Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Mark - Gospel of the Kingdom

Mark 1:13  And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

A word about the wild beasts. Some people have a calming affect on animals. Jesus the perfect man had dominion over all the animals. They recognized his authority and His gentle spirit. Later we will see that he had dominion over all the earth. He spoke to calm the wind and the sea.

Mark 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Gospel of the Kingdom

Mark 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

For a time both Jesus and John were preaching repentance of sins and that the kingdom of God was near; the gospel of the kingdom.

John was cast into prison because he confronted Herod and his adulterous relationship. His wife took out her anger on John. He was imprisoned and later the wife required his head.

Mat 14:3 For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.
Mat 14:4 For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.

Sin covered by more sins just leads to a greater punishment; repentance is required. Jesus came preaching repentance and forgiveness for all who would trust him.

Jesus is the entrance to the kingdom and the propitiation, the place of forgiveness and the offering for sins. We are commanded to preach the gospel of the kingdom.

Luke 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:48 And ye are witnesses of these things.

We are to continue to preach repentance, forsaking sin and turning to God. But now we can know our sins are forgiven, because Jesus has shed his blood for our sins and is risen to eternal life. Because he lives we shall live with him, forever.

 

Monday, November 28, 2005

Mark - Tested in the Wilderness

Testing in the Wilderness

Mark 1:12 And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.

The Spirit driveth, to lead one forth or away somewhere with a force which he cannot resist, into the wilderness. From a time of the presence of the fullness of the Godhead, the Triune God, he immediately is sent out to be alone in the desert, for prayer and fasting. In our own life a Spiritual high time is often followed by the Spirit removing us to a quiet place. The reason is that satan comes to stop our Spiritual progress. Be aware of this, and be sensitive to the direction of the Holy Spirit. One thing that often occurs, is we may think we have arrived in heaven, Spiritually we are with Jesus, basking in His presence, but don't forget that an enemy will try to stop us, with words from another or thoughts in our mind. We must get in even closer and most importantly study God's Bible. His word will renew our minds. We will know the voice of God and the voice of the enemy.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Jesus was never a sinner, but we were sinners. Satan continually wants to remind us of our past.

1 Pet 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1 Pet 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
1 Pet 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

Mark 1:13 And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

He was tempted by satan, and he resisted by quoting the scriptures, the written word of God. In Luke's gospel we read that he was tempted in the flesh, to make bread to eat. (Luke 4:2-4) He was tempted to receive power and dominion by worshipping satan and he was tempted to kill himself, testing God. (Luke 4:5-13) No, we do not do suicide, or seek things from satan, for he wishes to steal kill and to destroy us. (John 10:10) Jesus successfully resisted the devil by quoting scriptures, and the devil departed from him.

God sent angels to minister to him. When we are in need, we are never forgotten by our Father who loves us. We must have faith, quoting scriptures and staying close to God in prayer. Jesus is our teacher, in all things, we follow his example

Sunday, November 27, 2005

Mark - Baptism of Jesus

Baptism of Jesus

Mark 1:7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

In the Jewish customs, a disciple was not allowed to remove the masters shoe. This was too lowly a task and was delegated to a slave. The slave would remove the dusty sandals of guests and wash their feet. Here, John said that he was not even worthy to even untie the shoe, let alone remove it. In authority and in Spirit, Jesus, the Son of God was greater than all men.

Mark 1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

The baptism of Jesus is to be born again of God's Spirit. Water baptism represents going down in the grave and being raised in new life in His Spirit. Being born again of His Spirit is more then the physical act of water baptism, it is a new heart, given by God.

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.

What about tongues, isn't that the baptism of the Holy Ghost? It may be an evidence, yet the fruit that follows is a better evidence. It is an encounter with God that changes your life, not a ritual or requirement of a church.

Mark 1:9 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.

John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
John 1:30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

John had never met Jesus, even though their mothers were cousins. He knew Jesus by the Holy Ghost. Even in His mother Elisabeth's, womb he knew the presence of Jesus.

Luke 1:41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

Mat 3:13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
Mat 3:14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
Mat 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

Mark 1:10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:
Mark 1:11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

The evidence of the Triune or Trinity God. God the Son, in Jesus, the man. The voice of God the Father from heaven and the coming down of the Holy Spirit. Father, Son, Holy Spirit, these are the three personal forms of God reaching out to redeem us and to bring us back as the son's of God.

