SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES WITH BOB
Newsletter 236 March 27, 2011
Luke 6:27-38 (King James Version)
The ways of the world have not changed all that much. The question, “What is in it for me?” comes up in the thoughts, even if not expressed, in every business proposition. It is perhaps expressed by “What is the bottom line?” Cain killed his brother, who had done him no wrong whatsoever, because his sacrifice to God make his own a poor second. Jacob was first of all, selfish, a liar and a deceiver in order to gain the birthright from his brother, and the blessing of his father. David lusted after his neighbor‘s wife. And I have only skimmed a few of the major names of the major persons of the Old Testament accounts. There were worse examples, Ahab, and his wicked wife Jezebel. Each of them asked, “What is in it for me?”, but most of them did not look ahead to find the answer to the other question, “What is the bottom line?“
Many of the most harsh religions of the world are based on might, power, and lust. In the early days of the church, persecution came at he hand of the Roman Empire, yet they also did two things which aided the spread of Christianity. They built roads, and they spread their language throughout the known world. Those roads and a common language, spread the Gospel like wild fire, especially under persecution. Since that time, the fire of evangelism has spread under the fanning of the fires of the Sprit.
Our world today has come full circle with the powers of the Middle East and Eastern religions putting pressure on the church. But we now have computers which bridge the whole world in moments. Oceans, mountains, distance, and roads make little difference. Even language when you can used a computerized translator to convert English in moments into virtually any language you wish. It may not be a perfect translation, but, it will open the door for anyone who wants to know the truth. It is the business world that has made this possible.
Jesus did not give us a set of dos and don’ts, but we can learn much from that He said and did.
LOVE YOUR ENEMIES.
27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:35)
Yes, those enemies of the Gospel give us the opportunity to return love for their hatred. The fact that we return love, they will not miss and that itself will spread like wildfire in a thirsty world. Don’t do this! But we all know what even a spark can do in a drought stricken field under the pressure of a windy day.
28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
He says, “Bless them,” and “Pray for them.” Why, for they have opened the door of opportunity.
29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also. (Luke 6:29, Luke 6:30, Matthew 5:39-42)
He suffered beating, ridicule, and finally a crown of thorns and death. Jesus gave His all, not for the good people, but for all, for all have sinned fallen short. He still prayed for his persecutors from the cross.
30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.
31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. (Matthew 7:12)
32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. (Matthew 5:46)
33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. (Matthew 5:42)
35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. (Luke 6:27Matthew 5:9, :Luke 1:32)
36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: (Luke 6:37-42. Matthew 7:1-5)
38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Look at the bottom line. “I am the way, the truth and the life, No man cometh unto the Father but by me.”
http://www.goodnewsnow.info/images/stories/flash/most_famous.swf
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
MARCH
27th. Sunday – Numbers 26, Luke 6:27-49, Psalm 37:32-40
28th. Monday – Numbers 27, 28, 29, Luke 7:1-23, Psalm 38:1-12
29th, Tuesday – Numbers 30, 31, Luke 7:24-50, Proverbs 8:12-21
30th. Wednesday - Numbers 32, 33, Luke 8:1-18, Psalm 38:13-22
31st. Thursday - Numbers 34, 35, 36, Luke 8:19-40, Psalm 39
APRIL
1st. Friday – Deuteronomy 1, 2, Luke 8:41-56. Psalm 40:1-8
2nd. Saturday - Deuteronomy 3, 4, Luke 9:1-22, Proverbs 8:22-31
_________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 775 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 8 published books
httpv://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh shall he find faith on the earth?”
Luke 18:8
__________
PRAISE THE LORD, I’M BACK
I can do most things now, but still have to use both hands to handle cups and heavy things. I think the Cataract operation is now looming. Dr Ku’s office phoned and asked me to contact them when I am no longer on blood thinner.
Yoke Joke
One night at an economy motel, I ordered a 6 a.m. wake-up call. The next morning, I awoke before 6, but the phone did not ring until 6:30. "Good morning," a young man said sheepishly. "This is your wake-up call."
Annoyed, I let the motel worker have it. "You were supposed to call me at 6 AM!.... I complained. "What if I had a million dollar deal to close this morning, and your oversight made me miss out?"
"Well, sir," the desk clerk boldly replied, "if you had a million dollar deal to close, you'd probably not be staying at THIS motel!"
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
DEMON POSSESSION, DOES IT EXIST TODAY?
Newsletter 235 March 20, 2011
Luke 4:31-37 (King James Version)
Mark 1:21-28
JESUS OFTEN ENCOUNTERED IT
I grew up in the Bible Belt of America and in a Bible believing church fellowship. Demon possession was something that we never heard about. We all just considered it as something that happened in Jesus’ day. I don’t recall it being discussed, even in seminar classes, so it was a shock to me to hear Dr Bare speak of it as, in his opinion, what many of the patients suffered from in the Iowa State Hospital which he directed for the care of the insane.
My next contact with this, came when I learned that many missionaries have come to the same explanation of things they have encountered where they work. In our case, this was suggested in connection with problems, we found, but so far as I know, were not overcome until we purchased a pair of church buildings that had been used before by a congregation that emphasized emotions and feelings much more than the Bible. We sensed something was not right. I had a bad fall and could have been killed if I had fallen a little to the left of where I did. Later I started having had a sense of a cold chill at a spot only a few feet away from where I had fallen It was then that I commanded any evil spirit depart from there and never return, in Jesus name. I did not think to send him to any particular place, but later Phyllis had the same experience in another part of the building. She told me about it later and added that she had told him to go live under the bridge in the park nearby.
31 And (Jesus) came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days. (Matthew 4:13, Luke 4:23)
32 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power. (Matthew 7:28, Luke 4:36, John 7:46)
EVEN IN A PLACE OF WORSHIP
It does not come as a surprise that Jesus taught with power. (Matthew 28:18) We knew that he cast out demons on many occasions, but this was in a house of worship, a synagogue. These were believers, not necessarily in his divinity, but certainly believers in God his Father. To find such people to have demons is surprising.
33 And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,
HE NEVER ACCEPTED THEIR PRAISE AND TESTIMONY
There was never a time when Jesus permitted a demon to testify on his behalf. The same is true of the Apostle Paul. We read of demons who believe, but never that it is a belief that results in repentance.
34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. (Matthew 8:29, Mark 1:24)
35 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not. (Matthew 8:26, Mark 4:39, Luke 4:39, Luke 4:41, Luke 8:24)
JESUS HAD ALL POWER
36 And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. (Luke 4:32)
37 And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about. (Luke 4:14)
Just as we are admonished to entertain strangers, for we never know but that we may be entertaining angels, we are told also be discerning that we are not hosting demons. It may only a coincidence, but that bridge in the park, happens to be exactly where I tripped and fell months later resulting in my left elbow being shattered, and ultimately to our retirement after only 47 years in Africa. Our God has prepared a place for Satan and his demons, a place which terrifies them as the time draws near when they must go there.
