Hated, but love is greater

Hated for the sake of God.  What a good reason to be hated for.

Yet, we are to be known for our love. They will see love for one another, and they will see someone they can trust when trouble comes. Like Nicodemus in John 3, they will come secretly, but because of a lifestyle of sin they will avoid you in public and together speak to one another how you "got religion."  It is about serving our Lord now. A life of truth, not judging, Love not hate or fear. Love will draw people to Jesus. Love and truth are powerful enough to reach most hearts. Only a Judas or one given over completely to satan will not respond. Be wise, do not give another the opportunity to hurt you. Stay clear of trouble, but always speak truth in love. Persecution will come and some will continue to love the deeds of darkness. Have no fellowship with darkness, stay close to Jesus, keep youself pure and keep yourself from idols and some will see Jesus in your words and actions. These you will bring to our Lord Jesus and they will learn to serve him.  

2 Tim 2:1  Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 Tim 2:2  And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
2 Tim 2:3  Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
2 Tim 2:4  No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
2 Tim 2:5  And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
2 Tim 2:6  The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
2 Tim 2:7  Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
2 Tim 2:8  Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
2 Tim 2:9  Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
2 Tim 2:10  Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
2 Tim 2:11  It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
2 Tim 2:12  If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
2 Tim 2:13  If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

Gary

Luke - Unheard Words

Luke 18:31  Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.  

Listen to Jesus. Jesus spoke a profound message to his intimate friends and disciples. They must go to Jerusalem, to fulfill the prophesies concerning himself

Luke 18:32  For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:
Luke 18:33  And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.  

Terrible treatment; to be delivered unto the Gentiles, the dogs, as in Psalms 22.  

Psa 22:16  For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.  

He would be mocked, treated horribly, spit upon, scourged and put to death!   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.

He specifically said that after death, on the third day, he would rise again. Wow, what a lot to cause his intimate friends to take notice and to offer him their prayers and support?

Luke 18:34  And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.

They heard nothing, perhaps because they had their minds on their own things. Not a one of the twelve heard him speak this profound gospel message. Whose disciples were they? Who were they listening too? Who do we listen too? He would repeat the message again and again, but they were not hearing, they did not get it. I wonder how many times we hear God's message to us, without it touching our understanding and our hearts? Is satan removing our attention by substituting other thoughts? Is he removing the word like the parable of the sower?  

Luke 8:10  And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
Luke 8:11  Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
Luke 8:12  Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.  

Are we hearing, understanding and obeying God's word to us? What was said?

Luke - Everlasting Faith

Luke 18:25  For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Luke 18:26  And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?
Luke 18:27  And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.  

A friend shared with me an article saying that many have tried to make the eye of the needle something else than it says. One story is that there is a gate in Jerusalem that was so narrow that the camel had to be unloaded to go through it. The story was one which was more lore than reality. There is no evidence of this gate. Another interesting observation was that although the eye of the needle is very small, that by faith in God, all things are possible. I agree with the word as written. Another parable speaks of tiny faith that grows.  

Luke 13:18  Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?
Luke 13:19  It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.  

Sometimes the tree grows as a large church, by false words, itching ears, to bring the world in, but to not change their hearts. Godlike faith grows as we feast on the word of truth.  

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

All things are possible by this type of faith in the Living God. There is eternal life and rewards for this kind of faith.  

Luke 18:28  Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.
Luke 18:29  And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,
Luke 18:30  Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.  

Rewards now, a great increase of good things, and eternal life with our Lord Jesus. This is for me, will you commit yourself to this faith?
 

Luke - Almost Impossible

Luke 18:18  And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?  

A good question, many believed this came by keeping God's commandments.

Luke 18:19  And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.  

Jesus asks him a question, why you call me good? Only God is good? Jesus was God the Son, but the prince did not know this. We must know who Jesus is to enter the kingdom of heaven he said himself later:  

John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.  

Salvation is by personal faith in Jesus. Compare this to the time Jesus was questioned by Pontius Pilate  

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?  

We must see Jesus as he truly is to receive him by faith and truth.

