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Sunday, October 31, 2010

Bible Lesson: Miracles of Jesus; Tempest Calmed

Bible Lesson: Miracles Of Jesus: Tempest Calmed.

Bible Location: Sea of Galilee.

Bible Text: Mark 4:35-41 KJV (Matthew 8:23-27/Luke 8:22-25)
35 And the same day, when the even was come, He saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took Him even as He was in the ship. And there were also with Him other little ships.
37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
38 And He was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow*: and they awake Him, and say unto Him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
39 And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
40 And He said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of Man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?

*Pillow: Often, a low bench, or railing, called the pillow at the stern of the ship.
Adam Clarke Commentary:
Mark 4:
Verse 38. On a pillow] proskefalaion probably means a little bed, or hammock, such as are common in small vessels.
I have seen several in small packets, or passage boats, not a great deal larger than a bolster.
(Bolster: long narrow cushion, or pillow. New World Dictionary.)

Mark 4:35-41 NLT
35 As evening came, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.”
36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed).
37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with His head on a cushion. The disciples woke Him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
39 When Jesus woke up, He rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.
40 Then He asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this Man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey Him!”


Mark 4:35-36 KJV
35 And the same day, when the even was come, He saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took Him even as He was in the ship. And there were also with Him other little ships.

Jesus had spent the day, teaching heavens truths to the people, and it was now evening.
He told His disciples “Let us pass over unto the other side.”
The multitudes were sent away, and yet, we read “And there were also with Him other little ships.”

Throngs of people, could not leave the Lord.
John 10:27 KJV
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me:

John 12:26 KJV
If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My servant be: if any man serve Me, him will My Father honour.

Every day as Christian people, we are faced with the question, is our love and faith strong enough to follow Jesus out onto the dark waters of Galilee?


Mark 4:37 KJV
And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

Whenever your or I set out to do the Lord's bidding, we can expect the storms.
Jesus initiated His ministry by first confronting the evil one, and defeating him (Matthew 4:1-11).

And here, He and His men, meet an angry sea, winds howling, threatening to capsize them.
The enemy knew Jesus was led by the Spirit, to go to Gadara, where the demoniac was (Mark 5:1-20). Satan, tried his best to see to it that Jesus would never make it there for the demoniac's deliverance.

And we Christians, as we do the Lord's work, can expect the storms.
Matthew 5:45 KJV
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

James 1:2-8 NLT
2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
6 But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.
7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

Trust:

Psalm 37:4,5 KJV
4 Delight thyself also in the LORD: and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.

Proverbs 3:5,6 KJV
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

Isaiah 26:4 KJV
Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:


Mark 4:38,39 KJV
38 And He was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake Him, and say unto Him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
39 And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Jesus in His Divine humanity, grew weary, and resorted to the stern of the ship to lay His head on the railing of the ship and went to sleep.

The terrified disciples, awoke Him, saying “Master, carest thou not that we perish?” They lovingly placed Him, in the midst of “their” turmoil.

Matthew 8:26 KJV
And He saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

As the people of God, may we turn from fear to faith, as our Lord quells the storms before us.

Psalm 65:7 KJV
Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.

Psalm 89:9 KJV
Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.

Psalm 107:26-31- KJV
26 They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end.
28 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and He bringeth them out of their distresses.
29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so He bringeth them unto their desired haven.
31 Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!

Psalm 116:6 KJV
The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and He helped me.

Oh, the power of our Lord.

Matthew 28:18 KJV
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.

He can turn the water into wine (John 2:7).
He can walk on the water (Matthew 14:25).
He can still the tempest (Mark 4:39).
He can forgive sins (Mark 2:7).
He can heal the sick (Mark 1:30).
He can provide for multitudes (Mark 8:6).
He can cast out demons (Mark 9:22).
He can control nature (Mark 11:21).
He over came death (John 11:43).
He conquered death (John 20:27).

Deuteronomy 33:27 KJV
The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms...

Psalm 27:5 KJV
For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me up upon a Rock (Jesus Christ, Son of God).

Psalm 46:1 KJV
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 71:3 KJV
Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my Rock and my Fortress.

Proverbs 14:26 KJV
In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and His children shall have a place of refuge.

