The Books of The Bible [Archive] - Christian Chat Forum

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-04-2006, 09:44 PM

A Sabbath Healing - Luke 14:1-6: He had just healed a woman in the synagog on the Sabbath - Luke 13:10-17. This was in a Pharisee's home at a Sabbath feast. The Pharisee had no compunctions about feasting on the Sabbath. But to heal the sick was simply unforgivable.

Advice to Guests - Luke 14:7-11: Jesus insisted that self-seeking assertiveness defeats its own aim. The way of humility is better, and leads to read advancement. It is the "meek" that shall inherit the earth - Matthew 5:5. It is the lowly publican, and not the proud Pharisee, that pleases God - Luke 18:9-14. It is the humble who shall receive final exaltation - Luke 14:11. Jesus said that a number of times - Luke 18:14; Matthew 23:12.

God Bless.

[to be continued. . . ]

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-05-2006, 08:19 AM

[continuing on teachings in the Book of Luke]

Kindness to the Unfortunate - Luke 14:12-14. There is no virtue in entertaining those whom you expect to return the favor. Rather spend the effort on those who can do nothing for you, with your eye on the heavenly reward. How often Jesus advised us to keep our eyes on heaven.

Excuses - Luke 14:15-24. Jesus had no illusions as to the general reception of his Kingdom. He knew that many, from the religious leaders of his own nation, and the nation itself, to the distant Gentiles, would flout him and his offer of eternal redemption, giving the most trival excuses, preferring to themselves the husks of the world.

God Bless.

[to e continued. . . ]

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-05-2006, 08:42 AM

Matthew 12:24-37. The Unpardonable Sin. Also told also in Mark 3:22-30; Luke 11:14-26; 12:8-10.

Note that the Pharisees, as heartily as they hated Jesus, did not deny his miracles, which were too numerous and too well-known to deny.

Though the miracles were entirely benevolent in their nature, yet so hardened and hypocritical were the Pharisees that they attributed them to Satanic origin. Such vile and devilish accusations were evidence of a nature almost beyond redemption. This may be the import of Jesus' words, a condition of the heart to which they were periolously near.

In Luke 12:10 the unpardonable sin is connected with the denial of Christ. Jesus seems to make a distinction between sin against himself, and sin against the Holy Spirit - Matthew 12:32.

Quite commonly the Unpardonable Sin is understood thus: rejecting Christ, while as yet he was in the flesh, his work unfinished, when even his disciples did not understand him, was forgivable. But after His work was completed, and the Holy Spirit was come, then, in full knowledge, deliberate final rejection of the Holy Spirit's offer of Christ would constitute the "eternal sin which has no forgiveness."

Similar sin is spoken of in Hebrews 6:6, 10:26 and 1 John 5:16.

"Idle Words" - Matthew 12:36, are here mentioned in connection with the unpardonable sin. Our words show our character - Matthew 12:34. Our every word, as well as every secret act, is being recorded for reproduction in the Day of Judgment.

God Bless.

[to be continued. . . ]

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-05-2006, 09:58 AM

For Whom Written. The Four Gospels, ultimately intended for All Mankind, orginally were written for, or addressed to, certain Churches or individuals.

Matthew's original, it is thought, may have been made for the Church at Jerusalem. From it other Churches secured copies.

Mark, it is thought, may have intended his book for the Church in Rome. Copies, no doubt, were sent to other Churches.

Luke wrote his Gospel for an individual named Theophilus, a high official in the Roman Government.

John's Gospel is thought to have been intended originally for the Church in Ephesus. While God inspired these men to write Exactly what He wanted them to write, for the use of All Mankind of all generations, yet they themselves must have had in mind the background of their immediate readers, which may have influenced their choice of material.

The Writers' Individualities. While they had their Readers in mind, yet each, in his writing, must have reflected his own personality. They had the Same Story to tell, the Story of a MAN. How He Lived, and What He Did and Said. But each told the Story in his own way, mentioning that which especially appealed to himself; which accounts for differences in the books.

"Contradictions" in the Gospels. It is surprising with what utter abandon the statement is made in many present-day scholarly works that the Four Gospels are "full of contradictions." Then when we see what the things are that they call "contradiction," we are almost tempted to lose respect for some of the so-called "scholarship." The fact that there are different details and slight variations in describing the same incident makes the testimony of the various writers all the more trustworthy, for it precludes the possibility of pre-arranged collusion among them.

Time of Writing. Present-day tendency is to regard Mark as the first to be written. However, the universal early tradition was that Matthew wrote first. In the early codices the Four Gospels, generally, stood in the same order in which they now stand, which indicates the early tradition as to the order in which they were written. Occasionally John stood first, but never Mark.

God Bless.

[to be continued . . . ]

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-05-2006, 12:31 PM

Question about Fasting - Mark 2:18-22. Narrated also in Matthew 9:14-17; Luke 5:33-38. It was probably occasioned by Jesus' participation in in Matthew's feast, which greatly surprised John's disciples, and the Pharisees, and probably also some of Jesus' own disciples.

In Matthew 17:21, after the disciples could not heal a boy brought to them, asked Jesus, "Why could we not cast it out"? And Jesus replied, "...this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."

Jesus did not attach a great deal of importance to Fasting, as generally practiced - Matthew 6:16-18. Moses, Elijah and Jesus, each, fasted forty days. But it was a period of great strain. The three metaphors, the bridegroom, the rent garment, the old wine-skins [bottles made from goat skins], seem to mean that there are occasions when Fasting is proper, but that it is out of place in ordinary life, specially as a regular practice to advertise one's holiness - Matthew 6:16-18, just to make a show of religion.

God Bless.

[to be continued . . . ]

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-05-2006, 01:28 PM

Personal Appearance of Jesus.

There was something in Jesus' bearing that had an instant effect on Nathaniel - John 1:49. No hint of Jesus' personal appearance is given in the New Testament. The earliest legendary description dates from the 4th century. It is an apocryphal letter ascribed to Publius Lentulus, a friend of Pilate, written to the Roman Senate. It is not authentic. In part it is as follows:

"In this time appeared a man endowed with great powers. His name is Jesus. His disciples call him the Son of God. He is of noble and well-proportioned stature, with a face full of kindness, and yet firmness, so that beholders both love him and fear him. His hair is the color of wine, straight and without lustre, but from the level of the ears curling and glossy. His forehead is even and smooth, his face without blemish, and enhanced by a tempered bloom, his countenance ingenious and kind. Nose and mouth are in no way faulty. His beard is full, of the same color as his hair; his eyes blue and extremely brilliant.

In reproof and rebuke he is formidable; in exhortation and teaching, gentle and amiable of tongue. None have seen him to laugh, but many, on the contrary, to weep. His person is tall, his hands beautiful and straight. In speaking, deliberate, grave, little given to loquacity; in beauty surpassing most men."

There are other traditions. One, that he was erect and handsome. Another, that he was stoop-shoulder and ugly. Whatever his personal appearance, there must have been something about his countenance and bearing that was Majestic, Commanding, Divine. The fore-gleam in the 53rd chapter of Isaiah hints an unattractive appearance, but it probably refers to his lowly manner of life for one who was to be King, rather than his personal appearance.

Being a carpenter, he must have had considerable physical strength. Speaking so effectively to vast multitudes in the open air, we imagine he must have had a powerful voice. From his discourses, conversations and teachings, we think of him as being always under control, never in a hurry, in perfect poise, slow and majestic in all his movements. There are hints that he had a sense of humor.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-05-2006, 03:32 PM

Heaven and Hell

The story of the Rich Man and Lazarus [some say it is only a parable] is one of the many, many side-lights on the hereafter to be found in Jesus' teachings. He talked much about the future life. He appealed to the hope of heaven and the fear of hell. He spoke often of the unhappy fate of the lost as well as the blessedness of the redeemed, setting them over against each other. Run through these passages and see:

Matthew 5:12, 22, 29, 30, 34; 6:20; 7:21; 10:28; 13:39-43, 49-50; 18:8-9; 22:13; 23:33; 25:23, 30, 34, 41, 46;

Mark 9:43-48;

Luke 12:4-5; 16:22-28;

John 3:15-16, 36; 5:24, 28, 29, 39; 6:27, 39, 40, 44, 47, 50, 51, 54; 17:2.

Note how often the words "heaven," "hell," "eternal life" occur.

One of the most powerful stimulants to good and deterrents from evil in this life is a profound conviction as to the reality of the future life, and that our estate there will depend on our behavior here. A heart firmly fixed in heaven will surely mean a more careful walk in this world. This one has an end. That one lasts forever.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-05-2006, 05:08 PM

Jesus and th Law. - Matthew 5:17-48

He came not to Destroy the Law but to Fulfill it. There is no contradiction here between Jesus' Teaching and the Teaching of Romans, Galatians and Hebrews, that we are Saved by Faith in Christ rather than by Works of the Law. Jesus' meaning is that God's Moral Law is the expression of God's Own Holiness and is of Eternal Obligation on God's People. And that, in reality, He came to give the Law's former declaration a deeper meaning, and to enforce it, not merely in Outward Acts, but in the inner depth of the Human Heart. He then proceeds to illustrate in five particulars: Murder, Adultery, Swearing, Revenge and Hatred of Enemy.

Murder - Matthew 5:21-26. The law against Murder was one of the Ten Commandments - Exodus 20:13. Jesus forbids our cherishing in the Heart the Anger that leads to the Act.

Adultery - Matthew 5:27-32. The law against Adultery also was one of the Ten Commandments - Exodus 20:14. Jesus forbids our cherishing the Lust that leads to the Act. Notice that in connection with both Anger and Lust Jesus warns of Hell Fire - Matthew 5:22, 29, 30. He not only warns us to watch our Inner Feelings, but goes much further than Moses in restricting Divorce - Matthew 5:32.

Swearing - Matthew 5:33-37. This probably applies to Judicial Oaths, and Common Blasphemy, and even the Light-Hearted use of God's Name in ordinary conversation.

Revenge - Matthew 5:38-42. The Eye for Eye legislation was part of the Civil Law, adminstered by Judges - Exodus 21:22-25. Jesus is not here legislating for Courts of Justice. Civil Government is ordained of God - Romans 13:1-7, to save human society from its Criminal Elements. The sterner the Courts deal out Justice, the better for society. But Jesus is here teaching principles by which Individuals as Individuals should deal with other Individuals. - See Luke 6:27-38.