Luke 18:20  Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
Luke 18:21  And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.  

Again, as most Jews, he knew the commandments and claimed to keep them. There is a difference in knowing the commandments and in having them written on your heart.  

2 Cor 3:3  Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart.

Luke 18:22  Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
Luke 18:23  And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.  

He was covetous desiring his riches more than heaven.

Luke 18:24  And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!  

Where is your heart and confidence?  

Mat 19:24  And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Mat 19:25  When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
Mat 19:26  But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Esther 8

Esther 8

Luke - Let the Children Come

Luke 18:15  And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.  

They rebuked the parents who brought their children to Jesus. To rebuke, is to criticize sharply, to turn back or keep down, to show strong disapproval, why? Did they think Jesus was too busy? Maybe too important for children? They had a lot to learn.  

Luke 18:16  But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Luke 18:17  Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.  

Suffer little children to come to me; let them come unto me for of such is the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is children? Yes, children of God with the trust, faith, and dependence on God as have natural children.  Children have innocent trust and they surrender to those who keep them. This makes the responsibility of a parent important as unto God. For God loves the little children. We as parents are to bring them up with the love of God, teaching them the stories of the Bible and living out the good life as Jesus lived. To say that we will not train a child in the things of God, and to wait until he is old to decide? That is to say, God is not important. It is to hand him over to the world and it's evil. Beware of how you treat one of these little ones, Jesus says that they are as those in the kingdom of heaven. Yes, a child who dies will be in the kingdom of heaven, for they are innocent until the age that they understand and can choose between good and evil. We must be as children in trusting in Jesus, without debate or strife. Simple trust is all that is required; so hard for some who are wise in their own eyes. Like the self righteous, the proud cannot please God. We must be able to receive as do the little children.  

Mark 9:42  And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

Luke - Self Righteous

Luke 18:9  And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:  

That is a bad way to be.  They were glorifying their own evil hearts above others. Who is better than another, but by the grace of God? We in Christ are in a better place, but we are commanded to love others and bring as many as will come to Jesus. We are to be humble grateful servants.

Luke 18:10  Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.  

A Pharisee was a religious leader all dressed in beautiful robes, feared and respected by men. A publican was a despised tax collector, hated by men.

Luke 18:11  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
Luke 18:12  I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.  

His focus was on his own righteousness by doing religious things. Jesus rebuked these men.  

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.
Mat 23:24  Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.
Mat 23:25  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Mat 23:26  Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
Mat 23:27  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Mat 23:28  Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
Mat 23:29  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,
Mat 23:30  And say, If we had been in the days of ourfathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.
Mat 23:31  Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.

Luke 18:13  And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.  

He had the right response. We seek the mercy of God, for all have sinned.

Luke 18:14  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.  

Our work is one of love and self denial. Take up your cross and follow Jesus. Die to self and live in the Spirit of Christ. Never are we to exalt ourselves above another, as if we are better than they.  

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 - Continue in Prayer

  Luke 18:1  And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;  

Faint: growing weary, and growing feeble, relaxing what we were doing.
Luke 18:2  Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
Luke 18:3  And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
Luke 18:4  And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
Luke 18:5  Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.  

The widow was persistent and it was the judge who became weary and faint.

Luke 18:6  And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
Luke 18:7  And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?  

God is wiser and more loving than the unjust judge. God never slumbers, nor is he weary. He shall hear your prayers and answer them.

Luke 18:8  I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?  

Will we be praying in faith? What hinders faith? Unbelief? How about having all the things we need? There will be a falling away before Jesus returns. Will we still have faith? I certainly hope so.

2 Th 2:1  Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2 Th 2:2  That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
2 Th 2:3  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
2 Th 2:4  Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

Luke - Time of Separation

Luke 17:31  In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.  

A time of separating and judgment.

Luke 17:32  Remember Lot's wife.  

Lot's wife looked back at Sodom and Gomorra, longing for the things of the world and she was turned into a pillar of salt.  The body with all water removed and burned is reduced to chemicals and salt, but perhaps this was more supernatural.