Saturday, November 26, 2005

Mark - John the Baptist, the Prophet of God

John the Baptist, the Prophet of God

Mark 1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;

The gospel, the good news, starting at the beginning, telling the story of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Mark starts the gospel proclaiming that Jesus is the Son of God. Some people do not believe that he is God, the Son, yet the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, all show Jesus as the Son of God who came in the form of a human. He is also referred to as the son of man, the son of David the king, the fulfillment of prophecy.

Mark 1:2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
Mark 1:3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

Isa 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Isa 40:4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:
Isa 40:5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
Isa 40:6 The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field:
Isa 40:7 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.
Isa 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
Isa 40:9 O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!
Isa 40:10 Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.
Isa 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

John, the Baptist,not the apostle John, was out in the desert region near the Jordan River. He baptized, immersing people in the river. He preached the baptism of repentance, the change of mind, turning from sin. He preached the remission of sins, not by his baptism, but by one who would follow him. He was preparing His path and preparing the peoples hearts to receive him.

Mark 1:5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

Many from all around came to John, the prophet of God, to be baptized, confessing their sins. His baptism did not forgive sins, Jesus would be the one who forgives their sins, removing them completely.

Mark 1:6 And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;

This was not a prophet as Baalam, seeking money or material wealth. He lived alone in the desert, eating what was available in the desert; locusts and wild honey. He covered his loins with the skin of the camel, a coarse hair, the hair used to make sack cloth, the cloth used for repentance. John did not preach a prosperity message, dressed in fancy clothing, he came to preach the way of repentance and to prepare the way for the Son of God.

Jesus would later speak of John in this way: concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? Jesus confirmed that this was the prophet spoken of by Isaiah.

Mat 11:8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.
Mat 11:9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
Mat 11:10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

John was the last of the old testament prophets. The new testament began with the shedding of the blood of Jesus, the Son of God, the son of man.

Friday, November 25, 2005

Luke - Carried Up Into Heaven (final)

Carried Up Into Heaven

Luke 24:50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

This was where the Mount of Olives was.

Mark 11:1 And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, ...

He lifted up his hands and blessed his disciples, one last time.

Luke 24:51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.

Carried up into heaven, as the angels carry us to Jesus. Luke tells more of this time in the book of Acts.

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Acts 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
Acts 1:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Luke 24:52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:

They knew he would return again for them. This is the hope of every age. And, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. (2Cor 5:8)

Luke 24:53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

Not once a week, but continually they were in the temple, praising and blessing the Lord. We are in our temple, doing the seem. Everyday is a holy day unto the Lord, Amen.

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Luke - Power From On High

Power From On High

Luke 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
Luke 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

Jesus explains to them the gospel of salvation

Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Repentance, a change of mind, and coming to Jesus for the remission of sins. This should be preached in the name of God, in Jesus' name beginning where you are and among all nations.

Luke 24:48 And ye are witnesses of these things.

You have seen these things and are to be witnesses, but you will need God's power, the Holy Spirit.

Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

This power of the Holy Ghost came down at Pentecost.

Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

This was not for show, nor an end to itself, but the presence of God the Holy Spirit, the teacher to be with you, giving you power to witness the gospel message and to serve him.

Two Studies Completed

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Monday, November 21, 2005

Luke - Behold Your Master

Behold your master

Luke 24:33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
Luke 24:34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
Luke 24:35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

The two disciples who Jesus taught on the road to Emmaus, return to testify to the eleven. They spoke that the Lord had risen and had appeared to Simon, Simon was probably among the eleven as they spoke. They told him of Jesus, the Master Teacher telling them his story from the old testament and how he broke bread with them. Were the elenen believing these two witnesses? They had Simon Peter and the witness of Mary Magdalene, but still they were not believing.

Luke 24:36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

Out of nowhere Jesus suddenly appeared, saying Peace be unto you.

Luke 24:37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
Luke 24:38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
They thought he was a spirit, much like when he appeared in a storm walking on the sea.

Mat 14:26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

Jesus was risen bodily.

Luke 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
Luke 24:40 And when he had thus spoken, he showed them his hands and his feet.
Luke 24:41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?

They examined the proof, the nail holes, left for them to see it was he. They were perplexed and full of joy, but still in wonder.

Luke 24:42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
Luke 24:43 And he took it, and did eat before them.

He ate before them. This was proof his body was risen, does a spirit eat food? What about in our glorified bodies, not of flesh and bones? Will we be able to eat? I believe so, for their will be prepared for us a wedding feast.

