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Sunday, December 30, 2018

Elder Brother - Luke 15:11-32 KJV


THE BIBLE PRAYER LINE – Bible Questions Answered
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Bible Questions Answered:
“In the prodigal son, who is the elder son?..”
Pete/ Burlington, North Carolina U.S.A.

Bible Answer:

Bible Texts:
The parable of the prodigal son:

Luke 15:11-32 NLT (Parable of the Lost Son)
11 To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons.
12 The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons.
13 “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living.
14 About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve.
15 He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs.
16 The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything.
17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger!
18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you,
19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’
20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.
21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’

22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet.
23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast,
24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.

25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house,
26 and he asked one of the servants what was going on.
27 ‘Your brother is back,’ he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.’

28 “The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him,
29 but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends.
30 Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’

31 “His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours.
32 We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’”

Who is the older brother in this story, Jesus plainly tells us.

Luke 15:1-3 NLT
1 Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach.
2 This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that He was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them!
3 So Jesus told them this story:

Three stories:
1) The Lost Sheep Luke 15:4-7 NLT
2) The Lost Coin   Luke 15:8-10 NLT
3) The Lost Son     Luke 15:11-32 NLT

Our Lord is telling these three parables to....
1) Tell everyone, who He is trying to reach – The Lost Ones, and the great joy, when one is found!
2) Tell the Pharisees, and Chief Priests, a very important message.

Jesus embraced sinners, because they were the ones He had come to reach.

The Jewish Pharisees and Chief Priests, by virtue of their heritage from Abraham, thought themselves in the kingdom, and others, as sinners being cast out.

Not so, says The Lord.

Romans 8:11,12 NLT
11 And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven.
12 But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

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 (self-righteous e.d.), but sinners to repentance.

Mark 2:17 KJV
When Jesus heard it, He saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous (self-righteous), but sinners to repentance.

Luke 5:32 KJV
I came not to call the righteous (self-righteous), but sinners to repentance.

Matthew 23:13 NLT (Jesus Scorns Religious Leaders vs.1-36)
What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let others enter either.

Rock Of Ages

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless, look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When my eyes shall close in death,
When I rise to worlds unknown,
And behold Thee on Thy throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

Author: Augustus M. Toplady

Hear the music, copy and paste this URL into a new web browser and hit enter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXognn1RQLY

Prayer:

Deuteronomy 32:3,4 KJV
3 Because I will publish the name of The Lord: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.
4 He is The Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of Truth and without iniquity, Just and Right is He.


Friday, December 28, 2018

Bible Lesson: Conversations With Jesus: Entrance Into The Kingdom.

The Bible Prayer Line – Bible Lesson
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Bible Lesson: Conversations With Jesus: Entrance Into The Kingdom.

Bible Text:

Matthew 19:13-30 KJV
13 Then were there brought unto Him little children, that He should put His hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
14 But Jesus said, Suffer (permit) little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
15 And He laid His hands on them, and departed thence.

16 And, behold, one came and said unto Him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal Life?
17 And He said unto him, Why callest thou Me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into Life, keep the commandments.
18 He saith unto Him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
19 Honor thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me.
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
23 Then said Jesus unto His disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
25 When His disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

27 Then answered Peter and said unto Him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed Me, in the regeneration when The Son Of Man shall sit in The Throne Of His Glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting Life.
30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

Mark 10:31-45 KJV
31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
32 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And He took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto Him,
33 Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and The Son Of Man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn Him to death, and shall deliver Him to the Gentiles:
34 And they shall mock Him, and shall scourge Him, and shall spit upon Him, and shall kill Him: and the third day He shall rise again.

35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto Him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.
36 And He said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?
37 They said unto Him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.
38 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?
39 And they said unto Him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:
40 But to sit on My right hand and on My left hand is not Mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.
41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.
42 But Jesus called them to Him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
45 For even The Son Of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.