Proverbs 18:10 KJV
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

Isaiah 25:4 NLT
But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O Lord, a tower of refuge to the needy in distress. You are a refuge from the storm and a shelter from the heat...


Mark 4:40 KJV
And He said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

Hebrews 3:12 KJV
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

Hebrew 10:38,39 KJV
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

I John 5:4 KJV
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.


Mark 4:41 KJV
And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of Man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?

Godly fear:

Psalm 33:8 KJV
Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.

Psalm 89:7 KJV
God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about Him.

Habakkuk 2:20 KJV
But the LORD is in His holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before Him.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Bible Questions Answered: God And His Immutability II

Bible Questions Answered:
It seems to me that the God of the Old Testament, is a different God, than that of the New Testament. Waring God, versus loving God.
Ronald/ Ft. Riley, Kansas

Bible Answer:

God does “not,” change! In theology, this is known as the immutability of God, that is He is always the same.

Psalm 102:27 KJV
But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.

Malachi 3:6 KJV
For I am the LORD, I change not...

Hebrews 1:12 KJV
And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.

Hebrews 13:8 KJV
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

People in the O.T. Were warned to turn from sin, and many times for decades, then judged.
And God, judges evil yet today, in our world!

Psalm 7:11 KJV
God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.

Jeremiah 18:1-10 NLT (God never changes, but people do!)
1 The Lord gave another message to Jeremiah. He said,
2 “Go down to the potter’s shop, and I will speak to you there.”
3 So I did as He told me and found the potter working at his wheel.
4 But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over.
5 Then the Lord gave me this message:
6 “O Israel, can I not do to you as this potter has done to his clay? As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand.
7 If I announce that a certain nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed,
8 but then that nation renounces its evil ways, I will not destroy it as I had planned.
9 And if I announce that I will plant and build up a certain nation or kingdom,
10 but then that nation turns to evil and refuses to obey Me, I will not bless it as I said I would.

Nations and people had been warned, and yet they did not repent: Sodom, Canaan, Amorites, given centuries to repent, but they did not (Genesis 15:16). In Noah's day, God warned the people for 120 years, and yet without repentance, then judgment came (Genesis 6:3/7:11,12).
And in New Testament times, Christ, often spoke of judgement.

Matthew 23:37-39 NLT
37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let Me.
38 And now, look, your house is abandoned and desolate. (70 A.D. Roman Emperor Titus would destroy Jerusalem.)
39 For I tell you this, you will never see Me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Matthew 10:34-36 KJV
34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.

(God's will, always was that of love and mercy, would reign, not sacrifice. God always has been and always will be a God of love.)

I Samuel 15:22-23 KJV
"... Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, He hath also rejected thee

(Christ's summary of the O.T.)
Matthew 22:36-40 KJV
36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Matthew 9:13 KJV
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 KJV
But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.

Is a God of love, and warning, still Judging people and nations?
One has only to read the book of Revelation, to know the answer, the greatest of all judgments of people and nations are yet to occur.

Psalm 9:17 KJV
The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God...

God, never sends any people or nations to judgment and hell, they send themselves.
And they do it by not repenting of their sins and turning to the living God.

Our Lord's warnings to Israel, our warnings as well!

Ezekiel 18:23-32 NLT
23 “Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign Lord. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live.
24 However, if righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing sinful things and act like other sinners, should they be allowed to live? No, of course not! All their righteous acts will be forgotten, and they will die for their sins.
25 “Yet you say, ‘The Lord isn’t doing what’s right!’ Listen to Me, O people of Israel. Am I the one not doing what’s right, or is it you?
26 When righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing sinful things, they will die for it. Yes, they will die because of their sinful deeds.
27 And if wicked people turn from their wickedness, obey the law, and do what is just and right, they will save their lives.
28 They will live because they thought it over and decided to turn from their sins. Such people will not die.
29 And yet the people of Israel keep saying, ‘The Lord isn’t doing what’s right!’ O people of Israel, it is you who are not doing what’s right, not I.
30 “Therefore, I will judge each of you, O people of Israel, according to your actions, says the Sovereign Lord. Repent, and turn from your sins. Don’t let them destroy you!
31 Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O people of Israel?
32 I don’t want you to die, says the Sovereign Lord. Turn back and live!