Rev 19:9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Mark 14:25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.

Jesus was risen in a fleshly body and is now at the right hand of the Father in his glorified body. We shall be like him, partaking of the eternal bread of life. Jesus is the bread of life

Sunday, November 20, 2005

Luke - Master Teacher

 

Master Teacher

Luke 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

Remember the story of the rich man and Lazarus, the beggar? Both died the rich man went to hell and was in torment. Lazarus was above in the bosom of Abraham. The rich man asked Abraham to send Lazarus to his brothers to warn them of hell. Abraham said to him:

Luke 16:29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

Jesus begins to expound to the two disciples all the scriptures pertaining to himself, beginning with Moses and the prophets.

Expounded, the Greek word diermeneuo, has the idea of staying close to the text, Letting the Bible speak for itself. A good teacher lets the Bible speak, not their own thoughts. Jesus is the Master teacher, and he still teaches through the word of God and the Holy Spirit.

What were some of these scriptures?

Starting with Moses

Deu 18:15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

To Joshua, Jesus showed himself (before becoming flesh)

Josh 5:13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?
Josh 5:14 And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?
Josh 5:15 And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.

There are many other prophecies, such as Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22. Describing the crucifixion of Jesus.

One by one Jesus brought these scriptures from the old testament that spoke of him. They are there as proof to us and encouragement. What greater proof is needed then the teacher, risen from the dead?

Luke 24:28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
Luke 24:29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

Abide with us. We are to abide always in Jesus, by the spirit.

John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Luke 24:30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
Luke 24:31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

He broke bread, he is the living bread from heaven, broken for us.

1 Cor 11:23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
1 Cor 11:24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

When they finally saw Jesus by faith, he was no longer visible in the natural. Faith does not require that we see him in the natural, we see with Spiritual eyes the things of God and his promises.

John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
John 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
John 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

Luke 24:32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

The word of God still burns within us, the presence and power of God. Some are healed with a burning from head to toe; the mighty presence of the Master teacher, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Friday, November 18, 2005

Luke- A Prophet

A Prophet

Luke 24:19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:

Earlier, Jesus had said to his disciples, who do you think I am?

Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Mat 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

Cleopas describes Jesus as a prophet, mighty in deed and word.True, Jesus spoke God's word with authority and healed the people, casting out devils, feeding the people, calming the seas and much more.

Luke 24:20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.

They did this with the people's support.

Luke 24:21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.

They wanted him to establish his kingdom at that time. Now it was three days since this was done. Where is he?

Luke 24:22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
Luke 24:23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
Luke 24:24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.

Had they not believed the reports?

Luke 24:25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

Isa 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Mark 9:31 For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.

Luke 24:26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

Jesus had told them these things before his death and resurrection.

Mat 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Thursday, November 17, 2005

Luke - Stranger

Stranger

Luke 24:13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.

Two of the men that were disciples of Jesus who heard the testimony of Mary Magdalene, were walking on a road and were talking. I like to walk and think on the things of the day and of the Lord. They were trying to understand what happened in recent days.

Luke 24:14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
Luke 24:15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

He came along side of them. When I walk I feel the presence of the Lord walking with me. He drew near, eggizo, to bring near, to join one thing to another.

We have his presence, the Comforter, the parakletos, (Holy Ghost) the one who goes along side. definitions: summoned, called to one's side, esp. called to one's aid. One who pleads another's cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate. This is Jesus with us, to help us, to be our advocate before the Father. The one who helps us learn of God.

Luke 24:16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.

They, as we are at times, were too focused on the problem to acknowledge Jesus in their midst. They did not see him.

Luke 24:17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?

Jesus, wanted to be involved in their thoughts and concerns, and in ours.

Luke 24:18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?

Cleopas? This name is mentioned only in this one verse. He said, "You must be a stranger, if you do not know what has happened." Cleopas could not see that this was Jesus, which is unusual. Jesus was asking them to give a witness of the events that he was very much aware of. Was he smiling at their lack of faith or was he concerned? Some complain but do not want to listen. They have the attention of the master. Speak your thoughts, get to know this stranger who walks with you. He is your friend, he knows more than you think.

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Luke - Resurrection Hope

Luke 24:9 And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.
Luke 24:10 It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.

Mary Magdalene and Joanna were mentioned earlier.

Luke 8:2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
Luke 8:3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

Mary the mother of James and John, who were referred to as the son's of Zebedee.