Hatred of Enemies - Matthew 5:43-48, was not enjoined in the Old Testament. It may have been implied in some Old Testament dealings with Israel's enemies. However that may be, Jesus Forbids it. - See Luke 6:27-38.

God Bless.

[to be continued . . . ]

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-05-2006, 07:03 PM

Demons. - Mark 2:24, 32, 34; 3:11, 12

A considerable number of those whom Jesus healed were "possessed with demons" or "devils."

What were demons? Were they a reality? Or did Jesus and the New Testament writers speak that way because it was commonly believed that the afflicted were under control of evil spirits?

In the Gospels, demons are represented as knowing that Jesus was the Son of God, as belonging to the kingdom of Satan, as passing through waterless places, awaiting torment in the abyss, as preferring to dwell in swine rather that go to their own place. Many could dwell in one person. They spoke, recognizing that they had a separate personality and consciousness from the person in whom they dwelt, plainly distinct from the person. They looked forward with trembling to the judgment. Jesus was not interested in them, but only those who suffer by them.

Only in some cases were the diseases attributed to demon possession. In one case they made a man crazy; another dumb; another blind and dumb; another epileptic. These were the effects of demon possession, but not identical with it.

It seems that there are "evil spirits," "unclean spirits," "seducing spirits," "fallen angels," "the devil's angels"; and that they are organized as "principalities," "powers," "rulers of darkness," "spiritual hosts of wickedness"; against whom humans have to struggle - Matthew 12:43, 45; 25:41; 2 Peter 2:4; Ephesians 6:12.

The rather plain implication of Scripture is that "demoniacs" were not mere lunatics, but cases of "invaded personality"; and the demons, whatever their origin or nature, were evil spirits that did actually enter and afflict, one way or another, certain persons.

It is thought to have been a special exhibition of the devil against Jesus, permitted of God, during Jesus' stay on earth, to demonstrate that Jesus' power extended even into the unseen realm. Faith in Him is protection from whatever evil they might be able to do.

From what sometimes goes on in the world, one could almost think that even now men are actually demon-possessed.

Paul says the Christians' struggle is against evil personalities of the unseen world - Ephesians 6:12. But Jesus is our strength in the struggle. Satan and his evil spirits are helpless against the Name and Power of Jesus.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-05-2006, 07:34 PM

Nicodemus - John 3:1-21.

The Cleansing of the Temple, and accompanying miracles, had made such a deep impression on the city, that Nicodemus, a Pharisee and one of the Sanhedrin, influential, cautiously seeks a private interview with Jesus. He is interested, but desires to satisfy himself as to Jesus' claims. To what extent he believed we do not know.

Two years later he took Jesus' part in the Council - John 7:50-52. Later, he and Joseph, another member of the Council, buried Jesus - John 19:39. He was a secret disciple in the formative days of his faith, but later he was willing openly to share with Jesus the shame of his cross. His coming out of the shadows in the hour of Jesus' humiliation, when even the Twelve had fled to cover, risking his own life in that tender final ministry, is one of the noblest incidents of Scripture. He surely atoned for his original inclination to secrecy, especially considering he was a member of the Sanhedrin, right in the very heart of the enemies' camp.

The "New Birth" that Jesus was talking about is not merely a metaphor, but an actual reality, resulting from the impregnation of the human heart by the Spirit of God - Romans 8:1-11.

Nicodemus, no doubt, shared the common notion that the Messiah's kingdom was to be a political kingdom in which his nation would be freed from Roman domination.

Jesus tries to tell him of its personal spiritual nature, so different from what was in Nicodemus' mind, that Nicodemus did not know what Jesus was talking about. He just could not see how he, a good man, a genuine Pharisee, one of the rulers of the Messianic nation, would not be welcomed into the Messianic Kingdom with open arms, just as he was. He just could not take it in that, instead, he would have to entirely re-construct his ideas and himself.

"Be lifted up" - John 3:14. This is an announcement, at the opening of Jesus' ministry, that the Cross would be his Messianic throne. It is a reference to the brazen serpent to which those who had been bitten looked and lived, Numbers 21:9, meaning that the "new birth," of which he had just been speaking, into eternal life, would come by virtue of his death. It suggested the beloved John 3:16.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-05-2006, 10:41 PM

Universal Need of the Gospel - Romans 1 and 2.

Universal Sinfulness of Mankind - Romans 1:1-32. The first sentence is a long one - verses 1 to 7, summarizing Paul's life: Jesus, Foretold in Prophecy, Risen from the Dead, commissioned Paul to Preach Him to All Nations.

Paul's long time desire to come to Rome - Romans 1:9-15, hindered by unevangelized fields elswhere - Romans 1:15-20.

Not ashamed of the Gospel - Romans 1:16, even in Rome, the gilded and haughty cesspool of every foul thing. The terrible Depravity of Man, pictured in Romans 1:18-32, had reached its depths in Rome, specially the sexual practices of Romans 1:26-27.

Jews Included - Romans 2:1-29. Paul's frightful picture of Man's Sinfulness is true of the Jews also, even though they were God's own nation, for they practice the sins common to mankind.

Whoever - Romans 2:1, includes every one of us. Not that every one does All the things mentioned in Romans 1:29-32. That is a picture of the race as a whole. But each one of us in guilty of some of the things there mentioned.

The Day when God shall Judge the Secrets of Men - Romans 2:12-16. In That Day, the test will be, not race, not whether one is a Jew or a Gentile, but the Inner Nature of the Heart and its attitude toward the Practices of Life.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-06-2006, 01:49 PM

Joseph

Very little is told of Joseph. He went with Mary to Bethehem and was with her when Jesus was born - Luke 2:4,5, 16. He was with Mary when Jesus was presented in the Temple - Luke 2:33. He conducted their flight to Egypt, and the return to Nazareth - Matthew 2:13, 19-23. And took Jesus up to Jerusalem at the age of 12 - Luke 2:43, 51. The only further reference to him is that he was a carpenter and the head of a family of at least seven children - Matthew 13:55, 56.

He surely must have been a good and exemplary man, to have been thus chose of God to be the foster-father of God's Own Son. He may have died before Jesus began his public ministry, though the language of Matthew 13:55 and John 6:42 may imply that he was still alive. At any rate he must have died before Jesus' crucifixion, else why did Jesus commit the care of his mother to John? - John 19:26-27.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-06-2006, 05:20 PM

Kindness

Jesus himself was the Kindest man who ever lived. It is said of him, that if all the things Jesus did in three short years were written "one by one the world itself could not contain the books that would be written." - John 21:25.

Jesus talked a great deal about Kindness, just the plain, old-fashioned every-day habit of common Kindness.

Judging by what he said, he would rather see that in his followers than any other trait of character. Not that our kindness will save us. If we are ever saved, HE saves us. But there are things in us that please or displease Him.

Jesus put so much stress on this thing of Kindness that identifies himself with those who need it, and in effects tells us that we cannot be friends with him and at the same time be indifferent to the suffering - Matthew 25:40, 45.

He intimates that heaven will be inhabited exclusively by those who have learned how to be Kind and only Kind and always Kind. Jesus came to build a world of beings like himself, and when completed no others will be there - Matthew 25:34, 41.

He further intimates that there is going to be some surprises in the Day of Judgment. Some who have been accustomed to think of themselves as very religious are going to find out, after it is too late, that they have been altogether overlooking the things the recording angels have been taking down - Matthew 25:44.

Jesus further makes the remarkable statement that not one single act of kindness, no matter how small, will, in the economy of God's government of the universe, ever go unrewarded - Matthew 10:42.

However, we must remember that Jesus does not mean that we should give encouragement to able-bodied lazy men. Laziness is one of the greatest of sins. The Bible nowhere excuses it. "If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat" - 2 Thessalonians 3:10.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-06-2006, 06:49 PM

The Resurrection

The Resurrection of Christ from the Dead is the ONE MOST IMPORTANT item in the whole fund of human knowledge: the grand event of the ages, toward which all previous history moved, and in which all subsequent history finds its meaning. The story of it has plowed through the centuries, and changed the face of the earth.

Is it a Fact? Did he really rise from the dead? If he did not, what became of his body? If enemies stole it, they surely would have produced it, for they stopped short of nothing to discredit the story, even to the murdering of those who told it. If friends stole it, they would have known they were believing a lie; but men do not become martyrs to what they know to be false.

One Thing Is Certain: those who first published the story that Jesus had risen from the dead BELIEVED it to be a fact. They rested their faith, not only on the empty tomb, but on the fact that they themselves had SEEN JESUS ALIVE after his burial; not once, nor twice, but at least ten recorded times; and not singly, nor alone, but in groups of two, seven, ten, eleven, five hundred.

An Hallucination? Could it not have been an ectasy? a dream? a fantasy of an excited imagination? an apparition? Different groups of people do not keep on seeing the same hallucination. 500 people in a crowd would not all dream the same dream at the same time. Moreover, they were not expecting it. Considered it an "idle tale" at first - Luke 24:11. Did not believe it till they had to.

Only in a Swoon? Could it not be that Jesus was not really dead when they buried him, and that he came to again? In that case, weak and exhausted, he could scarcely have removed the heavy stone door and gotten out of the tomb. Besides he had new powers that he had never manifested before--to appear and disappear through locked doors. The eleven [or 120?], in a group, personally saw him slowly rise from the earth, and disappear behind the clouds.

The Records Tampered With? Could it not be that the resurrection was a later addition to the story of Christ, invented years later to glorify a dead hero? It is known, from historical records outside the Scripture, that the sect known as Christians came into existence in the reign of Tiberius, and that the thing that brought them into existence was their belief that Jesus had risen from the dead. The resurrection was not a later addition to the Christian faith, but the very cause and start of it. They rested their faith, not on records, but on what they had seen with their own eyes. The records were the result of their faith, not the cause of it. Had there been no resurrection, there would have been no New Testament, and no Church.

What a Halo of Glory this simple belief sheds on human life. Our hope of resurrection and life everlasting is based, not on a philosophic guess abour immortality, but an historic fact.