Four different thoughts, That of the child, the rich man, Jesus' own upcoming death, and the thought of serving others.

Innocence As A Child:

Innocence:
The quality or state of being innocent; freedom from sin or moral wrong.
Dictionary.Com

Church leaders who do not live accordingly as a child, that is in total abandonment to themselves, in humility and In all lowliness of mind, should not be leaders, in effect, they are not leaders.

Psalm 19:13 NLT
Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.

Matthew 19:14 KJV
...for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

Romans 12:9 NLT
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.

Colossians 2:8 NLT
Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.

The Young Rich Man:

The rich man, had everything but immortality, and that he wanted very much.
Jesus told him...

Matthew 19:17 KJV
17 "... keep the commandments."
21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me.

Following Jesus means, giving Him our all.

Matthew 10:37-39 KJV
37 He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.
38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me.
39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for My sake shall find it.

John 12:25 KJV
He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

Jesus Predicts His Death; And Demonstrates His Humility And Submission.

Mark 10:32-34 KJV
32 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And He took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto Him,
33 Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and The Son Of Man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn Him to death, and shall deliver Him to the Gentiles:
34 And they shall mock Him, and shall scourge Him, and shall spit upon Him, and shall kill Him: and the third day He shall rise again.

Isaiah 50:6 KJV
I gave My back to the smiters, and My cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not My face from shame and spitting.

Isaiah 53:3,7 KJV
3 He is despised and rejected of men; A Man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.
7 He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as A Lamb to the slaughter, and as A Sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth.

Zechariah 9:9 NLT
Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your King is coming to you. He is Righteous and Victorious, yet He is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt.

Matthew 10:37-39 KJV
37 He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.
38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me.
39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for My sake shall find it.

Luke 22:27 KJV
For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as He that serveth.

John 10:15 KJV
As The Father knoweth Me, even so know I The Father: and I lay down My life for the sheep.

John 12:25 KJV
He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

John 13:4,5 KJV
4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside His garments; and took a towel, and girded Himself.
5 After that He poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded.

II Corinthians 8:9 NLT
You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that by His poverty He could make you rich.

Philippians 2:6-8 NLT
6 Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.
7 Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When He appeared in human form,
8 He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Hebrews 12:2 KJV
Looking unto Jesus The Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at The Right Hand Of The Throne Of God.

Jesus Teaches about Serving Others

Mark 10:35-45 KJV
35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto Him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.
36 And He said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?
37 They said unto Him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.
38 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?
39 And they said unto Him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:
40 But to sit on My right hand and on My left hand is not Mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.
41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.
42 But Jesus called them to Him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
45 For even The Son Of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.

The Chiefest of all, is our Savior. Leaders must aspire to being servants of all.

Now, The Word, reminds us we are Not Saved by works-religious or otherwise, however, we are not saved from doing themrather we are admonished to do them.

Ephesians 2:8,9 KJV
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is The Gift Of God (Jesus Christ):
Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Titus 3:5 KJV
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of The Holy Ghost;

Matthew 5:16 KJV
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

James 2:14-26 KJV
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us

Savior, like A Shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

We are Thine, Thou dost befriend us, be the Guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, seek us when we go astray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.

Thou hast promised to receive us, poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us, grace to cleanse and pow’r to free.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! We will early turn to Thee.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! We will early turn to Thee.

Early let us seek Thy favor, early let us do Thy will;
Blessed Lord and only Savior, with Thy love our bosoms fill.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.

Author: Dorothy A. Thrupp

Hear the music, copy and paste this URL, into a new web browser, and hit enter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d6XN-2NIRI

Prayer:

I Peter 5:4-7 KJV
4 And when The Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Luke 8:18

THE BIBLE PRAYER LINE – Bible Questions Answered
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Bible Questions Answered:
“What does it mean -whosoever hath, to him shall be given?...”
Shirley/ Dallas, Texas U.S.A.

Bible Answer:

Bible Texts:

Luke 8:16-18 KJV
16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.
17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
18 Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

Luke 8:16-18 NLT (Parable of the Lamp)
16 “No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house.
17 For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.
18 So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to My teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.”