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
MARCH
20th. Sunday – Numbers 8, 9, 10, Luke 3:1-17, Psalm 35:19-28
21st. Monday – Numbers 11, 12, 13, Luke 3:18-38, Proverbs 7:21-27
22nd. Tuesday – Numbers 14. 15, Luke 4:1-22, Psalm 36
23rd. Wednesday - Numbers 16, 17, Luke 4:23-44, Psalm 37:1-9
24th. Thursday - Numbers 18, 19, 20, Luke 5:1-17, Psalm 37:10-20
25th. Friday – Numbers 21, 22, Luke 5:18-39, Proverbs 8:1-11
26th. Saturday - Numbers 23, 24, 25, Luke 6:1-26, Psalm 37:21-31
_________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 774 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 8 published books
httpv://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“It is written, that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
Luke 4:4”
__________
PRAISE THE LORD, I’M BACK
It seems that my problems are the result of a bad disk and pinched nerves in my neck and not my right hand, I am on therapy for a while and the hand is slowiy coming right with my own routines. I still can’t write script, feed myself well enough to eat in company, or really type on the computer with more than two fingers.
› Visit Amazon's P J Mills Page
Luke 4:31-37 (King James Version)
Mark 1:21-28
JESUS OFTEN ENCOUNTERED IT
I grew up in the Bible Belt of America and in a Bible believing church fellowship. Demon possession was something that we never heard about. We all just considered it as something that happened in Jesus’ day. I don’t recall it being discussed, even in seminar classes, so it was a shock to me to hear Dr Bare speak of it as, in his opinion, what many of the patients suffered from in the Iowa State Hospital which he directed for the care of the insane.
My next contact with this, came when I learned that many missionaries have come to the same explanation of things they have encountered where they work. In our case, this was suggested in connection with problems, we found, but so far as I know, were not overcome until we purchased a pair of church buildings that had been used before by a congregation that emphasized emotions and feelings much more than the Bible. We sensed something was not right. I had a bad fall and could have been killed if I had fallen a little to the left of where I did. Later I started having had a sense of a cold chill at a spot only a few feet away from where I had fallen It was then that I commanded any evil spirit depart from there and never return, in Jesus name. I did not think to send him to any particular place, but later Phyllis had the same experience in another part of the building. She told me about it later and added that she had told him to go live under the bridge in the park nearby.
31 And (Jesus) came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days. (Matthew 4:13, Luke 4:23)
32 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power. (Matthew 7:28, Luke 4:36, John 7:46)
EVEN IN A PLACE OF WORSHIP
It does not come as a surprise that Jesus taught with power. (Matthew 28:18) We knew that he cast out demons on many occasions, but this was in a house of worship, a synagogue. These were believers, not necessarily in his divinity, but certainly believers in God his Father. To find such people to have demons is surprising.
33 And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,
HE NEVER ACCEPTED THEIR PRAISE AND TESTIMONY
There was never a time when Jesus permitted a demon to testify on his behalf. The same is true of the Apostle Paul. We read of demons who believe, but never that it is a belief that results in repentance.
34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. (Matthew 8:29, Mark 1:24)
35 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not. (Matthew 8:26, Mark 4:39, Luke 4:39, Luke 4:41, Luke 8:24)
JESUS HAD ALL POWER
36 And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. (Luke 4:32)
37 And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about. (Luke 4:14)
Just as we are admonished to entertain strangers, for we never know but that we may be entertaining angels, we are told also be discerning that we are not hosting demons. It may only a coincidence, but that bridge in the park, happens to be exactly where I tripped and fell months later resulting in my left elbow being shattered, and ultimately to our retirement after only 47 years in Africa. Our God has prepared a place for Satan and his demons, a place which terrifies them as the time draws near when they must go there.
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
MARCH
20th. Sunday – Numbers 8, 9, 10, Luke 3:1-17, Psalm 35:19-28
21st. Monday – Numbers 11, 12, 13, Luke 3:18-38, Proverbs 7:21-27
22nd. Tuesday – Numbers 14. 15, Luke 4:1-22, Psalm 36
23rd. Wednesday - Numbers 16, 17, Luke 4:23-44, Psalm 37:1-9
24th. Thursday - Numbers 18, 19, 20, Luke 5:1-17, Psalm 37:10-20
25th. Friday – Numbers 21, 22, Luke 5:18-39, Proverbs 8:1-11
26th. Saturday - Numbers 23, 24, 25, Luke 6:1-26, Psalm 37:21-31
_________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 774 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 8 published books
httpv://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“It is written, that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
Luke 4:4”
__________
PRAISE THE LORD, I’M BACK
It seems that my problems are the result of a bad disk and pinched nerves in my neck and not my right hand, I am on therapy for a while and the hand is slowiy coming right with my own routines. I still can’t write script, feed myself well enough to eat in company, or really type on the computer with more than two fingers.
› Visit Amazon's P J Mills Page
Saturday, March 12, 2011
JOHN THE FORERUNNER
It seems that my problems are SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES WITH BOB
Newsletter 234 March 13, 2011
Luke 1:5-17 (King James Version)
5 THERE was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. (Matthew 2:1, 1Chronicles 24:10)
6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. Genesis 7,1. Acts 2:25, Acts 8:21, Philippians 2:15, Philippians 3:6, 1 Thessalonians 3:13)
7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, (1 Chronicles 24:19, 2 Chronicles 8:14, 2 Chronicles 32:1)
9 According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. (Exodus 30:21)
10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. (Leviticus 16:17)
11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. (Luke 2:9, Acts 5:19)
12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. (Luke 2:9)
13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. (Matthew 14:27, Luke 1:30, Luke 1:60, Luke 1:63)
14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. (Numbers 6:3, Judges 13:4, Matthew 11:18, Luke 7:33)
16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. (Matthew 3:2, Matthew 3:6, Luke 3:3)
17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. (Luke 1:76, Matthew 11:14. Malachi 4:6)
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
MARCH
13th. Sunday – Leviticus 25, Luke 1:1-25, Proverbs 7:1-5
14th. Monday – Leviticus 26, 27, Luke 1:26-38, Psalm 34:1-7
15th. Tuesday – Numbers 1, Luke 1:39-56, Psalm 34:8-14
16th. Wednesday - Numbers 2, 3, Luke 1:57-80, Psalm 34:15-22
17th. Thursday - Numbers 4, Luke 2:1-20, Proverbs 7:6-20
18th. Friday – Numbers 5, 6, Luke 2:21-40, Psalm 35:1-10
19th. Saturday - Numbers 7, Luke 2:41-52, Psalm 35:11-18
_________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 773 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 8 published books
httpv://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“He came unto al the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;”
Luke 3:3
__________
PRAISE THE LORD, I’M BACKthe result of a bad disk and pinched nerves in my neck and not my right hand, I am on therapy for a while and the hand is slowiy coming right with my own routines. I still can’t write script, feed myself well enough to eat in company, or really type on the computer with more than two fingers.