God Bless.

godslove

10-06-2006, 07:07 PM

something for consideration...God bless

Joh 1:46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
----(Jesus knew him like no man can know him)---
48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
----(nathanael did someting under the fig tree, i wonder what that was? could it have been the same thing that caused him to be without guile?)---
49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
----(evidently no man could of known, only God who knows the heart knew what he did under the fig tree. that could explain his proclaimation about Jesus being the Son of God and king of israel)-------------
50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
----(the believing was referance to Jesus's statement about the fig tree, not about his commanding voice, or how good looking He was.)---------------

godslove

10-06-2006, 07:26 PM

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-06-2006, 08:07 PM

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-06-2006, 08:31 PM

you wrote
>He intimates that heaven will be inhabited exclusively by those who have learned how to be Kind and only Kind and always Kind. Jesus came to build a world of beings like himself, and when completed no others will be there - Matthew 25:34, 41.<

what did you mean by build a world of beings like himself? ..God bless.

In Revelation we read, "He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son." [sounds like He is building a world of beings like himself]. Like Father, Like son.

"But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." [no others will be there]

"But there shall by no means enter in anything that defiles or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life." [no others will be there].

God Bless.

God Bless.

godslove

10-06-2006, 09:26 PM

actually i would of used the following verse...God bless

1Jo 3:2 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.

godslove

10-06-2006, 09:28 PM

nothing there worth argueing about, i already posted what i saw there ...God bless

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-06-2006, 11:16 PM

Christ, a Propitiation for Man's Sin

Why the Jews? - Romans 3:1-20. If Jews, in the matter of Sinfulness, are on the same standing before God as other nations, why then the necessity of there being a Jewish Nation at all?

The answer: to be entrusted with the Oracles of God, and Pave the Way for the Coming of Christ. Under God, the Hebrew Nation was founded to serve a special purpose in the working out of God's age-long Plan for Human Redemption. But that does not mean that intrinsically within themselves they are any better in God's sight than other nations.

One of the purposes of the Law was to make Man understand that he is a Sinner, Romans 3:20, in need of a Savior.

Christ our Propitation, Romans 3:21-31. In the Eternl Nature of things, as Sin is Sin, and Right is Right, and God is Just, there can be No Mercy apart from Justice. Sin must be Punished. God Himself took upon Himself the Punishment of Man's Sin, in the Person of Christ.

Therefore, He can Forgive Man's Sin, and regard those who, in gratitude, accept the Savior's Sacrifice, as possessed of the Savior's Own Righteousness.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-07-2006, 08:10 AM

Mary

After the story of the Birth of Jesus, and his visit to Jerusalem at the age of 12, very little is said of Mary.

According to Matthew 13:55-56, she was the mother of at least six children besides Jesus. At her suggestion Jesus turned water into wine at Cana, his first miracle - John 2:1-11. Later, she is mentioned as trying to get to him in the crowd - Matthew 12:36; Mark 3:31; Luke 8:19, where Jesus' words plainly indicate that her family relation to him gave her no special spiritual advantage.

She was present at the crucifixion and was committed by Jesus to the care of John - John 19:25-27. There is no record of Jesus appearing to her after his resurrection, though he did appear to Mary Magdalene. The last mention of Mary is in Acts 1:14, as being with the disciples in prayer. This is all the Scripture has to say about Mary. Of the women who figured in Jesus' public life Mary Magdalene seems to have played a much more prominent part that Jesus' mother - Matthew 27:56, 61; 28:1; Mark 15:40, 47; 16:9; Luke 8:2; 24:10; John 19:25; 20:1-18.

Mary was a quiet, mediative, devoted, wise woman, most honored of women, queen of mothers, sharing the cares common to motherhood. We admire her, we honor her, and we love her because she was the mother of our Savior.

Who were the "brothers" and "sisters" of Jesus, mentioned in Matthew 13:55-56 and Mar 6:3? Mary's own children? Or children of Jospeh by a former marriage? The plain, simple, natural meaning of these passages is that they were Mary's own children. This is the opinion commonly held among Bible commentators. And it is substantiated by the statement in Luke 2:7 that Mary "brought forth her first-born Son..." Why "first-born," if there were no others?

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-07-2006, 11:39 AM

The Word of God - Luke 11:27-28

A woman called out to Jesus, "Blessed is the womb that bore You," Jesus answered, "More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"

In Jesus's day there was in the literature of his nation a group of writings, which we now call the Old Testament, which the people then commonly regarded as having come from God. Jesus shared that popular notion. He loved those writings. To him they were not just "Hebrew Thought," but the actual Word of God. Jesus himself had a part in their writing. They were the main item in his education - Luke 2:40.

There came one and said, "Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside desiring to see You." Jesus answered, "My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it." - Luke 8:19-21.

Again Jesus said, "The SEED is the word of God - Luke 8:11. "having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God ..." - 1 Peter 1:23.

"...It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God'" - Matthew 4:4.

"...'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.'" - Luke 16:31.

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My word will by no means pass away." - Matthew 24:35.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-07-2006, 05:12 PM

The Ascension of Christ

This last meeting with the disciples was in Jerusalem - Acts 1:4; from whence He led them out to Bethany - Luke 24:50.

Restore the Kingdom to Israel? - Acts 1:6: Their minds still on Political Independence for their nation. They understood better after the Day of Pentecost.

Unitermost Part of the Earth - Acts 1:8: This was Jesus' last words, as He Passed behind the Clouds. They did not forget it. Most of them, tradition says, died as Martyrs in Distant Lands.

Come in Like Manner - Acts 1:9, 11. From the hill tops above Bethany He passed into the Clouds. He will Return, in the Clouds, Visible to All the World - Matthew 24:27, 30; Revelation 1:7.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-07-2006, 07:37 PM

The Secret Motives of Life

Jesus dealt a good deal with Motive, that is, the thing within ourselves that makes us do what we do, and guides our conduct.

In His sight our Motive is ourself. Our one grand Motive should be the desire for God's approval and the fear of God's disapproval.

The religious people of Jesus' day performed many of their religious practices for man's approbation - Matthew 6:1-18. It is still part of our nature with which we have a constant struggle.

When we are with irreligious people we are tempted to be ashamed of our religion; but when we are with religious people we desire to be considered religious, and this desire sometimes leads us to pretend to be more religious that we really are, and leads to hypocrisy.

The desire for man's approbation, withing proper bounds, is legitimate and laudable. But the one grand fact of existence is GOD. The one thing that really matters is our relation to HIM. Let us ever keep HIM in mind, and how our thoughts, motives and deeds stack up in HIS sight.

Many of the things in chapter 12 of Luke are contained in the Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5, 6 7. Jesus had favorite sayings which He uttered again and again. One of them was about God's unfailing Care and Guidance of His People - Luke 12:6-12.

Notice especially Jesus' warning of Hell - Luke 12:5. He appealed repeatedly to the fear of hell as a motive of life. - Luke 16:19-31.

Notice, too, his saying that one day every secret thing about our hypocritical selves shall be known - Luke 12:2-3. God's unerring 'CD plates' are recording our every inner thought and secret act, to be played aloud one day before our startled selves, and the assembled universe, when we shall be recognized for what we really are, "Unpardonable sin" - Luke 12:10 and Matthew 12:24-37.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-07-2006, 07:44 PM

This post should have been placed under "Teachings in the Book of Luke."

The Secret Motives of Life

Jesus dealt a good deal with Motive, that is, the thing within ourselves that makes us do what we do, and guides our conduct.

In His sight our Motive is ourself. Our one grand Motive should be the desire for God's approval and the fear of God's disapproval.

The religious people of Jesus' day performed many of their religious practices for man's approbation - Matthew 6:1-18. It is still part of our nature with which we have a constant struggle.

When we are with irreligious people we are tempted to be ashamed of our religion; but when we are with religious people we desire to be considered religious, and this desire sometimes leads us to pretend to be more religious that we really are, and leads to hypocrisy.

The desire for man's approbation, withing proper bounds, is legitimate and laudable. But the one grand fact of existence is GOD. The one thing that really matters is our relation to HIM. Let us ever keep HIM in mind, and how our thoughts, motives and deeds stack up in HIS sight.

Many of the things in chapter 12 of Luke are contained in the Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5, 6 7. Jesus had favorite sayings which He uttered again and again. One of them was about God's unfailing Care and Guidance of His People - Luke 12:6-12.

Notice especially Jesus' warning of Hell - Luke 12:5. He appealed repeatedly to the fear of hell as a motive of life. - Luke 16:19-31.

Notice, too, his saying that one day every secret thing about our hypocritical selves shall be known - Luke 12:2-3. God's unerring 'CD plates' are recording our every inner thought and secret act, to be played aloud one day before our startled selves, and the assembled universe, when we shall be recognized for what we really are, "Unpardonable sin" - Luke 12:10 and Matthew 12:24-37.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-07-2006, 10:19 PM

The Upper Room

This may have been the same room where Jesus had instituted the Lord's Supper - Luke 22:12; and, possibly, the room where Jesus had twice appeared to them - John 20:19, 26; and, possibly, the place where the Holy Spirit came upon them - Acts 2:1. It was large enough to accomodate 120 persons - Acts 1:15.

Mary the Mother of Jesus - Acts 1:14. This is the New Testament's last mention of her. Esteemed and honored as she was as Mother of the Savior, the Apostles gave not the slightest indication of feeling the need of her mediation between them and Christ.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-08-2006, 07:51 AM

Miracles in Book of Acts

Miracles form a very conspicuous part of the Book of Acts. The book starts with Visible Appearance of Jesus, after His Death, to His disciples - Acts 1:3.

Then, before their eyes, His Ascension to Heaven - Acts 1:9.

Then, on Pentecost, a Miraculous Visible Manifestation of the Holy Spirit in Tongues as of Fire - Acts 2:3.

Then, Wonders and Signs were done by the Apostles - Acts 2:43.

The Healing of the Lame Man, at the Temple Gate - Acts 3:7-11, made a deep impression on the whole city - Acts 4:16, 17.

God answered Prayer by an Earthquake - Act 4:31.

Ananias and Sapphira died by a Stroke from the Lord - Acts 5:5-10.

Signs and Wonders by the Apostles, continued - Acts 5:12.

Multitudes from surrounding cities were Healed by Peter's Shadow - Acts 5:15, 16. It reads like the days of Jesus in Galilee.

Prison Doors were Opened by an Angel - Acts 5:19.

Stephen wrought great Wonders and Signs - Acts 6:8.

In Samaria, Philip did great Miracles and Signs - Acts 8:6, 7, 13; and Multitudes Believed.

Saul was Converted by a Direct Voice from Heaven - Acts 9:3-9.

At the word of Ananias, scales fell from Saul's eyes - Acts 9:17, 18.

In Lydda, Peter Healed Aeneas, and the whole region was converted to Christ - Acts 9:32-35.