Our Lord is telling us, that if we don't put into use, the Words He gives us, they will be lost to us, and the little understanding we think we have, will only become darker.

Mark 4:21-25 NLT (Parable of the Lamp)
21 Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine.
22 For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light.
23 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”
24 Then He added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more.
25 To those who listen to My teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.”

Matthew 13:1-23 KJV
1 The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.
2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto Him, so that He went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.
3 And He spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
4 And when He sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:
5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:
8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixty fold, some thirty fold.
9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
10 And the disciples came, and said unto Him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

Matthew 25:28-30 NLT (Parable of the Three Servants verses 14-30)
28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver.
29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.
30 Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Luke 19:25-27 NLT (Parable of the Ten Servants verses 11-27)
25 “‘But, master,’ they said, ‘he already has ten pounds!’
26 “‘Yes,’ the king replied, ‘and to those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.
27 And as for these enemies of mine who didn’t want me to be their king—bring them in and execute them right here in front of me.’”

In this parable, our Lord, shows the principle...
1) A person must have something to do something.
2) If a person doesn't use what he has, he will loose the little he has.

God gives every person talents, and either we use them, or we will loose them.
It is not that God that takes them away, but they are lost from lack of use.

Romans 11:29 NLT
For God’s gifts and His call can never be withdrawn.

Atrophy:
Degeneration, decline, or decrease, as from disuse:
Dictionary.Com

Muscles that are not used, begin to atrophy. Talents not used for The Lord, are gifts unopened, and unused.

Illustration:
Helen Adams Keller, was without what most people have, she was totally blind and deaf. No one could communicate with her, until a teacher by the name of Anne Sullivan, took the time to try to reach Her.

Helen went on to learn braille, and became, herself an author and lecturer.

A miracle? Helen Keller was encouraged by Anne Sullivan, to use what talents she had, the sense of touch, and she tried, and the world is all the better because she did.

So the all important question today is, are we using our God given talents for The Lord?

Talents, Given By The Lord:

Romans 12:6-8, NLT
6 In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.
7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well.
8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve The Lord enthusiastically.

I Corinthians 12:7-11 NLT
7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
8 To one person The Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.
9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing.
10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from The Spirit Of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said.
11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.

Colossians 3:23,24 NLT
23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for The Lord rather than for people.
24 Remember that The Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that The Master you are serving is Christ.

I Peter 4:10-11 NLT
10 God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.
11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God Himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to Him forever and ever! Amen.

This Little Light of Mine

This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine,
This little light of mine,
I’m going to let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
All the time!

Don’t put it under a bushel, No!
I’m going to let it shine,
Don’t put it under a bushel, No!
I’m going to let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
All the time!

Let it shine till Jesus comes,
I’m going to let it shine,
Let it shine till Jesus comes,
I’m going to let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
All the time!

Don’t let Satan blow it out!
I’m going to let it shine,
Don’t let Satan blow it out!
I’m going to let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
All the time!

Hear the music, copy and paste this URL into a new web browser and hit enter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVfWr_aTSAk

Prayer:

Luke 6:38 KJV
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.



Monday, December 24, 2018

Master



THE BIBLE PRAYER LINE – Bible Questions Answered
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Bible Prayer Line Index



Bible Questions Answered:
“Are we supposed to call Christ, Master?...”
Catherine/ Melbourne (Victoria), Australia

Bible Answer:
Yes!

Bible Texts:

Our Lord, discussed this Himself.

Matthew 23:8-10 KJV
8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master*, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

*Master-Greek: Kathegetes (Kath-ayg-ay-tace): A Guide, that is a Teacher: Master.

The Scribes and Pharisees, had a hollow religion, what they loved was show, and honor. They loved to be called Rabbi or Master.

Though they followed rites and rituals, yet they lived Godless lives.