› Visit Amazon's P J Mills Page
Do you have a new e-book reader? Even if you don’t, you can still read ebooks on your computer. I have downloaded the new English Standard Bible and stacks of classics at no charge at all, using Amazon’s free downloaded software. (Also for Ipad, Mac. Iphone, PC and almost anything else.) I have all Phyllis’ e-books. Not only that, even for recent books, you can download the opening chapter free, read it and see if you want to buy the whole book or not. One click changes the review to an order. If you read it you can also select the type size, highlight, add notes and place book marks at your leisure. I am highlighting my Bible now, the next reading, I plan to add notes and comments in the sidebar. I am reading books I had heard of but never seen, even in a second hand bookstore! It only took a few minutes to select, download and start reading them. When I am done, I can either choose to keep them in the computer or with a flick of a finger, erase them, as I have done a few that I don’t expect to ever read again. I doubt if I will ever read “The Tale of two Cities” again but so far I just left it there. The same is true of “The House of Seven Gables,” But “Pilgrim’s Progress” I will keep.
__________
It Takes Fifty Years To Learn...
1. If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved and never will achieve its full potential, that word would be "meetings."
2. There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
3. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
4. You should not confuse your career with your life.
5. Never lick a steak knife.
6. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.
7. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.
8. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age eleven.
9. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.
10. A person who is nice to you but rude to a waiter is not a nice person. (This is very important. Pay attention. It never fails.)
Newsletter 234 March 13, 2011
Luke 1:5-17 (King James Version)
5 THERE was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. (Matthew 2:1, 1Chronicles 24:10)
6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. Genesis 7,1. Acts 2:25, Acts 8:21, Philippians 2:15, Philippians 3:6, 1 Thessalonians 3:13)
7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, (1 Chronicles 24:19, 2 Chronicles 8:14, 2 Chronicles 32:1)
9 According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. (Exodus 30:21)
10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. (Leviticus 16:17)
11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. (Luke 2:9, Acts 5:19)
12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. (Luke 2:9)
13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. (Matthew 14:27, Luke 1:30, Luke 1:60, Luke 1:63)
14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. (Numbers 6:3, Judges 13:4, Matthew 11:18, Luke 7:33)
16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. (Matthew 3:2, Matthew 3:6, Luke 3:3)
17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. (Luke 1:76, Matthew 11:14. Malachi 4:6)
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
MARCH
13th. Sunday – Leviticus 25, Luke 1:1-25, Proverbs 7:1-5
14th. Monday – Leviticus 26, 27, Luke 1:26-38, Psalm 34:1-7
15th. Tuesday – Numbers 1, Luke 1:39-56, Psalm 34:8-14
16th. Wednesday - Numbers 2, 3, Luke 1:57-80, Psalm 34:15-22
17th. Thursday - Numbers 4, Luke 2:1-20, Proverbs 7:6-20
18th. Friday – Numbers 5, 6, Luke 2:21-40, Psalm 35:1-10
19th. Saturday - Numbers 7, Luke 2:41-52, Psalm 35:11-18
_________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 773 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 8 published books
httpv://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“He came unto al the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;”
Luke 3:3
__________
PRAISE THE LORD, I’M BACKthe result of a bad disk and pinched nerves in my neck and not my right hand, I am on therapy for a while and the hand is slowiy coming right with my own routines. I still can’t write script, feed myself well enough to eat in company, or really type on the computer with more than two fingers.
› Visit Amazon's P J Mills Page
Do you have a new e-book reader? Even if you don’t, you can still read ebooks on your computer. I have downloaded the new English Standard Bible and stacks of classics at no charge at all, using Amazon’s free downloaded software. (Also for Ipad, Mac. Iphone, PC and almost anything else.) I have all Phyllis’ e-books. Not only that, even for recent books, you can download the opening chapter free, read it and see if you want to buy the whole book or not. One click changes the review to an order. If you read it you can also select the type size, highlight, add notes and place book marks at your leisure. I am highlighting my Bible now, the next reading, I plan to add notes and comments in the sidebar. I am reading books I had heard of but never seen, even in a second hand bookstore! It only took a few minutes to select, download and start reading them. When I am done, I can either choose to keep them in the computer or with a flick of a finger, erase them, as I have done a few that I don’t expect to ever read again. I doubt if I will ever read “The Tale of two Cities” again but so far I just left it there. The same is true of “The House of Seven Gables,” But “Pilgrim’s Progress” I will keep.
__________
It Takes Fifty Years To Learn...
1. If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved and never will achieve its full potential, that word would be "meetings."
2. There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
3. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
4. You should not confuse your career with your life.
5. Never lick a steak knife.
6. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.
7. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.
8. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age eleven.
9. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.
10. A person who is nice to you but rude to a waiter is not a nice person. (This is very important. Pay attention. It never fails.)
Saturday, February 19, 2011
THE PARALYTIC HEALED
Newsletter 233 February 18, 2011
Mark 2:1-14
CAPERNAUM
This chapter of Mark’s book is filled with things that Jesus did; not so much what he said. We can know what he was saying as that is covered in the other books. I personally find the healing of the paralytic man to stand out from many of the others. That is probably because it is so graphic in nature and I may have seen the ruins of the building where it took place. Very near the ancient synagogue in Capernaum there are also the ruins of a house, reported to have been that of Simon Peter. If Jesus was staying in a house there, where better could he be than in Peter’s house? Typically, it had a flat roof made up of large tiles supported by cross beams and sealed with plaster to make it water proof. That plaster could easily be broken and the tiles lifted. Access to the roof was common as it served s a quiet, and cool deck for evening use and even as a sleeping place during the heat of the Summer. I picture all of the apostles doing that after a long day with the Lord..
1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.
On this occasion, as he was teaching in the house in a packed room, the friends of the paralytic found that they could not get into the room with their friend on his mat, so they went to the roof, broke through the plaster, and lifting the tiles, they lowered him down before the Lord. I have personally experienced such gatherings.
2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. (Mark 1:45, Mark 2:13)
3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. (Mark 2:3-12, Matthew 9:2-8, Luke 5:18-26, Matthew 4:24)
4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. (Luke 5:19, Matthew 4:24)
They were confident that, if they could reach Jesus, he would help them, and he did. But, note that he went beyond what they asked. Jesus used all his miracles to show his divinity, more than just for what was asked. Only God could forgive sins. He forgave the man’s sins first, then healed him.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. (Matthew 9:2)
Even in Galilee, there were those, here the scribes, who were seeking to destroy his message and deny his divinity. They did not even have to say anything, Jesus
Knew what was in their hearts just as he knows what is in our hearts today. Nothing is hidden from God. We are to be judged by what is in our hearsts as well as what is expressed and done.
6 But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,
7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? (Isaiah 43:25)
8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?
Four men brought him in, but he walked out on his own, cured. We can walk into a place of worship a sinner and walk out a saint through the power of Jesus Christ. In our hearts we repent of our sins, with our mouth we confess the divinity of our Lord, and we are freed of our sins through obedience to him in Christian baptism. We, with the Spirit, walk out a changed person. I have seen it happen time and times again.
