Monday, October 31, 2005

Luke - Following Jesus

Luke 22:49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?

They were told earlier to bring two swords when they went forth to minister. Now, they ask; shall we use the sword to smite your enemies?

Luke 22:50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

Peter, impulsive as usual swings the sword and only severs the right ear of the high priests servant. His ear was in the hearing and service of the wicked high priest.

Luke 22:51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

Jesus said, allow them to seize me. He then touched the ear and healed him. Healing could be the wound was no longer bleeding. It does not say the ear was placed back on him. Sometimes we receive scars in life for a reminder. The scars that were to come upon Jesus were a reminder to us. Perhaps the servant was healed, but still had no ear. This could be a reminder to him to hear Jesus, the healer. For if our hearing brings offenses, it were better to cut off the ear; as in the thoughts in Matthew 5.

Mat 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Luke 22:52 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?
Luke 22:53 When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

This was the time that God the Father had appointed for Jesus to go to the cross. The power of satan was allowed at this time. Earlier Jesus spoke of power to Pilate:

John 19:10 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?
John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

Luke 22:54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.

Peter who wielded the sword in his defense, follows afar off. Was his feelings hurt? Was he ashamed or angry? What of his promise to not deny the Lord?

John 18:15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.

John accompanied Jesus into the High Priests house. He was a witness to what occurred. Are we witnesses following close to Jesus? Or do we follow from afar? Peter would be tempted.

Seventh Commandment - Adultery

 Exo 20:14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Adultery - conjugal infidelity. An adulterer was a man who had illicit intercourse with a married or a betrothed woman, and such a woman was an adulteress. Intercourse between a married man and an unmarried woman was fornication. Adultery was regarded as a great social wrong, as well as a great sin. (Eastons Bible Distionary)
What did the law say about adultery?

The law of sin and death

Lev 20:10 And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.
Lev 20:11 And the man that lieth with his father's wife hath uncovered his father's nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
Lev 20:12 And if a man lie with his daughter in law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood shall be upon them.
Lev 20:13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

Soul destruction

Prov 6:32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
Prov 6:33 A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.
Prov 6:34 For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
Prov 6:35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.

What about the kings of Israel? Solomon had many wives and concubines and so did David. I suppose this was common among the world's kings, but these were to obey God. David had a weakness in the lust of the flesh. This brought him to sin against Bathsheba.

David's Sin with Bathsheba

2 Sam 11:1 And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.

It was supposed to be David going to battle,with his men, instead he tarried, he had time on his hands to be tempted.

2 Sam 11:2 And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.

James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

2 Sam 11:3 And David sent and inquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?
2 Sam 11:4 And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house.

James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

2 Sam 11:5 And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.

The child later died.

2 Sam 11:6 And David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David.

Cover up

David wanted to cover up his sin. He sent for Bathshebas husband to come and be with her, so that the child would seem to be Uriahs child, but Uriah would not come to his wife. He was a loyal soldier and his heart was with the fellow soldiers who were fighting the enemy. Ironically, this was supposed to have been David's duty, to be with his troops. Uriah was more noble than David. Finally to cover up his sin, David sent Uriah to the battle front where his fellow soldiers were told to withdraw from him, and He was killed. He was an honorable soldier. I think of our troops who fight for us and the people they serve withdraw from them, this is a difficult thing for them. But, they serve honorably; it is not their shame.

When we sin we try to cover it up, if not in God's Spirit. God sees the sin. He sent Nathan the prophet to speak his message to David.

God uncovers David's Sin

2 Sam 11:27 And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD.
2 Sam 12:1 And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.
2 Sam 12:2 The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds:
2 Sam 12:3 But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.
2 Sam 12:4 And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him.
2 Sam 12:5 And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die:
2 Sam 12:6 And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.
2 Sam 12:7 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;
2 Sam 12:8 And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.
2 Sam 12:9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.
2 Sam 12:10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.
2 Sam 12:11 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.
2 Sam 12:12 For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.
2 Sam 12:13 And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.
2 Sam 12:14 Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.
2 Sam 12:15 And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick.
2 Sam 12:16 David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.
2 Sam 12:17 And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.
2 Sam 12:18 And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead?
2 Sam 12:19 But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead.
2 Sam 12:20 Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.
2 Sam 12:21 Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.
2 Sam 12:22 And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?
2 Sam 12:23 But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

David would have more children but because of his adultery, David had no moral authority over his kids.