Luke 24:11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.

The disciples were hiding, afraid and without faith. They would not even receive the witness of Mary Magdalene.

Luke 24:12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.

John in his gospel, said that he was there too. Peter was first to go in. He wondered at what had happened, perhaps thinking, is Jesus risen as he said? Could I yet be forgiven? Is there hope for me in this resurrection. Yes, there is hope for Peter and all who trust in Jesus. The resurrection is the evidence.

1 Pet 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1 Pet 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
1 Pet 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Luke - He is Risen

He is Risen

Luke 24:1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.

The women who loved the Lord Jesus and who had prepared burial spices arrive very early Sunday morning at the cave tomb.

Luke 24:2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.

Matthew's gospel explains how the stone was rolled aside.

Mat 28:2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
Mat 28:3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
Mat 28:4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

Luke 24:3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
Luke 24:4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:

They had shining garments, apparently they were angels.

Luke 24:5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

We do not bow to men, but they knew these were of God. Why seek the dead among the living?

A young woman just contacted me that her great grandmother died. She said that it is not fair. Her grandmother if she trusted in Jesus is alive with him. Why mourn for the living? Jesus makes things more than fair. He has overcome death and hell. Trust in Jesus, ask him to remove your sins and to give you eternal life.

Luke 24:6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
Luke 24:7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

He is risen! The grave could not hold him down. This is the evidence that he was of God. He is God, the Son.

1 Cor 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
1 Cor 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
1 Cor 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Luke 24:8 And they remembered his words,

Mat 17:22 And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men:
Mat 17:23 And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.

Mat 28:6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
Mat 28:7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

Monday, November 14, 2005

Luke - Preparation

Luke 23:54 And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.

The day of preparation of the Passover dinner. The sabbath is any holy day. especially the Saturday sabbath which is observed from Friday sundown until Saturday sundown. Tradition has us remembering the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as a Good Friday service. Some believe that the Passover, a holy day sabbath was on a Thursday. He would arise from the grave on the third day, Sunday.

Luke 23:55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.

Faithful women, which probably included the woman who anointed his feet with precious ointment and her tears, for his burial.

Mat 26:12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.
Mat 26:13 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.

Luke 23:56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.

They were ready to tend to the body of Jesus, after their manner. Joseph had wrapped the body and Nicodemus had supplied the burial spices. The cave tomb door would be secured with a large stone, with the seal of Pilate and with Roman guards. No one would be able to get inside the tomb, but God is not bound. He is able to do the impossible; expect a miracle.

Sunday, November 13, 2005

Luke - Joseph of Arimathea

Luke 23:50 And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:

Joseph was a member of the Sanhedrin council, he is described as a good righteous man. Righteousness comes by faith in the promised redeemer.

Luke 23:51 (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.

He was not with the council in their complete agreement to kill Jesus. He believed in and anticipated the coming kingdom of God.

Luke 23:52 This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.

He asked for the body of Jesus, the Spirit had returned to the Father.

Luke 23:46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

He descended in spirit to paradise releasing some or all the old testament saints who trusted in his coming. Those of old who were righteous went to paradise and those not of faith were in hell.

Eph 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Eph 4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
Eph 4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

The good news is when we die believing in Jesus, we go to him.

2 Cor 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

Phil 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Phil 1:22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
Phil 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

Joseph prepared the body for burial

Luke 23:53 And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.

This was a fulfillment of a prophecy.

Isa 53:8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
Isa 53:9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

His grave was among the wicked thieves, on the cross, yet he was laid in a rich mans new tomb, where no dead had been. For his body would not see corruption.

Psa 16:10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Hell in this verse is sheol, also translated the grave; among the dead.

Joseph wrapped his body in white linen. John's gospel brings in another righteous member of the council with burial spices, the pharisee Nicodemus.

John 19:39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.

It was Nicodemus, who believed that Jesus had come from God. Jesus had responded to him:

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

So Jesus would come from the grave a new creation, born again, the first born of a new spirit man. We follow him, being born again of God's spirit, forever alive with him in our new Spirit bodies in glory.

Friday, November 11, 2005

Luke - The Veil is torn

Luke 23:44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

The sixth hour after sunrise. It was around noon time, the brightest time of day, normally.

Luke 23:45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.

Luke speaks of two things that occurred, perhaps at the same time. The sun was darkened, the light of the world hung on the cross, his breath was about to expire. The darkness of evil seemed to be replacing the world's light.