9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? (Matthew 4:24)
10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,
11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion. (Matthew 9:8, Matthew 9:33)
13 And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them. (Mark 1:45)
14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him. (Mark 2:14-17, Matthew 9:9-13, Luk2 5:27-32, Matthew 9:9, Matthew 8:22)
__________
RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
FEBRUARY
20th. Sunday – Exodus 23,24, Mark 5:1-20, Psalm 23
21st. Monday – Exodus 25, 26, Mark 5:21-43, Proverbs 5:15-23
22nd. Tuesday – Exodus 27, 28, Mark 6:1-29, Psalm 24
23rd. Wednesday-- Exodus 29, 30, Mark 6:30-56, Psalm 25:1-11
24th. Thursday -- Exodus 31, 32, Mark 7, Psalm 25:12-22
25th. Friday – Exodus 33, 34, Mark 8, Proverbs 6:1-11
26th. Saturday-- Exodus 35, 36, Mark 9:1-32, Psalm 26
_________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 772 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Be Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 8 published books
__
________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. ”
John 1:4
__________
See Spot Talk...
A guy is driving around and he sees a sign in front of a house: "Talking Dog For Sale."
He rings the bell, and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard. The guy goes around the house and into the backyard and sees a handsome Labrador Retriever sitting there.
"You talk?" he asks.
"Yep," the Lab replies.
"So, what's your story?"
The Lab looks up and says, "Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young, and I wanted to help the government; so I told the CIA about my gift, and in no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping.
I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running. But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger so I wanted to settle down. I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security work, mostly wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals. I got married, had a mess of puppies, and now I'm just retired."
The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog.
"Ten dollars", says the owner.
The guy says, "This dog is amazing! Why on earth are you selling him so cheap?"
"Because he's a liar. He didn't do any of that stuff."
__________
PUBLICATION CLOSED FOR A BREAK FOR HEALTH REASONS. The evening of the 17th Bob lost all control over his right hand which just went limp and would not respond. A stroke was suspected, by all, including the hospital’s leading neurologist. The next two days were spent checking and double testing this, but Friday afternoon , after hours in the hospital’s huge MRI machine, it was decided it is not a stroke, but something else, and he was discharged and will go for outpatient cervical traction therapy. A damaged neck disk is suspected.
PUBLICATION WILL RESUME WHEN HE IS ABLE TO REGAIN THE USE OF HIS HAND.
_________
PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY NATION - Mark 16:15,16
Send us the addresses of friends whose home language is not English,
bob2search@yahoo.com
• Their name
• Their language of choice
• Their e-mail address
• And we will do the rest !
(We use Google Translator)
Mark 2:1-14
CAPERNAUM
This chapter of Mark’s book is filled with things that Jesus did; not so much what he said. We can know what he was saying as that is covered in the other books. I personally find the healing of the paralytic man to stand out from many of the others. That is probably because it is so graphic in nature and I may have seen the ruins of the building where it took place. Very near the ancient synagogue in Capernaum there are also the ruins of a house, reported to have been that of Simon Peter. If Jesus was staying in a house there, where better could he be than in Peter’s house? Typically, it had a flat roof made up of large tiles supported by cross beams and sealed with plaster to make it water proof. That plaster could easily be broken and the tiles lifted. Access to the roof was common as it served s a quiet, and cool deck for evening use and even as a sleeping place during the heat of the Summer. I picture all of the apostles doing that after a long day with the Lord..
1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.
On this occasion, as he was teaching in the house in a packed room, the friends of the paralytic found that they could not get into the room with their friend on his mat, so they went to the roof, broke through the plaster, and lifting the tiles, they lowered him down before the Lord. I have personally experienced such gatherings.
2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. (Mark 1:45, Mark 2:13)
3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. (Mark 2:3-12, Matthew 9:2-8, Luke 5:18-26, Matthew 4:24)
4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. (Luke 5:19, Matthew 4:24)
They were confident that, if they could reach Jesus, he would help them, and he did. But, note that he went beyond what they asked. Jesus used all his miracles to show his divinity, more than just for what was asked. Only God could forgive sins. He forgave the man’s sins first, then healed him.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. (Matthew 9:2)
Even in Galilee, there were those, here the scribes, who were seeking to destroy his message and deny his divinity. They did not even have to say anything, Jesus
Knew what was in their hearts just as he knows what is in our hearts today. Nothing is hidden from God. We are to be judged by what is in our hearsts as well as what is expressed and done.
6 But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,
7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? (Isaiah 43:25)
8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?
Four men brought him in, but he walked out on his own, cured. We can walk into a place of worship a sinner and walk out a saint through the power of Jesus Christ. In our hearts we repent of our sins, with our mouth we confess the divinity of our Lord, and we are freed of our sins through obedience to him in Christian baptism. We, with the Spirit, walk out a changed person. I have seen it happen time and times again.
9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? (Matthew 4:24)
10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,
11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion. (Matthew 9:8, Matthew 9:33)
13 And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them. (Mark 1:45)
14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him. (Mark 2:14-17, Matthew 9:9-13, Luk2 5:27-32, Matthew 9:9, Matthew 8:22)
__________
RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
FEBRUARY
20th. Sunday – Exodus 23,24, Mark 5:1-20, Psalm 23
21st. Monday – Exodus 25, 26, Mark 5:21-43, Proverbs 5:15-23
22nd. Tuesday – Exodus 27, 28, Mark 6:1-29, Psalm 24
23rd. Wednesday-- Exodus 29, 30, Mark 6:30-56, Psalm 25:1-11
24th. Thursday -- Exodus 31, 32, Mark 7, Psalm 25:12-22
25th. Friday – Exodus 33, 34, Mark 8, Proverbs 6:1-11
26th. Saturday-- Exodus 35, 36, Mark 9:1-32, Psalm 26
_________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 772 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Be Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 8 published books
__
________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. ”
John 1:4
__________
See Spot Talk...
A guy is driving around and he sees a sign in front of a house: "Talking Dog For Sale."
He rings the bell, and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard. The guy goes around the house and into the backyard and sees a handsome Labrador Retriever sitting there.
"You talk?" he asks.
"Yep," the Lab replies.
"So, what's your story?"
The Lab looks up and says, "Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young, and I wanted to help the government; so I told the CIA about my gift, and in no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping.
I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running. But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger so I wanted to settle down. I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security work, mostly wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals. I got married, had a mess of puppies, and now I'm just retired."
The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog.
"Ten dollars", says the owner.
The guy says, "This dog is amazing! Why on earth are you selling him so cheap?"
"Because he's a liar. He didn't do any of that stuff."
__________
PUBLICATION CLOSED FOR A BREAK FOR HEALTH REASONS. The evening of the 17th Bob lost all control over his right hand which just went limp and would not respond. A stroke was suspected, by all, including the hospital’s leading neurologist. The next two days were spent checking and double testing this, but Friday afternoon , after hours in the hospital’s huge MRI machine, it was decided it is not a stroke, but something else, and he was discharged and will go for outpatient cervical traction therapy. A damaged neck disk is suspected.
PUBLICATION WILL RESUME WHEN HE IS ABLE TO REGAIN THE USE OF HIS HAND.
_________
PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY NATION - Mark 16:15,16
Send us the addresses of friends whose home language is not English,
bob2search@yahoo.com
• Their name
• Their language of choice
• Their e-mail address
• And we will do the rest !
