Newsletter 281 February 5, 2012
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Matthew 21:33-45 King James Version
Webster’s defines a parable to be “a story that illustrates a moral lesson.” After our retirement, I worked as a volunteer filing the records of a Christian Care Center. They always had a stack of unfiled records. There were certain levels of division in everything to be placed in the folder, usually of an individual staff member or resident. In most cases, the proper name was not sufficient. That was only the first step. The second step was the position in the file. There were several things to consider, insurance, why they had a file at all, if tie document dealt with finances, and so on.
Jesus taught with stories. We call them parables. There was always a literal application, and many of those who heard them only heard the stories as stories. Many of the children’s stories, fairy tales, are like that. They have a literal meaning, and the children usually hear that, but as they grow more mature, they realize, no, there is more to that than just a simple story. Some were political in meaning, some otherwise.
The Pharisees knew the scriptures well. Literally they felt they were superior to the masses who followed Jesus. They knew the law, they, like the rich young ruler on another occasion, strove to keep the law, and to just be sure, they had a whole system of protective fences set up. As examples, they tithed even the mint in the garden and the spices, and travelled only so many feet in the Sabbath Day, but they also made a whole set of methods to break the principle. You could leave an old shoe at the place where you had walked that legal distance, and this permitted going as far again, for the shoe was your property. You could declare your wealth “dedicated to God,” and neglect their widowed mother’s needs. This scripture is a parable, but it has a deeper meaning. The Pharisees saw it as a story, a liberal faith, would see that only, and say, “The Bible is full of fables.” The faithful follower of the Lord, looks for the real meaning, simply cloaked in the parable.
This is “another” parable. He had just told them of the parable of the two sons.
33 Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:
(Matthew 21:33-46, Mark 12:1-12, Luke 20:9-19, Isaiah 5:1-2, Matthew 20:1, Matthew 21:28,
Matthew 25:14)
This parable, concerns the church, which has the responsibility to carry God’s Word to the nations. God has sent His Word through prophets, angels and finally His own Son, Jesus Christ.
Judaism has never been particularly evangelistic. They accept proselytes, but don’t particularly go to the nations.
34 And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.
(Matthew 22:3)
As Jesus spoke with the Pharisees he reminds them that, as a people, they have beaten, killed and stoned the prophets, and rejected, even the angels that God has sent. In desperation, He finally gave His own Son. (John 3:16-17) Why, because He loved the entire world not only their nation. They are the husbandmen in this story. This is playing out a parallel to the garden of Eden and Adam and Eve. God made that very special place for them and they were there to care for it. When they sinned, they were put out. Even now, He is making another place ready for His own. We call it heaven.
35 And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.
36 Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.
(Matthew 22:4)
37 But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.
38 But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.
39 And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.
40 When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?
41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.
They here, pronounce judgment upon themselves. God does not judge in so much as He will enact the judgment we have brought upon ourselves by our daily lives.
Jesus is the one by which we measure ourselves. Few modern buildings really have a corner stone as such, but they all have a point from which all over measurement are taken. Jesus describes that point as “the head of the corner.” God so loved the world that he sent His Son to be the head of the corner. He was talking about the church! What the Jews did not do, He turned over to the Gentiles. But, if the Gentiles do not do it, what will He do? We have seen what He has done with nations. Powerful nations, even empires have risen and fallen or stagnated when they turned from the Word, to follow men, or men’s religions. Much of the world worships power and wealth these days. When God gives wealth, there is a reason, and it not for personal edification. With it, comes responsibility.
42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
Jesus applies this lesson to the individual. He is the point of reference, we rise and fall according to what we do with Jesus. Our nation will rise or fall according to what we do with Jesus. The whole “building” of the church, is measured from its point of reference Jesus Christ. That is what Jesus meant when He said to Peter, “Upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.”
45 And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012
FEBRUARY
5th. Sunday – Job 32, 33, Matthew 24:26-51, Proverbs 4:1-9
6th. Monday – Job 34, 35, 36, Matthew 25:1-23, Psalm 18:26-36
7th. Tuesday - Job 37, 38, Matthew 25:24-46, Psalm 18:37-42
8th. Wednesday - Job 39, 40, Matthew 26:1-30, Psalm 18:43-50
9th. Thursday - Job 41, 42, Matthew 26:31-56, Proverbs 4:10-19
10th. Friday – Exodus 1, 2, 3, Matthew 26:57-75, Psalm 19:1-6
11th. Saturday - Exodus 4, 5, Matthew 27:1-31, Psalm 19:7-14
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 807 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” – Matthew 7:13-14
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
________
Tidbits of Wit
It used to be only death and taxes were inevitable. Now, there's shipping and handling too!
Teacher to Parent: "If you promise not to believe everything your child says happens during the school day, I'll promise not to believe everything she says happens at home."
I'm willing to make mistakes if someone else is willing to learn from them.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
CHURCH TRADITIONS
Newsletter 280 January 29, 2012
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Matthew 15:1-9 King James Version (KJV)
Dating, at least, from the time that Moses went up the mountain to receive the ten- commandments from God, mankind has had the attitude, “We never did it this way before!” It wasn’t just the leeks and other foods of Egypt they missed. Egypt had set the example of worshipping all manner of gods. Many were represented by idols. Now, this Moses, had come back down the mountain after a long stay, with a set of laws engraved on stone and the idea of only one God. He found that they had taken the gold they had brought from Egypt, and made themselves a golden calf they could see and worship as they had seen others do in Egypt. Yes, in his anger Moses had shattered the ten-commandments, and utterly destroyed the golden calf before he went back, empty handed, to get another set of commandments from the Lord. They had to change from many gods, to one God, and a whole new concept of what is right or wrong. And they struggled, and they complained. One generation crossed the Sea, but it was a whole generation later that crossed the Jordan.
Many generations later, we are still struggling with the habit of resisting change in our worship style. When the church was young, Barnabas sold land and gave the money he received to Peter to aid the infant church in caring for the needy in Jerusalem. This was a good thing and God blessed it, but Ananias and Sapphira, when they saw and heard the people speaking well of Barnabas, did the “same.” The only difference was their motive, and that they kept part of the money and told Peter that they were giving all. They were adding lies to greed and envy. Without realizing it they were starting a new tradition; a little different, but appearing the same.
1 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,
(Matthew 15:1-20, Mark 7:1-23, Mark 3:22, Mark 7:1, John 1:19, Acts 25:7)
2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
(Luke 11:38)
In 1955, when we first moved to Kimberley, the African churches were delighted to have missionary speakers and to celebrate with a church dinner just after services. No matter how many people had thronged the place of worship, they customarily placed the speaker, and all missionaries present at the door and as every person filed past, shaking their hands and then stepping into line to also shake hands with everyone else. Then they wondered why all the American missionaries wanted to wash their hands before eating! They never bothered.