II Timothy 3:5 KJV
Having a form of Godliness, but denying The Power thereof: from such turn away.

A church described by Jesus...

Matthew 7:21-23 KJV
21 Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord*, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.

*Lord-Greek: Kurios (Koo-ree-os): Supreme in authority, i.e. controller; God, Lord, Master.

If the scribes and Pharisees were true guides and teachers, The Lord, would not have scorned them.

Matthew 23:1-7 KJV
1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to His disciples,
2 Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries (prayer boxes NLT), and enlarge the borders of their garments,
6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

Man longs for ecclesiastical distinctions of highest honor, and yet our Lord reminds us

Matthew 23:11 KJV
But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

Stop here and read the blog postings...



O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee

O Master, let me walk with Thee,
In lowly paths of service free;
Tell me Thy secret; help me bear
The strain of toil, the fret of care.

Help me the slow of heart to move
By some clear, winning word of love;
Teach me the wayward feet to stay,
And guide them in the homeward way.

Teach me Thy patience; still with Thee
In closer, dearer, company,
In work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
In trust that triumphs over wrong.

In hope that sends a shining ray
Far down the future’s broad’ning way,
In peace that only Thou canst give,
With Thee, O Master, let me live.

Author: Washington Gladden

Hear the music, copy and paste this URL, into a new web browser, and hit enter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6lIbnnBMao

Prayer:

John 13:13 NLT
You call Me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord*,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am.

*Lord-Greek: Kurios (Koo-ree-os): Supreme in authority, i.e. controller; God, Lord, Master.

Romans 14:8,9 KJV
8 For whether we live, we live unto The Lord*; and whether we die, we die unto The Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are The Lord's.
9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that He might be Lord both of the dead and living.

*Lord-Greek: Kurios (Koo-ree-os): Supreme in authority, i.e. controller; God, Lord, Master.

I Corinthians 8:6 KJV
But to us there is but one God, The Father, of whom are all things, and we in Him; and one Lord* Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him.

*Lord-Greek: Kurios (Koo-ree-os): Supreme in authority, i.e. controller; God, Lord, Master.

Philippians 2:9-11 KJV
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord*, to the glory of God The Father.

*Lord-Greek: Kurios (Koo-ree-os): Supreme in authority, i.e. controller; God, Lord, Master.


Saturday, December 22, 2018

Bible Lesson: Conversations With Jesus: The Seriousness Of Prayer.


The Bible Prayer Line – Bible Lesson
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https://thebibleprayerline.blogspot.com/2018/05/tbpl-index.html

Bible Lesson: Conversations With Jesus: The Seriousness Of Prayer.

Bible Text:

The Jews were instructed to have judges at the gates of every city, for the hearing of cases and for their giving judgment.

Deuteronomy 16:18 NLT
Appoint judges and officials for yourselves from each of your tribes in all the towns The Lord your God is giving you. They must judge the people fairly.

Exodus 23:6-9 NLT
6 “In a lawsuit, you must not deny justice to the poor.
7 “Be sure never to charge anyone falsely with evil. Never sentence an innocent or blameless person to death, for I never declare a guilty person to be innocent.
8 “Take no bribes, for a bribe makes you ignore something that you clearly see. A bribe makes even a righteous person twist The Truth.
9 “You must not oppress foreigners. You know what it’s like to be a foreigner, for you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt.

Leviticus 19:15 NLT
Do not twist justice in legal matters by favoring the poor or being partial to the rich and powerful. Always judge people fairly.

Though Judges were to be Godly men, the Judge in this story by Jesus, was “a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: Luke 18:1 KJV.

Luke 18:1-8 KJV
1 And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
7 And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them?
8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?

Mankind lost under the stain of sin, has an unjust adversary.

I Peter 5:8 KJV
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Unlike the unjust judge, our God, longs to hear the cry of those who call upon Him, for help.
Acts 2:21 KJV
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of The Lord shall be saved.
II Peter 3:9 KJV
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
I Peter 5:7 KJV
Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.