Be sure to read God's Immutability Part I

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Bible Questions Answered: Forgiveness II

Bible Questions Answered:
Why Jesus say forgive wrong so many times. And treat enemies as best friend.
Naya/ Nigeria, S.W. Africa

Bible Answer:

Text:
Matthew 18:21-35 KJV
21 Then came Peter to Him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
25 But for as much as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshiped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
29 And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
31 So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee?
34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Matthew 6:14,15 KJV
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

(We as Christians have been forgiven.)
II Corinthians 5:21 KJV
For He (God the Father) hath made Him (Jesus His Son) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.

It is the duty of every Christian, to forgive his enemies, and those who wrong him!
What is not understood, is the fact that our Lord, forgave us, “more than we will ever know,” of our sins, when He accepted us in repentance and faith.

Is it than any wonder why He in turn asks of us, His servants, to do as He has done?
If it seems hard to do, then remember again and again, write it in your Bible...
Our Lord, forgave us “more than we will ever know,” of our sins, when He accepted us in repentance and faith.

Proverbs 25:21,22 KJV
21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
22 ...and the LORD shall reward thee.

Matthew 5:44-48 KJV
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Luke 6:27-36 NLT
27 “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you.
28 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.
29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also.
30 Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back.
31 Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
32 “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them!
33 And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much!
34 And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.
35 “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of
the Most High, for He is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.
36 You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.

Luke 23:33,34 KJV (Christ Jesus, our example.)
33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted His raiment, and cast lots.

Retaliation:
Retaliation, is not in the vocabulary of a Christian!
If that angers you, then you need to go to the altar, and seek the face of the Lord, and talk to Him about it.

Proverbs 20:22 KJV
Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and He shall save thee.

Matthew 5:38-42 NLT
38 “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’
39 But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.
40 If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too.
41 If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles.
42 Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.

Romans 12:17-21 KJV
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

I Thessalonians 5:15 KJV
See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

I Peter 3:8-12 NLT
8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters.
Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.
9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.
10 For the Scriptures say,
“If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.
11 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and His ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns His face against those who do evil.”

For more on this subject see The Bible Prayer Line, blog.... Forgiveness

Monday, October 25, 2010

Bible Questions Answered: Sinless?

Bible Questions Answered:
The man I work with, says he has never sinned, and that he doesn't believe in anything called sin.
Truly/ Glasgow, United Kingdom

Bible Answer:

What is sin?

I John 3:4 KJV
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

Genesis 2:16,17 KJV
16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Genesis 3:6 KJV
And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to
make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

Are there any who have not sinned?

I Kings 8:46 KJV
"...for there is no man that sinneth not..."

Psalm 53:2,3 KJV
2 God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.
3 Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy;
there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Isaiah 53:6 KJV
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 64:6 KJV
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Romans 3:10-12, 23 KJV
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable;
there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

I John 1:8-10 KJV
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

Sinless? A young man once thought so, that came to the Lord Jesus.

Luke 18:18- KJV
18 And a certain ruler asked Him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou Me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
21 And He said, All these have I kept from my youth up.
(Sinless?)
22 Now when Jesus heard these things, He said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow Me.
23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, He said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Sin is a deceiver:

Romans 7:11 KJV
"For sin...deceived me..."

Titus 3:3-6 AMP
3 For we also were once thoughtless and senseless, obstinate and disobedient,
deluded and misled; [we too were once] slaves to all sorts of cravings and pleasures, wasting our days in malice and jealousy and envy, hateful (hated, detestable) and hating one another.
4 But when the goodness and loving-kindness of God our Savior to man [as man] appeared,
5 He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but because of His own pity and mercy, by [the] cleansing [bath] of the new birth (regeneration) and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
6 Which He poured out [so] richly upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.

Hebrews 3:13 KJV
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through
the deceitfulness of sin.

God does not lie.

Titus 1:2 KJV
In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

Hebrews 6:18 KJV
That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

Sin:
John 3:16-21 KJV
16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that Light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than Light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the Light, neither cometh to the Light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the Light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Bible Questions Answered: Intercessor

Bible Questions Answered:
Protestants pray to Jesus, Catholics call upon Mary, why the different? Why don't they agree?
Salil/ Calcutta, India

Bible Answer:

Who is the Saviour?

Luke 2:11 KJV
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

John 3:17 KJV
For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.