The veil of the temple, the veil that separated man from the most sacred place of the temple was rent in two. This was a very thick woven material. No man could tear it and no man did tear it. It was torn from above, perhaps by an angel at God's command. What did this mean?

The veil of the temple, the veil that separated man from the most sacred place of the temple was rent in two. This was a very thick woven material. No man could tear it and no man did tear it. It was torn from above, perhaps by an angel at God's command. What did this mean? The veil of God's holy temple, the body of Jesus Christ was torn to give us access to God's Holy place. He took our sins away. No sin can enter the holy place of God. Now we in Christ Jesus may boldly enter into the holy of holies.

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.

Luke 23:46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

He gave his spirit to the Father: he gave up the ghost.

The Greek word for spirit: pneuma, means wind. The Greek word for Ghost was: Ehpno, to breath out.

Jesus commended his spirit to the Father from where he came; and he expired, he breath out the last breath from the cross.

Luke 23:47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

The Centurion believed on Jesus, possibly himself being saved, forgiven of his sins. As Jesus spoke earlier that the Father forgive them. Belief in Jesus was required.

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:

Luke 23:48 And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.
Luke 23:49 And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.

Perhaps they pondered in their hearts what this meant? The resurrection was yet to come.

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Luke - Paradise

Luke 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

This one commanded Jesus, as if he were the devil. This is no way to come to Jesus for salvation.

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

Luke 23:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

The other thief saw Jesus as the Son of God. Show respect, who are you to command Jesus?

Luke 23:41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

God's punishment for sins is just. The one thief knew the law and accepted the judgment for law breaking. By respecting the law, he respected the law maker. Those who have no respect for the law, or want to do the law their way, have little respect for God. They place themselves above the law giver.

Luke 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

He called Jesus master and believed in his kingdom. He believed in Jesus. Remember me, Lord.

Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

With Jesus, haleluia. Being with Jesus is eternal life. Paradise is a place where those of faith went, awaiting the coming of the savior. Paradise was close to hell but separated by a gulf.

Luke 16:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
Luke 16:21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
Luke 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
Luke 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
Luke 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
Luke 16:25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
Luke 16:26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

Wednesday, November 9, 2005

Luke - King of the Jews

Luke 23:32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.

Two thieves, not Romans, for the Romans thought this too cruel a punishment for a citizen of room. That is why when Paul was killed, it was not on a cross, for he was a Roman citizen.

Luke 23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

Jesus was crucified in the midst of thieves, his arms stretched out to each with the power of forgiveness and eternal life.

Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Jesus forgave those who crucified them. They know not what they do? Satan had blinded them, but Jesus was forgiving even them IF, they would repent and believe in him. There is no sin so great that Jesus will not forgive, if we come to him believing in him with repentant hearts.

They parted his raiment, a seamless garment, the garment of a priest and they cast lots fulfilling a prophecy.

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.
Psa 22:18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.
Psa 22:19 But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.

Luke 23:35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.

Always mockers. Some say to God's people, "if you heal why not walk through hospitals healing them all!", God heals through his servant as He wills it. Jesus would bring God's healing to millions, what greater healing then sins forgiven and a new heart? We follow the will of the Father as Jesus was in the plan of God the Father, to shed his blood for the forgiveness of our sins.

Luke 23:36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
Luke 23:37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
Luke 23:38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

The message above the head of Jesus was written in the most well known languages, for where he was crucified he could be seen from one of the major roads. People from every nation were coming to Jerusalem for the Passover. They would see in their own tongue the sign, this is the king of the Jews. Speaking in tongues later would be as a sign so that all would be able to hear the message and glorify God. Jesus glorified God in his death on the cross.

John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
John 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Tuesday, November 8, 2005

Luke - Bear the cross

 

Luke 23:26 And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.

If the Jews had have killed Jesus themselves, they would have stoned him. The Roman form of execution was the cross. Jesus was so beaten, with no food or drink since that night in the upper room. He had been betrayed by Judas, Simon and most of his disciples had fled from him. He faced the cross, dragging its weight with so much blood loss and being totally warn out by the beatings and insults. He could not bear the weight of the cross alone, he needed help. He bore all our sins upon him and asks us to give him the weight of them, but in the flesh, he needed help.

Gal 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Simon the Cyrene was forced to bear the weight of the cross. Cyrene was in Northern Africa, so Simon may have been a black man. One wonders where Peter and James and John were at this time. They could have carried the cross. This was one of the greatest honors given to a man, to bear the cross for Jesus, dragging it up to the mountain of the skull. We are told to bear our own cross, to die to the flesh and to follow Jesus.

Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Mat 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

Simon was called to bear the cross of Jesus, giving him a moments rest. This allowed Jesus to speak a prophecy to the weeping women of Jerusalem.

Luke 23:27 And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.
Luke 23:28 But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.
Luke 23:29 For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.
Luke 23:30 Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.
Luke 23:31 For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?

They did these things to the perfect holy man, the Son of God. Who will save them from Rome, the soldiers who would come, and from satan?

Who was Simon? Mark tells us he had sons known within the church.

Mark 15:21 And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.

It appears that he became prominent in the church, as prophet or teacher.

Acts 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Pick up your cross for Jesus. There is work to do. He is calling you to serve him.

Monday, November 7, 2005

Luke - Release Barabbas

 

Luke 23:16 I will therefore chastise him, and release him.

If you saw the movie, "the passion," you will know that Jesus was severely beaten almost to the point of death, still? This did not satisfy the angry crowd. This had to be of the devil, for Jesus had done nothing but good works. His words were from God, only satan would desire such evil and those who listened to him in their evil hearts. God allowed this, for it was the time of sacrifice for our sins. There was no other way for a just God to legally set us free, unless another who was innocent died in our place. This was his plan from the beginning of the world.

Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
Eph 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
Eph 3:11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

Luke 23:17 (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)
Luke 23:18 And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:
Luke 23:19 (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)
Luke 23:20 Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.
Luke 23:21 But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.

The same crowd who just a week earlier shouted Hosanna to the king, now has turned against him. How easily people change their opinions.

Mark 11:8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strowed them in the way.
Mark 11:9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:
Mark 11:10 Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

Luke 23:22 And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.

Three times Pilate witnesses that Jesus was not guilty. Peter denied the Lord three times.

Luke 23:23 And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.

Mat 27:24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.
Mat 27:25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.

Luke 23:24 And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.
Luke 23:25 And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.

Sunday, November 6, 2005

Luke - purple robe

Luke 23:9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.

Jesus said nothing to Herod, who wanted a miracle or a trick. Isaiah the prophet prophesied 700 years earlier of this meeting.

Isa 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isa 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

Luke 23:10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.

Altogether shouting, loud and angry and in so doing serving satan. Hanging out with others as you are, doesn't make you right. A child of God needs godly friends. Jesus suffered abuse alone for our sins.

Luke 23:11 And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.

John 19:2 And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,
John 19:3 And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.
John 19:4 Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.
John 19:5 Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!

Luke 23:12 And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.

Note this, the two never got along but because they were enemies of God they became friends. I have seen this numerous times in the Internet Christian chats. Those opposing Jesus who have nothing in common, but their opposition, become friends and one in their mockery. The old saying, birds of a feather flock together. The fowls who destroy the word come together, big and little, vulture and crow, with one purpose.

Luke 23:13 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
Luke 23:14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:
Luke 23:15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.

Pilate again attempts to get away from the Jews demand for the life of Jesus. He saw no wrong in him. Nothing worthy of death.

Saturday, November 5, 2005

Luke - eighth commandment

 Exo 20:15 Thou shalt not steal.

Steal personal property

Exo 22:1 If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.
Exo 22:2 If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.

Prov 6:30 Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;
Prov 6:31 But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.

From this we see that restitution is requiired; 4, 5 and 7 times what is taken.

What about bankruptcy? By this example it would be God's will to restore that which was taken.

Sin of Achan

Josh 7:19 And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me.
Josh 7:20 And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done:
Josh 7:21 When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.
Josh 7:22 So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran unto the tent; and, behold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it.
Josh 7:23 And they took them out of the midst of the tent, and brought them unto Joshua, and unto all the children of Israel, and laid them out before the LORD.
Josh 7:24 And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor.
Josh 7:25 And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones.
Josh 7:26 And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day.

Give more

Mat 5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
Mat 5:41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
Mat 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
Mat 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
Mat 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Mat 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
Mat 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
Mat 5:47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
Mat 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Judas

John 12:4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,
John 12:5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
John 12:6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
John 12:7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.

Be an example

Rom 2:21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

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.

Spiritual treasure cannot be stolen

Mat 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Mat 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

Man stealer

Exo 21:16 And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.

Deu 24:7 If a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and maketh merchandise of him, or selleth him; then that thief shall die; and thou shalt put evil away from among you.

