINGDOM SEED

Newsletter 181 February 20, 2010

Bob Mills

In my childhood, where it was possible, every house had a vegetable garden. The garden and the chicken pen were my responsibility. Most people did not run to the grocery store and buy what they wanted for the next meal. They went to the garden or to the basement for a jar of fruit or vegetables and to the chicken yard.

As soon as it was warm enough we planted rows of seeds. Then we watched for them to come up, and our annual battle to protect them from weeds and hungry insects and worms began. We may have lacked in variety, but we never really lacked food. We even had enough to share with less fortunate neighbors who did not have the space for their own garden,.

Jesus used the fruit trees, the vegetable gardens, the grape vines; the fish four of his twelve apostles caught in their in their nets, in his frequent parables. All his parables had a deeper meaning. These two, related by Mark, concerned the church, which we could compare to be the doorway to his eternal kingdom. It does not come without dedication of time, work, or responsibilities, but along the way we can share with others the Good News.

Mark 4:26-34 (King James Version)

26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; (Mark 1:15)

27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come. (Joel 3:13)

30 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? (Matthew 13:31, Matthew 13:32, Luke 13:18, Luke 13:19, Matthew 13:24)

31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:

32 But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it. (Matthew 13:32, Ezekiel 17:23, Psalm 104:12, Ezekiel 31:6, Daniel 4:12, 1 Corinthians 7:14)

33 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.

34 But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

Our faith is like the tiny seeds we placed I the prepared garden patch. During the long, hot, Summer. We harvested from those plants, but in the Fall we really gathered the most harvest. Thus is our life. We begin with a small seed of faith, throughout life we are blessed, but at the Fall of life, comes the real blessing. We have entered the door, been blessed by his church, and enter into eternity to the eternal home he has prepared for us.
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RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010

FEBRUARY

21st. Sunday – Exodus 25, 26, Mark 5:21-43, Proverbs 5:15-23

22nd. Monday – Exodus 27, 28, Mark 6:1-29, Psalm 24

23rd. Tuesday – Exodus 29, 30, Mark 6:30-56, Psalm 25:1-11

24th. Wednesday - Exodus 31, 32, Mark 7, Psalm 25:12-22

25th. Thursday – Exodus 33, 34, Mark 8, Proverbs 6:1-11

26th. Friday – Exodus 35, 36, Mark 9:1-32, Psalm 26

27th. Saturday – Exodus 37, 38, Mark 9:33-50, Psalm 27


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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“….whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.”

Mark 3:35

BE MY VALENTINE

Newsletter 180 February 13, 2010


B. Mills

When I say, “Be my valentine“, I am not necessarily thinking of hearts, chocolates, flowers, and gifts. They may be appropriate under the right circumstances. Nor am I thinking of one day of the year.

Putting aside my inherit aversion to public demonstrations of emotions, and the origins of Valentine’s day, I could hardly totally ignore it. Besides, there is a lot said in the Bible about love. I Corinthians 13: is called the “Love Chapter“; John is especially known for his often spoken admonitions that Christians should love one another, It has often been said that if the Bible says we should do something, then we should. We have no excuse not to. If it is also said that if there are three commands, God really means we should do it now, but what about this? I simply searched the words, “love one another” and my computer promptly showed, not one time, not three times, but 19 times! And that does not count other variations in wording. As Christians, we are to be known for our love for one another.

Paul wrote these beautiful words: (In current English, the word “charity” here should be translated “love”)

1 Corinthians 13:1-10

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (1 Corinthians 12:10, 2 Corinthians 12:4, Revelation 14:2, Psalm 150:5)

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. (Matthew 7:22, Acts 13:1, 1 Corinthians 11:4, 1 Corinthians 13:8, 1 Corinthians 13:4:1, 1 Corinthians 14:39, 1 Corinthians 14:2, 1 Corinthians 15:51, Romans 15:14, 1 Corinthians 12:9, Matthew 17:20, Matthew 21:21, Mark 11:23)

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. (Matthew 6:2)

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, (Proverbs 10:12, Proverbs 17:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:14, 1 Peter 4:8, Acts 7:9, 1 Corinthians 4:6)

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; (1 Corinthians 10:24, Philippians 2:21, 2 Corinthians 5:19)

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; (2 Thessalonians 2:12, 2 John 4,
3 John 3f)

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
(1 Corinthians 9:12)