Acts 5:31 KJV
Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

I Timothy 1:15 KJV
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners;..

I John 4:14 KJV
And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.


Jesus Christ, our Saviour, and our Intercessor, mediator.

Intercessor: One who pleads or makes a request on behalf of another. (New World Dictionary)

Jesus prayer for Peter:

Luke 22:32 KJV
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not:..

Jesus prayed for His disciples:

John 17:9 KJV (Read the whole chapter.)
I pray for them...

Jesus prayer for those who crucified Him.

Luke 23:34 KJV
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do...

Jesus prayed for Jerusalem.

Matthew 23:37 KJV
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!


Jesus Christ, the Christian's intercessor:

Romans 8:34 KJV
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

I Timothy 2:5 KJV
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
(How many?)

(Our Saviour is not dead on a cross, but alive, and interceding for His people at the right hand of the Father in heaven.)
Hebrews 7:25,26 KJV
25 Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.
26 For such an High Priest became us, who is Holy, Harmless, Undefiled, Separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

Hebrews 8:6/9:13-15,24 NLT
But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for He is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.
13 Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow could cleanse people’s bodies from ceremonial impurity.
14 Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered Himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins.
15 That is why He is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant.
24 For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with human hands, which was only a copy of the true one in heaven. He entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf.

Hebrews 12:24 NLT
You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness...

I John 2:1 KJV
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin,
we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous:

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Bible Lesson: Miracles Of Jesus; Widow's Son Raised From The Dead

Bible Lesson: Miracles Of Jesus; Widow's Son Raised From The Dead.

Location: Nain.

Bible Text: Luke 7:11-17 KJV
11 And it came to pass the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and much people.
12 Now when He came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.
13 And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
14 And He came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And He said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.
15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And He delivered him to his mother.
16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited His people.
17 And this rumour of Him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

Luke 7:11 KJV
And it came to pass the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and much people.

Throngs of people followed the Lord Jesus, His holy, heavenly presence, so blessed them.

II Corinthians 5:8 KJV (Apostle Paul)
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

Philippians 1:23,24 NLT (Apostle Paul)
23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me.
24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.

Luke 7:12 KJV
Now when He came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

Oh, the sorrow of death. God never created man....for sorrow.
No wonder then its overwhelming grip on humanity.

This poor woman, had not only lost her husband, and now her only child, a son.
There would be no one to care for her in her old age.
The sorrow for her must have been crushing indeed.

Psalm 68:5,6 KJV
5 Father to the fatherless, defender of widows— this is God, whose dwelling is holy.
6 God places the lonely in families; He sets the prisoners free and gives them joy...

Psalm 146:7-9 KJV
7 He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners.
8 The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly.
9 The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but He frustrates the plans of the wicked.

A very interesting part of this story is that the widow did not call upon Jesus to help her!
She, through all her tears may have even been oblivious to His being there.

Job 31:4 KJV
Doth not He see my ways, and count all my steps?

Job 34:21 KJV
For His eyes are upon the ways of man, and He seeth all his goings.

Psalm 115:12 KJV
The LORD hath been mindful of us: He will bless us;..

Psalm 147:5 KJV
Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite.

Matthew 6:32 KJV
"...for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things."

Hebrews 4:13 NLT
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountable.

I Peter 5:7 KJV
Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.

Here is where some need to read the following verses slowly, and perhaps over and over again.
In your pain, and hurt, hear again the word of the Lord.

Isaiah 49:13-16 KJV
13 Sing for joy, O heavens! Rejoice, O earth! Burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted His people and will have compassion on them in their suffering.
14 Yet Jerusalem says, “The Lord has deserted us; the Lord has forgotten us.”
15 “Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!
16 See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands...

Psalm 86:15 KJV
But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

Lamentations 3:22,23 KJV
22 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Matthew 9:36 KJV
But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them...

Matthew 14:14 KJV
And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and He healed their sick.

Matthew 15:32 KJV
Then Jesus called His disciples unto Him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude...

Matthew 20:34 KJV
So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.

Mark 1:41 KJV
And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth His hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.

John 11:35 KJV (At the grave side of His friend Lazarus.)
Jesus wept.