(We use Google Translator)
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
JESUS DIED FOR THE SINS OF THE WORLD
Newsletter 232 February 11, 2011
John 3:16
From the very beginning of time the creator, (John 1:3) knew that giving the right to make his own decisions would mean that mankind would make wrong choices as well as right ones, thus He also made a plan through which he could anticipate an eternity of fellowship with him. This required much love demonstrated through his own suffering and death upon the cross of Calvary, (John 3:16,17). This plan, the Gospel (good news). we are to make known to the whole world. (Matthew 28:18-19, Mark 16:15-16).
This good news is that all is not lost because we have sinned. He loved us enough to die for our sins,. He was buried and lay in the tomb three days. But, He arose from the grave. There is life beyond the grave, wonderful life for His own, and one that will last for ever, in a permanent home. This world’s home is very temporary, and very basic compared to what he s preparing for the faithful.
His own have gone through the same three stages. They have died to sin, (Repented). They have been buried in the waters of baptism, and they have arisen from that grave, changed beings, free of their sins, and having the indwelling gift of the Hold Spirit. Christians are born again, and their destination is not in this world, but to be with God in Heaven,.
Matthew 27:45-56 (King James Version)
45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. (Mark 15:33-41, Luke 23:44-49)
This would have been from our noon until 3:00 pm
46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? (Psalm 22:1)
Jesus used Hebrew to address God Eli, and Aramaic for the other two words. It was important that the hearers also heard and understood.
47 Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.
48 And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. (Psalm 69:21, Mark 15:36, Luke 23:36, John 19:29)
This drink might have prolonged his life, but would have resulted in his legs being broken as were those of the thieves. None of His bones were to be broken in fulfillment of prophesy.
49 The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. (John 19:34)
50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. (Mark 15:37, Luke 23:46, John 19:30)im.
He chose when he would die.
51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; (Matthew 27:51-56, Mark 15:38-47, Luke 23:47-48, Exodus 26:31, Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45, Hebrews 9:3, Matthew 27:54)
Only God could have torn away this massive curtain which separated the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies in the temple. This symbolized the fact that now saints have direct access to God and Heaven, His residence.
52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, (Acts 7:60)
These saints arose from the dead to join the Lord who had opened the way.
53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. (Matthew 4:5)
Their appearance to the people of the city gives undeniable proof of life after the separation that we call “death.”
54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. (Mark 15:39, Luke 23:47, Matthew 27:36, Matthew 27:51, Matthew 4:3, Matthew 27:43)
Those who witnessed these things, even the pagan Romans, believed,
55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: (Mark 15:40, Luke 23:49, John 19:25, Mark 15:41, Luke 8:2-3)
56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children. (Matthew 28:1, Mark 15:40, Mark 15:47, Mark 16:9, Luke 8:2, John 19:25, John 20:1, John 20:18, Matthew 20:20)
__________
RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
FEBRUARY
13th. Sunday – Exodus 9, 10, Matthew 28, Proverbs 4:20-27
14th. Monday – Exodus 11, 12, Mark 1:1-27, Psalm 21:1-7
15th. Tuesday – Exodus 13, 14, Mark 1:28-45, Psalm 21:8-13
16th. Wednesday-- Exodus 15, 16, Mark 2, Psalm 22:1-8
17th. Thursday - Exodus 17, 18, Mark 3, Proverbs 5:1-14
18th. Friday – Exodus 19, 20, Mark 4:1-25, Psalm 22:9-18
19th. Saturday-- Exodus 21, 22, Mark 4:26-41, Psalm 22:19-31
_________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 771 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 8 published books
httpv://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said , Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:15,16
__________
Duck Tales...
Three women die together in an accident and go to heaven. When they get there, St. Peter says, "We only have one rule here in heaven: don't step on the ducks!"
So they enter heaven, and sure enough, there are ducks all over the place. It is almost impossible not to step on a duck, and although they try their best to avoid them, the first woman accidentally steps on one.
Along comes St. Peter with the ugliest man she ever saw.
St. Peter chains them together and says, "Your punishment for stepping on a duck is to spend eternity chained to this ugly man!" The next day, the second woman steps accidentally on a duck and along comes St. Peter, who doesn't miss a thing. With him is another extremely ugly man. He chains them together with the same admonishment as for the first woman.
The third woman has observed all this and, not wanting to be chained for all eternity to an ugly man, is very, VERY careful where she steps.
She manages to go months without stepping on any ducks, but one day St. Peter comes up to her with the most handsome man she has ever laid eyes on ... very tall, long eyelashes, muscular, and thin. St. Peter chains them together without saying a word.
The happy woman says, "I wonder what I did to deserve being chained to you for all of eternity?"
The guy says, "I don't know about you, but I stepped on a duck!"
John 3:16
From the very beginning of time the creator, (John 1:3) knew that giving the right to make his own decisions would mean that mankind would make wrong choices as well as right ones, thus He also made a plan through which he could anticipate an eternity of fellowship with him. This required much love demonstrated through his own suffering and death upon the cross of Calvary, (John 3:16,17). This plan, the Gospel (good news). we are to make known to the whole world. (Matthew 28:18-19, Mark 16:15-16).
This good news is that all is not lost because we have sinned. He loved us enough to die for our sins,. He was buried and lay in the tomb three days. But, He arose from the grave. There is life beyond the grave, wonderful life for His own, and one that will last for ever, in a permanent home. This world’s home is very temporary, and very basic compared to what he s preparing for the faithful.
His own have gone through the same three stages. They have died to sin, (Repented). They have been buried in the waters of baptism, and they have arisen from that grave, changed beings, free of their sins, and having the indwelling gift of the Hold Spirit. Christians are born again, and their destination is not in this world, but to be with God in Heaven,.
Matthew 27:45-56 (King James Version)
45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. (Mark 15:33-41, Luke 23:44-49)
This would have been from our noon until 3:00 pm
46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? (Psalm 22:1)
Jesus used Hebrew to address God Eli, and Aramaic for the other two words. It was important that the hearers also heard and understood.
47 Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.
48 And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. (Psalm 69:21, Mark 15:36, Luke 23:36, John 19:29)
This drink might have prolonged his life, but would have resulted in his legs being broken as were those of the thieves. None of His bones were to be broken in fulfillment of prophesy.
49 The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. (John 19:34)
50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. (Mark 15:37, Luke 23:46, John 19:30)im.
He chose when he would die.
51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; (Matthew 27:51-56, Mark 15:38-47, Luke 23:47-48, Exodus 26:31, Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45, Hebrews 9:3, Matthew 27:54)
Only God could have torn away this massive curtain which separated the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies in the temple. This symbolized the fact that now saints have direct access to God and Heaven, His residence.
52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, (Acts 7:60)
These saints arose from the dead to join the Lord who had opened the way.
53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. (Matthew 4:5)
Their appearance to the people of the city gives undeniable proof of life after the separation that we call “death.”