Psalm 55:22 KJV
Cast thy burden upon The Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer (Permit) the righteous to be moved.

Our loving God, hears and answers prayer.

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.

Mark 11:24 KJV
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

John 15:7 KJV
If ye abide in Me, and My Words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Philippians 4:19 KJV
"...my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

I Thessalonians 5:17 KJV
Pray without ceasing.


The Pharisee, And The Publican:

Luke 18:10-14 KJV
9 And He spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
This is the story of two men who went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee, and the other a Publican.
Pharisee: Greek-Pharisaios (far-is-ah-yos): Exclusively religious, Jewish secretary.
(Abingdon/Strong)

They were not only keepers of the law, but keepers of the oral traditions of the law, which were numerous.
The were men of spiritual show full of self piety. Their righteousness, was based on keeping the
“jot and tittle of the law.”
The Pharisee, boasted..

11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

Christ referred to Pharisee's as a brood of snakes...
Matthew 3:7 KJV
But when He saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to His baptism, He said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
And again..
Matthew 15:8,9 KJV
8 This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoreth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me.
9 But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Matthew 6:1-5 KJV
1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Read of the “Pride,” of Satan.
Satan
Pride:
Proverbs 16:18 KJV
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
I John 2:16,17 KJV
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
The Self-Righteous:
Proverbs 12:15 KJV
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
Proverbs 30:12 KJV
There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
II Corinthians 10:12 NLT
Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!
Job 9:20 KJV
If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.

I John 1:8 KJV
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and The Truth is not in us.
Publican: Greek-Telones (tel-o-nace): A tax-farmer/ a collector of public revenue.
(Abingdon/Strong)

A tax collector, of Roman revenue, of whom many were dishonest.
Overcharging, with fraudulent claims, a tax collector considered the lowest of all trades.

Deuteronomy 25:13-16 NLT
13 “You must use accurate scales when you weigh out merchandise,
14 and you must use full and honest measures.
15 Yes, always use honest weights and measures, so that you may enjoy a long life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
16 All who cheat with dishonest weights and measures are detestable to the Lord your God.
Proverbs 21:6 NLT
Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.
The Publican of Luke 18, came to the temple in humility, and confession.

13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I
(Jesus) tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Humility:
Proverbs 22:4 KJV
By humility and the fear of The LORD are riches, and honor, and life.
Isaiah 57:15 KJV
For thus saith The High And Lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Matthew 18:4 KJV
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
James 4:10 KJV
Humble yourselves in the sight of The Lord, and He shall lift you up.
Matthew 11:28-30 KJV
28 Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.

Both the Pharisee, and the Publican went up to the temple to pray.
The Pharisee tried his best to “convince,” God, of how great he was, and what he accomplished was nothing.

Ephesians 2:8,9 KJV
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is The Gift Of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Titus 3:5 KJV
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done..."
Hebrews 10:6 KJV
In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
The prayer of the publican was heard.
He...
Bowed his head, as being unworthy to even raise it, to speak to God.
Begged Almighty God for His mercy,
Proclaimed himself a sinner.

Luke 18:14 KJV
I
(Jesus) tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Philippians 2:5-11 KJV
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of A Servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as A Man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God The Father.

The story of the unjust judge, the Pharisee, and the publican, tell us, that, God hears prayer. The prayer of the humble, faithfully asking, and believing child of God.

Will God answer right away? God will respond in one of three ways.

1) Immediate Answer.
2) Answer – Yes- But Delayed.
3) No. Prayer Petition, Not According To His Word.
I John 5:14,15 KJV
14 And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that,
if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us:
15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask,
we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Prayer:

I Chronicles 16:11 KJV
Seek The Lord and His strength, seek His face continually.

II Chronicles 7:14 KJV
If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Proverbs 15:29 KJV
The Lord is far from the wicked: but He heareth the prayer of the righteous.

Philippians 4:6 NLT
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.

I Thessalonians 5:17 KJV
Pray without ceasing.