Hebrews 4:14-16 NLT
14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.
15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin.
16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Luke 7:13 KJV
And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

To be in the presence of the Lord Jesus, is to be full of joy

Psalm 16:11 KJV
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Isaiah 35:10 KJV
And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Isaiah 51:11 KJV
Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head:they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

I Peter 1:8 KJV
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

Revelation 7:17 KJV
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Luke 7:14,15 KJV
14 And He came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And He said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.
15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And He delivered him to his mother.

Jesus touched the platform, the dead body was on, but not the body, for this He could not do.
(We will not take time here to discuss our Lord's Nazarite Vow, but you can read of it in Numbers 6:1-8.)

Genesis 18:14 KJV
Is any thing too hard for the LORD?...

Psalm 62:11 KJV
God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.

Matthew 19:26 KJV
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Luke 1:37 KJV
For with God nothing shall be impossible.

John 11:25,26 KJV
25 Jesus said unto her (Martha), I am the Resurrection, and the Life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die...
Hope renewed, sprang from the heart of a saddened mother, her precious son, was alive!

And in the heart of every Christian, is the knowledge that one day, death, the last enemy, will be destroyed.

Isaiah 25:8 KJV
He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of His people shall He take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.

I Corinthians 15:25,26 KJV
25 For He must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

Revelation 21:4 KJV
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Luke 7:16,17 KJV
16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited His people.
17 And this rumour of Him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

Acts 9:31 KJV (A formula for spiritual success.)
Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified;
and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Matthew 15:30,31 KJV
30 And great multitudes came unto Him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and He healed them:
31 Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.

Revelation 7:9-12 NLT
9 After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands.
10 And they were shouting with a mighty shout, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!”
11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living beings. And they fell before the throne with their faces to the ground and worshiped God.
12 They sang, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

Revelation 19:1,2 KJV
1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God:
2 For true and righteous are His judgments:..

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Bible Questions Answered: Redemption-First Reference

Bible Questions Answered:
I need to know where redemption is first mentioned in the Bible.
Jerrod/ Tulsa, Oklahoma

Bible Answer:

Popular belief has it that Genesis 3:15 is the first reference of redemption, but is not so.

Genesis 3:15 KJV
14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:
15 And I will put enmity (hostility) between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

God will put hostility, between the people of God, and the old serpent, Satan.
Her seed, a reference to, the virgin birth of Christ, through Mary.
He (Christ) shall bruise thy head (how to destroy a serpent), and thou shalt bruise His (Christ's) heel, death and the grave could not hold Him, to Him and Him alone is the victory!

Certainly a verse depicting the act of redemption, to be sure, but an earlier one is even more poignant.

Genesis 2:21-23 KJV
21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made He a woman, and brought her unto the man.
23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

In the word, the first and the second Adam, is spoken of, Christ being the second Adam.

Romans 5:12-21 NLT
12 When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.
13 Yes, people sinned even before the law was given. But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to break.
14 Still, everyone died—from the time of Adam to the time of Moses—even those who did not disobey an explicit commandment of God, as Adam did. Now Adam is a symbol, a representation of Christ, who was yet to come.
15 But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift (Second Adam-Christ). For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and His gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ.
16 And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins.
17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and His gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.
18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.
19 Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.
20 God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.
21 So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Adam, type of Christ:
The first Adam, was a fleshly son of God, Christ thee eternal Son of God (Isaiah 9:2 KJV)
The first Adam was in need of a help-meet, Christ desired His Church, His bride.
From his side, Adam, gave birth, to his wife, Eve, from His side, the second Adam gave birth to His wife, the Church.
The first Adam, willingly shared Eve's condemnation, (I Timothy 2:14), Christ willingly was made to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (II Corinthians 5:21).

And much more could be said.

Blood and Water:
John 19:34 KJV
But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced His side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.
(The birth and redemption of Christ's bride, the church.)

I John 5:5,6 KJV
5 Who is he that over cometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
6 This is He that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.

I Peter 1:18,19 KJV
18 For asmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot:

Revelation 1:5,6 KJV
5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the Faithful Witness, and the First Begotten of the dead, and the Prince of the kings of the earth. Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood,
6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Flesh and Bones:
Ephesians 5:30 KJV
For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones.