God always seeks to reconcile, we repent and he forgives. David wrote this Psalm after God revealed his sin

Psa 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Psa 51:11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
Psa 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Psa 51:13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Psa 51:14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
Psa 51:15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth thy praise.
Psa 51:16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
Psa 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Psa 51:18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
Psa 51:19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

Cheating

In our country adultery is called cheating. Same sex fornication is being legislated as law, with the Christian Biblical view spoken as a hate crime. Ministers are being put into prisons in other countries for preaching all of the Bible.

Woe

Isa 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Isa 5:21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
Isa 5:22 Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:
Isa 5:23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
Isa 5:24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
Isa 5:25 Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.

These laws same strict, but what did Jesus say?

Mat 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
Mat 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Mat 5:31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
Mat 5:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

Jesus and the woman caught in adultery

John 8:3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
John 8:4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
John 8:5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

The law is to point out sins.

John 8:6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
John 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
John 8:8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
John 8:9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Only Jesus was without sin and he showed grace, seeking to reconcile the woman.

John 8:10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
John 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Jesus gave her mercy and told her to repent.

Love in Christ, is the fulfillment of the law

Rom 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
Rom 13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Rom 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Adultery is at the top of the list of the sins of the flesh.

Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,...

Spiritual Adultery

Jer 3:8 And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.
Jer 3:9 And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that she defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones and with stocks.
Jer 3:10 And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly, saith the LORD.
Jer 3:11 And the LORD said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah.
Jer 3:12 Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger for ever.
Jer 3:13 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.
Jer 3:14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:
Jer 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Adultery in your past?

Acknowledge your iniquity and repent. Jesus will give you grace but there will be scars on your soul. He has scars caused by our sins, enter into his forgiveness and love. Forgive the offender, forgive yourself and be forgiven. The entire Bible is about restoration. God takes no pleasure in sin unto death. He sent his only begotten son to bring you his grace and forgiveness. Forgiveness comes from God through Jesus, we are required to forgive one another. If the adulterer repents, there is forgiveness through the work of Jesus.

Luke - Judas Kiss

Luke 22:47 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

Mat 26:48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
Mat 26:49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.

Luke 22:48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

It was a customary greeting to kiss a friend upon meeting him.

2 Cor 13:12 Greet one another with an holy kiss.

In no way was this a holy kiss, it was the kiss of a betrayer. Jesus is holy, but Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. A pretend friend and a pretend kiss.

Prov 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Remember the woman of the street who anointed Jesus' feet in the Pharisee's house?

Luke 7:45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.

People of God, beware of deceitful kisses. Do not give your heart to a non believing person. He or she may seduce you with sweet words and kisses, but their heart may be full of their own lust. They are only looking for their own pleasure or gain at your expense. Beware of the Judas Kiss, the betrayer, seeming to be your friend, but serving satan through their lust.

Saturday, October 29, 2005

Luke - Thy will be done

Luke 22:41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

The time for suffering and the cross was very near. Jesus asked that it be removed, but not his will, but God's will be done. It is good to pray from the heart, but as Jesus we pray in his will for us. If we pray in his promises we know his will. If in doubt, we ask for his perfect will to be done.

1 John 3:8 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.

Jesus knew his purpose and he spoke it often to his disciples.

Mat 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
Mat 26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
Mat 26:27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
Mat 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

The suffering and death on the cross and rising on the third day, was the plan and purpose of the Father for his son, still he needed his Father's grace. We also need grace to accomplish God's purpose for us.

Luke 22:43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

The devil perhaps was tempting him, telling him lies. We as humans know how this is. In the flesh we sometimes doubt and the things that we see and feel overwhelm us, we are not perfect. The Lord Jesus Christ had no sin, he had faith. His faith was without measure.