8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
(1 Corinthians 13:2, 1 Corinthians 13:1)

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. (1 Corinthians 13:12)

10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

This describes true, meaningful Christian love, not to be confused with what currently is so often called love in song or print. I recently returned a film to our local library with a sticker label adhered suggesting that it be destroyed as it was pure garbage. It was not pornographic, but it had disgusting dialog and no story line or message at all. God wants our lives to be a message of love for Him to a world that surely needs it..
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RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010

FEBRUARY

14th. Sunday – Exodus 11, 12, Mark 1:1-27, Psalm 21:1-7

15th. Monday – Exodus 13, 14, Mark 1:28-45, Psalm 21:8-13

16th. Tuesday – Exodus 15, 16, Mark 2, Psalm 22:1-8

17th. Wednesday - Exodus 17, 18, Mark 3, Proverbs 5:1-14

18th. Thursday – Exodus 19, 20, Mark 4:1-25, Psalm 22:9-18

19th. Friday – Exodus 21, 22, Mark 5:26-41, Psalm 22:19-31

20th. Saturday – Exodus 23, 24, Mark 5:1-20, Psalm 23


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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“….Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

Ephesians 4:32

NOT EVEN THE ANGELS KNOW

Newsletter 179      February 6, 2010

Bob Mills

I remember a time when I was a young child, it must have been my birthday as my aunts and uncles were in our home, and that happened only on very rare occasions, such as our birthdays. My mother was the only one in her family of six siblings who had any children at all, and in ours there were only two surviving brothers. Our minister had preached a sermon in which he set that day as the day the Lord would return. One aunt and uncle, who had not heard that sermon, had very different opinions. Of course, that was not the day. Neither were the days that have been set over the years by various zealous church leaders. I recall one congregation in Johannesburg, South Africa in which many members sold their belongings and gathered in their worship center almost constantly so they would be together and ready when He came. I don’t know why they sold everything. They certainly could not carry cash with them. None of these were right. Not even the angels know. (Matthew 24:36)

But, we can, and do, know that he is coming again. We know, because He has promised to return, and He keeps His promises. Matthew takes two whole chapters to record many of Christ’s parables on the subject. Hopefully, you will read them.

Matthew 24:34-39 King James Version

34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. (Matthew 10:23, Matthew 16:28, Matthew 23:36)

35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. (Matthew 5:18; Mark 13:31, Luke 21:33)

36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (Mark 13:32, Acts 1:7)

37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (Matthew 16:27, Matthew 24:3, Matthew 30:39, Genesis 6:5, Genesis t:6-23)

38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, (Matthew 22:10, Genesis 7:7)

39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (Matthew 16:27, Matthew 24:3, Matthew 24:30, Matthew 24:37)

Some of these parables bear witness of the undeniable truth of the whole in that they were fulfilled, even in the life time of the hearers (Matthew 24:34), when Jerusalem was destroyed and the temple worship came to an abrupt end in the year 70 AD. You can be certain that when that happened, the Christians looked for the rest also to be soon. They missed the clear fact, that we are always to live in readiness. All that we see, all the material world we know, will be gone, to be replaced with something infinitely better and eternal.

“But of that day and hour knoweth no man,” (Matthew 24:36). Life continued as it always had. (Matthew 24:38)

However, it is just as certain to come even as the flood did come in the day of Noah. It came without warning and took away everyone and everything not in the safety of the ark. (Matthew 24:39).
__________


RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010

FEBRUARY

7th. Sunday – Job 37, 38, Matthew 25:24-46, Psalm 18:37-42

8th. Monday – Job 39, 40, Matthew 26:1-30, Psalm 18:43-50

9th. Tuesday – Job 41, 42, Matthew 26:31-56, Proverbs 4:10-19

10th. Wednesday - Exodus 1, 2, 3, Matthew 26:57-78, Psalm 19:1-6

11th. Thursday – Exodus 4, 5, Matthew 27:1-31. Psalm 19:7-14

12th. Friday – Exodus 6, 7, 8, Matthew 27:32-66, Psalm 20

13th. Saturday – Exodus 9, 10, Matthew 28, Proverbs 4:20-27


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Portions of Phyllis’ 3 published books & more to come

____________


THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“…. Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.”

Matthew 24:7-8

Detective tests…

Three blondes were all applying for the last available position on the Texas Highway Patrol.