This is not the same washing meant this text. Devout Jews observed a very set way of washing the hands and it had to be done precisely. Soap and clean water had little to do with it. It was a tradition, just as the communion bread had to be literally broken off a larger piece, because we “break bread.” We have broken tradition, it seems when we placed the Lord’s table in a side room, at least when I last actually saw it. The pulpit soon followed, where I do not know, as did using the Acts 2:38 scripture as a scripture lesson on the reason we immerse, other than the meaning of the word itself. Some churches have actually done away with the use of water at all. Now our Piano and Organ are hidden behind curtains. Times are changing things. Since we are not offered evening worship, city style, we recently visited an nearby church and enjoyed a delightful evening in a crowded service where there was no piano to start with, and no “stringed or percussion instruments,” someone off in a corner started the hymns the words and music for which were projected very clearly for the rest of us.
Every church has its own traditions today, and that is why there are so many denominations. We have followed men, and not the Word.
3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
(Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 5:16, Exodus 21:17, Leviticus 20:9)
5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
6 6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
(Isaiah 29:13)
9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
(Colossians 2:22)
IS IT OF THE WORD?
God gave the Holy Spirit to be our ever present guide and comforter, but are we replacing Him with our own traditions, rather than those of God?
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012
JANUARY
29th. Sunday – Job 13, 14, 15, Matthew 21:1-22, Psalm 17:1-5
30th. Monday – Job 16, 17, 18, Matthew 21:23-46, Psalm 17:6-12
31st. Tuesday - Job 19, 20, Matthew 22:1-22, Psalm 17:13-15
FEBRUARY
1st. Wednesday - Job 21, 22 Matthew 22:23-46, Proverbs 3:21-36
2nd. Thursday - Job 23, 24, 25, Matthew 23:1-22, Psalm 18:1-6
3rd. Friday – Job 26, 27, 28, 29, Matthew 23:23-39, Psalm 18:7-15
4th. Saturday - Job 30, 31, Matthew 24:1-25, Psalm 18:16-24 _______
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 806 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” – Matthew 15:8-9
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
________
The man told his doctor that he wasn't able to do all the things around the house that he used to do. When the examination was complete, he said, "Now, Doc, I can take it. Tell me in plain English what is wrong with me?"
"Well, in plain English," the doctor replied, "you're just lazy."
"Okay," said the man. "Now give me the medical term so I can tell my wife."
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Matthew 15:1-9 King James Version (KJV)
Dating, at least, from the time that Moses went up the mountain to receive the ten- commandments from God, mankind has had the attitude, “We never did it this way before!” It wasn’t just the leeks and other foods of Egypt they missed. Egypt had set the example of worshipping all manner of gods. Many were represented by idols. Now, this Moses, had come back down the mountain after a long stay, with a set of laws engraved on stone and the idea of only one God. He found that they had taken the gold they had brought from Egypt, and made themselves a golden calf they could see and worship as they had seen others do in Egypt. Yes, in his anger Moses had shattered the ten-commandments, and utterly destroyed the golden calf before he went back, empty handed, to get another set of commandments from the Lord. They had to change from many gods, to one God, and a whole new concept of what is right or wrong. And they struggled, and they complained. One generation crossed the Sea, but it was a whole generation later that crossed the Jordan.
Many generations later, we are still struggling with the habit of resisting change in our worship style. When the church was young, Barnabas sold land and gave the money he received to Peter to aid the infant church in caring for the needy in Jerusalem. This was a good thing and God blessed it, but Ananias and Sapphira, when they saw and heard the people speaking well of Barnabas, did the “same.” The only difference was their motive, and that they kept part of the money and told Peter that they were giving all. They were adding lies to greed and envy. Without realizing it they were starting a new tradition; a little different, but appearing the same.
1 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,
(Matthew 15:1-20, Mark 7:1-23, Mark 3:22, Mark 7:1, John 1:19, Acts 25:7)
2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
(Luke 11:38)
In 1955, when we first moved to Kimberley, the African churches were delighted to have missionary speakers and to celebrate with a church dinner just after services. No matter how many people had thronged the place of worship, they customarily placed the speaker, and all missionaries present at the door and as every person filed past, shaking their hands and then stepping into line to also shake hands with everyone else. Then they wondered why all the American missionaries wanted to wash their hands before eating! They never bothered.
This is not the same washing meant this text. Devout Jews observed a very set way of washing the hands and it had to be done precisely. Soap and clean water had little to do with it. It was a tradition, just as the communion bread had to be literally broken off a larger piece, because we “break bread.” We have broken tradition, it seems when we placed the Lord’s table in a side room, at least when I last actually saw it. The pulpit soon followed, where I do not know, as did using the Acts 2:38 scripture as a scripture lesson on the reason we immerse, other than the meaning of the word itself. Some churches have actually done away with the use of water at all. Now our Piano and Organ are hidden behind curtains. Times are changing things. Since we are not offered evening worship, city style, we recently visited an nearby church and enjoyed a delightful evening in a crowded service where there was no piano to start with, and no “stringed or percussion instruments,” someone off in a corner started the hymns the words and music for which were projected very clearly for the rest of us.
Every church has its own traditions today, and that is why there are so many denominations. We have followed men, and not the Word.
3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
(Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 5:16, Exodus 21:17, Leviticus 20:9)
5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
6 6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
(Isaiah 29:13)
9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
(Colossians 2:22)
IS IT OF THE WORD?
God gave the Holy Spirit to be our ever present guide and comforter, but are we replacing Him with our own traditions, rather than those of God?
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012
JANUARY
29th. Sunday – Job 13, 14, 15, Matthew 21:1-22, Psalm 17:1-5
30th. Monday – Job 16, 17, 18, Matthew 21:23-46, Psalm 17:6-12
31st. Tuesday - Job 19, 20, Matthew 22:1-22, Psalm 17:13-15
FEBRUARY
1st. Wednesday - Job 21, 22 Matthew 22:23-46, Proverbs 3:21-36
2nd. Thursday - Job 23, 24, 25, Matthew 23:1-22, Psalm 18:1-6
3rd. Friday – Job 26, 27, 28, 29, Matthew 23:23-39, Psalm 18:7-15
4th. Saturday - Job 30, 31, Matthew 24:1-25, Psalm 18:16-24 _______
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 806 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” – Matthew 15:8-9
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
________
The man told his doctor that he wasn't able to do all the things around the house that he used to do. When the examination was complete, he said, "Now, Doc, I can take it. Tell me in plain English what is wrong with me?"
"Well, in plain English," the doctor replied, "you're just lazy."
"Okay," said the man. "Now give me the medical term so I can tell my wife."
Saturday, January 21, 2012
THE UNFORGIVABLE SIN
SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES WITH BOB
Newsletter 279 January 22, 2012
______________________________________________________________________________________________
AFRICA TRACTS GEMS BIBLE STUDIES BOOKLETS
Here is a text which rises from a statement made by the self righteous Pharisees who were always on the watch for something that they could use against Jesus. They could not deny that He performed miracles so they questioned the source of His power instead. Only a few verses earlier we see the context. Here, it is important. “When the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow does not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.” (Matthew 11:24)
Even without it’s foolishness, this is a ridiculous statement to start with. Very basic to settling a disagreement, whether in a debate, a war, or a simple conflict is the phrase, “divide and conquer.” Jesus reminded them of this fact when he said, “every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city of house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand?”