54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. (Mark 15:39, Luke 23:47, Matthew 27:36, Matthew 27:51, Matthew 4:3, Matthew 27:43)
Those who witnessed these things, even the pagan Romans, believed,
55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: (Mark 15:40, Luke 23:49, John 19:25, Mark 15:41, Luke 8:2-3)
56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children. (Matthew 28:1, Mark 15:40, Mark 15:47, Mark 16:9, Luke 8:2, John 19:25, John 20:1, John 20:18, Matthew 20:20)
__________
RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
FEBRUARY
13th. Sunday – Exodus 9, 10, Matthew 28, Proverbs 4:20-27
14th. Monday – Exodus 11, 12, Mark 1:1-27, Psalm 21:1-7
15th. Tuesday – Exodus 13, 14, Mark 1:28-45, Psalm 21:8-13
16th. Wednesday-- Exodus 15, 16, Mark 2, Psalm 22:1-8
17th. Thursday - Exodus 17, 18, Mark 3, Proverbs 5:1-14
18th. Friday – Exodus 19, 20, Mark 4:1-25, Psalm 22:9-18
19th. Saturday-- Exodus 21, 22, Mark 4:26-41, Psalm 22:19-31
_________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 771 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 8 published books
httpv://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said , Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:15,16
__________
Duck Tales...
Three women die together in an accident and go to heaven. When they get there, St. Peter says, "We only have one rule here in heaven: don't step on the ducks!"
So they enter heaven, and sure enough, there are ducks all over the place. It is almost impossible not to step on a duck, and although they try their best to avoid them, the first woman accidentally steps on one.
Along comes St. Peter with the ugliest man she ever saw.
St. Peter chains them together and says, "Your punishment for stepping on a duck is to spend eternity chained to this ugly man!" The next day, the second woman steps accidentally on a duck and along comes St. Peter, who doesn't miss a thing. With him is another extremely ugly man. He chains them together with the same admonishment as for the first woman.
The third woman has observed all this and, not wanting to be chained for all eternity to an ugly man, is very, VERY careful where she steps.
She manages to go months without stepping on any ducks, but one day St. Peter comes up to her with the most handsome man she has ever laid eyes on ... very tall, long eyelashes, muscular, and thin. St. Peter chains them together without saying a word.
The happy woman says, "I wonder what I did to deserve being chained to you for all of eternity?"
The guy says, "I don't know about you, but I stepped on a duck!"
Thursday, February 3, 2011
AND THEN SHALL THE END COME!
Newsletter 231 February 4, 2011
Matthew 24:1-14 (King James Version)
Our scripture for today begins with the apostles calling the attention of Jesus to the temple of Herod the great. It had been, at that time, under construction some twenty years and was still being worked on seventy years later when it was totally destroyed by the Romans. Some of the stones being used in this work measured forty feet by twelve feet, by twelve feet. These still remain having been incorporated into the foundation wall at which many orthodox Jews still today gather to weep over the destruction of the temple itself. If this temple building still existed, Christians and Jews alike would have made it into an idol by this time, forgetting that we, ourselves, are the temple and God dwells within us.
1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. (Matthew 21:23)
2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. (Luke 19:44)
Keep in mind that when the construction began, many wept, because it was not going to nearly approach the beauty of Solomon’s temple.
3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? (Matthew 21:1)
Most of the prophecies of the end of the world, deal with the people, and the sinful lives of mankind, as in the days of Noah before the flood. This time, when the disciples asked for more information, he uses their question to explain end times. He used nature and the world itself. In another scripture, he refers to end times, telling them that it is like the fig tree. When you see it leafing, you know spring is near. The Mount of Olives provides a panoramic view of all of Old Jerusalem. The Temple site is directly west and lower, you can see over the walls and up the slope to the wall on the far side of the city. That is why, our tour bus began from that spot. It is probably about where this discussion took place.
4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. (Jeremiah 29:8)
5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (Matthew 24:11, Matthew 24:24, Acts 5:36, 1 John 2:18, 1 John 4:3)
When Christ returns, he will not arise from among men. He shall come from heaven and there will be no question, everyone shall know, and every knee shall bow before him. He has not yet come. And as we read on, there are things still to come to be, but it is nearing. We can see that as well. en, he will descend
6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. (Revelation 6:4)
There will continue to be wars, famines, earthquakes and we could add meteors, volcanoes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and epidemics. Aside from the wars, the rest of these are all things happening in nature, just gone wild in intensity and frequency..
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. (2 Chronicles 15:6, Isaiah 19:2, Revelation 6:8, Revelation 6:12, Acts 11:28, Revelation 6:5-6)
But, these only indicate the beginning. More is to come!
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:8-20, Luke 21:12-24)
9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. (Matthew 10:17, John 16:2, Matthew 10:22, John 1518-)
10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. (Matthew 11:6)
In many parts of the world, the things are already happening, the evil pitted against the Godly. Even among the Godly, thee shall be false against true..
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. (Matthew 7:15, Matthew 24:24)
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
The result shall be that even those of faith, will grow discouraged and grow cold.
13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (Matthew 10:22)
14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (Matthew 14:23, Romans 10:18, Colossians 1:6, Colossians 1:23, Luke 2:1, Luke 4:5, Acts 11:28, Acts 17:6, Acts 17:31, Acts 19:27, Romans 10:18, Hebrews 1:5, Hebrews 2:5, Revelation 3:10, Revelation 16:14)
__________
RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010
FEBRUARY
6th. Sunday – Job 34, 35, 36, Matthew 25:1-23, Psalm 18:25-36
7th. Monday – Job 37, 38, Matthew25:24-46, Psalm 18:37-42
8th. Tuesday – Job 39, 40, Matthew 26:1-30, Psalm 18:43-50
9th. Wednesday-- Job 41, 42, Matthew 26:31-56, Proverbs 4:10-19
10th. Thursday - Exodus 1, 2, 3, Matthew 26:57-75, Psalm 19:1-6
11th. Friday – Exodus 4, 5, Matthew 27:1-31, Psalm 19:7-14
12th. Saturday-- Exodus 6, 7, 8, Matthew 27:32-66, Psalm 20
_________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 732 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 8 published books
httpv://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: ”
Matthew 12:35
__________
www.andiesisle.com
____________
OLD MAN - NEW CAR
A senior citizen drove his brand new Corvette convertible out of the dealership.
Taking off down the road, he floored it to 80 m.p.h., enjoying the wind blowing through what little hair he had left.
"Amazing," he thought as he flew down I-20, pushing the pedal even more.
Looking in his rear view mirror, he saw a state trooper behind him, lights flashing and siren blaring.
He floored it to 100 mph, then 110, then 120.
Suddenly he thought, "What am I doing? I'm too old for this," and pulled over to await the trooper's arrival.
Pulling in behind him, the trooper walked up to the Corvette, looked at his watch, and said, "Sir, my shift ends in 30 minutes. Today is Friday.
If you can give me a reason for speeding that I've never heard before, I'll let you go."
The old gentleman paused. Then said, "Years ago, my wife ran off with a State trooper.
I thought you were bringing her back."
"Have a good day, sir," replied the trooper.