Luke 17:33  Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.  

Seeking to continue in a sinful life will mean that we lose out in God's eternal life. Losing this life and following Christ Jesus is to receive eternal life and to preserve the soul.

Luke 17:34  I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.
Luke 17:35  Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.                                                                                                Luke17:36  Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.  

These verses are often referred to as the Rapture, or taking away of the church.  

1 Th 4:16  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1 Th 4:17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Luke 17:37  And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.
 

 Judgment will occur to the unrighteous before the Lord comes again to earth. I see the reference to eagles as buzzards, that feast on the carcasses of the dead. The bodies left are those under the wrath of God, the souls that are with Jesus shall be saved.
 

Luke - Day of the Lord

Luke 17:26  And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.
Luke 17:27  They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.  

Jesus is as our Ark, we shall abide safely in him.   John 3:36  He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Luke 17:28  Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;
Luke 17:29  But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.  

 Lot was taken out of Sodom by the angels. The angels shall gather God's people and those not in Jesus shall be destroyed.  

Mat 13:30  Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.  

We will know that the time is near, but the world will be taken by surprise.

 Luke 17:30  Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

Esther 7

Esther 7

Luke - Seeing the Son

Luke 17:22  And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.  

Jesus and the kingdom presence was with them. The Pharisees did not acknowledge that Jesus, the son of man, the son of King David, was Lord. Perilous times were coming and they would long to see his goodness and grace. but because of unbelief he would not be seen. He is seen within the hearts of those who believe in him.

Luke 17:23  And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.  

Many will claim to see Jesus or the Messiah, but they are false. Do not follow false messiahs.  

Mat 24:23  Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
Mat 24:24  For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Luke 17:24  For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.    

The return of Jesus will be seen by all, just as lightning that flashes across the sky is seen by all. This is despite what some groups like the Jehovah's Witnesses say - that Jesus returned "secretly" in 1915. (Guzik)

Luke 17:25  But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.
 

No one can enter the kingdom without the cross of Jesus. Jesus must first suffer many things and shed his blood on the cross. Those who only seek Jehovah for the kingdom, must first seek His Son Jesus. Jesus is the entrance to the Kingdom of God. The Jews who rejected him also rejected the way to God the Father and the eternal kingdom. Pray for the salvation of the Jews.   

John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Luke - Kingdom of God

Luke 17:20  And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:  

 Jesus was speaking of the spiritual kingdom of God that was even there before the Pharisees in the presence of Jesus. Jesus is the kingdom on earth at that time. They were proud and thought they knew scriptures, but they did not see nor believe the kingdom manifest through Jesus.

Luke 17:21  Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.  

The kingdom was not to be seen outwardly, but within a born-again believer.  

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.
John 3:5  Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
John 3:6  That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
John 3:7  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
John 3:8  The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Born of water after the natural birth. Going through the water of repentance and being baptized in the baptism of Jesus, in the Holy Spirit.  

John 18:36  Jesus answered(to Pilate), 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.

Kingdom of God

Luke- Ten Lepers

Luke 17:11  And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
Luke 17:12  And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:
Luke 17:13  And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.   Leprosy was an incurable disease. It is often used as a symbol of sin.
Luke 17:14  And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go show yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.   As they went in obedience, they were healed.
Luke 17:15  And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
Luke 17:16  And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.   The Samaritans were a despised because their religion was not pure. I doubt if a Samaritan would go to a Jewish priest.
Luke 17:17  And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
Luke 17:18  There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.   Only one in ten who called him master, gave glory to God and he was a Samaritan.
Luke 17:19  And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.   His faith in Jesus made him whole. Faith is a part of healing, he was made whole. The other nine were healed, but not whole in that their hearts were not grateful. Are we grateful, or are we living in past failures? Have you been to Jesus with gratitude and has he healed your heart?  

Luke - Unprofitable servant

Luke 17:7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?
Luke 17:8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?

A servant is to do the masters will. We are servants of the Master; is it not expected that we will do what he commands?