God sent His Son for the very purpose of making a way for the sins of the world to be forgiven. That, he did, through his death on the cross, making the last great blood sacrifice for sin. He did not defend himself when he was arrested, nor when he was tried in a mock trial, abused, beaten and finally nailed to a Roman cross. He willingly gave his life, because that was the only way in to make redemption possible. Bur, there is a sin, that can not be covered by this. It happens only to a believer who has given his heart to the Lord, then takes it back and returns to his old sinful ways attributing the work of the Holy Spirit, to Satan.
Matthew 12:31-37 King James Version
ALL, BUT:
31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
(Matthew 12:31-32, Mark 3:28-30, Luke 12:10)
THE HOLY GHOST
32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.
(Luke 12:10, Matthew 13:22, Matthew 13:3, Mark 10:30, Luke 16:8, Luke 18:30, Luke 20:34-35, Ephesians 1:21, 1 Timothy 6:17, 2 Timothy 4:10, Titus 2:12, Hebrews 6:5)
33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
(Mark 7:16-18, Luke 6:43-44, John 15:4-7)
LIKE THE SERPENT
The danger of a poisonous serpent is in his mouth. Even the constrictors of the serpent world who first crush their victims, then swallow them, all the poisonous kind carry their poison in their mouths. The serpent in Eden, with his mouth and with the power to speak to Eve, used his lies to deceive her. Losing that ability to deceive many of his kind now still spread their poison literally through the mouth.
Vipers, cobras, mambas adders, rattlers, in all their variations, it is their mouths to fear. They are all dangerous.
34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil,speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
(Matthew 3:7, Matthew 23:33, Luke 3:7, 1 Samuel 24:13, Isaiah 32:6, Matthew 12:34-35, Matthew 15:18, Luke 6:45, Ephesians 4”29, James 3:2-12)
One reveals through his mouth what is in his heart. This being a fact, we need to be careful what is in our hearts. What do we read? What do we seek after?
35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
(Proverbs 10:20-21, Proverbs 25:11-12, Matthew 13:52, Colossians 4:6)
It is often the little things that trip us up; the idle words. Have you ever tripped over a ten foot high boulder? No, it is a small stone that we did not notice at all that tripped us. It is in the idle chatting that we are prone to slip.
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
(Matthew 10:15)
37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012
JANUARY
22nd. Sunday – Genesis 44, 45, Matthew 15:1-20, Psalm 13
23rd. Monday – Genesis 46, 47, Matthew 15:21-39, Psalm 14
24th. Tuesday - Genesis 48, 49, 50, Matthew 16. Proverbs 3:1-10
25th. Wednesday - Job 1, 2, 3, Matthew 17, Psalm 15
26th. Thursday - Job 4, 5, 6, Matthew 18, Psalm 16: 1-6
27th. Friday – Job 7, 8, 9, Matthew 19, Psalm 16:7-11
28th. Saturday - Job 10, 11, 12, Matthew 20, Proverbs 3:11-20
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 805 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://pricceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
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 12:32b
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
________
Signs You Have A Bad Apartment...
It's the same bedroom you had as a kid, but now your parents are charging you two grand a month.
Your building's security system is a cardboard cutout of Clint Eastwood.
Rent must be paid in small, non-sequential bills.
Every time you pass the doorman, he's wearing another article of your clothing.
You can't get through your bedroom door because of the yellow police tape.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
The company psychiatrist was interviewing a young friend of mine. As she sat in the chair, the psychiatrist asked a series of questions to determine if she was emotionally suitable for the company. Things were not going well for my friend.
The psychiatrist decided to try a new approach, to give my friend one last chance. He asked, "if you could have a conversation with someone, living or dead, who would it be?"
My friend quickly replied, "The living one!"
Newsletter 279 January 22, 2012
______________________________________________________________________________________________
AFRICA TRACTS GEMS BIBLE STUDIES BOOKLETS
Here is a text which rises from a statement made by the self righteous Pharisees who were always on the watch for something that they could use against Jesus. They could not deny that He performed miracles so they questioned the source of His power instead. Only a few verses earlier we see the context. Here, it is important. “When the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow does not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.” (Matthew 11:24)
Even without it’s foolishness, this is a ridiculous statement to start with. Very basic to settling a disagreement, whether in a debate, a war, or a simple conflict is the phrase, “divide and conquer.” Jesus reminded them of this fact when he said, “every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city of house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand?”
God sent His Son for the very purpose of making a way for the sins of the world to be forgiven. That, he did, through his death on the cross, making the last great blood sacrifice for sin. He did not defend himself when he was arrested, nor when he was tried in a mock trial, abused, beaten and finally nailed to a Roman cross. He willingly gave his life, because that was the only way in to make redemption possible. Bur, there is a sin, that can not be covered by this. It happens only to a believer who has given his heart to the Lord, then takes it back and returns to his old sinful ways attributing the work of the Holy Spirit, to Satan.
Matthew 12:31-37 King James Version
ALL, BUT:
31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
(Matthew 12:31-32, Mark 3:28-30, Luke 12:10)
THE HOLY GHOST
32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.
(Luke 12:10, Matthew 13:22, Matthew 13:3, Mark 10:30, Luke 16:8, Luke 18:30, Luke 20:34-35, Ephesians 1:21, 1 Timothy 6:17, 2 Timothy 4:10, Titus 2:12, Hebrews 6:5)
33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
(Mark 7:16-18, Luke 6:43-44, John 15:4-7)
LIKE THE SERPENT
The danger of a poisonous serpent is in his mouth. Even the constrictors of the serpent world who first crush their victims, then swallow them, all the poisonous kind carry their poison in their mouths. The serpent in Eden, with his mouth and with the power to speak to Eve, used his lies to deceive her. Losing that ability to deceive many of his kind now still spread their poison literally through the mouth.
Vipers, cobras, mambas adders, rattlers, in all their variations, it is their mouths to fear. They are all dangerous.
34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil,speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
(Matthew 3:7, Matthew 23:33, Luke 3:7, 1 Samuel 24:13, Isaiah 32:6, Matthew 12:34-35, Matthew 15:18, Luke 6:45, Ephesians 4”29, James 3:2-12)
One reveals through his mouth what is in his heart. This being a fact, we need to be careful what is in our hearts. What do we read? What do we seek after?
35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
(Proverbs 10:20-21, Proverbs 25:11-12, Matthew 13:52, Colossians 4:6)
It is often the little things that trip us up; the idle words. Have you ever tripped over a ten foot high boulder? No, it is a small stone that we did not notice at all that tripped us. It is in the idle chatting that we are prone to slip.