Matthew 24:1-14 (King James Version)
Our scripture for today begins with the apostles calling the attention of Jesus to the temple of Herod the great. It had been, at that time, under construction some twenty years and was still being worked on seventy years later when it was totally destroyed by the Romans. Some of the stones being used in this work measured forty feet by twelve feet, by twelve feet. These still remain having been incorporated into the foundation wall at which many orthodox Jews still today gather to weep over the destruction of the temple itself. If this temple building still existed, Christians and Jews alike would have made it into an idol by this time, forgetting that we, ourselves, are the temple and God dwells within us.
1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. (Matthew 21:23)
2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. (Luke 19:44)
Keep in mind that when the construction began, many wept, because it was not going to nearly approach the beauty of Solomon’s temple.
3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? (Matthew 21:1)
Most of the prophecies of the end of the world, deal with the people, and the sinful lives of mankind, as in the days of Noah before the flood. This time, when the disciples asked for more information, he uses their question to explain end times. He used nature and the world itself. In another scripture, he refers to end times, telling them that it is like the fig tree. When you see it leafing, you know spring is near. The Mount of Olives provides a panoramic view of all of Old Jerusalem. The Temple site is directly west and lower, you can see over the walls and up the slope to the wall on the far side of the city. That is why, our tour bus began from that spot. It is probably about where this discussion took place.
4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. (Jeremiah 29:8)
5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (Matthew 24:11, Matthew 24:24, Acts 5:36, 1 John 2:18, 1 John 4:3)
When Christ returns, he will not arise from among men. He shall come from heaven and there will be no question, everyone shall know, and every knee shall bow before him. He has not yet come. And as we read on, there are things still to come to be, but it is nearing. We can see that as well. en, he will descend
6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. (Revelation 6:4)
There will continue to be wars, famines, earthquakes and we could add meteors, volcanoes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and epidemics. Aside from the wars, the rest of these are all things happening in nature, just gone wild in intensity and frequency..
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. (2 Chronicles 15:6, Isaiah 19:2, Revelation 6:8, Revelation 6:12, Acts 11:28, Revelation 6:5-6)
But, these only indicate the beginning. More is to come!
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:8-20, Luke 21:12-24)
9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. (Matthew 10:17, John 16:2, Matthew 10:22, John 1518-)
10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. (Matthew 11:6)
In many parts of the world, the things are already happening, the evil pitted against the Godly. Even among the Godly, thee shall be false against true..
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. (Matthew 7:15, Matthew 24:24)
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
The result shall be that even those of faith, will grow discouraged and grow cold.
13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (Matthew 10:22)
14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (Matthew 14:23, Romans 10:18, Colossians 1:6, Colossians 1:23, Luke 2:1, Luke 4:5, Acts 11:28, Acts 17:6, Acts 17:31, Acts 19:27, Romans 10:18, Hebrews 1:5, Hebrews 2:5, Revelation 3:10, Revelation 16:14)
__________
RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010
FEBRUARY
6th. Sunday – Job 34, 35, 36, Matthew 25:1-23, Psalm 18:25-36
7th. Monday – Job 37, 38, Matthew25:24-46, Psalm 18:37-42
8th. Tuesday – Job 39, 40, Matthew 26:1-30, Psalm 18:43-50
9th. Wednesday-- Job 41, 42, Matthew 26:31-56, Proverbs 4:10-19
10th. Thursday - Exodus 1, 2, 3, Matthew 26:57-75, Psalm 19:1-6
11th. Friday – Exodus 4, 5, Matthew 27:1-31, Psalm 19:7-14
12th. Saturday-- Exodus 6, 7, 8, Matthew 27:32-66, Psalm 20
_________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 732 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 8 published books
httpv://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: ”
Matthew 12:35
__________
www.andiesisle.com
____________
OLD MAN - NEW CAR
A senior citizen drove his brand new Corvette convertible out of the dealership.
Taking off down the road, he floored it to 80 m.p.h., enjoying the wind blowing through what little hair he had left.
"Amazing," he thought as he flew down I-20, pushing the pedal even more.
Looking in his rear view mirror, he saw a state trooper behind him, lights flashing and siren blaring.
He floored it to 100 mph, then 110, then 120.
Suddenly he thought, "What am I doing? I'm too old for this," and pulled over to await the trooper's arrival.
Pulling in behind him, the trooper walked up to the Corvette, looked at his watch, and said, "Sir, my shift ends in 30 minutes. Today is Friday.
If you can give me a reason for speeding that I've never heard before, I'll let you go."
The old gentleman paused. Then said, "Years ago, my wife ran off with a State trooper.
I thought you were bringing her back."
"Have a good day, sir," replied the trooper.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
LET ME BE FIRST
Newsletter 230 January 28, 2011
I have just completed reading the book, “House of the Seven Gables” authored by Nathaniel Hawthorne. It was published in the mid-nineteenth century after Mr. Hawthorne had lived in Salem and seen an actual house that inspired his imagination. It seems that there exists in the documents of Waldo County a record of similar incidents which occurred in such a house.
It being Salem, a wealthy man owned the site next to a poor man’s home, and in order to build a giant English style castle of a house he declared his neighbor to be a witch and had him hanged. In the process the man seemed to cast a spell on his tormentor, and that he and his descendents would die choking on blood. The third one to do so also had delusions of his own importance and wealth, and the story leads up to his death and restores the property to the original families through the descendents of both.
The whole story began with the fact that a man of great wealth coveted the tiny bit of land on which his neighbor had built his tiny home. His covetousness led to his lying, and his lies to murder. That murder resulted in a whole series of evil results. The same sort of situation resulted when King David looked down upon his neighbor’s rooftop and coveted Bathsheba. In this text, Jesus knips it in the bud when the mother of James and John came seeking a position of influence and power for her sons in His kingdom to come.
Matthew (King James Version)
20:20-28
20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedees children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. (Matthew 10:35-45, Mark, Matthew 4:21, Matthew 10:2, Matthew 8:2)
I learned long ago, when sons-in-law, or really anyone, comes asking, “do me a favor,” the only possible reply is, “what is it?”
21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. (Matthew 19:28)
Clearly, they had no idea what they were asking, and his reply shows that. With any commitment there is a result. You are setting in motion a whole series of possible future events. Sign surety for a car or a house and you are actually just buying that item as a gift. They are asking, because they have a bad record, and you haven’t. Matthew Henry sums it up, “Nothing makes more mischief among brethren, than desire for greatness.” Jesus knew that they would all suffer for their faith, and would all die a martyr’s death except John.
22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. (Isaiah 51:17, Jeremiah 49:12, Matthew 26:39, Matthew 26:42, Luke 22:42John 18:11)
Here again, their reply, shows that they have no idea what they are really asking for. Had he told them, they would have fled in fear, losing their reward, a reward of far greater value than anything they could possibly suffer.
23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. (Acts 12:2, Revelation 1:9, Matthew 13:11, Matthew 25:34)
24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.
25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. (Matthew 20:25-28, Luke 22:25-27)
The goals of the world are wealth, power, prestige, but all these things are of this earth only. None of them carry over into eternity. When we died to sin, were buried in baptism, and arose to a new life, we were showing our trust in Him. We were starting over, born anew to live for ever. It does not bother me that ninety percent of my wardrobe was worn by someone else several years ago. He will provide all that we need.