Grace came: an angel was sent to strengthen him. How so? With a message from the Father, angels are messengers. Strength comes from God's word. It is the power to overcome the flesh and the devil. A comforting presence of a spiritual being, to show that he would soon be returning to the Spiritual place of his Father. He came from heaven and would return again, perhaps the angel was affirming this to him?

Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Heb 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Heb 12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

Luke 22:44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Knowing the intense pain that was coming, made him suffer in the flesh for concern of what was coming. It is a natural thing to dread something that is coming. I believe the spirit was preparing him ahead of time. It is good to be strengthened in the spirit for what is coming from the devil. The Spirit warns us of impending conflicts, if we listen. Jesus was listening in prayer and he was not to be surprised, he would go ahead with this most difficult completion of his ministry.

We must go ahead in our service and purpose, even if it means death, for Jesus is our example. The word of God and His Spirit will overcome this life.

Luke 22:45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
Luke 22:46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

Sleeping for sorrow? They were told to pray, but did not. To disobey the Lord, brings sorrow, we grieve the Holy Spirit. Why were they not praying for strength? Jesus prayed alone and would face the cross alone. He speaks again to his disciples, to learn to pray, to prevent temptation and to be prepared for satan's trials. The time had run out, satan approached them.

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Luke - Pray

Pray

Luke 22:39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives a favorite place of prayer. He takes his disciples with him. It is his time of agony as a human, facing the terrible mocking and beatings and the extreme pain and shame of the cross. Would his companions comfort him in this time of need? What did Jesus ask them to do?

Luke 22:40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

He told them to pray for themselves, not for him. Pray that you enter not into temptation. It was the time of great Spiritual warfare. They needed to pray so that they would not sin and fail their Lord. God would not tempt them, it would be their own vanity, thinking on who would be greatest in the kingdom. They were blind to the great Spiritual battle that was about to happen. Satan would try to destroy their witness. To sin would be to bring dishonor to their Lord.

James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

They were thinking of self glory, not praying for Jesus, and satan put them to sleep. Have you every been in church, thinking on your own things during the service? Soon you become sleepy, satan has taken advantage of the wrong focus. We need to be awake and ready always.

Sunday, October 23, 2005

Luke - Two Swords

Luke 22:35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

Mat 10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mat 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Mat 10:9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
Mat 10:10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
Mat 10:11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
Mat 10:12 And when ye come into an house, salute it.
Mat 10:13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
Mat 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

Luke 22:36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
Luke 22:37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.

Jesus would be treated as a transgressor of the law and because he was not received, they would not be received, So they were to take what was needed with them.

Luke 22:38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.

Two swords; these were symbolic for God's word and God's Spirit. This would be enough to do the work as a servant of the Lord.

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Rev 1:16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
Rev 1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
Rev 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

The spoken word of God is the sharp two-edged sword. Two sharp edges that are the wisdom and power of God for us to use.

Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

The word of God and the prayers in the Spirit for the will of God. These are our two swords, our Spiritual weapons to overcome opposition and to fulfill God's perfect will.

Saturday, October 22, 2005

More response about Casting out Demons

sickness and disease? 

Why blame a demon? These are part of life. Eating better and excercising more will help. Genetics has a role in this too. God healing is not removing a demon, it is his grace and mercy.  

>not all believers have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit  

They are not his if no Holy Spirit, and I am not insisting on tongues.  

Rom 8:9  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

  > they will cast out demons  

 Demons are in the way of salvation, they oppose God. Still the person can be reached by the word. I have cast out demons over the Internet of one seeking God, there was someone with her helping me. She was thrown to the ground, the possessed girl through up and left the house. Several days later she returned and we led her to the Lord. She now is active in a church and has a home for others coming out of bondage,  

You work in the body of Christ casting out demons?

Not all are really saved, though they are with us.  

Mark 1:23  And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,
Mark 1:24  Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.
Mark 1:25  And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.
Mark 1:26  And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.
Mark 1:27  And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

 

This may be your ministry, cleansing the church of demons. Not all within the church are truly born of God. One recent survey said that only 9% in church believe as the Bible teaches.  

Beware of demon removal where the are not willing to put Jesus and His Spirit in the vacancy.  