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
(Matthew 10:15)
37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012
JANUARY
22nd. Sunday – Genesis 44, 45, Matthew 15:1-20, Psalm 13
23rd. Monday – Genesis 46, 47, Matthew 15:21-39, Psalm 14
24th. Tuesday - Genesis 48, 49, 50, Matthew 16. Proverbs 3:1-10
25th. Wednesday - Job 1, 2, 3, Matthew 17, Psalm 15
26th. Thursday - Job 4, 5, 6, Matthew 18, Psalm 16: 1-6
27th. Friday – Job 7, 8, 9, Matthew 19, Psalm 16:7-11
28th. Saturday - Job 10, 11, 12, Matthew 20, Proverbs 3:11-20
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 805 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://pricceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
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 12:32b
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
________
Signs You Have A Bad Apartment...
It's the same bedroom you had as a kid, but now your parents are charging you two grand a month.
Your building's security system is a cardboard cutout of Clint Eastwood.
Rent must be paid in small, non-sequential bills.
Every time you pass the doorman, he's wearing another article of your clothing.
You can't get through your bedroom door because of the yellow police tape.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
The company psychiatrist was interviewing a young friend of mine. As she sat in the chair, the psychiatrist asked a series of questions to determine if she was emotionally suitable for the company. Things were not going well for my friend.
The psychiatrist decided to try a new approach, to give my friend one last chance. He asked, "if you could have a conversation with someone, living or dead, who would it be?"
My friend quickly replied, "The living one!"
Saturday, January 14, 2012
JESUS CAME TO SAVE SINNERS
Newsletter 278 January 15, 2012
Matthew 9:10-13 King James Version
10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
(Matthew 11:19, Mark 2:16, Luke 5:30, Luke 15:2)
12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
(Mark 2:17, Luke 5:31)
13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
(Matthew 12:7, Hosea 6:6, Mark 2:17, Luke 5:32, 1 Timothy 1:15)
It is a fact that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s will, and that God loves everyone, (John 3:16.)
Jesus came to fulfill his Father’s purpose. What he taught, and who he taught, was his Father’s will. It is the will of the Lord God that all have an opportunity to receive the forgiveness of sins. This is the background and reason for the great commission of Matthew 28:19.
He not only commanded us to go to all nations, but he set the example himself. Isaiah had prophesied, “And leaving Nazareth, he came down and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, and the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nepthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and the shadow of death light is sprung up.” (Matthew 4:13-18.)
Where he went, and as he went, he spoke to the people. Recall, his conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well in Samaria. Most Jews despised Samaritans and would have ignored this woman of bad reputation. More than once Jesus went to the aid of Romans. The Romans held their nation as an oppressed people. Pharisees hated both of these peoples and avoided all contact with them they could. Not once do we ever see Jesus turning anyone away because they were sinners; not even the woman taken in the act of adultery, not Matthew the tax collector for Rome, not even Judas who betrayed him with a kiss. No sin was too evil for him to be filled with compassion for the sinner. Why was that? It was because sins do not come in degrees of evil in God‘s sight. All have sinned. There are no black-black lies and no little white lies. We are told that there will be no liars enter into heaven; no mention of what degree of lies. As Paul said “Of such were some of you.” There are no social drinkers, and no alcoholics, the statement is that there will be no drunkards, and probably none of us can be certain that we would not abuse that addiction, thus it is safer not to place that burden of decision upon ourselves. Even as a sailor, I never had an alcoholic drink, and there were many others like me in that. The same could be said of Marijuana, crack, painkillers, or whatever. I prefer to under-medicate on any medication I take, so long as it accomplishes the purpose.
But we are off the point. Jesus did not avoid sinners, they were everywhere, and they needed him the most. Likewise, since all have sinned, if they have not accepted the Lord and been obedient to him in repentance and baptism, they are our challenge. We rub shoulders with such people every day. Even in the retirement home where we live, spiked punch, is common on certain occasions. The party becomes far more boisterous at those times, but they now know to bring me Sprite, not from the punch bowl. The vital words of the great commission are “as you go, teach.” It is part of living to go. Jesus asked the woman at the well for a drink of water. He was breaking several “No, No’s” in doing that. This was a woman, she was a woman of bad reputation, she was a Samaritan., and they were alone in a remote place. It seems not to be where most women gathered to fill their water jars. A present-day setting could be, a woman, a prostitute, a woman of a different race than our own, late at light on a dark street corner. Now Jesus would not have us put ourselves into such a setting, but what is he saying, is “As you go, teach, all nations whatsoever I have commanded you, baptizing,” and he set the example by doing what he asked of us. Let us not be so concerned about whether they have believed and lived an acceptable life in the past that we forget we who have been sent. We are just the messenger, the carrier of good news. Jesus came to save sinners. Let us go for the same reason.
Only we have the light that will take away darkness. We are sent to do the same.
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012
JANUARY
15th. Sunday – Genesis 31, Matthew 12:1-21, Psalm 9:12-20
16th. Monday – Genesis 32, 33, Matthew 12:22-50, Proverbs 2:1-11
17th. Tuesday - Genesis 34, 35, Matthew 13:1-23, Psalm 10:1-11
18th. Wednesday - Genesis 36, 37, Matthew 13:24-43, Psalm 10:12-18
19th. Thursday - Genesis 38, 39, 40, Matthew 13:44-58, Psalm 11
20th. Friday – Genesis 41, Matthew 14:1-21, Proverbs 2:12-22
21st. Saturday - Genesis 42, 43, Matthew 14:22-36, Psalm 12
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 804 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://pricceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. – Matthew 12:35
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
________
Tidbits of Wit
Have you ever considered the awesome power of the spoken word?
For instance:
Waiter: What'll you have for dessert?
First Diner: Nothing for me.
Second diner: I'm stuffed.
Third diner: Couldn't eat another bite.
Waiter: It comes with the dinner.
First Diner: Ice Cream.
Second Diner: Pecan Pie.
Third Diner: Chocolate Layer Cake.
Matthew 9:10-13 King James Version
10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
(Matthew 11:19, Mark 2:16, Luke 5:30, Luke 15:2)
12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
(Mark 2:17, Luke 5:31)
13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
(Matthew 12:7, Hosea 6:6, Mark 2:17, Luke 5:32, 1 Timothy 1:15)
It is a fact that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s will, and that God loves everyone, (John 3:16.)
Jesus came to fulfill his Father’s purpose. What he taught, and who he taught, was his Father’s will. It is the will of the Lord God that all have an opportunity to receive the forgiveness of sins. This is the background and reason for the great commission of Matthew 28:19.
He not only commanded us to go to all nations, but he set the example himself. Isaiah had prophesied, “And leaving Nazareth, he came down and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, and the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nepthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and the shadow of death light is sprung up.” (Matthew 4:13-18.)