Luke 17:9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.

Why must we be thanked for doing what is expected and required? Talking in context; forgiveness and trusting in God for all Spiritual needs. Another area we are to serve in is under a working situation. We must obey the boss, not complaining or demanding of him, but obeying and doing what is required without being told over and over, or expecting to be treated in a special way.

Luke 17:10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

unprofitable, achreios, useless, good for nothing. Better to be humble. In Spanish a servant will say "de nada," when thanked for serving. Of nothing, it is nothing.

Thank you Lord for choosing us to serve you. We are to do your commands. First we accept Jesus as Lord then we do his commands. His commands are to love, to put off the old man and walk in the new Spirit filled life he has provided, in which to serve him and others. We are never to expect praise for what we do. We are unprofitable servants.

1 Cor 9:16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
1 Cor 9:17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
1 Cor 9:18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
1 Cor 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
1 Cor 9:20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
1 Cor 9:21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
1 Cor 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
1 Cor 9:23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

Luke Increase Our Faith

  Luke 17:5  And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.  

 What is important is who we have faith in.

Luke 17:6  And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.  

A small faith as a mustard seed in the mighty God is enough. The sycamore has a deep root. Speaking earlier of forgiveness. Many have been hurt or abused and have grown deep roots of resentment and bitterness.  

Heb 12:15  Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; 
 

Through faith in Jesus it can be uprooted and cast into the depths of the sea.  

Micah 7:19  He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

Luke - If He Repent

Luke 17:3  Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.  

This is the only verse that I know of where Jesus puts a condition on forgiving another. Our response is to rebuke the brother. A brother is another of faith, not a stranger of the world. He should know better. If we are offended by a brother or sister of Christ, rebuke them. If he repent, forgive him. It is between you and him. We do not gossip to others about it. We go directly to the offender, tell him how he has offended and then seek reconciliation.  

The word rebuke in the Greek is  epitimao. Primarily, "to put honor upon," then, "to adjudge." This is something done in love. We honor the person, not put him down as the world does. Honor, says something nice and then points out the error so as to convict the person of sin.  

Gal 6:1  Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Gal 6:2  Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Gal 6:3  For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.  

 The brother's response is to repent. Repenting is first saying he repents, then actually turning from sin, not just words. We are to forgive him.

Luke 17:4  And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.  

Seven times in a day a brother trespasses against you, and he repents seven times; we shall forgive him. If he says I repent, we forgive. Seven times in a day may try your patience, but the Lord says we are to forgive.  

 I want to add that Jesus expects us to forgive others, yes those who are not of faith who have really hurt you. They may not repent, but we forgive them to be free of the thoughts and emotions. Then God is responsible to convictthem or to judge them if they never repent. Give the hard ones to forgive to God. Your brother or sister has the same spirit, expect them to change. All others we give to God.
   

Esther 6

Esther 6

Luke - Little Ones

Luke 17:1  Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!
Luke 17:2  It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.  

I see here a need to be gentle and sensitive to people. Too often we see only our needs and our view of things. When we are offended we need to be careful how we respond. We are to care for one another. Sometimes others do not see as we do.  

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.

Who are the little ones? We just spoke of Lazarus the beggar. He was ignored and abused by the rich man. Little ones, as children under the responsibility of parents. The parents not being caring parents, allowing harm to them. The mill stone waits. What about false teachers leading people astray? Surely they share in the condemnation. Jesus loves the little ones. Little children according to 1John were new believers. What if we keep a new believer from continuing because we are too full of pride? We get together and argue over doctrines and the little one leaves in confusion. Satan comes along and puts doubt in their minds. Are we helpful to the little ones? They are everywhere so be kind, be sensitive, put away pride and speak on their level. Soon the little ones will grow in the Lord to be fruit bearers in the Fathers vineyard.

Luke - Son of Abraham

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.  