In Joppa, Peter raised Dorcas from the Dead, and many Believed on the Lord - Acts 9:40-42.

Cornelius was converted by the Appearance of an Angel, and the Speaking in Tongues - Acts 10:3, 46.

A Voice from God sent Peter to Cornelius - Acts 10:9-22; and convinced the Jews that Peter was right - Acts 11:15, 18.

A Prison Gate Opened of its own accord - Acts 12:10.

The Blinding of a Sorcerer led the Proconcul of Cyprus to Believe - Acts 13: 11, 12.

Paul did Signs and Wonders in Iconium, and a multitude Believed - Acts 14:3, 4. At Lystra, the Healing of a Cripple made the multitudes think that Paul was a god - Acts 14:8-18.

Narration of Signs and Wonders convinced Jewish Christians that Paul's work among Gentiles was of God - Acts 15:12, 19.

In Philippi, Paul Healed a Soothsayer, and an Earthquake Converted the Jailor - Acts 16:16-34. In Ephesus, 12 men Spoke in Tongues - Acts 19:6, and Special Miracles done by Paul - Acts 19:11, 12, made the Word of the Lord to prevail mightily - Acts 19:20.

In Troas, Paul Raised a young man from the Dead - Acts 20:8-12.

In Melita, the Healing of Paul's Hand from the viper's bite - Acts 28:3-6, made the natives think Paul was a god; and Paul Healed all in the island that had Diseases - Acts 28:8. 9.

Take Miracles out of the book of Acts, and there is little left. However much critics may disparage the Evidential Value of Miracles, the fact remains that God made abundant use of Miracles in giving Christianity a start in the world.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-08-2006, 10:19 AM

Church Factions - Chapter 1:

In Corinth, as everywhere, except Jerusalem, Christians had no one great central meeting place. Church Buildings did not begin to be erected until some 200 years later, when the age of Persecution began to ease.

They met in Homes, or Halls, or wherever they could. There were multitudes of Christians in Corinth. Not one great congregation, but many small congregations, each under its own leadership. These, it seems, were developing into rival, competing units, rather than cooperating units, in the general cause of Christ, in the wicked city.

Some of the Greeks, in the fondness for Intellectual Speculation, and their Pride of Knowledge, were very boastful of their Philosophic interpretations of Christianity. And, in addition to this grouping of themselves around one Doctrine or another, they were rallying as partisans around one Leader or another. Thus the Church was split into Factions, each trying to stamp Christ with its own little trademark, a practice which still prevails in frightful proportions.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-08-2006, 01:03 PM

The Wisdom of God - Chapter 2

The Knowledge Party came in for the brunt of Paul's scathing rebuke. Corinth was close to Athens, where the atmosphere was dominated by egotists who paraded themselves as Philosophers. The spirit of Athens had penetrated the Church of Corinth.

Paul was a University man, the Outstanding Scholar of his generation. True Learning and True Scholarship should make us Humble, and more Broadminded toward the ignorant.

God Bless.

hisredeemed

10-08-2006, 03:47 PM

Yup, when man puts his hands and pride on what is clearly God's, fraction happens.......

godslove

10-08-2006, 04:00 PM

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-08-2006, 06:52 PM

brother dan, could you please provide a referance for the following thing that you wrote....God bless

"In Corinth, as everywhere, except Jerusalem, Christians had no one great central meeting place. Church Buildings did not begin to be erected until some 200 years later, when the age of Persecution began to ease."

There is no indication that they all regularly gathered together for a "worship service" like is done today.

We do see times when preaching occurred in temples [synagogs] during the time of spreading the message - Luke 19:47-48, but that is not where the church met regularly.

There are no specific commands in the Bible as to where or how often Christians should meet. However we can learn much by what the Scriptures reveal in the various references to church meetings. Notably there is no mention of any church-owned property or permanent meeting place. Meetings were held in various homes and in public places - Acts 2:46; 5:12, 42, or out in the open as on the Mount of Olives - Acts 1:6, or on the seashore - Acts 21:5, or in "an upper room" - Acts 1:13-14; 2:1-2; 20:1.

Specific homes mentioned are Cornelius's house - Acts 10:27, Simon's - Acts 10:6, Mary's - Acts 12:5, 12, Lydia's - Acts 16:40, Jason's - Acts 17:5, Justus' - Acts 18:7, Philip's - Acts 21:7, as well as the apostle Paul's abode - Acts 28:23-30.

In the Epistles, the only buildings specifically mentioned as used for church meetings are private houses. These include Priscilla and Aquila's house - Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 16:19; Nympha's house - Col. 4:15, and Philemon's house - Philem. 2.

It is generally supposed the groups were relatively small, numbering anywhere from the immediate members of one household up to perhaps approximately 40 in more affluent homes.

Due to persecution in the first century, Christians met wherever they could. Christianity was not recognized as an exclusive religion by the Roman government before the time of Constantine. Until the second century Christians were not permitted to erect churches, but were compelled to worship in private homes, in the open fields, or, to escape persecution, in the Catacombs. (This information can be found in many books by Church Historians).

Church historian, Quintus Tertullian, early in the third century writes: "Lastly, if you cannot assemble by day, you have the night . . . . Be content with a church of threes."

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-08-2006, 08:50 PM

Danger of Falling - Chapter 10:1-13

Paul had just spoken of exerting himself to the utmost, lest he should be a Castaway. That reminded him of the same danger to Christians generally. They had better take their Religion seriously. Most of those who were delivered out of Egypt never got to the Promised Land.

The Temptations that caused them to Fall by the wayside were very much the Same Temptations that the Corinthians were facing - 1 Corinthians 10:7-8, Lustful Indulgence. It they would strive wholeheartedly, with resolute determination, to overcome, as he was doing - 1 Corinthians 9:25-27, God's promise of protection is sure against any temptation - 1 Corinthians 10:13.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-09-2006, 08:06 AM

Freedom in Christ - Galatians 5 and 6.

How many human beings would deliberately choose to risk his salvation on his own works rather than on the gracious mercy of Christ, Paul could not see.

Christ saves us. We do not save ourselves. It is the difference between freedom and slavery. But freedom in Christ does not mean license to continue in sin. Paul never fails to lay special stress on that.

Those who follow fleshly lusts cannot be saved - Galatians 5:19-21. One of the "spiritual laws of the natural world" is that a man shall "reap what he sows - Galatians 6:7, inevitable in its working, whether the seed be wheat or tares.

"Large letters" - Galatians 6:11, evidence of the genuiness of his own handwriting - 2 Corinthians 12 ["thorn in the flesh"]

"Branded with the marks of Jesus" - Galatians 6:17. His enemies claimed that Paul was not a genuine Apostle of Christ. His battered, bruised, and scarred body was his testimony - 2 Corinthians 4, 6, 11.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-09-2006, 04:02 PM

Oneness of the Church

ONE BODY - Ephesians 4:1-16. A complex organism, with many functions, each it its own place, working in harmony, its basic principle love. Christ himself its head and directive force.

Being composed of many members of diverse talents and tempers, the fundamental requisite to its proper functioning is a spirit of humility and mutual forbearance on the part of the members one toward another - Ephesians 4:2

Its object is to nuture each of its members into the perfect image of Christ - Ephesians 4:12-15. The idea of growth, as expressed in these verses seems to apply both to individuals and to the Church as a whole. [Compare these verses with 1 Corinthians 12, 13].

The Church is over 2,000 years old. It has not yet, in its visible manifestations as whole, known Unity. Paul's unceasing fight was against factional elements in local churches and the Jew-Gentile dissension.

Then came the bitter controversies of the 2nd to 4th centuries. Then the Imperial Church, with its outward semblance of Unity under State authority, but poisonous blight of its spiritual life. Then the Papal Hierachy with its Unity of Authority that robbed men of their rights of conscience and drove the Bible our of circulation.

Then the Protestant break for freedom. Naturally, when men began again to think for themselves, after the long night of Papal bondage, they would see things somewhat differently; and it was inevitable that the Protestant Movement would go down the years in different streams.

So we still have a Divided Christendom. Will there will ever, in this world, be an outward organic Unity of the Visible Church? The selfishness and pride of men are against it. But there always has been, and still is, a Unity in the Invisible Church, of God's true saints, which, somehow, sometime, somewhere, will come to full fruition, in answer to Christ's own prayer - John 17, and mainfest itself as the fullgrown body of Christ.

New obligations - Ephesians 4:25-32. Seeing the Church is a brotherhood, it is necessary that its members be very considerate of one another. "Angry" - Ephesians 4:26: Perhaps Paul thought it was a little too much to tell then not to get angry at all: Some of them evidently had been tough characters; but now they must respect the rights of others [See 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15].

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-09-2006, 06:55 PM

New Obligations - Chapter 5 and 6.

In these two chapters Paul continues with what he began in Ephesians 4:17-24: Their obligation to Live differently.

Fornication - Ephesians 5:3-14, that is, immorality, promiscuous sexual indulgence. It was a very common sin in Paul's day, in many places a part of heathen worship. Paul warns against it again and again. [1 Corinthians 7 and 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8].

Singing - Ephesians 5:18-21. The joyful praise of Christian meetings is here put in contrast with the riotous indulgence of noisy drunken revels - verse 18 and 19. Hymns singing is by far the most natural, simplest, best loved, and by all odds the most spiritually stimulating of all the exercises of religious meetings.

Husbands and Wives - Ephesians 5:22-23. If we are Christians, we must show it in all the relations of life: Business, social and domestic. The relation between husband and wife is here represented as being a counterpart of the relation between Christ and the Church - verses 25 and 32.

The exhortation is to mutual love and devotion, and in no way suggests that a man has a right to make a slave of his wife. Each is dependent on the other, because of the different functions that each has in human society. Each, in serving the other, best serves self - Ephesians 5:28, "he who loves his wife loves himself": Husbands take note.

Parents and Children - Ephesians 6:1-4. It was one of the Ten Commandments that we honor those who gave us life. So doing would prolong that life. This was the promise of God, and is a fact of nature. Fathers are cautioned against being too severe with their children, both here and in Colossians 3:21.

Parental authority was generally too austere then, as it now generally too lax. Fathers are named because mothers are naturally more lenient. It is suspected that it was easier then for parents to raise children after their old mold than it is now, for they were not exposed to so many influences outside the home so early and so continuously as today.