Where he went, and as he went, he spoke to the people. Recall, his conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well in Samaria. Most Jews despised Samaritans and would have ignored this woman of bad reputation. More than once Jesus went to the aid of Romans. The Romans held their nation as an oppressed people. Pharisees hated both of these peoples and avoided all contact with them they could. Not once do we ever see Jesus turning anyone away because they were sinners; not even the woman taken in the act of adultery, not Matthew the tax collector for Rome, not even Judas who betrayed him with a kiss. No sin was too evil for him to be filled with compassion for the sinner. Why was that? It was because sins do not come in degrees of evil in God‘s sight. All have sinned. There are no black-black lies and no little white lies. We are told that there will be no liars enter into heaven; no mention of what degree of lies. As Paul said “Of such were some of you.” There are no social drinkers, and no alcoholics, the statement is that there will be no drunkards, and probably none of us can be certain that we would not abuse that addiction, thus it is safer not to place that burden of decision upon ourselves. Even as a sailor, I never had an alcoholic drink, and there were many others like me in that. The same could be said of Marijuana, crack, painkillers, or whatever. I prefer to under-medicate on any medication I take, so long as it accomplishes the purpose.
But we are off the point. Jesus did not avoid sinners, they were everywhere, and they needed him the most. Likewise, since all have sinned, if they have not accepted the Lord and been obedient to him in repentance and baptism, they are our challenge. We rub shoulders with such people every day. Even in the retirement home where we live, spiked punch, is common on certain occasions. The party becomes far more boisterous at those times, but they now know to bring me Sprite, not from the punch bowl. The vital words of the great commission are “as you go, teach.” It is part of living to go. Jesus asked the woman at the well for a drink of water. He was breaking several “No, No’s” in doing that. This was a woman, she was a woman of bad reputation, she was a Samaritan., and they were alone in a remote place. It seems not to be where most women gathered to fill their water jars. A present-day setting could be, a woman, a prostitute, a woman of a different race than our own, late at light on a dark street corner. Now Jesus would not have us put ourselves into such a setting, but what is he saying, is “As you go, teach, all nations whatsoever I have commanded you, baptizing,” and he set the example by doing what he asked of us. Let us not be so concerned about whether they have believed and lived an acceptable life in the past that we forget we who have been sent. We are just the messenger, the carrier of good news. Jesus came to save sinners. Let us go for the same reason.
Only we have the light that will take away darkness. We are sent to do the same.
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012
JANUARY
15th. Sunday – Genesis 31, Matthew 12:1-21, Psalm 9:12-20
16th. Monday – Genesis 32, 33, Matthew 12:22-50, Proverbs 2:1-11
17th. Tuesday - Genesis 34, 35, Matthew 13:1-23, Psalm 10:1-11
18th. Wednesday - Genesis 36, 37, Matthew 13:24-43, Psalm 10:12-18
19th. Thursday - Genesis 38, 39, 40, Matthew 13:44-58, Psalm 11
20th. Friday – Genesis 41, Matthew 14:1-21, Proverbs 2:12-22
21st. Saturday - Genesis 42, 43, Matthew 14:22-36, Psalm 12
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 804 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://pricceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. – Matthew 12:35
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
________
Tidbits of Wit
Have you ever considered the awesome power of the spoken word?
For instance:
Waiter: What'll you have for dessert?
First Diner: Nothing for me.
Second diner: I'm stuffed.
Third diner: Couldn't eat another bite.
Waiter: It comes with the dinner.
First Diner: Ice Cream.
Second Diner: Pecan Pie.
Third Diner: Chocolate Layer Cake.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
EVEN JESUS WAS TEMPTED:
Newsletter 277 January 8, 2012
Lest we feel that we are especially singled out for Satan’s attention, we need to realize that even though we read that the angels of heaven are rejoicing, Satan has also made note and we can expect a period of temptation that we might return to our old ways with our old friends with whom we did those things. Even our Savior Jesus Christ, immediately after He was baptized to set an example for us, and received the blessings of God, His Father, was led into the wilderness where Satan attempted to destroy his ministry, even before it began. “we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)
Let us take note of how Jesus responded to temptations, and follow His divine pattern.
(1 Corinthians 10:13) “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above what ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” God has promised that there is no temptation that we, personally, are not able to escape. As we read our text, note those. Verse 14 points out that one of them is to flee.
16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 5:16)
Matthew 4:1-11
TO LOSE HIS TRUST IN HIS FATHER’S PROVISION.
The temptations of Jesus, all singled in on the fact that he had taken an earthly form, so that would be his weakest point, and in this the first went for his faith in His Father. His body was crying for food. Try not eating for forty days! You can be certain that none of us would make it. Recently the doctor wanted to have blood tests done, so she made an appointment for us with the qualification that we must fast. She said nothing after midnight until the appointed time the following morning. She was apologetic, and my wife put a granola bar in her purse to eat on the way home. That is not a fast, not really.
You can be certain that Jesus was really hungry.
1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
He did not make those stones into loaves of fresh baked bread. What we need for Spiritual strength does not come from loaves of bread, it comes from the Word. God would provide physical food, but not in answer to temptation.
TO USE HIS POWERS FOR SELFISH REASONS.
This seems such a simple way, to put on a “show” for all the doubters, just step off the top of the high temple and float gently to the pavement beneath. How often was the demand “show us a sign!” to be asked of him throughout his ministry? But, He never used miracles for the sake of entertainment and self-glory. They were used for others and to affirm his divinity before the Word was recorded in writing.
5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
One of Satan’s strongest powers is “half-truths” and scripture taken out of context. He has used that trick with great success in providing the many religions and cults even today. Scripture is still the best commentary you can consult today. As an example, read all the scriptures on “baptism” in your Bible. When you have finished, you will have consulted everything God has to say about it; when; who; how; why! You can do the same with nearly any major doctrine, faith; prayer; worship. Never make an application with only one scripture. That is called a “proof-text” and is nearly always taken out of it’s context.
7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
TO SEEK A SHORTCUT WAY.
Jesus had come to die on the cross, be buried and rise again on the third day. There could be no shortcut. What Satan was saying is “Just worship me, and you don’t have to die. The world is mine and I will give it all to you.” It had worked with Eve, then he said, “Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 2:4,5) No command of the Lord is open for making a counter offer. There are no shortcuts. What God has said, will be. God gave His Son knowing that he would have to die. (John 3:16,17)
8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
The Christian has made the choice to serve the Lord and to obey His every command directed to him. Like Jesus, confront temptation with Scripture.
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012
JANUARY
8th. Sunday – Genesis 16, 17, 18, Matthew 7, Proverbs 1:8-19
9th. Monday – Genesis 19, 20, Matthew 8, Psalm 7:1-9
10th. Tuesday – Genesis 21, 22, 23, Matthew 9:1-17, Psalm 7:10-17
11th. Wednesday - Genesis 24, Matthew 9,18-38, Psalm 8
12th. Thursday - Genesis 25, 26, Matthew 10:1-23, Proverbs 1:20-33
13th. Friday – Genesis 27, 28, Matthew 10:24-42, Psalm 9:1-6
14th. Saturday - Genesis 29, 30, Matthew 11, Psalm 9:7-12
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 803 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://pricceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“And, behold, I come quickly: and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
________
Tidbits of Wit
My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance!