The rich man still has contempt for Lazarus. Send Lazarus to cool my tongue, even to dip his finger in water. Hellfire, is a hot place for those who refuse God's way in this life. He appeals to Father Abraham as a son of Abraham. That is not enough to be right with God. Jesus spoke to proud Pharisees who trusted in their connection to Abraham, but opposed Jesus, the promised Messiah from Abraham and God.  

John 8:39  They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
John 8:40  But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
John 8:41  Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
John 8:42  Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
John 8:43  Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
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.  

The Rich man was connected by blood to Abraham, but his heart was on his wealth, while on earth. He had no compassion for those in need. He was in need spiritually, but was blind.

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.  

It is more than being rich or poor. The heart must believe the promises of God. The promise of a Messiah to come, who would take away our sins.

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.
Luke 16:27  Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:   Still, he sees Lazarus as a lowly servant.
Luke 16:28  For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
Luke 16:29  Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.  

They had Moses and the prophets who spoke of the one who would come. Still most Jews are blinded, not seeing Jesus as their Messiah. The day will come for Israel to see.  

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.

Luke 16:30  And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
Luke 16:31  And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.  

 So true, for Jesus would arise from the grave and still most of His Jewish brethren would not receive him. The time is coming, hard times, but Israel will receive their Messiah. It was too late for the rich man, but it is not too late for you to receive Jesus and escape eternity in hell. Heaven is the home for God's newborn children. The choice is now, receive the Lord Jesus Christ,the Promise of God for your salvation.  

Esther 5

Esther 5

More Questions - law and grace

If we are NOT in Christ we are judged by the "law" ?
If we are "IN" Christ we are still judged, right?

The law of God is his truth. If we are not saved and forgiven, then at the final judgment we will be sentenced to eternal separation because we were breaking his law.  In Jesus Christ we will never be sentenced. We have eternity with God. The laws should still be kept, because we want to do what is good. The judgment of Christ is to receive rewards. That which is not of him will be removed.    In short...apart from Jesus we must pay for our sins. In Jesus, he has paid for them, we are counted as Gods children. That is certainly where we want to be.  

 Does God mean if someone is in a really bad
marriage they still can't get a divorce?

Bad marriage? We always try to reconcile, but if in danger, we do not stay in harms way. I have spoken with several abused wives, one was Jewish. I told her of Jesus and she was saved. I also told her to not stay where she was being beat up. God does not want that. And, children in harms way should be taken with them to a safe place. One fearful wife received the Lord in an IM, brought her 3 children to hear about Jesus and receive him. Then they went to another city. God wants us to be careful who we marry, to choose one of faith, and to put Jesus at the center.  

Also wanted to know how come John the Baptist
was a prophet under the law when he is only in
the new testament of the bible.  

Good question. The gospels were at the end of the old covenant. It was the death and resurrection of Jesus at the end of the gospels that the new covenant began.  

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

Questions

 

Gary, have been told by a pastor that Jesus will judge the "Christians" and God, the Father, will judge those others left after the rapture. (Other than the "Christians")   Also, have been told by this same pastor that if one has been baptised in the Spirit by Jesus that they will speak in tongues.  That this is the same: Speaking in tongues and baptism in the Spirit.  Please help me.   I have believed that one can be baptised in the Spirit by Jesus and rec. other 'gifts' other than speaking in 'tongues'.  Also, have believed that Jesus (as God) will judge all, period.    

Good questions...

  Jesus will "judge" Christians, but no wrath, only for rewards.   

2 Corinthians 5:10 says, For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.    

I was taught in the Baptist church that God the Father will judge all the sinners at the great white throne judgment.  

Rev 20:11  And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.  

And Him who sat on it: Who is this? The Bible tells us that the Judge is Jesus (John 5:22-27); or more likely, the fullness of the Triune God.

Rev 20:12  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  

This is not a trial. There will be no defense, nor arguing, for God is truth and all will be revealed. This is the sentencing of God. We aretold not to judge, which refers to the sentencing of someone "go to hell?" God is the final judge and Jesus shall be the judge of all men.  

John 5:22  For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
John 5:23  That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.  

Never are the three separated. Maybe for that short time on the cross. Thats it. They all are together. At judgment, Jesus is the voice and face of God.