26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; (Matthew 23:11, Mark 9:35, Mark 10:43, Luke 22:26)
Almost weekly, this past year, I have been asked if I did not want to work for another degree, free tuition even. What would I use it for? So I could add “Dr” to my signature? I leave that to those who need it because they are teachers by profession. We all can and should serve.
27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Matthew 8:20, Matthew 26:28, John 13:13+, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Philippians 2:7, 1 Timothy 2:6, Titus 2:14, Hebrews 9:28, Revelation 1:5)
We are his disciples just passing along His message. (Matthew 28:20)
__________
RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
JANUARY
30th. Sunday – Job 16, 17, 18, Matthew 21:29-46, Psalm 17:6-10
31st. Monday – Job 19, 20, Matthew 22:1-22, Psalm 17:11-15
FEBRUARY
1st. Tuesday – Job 21, 22, Matthew 22:23-48, Proverbs 3:21-35
2nd. Wednesday-- Job 23, 24, 25, Matthew 23:1-22. Psalm 18:1-6
3rd. Thursday - Job 26, 27, 28, 28, Matthew 23:23-39, Psalm 18:7-15
4th. Friday – Job 29, 30, 31, Matthew 24:1-25, Psalm 18:16-24
5th. Saturday-- Job 32, 33, Matthew 24:26-51, Proverbs 4:1-9
_________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 734 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 8 published books
httpv://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
God’s gifts cannot be bought
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“Whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.”
Matthew 12:32
__________
You Never Know What You're Gonna Get...
Sally was driving home from one of her business trips in Northern Arizona when she saw an elderly Navajo woman walking on the side of the road. As the trip was a long and quiet one, she stopped the car and asked the Navajo woman if she would like a ride.
With a silent nod of thanks, the woman got into the car. Resuming the journey, Sally tried in vain to make a bit of small talk with the Navajo woman.
The old woman just sat silently, looking intently at everything she saw, studying every little detail, until she noticed a pink bag on the seat next to Sally.
"What in bag?" asked the old woman.
Sally looked down at the white bag and said, "It's a box of chocolates. I got it for my husband".
The Navajo woman was silent for another moment or two. Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said: "Good trade."
---------------
Gmail users, follow our Buzz entries
I have just completed reading the book, “House of the Seven Gables” authored by Nathaniel Hawthorne. It was published in the mid-nineteenth century after Mr. Hawthorne had lived in Salem and seen an actual house that inspired his imagination. It seems that there exists in the documents of Waldo County a record of similar incidents which occurred in such a house.
It being Salem, a wealthy man owned the site next to a poor man’s home, and in order to build a giant English style castle of a house he declared his neighbor to be a witch and had him hanged. In the process the man seemed to cast a spell on his tormentor, and that he and his descendents would die choking on blood. The third one to do so also had delusions of his own importance and wealth, and the story leads up to his death and restores the property to the original families through the descendents of both.
The whole story began with the fact that a man of great wealth coveted the tiny bit of land on which his neighbor had built his tiny home. His covetousness led to his lying, and his lies to murder. That murder resulted in a whole series of evil results. The same sort of situation resulted when King David looked down upon his neighbor’s rooftop and coveted Bathsheba. In this text, Jesus knips it in the bud when the mother of James and John came seeking a position of influence and power for her sons in His kingdom to come.
Matthew (King James Version)
20:20-28
20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedees children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. (Matthew 10:35-45, Mark, Matthew 4:21, Matthew 10:2, Matthew 8:2)
I learned long ago, when sons-in-law, or really anyone, comes asking, “do me a favor,” the only possible reply is, “what is it?”
21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. (Matthew 19:28)
Clearly, they had no idea what they were asking, and his reply shows that. With any commitment there is a result. You are setting in motion a whole series of possible future events. Sign surety for a car or a house and you are actually just buying that item as a gift. They are asking, because they have a bad record, and you haven’t. Matthew Henry sums it up, “Nothing makes more mischief among brethren, than desire for greatness.” Jesus knew that they would all suffer for their faith, and would all die a martyr’s death except John.
22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. (Isaiah 51:17, Jeremiah 49:12, Matthew 26:39, Matthew 26:42, Luke 22:42John 18:11)
Here again, their reply, shows that they have no idea what they are really asking for. Had he told them, they would have fled in fear, losing their reward, a reward of far greater value than anything they could possibly suffer.
23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. (Acts 12:2, Revelation 1:9, Matthew 13:11, Matthew 25:34)
24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.
25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. (Matthew 20:25-28, Luke 22:25-27)
The goals of the world are wealth, power, prestige, but all these things are of this earth only. None of them carry over into eternity. When we died to sin, were buried in baptism, and arose to a new life, we were showing our trust in Him. We were starting over, born anew to live for ever. It does not bother me that ninety percent of my wardrobe was worn by someone else several years ago. He will provide all that we need.
26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; (Matthew 23:11, Mark 9:35, Mark 10:43, Luke 22:26)
Almost weekly, this past year, I have been asked if I did not want to work for another degree, free tuition even. What would I use it for? So I could add “Dr” to my signature? I leave that to those who need it because they are teachers by profession. We all can and should serve.
27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Matthew 8:20, Matthew 26:28, John 13:13+, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Philippians 2:7, 1 Timothy 2:6, Titus 2:14, Hebrews 9:28, Revelation 1:5)
We are his disciples just passing along His message. (Matthew 28:20)
__________
RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
JANUARY
30th. Sunday – Job 16, 17, 18, Matthew 21:29-46, Psalm 17:6-10
31st. Monday – Job 19, 20, Matthew 22:1-22, Psalm 17:11-15
FEBRUARY
1st. Tuesday – Job 21, 22, Matthew 22:23-48, Proverbs 3:21-35
2nd. Wednesday-- Job 23, 24, 25, Matthew 23:1-22. Psalm 18:1-6
3rd. Thursday - Job 26, 27, 28, 28, Matthew 23:23-39, Psalm 18:7-15
4th. Friday – Job 29, 30, 31, Matthew 24:1-25, Psalm 18:16-24
5th. Saturday-- Job 32, 33, Matthew 24:26-51, Proverbs 4:1-9
_________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 734 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 8 published books
httpv://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
God’s gifts cannot be bought
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“Whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.”
Matthew 12:32
__________
You Never Know What You're Gonna Get...
Sally was driving home from one of her business trips in Northern Arizona when she saw an elderly Navajo woman walking on the side of the road. As the trip was a long and quiet one, she stopped the car and asked the Navajo woman if she would like a ride.
With a silent nod of thanks, the woman got into the car. Resuming the journey, Sally tried in vain to make a bit of small talk with the Navajo woman.
The old woman just sat silently, looking intently at everything she saw, studying every little detail, until she noticed a pink bag on the seat next to Sally.
"What in bag?" asked the old woman.
Sally looked down at the white bag and said, "It's a box of chocolates. I got it for my husband".
The Navajo woman was silent for another moment or two. Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said: "Good trade."
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