For every action, there is an equal and opposite government program.
A balanced diet is having a cookie in each hand.
When you get tired talking to your friend about God--, talk to God about your friend.
Lest we feel that we are especially singled out for Satan’s attention, we need to realize that even though we read that the angels of heaven are rejoicing, Satan has also made note and we can expect a period of temptation that we might return to our old ways with our old friends with whom we did those things. Even our Savior Jesus Christ, immediately after He was baptized to set an example for us, and received the blessings of God, His Father, was led into the wilderness where Satan attempted to destroy his ministry, even before it began. “we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)
Let us take note of how Jesus responded to temptations, and follow His divine pattern.
(1 Corinthians 10:13) “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above what ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” God has promised that there is no temptation that we, personally, are not able to escape. As we read our text, note those. Verse 14 points out that one of them is to flee.
16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 5:16)
Matthew 4:1-11
TO LOSE HIS TRUST IN HIS FATHER’S PROVISION.
The temptations of Jesus, all singled in on the fact that he had taken an earthly form, so that would be his weakest point, and in this the first went for his faith in His Father. His body was crying for food. Try not eating for forty days! You can be certain that none of us would make it. Recently the doctor wanted to have blood tests done, so she made an appointment for us with the qualification that we must fast. She said nothing after midnight until the appointed time the following morning. She was apologetic, and my wife put a granola bar in her purse to eat on the way home. That is not a fast, not really.
You can be certain that Jesus was really hungry.
1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
He did not make those stones into loaves of fresh baked bread. What we need for Spiritual strength does not come from loaves of bread, it comes from the Word. God would provide physical food, but not in answer to temptation.
TO USE HIS POWERS FOR SELFISH REASONS.
This seems such a simple way, to put on a “show” for all the doubters, just step off the top of the high temple and float gently to the pavement beneath. How often was the demand “show us a sign!” to be asked of him throughout his ministry? But, He never used miracles for the sake of entertainment and self-glory. They were used for others and to affirm his divinity before the Word was recorded in writing.
5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
One of Satan’s strongest powers is “half-truths” and scripture taken out of context. He has used that trick with great success in providing the many religions and cults even today. Scripture is still the best commentary you can consult today. As an example, read all the scriptures on “baptism” in your Bible. When you have finished, you will have consulted everything God has to say about it; when; who; how; why! You can do the same with nearly any major doctrine, faith; prayer; worship. Never make an application with only one scripture. That is called a “proof-text” and is nearly always taken out of it’s context.
7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
TO SEEK A SHORTCUT WAY.
Jesus had come to die on the cross, be buried and rise again on the third day. There could be no shortcut. What Satan was saying is “Just worship me, and you don’t have to die. The world is mine and I will give it all to you.” It had worked with Eve, then he said, “Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 2:4,5) No command of the Lord is open for making a counter offer. There are no shortcuts. What God has said, will be. God gave His Son knowing that he would have to die. (John 3:16,17)
8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
The Christian has made the choice to serve the Lord and to obey His every command directed to him. Like Jesus, confront temptation with Scripture.
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012
JANUARY
8th. Sunday – Genesis 16, 17, 18, Matthew 7, Proverbs 1:8-19
9th. Monday – Genesis 19, 20, Matthew 8, Psalm 7:1-9
10th. Tuesday – Genesis 21, 22, 23, Matthew 9:1-17, Psalm 7:10-17
11th. Wednesday - Genesis 24, Matthew 9,18-38, Psalm 8
12th. Thursday - Genesis 25, 26, Matthew 10:1-23, Proverbs 1:20-33
13th. Friday – Genesis 27, 28, Matthew 10:24-42, Psalm 9:1-6
14th. Saturday - Genesis 29, 30, Matthew 11, Psalm 9:7-12
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 803 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://pricceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“And, behold, I come quickly: and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
________
Tidbits of Wit
My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance!
For every action, there is an equal and opposite government program.
A balanced diet is having a cookie in each hand.
When you get tired talking to your friend about God--, talk to God about your friend.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
HOME AT LAST!
Newsletter 276 January 1, 2012
______________________________________________________________________________________________
AFRICA TRACTS GEMS BIBLE STUDIES BOOKLETS
Revelation 21:22-27 King James Version
The Tabernacle and the magnificent temples in Jerusalem were provided on earth for Israel to have a place that they could point to as the Home of God. And they could go to worship Him. Even today the Holy of Holies, the heart of the temple, represented the presence of God and it was before these structures that the people gathered for prayer and worship. Orthodox Jews still do not stand on Temple Mount in case they might tread on holy land. They gather at the Wailing Wall to pray and worship. (It is a remnant of the retaining wall safely distant from the actual site of the temple itself.)
We do not expect to see the building of the Temple in heaven, for to be in Heaven is to be in the very presence of God always. John writes:
22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
(Matthew 24:2, John 4:21, Revelation 1:8, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 7:17, Revelation 14:4)
Light is used throughout the Bible as an indication of the presence of God. God spoke to Moses from the fire of the burning bush. The Tabernacle was filled with Light and smoke when God entered into it; also the temple. In Heaven, the presence of God and His Son, assure eternal light. Without light, life could not exist on earth, just as without the light of Christ and the Father heaven could not exist. We picture Hell as being a place of darkness lighted only by smoke and flames.
23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
(Isaiah 24:23, Isaiah 60:19, Isaiah 60:20, Revelation 21:25, Revelation 22:5, Revelation 21:11, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 7:17, Revelation 14:4)
Christians from all over the world shall walk peacefully in Heaven.
24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it.
(Isaiah 60:3, Isaiah 60:5, Psalm 72:10, Isaiah 49:23, Isaiah 60:16, Revelation 21:26)
25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
(Zechariah 14:7, Revelation 21:23, Revelation 22:5, Revelation 21:12, Revelation 21:15, Isaiah 60:11)
26 And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it.
(Psalm 72:10, Isaiah 49:23, Isaiah 60:16)
27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
(Isaiah 52:1, Ezekiel 44:9, Zechariah 14:21, Revelation 22:14, Revelation 3:5)
Revelation 22:1-5
1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
(Revelation 1:1, Revelation 21:9, Revelation 22:6, Psalm 46:4, Ezekiel 47:1, Zechariah 14:8, Revelation 7:17, Revelation 22:17, Revelation 4:6)
2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
(Revelation 21:21, Ezekiel 47:12, Genesis 2:9, Revelation 2:7, Revelation 22:14, Revelation 22:19)
3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
(Zechariah 14:11, Revelation 21:3, Revelation 7:15)
4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
(Psalm 17:15, Psalm 42:2, Matthew 5:8, Revelation 14:1, Revelation 7:3)
5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
(Zechariah 17:7, Revelation 21:25, Isaiah 60:19, Revelation 21:23, Daniel 7:18, Daniel 7:27, Matthew 19:28, Romans 5:17, Revelation 20:4)
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012
JANUARY
1st. Sunday – Genesis 1, 2, Matthew 1, Psalm 1
2nd. Monday – Genesis 3, 4, Matthew 2, Psalm 2
3rd. Tuesday – Genesis 5, 6, Matthew 3, Psalm 3
4th. Wednesday - Genesis 7, 8, Matthew 4, Proverbs 1:1-7
5th. Thursday - Genesis 9, 10, Matthew 5:1-26, Psalm 4
6th. Friday – Genesis 11, 12, Matthew 5:27-48, Psalm 5
7th. Saturday - Genesis 13, 14, 15, Matthew 6, Psalm 6
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 802 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://pricceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“And, behold, I come quickly: and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
________
A feisty 70 year-old woman had to call a furnace repairman.