The detective conducting the interview looked at the three of them and said, "So y'all want to be cops, huh?"

The blondes all nodded.

The detective got up, opened a file drawer and pulled out a folder. Sitting back down, he opened it and pulled out a picture, and said, "To be a detective, you have to be able to detect. You must be able to notice things such as distinguishing features and oddities, such as scars and so forth." So saying, he stuck the photo in the face of the first blonde and withdrew it after about two seconds.

"Now," he said, "did you notice any distinguishing features about this man ?"

The blonde immediately said, "Yes, I did. He has only one eye!"

The detective shook his head and said, "Of course he has only one eye in this picture! It's a profile of his face! You're dismissed!"

The first blonde hung her head and walked out of the office.

The detective then turned to the second blonde, stuck the photo in her face for two seconds, pulled it back and said, "What about you? Notice anything unusual or outstanding about this man?"

"Yes! He only has one ear!"

The detective put his head in his hands and exclaimed, "Didn't you hear what I just told the other lady? This is a profile of the man's face! Of course you can only see one ear!! You're excused too!"

The second blonde sheepishly walked out of the office.

The detective turned his attention to the third and last blonde and said, "This is probably a waste of time, but..." He flashed the photo in her face for a couple of seconds and withdrew it, saying, "All right, did you notice anything distinguishing or unusual about this man?"

The blonde said, "I sure did. This man wears contact lenses."

The detective frowned, took another look at the picture and began looking at some of the papers in the folder.

He looked up at the blonde with a puzzled _expression and said, "You're absolutely right! His bio says he wears contacts! How in the world could you tell that by looking at his picture?"

The blonde rolled her eyes and said, "Well, Helloooo! With only one eye and one ear, he certainly can't wear glasses.

INDEX TO DATE

INDEX

SCRIPTURE           BLOG TITLE           NUMBER
_____________________________________________________________________



GENESIS

GENESIS 1:1-2 IN THE BEGINNING GOD 75

ISAIAH

ISAIAH 57:1-2 WHY DO THE GOOD DIE YOUNG? 60

NAHUM

NAHUM 1:2-7 WHY ARE WE READING NAHUM? 108

PSALMS

PSALM 106:1-3 THANKSGIVING 168

MATTHEW

MATTHEW 1:18-25 OUR SAVIOR IS BORN 118

MATTHEW 1:18-25 AND IT CAME TO BE 121

MATTHEW 2:1-11 THE CHRISTMAS STORY 172

MATTHEW 3:16-17 THE LIVING PARABLES, UNTIL HE COMES 81

MATTHEW 4:15-17 WE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 122

MATTHEW 4:24-27 ASK, AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN UNTO YOU 88

MATTHEW 6:9-13 LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY 96

MATTHEW 7:7-12 HERE ARE YOU BUILDING YOUR HOUSE? 76

MATTHEW 7:13-16 THE WAY THAT LEADS TO LIFE 78

MATTHEW 7:21-27 BUILD YOUR LIFE ON A FIRM FOUNDATION 175

MATTHEW 9:11-13 HE CAME TO SAVE SINNERS 91

MATTHEW 10:16-22 DON’T EXPECT HONEY AND ROSES 176

MATTHEW 13:24-30 THE GOOD AND THE BAD SEED 177

MATTHEW 13:24-30, 36-43 THE PARABLE OF THE TARES 124

MATTHEW 16:13-19 WHOM SAY YE THAT I AM? 101

MATTHEW 16:26-27 ARE YOU A WINNER OR A LOSER? 126

MATTHEW 17:1-13 THE TRANSFIGURATION 178

MATTHEW 19:16-23 WHAT GOOD THING SHALL I DO? 125

MATTHEW 19:16- WHAT DOES “CHRISTIAN WORKS” MEAN?