Bondservants and Masters - Ephesians 6:5-9. Half the population of Rome, and a large proportion of the population of the Empire, were slaves. Many of the Christians were slaves. They are here told that faithful service to their master is a prime requisite of their Christian faith.

It is a remarkable teaching: That, in the performance of our earthly tasks, however menial, we are always under the watchful eye of Christ, for His approval or disapproval, as we may deserve. So are masters in their treatment of slaves.

The Christian Armor - Ephesians 6:10-21. This passage certainly means that the Christian's warfare is against more than natural temptations of the flesh. There are powers in the unseen world against which we are powerless except through the aid of Christ. Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, Salvation, the Word, Prayer, are weapons that ward off the darts of the unseen enemy.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-09-2006, 10:30 PM

The Day of the Lord - Chapter 1.

This particular feature of the Lord's Coming emphasized that it will be a day of terror for the disobedient.

In 1 Thessalonians 4 Paul had said that He would descend from heaven, and, at the shout of the archangel, the Church would be caught up to be forever with the Lord.

Here he adds that the Lord will be accompanied "...with His mighty angels, in flaming fire..." - 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 8, rendering vengeance to the disobedient.

Jesus had spoken of "everlasting fire" - Matthew 25:41, and "unquenchable fire" - Mark 9:43. In Hebrews 10:27 "devouring fire" is connected with the day of judgment. In 2 Peter 3:7, 10 it is stated that the destiny of the earth is to be burned with "fire."

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-10-2006, 08:12 AM

The Apostasy - Chapter 2.

What is the Apostasy? It is called the "falling away," in which a person called the "man of sin," in the temple of God professes himself to be God, and exalts himself against God - 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4. A False Chruch headed by an Impostor.

The early fathers unanimously looked for a Personal Antichrist, to be manifested after the fall of the Roman Empire.

The Protestant Reformers, being directly in touch with the awful corruption of the Church of the Middle Ages, believed the Papacy, an institution headed up in a person, ursurping to itself authority that belongs only to Christ and being itself responsible for the prevailing corruption, to have been a manifestation of the man of sin.

In our own time, after 2,000 plus years of church history, there is still wide difference of opinion. There are many who think it refers to a period immeditely before the Lord's Coming.

The spirit of the thing was already at work in Paul's day - 2 Thessalonians 2:7. The story of the Church as a whole, even to this day, makes a sorry looking picture. Taking a broad general view of the visible Church, as it has existed from the first century to the present time, it is not inaccurate to call it an Apostate Church. What the final culmination is to be is yet to be seen.

"What is restraining" - 2 Thessalonians 2:6, was generally understood by the early fathers to have been the Roman Empire. Some take it to mean the Holy Spirit.

Paul's idea of the Second Coming. It is quite common among a certain class of critics to say that Paul "had to reconstruct his ideas about the Lord's Second Coming," that his "earlier and cruder view" contradicts his later view. This is absolutely not true.

Paul's earlier view was his only view, first, last and always. The Thessalonian Epistles are his earliest extant writings. In them he specifically states that he did NOT expect the immediate appearance of the Lord, and that it would not be till after the Apostasy, which in his day was only beginning to work.

It may not have been revealed to Paul what the Apostasy would be. But whatever his idea of it, it did not preclude the possibility that the Lord would come in his own lifetime, evidenced by the expression "we who are alive" and "we shall be changed" - 1 Thessalonians 4:15, 1 Corinthians 15:52.

First and last Paul looked for the Lord's Coming as a glorious consummation, meanwhile anticipating the eventuality of, in death, "depart and be with Christ" - Philippians 1:23; it not being any great matter whether he was in the body or out of it at the time of the Coming.

In his last written word - 2 Timothy 4:6, 8, at the time of his "departure," his mind was on the "appearing" of the Lord.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-10-2006, 11:37 AM

Good Works - Chapters 2 and 3.

The grand emphasis of Titus is "Good Works." Not that we are saved by good works, but by His Mercy - Titus 3:5, and justified by His Grace - Titus 3:7.

But because of this we are under strict obligation to be "zealous of good works" - Titus 2:14; "be a pattern of good works" - Titus 2:7; "ready for every good work" - Titus 3:1; "be careful to maintain good works" - Titus 3:8; "maintain good works, to meet urgent needs" - Titus 3:14. One of the indictments of the false teachers was that "they profess to know God, but in works they deny Him" - Titus 1:16.

The Power of Beautiful Lives - Titus 2:1-4. Aged men, aged women, young women, mothers, young men, are exhorted to be so faithful to the natural obligations of their own station in life that critics of their religion would be silenced - Titus 2:8.

The Blessed Hope - Titus 2:11-14. The Lord's Coming Again supplies the motive to godly living in this present world. It is mentioned in almost every one of the New Testament books.

Obedience to Civil Authorities - Titus 3:1-2, is a prime Christian virtue. Citizens of heaven should be good citizens of the earthly government under which they live - Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-10-2006, 04:12 PM

Christ's Unity with Man - Hebrews 2:9-18.

God Created Man to have Lordship Over All Things - Hebrews 2:6-8. But Not Yet.

Meantime Christ has become One with Man, sharing with Man His Temptations, and Sufferings, even Death itself, that He might Enable Man to Become One With Him, to Share With Him His Nature and His Dominion. And because of this, Christ has now been Crowned with Glory and Honor.

And now Man, in his effort to become One With Christ, and thus Qualify for His Glorious Inheritance, yet to be, has Assurance tht Christ is Gracious, and Kindly, and Understanding, and will be Helpful to those who Love Him - Hebrews 2:17, 18.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-10-2006, 04:14 PM

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-10-2006, 06:30 PM

The Christian's Earthly Pilgimage - 1 Peter 2 and 3.

Christians, Born into a Glorious Inheritance, by the Word of God - 1 Peter 1:23, in Journeying along through this world toward their Heavenly Home Land, still, for Nourishment, Guidance, and Strength, need constantly to Feed on God's Word - 1 Peter 2:2; thus, along the way, Tasting and Experiencing that their precious Lord, by their side, is Gracious, Kind, Loving and Helpful, as He leads them onward - 1 Peter 2:2, 3.

Pilgrims - 1 Peter 2:11, Elect, Holy - 1 Peter 2:9, a people of Good Works - 1 Peter 2:12; 3:13, who, by their Manner of Life, Glorify God - 1 Peter 3:16. It reminds us of Jesus' word in Matthew 5:14-16, that the Light of the World is the Good Works of His Disciples.

Christian Wives- 1 Peter 3:1-6, "Calling him Lord" - 1 Peter 3:6, surely is not to be construed as meaning abject slavery to her husband, but rather unselfish devotion, so as to win his admiration and affection, and, if he is an unbeliever, by her loving tact, win him to Christ.

1 Peter 3:3-4, should not be understood to mean prohibit a woman's desire to be attractive in personal appearance, but rather a caution against overdoing it, remembering that no amount of finery can be a substitute for gracious Christian Personality. [See Ephesians 5:22-23].

Christian Husbands - 1 Peter 3:3-7. It is Manly to be Tender toward the gentler sex. God's plan is that Martial Love be Mutual, each considerate of the other. If either has a mean disposition or tongue, that makes it all the harder for the other to be considerate. "That your Prayers may not be hindered" 1 Peter 3:7. Nothing extinguishes the flame of Prayer like martial friction.

Christ Preached to Spirits in Prison - 1 Peter 3:18-22. This passage seems to say that Jesus, in the interval between His death and resurrection, preached to the imprisoned spirits of the disobedient of Noah's day.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-10-2006, 11:01 PM

Making Sure of Salvation - 2 Peter 1:1-11.

Knowledge of Christ, the foundation of our Precious Faith - 2 Peter 1:1, is here emphasized as the medium of Grace and Peace - 2 Peter 1:2, and of all things that pertain to Life and Godliness - 2 Peter 1:3, and one of the means by which the Defilements of the World are Overcome - 2 Peter 2:20. It is the closing exhortation of 2 Peter 3:18. Original, Authentic Knowledge of Christ is contained in God's Word. St Peter's farewell warning was, Don't Neglect God's Word.

The Precious Promise - 2 Peter 1:4, include not only the External Glories of the Eternal Kingdom - 2 Peter 1:11, but a Changed, Divine Nature within ourselves, which God will, of His own Grace, bestow upon us, which we, on our part, must do our best to attain - 2 Peter 1:5-11.

Seven Divine Qualities - 2 Peter 1:5-11. Virtue, Knowledge, Self-Control, Patience, Godliness, Brotherly Kindness, Love. These are the Fruits - 2 Peter 1:8, of the Precious Faith - 2 Peter 1:1, which we are to Add - 2 Peter 1:5, to the Blessings which God has Multiplied - 2 Peter 1:2, to us. They are Steps from Earth to Heaven, starting in Faith, and culminating in Love in the Eternal Home of God.

Amen and amen! God Bless!

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-11-2006, 08:24 AM

Church Apostasy - Chapter 2.

The Coming of False Teachers is spoken of again and again in the New Testament. Jesus warns of Ravening Wolves who would come to the Church in Sheep's Clothing - Matthew 7:15, and Lead Many Astray - Matthew 24:11.

Paul warned of Grievous Wolves who would arise in the Church, Speaking Perverse Things - Acts 20:29, 30. Again Paul Predicted that, before the Second Coming of the Lord, there would be, in the Church, a Falling Away of Appalling Magnitude and Satanic Nature - 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12. Again Paul Foretold the rise to Church Leadership of Ungodly Men, Traitors and Hypocrites, who, with a Form of Godliness, would fill the Church with Doctrines of Devils - 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:1-9.

Jude seems to have written mainly to Warn of an Ominous and Deadly Trend toward Apostasy which, in his own day, he saw rising in the Church - Jude 4-19.

And, in Revelation 17, John gives a detailed description of the Full-Grown Harlot Church.

Peter, in his First Epistle, wrote to encourage the Church to bear up under Persecution from Without. Here, in 2 Peter, it is to Caution the Church to Guard against Corruption from Within.

He warns of Coming Apostasy, when Leaders in the Church, for money considerations, would permit Licentiousness and general Wrong-Doing. He speaks of it as being in the future - 2 Peter 2:1. Yet some of the language implies that False Teachers were already at work within the Church.

He speaks of their Destructive Heresies - 2 Peter 2:1, their Pernicious Ways - 2 Peter 2:2, their Coveteousness - 2 Peter 2:3, their Walking in Lust - 2 Peter 2:10, Brute Beasts - 2 Peter 2:12, Eyes full of Adultery - 2 Peter 2:14, Servants of Corruption - 2 Peter 2:19.