 Mat 12:43  When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
Mat 12:44  Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
Mat 12:45  Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
 

This casting out of demons must be in the process of the soul seeking Jesus.  

Friday, October 21, 2005

Biblical Deliverance

     God the Father delivers through prayer  

Mat 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.
 

Jesus Delivers through faith  

Rom 7:24  O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
Rom 7:25  I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Rom 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  

Unrepentant Delivered to Satan

1 Cor 5:2  And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.
1 Cor 5:3  For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
1 Cor 5:4  In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
1 Cor 5:5  To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
1 Cor 5:6  Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
1 Cor 5:7  Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

 

Trusting in Jesus  

 2 Cor 1:8  For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
2 Cor 1:9  But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
2 Cor 1:10  Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;
2 Cor 1:11  Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon usby the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
 

 Jesus Delivered us on the Cross

Gal 1:3  Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
Gal 1:4  Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
Gal 1:5  To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
 

The Lord keeps us and Delivers Us From Evil

2 Tim 4:18  And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.  

Jesus Destroyed the Power of Death and the Devil's Power

Heb 2:14  Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Heb 2:15  And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Heb 2:16  For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
 

The Lord Delivers the Godly, no other Intercessor needed, it is emotion

2 Pet 2:9  The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
2 Pet 2:10  But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

I see no deliverers of Spirit filled believers. Jesus has finished the work.   We are not under the Old Covenant curses.

Luke - Boasting Flesh

Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

To sift, to separate you, to cause you to be undone. Separated from hope, pushed through a screen making you many pieces to be blown away in the wind. Satan desires to utterly destroy you, as he would destroy Judas.

Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Already Jesus is interceding for his own. Peter was one of his own, Judas he knew to be a son of the devil, but Peter, though weak in the flesh, was protected by the prayers of Jesus. Haleluia!

John 17:8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.
John 17:9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.

It is being connected to Jesus that is our strength. Peter did not have the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit, for He had not yet come.

Luke 22:33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.

Peter with all sincerity makes a promise, a promise he could not keep. It is the pride of self, boasting of what it plans to do, but unable to fulfill the promise. We should not make promises we cannot keep. The pride of man boasts many things, but the heart is deceitful and the flesh seeks it's own good first. Think of the man Jesus Christ, not just a man but a man of God's Spirit, the son of God. He kept his Father's will.

Rom 5:6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
Rom 5:7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Luke 22:34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

Jesus said, " when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." Isn't believing in Jesus enough? Peter believed, buthe needed God's strength within. He needed the Holy Spirit. At Pentecost Peter was filled, converted, a new man in Christ Jesus with Holy Ghost boldness. When he spoke, people were convicted of sins. Peter spoke after Pentecost to the Jews.

Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

The flesh man Peter would deny the Lord three times. God looks beyond our failings to our callings in him. He sees us as victorious in Christ Jesus, being the light of the world.

Demons in a Christian?

Regarding demons within a Christian. The question is, are they truly spirit filled to have demons possessing? Only God possesses his own, he does not share, we choose who we shall serve, but the choice must be followed by God's filling us with his Spirit. No Spirit, and we are in control choosing one or the other, without God's confirmation. The saving of a soul is God's work within. If the demons are within, we may say one thing and the evidence says another.  

John 1:12  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
John 1:13  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

 

1 John 4:3  And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
1 John 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.

  The devil can put thoughts in our mind. So, we must cast down these thoughts that are not of our Lord. We know the word, we do not add to it, or cause questions of strife. Yes, the Lord has the answers, we call on him to show us in his word and to bring peace.   Too many get too far from the whole word of God, taking one scripture and magnifying it to be more than intended. Positive confession I see this way. We can confess Gods promises and hold onto them, but many speak as if they are God saying things to make them as if God said them. Soon they do not know God's thoughts, but their own thoughts making great sounding words, with no power. We speak God's word, the power is in the word. The Spirit brings the word to life, to our understanding. We are not just to entertain, nor should we bore with our own words. The word is God speaking to us, I never tire of hearing God's word spoken through His Spirit filled person.

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

Goofy?