Baptism in the Holy Ghost...Pentecostals insist on tongues. Those who do not go to all the other churches.  :>)  Read my web site...Baptism of the Holy spirit

Luke - Bosom buddies

Luke 16:19  There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
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;  

Some say this is only a parable, but, parables do not use men's names. Jesus described an actual occurrence. Abraham's bosom, was to be close to Abraham where he is.

John was at the bosom of Jesus, when with him on earth.  

John 13:21  When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
John 13:22  Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.
John 13:23  Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
John 13:24  Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.
John 13:25  He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?

Bosom, signifies (a) "the front of the body between the arms;" hence, to recline in the "bosom" was said of one who so reclined at table that his head covered, as it were, the "bosom" of the one next to him, Jhn 13:23. Hence, figuratively, it is used of a place of blessedness with another, as with Abraham in paradise, Luk 16:22,23 (plural in ver. 23), from the custom of reclining at table in the "bosom," a place of honor; of the Lord's eternal and essential relation with the Father, in all its blessedness and affection as intimated in the phrase, "The Only-begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father" ( Jhn 1:18) (Vines)    

 Luke 16:23  And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.  

Hell and Abraham's Bosom were far from each other. Hell could see the blessed place, Paradise, but those in Paradise probably could not see hell. These were blessed old covenant saints of faith, who believed the promises of God. By faith they are saved. Jesus had not yet made a place for them in heaven, so they were alive and well in spirit in this place of waiting.  

 John 14:1  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
John 14:2  In my Father's house are many mansions (dwelling places): if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
John 14:3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.  

Paul has given us the hope, that to be absent from this world is to be present with God. This is the New Testament promise. in Christ Jesus.  

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.
2 Cor 5:9  Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

But, you may say, are not those of the old testament sleeping in their graves? No, they were kept alive and well in spirit in the holding place called Paradise. As Jesus spoke about to the thief on the cross who repented.  

Luke 23:43  And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.   Are these saints dead or sleeping;  living?  

Mat 22:31  But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,
Mat 22:32  I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?

God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
Perhaps some are still waiting for the rapture, God knows.  

1 Th 4:15  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
1 Th 4:16  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

No believer will be left behind. No believer will face the wrath of God.  

Rev 20:6  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.  

Be encouraged.
 

Luke - Unfailing law

    Luke 16:16  The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.  

The old covenant with and through Israel of the law and the prophets, ended with John the Baptist. He was the last prophet under the law, making the way for a new covenant. The new covenant was accomplished through Jesus, his blood shed for our sins, his resurrection from the grave and grace received through faith in him. I see the new covenant as for every man, whosoever who will come to Jesus. The crowds pressed to get to Jesus, so we must be determined to receive from him eternal life. There is opposition from the flesh and the devil, but the truth shall make you free, press in and receive life more abundant and everlasting.

Luke 16:17  And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.  

A tittle, a point, the minute point or stroke added to some letters of the Hebrew alphabet to distinguish them from others which they resemble; hence, the very least point. (Easton's Bible Dictionary)   Jesus is saying that God's law is true and will remain true. Jesus fulfilled all the law, so by receiving Jesus we are in agreement with the law and being in him, we are free from the curse of failing the law. We are safe in Jesus, God's wrath will not come to us for failings. It is the grace of God we receive through faith in him. Praise God!  

Luke 16:18  Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.  

Now why did he bring this up? Why? Because it is God's pure law. So many people ignore this law and divorce and remarry for something better. No, it is adultery. If you are not in Christ Jesus, you will be judged by this law. If you are in Jesus, you certainly willfully will not do this? Jesus is our refuge, but let us not continue to sin willfully.  

Rom 6:1  What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Rom 6:2  God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Rom 6:3  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Rom 6:4  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Rom 6:5  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Rom 6:6  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Rom 6:7  For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Rom 6:8  Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
Rom 6:9  Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
Rom 6:10  For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
Rom 6:11  Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Rom 6:12  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Rom 6:13  Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.