Note: These expressions are used as referring, not to the World, but to Leaders Within the Church.

It is a sorry picture. Even within the Apostolic generation the World and the Devil had succeeded in making heavy onslaughts on the Purity of the Church. Then followed the long centuries of Papal Corruption.

And, even now, in our own enlightened age, the Gospel of Christ, in its original beauty and simplicity and Purity, in many sections of the Church, still is buried and hid from view by the rubbish of forms and doctrines heaped upon the Church, through the ages, by the World and the Devil.

It is a terrible Sin to Corrupt the Church. All the Ungodly shall be Destroyed. This is an unceasing note of Scripture. But One of the worse of Sins is, in the Name of Christ, to Foist Lies upon the Church in substitution for Christian Truth. Let those who do it take warning from what happened to the Fallen Angels - 2 Peter 2:4, and to the world of Noah's time - 2 Peter 2:5, and to Sodom and Genorrah - 2 Peter 2:6.

God Bless.

godslove

10-11-2006, 09:29 AM

I’m glad you brought up this about false teachers. This is their normal method of deceiving others, First they give God’s Word a little twist, then they try to get you to believe that you can stand before God because of something that you did..

Ge 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

But God be thanked that we are held by the power of God to deliver us from such wickedness.. I feel sorry for those that trust in themselves..

Mt 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Lu 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Ro 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Ro 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Ro 15:19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

1Co 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

1Co 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

1Co 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

2Co 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Col 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

1Pe 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

2Pe 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

To think that some would even dare to deny Gods power working in us. Yes they have a form of godliness, but to them God has no power, they rely on their own power.….God bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-11-2006, 11:10 AM

Dealay of the Lord's Coming - Chapter 3.

Jesus had said things which might have been construed to imply His Return in that generation - Matthew 16:28; 24:34. The Apostles used expressions which indicated His Near Appearance - Romans 13:12; Hebrews 10:25; James 5:8; Revelation 1:3.

Yet Jesus hinted that His Return might be After a Long Time - Matthew 25:19; and suggested that it would be Wise to prepare for a Delay - Matthew 25:4.

Paul expressly stated that it would not be till After the Apostasy - 2 Thessalonians 2:2-3.

Peter, in 2 Peter 3, hints that it might, in human expectation, be in the proportion of thousand years to a day - 2 Peter 3:8. God does not count time as man does. With God a thousand years are as yesterday - Psalm 90:4. He will keep His promise according to His Own chronology. These passages put together seem to indicate that God designed that each successive generation should live in constant expectation of the Lord's Coming.

What bearing should all this, after 2000 plus years of Delay, have on our thought about the Lord's Coming? Should we abandon hope? NEVER. At least, His Coming is 2006 years nearer than it was. The night is far spent, Day may be nearer than we think. Who knows but what with the Lord's Train, at long last, may, even now, be whistling for the Grand Central Station, with Angels ready to shout, All Aboard? Or Airplanes? Maybe.

One of the subjects ridiculed by False Teachers mentioned in 2 Peter 2 is the Lord's Second Coming - 2 Peter 3:3, 4. But "the Lord Will Come" - 2 Peter 3:10. And it will be a day of Destruction for the Ungodly - 2 Peter 3:7, like the Flood in the days of Noah. Next time it will be by Fire. This is very plainly stated in 2 Peter 3:10.

From it all, God's People will be delivered, and for them there will be New Heavens and New Earth - 2 Peter 3:13, 14.

Peter mentions Epistles of Paul - 2 Peter 3:15, and classes them as Scripture - 2 Peter 3:16. And, as in his Peter's First Epistle spoke of the Word of God as being the Source of Birth - 1 Peter 1:23, and the Means of Growth - 1 Peter 2:2, for the Christian, so, in this Epistle foretelling Apostasy in the Church.

Peter insists that Knowledge of Christ through His Word will help us make our calling and election Sure - 2 Peter 2:2, 4, 10; and that the way for the Church to combat Apostasy, and Keep itself Pure and Free from Worldly Corruption is to Hold Fast to the Word of God as given by the Prophets and Apostles - 2 Peter 1:19; 3:2.

God Bless.

godslove

10-11-2006, 11:41 AM

good works follow the new birth, how can we be sure that we belong to God? i think it is very obvious in the following verses....God bless.

1Jo 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

11 ¶ For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.

13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

14 ¶ We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

Joh 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

1Pe 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

1Jo 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Joh 8:41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
46 ¶ Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
47 He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-11-2006, 07:31 PM

Sometimes someone has to take a strong stand for the truth.

The aging John was the last remaining apostolic authority. He had been one of the original twelve disciples. John wrote the Gospel that bears his name, in which he refers to himself as the disciple "whom Jesus loved" - John 13:23; 20:2. The only disciple to stay at the foot of the Cross, John had been entrusted by Jesus with the care of His mother - John 19:25-27.

John write this letter in Ephesus after he wrote his Gospel. As the elder statesman of the Christian church, John wrote with a fatherly tone to his beloved "children." He was concerned about the significant danger of false teaching. Heresies were popping up claiming that Jesus could not have been both human and divine--in other words, these heresies denied the Incarnation.

John countered the heretics with the fundamental truths of the Christian faith. As an eyewitness to the events of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, John clarified that Jesus lived and died as a human, and was raised from the dead. Jesus was not only fully human, but also fully divine. "Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ?" - 1 John 2:22, John asks.

John would not tolerate false teachers because he knew that their teachings not only were wrong, but they promoted immoral living and would result in eternal punishment. Only truth would edify and lead to eternal life. So John wrote to his dear children in the faith, warning them that they would need to be able to discern between "the spirit of truth and the spirit of error" - 1 John 4:6.

The truth is found in Jesus, who is "the truth" - John 14:6. Many of today's false teachers would have us believe that there are many ways to God and that truth is relative.

Like John, we who know the truth must be willing to take a stand.

God Bless.

godslove

10-11-2006, 09:09 PM

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-11-2006, 10:48 PM

kennar

10-12-2006, 01:28 AM

Hey DanV, just a quick note of encouragement, I liked what you had to say and I like that you are willing to talk about things that sometimes go against the mainstream. I too think it is important to know that we should discern between the spirit of truth and error, I don't think we should just roll over and accept that because we are saved, we can discern right from wrong straight away, the transformation takes time and spiritul maturity. Anyway, thanks for your post and keep it up!

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-12-2006, 08:10 AM

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-12-2006, 08:13 AM

It is indeed all about Jesus.

The Bible, with its sixty-six different books written over a span of about fifteen hundred years, is really one story. From beginning to end, the Bible is all about Jesus.

God Bless.

Genesis reveals our loving God who created a perfect world for people. He gave the man and woman the opportunity to love and obey Him. Unfortunately Adam and Eve chose differently, thus starting the cycle of sin and death that has affected the world ever since.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-12-2006, 08:34 AM

Genesis reveals our loving God who created a perfect world for people. He gave the man and woman the opportunity to love and obey Him. Unfortunately Adam and Eve chose differently, thus starting the cycle of sin and death that has affected the world ever since.

God Bless.

None of this took our all-knowing God by surprise. God already knew His only Son would take sin's punishment. The last book of the Bible describes Jesus as the Lamb who had been "slain from the foundation of the world" - Revelation 13:8.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-12-2006, 08:53 AM

1Jo 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

1Jo 2:20 But ye have an unction <5545> from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
1Jo 2:27 But the anointing <5545> which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing <5545> teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

where do you get need to be able? they are able because of the Holy Spirit dewlling in them . you look at everything coming from man. it comes from God......God bless

John would not tolerate false teachers because he knew that their teachings not only were wrong, but they promoted immoral living and would result in eternal punishment. Only truth would edify and lead to eternal life. So John wrote to his dear children in the faith, warning them that they would need to be able to discern between "the spirit of truth and the spirit of error" - 1 John 4:6.

"man" is who we receive "teaching" from today. The Holy Spirit reveals to us truth and error of these teachings. John is warning us about the following:

The Spirit of Truth and Error:

"Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides is us, by the Spirit whom He has given us."

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world."

"By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has com in the flesh is of God,"

"and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world."

"You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."

"They are of the world. Therefore they speak of the world, and the world hears them."

"We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. " - 1 John 4:1-6.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-12-2006, 08:59 AM

None of this took our all-knowing God by surprise. God already knew His only Son would take sin's punishment. The last book of the Bible describes Jesus as the Lamb who had been "slain from the foundation of the world" - Revelation 13:8.

God Bless.

This eternal plan was put in motion before Adam and Eve were even sent from the Garden. Listen to what God says to the serpent [Satan]: "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel" - Genesis 3:14, 15.

Eve's "Seed" refers to Jesus Christ Himself. Centuries later Jesus, God's Son, would come as a human being, born of woman. He would indeed be bruised and that bruise would end in death; but He would rise again to defeat sin and death forever.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-12-2006, 09:13 AM

This eternal plan was put in motion before Adam and Eve were even sent from the Garden. Listen to what God says to the serpent [Satan]: "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel" - Genesis 3:14, 15.

Eve's "Seed" refers to Jesus Christ Himself. Centuries later Jesus, God's Son, would come as a human being, born of woman. He would indeed be bruised and that bruise would end in death; but He would rise again to defeat sin and death forever.

God Bless.

It all begins here. Genesis was written by Moses probably during the wilderness wanderings with events in the book spanning the time from Creation to about 1800 B.C. The book of Genesis tells us how sin came into the world and what God would do about it. Although it would be many centuries before the Son arrived, God began preparing a nation from a faithful man, Abraham, through whom His promised Son would come.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-12-2006, 11:18 AM

It all begins here. Genesis was written by Moses probably during the wilderness wanderings with events in the book spanning the time from Creation to about 1800 B.C. The book of Genesis tells us how sin came into the world and what God would do about it. Although it would be many centuries before the Son arrived, God began preparing a nation from a faithful man, Abraham, through whom His promised Son would come.

God Bless.

So look for Christ in Genesis. He's at Creation - Genesis 1:26, promised in the Garden - Genesis 3:15, and descended from Abraham - Genesis 12:3, Isaac - Genesis 21:12, and Jacob Genesis 25:26, also knows as Israel - Genesis 32:28.