MATTHEW 24:32-40 WATCH FOR SIGNS, HE IS COMING AGAIN 56

MATTHEW 24:34-39 NOT EVEN THE ANGELS KNOW 179

MATTHEW 24:35-44 DON’T INVITE DISASTER 95

MATTHEW 25:31-46 WHERE IS YOUR ROAD LEADING? 127

MATTHEW 28:20 MARCHING ORDERS 61

MARK

MARK 3:22-30 ONE SIN AN NOT BE FORGIVEN! 128

MARK 4:26-34 PARABLES ON HIS KINGDOM SEED 181

MARK 7:14-23 SIN ARISES FROM WITHIN THE HEART 129

MARK 8:34-38 THE COST OF BEING A CHRISTIAN 130

MARK 9:33-41 WHO SHALL BE THE GREATEST? 182

MARK 10:23-31 NEVER WISH FOR WEALTH! 131

MARK 10:23-31 WEALTH, SACRAFICE AND REWARDS 183

MARK 10:35-45 WHO IS GOING TO BE PRIME MINISTER? 132

MARK 14:27-31 LIKEWISE ALSO SAID THEY ALL  184

MARK 16:15-17 HIS LAST TWO COMMANDS 133

LUKE

LUKE 2:1-20 THE CHRISTMAS ACCOUNT 119

LUKE 2:1-20 + THE CHRISTMAS STORY 173

LUKE 3:1-13 HOW JESUS HANDLED TEMPTATION

LUKE 6:27-36 RULES OF KINGDOM LIFE 134

LUKE 9:23-27 THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP 136

LUKE 9:57-62 A TOUGH DECISION TO MAKE

LUKE 12:22-34 TAKE NO THOUGHT FOR YOUR LIFE 137

LUKE 14:15-24 YOUR PRESENCE IS REQUESTED 189

LUKE 16:19-31 WHY DID GOD MAKE HELL? 74

LUKE 18:1-8 DON’T STOP PRAYING 138

LUKE 24:1-12 THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RESURRECTION 190

JOHN

JOHN 1:1-3 WEIGH THE CONSEQUENCES 80

JOHN 1:1-13 THE PRICELESS BUT FREE GIFT - LIGHT 191

JOHN 3:1-10 YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN 139

JOHN 3:16-21 THE LOVE OF GOD 140

JOHN 3:17-21 YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 58

JOHN 3:17-21 THE SEED OF FAITH DID NOT GROW 69

JOHN 4:27-42 THE WOMAN AT THR WELL 192

JOHN 6:31-51 I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE 193

JOHN 10:1-10 I AM THE DOOR 194

JOHN 14:1-7 OUR PERMANENT HOME 67

JOHN 15:1-11 THE PARABLE OF THE VINE 195

JOHN 16:2-15 SAVED, ONLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD! 142

JOHN 17::20-26 THAT THEY MAY ALL BE ONE 114

JOHN 20:1-10 THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST 196

ACTS

ACTS 2:5-18 TO EVERY LANGUAGE ON EARTH 197

ACTS 2:37-42 WHY THESE, LORD? 105

ACTS 4:5-12 SALVATION ONLY THROUGH CHRIST JESUS143

ACTS 8:26-39 HOW CAN I EXCEPT SOME MAN GUIDE ME? 106

ACTS 9:17-22 THE CONVERSION OF A TERRORIST 144

ACTS 10:34-43 WHO WAS CORNELIUS,WHY IS HE IMPORTANT? 198

ACTS 10:34-48 ARE THERE A FAVORED PEOPLE? 145

ACTS 17:10-15 A GOOD EXAMPLE 199

ACTS 17:11-12 A MIXED RECEPTION 146

ACTS 18:24-19:1-5 THE MISSING FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT 200