When I am around people I express myself by acting sort of goofy, nice, and friendly. 
Yeah me too. If people smile at you, it is better than rejection...But they can put you into their mold. Soon you may think you are this clown on strings for others to pull. Inside you are who you are. Be real. A time for funny things, a time for serious things, a time for God, and a time for others. Different levels of relationship. A casual, how are you? Or a deeper sharing, a beloved one to a beloved. If the world sees a fool, do we act this for them? No, we are fools for Jesus, different, separated unto him, becoming like him.  He is our mold to conform to. 

Monday, October 17, 2005

Luke - Kingdom Honor

Luke 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;

Jesus says a kingdom awaits his beloved disciples. As Jesus shall be the king, they shall have positions of leadership.

Luke 22:30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Eating and drinking in our new glorified bodies in the kingdom. They would be with the Lord at his table. In fact the whole church will be at the wedding feast, as the Lord meets his bride, the church of the redeemed. These men would have special honor as judges of the twelve tribes of Israel. Their names will be on the twelve foundations of the wall of the New Jerusalem.

Rev 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

We will be rewarded for service, but we do not serve because of rewards.

Mark 10:29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
Mark 10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

Saturday, October 15, 2005

Luke - Temptations of Christ

Luke 22:28 Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.

Was Jesus tempted? Yes, he was, and had the same trials we have, without sin.

Mat 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

He spoke the word of God from the Holy scriptures.

Mat 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Heb 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

Jesus as God the Son would not fall into temptation. As the form of a man he had the physical temptations to experience, yet without sinning.

James 1:14 But every (other) man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
James 1:16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Heb 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

He did not fall into temptation and he did not sin.

Friday, October 14, 2005

Luke - The Greatest

 

Luke 22:23 And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.

Who would betray Jesus?

Luke 22:24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.

So soon the topic changes, who will be the greatest? There was competition and strife. They did not see that Jesus would soon go to the cross for them. They were as men of the world competing and boasting for positions of importance.

Luke 22:25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
Luke 22:26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

The way of God is opposite to mans way. The younger shall be (esteemed) greater, the chief, shall be servant.

Phil 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Phil 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Phil 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

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

Jesus was our example, he came as a servant and he is greater than we are.

John 13:13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
John 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
John 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
John 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
John 13:17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

Give this deep thought; meditate on these words and do as he says.

Thursday, October 13, 2005

Luke - Betrayed

Luke 22:21 But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.

Jesus knew that Judas would betray him. He did it out of his own heart of greed.

John 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

Son of perdition or son of destruction. Satan comes to steal kill and destroy. (John 10:10) He used Judas' coveting of money to bait him to betray the Lord. Do we love God more than money? What would we be tempted to do to betray Jesus? By his Spirit we overcome the temptations of the devil.

1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Satan would use Judas to betray Jesus. By killing Jesus satan thought he had destroyed our hope. Oh no, by killing Jesus who was without sin, we are more than conquerors. Satan's evil ways cannot change our salvation. One thing would have destroyed the work of Jesus. If Jesus had of been tempted to sin and had have sinned, he could not have died in our place as the perfect substitute. Do not believe books or movies or people who say that Jesus sinned. He was our perfect sacrifice, God cannot sin, he is God the Son.

Luke 22:22 And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!

Woe unto the one who opposes the way of eternal life. Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of stew. Judas sold his salvation for thirty pieces of silver. When he wanted to repent he went to the devils people instead of the Lord. There is no hope or grace in satan's followers. He had corrupted the high priests of Israel.

Mat 27:3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
Mat 27:4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
Mat 27:5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

The work of satan is to kill and destroy and to lie. Jesus came as truth with restoration and everlasting life.

Col 1:3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
Col 1:4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,
Col 1:5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Luke - Last Supper

Luke 22:14 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
Luke 22:15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:

With fervent craving I have desired to be here with you, For this is the moment I have been waiting for. This Passover meal will explain to you my mission. Before I suffer and die for you I will explain why I am doing this.

Luke 22:16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
Luke 22:17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
Luke 22:18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.

It was good-bye for a time. But it was not an end, but a new beginning. A new covenant with them.

Luke 22:19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

No bone would be broken, but his flesh would be torn and pierced and his joints dislocated, for our salvation.