After a quick inspection, the man put some oil into the motor and handed her a $70 bill for labor.
"Labor charges! One hour?" she exclaimed. "It only took you five minutes!"
The repairman explained that his company had a minimum one-hour charge on every house call.
"Well, I want my remaining 55 minutes of labor," the lady responded, and she handed him a rake.
The repairman spent the next 55 minutes in her yard bagging leaves.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
AFRICA TRACTS GEMS BIBLE STUDIES BOOKLETS
Revelation 21:22-27 King James Version
The Tabernacle and the magnificent temples in Jerusalem were provided on earth for Israel to have a place that they could point to as the Home of God. And they could go to worship Him. Even today the Holy of Holies, the heart of the temple, represented the presence of God and it was before these structures that the people gathered for prayer and worship. Orthodox Jews still do not stand on Temple Mount in case they might tread on holy land. They gather at the Wailing Wall to pray and worship. (It is a remnant of the retaining wall safely distant from the actual site of the temple itself.)
We do not expect to see the building of the Temple in heaven, for to be in Heaven is to be in the very presence of God always. John writes:
22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
(Matthew 24:2, John 4:21, Revelation 1:8, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 7:17, Revelation 14:4)
Light is used throughout the Bible as an indication of the presence of God. God spoke to Moses from the fire of the burning bush. The Tabernacle was filled with Light and smoke when God entered into it; also the temple. In Heaven, the presence of God and His Son, assure eternal light. Without light, life could not exist on earth, just as without the light of Christ and the Father heaven could not exist. We picture Hell as being a place of darkness lighted only by smoke and flames.
23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
(Isaiah 24:23, Isaiah 60:19, Isaiah 60:20, Revelation 21:25, Revelation 22:5, Revelation 21:11, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 7:17, Revelation 14:4)
Christians from all over the world shall walk peacefully in Heaven.
24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it.
(Isaiah 60:3, Isaiah 60:5, Psalm 72:10, Isaiah 49:23, Isaiah 60:16, Revelation 21:26)
25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
(Zechariah 14:7, Revelation 21:23, Revelation 22:5, Revelation 21:12, Revelation 21:15, Isaiah 60:11)
26 And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it.
(Psalm 72:10, Isaiah 49:23, Isaiah 60:16)
27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
(Isaiah 52:1, Ezekiel 44:9, Zechariah 14:21, Revelation 22:14, Revelation 3:5)
Revelation 22:1-5
1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
(Revelation 1:1, Revelation 21:9, Revelation 22:6, Psalm 46:4, Ezekiel 47:1, Zechariah 14:8, Revelation 7:17, Revelation 22:17, Revelation 4:6)
2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
(Revelation 21:21, Ezekiel 47:12, Genesis 2:9, Revelation 2:7, Revelation 22:14, Revelation 22:19)
3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
(Zechariah 14:11, Revelation 21:3, Revelation 7:15)
4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
(Psalm 17:15, Psalm 42:2, Matthew 5:8, Revelation 14:1, Revelation 7:3)
5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
(Zechariah 17:7, Revelation 21:25, Isaiah 60:19, Revelation 21:23, Daniel 7:18, Daniel 7:27, Matthew 19:28, Romans 5:17, Revelation 20:4)
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012
JANUARY
1st. Sunday – Genesis 1, 2, Matthew 1, Psalm 1
2nd. Monday – Genesis 3, 4, Matthew 2, Psalm 2
3rd. Tuesday – Genesis 5, 6, Matthew 3, Psalm 3
4th. Wednesday - Genesis 7, 8, Matthew 4, Proverbs 1:1-7
5th. Thursday - Genesis 9, 10, Matthew 5:1-26, Psalm 4
6th. Friday – Genesis 11, 12, Matthew 5:27-48, Psalm 5
7th. Saturday - Genesis 13, 14, 15, Matthew 6, Psalm 6
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 802 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://pricceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“And, behold, I come quickly: and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
________
A feisty 70 year-old woman had to call a furnace repairman.
After a quick inspection, the man put some oil into the motor and handed her a $70 bill for labor.
"Labor charges! One hour?" she exclaimed. "It only took you five minutes!"
The repairman explained that his company had a minimum one-hour charge on every house call.
"Well, I want my remaining 55 minutes of labor," the lady responded, and she handed him a rake.
The repairman spent the next 55 minutes in her yard bagging leaves.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
CHRIST IS BORN, BETHLEHEM
SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES WITH BOB
Newsletter 275 December 24, 2011
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Luke 2:1-20
Our family has four daughters, all are American, but two were born in America, one in Namibia, and one in South Africa. Jesus grew up in Nazareth, but the prophets had foretold that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem, so God caused Caesar Augustus to decree that everyone must return to the place of his family origins and pay a tax. Joseph and Mary‘s background required them to return to Bethlehem to be counted in a census and pay that tax. It was God’s timing that this should cause Jesus’ birth to be at Bethlehem and fulfill that prophecy. “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel.” (Micah 5:2)
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
(Matthew 22:17, Luke 3:1, Matthew 24:14)
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
(Matthew 4:24)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
(Luke 1:27)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
(Matthew 1:25)
Surprisingly we were not shown an inn site, but there are two sites for the stables. One is almost literally under the dividing wall between two church buildings. One enters the very old Greek Catholic building, is shown part of the mosaic floor of a still more ancient building that once stood there; then passes down a set of stairs past the traditional site of the stables, and emerges on the other side of the wall into the Aramaic church. We were told that there is a nearby cave that is also a possible alternative site. Bethlehem is a very hilly area, and is probably still surrounded by shepherds with their flocks. I don’t recall any obvious evidence of farming nearby. It is only a few miles from Jerusalem.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
(Luke 1:11, Acts 5:19, Luke 24:4, Acts 12:7)
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
(Matthew 14:27)
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
(Matthew 1:21, John 4:42, Acts 5:31, Matthew 1:16, Matthew 16:16, Matthew 16:20, John 11:27, Luke 1:43, Acts 2:36, Acts 10:36)
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
(1 Samuel 2:34, 2 Kings 19:29, 2 Kings 20:8, Isaiah 7:11, Isaiah 7:14)
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
(Matthew 21:9, Luke 19:38, Luke 3:22, Ephesians 1:9, Philippians 2:13)
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
(Luke 2:51)
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
(Matthew 9:8)
While the Matthew account is included with the Christmas events, it clearly tool place several months later. These visitors had seen this new star and interpreted it to mean that a new king had been born. Three types of gifts were brought, but there may have been more in the company, and probably were as they had travelled many miles through hostile country. Joseph and Mary, and Jesus had found a house after others had returned home, and Joseph had probably established himself in his trade. But, Bethlehem was not to be their permanent home. He was to come from Egypt. God warned the wise men to return home by a different way that would not be through Jerusalem, and told Joseph to take his family and flee to Egypt
Herod was the power in Jerusalem, and when he heard of these visitors, their wealth, and why they had come, he was very angry. A new king! He was the king! He issued a decree that all the baby boys near Bethlehem be killed. It was quickly done, but baby Jesus was already on his way to Egypt not to return until Herod was dead.