Ephesians 5:23 NLT
23 For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of His body, the church.
25 For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up His life for her

Titus 2:13,14 KJV
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

I Peter 3:18 KJV
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

Our Saviour, gave of His life, His body, that we the church, the bride of Christ, might be born, having been given life, and redemption.

I Corinthians 15:45-49 KJV
45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
47 The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven.
48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

Selah

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Bible Questions Answered: Decision

Bible Questions Answered:
I want to follow God, I'm thinking of becoming a Christian, but my friends all are trying to talk me out of it.
Bryan/ San Francisco, California

Bible Answer:

Your story is somewhat reminiscent of one Sergius Paulus, who was the governor (Proconsul of the island of Cyprus.)

The Apostle Paul, and Barnabas his companion, on Paul's first missionary journey, met him, and a wiley friend of his by the name of Elymas.

Acts 13:4-12 NLT (Paul’s First Missionary Journey)
4 So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit. They went down to the seaport of Seleucia and then sailed for the island of Cyprus.
5 There, in the town of Salamis, they went to the Jewish synagogues and preached the word of God. John Mark went with them as their assistant.
6 Afterward they traveled from town to town across the entire island until finally they reached Paphos, where they met a Jewish sorcerer, a false prophet named Bar-Jesus.
7 He had attached himself to the governor, Sergius Paulus, who was an intelligent man. The governor invited Barnabas and Saul to visit him, for he wanted to hear the word of God.
8 But Elymas, the sorcerer (as his name means in Greek), interfered and urged the governor to pay no attention to what Barnabas and Saul said. He was trying to keep the governor from believing.
9 Saul, also known as Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he looked the sorcerer in the eye.
10 Then he said, “You son of the devil, full of every sort of deceit and fraud, and enemy of all that is good! Will you never stop perverting the true ways of the Lord?
11 Watch now, for the Lord has laid his hand of punishment upon you, and you will be struck blind. You will not see the sunlight for some time.” Instantly mist and darkness came over the man’s eyes, and he began groping around begging for someone to take his hand and lead him.
12 When the governor saw what had happened, he became a believer, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.

Sergius Paulus, was an honest seeker of truth, an intelligent man, who wished above all else to hear what Paul and Barnabas were teaching.

But, he was berated to no little extent by his court magician, Elymas, who did his best to interfere and urge the governor to pay no attention to what Barnabas and Saul would have to say, for the fear of loosing his position of influence.

The Apostle Paul called Elymas, a sorcerer, a son of the devil, an enemy, and pronounced a curse of temporary blindness on him.

After hearing the truth of the gospel, Sergius Paulus, became a believer.

Whenever we decide for God, to accept, or to serve Him, be ready for the evil one and his emissaries to oppress and try to block us at every turn.

Which leaves a thinking person to one and only one conclusion. If we indeed decide for God, and His precious Son, the Lord Jesus, then we must be a determined people!

Matthew 4:1-11 KJV (Our Saviour)
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.
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.
7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
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.

In His consecration, and dedication to the Father, Jesus did not entertain the queries of Satan.
Standing on the sure word of God, rather He rebuked him.

When one decides for the Lord Jesus, then let His voice only be heard, and may we do what He calls us to do!

I John 5:1-5 NLT
1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves His children, too.
2 We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey His commandments.
3 Loving God means keeping His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome.
4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.
5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Bible Questions Answered: Glass-Seeing Through

Bible Questions Answered:
What was apostle speaking when he say he was looking through dark glass?
Kefentse/ Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Bible Answer:

Text:
I Corinthians 13:12 KJV
For now we see through a glass*, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

*Glass-Greek: Esoptrn-(Es-op-tron): A mirror.

The American Standard Version Bible correctly translates the Greek word esoptrn as, “mirror.”

I Corinthians 13:12 ASV
For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I was fully known.

If you were to see a mirror of the Apostle's day, you would understand, for this is what he was referring to.

A mirror in the Apostle's day, was not a section of glass, covered on the reverse side with silver.
In Paul's day, a mirror was polished, bronze or brass plate.

At Thebes, archeologists have unearthed ancient mirrors buried for centuries, and yet when cleaned and polished, give a reflection of one's face. These ancient mirrors were usually round with handles.