Psa 22:14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.
Psa 22:15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.
Psa 22:16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.
Psa 22:17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.

Luke 22:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

Mat 26:27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
Mat 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

A new testament, a new covenant through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. No longer the old covenant of laws, sin and death. A new covenant of grace and mercy, through faith in Jesus. Eternal life and adoption into God's family. A new and better covenant for all people, received by faith.

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Monday, October 10, 2005

Luke -Passover Lamb

Luke 22:7 Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.

Mark 14:12 And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?

Luke 22:8 And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.
Luke 22:9 And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?
Luke 22:10 And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.

Mark 14:13 And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him.

It was the women who carried water pitchers to and from the well. Men carried liquids in skins. So this would be an unusual sight.

Luke 22:11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

Mark 14:14 And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

Luke received much of the gospel information from interviews. Matthew, Mark and John were followers with Jesus all the time. The gospels are accurate accounts of the happenings. That which is recorded for us is inspired by God. Every word is there for a reason. Jesus heard from God and knew future things. We are to listen to the Holy Spirit within, who guides us into all truth and shows us things to come.

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.

Luke 22:12 And he shall show you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.
Luke 22:13 And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.

No mention of a lamb in the Passover meal. Jesus represents the Passover lamb. Remember the story of a lamb slain and the blood applied to the door posts of each homeof the Jews? The blood protected the firstborn from the death angel that came after the firstborn in Egypt.

Exo 12:12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.
Exo 12:13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
Exo 12:14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.
Exo 12:15 Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.

Jesus would be killed and removed from the cross before the final Passover dinner was celebrated.

John 19:14 And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!

John records that it was the day of the preparation of the Passover that Jesus was brought to the cross. The lambs were slain and cooking in the ovens in preparation of the traditional Passover supper.

John 19:15 But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.

Seven days of unleavened bread and then the Passover meal, after sundown, Jesus having been slain and removed from the cross. They killed the Lamb of God and celebrated the Passover feast, a picture of the Lamb of God, slain from the foundation of the world. They kept the traditions, following the shadows and missed the light, Jesus, that God had sent to bring them everlasting life. Many would keep the Passover and die in their sins. Those who come to Jesus shall live forever.

1 Pet 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
1 Pet 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
1 Pet 1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world.

Saturday, October 8, 2005

Luke - Then entered satan

Luke 22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
Luke 22:2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.

They sought how they might kill Jesus, but in a way that would keep them as the respected leaders of the people. They feared the popularity polls. They would find some lie to teach them, as if it were truth, so that they might kill Jesus, who they were jealous of. Not unlike today's newscasters, they would lie, making the people believe their viewpoint, instead of the obvious truth. Jesus is the Son of God, the messiah sent to deliver the people. Not from Rome, but from their own sins.

Luke 22:3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

Then entered Satan. You can be sure satan will show up again and again. Jesus spoke to him in the desert, overcoming him by speaking God's written word.

Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Mat 4:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

He left, but now he returns in a friend, one of his twelve disciples.

Luke 22:4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.

He communed, talked, conferred with them.

Luke 22:5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.

Used by satan? Because he loved money more than God. Satan tempted him through the sin of covetousness. Have we ever been tempted in some area? They, the chief priests and captains were glad to commune with satan. They followed the shadow of the law and missed the Light of God.

Luke 22:6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.

They sought the opportunity to betray Jesus in secret, when the crowds were not there. This was no accident, but a cold deliberate plotting. Judas would receive the judgment of death first. The chief priests continued the plot to deliver Jesus to Pilate, after the death of Judas. They were perhaps more guilty and had the greatersin.

John 19:10 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?
John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

They knew better.

Friday, October 7, 2005

Luke - Full-time Ministry

Luke 21:37 And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.

If we are to be as Jesus, we are busy doing the Father's will everyday. In the daytime when in Jerusalem, he taught in the temple. When not in Jerusalem he went out to the people and he met every need that the people brought to him. Did he touch everyone near him? No, some did not call upon him, some did not come to him.

John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
John 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Mat 8:16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:
Mat 8:17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

Everywhere he went, people came to him even into the night. Jesus prayed in the night, it seems that he had few times to be alone.