From the moment time began, the plan was in motion that God would one day come to repair the damage sin had done, bring us back to Himself, and give us eternal life with Him.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-12-2006, 12:15 PM

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-12-2006, 03:31 PM

The Book of Genesis ends with Joseph as second-in-command in Egypt, and his family arriving to settle there during the famine. The Book of Exodus picks up four hundred years later. The current pharaoh knew nothing of Joseph and all he had done in Egypt. This pharaoh saw only a foreign nation numbering about three million people living within his borders. So he made them slaves--harnessing their energy to build cities and subjecting them harshly in order to keep them from rebellion. But God had other plans.

[to be continued...]

God Bless.

Read the story of how Israel was saved from slavery and brought into a covenant relationship with the almighty God - Exodus 6:6,7. Exodus is a book of redemption and salvation. In this book, you'll get a glimpse of Jesus Christ the Savior. In many ways, Moses is a type, or representation, of Jesus - Deuteronomy 18:15. God had prepared Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery and into freedom as God's holy people.

Through a series of awe-inspiring miracles, God brought the mighty nation of Egypt to its knees. Christ is clearly seen in the solemn Jewish Passover - Exodus 12-13, that required the blood of pure, sacrificial lamb to save the Israelites form God's judgment.

[to be continued...]

God Bless.

godslove

10-12-2006, 04:54 PM

you wrote.
John would not tolerate false teachers because he knew that their teachings not only were wrong, but they promoted immoral living and would result in eternal punishment. Only truth would edify and lead to eternal life. So John wrote to his dear children in the faith, warning them that they would need to be able to discern between "the spirit of truth and the spirit of error" - 1 John 4:6.

answer
i put it in context for you, you had a long sentence and then you used 1 john 4:6. to prove your point. but i don't know how you got there from this referance. this referance is about how we know the truth from error because we are of God and reconize Gods voice. they know (john and ???) the differance between the Spirit of Truth and the spirit of error because of those that hear those that are from God are of the Spirit of truth and those that don't hear those that are from God are the spirit of error. in plain english- those that hear the truth belong to God and those that don't hear the truth do not belong to God..........this is not a referance to listening to thier teachings so that we can be saved. Scriptures are not a rubber band...God bless

1Jo 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-12-2006, 06:09 PM

Read the story of how Israel was saved from slavery and brought into a covenant relationship with the almighty God - Exodus 6:6,7. Exodus is a book of redemption and salvation. In this book, you'll get a glimpse of Jesus Christ the Savior. In many ways, Moses is a type, or representation, of Jesus - Deuteronomy 18:15. God had prepared Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery and into freedom as God's holy people.

Through a series of awe-inspiring miracles, God brought the mighty nation of Egypt to its knees. Christ is clearly seen in the solemn Jewish Passover - Exodus 12-13, that required the blood of pure, sacrificial lamb to save the Israelites form God's judgment.

[to be continued...]

God Bless.

Jesus is "the Lamb of God" - John 1:29 and "Christ, our Passover" - 1 Corinthians 5:7. Just as the blood of the lamb protected the ancient Israelites from death, so the blood of Jesus the Lamb saves us. Jesus' blood was the final sacrifice that put an end to sin's penalty, leading us out of slavery and into freedom as God's holy people.

Exodus was written by Moses in the wilderness during Israel's wanderings, somewhere in the Sinai Peninsula. This exciting book reveals God's love, guidance, and salvation--of Israel, and of all who follow Him.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-12-2006, 07:05 PM

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-12-2006, 07:42 PM

The Book of Leviticus shows God's people how to worship, serve, and obey Him. The overwhelming focus of Leviticus is God's holiness--"You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy." - Leviticus 19:2.

This entire book is dedicated to worship. After Israel's release from slavery in Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea, they camped at the foot of Mount Sinai for two years, listening to God (which is where they are from Exodus 19 all the way through Numbers 10). This book was written by Moses during that time. In it Moses recorded God's plan for the way the people were to worship and live. More than that, however, God was giving them a preview of what would one day come through their nation. The offerings described in chapters 1 through 7 all point to Christ.

For example, the sacrificial animal brought for an offering had to be perfect, with no defects or bruises. The blood of the innocent animal became the substitute for the life of the sinful person offering the sacrifice. This is a picture of the perfect sacrifice to come, Jesus, the Lamb of God - 1 Corinthians 15:3.

[to be continued...]

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-13-2006, 10:06 AM

This entire book is dedicated to worship. After Israel's release from slavery in Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea, they camped at the foot of Mount Sinai for two years, listening to God (which is where they are from Exodus 19 all the way through Numbers 10). This book was written by Moses during that time. In it Moses recorded God's plan for the way the people were to worship and live. More than that, however, God was giving them a preview of what would one day come through their nation. The offerings described in chapters 1 through 7 all point to Christ.

For example, the sacrificial animal brought for an offering had to be perfect, with no defects or bruises. The blood of the innocent animal became the substitute for the life of the sinful person offering the sacrifice. This is a picture of the perfect sacrifice to come, Jesus, the Lamb of God - 1 Corinthians 15:3.

[to be continued...]

God Bless.

The feasts also point to the coming of the Savior. Jesus died during the Passover when the lambs were being killed in memory of the Israelites' escape from Egypt - John 19:14. The Feast of Unleavened Bread pictured the godly lives of believers - 1 Corinthians 5:6-8. The Feast of Firstfruits pointed to Jesus' resurrection - 1 Corinthians 15:20-23. The Feast of Weeks [Pentecost] speaks of the coming of the Holy Spirit after Jesus' ascension - Acts 2:1-4. The Feast of Trumpets, the Feast of Tabernacles, and the Day of Atonement all look forward to events associated with the Second Coming of Christ.

As you read Leviticus, look beyond the rules and rituals to Jesus Christ, the One who came as the final fulfillment to all the sacrifices. Thank Him for His Holy Spirit who lives within you, making you holy as He is holy.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-13-2006, 11:00 AM

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-13-2006, 01:09 PM

Good Idea Larry.

Teaching on the Book of Numbers

Wandering, complaining, and unbelief--that's what you'll find in the Book of Numbers. Its's a sad tale of opportunity lost and judgment given.

[to be continued...]

God Bless.

Teaching on the Book of Numbers...continued

Numbers takes it name from the two numberings of the Israelites--the first at Mount Sinai and the second on the plains of Moab. God had delivered His people from slavery in Egypt and promised then the land of Canaan. When the Israelites arrived at Canaan's borders, however, they were afraid and refused to enter the land. They refused to trust God, so He made them wander in the desert for forty years as punishment - Numbers 14:26-35.

During those forty years there was a continuous patter of complaining, disobedience, and death. It was a time of waiting for the old generation to die off, as well as waiting to see if the new generation would faithfully trust God and enter the land.

During this time, Moses recorded the unfolding events. When the Israelites arrived back at the border of Canaan, they were again counted in preparation to enter the land.

[to be continued...]

NOTE: On future posts on the Books of the Bible, each book will be completed in one posting. Hopefully, the post isn't too long.

God Bless.

larry

10-13-2006, 06:50 PM

Dear Brother DanV, it would be easier to see the book if you started off with "Numbers - The teaching of" or "Teaching Numbers". Something like that would ensure that the book you are teaching shows first, and is not hidden due to the length of its title.

God bless you in Jesus' name - larry :)

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-13-2006, 07:59 PM

Numbers, Book of...continued

Numbers takes it name from the two numberings of the Israelites--the first at Mount Sinai and the second on the plains of Moab. God had delivered His people from slavery in Egypt and promised then the land of Canaan. When the Israelites arrived at Canaan's borders, however, they were afraid and refused to enter the land. They refused to trust God, so He made them wander in the desert for forty years as punishment - Numbers 14:26-35.

During those forty years there was a continuous patter of complaining, disobedience, and death. It was a time of waiting for the old generation to die off, as well as waiting to see if the new generation would faithfully trust God and enter the land.

During this time, Moses recorded the unfolding events. When the Israelites arrived back at the border of Canaan, they were again counted in preparation to enter the land.

[to be continued...]

God Bless.

BOOK OF NUMBERS

Even though God was punishing the people during those forty years, He did not abandon them. He lovingly sustained them, guided them, an forgave them when they turned to Him in repentance.

Jesus is seen in Numbers when the desert rock poured out water - Numbers 20:9-11, picturing Jesus, the living water - John 4:10; 1 Corinthians 10:4. The miracle of manna, which fed the Israelites for forty years, also pictures Jesus, who called Himself "the bread of life" - John 6:31-35.

In addition, the prophet Balaam prophesied about the "Star" and the "Scepter" from Jacob, which will be when Jesus reigns on earth - Numbers 24:17. The clearest portrait of Jesus is the incident of the bronze serpent - Numbers 21:4-9. Jesus referred to this event as pointing to His own death: "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up" - John 3:14.

In this book, see Jesus, the One who was "lifted up" so that when those who look to Him in faith will be saved.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-13-2006, 09:30 PM

DEUTERONOMY, BOOK OF [TEACHING]

Have you ever heard a really inspiring speech? You're about to, for the Book of Deuteronomy is a series of messages given by Moses to the nation of Israel. These are the farewell addresses--the last words--of Israel's beloved leader. He had led the nation for decades, taking them from slavery in Egypt, through the wilderness, and finally to the borders of the new land. He had sat before God Himself, bringing back to the people laws for worship and for living.

He had carried the tablets of the the Ten Commandment in his hands. Now the wanderings were over and the new generation was back at the border of the Promised Land. Moses himself would not enter due to his own disobedience - Numbers 20:7-12, so he had the profound duty of reminding the new generation of the importance of obeying God and trusting in Him.

Moses wrote Deuteronomy at the end of the forty-year period in the wilderness. Most likely his successor, Joshua, penned the final summary - chapter 34 - after Moses' death. Much of Moses' life provides a picture of Christ. Moses is the only biblical figure other than Jesus to be a prophet - Deuteronomy 34:10-12, priest [by interceding for the people, Exodus 32:31-35], and king [though not techinically a king, he is called that because he was the leader of Israel - Deuteronomy 33:4, 5].

Both Moses and Jesus were in danger of death as babies - Exodus 1:22; Matthew 2:13. Both were saviors and intercessors - Numbers 14:11-19; Luke 19:10; Hebrews 7:25. Both were rejected by their countrymen - Numbers 16:1-3; Mark 6:1-6. Moses referred to Jesus in Deuteronomy 18:15: "The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear." [See also Acts 7:37].