Exodus 35:20-29 KJV
20 And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.
21 And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord's offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all His service, and for the holy garments.
22 And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the Lord.
23 And every man, with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, and red skins of rams, and badgers' skins, brought them.
24 Every one that did offer an offering of silver and brass brought the Lord's offering: and every man, with whom was found shittim wood for any work of the service, brought it.
25 And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen.
26 And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats' hair.
27 And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate;
28 And spice, and oil for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense.
29 The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the Lord, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the Lord had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.

Here we read of the people coming together to give of what they had, so that the Tabernacle, could be built.

Exodus 35:24 KJV
Every one that did offer an offering of silver and brass brought the Lord's offering:

No doubt some of that brass, were the mirrors of the people, again certainly not the silvered glass that we are familiar with today.

The beloved Apostle Paul, stated (that in his day,) that he saw his own image through a “mirror” darkly, “but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”

His image in brass, was a dark reflection at best.
And he intimates that, life itself has its darkness, that is we don't always understand everything as we wish we could. Life, death, the very existence of God. We progress as it were a child, from basic truths on to greater truths.

I Corinthians 13:8-13 KJV
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

I John 3:1-3 KJV
1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Bible Questions Answered: Martyrs

Bible Questions Answered:
Who is it that is spoken of in these words of Hebrews 11:37?
Thurmond/ Bergen, Norway

Bible Answer:

Bible Text:
Hebrews 11:36-40 KJV (Be sure to read the whole chapter-(the faith chapter).)
36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

The Apostle Paul, referred to those who became martyrs for their faith in God.

Martyrs mentioned in the word of God:

Hebrews 11:37 KJV
They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

Sawn asunder, many believe refers to Isaiah. Killed under orders from King Manasseh.

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Luke 11:51 KJV
From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.

Abel, first martyr of all time, slain by his jealous brother Cain.

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II Chronicles 24:20-21
20 And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the Lord, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the Lord, He hath also forsaken you.
21 And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the Lord.

Zechariah killed by stoning, having upset the conscience of his fellow countrymen.

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Jeremiah 26:20-23 NLT
20 At this time Uriah son of Shemaiah from Kiriath-jearim was also prophesying for the Lord. And he predicted the same terrible disaster against the city and nation as Jeremiah did.
21 When King Jehoiakim and the army officers and officials heard what he was saying, the king sent someone to kill him. But Uriah heard about the plan and escaped in fear to Egypt.
22 Then King Jehoiakim sent Elnathan son of Acbor to Egypt along with several other men to capture Uriah.
23 They took him prisoner and brought him back to King Jehoiakim. The king then killed Uriah with a sword and had him buried in an unmarked grave.

Uriah, killed by King Jehoiakim.

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Mark 6:27 KJV
And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,

The slaying of John the Baptist, by King Herod.

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Acts 7:58-59 KJV
58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

Stephen, the very first martyr of the church. Stoned by angered Jews.

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Acts 12:1-2 KJV
1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

James, first of the 12 disciples to be slain. Killed by King Herod Agrippa.

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II Timothy 4:6 KJV
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

Apostle Paul, beheaded by Roman Emperor Nero.

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John 13:36 KJV
Simon Peter said unto him,Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow Me now; but thou shalt follow Me after wards.

John 21:18-19 KJV
18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
19 This spake He, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He saith unto him, Follow Me.

II Peter 1:14
Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.

Peter, crucified upside down by Emperor Nero.

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Revelation 2:13 KJV
I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied My faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

Antipas, slain at Pergamos. Tradition, says Antipas, was the bishop of Pergamos.

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Revelation 6:9 KJV
And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

Revelation 20:4 KJV
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

These are tribulation martyrs.

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Revelation 2:10 KJV
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Revelation 12:11 KJV
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Bible Lesson: Miracles Of Jesus; Centurion's Servant Healed

Bible Lesson: Miracles Of Jesus: Centurion's servant Healed.

Location: Capernaum.

Text: Matthew 8:5-13 KJV
5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto Him a centurion, beseeching Him,
6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

Luke 7:1-10 KJV
1 Now when He had ended all His sayings in the audience of the people, He entered into Capernaum.
2 And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.
3 And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto Him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that He would come and heal his servant.
4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought Him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom He should do this:
5 For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.
6 Then Jesus went with them. And when He was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:
7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
8 For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another,
Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
9 When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned Him about, and said unto the people that followed Him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.