Matthew 2:1-11
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
(Micah 5:2, Luke 2:4-7, Luke 1:5)
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship Him.
(Jeremiah23:5, Jeremiah 30:9, Zechariah 9:9, Matthew 27:11, Luke 19:38, Luke 23:38, John 1:49, Numbers 24:17)
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
(John 7:42)
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
(Micah 5:2, John 7:42)
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
(Numbers 24:17)
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
(Matthew 1”18Matthew 12:46, Matthew 24:14)
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012
DECEMBER
25th. Sunday – Zephaniah 1, 2, 3, Revelation 19:1-9, Psalm 147:12-20
27th. Monday – Haggai 1, 2, Revelation 19:10-21, Proverbs 31:10-20
27th. Tuesday – Zechariah 1, 2, 3, 4, Revelation 20, Psalm 148:1-6
28th. Wednesday - Zechariah 5, 6, 7, 8, Revelation 21:1-12, Psalm 148:7-14
29th. Thursday - Zechariah 9, 10, 11, Revelation 21:13-27, Psalm 149
30th. Friday – Zechariah 12, 13, 14, Revelation 22:1-9, Psalm 146
24th. Saturday - Esther 9, 10, Revelation 18:12-24, Proverbs 31:21-31
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 801 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
Matthew 1:23
__________
http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
________
A surgeon, an architect, and a politician were considering the question of whose profession was the oldest.
"I think my line of work would win this one hands down," the surgeon said. "After all, Eve was created from Adam's rib, and that sounds like surgery to me."
"Maybe," the architect said, "but before Adam, order was created out of chaos. That was architectural accomplishment."
"Sure," the politician said. "But before that, someone had to create the chaos."
Bob and Phyllis Mills
Newsletter 275 December 24, 2011
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Luke 2:1-20
Our family has four daughters, all are American, but two were born in America, one in Namibia, and one in South Africa. Jesus grew up in Nazareth, but the prophets had foretold that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem, so God caused Caesar Augustus to decree that everyone must return to the place of his family origins and pay a tax. Joseph and Mary‘s background required them to return to Bethlehem to be counted in a census and pay that tax. It was God’s timing that this should cause Jesus’ birth to be at Bethlehem and fulfill that prophecy. “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel.” (Micah 5:2)
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
(Matthew 22:17, Luke 3:1, Matthew 24:14)
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
(Matthew 4:24)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
(Luke 1:27)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
(Matthew 1:25)
Surprisingly we were not shown an inn site, but there are two sites for the stables. One is almost literally under the dividing wall between two church buildings. One enters the very old Greek Catholic building, is shown part of the mosaic floor of a still more ancient building that once stood there; then passes down a set of stairs past the traditional site of the stables, and emerges on the other side of the wall into the Aramaic church. We were told that there is a nearby cave that is also a possible alternative site. Bethlehem is a very hilly area, and is probably still surrounded by shepherds with their flocks. I don’t recall any obvious evidence of farming nearby. It is only a few miles from Jerusalem.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
(Luke 1:11, Acts 5:19, Luke 24:4, Acts 12:7)
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
(Matthew 14:27)
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
(Matthew 1:21, John 4:42, Acts 5:31, Matthew 1:16, Matthew 16:16, Matthew 16:20, John 11:27, Luke 1:43, Acts 2:36, Acts 10:36)
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
(1 Samuel 2:34, 2 Kings 19:29, 2 Kings 20:8, Isaiah 7:11, Isaiah 7:14)
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
(Matthew 21:9, Luke 19:38, Luke 3:22, Ephesians 1:9, Philippians 2:13)
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
(Luke 2:51)
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
(Matthew 9:8)
While the Matthew account is included with the Christmas events, it clearly tool place several months later. These visitors had seen this new star and interpreted it to mean that a new king had been born. Three types of gifts were brought, but there may have been more in the company, and probably were as they had travelled many miles through hostile country. Joseph and Mary, and Jesus had found a house after others had returned home, and Joseph had probably established himself in his trade. But, Bethlehem was not to be their permanent home. He was to come from Egypt. God warned the wise men to return home by a different way that would not be through Jerusalem, and told Joseph to take his family and flee to Egypt
Herod was the power in Jerusalem, and when he heard of these visitors, their wealth, and why they had come, he was very angry. A new king! He was the king! He issued a decree that all the baby boys near Bethlehem be killed. It was quickly done, but baby Jesus was already on his way to Egypt not to return until Herod was dead.
Matthew 2:1-11
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
(Micah 5:2, Luke 2:4-7, Luke 1:5)
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship Him.
(Jeremiah23:5, Jeremiah 30:9, Zechariah 9:9, Matthew 27:11, Luke 19:38, Luke 23:38, John 1:49, Numbers 24:17)
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
(John 7:42)
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
(Micah 5:2, John 7:42)
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
(Numbers 24:17)
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
(Matthew 1”18Matthew 12:46, Matthew 24:14)
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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012
DECEMBER
25th. Sunday – Zephaniah 1, 2, 3, Revelation 19:1-9, Psalm 147:12-20
27th. Monday – Haggai 1, 2, Revelation 19:10-21, Proverbs 31:10-20
27th. Tuesday – Zechariah 1, 2, 3, 4, Revelation 20, Psalm 148:1-6
28th. Wednesday - Zechariah 5, 6, 7, 8, Revelation 21:1-12, Psalm 148:7-14
29th. Thursday - Zechariah 9, 10, 11, Revelation 21:13-27, Psalm 149
30th. Friday – Zechariah 12, 13, 14, Revelation 22:1-9, Psalm 146
24th. Saturday - Esther 9, 10, Revelation 18:12-24, Proverbs 31:21-31
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OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
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http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
Matthew 1:23
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http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
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A surgeon, an architect, and a politician were considering the question of whose profession was the oldest.
"I think my line of work would win this one hands down," the surgeon said. "After all, Eve was created from Adam's rib, and that sounds like surgery to me."
"Maybe," the architect said, "but before Adam, order was created out of chaos. That was architectural accomplishment."
"Sure," the politician said. "But before that, someone had to create the chaos."
Bob and Phyllis Mills
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