Stealing away truth, the devil

Mark 4:15 And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

John 8:44 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.
John 8:45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

Stealing anothers reputation

Prov 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

Prov 18:8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

Phil 4:2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

Rob God

Mal 3:8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
Mal 3:9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
Mal 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Mal 3:11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
Mal 3:12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.

Not robbery

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:
Phil 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Phil 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Phil 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Phil 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Phil 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Phil 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Repentance

Eph 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Luke - Herod wanted a miracle

Luke 23:5 And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.

The seventy and more members of the council, with one angry voice protested Pilate's words, that Jesus was not guilty. They continued with testimony saying that he stirred up the people from Galilee to Jerusalem. Yes, he stirred hearts. First calling for repentance of sin, and then speaking the mighty word of God. The people saw him as greater than the Scribes and Pharisees.

Mark 1:21 And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.
Mark 1:22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
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.

They were jealous of Jesus, for he spoke with authority, as a Son of God.

Luke 23:6 When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.
Luke 23:7 And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.
Luke 23:8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.

Herod was so excited to see the man who did miracles. Why do we seek Jesus? Is it only for miracles? Or is it also the message of power and hope. The miracles illustrated his message. The message was what was important. There was power in his words for a new life. He came with power and the power was in his word and in his presence. We need the word and his presence. The word and the spirit go together. We should not seek one above the other. The word alone cannot be understood without the presence of His Spirit. The Spirit alone needs the message of His word, or it is just a feeling, a miracle with no confirmation of His word.

Many seek miracles and many think they are of God when they follow a powerful feeling. The feeling may be another spirit separating them from God's Bible to a "higher" truth. There is no higher truth apart from God's written word. All truth must be seen through the written word and by God's Spirit. We are to speak the gospel until the end.

Mat 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Mat 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Mat 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Mat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Do not turn from God's word and His Spirit, to another teaching. Beware of those who teach "another" gospel, that say that the finished work of Jesus is not enough. Some will bring the old testament laws to put you into bondage again, saying Jesus is not enough, you must do this other thing also. Paul said, let them be accursed.P> Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Gal 1:9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Gal 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Gal 1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
Gal 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Beware coming under the bondage of men or women with a new way, or some old testament curse or following what is not the gospel taught by our Lord Jesus Christ and the apostles.

Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Eph 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Friday, November 4, 2005

Luke - Accusations

Luke 23:1 And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.

The whole of the Sanhedrin, the council of the Jews.

The Sanhedrin, the great council at Jerusalem, consisting of the seventy one members; scribes, elders, prominent members of the high priestly families and the high priest, the president of the assembly. The most important causes were brought before this tribunal, inasmuch as the Roman rulers of Judaea had left to it the power of trying such cases, and also of pronouncing sentence of death, with the limitation that a capital sentence pronounced by the Sanhedrin was not valid unless it was confirmed by the Roman procurator. (Strongs)

Pilate was the Roman procurator, an officer of the Roman empire entrusted with management of the financial affairs of the province and often having administrative powers as agent of the emperor.

Luke 23:2 And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.

The entire council of the law, broke the ninth commandment in bearing false witness.

Exo 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

How can so many be blind? Look at some of our own lawmakers; partisan politics, corruption, anything but righteous judgment. Jesus warned of this earlier.

Mat 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

What were the charges?

Charge 1. We found this fellow perverting the nation.

He spoke God's truth, was merciful and just. He spoke to those that John the Baptist sent to him.

Luke 7:21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.
Luke 7:22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poorthe gospel is preached.
Luke 7:23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

Charge 2: Forbidding to give tribute to Caesar

Jesus addressed this question earlier.

Mark 12:14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
Mark 12:15 Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it.
Mark 12:16 And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's.
Mark 12:17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.

Charge 3: Saying that he himself is Christ a King.

Pilate asks him of this.

Luke 23:3 And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.

The apostle John was eye witness to this. His account gives us more of what was said.

John 18:33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
John 18:34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?
John 18:35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

Luke 23:4 Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.

Pilate had no reason to accuse Jesus. Later he would say that it was for envy that they delivered Jesus to him. How can he not be involved in this? Each must answer about Jesus. What will we do with him?

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Thursday, November 3, 2005

Luke - Son of God

Luke 22:66 And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,
Luke 22:67 Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:

True, they were out to kill him. He always kept it quiet about being God's Son, but He is the Son of God, the Messiah, the Christ, the anointed one.