ROMANS

ROMANS 1:16-21 I AM NOT ASHAMED 147

ROMANS 1:25-32 WORTHY OF THE DEATH SENTENCE

ROMANS 2:1-12 DO NOT JUDGE OTHERS 201

ROMANS 3:21-26 ALL HAVE SINNED AND FALLEN SHORT 148

ROMANS 3:23-25 THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS 92

ROMANS 3:23-24 GRACE 83

ROMANS 5:6-14 CHRIST DIED FOR THE UNGODLY 149

ROMANS 6:11-12 THE RIGHT ORDER 87

ROMANS 6:15-23 THE WAGWES OF SIN IS DEATH 52

ROMANS 8:1-8 THE FLESH CANNOT PLEASE GOD 150

ROMANS 8:28-30 A PERFECT FIT FOR THE JOB AHEAD 90

ROMANS 12:3-15 YOUR TALENTS AND GODLINESS 151

1 CORINTHIANS

1 CORINTHIANS 1:18-25 NOT MANY WISE AFTER THE FLESH 57

1 CORINTHIANS 1:18-25 THE WORD, THE POWER OF GOD 152

1 CORINTHIANS 1:18-21 NOT WISE AT ALL 115

1 CORINTHIANS 1:18-27 THIS FOOLISH WORLD NEEDS CHRIST 79

1 CORINTHIASN 6:15-20 NEVER ALONE! 85

1 CORINTHIANS 10:15-22 THE MAN GOD CALLS WISE 153

1 CORINTHIANS 11:17-26 THE MEMORIAL COMMUNION SERVICE 154

1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-10 BE MY VALENTINE 180

1 CORINTHIANS 13:13 PUPPY LOVE 64

2 CORINTHIANS

2 CORINTHIANS 4:14 & 16-18 WHAT YOU SEE IS TEMPORARY 117

2 CORINTHIANS 5:17-21 THANKS TO GOD, YOU CAN START OVER 157

GLATIANS

GALATIANS 1:3-9 ANOTHER GOSPEL? 59

GALATIANS 1:6-10 NO OTHER GOSPEL 112

GALATIANS 1:6-10 LOST FROM THE FAITH 158

GALATIANS 1:31 EVERYTHING GOD MAKES IS VERY GOOD 54

GALATIANS 5:15-21 A WISE MAN WALKS CAREFULLY 160

GALATIANS 6:6-10 YOU ARE A TEACHER…….. 98

GALATIANS 6:7-10 WHAT ARE YOU SOWING BROTHER? 62

EPHESIANS

EPHESIANS 4:11-16 ONE SPIRIT - DIFFERENT GIFTS 159

EPHESIANS 6:10-18 THE STRONG IN THE LORD 51

PHILIPPIANS

PHILIPPIANS 3:11-21 SET YOUR GOALS HIGH 120

PHILIPPIANS 4:4-13 HOW WE OUGHT TO BE LIVING 103

PHILIPPIANS 4:4-9 THINK ON THESE THINGS 162

COLOSSIANS

COLOSSIANS 1:16-17 ONE ANT TO ANOTHER 93

COLOSSIANS 3:16-17 THE HEARTBEAT OF IT ALL 84

COLOSSIANS 4:1-5 HOW WE OUGHT TO PRAY 163

1 TIMOTHY

1 TIMOTHY 4:1-8 RECEIVE WITH THANKS 104

1 TIMOTHY 4:1-11 IN THE LATTER TIMES 100

2 TIMOTHY

2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 WHY SHOULD I READ THE BIBLE? 86

2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17 WHY WE READ THE BIBLE 71