Matthew 8:5,6 KJV
5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto Him a centurion, beseeching Him,
6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

It is totally inconsequential Whether or not the Centurion, came to Jesus or sent his emissaries, however one is lead more certainly to believe based upon verses 8,9 that no doubt it was not he himself that approached Jesus but those who he had sent.

A Centurion (a Gentile), was a Roman officer, with no less than 100 soldiers under his command. And there is more than some reason for speculation, that this man, had read the scriptures, and more than perhaps had believed that Christ, indeed was the promised Messiah.

Luke tell us that, being a man (a Gentile) of faith, he had built the Jews a synagogue (Luke 7:5).
A man acquainted with the ramifications of authority, and the delegation of responsibility.

If one thought anyone would, yes, could reach out in faith for the promises of God, surely it would be the chosen people of God, the Jews, but they for the most part had rejected Jesus, thinking surely all flesh is intrinsically evil, God could certainly “not,” be in the flesh, but they were wrong.

Matthew 8:7-9 KJV
7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

When ever anyone calls upon the living God, for help, He hears, and He answers!

II Samuel 22:7 KJV
In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God: and He did hear my voice out of His temple, and my cry did enter into His ears.

Psalm 34:15 KJV
The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry.

Isaiah 59:1 KJV
Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

Isaiah 65:24 KJV
And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

I Peter 3:12 KJV
For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

Psalm 28:7,8 KJV
7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him.
8 The Lord is their strength, and He is the saving strength of His anointed.

Psalm 40:17 KJV
But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer...

Isaiah 41:10 KJV
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.

Isaiah 50:9 KJV
Behold, the Lord God will help me...

Hebrew 13:6 KJV
"...The Lord is my helper..."

The Centurion, was a man (Gentile) of faith!
Matthew 8:8 KJV
“...speak the word only,...”

And we as Christians, need to be a people of faith!

Mark 11:22 KJV
And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

Romans 10:17 KJV
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Matthew 17:20 KJV
And Jesus said unto them,...If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Ephesians 6:16 KJV
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Hebrews 11:6 KJV
But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

I John 5:4 KJV
For whatsoever is born of God over cometh the world: and this is the victory that over cometh the world, even our faith.

Jesus in His astonishment, proclaimed...
Matthew 8:10-12 KJV
10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Those who receive the Messiah, will one day “sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.”

While those who reject Him, will “be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

The reward of faith...

Matthew 8:13 KJV
And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Bible Questions Answered: Knowledge of the Truth-Unable to Learn

Bible Questions Answered:
Why can't the people of II Timothy 3, learn the truth?
Jody/ Pensacola, Florida

Bible Answer:

Text:
II Timothy 3:6-9 KJV
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their's also was.

II Timothy 3:6-9 NLT
6 They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires.
7 (Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.)
8 These teachers oppose the truth just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith.
9 But they won’t get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres.

I Corinthians 1:18-31 KJV
18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29 That no flesh should glory in His presence.
30 But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Why can't some people learn the truth?

They can't because they don't love the truth!
The Truth, is a person, and that person is the Lord Jesus Christ.

John 14:6 KJV
Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.

John 7:17 KJV
If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself.

John 3:16-21 KJV
16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only
begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

II Timothy 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Because.....

II Timothy 4:3 KJV
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

John 12:37-50 NLT
37 But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in Him.
38 This is exactly what Isaiah the prophet had predicted: “Lord, who has believed our message? To whom has the Lord revealed His powerful arm?”
39 But the people couldn’t believe, for as Isaiah also said,
40 “The Lord has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts— so that their eyes cannot see, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to Me and have Me heal them.”
41 Isaiah was referring to Jesus when he said this, because he saw the future and spoke of the Messiah’s glory.
42 Many people did believe in Him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue.
43 For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.
44 Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust Me, you are trusting not only Me, but also God who sent Me.
45 For when you see Me, you are seeing the one who sent Me.
46 I have come as a Light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in Me will no longer remain in the dark.
47 I will not judge those who hear Me but don’t obey Me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it.
48 But all who reject Me and My message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken.
49 I don’t speak on My own authority. The Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it.
50 And I know His commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells Me to say.”