Luke 6:12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

Luke 21:38 And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him.

Jesus began the day early in ministry. The words he spoke were from his Father, the Almighty God. He spoke not from himself as a man. He showed us that we are not to rely on ourselves, but entirely on the word of God. If we speak God's word, we speak life and truth to those who hear. To minister to others, we minister through his word and His Spirit. We can only do this by first coming to Jesus for cleansing and a new life.

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Luke - Everlasting word

Luke 21:33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

There is a great promise. Few things of this life will last forever. The word of God will last forever. We are to seek those things which are above, those things that are forever. The word of God we definitely must read and eat and have it be our guide. It is truth and within the word are the answers to this life and the way to the next life. Two other things are forever, human souls and love. Both of these may parish in hell if not of the truth. Jesus' words shall not pass away. The soul that trusts in Jesus shall be with him, in love forever.

Luke 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

Do not get bogged down in cares of this life so that you lose sight of what is eternal. Do not let things crowd out your relationship to God.

Mat 13:18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.
Mat 13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
Mat 13:20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
Mat 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
Mat 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
Mat 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Luke 21:35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Watch, for the end is coming. Will you be with Christ Jesus? Or will you be caught in the end time events unprepared and without hope.Jesus is your hope and mine. Now is the time to trust him and to be close to him. He is our salvation and hope of eternal life.

Tuesday, October 4, 2005

Luke - Parable of natural signs

Luke 21:29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;
Luke 21:30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.

You know the natural signs of nature, why not the spiritual signs?

Mat 16:1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would show them a sign from heaven.
Mat 16:2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.
Mat 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

Luke 21:31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.

Was he referring to the fig tree in Spiritual terms, as Israel? When Israel is again a nation then this generation shall see the end times? Many believe this. Or was it in reference to just seeing a fig tree, and all the trees, as written? As you know natural signs, we should know the Spiritual signs. Perhaps both views are correct?

Luke 21:32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.

Which generation? The generation that sees all the signs written of earlier.

Sunday, October 2, 2005

Luke - Signs

Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
Luke 21:26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
Luke 21:27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Look up, the signs will first be in the sky, sun, moon and stars. Then look on earth, distress of nations, could be terrorism, wars, natural disasters, people will not know which way to turn. The sea and the waves roaring. A hurricane makes a great roar as it brings destruction. Men's hearts will fail for fear and stress, from worries of what they see and imagine. Let us see the Christians in this...

Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Isa 26:4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit and His Peace.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Look up, these are just the signs that will occur before Jesus comes back. Now is the time to repent from sins and come to Jesus. He is the way, the truth and the life. Through Jesus Christ, God gives you power to become a son of God and to escape the wrath that will fall on those who choose the way of darkness.

Saturday, October 1, 2005

Luke - Desolation

Luke 21:20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

The Jews at the time of Jesus expected Messiah to come and deliver them when Jerusalem would be surrounded by their enemies. Many in the first century were rejoicing when the Roman soldiers circled the city in AD 70. This was not to be the time of deliverance and Jesus warned his disciples to flee. They had rejected their Messiah.The second coming of Christ would again see Jerusalem under siege, at these end times, Messiah Jesus, Christ Jesus will return again.

Luke 21:21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.

Christians in Jerusalem knew what Jesus had said and they obeyed Him, fleeing across the Jordan River to a city named Pella. No Christians perished in the fall of Jerusalem. (Guzik)

Luke 21:22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

Over one million Jews would be killed by Roman soldiers and another one hundred thousand were taken captive.

Luke 21:23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. Luke 21:24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

Jerusalem has been trodden by Gentiles until 1968. Still the temple mount is under Arab control. When the time of the Gentles is over, Israel will be near the coming of Jesus.

Rom 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Rom 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
Rom 11:27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

When the church, the believers in Jesus Christ are gathered unto the Lord Jesus, then shall Israel know their Messiah. These will be perilous times. Many who believe will be killed, but they will live forever in Gods heaven. Isn't that our most important hope? To be with Jesus, apart from sin in a place of perfect peace.? His love keeps us.

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

His love for us is perfect. Come to Jesus, for he is Lord and master.