Luke 22:68 And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.

People with their mind made up cannot be convinced. They had him now and would destroy him for envy, for they were serving satan, not God. He had spoken to the religious leaders earlier.

John 8:44 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.

John 8:45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
John 8:46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
John 8:47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

Blessed are those who hear and receive God's word and are given new life by Jesus the Christ.

Luke 22:69 Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.

The place of honor and authority. He was equal to God, they are one God.

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
John 10:30 I and my Father are one.

Luke 22:70 Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.

They said so, he did not deny it, for he is the Son of God. The exact likeness of the Father, from heaven.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Luke 22:71 And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.

Their unbelief convicted him. He spoke the truth, he is the Son of God. The liar calls truth a lie. They claimed to serve God, but they were of the devil. The flesh and the devil always oppose the Spirit of truth, Jesus is the truth of God, the Son of God, the perfect one who came to redeem us from satan, sin and God's punishment. Through Jesus we receive grace to be the son's and daughters of God. He is the only way. We all were born of the seed of Adam, sin and death was our inheritance. Jesus gave us a new spirit life, so that now we are heirs with him of all that God has. I like that.

Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Wednesday, November 2, 2005

Luke - Mocked and hated

Luke 22:63 And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.

Ignorant men lacking God's spirit, do the will of satan. We may be treated as this also.

John 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Luke 22:64 And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?

He would not do what they requested. He would do what the Father told him. He obeyed God, his father. This was as satan tempting him in the wilderness, to follow his bidding and not God. They were mocking him, having no faith in themselves.

Mat 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Luke 22:65 And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.

Could these men be saved? Yes, if they repented and believed in Jesus, even these could be saved from their sins. Remember this when accused, when mocked, when told mockingly to perform God's things to unbelief. They did this first to Jesus.

Mat 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
Mat 12:31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
Mat 12:32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

Thank God for his grace and forgiveness through Christ Jesus. We come to Jesus through the drawing of the Holy Ghost, the way of forgiveness is through Jesus Christ. Having not Jesus in our life and we are not forgiven, we die in our sins.

Tuesday, November 1, 2005

Luke - Peter's Denial

Luke 22:55 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.

Peter, outside, not with the Lord, is alone, cold, concerned, perhaps questioning what had happened. Had he failed the Lord? Was he the one the Lord was talking about at the table of the last supper, who would betray him? He remembered Jesus saying he would deny him, but did he not defend him with the sword, yet that was not enough. What did the Lord require of him? Many of us ask this and begin to question ourselves as we appear to be alone, warming ourselves outside, in the world from another's fire.

Luke 22:56 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.
Luke 22:57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.

Voices speak mockingly to us, accusing us. Peter denies that he was with Jesus. He just wanted to be alone with his thoughts. Why was this woman bothering him? Why the voice inside his head tormenting him? Was he the Lord's chosen? Or was he a sinner, a betrayer?

Luke 22:58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.

How did that man know him? He was in torment, in his mind satan howled at him, and now this man accuses him, is there no escaping these accusations?

Luke 22:59 And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.

A third person points out Peter as one of Jesus' followers. He is a Galilaean, he has that strange dialect.

Luke 22:60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.

Peter denies his accusers a third time, He wanted peace, to be left alone with his struggles. Why do they not leave him alone? The cock crew. A rooster? or was it the town crier speaking, all is well? All was not well with Peter, he suddenly remembered the Lord's words to him.

Luke 22:61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

Oh no, Jesus turned and looked at Peter, as a father looks at a disobedient child to remind him he is to be obeyed. Conviction comes with the accusations. He had denied the Lord three times!

Luke 22:62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

As a child who loves his father goes out weeping at the shame of failing him, Peter goes out. The devil perhaps shouting in his mind. You failed your master, you are the one, you are the betrayer! Many tears fill his eyes, he is undone, he weeps uncontrollably in deep sorrow and regret.

Have you felt this way? Have you failed the Lord and felt undone? Have you felt that there was no hope for you? That is not to be something to be ashamed about. It is good. It is a sign that you really do love Jesus, you really do want to do right. Do not think you will not be received by him? Do not let accusers keep you away from him. Do not let the terrible words in your mind control your future. Jesus loves you. Yes, he loves you and seeks you. He wants you to come to him and be received with great joy. For it was for you he came and gave his life. Come to him.

Rom 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Rom 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Rom 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
Rom 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Rom 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Rom 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.