2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17 WHY READ THE BIBLE 82

2 TIMOTHY 4:1-5 SPREAD THE WORD 156

HEBREWS

HEBREWS 4:12 THE WORD, THE SWORD OF LIFE 63

HEBREWS 4:12-16 THE AMAZING SWORD OF FAITH 165

HEBREWS 9:2-7 ACCORDING TO THE DIVINE PATTERN 66

HEBREWS 10:23-27 THE LAW OF MOSES,

OR THE GRACE OF CHRIST? 166

HEBREWS 12:1 1,2,3, YOU ARE DEAD! 55

HEBREWS 12:1-2 THE RACE OF FAITH 167

JAMES

JAMES 1:12-15 WHERE TEMPTATIONS CAME FROM 77

JAMES 1:12-13 TEMPTATION, HOW SHALL I ESCAPE? 53

JAMES 1:26-27 PUR RELIGION DEFINED 110

JAMES 3:13-18 TWO KINDS OF WISDOM 113

JAMES 4:1-6 WHEN GOD SAYS, NO! 94

JAMES 4:13-16 DO IT NOW! 109

1 PETER

1 PETER 2:4-13 CHRIST, THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE 107

1 PETER 3:13-22 BE HAPPY WHEN YOU SUFFER 116

1 PETER 4:7-11 THE END OF ALL THINGS IS AT HAND 72

1 PETER 4:12-19 WHY CHRISTIANS SUFFER TRIALS 73

1 JOHN

1 JOHN 1:5-2:2 FELLOWSHIP IN THE FAMILY OF GOD

1 JOHN 1:9-11 HOW TO SPOT A FALSE TEACHER 102

1 JOHN 2:1-6 KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS 68

1 JOHN 3:1-9 CHILDREN OF GOD, LOVE ONE ANOTHER

1 JOHN 3:22 ASK AND YE SHALL HAVE 70

1 JOHN 4:1-6 GOD GAVE YOU A MIND, USE IT! 164

REVELATON

REVELATION 1:1-8 UNDERSTANDING THE FUTURE 169

REVELATION 3:14-22 IS THIS TODAY’S CHURCH? 99

REVELATION 5:5-10 THE SCROLL, OPENED BY CHRIST JESUS 170

REVELATION 13:7-9 THE SIGN OF THE BEAST 172

REVELATION 20:11-15 THE GRAND CLIMAX OF ALL TIME 174

REVELATION 21:1-4 DRESSED FOR THE WEDDING FEAST 97

THE TRANSFIGURATION

Newsletter 178  January 31, 2010

Bob Mills

THE INNER CIRCLE

I don’t think there is any significance to the fact that they were all fishermen by trade, but Peter, James and John were often with Jesus when the other nine were not. James and John were brothers, but Andrew was the brother Peter and he was not part of this inner circle. These three were given and experience and information that Jesus told them not to share with the others until after the resurrection. This is the first of three things that stand out about this scripture. (Matthew 26:37, Mark 5:37, Mark 13:3)

MOSES, ELIJAH, JESUS

The second is the transfiguration itself and that Moses and Elijah returned and were talking with Jesus. Their faces shone “as the sun.” We have read of this before when Moses went up to the mountain and talked with God. After that occasion his face shone so brightly that the people were frightened and he wore a veil. This is the same light that Paul had been blinded for a time by and was an indication of the presence of God the Father. Here, Moses represented the Law, and Elijah the Prophets. Those two sources lead us to the Christ. (Luke 9:31)

GOD’S ENDORSEMENT

The third is the voice of God saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear ye him.” God had spoken those same words, when John baptized Jesus. (Matthew 3:17) The inner circle, were being prepared ahead of time to use the Law and the Prophets to reveal the Divinity of Christ, God’s Son, and to preach His plan for the salvation of mankind. God was saying, “Listen to Him.” The Law and the Prophets were being fulfilled, now Christ’s message is what counts.

CHRIST THE MESSIAH

Peter had wanted to build shelters for Moses and Elijah, but, no, their work was completed, now it is Jesus we are to hear and follow.

Matthew 17:1-13 KJV

1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, (Mark 9:2-13, Luke 9:28-36, 2 Peter 1:17,18, Matthew 26:37, Mark 5:37, Mark 13:3)

2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. (Mark 9:5, Luke 9:11)

5 While he yet spoke, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. (Mark 1:11, Luke 3:22, 2 Peter 1:17, Isaiah 42:1, Matthew 3:17, Matthew 12:18)

6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. (Matthew 14:27)

8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.

9 And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead. (Matthew 17:9-13, Mark 9:9-11m Matthew 8:4, Matthew 8:20, Matthew 17:12, Matthew 17:27, Matthew 16:21)

10 And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? (Malachi 4:5, Matthew 11:14. Matthew 16:14)

11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.

12 But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. (Matthew 8:20, Matthew 17:9, Matthew 17:22)

13 Then the disciples understood that he spoke unto them of John the Baptist.

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RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010

JANUARY

31st. Sunday – Job 19, 20, Matthew 22:1-22, Psalm 17:13-15

FEBRUARY

1st. Monday – Job 21, 22, Matthew 22:23-46, Proverbs 3:21-35

2nd. Tuesday – Job 23, 24, 25, Matthew 23:1-22, Psalm 18:1-6

3rd. Wednesday - Job 26, 27, 28, 29, Matthew 23:23-39, Psalm 18:7-15:

4th. Thursday – Job 30, 31, Matthew 24:1-25, Psalm 18:16-24

5th. Friday – Job 32, 33, Matthew 24:26-51, Proverbs 4:1-9

6th. Saturday – Job 34, 35, 36, Matthew 25:1-23, Psalm 18:25-36

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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“…. strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

Matthew 7:14
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Say What?

Bubba goes to the revival and listens to the preacher. After a while, the preacher asks anyone with needs to come forward and be prayed over. Bubba gets in line.

When it's his turn the preacher says, "Bubba, what you want me to pray about?"

Bubba says, "Preacher, I need you to pray for my hearing."

So the preacher puts one finger in Bubba's ear and the other hand on top of his head and prays a while.

After a few minutes, he removes his hands and says, "Bubba, how's your hearing now?"

Bubba says, "I don't know preacher, it's not until next Wednesday in Dallas.

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