As you read Deuteronomy, remember your own story of what God had done in your life. Thank Jesus for saving you. Then commit yourself to trust, love, and obey Him.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-14-2006, 09:36 AM

JOSHUA, BOOK OF [TEACHING]

The new generation of Israelites knew better than to rebel against God as their parents had done. The Promised Land was just that--and they were ready to claim God's promise. The entire book of Joshua describes the entering, conquering, and occupying of the land of Canaan.

This book is named after its main character. Joshua had been born as a slave in Egypt and later became Moses' "right hand man." As one of the twelve spies who had checked out Canaan, Joshua distinguished himself as a man of faith and courage [he and Caleb were the only spies who trusted God, see Numbers 13-30--14:10. God chose Joshua to lead the Israelites after Moses' death - Numbers 27:18-23.

Although there are no specific prophecies of Jesus in the Book of Joshua, Joshua himself is a type of the coming Savior. His name, which means "Yahweh is salvation," is the Hebrew equivalent of "Jesus" [a Greek name]. In his role of leading the people triumphantly into Canaan, Joshua foreshadows the One who will bring "many sons to glory" - Hebrews 2:10. When Joshua encounters the "Commander of the army of the Lord" outside the walls of Jericho - Joshua 5:13-15, he is actually in the presence of Jesus.

The blood-colored cord that Rahab hung from her window to guarantee deliverance from the advancing troops - Joshua 2:17-20 is a sure sign of the salvation from the future judgment that Jesus' blood provides. In addition, Rabab was an ancestor of Jesus - Matthew 1:5.

Most biblical scholars agree that Joshua wrote this book, except for the ending, which may have been written by the high priest Phinehas, and eyewitness of the events recorded there.

Jesus, the One who leads us to victory. Jesus, the One whose blood saves us from destruction. Jesus, the One who will bring us to glory.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-15-2006, 02:43 PM

JUDGES, BOOK OF [TEACHING]

The two mighty leaders of Israel, Moses and Joshua, have died. God had helped the Israelites conquer Canaan and establish their own cities and settlements. However, with success came nonchalance toward God and His laws.

The attitude of the Israelites in the Book of Judges is the opposite of their attitude in Joshua. In the Book of Joshua the people had been obedient and had trusted in God to help them. In the Book of Judges, however, a disobedient and idolatrous people were defeated time and again because of their rebelllion against God. This rebellion was so severe, in fact, that God left the Israelites to their own devices. They disobeyed, experienced the consequences of their disobedience, and then cried to God for rescue. And God was always their to hear and to help.

Judges is a book of heroes--seventeen men and women who were sent by God to deliver Israel from its enemies. These judges were not perfect, but they obeyed God and He used them to rescue His people.

The Book of Judges also provided a glimpse of what Jesus would do for all of us. We are very much like the Israelites--sinful and struggling with disobedience. Each judge is a kind of a "savior." Some judges were warrior-rulers, others were priests, and some were prophets. Also, like Jesus, the judges invited people to follow them by trusting in God - Judges 3:28; Mark 1:17.

This book was probably written by Samuel. The period of the judges actually extends to include the life of Samuel (who is featured in two Books of the Bible --1 and 2 Samuel).

The Book of Judges shows Israel's repeated downward slide into sin. Just as God delivered His people then, He still delivers us from our constant battles with sin. And He does it because of Jesus.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-16-2006, 08:53 AM

RUTH, BOOK OF [TEACHING]

During the bleak days of the Book of Judges, one might wonder what was happening to God's promise to Abraham about his descendants living in the Promised Land, growing into a great nation, and eventually blessing the whole world.

Now begins the Book of Ruth--only a few pages, but a vitally important book in watching God's hand move among His people.

The author of Ruth is unknown. The book was most likely written during David's reign, recording events that took place toward the end of the time of the judges.

Ruth was a foreigner from Moab who had married an Israelite. When her husband died, she chose to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi and live in Israel. Ruth's love for Naomi meant great sacrifice. Ruth had to leave behind her culture, her language, and her people in order to care for Naomi and ensure her well being.

Ruth chose to worship the God of Israel--and God chose her to be in the line of His Son. Ruth is the great-grandmother of King David, and you'll see her name in Jesus' genealogy in Matthew 1:5.

A key concept in this book is "kinsman-redeemer" or family redeemer (meaning "close relative"). That word, used thirteen times in this little book, pictures a near relative who takes responsibility for a family in difficulty. Ruth and Noami were widows; Boaz, their close relative, stepped in to provide for them. He was their redeemer. Through him, they had protection, provision, and inheritance.

This very term can be ascribed to Jesus Christ. He is our Redeemer who came to earth to save us. By His death on the cross we have protection, provision, and an inheritance--heaven itself.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-18-2006, 09:22 AM

1 SAMUEL, BOOK OF [TEACHING]

Revolution brings great cultural change. First Samuel is a book full of revolution and change. Here is recorded the transition of leadership in Israel from the judges to the kings. Three men played prominently in this transition: Samuel, a prophet and the last judge; Saul, the first king; and David, the king-elect, anointed by God to succeed Saul.

Tradition says that Samuel wrote both books, however his death is recorded in 1 Samuel 25:1, so others must have been part of the writing process. First Chronicles 29:29 refers to books by Samuel, Nathan, and Gad, so it is possible that all three men contributed to the books of 1 and 2 Samuel.

The most obvious connection Jesus Christ has to the men of 1 Samuel is through King David. Christ's family descended from the line of David - Matthew 1:1. Romans 1:3 calls Jesus "the seed of David." The multitudes in Jerusalem recognized Him as the "Son of David" - Matthew 21:9. David, the lord of an earthly realm, was the forerunner of Jesus, the Messiah and Lord of people's heart and souls.

David was described as "a man after [God's] own heart" - 1 Samuel 13:14 and was rewarded accordingly with the mantle of king and the responsibility for the care of the people in his kingdom. Likewise, the only way human leaders can be sure of maintaining their own humility and the well-being of their people is by recognizing the lordship, or leadership, of Christ in their own lives. Christ admonishes His disciples in John 15:5, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in Him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."

Jesus--King, Leader, Son of Man, descendant of David, One who was truly after God's own heart. When He came, He brought a revolutionary way of living, for He brought us a way to walk with God.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-19-2006, 06:15 PM

2 SAMUEL, BOOK OF [TEACHING]

Forever is, well, forever. It is difficult for us to comprehend the concept of something being "forever." This was probably true for King David as well. Yet listen to the words God spoke to the new king of Israel:

"Your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever" - 2 Samuel 7:16.

Forever? But David died eventually, and there are no kings reigning now in Israel. So what last forever?

The promises are forever in Jesus Christ.

As you discovered in the Book of 1 Samuel, David is one of the most important ties to Jesus in the Old Testament. Not only was Christ descended from David's family line, but it was in Christ that the promise God made to David would be completely fulfilled.

Second Samuel is the story of a man trying desperately to be a great leader and holy man, and is often sabotaged by his flawed humanity. The book of 2 Samuel records the highlights of David's reign over the territory of Judah and finally over the entire nation of Israel. It also records David's sins. Yet David knew enough to be repentant and to always come back to God. Therefore, in spite of his sins, David remained a man after God's own heart--penitent, passionate, and purposeful.

Second Samuel was probably compiled by one man who combined the written chronicles of Nathan the prophet and Gad the seer - 1 Chronicles 29:29. In addition to these written sources, the compiler evidently used another source called "the Book of Jasher" - 2 Samuel 1:18. The date of the composition for 1 and 2 Samuel was sometime after the death of David's son, Solomon but before the Assyrian captivity of the northern kingdom.

The events of 2 Samuel remind us that God always keeps His promises. No amount of sin can change that. Christ will reign for all eternity--now in our hearts, eventually over a new heaven and a new earth--just as God promised.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-20-2006, 08:47 AM

1 KINGS, BOOK OF [TEACHING]

Wisdom isn't just knowing what to do when a crisis arises; wisdom is knowing what to do to prevent a crisis from happening in the first place. Solomon was one of the wisest men who lived, yet he was unable to use his wisdom within the bounds of his own personl life and spiritual relationship with God.

The author of 1 and 2 Kings is unknown, but evidence supports the tradition that the prophet Jeremiah wrote Kings. Evidently the majority of 1 and 2 Kings was written by a compiler who access to several historical documents.

The first half of 1 Kings trace the life of Solomon, David's son and heir to the throne. Under Solomon's leadership Israel rose to the peak of its size and glory. Solomon's great accomplishments, including the unsurpassed splendor of the temple he constructed in Jerusalem, brought him world-wide fame and respect. Unfortunately, Solomon's zeal for God diminished in his later years, as his marriage to pagan women turned his heart away from God.

As a result, the king with the divided heart left behind a divided kingdom. For the next century, the Book of 1 Kings traces the twin histories of two sets of kings and two nations of disobedient people who grew increasingly indifferent to God's prophets and precepts.

Solomon's fame, glory, wealth, and honor foreshadow Christ in His kingdom. Solomon's rule brought knowledge, peace, and worship. However, despite Solomon's splendor, Christ later says of His coming, "Indeed a greater than Solomon is here" - Matthew 12:42. Solomon typifies the character of Christ in a number of ways. Solomon's wisdom points ahead to "Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God" - 1 Corinthians 1:30.

By the time Christ started His ministry, Solomon's wisdom (and Solomon's folly) was well understood and part of the cultural heritage. Christ's wisdom was able to offer redemption and hope to those who sought an understanding of life beyone what they, or their human ancestors, could ever imagine.

God Bless.

DanV aka FreetoloveGod

10-20-2006, 09:48 PM

2 KINGS, BOOK OF [TEACHING]

The world is broken down by the effects of sin. Sin separates people from their neighbors and separates all humanity from God. Sin causes us to war with our neighbor and battle discord in our own hearts. Only Christ can bring us to peace with ourselves and with one another. The events in 2 Kings underscore the inevitable consequences of ignoring God and going our own way.

The Book of 2 Kings continues the drama begun in 1 Kings--the tragic history of two nations on a collision course with exile and captivity. The author systematically traces the reigining monarch of Israel and Judah, first by carrying one nation's history forward, then retracing the same period for the other nation.

If the prophet Jeremiah did not write this book it was probably written by one of his contemporaties. The majority of 2 Kings was written before the Babylonian captivity. However, the last two chapters of 2 Kings were added to the book after the Babylonian captivity and written by someone other than Jeremiah.

The discord that shook