212th Post Jesus on Love & Obedience Con't. - Comment Con't.

Jesus on Love and Obedience Continued. Obedience is commanded by God, as proof of His love for us. When we first come to God we feel we will never measure up to what God expects of us. This is true, we could never measure up to what God expects, God expects total perfection. We are not perfect! God knows this, He created us, He gave us free choice. It is this free choice that makes us always pick the wrong thing. As we study God's Word, we find that God gives us the power to say no to evil and the devil. We don't become sinless, we start to sin less. The sins we still commit, we ask God to forgive and He forgives them. This study is a study of Jesus Words and how they can change your life. If you have been reading this blog from the start post # 1, til now, you should see some kind of change within you. You don't look at the world the same way you did before. I did not do this, it is the power of Jesus Words. Hopefully, the approach applied in this study has given you a better idea of who Jesus is and what He expects for your life. Jesus does not want you to blindly follow Him; but to follow willfully and with peace and love. God wants to walk with you through this life, He wants to share the happy times and the sad times. God never promised that your road would be less rocky, or more profitable than another. What God did promise is that you will not go through it alone. God changes your perspective. Bad things happen to good and bad alike. The ones who know God, look at the situation differently.
How is your perspective? How is your walk??

211th Post Jesus Said On Love and Obedience - New Subject Comment.

This new part of our study will focus on Love and Obedience, not as the world looks at these subjects, but as God would like His people to look at them. This should be an interesting study, and may change the way you look at these words. The world loves conditionally. You love as you receive love. Most of us only know love on this level. God loves you unconditionally, that means He loves you no matter what you do. How can this be you say. While you were still in your sins Christ died for you. Why would God send His Son to die for you? When Adam ate the fruit in the Garden of Eden, Adam brought sin and separation between God and man into the world. Without reconciliation, all men would perish in hell. God's love for us, would not let this happen. We would have to be reconciled again to God. To achieve this, we needed another Adam, to take the sin out, that the first Adam had allowed in with his sin. This second Adam had to be stronger than the first, because He would have to resist the devil. The first Adam was not strong enough to accomplish this. The second Adam would be strong enough, because he was man and God. This is why Jesus had to be born of a virgin, if Jesus had two human parents; Jesus would be all human and not strong enough to resist the devil. If Jesus had two human parents, He would have been born into the same sin nature that we all have been born into. Being like us, He could not become the propitiation needed to reconcile us to God. He had to be man and divine also. I have run out of space again. Continued next blog.

210th Post Jesus Said on Faith Con't. - John 20: 27.

John 20: 27 - Jesus appears to the twelve and this time Thomas is with them. John 20: 24-29.
Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.
This passage takes place during the 40 days Jesus would walk the earth before returning back into heaven. Thomas was one of the last disciples to see Jesus alive after His crucifixion. He has been given the title of "doubter" because of this incident. Lets look into this story a little deeper, and find out why. Thomas was not present the other time Jesus appeared in the upper room to them. When the disciples told him about it, Thomas said "Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into His side, I will never believe." Crucifixion was one of the worst ways to die there was at that time. The Romans knew how to kill people, and how to make sure they were dead, before taking them down off the cross. If you look back at the account where Joseph and Nicodemus asked Pilate for the body, Pilate was surprised to see them, thinking Jesus could not be dead yet. That was why Pilate had a soldier put a spear into His side and out came water and blood. The Romans knew that when they saw this result the heart had stopped. This passage kills the swoon theory. Pilate released the body of Jesus to these men for burial. Thomas was very sure that Jesus was dead. That is why it was hard for him to believe that Jesus had arose from the Dead! After Thomas put his finger and hand into the proper spots, Thomas exclaimed "My Lord and My God!" Thomas was one of the first disciples to believe Jesus was Lord, the others did not believe until Pentecost. Do you believe even if you have not seen? Or are you like Thomas and need more proof?

209th Post Jesus Said on Faith Con't. - John 14: 12 - 14.

John 14: 12 - 14 Jesus talking to disciples in Upper Room on Maundy Thursday.
Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
These words were spoken by Jesus at the end of his earthly ministry, just before He went to Gethsemane to be arrested and then crucified. This was the charge given to the disciples, so that they could continue the Lord's work. Notice Jesus tells them that they are capable of even greater works than what Jesus had done. Why did Jesus say this?? Since the disciples are not Jesus, people will tend to believe that they are not able to do miracles; the disciples will be able to do greater things in order to prove that they are in God's will, just like Jesus was. This was spoken by Jesus to extend the chain of command to include them. Even if the disciples perform greater miracles, they are not greater than Jesus! The student is never greater than their teacher!! This is always true!! The teacher knows more than they can teach others, so they will always be greater. Are you ready to share your knowledge of Jesus with others? That is the next step. Remember you can witness without saying a word. Make your walk your talk, and you will be a great witness.

208th Post Jesus on Faith Con't. - John 6: 29

John 6: 29 Part of Jesus "I am the Bread of Life" discourse.
This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.
This passage was spoken by Jesus about 1.1/2 year's into His earthly ministry. Jesus has just performed the following miracles, feeding the 5,000, and walking on water. Jesus never once, took the credit for the miracles or signs, He did. He always reminded the people that He (Jesus) was doing the work of His Father in Heaven. This is a hard concept to understand. If Jesus is God, why does He (Jesus) keep telling us He is doing the works of the Father? This all comes down to the chain of command. God the Father is First, Second comes Jesus, the Son of God, and Third comes the Holy Spirit. All three are God, they all do the same types of things, but they are all separate. This is the mystery of the Trinity. If you go back to the start of my teaching on this blog. Jesus spent a lot of time explaining that He (Jesus) and the Father were One. If you have seen Me you have seen the Father, etc. I think it is interesting how many people are trying to explain away Jesus' miracles, as exaggeration or myth. You can no more take the fact that these things did happen, than you can explain away His Virgin Birth and Resurrection! What do you think? Have you made the decision to follow Jesus yet?? It is up to you!

207th Post Jesus on Faith Con't. - Luke 24: 38 - 39.

Jesus appeared to the disciples in the upper room continued from last post.
People try to explain away the fact that Jesus died and rose again. Only God has the power to defeat death. If they can reduce Jesus to just a man, then they can get rid of Him. This is why Jesus Virgin Birth and Resurrection are so important! These are the two indisputable facts, that prove Jesus is Who He Says He Is!! Jesus could not have had two human parents, give Him life. If this was the case, he would be a man only and not God also! This is a stumbling block to a great many people. The more you study the Bible, the clearer this becomes. This is why the study of Jesus' words is so important. Jesus tells you that no one could take His Life and take it up again but Him (Jesus). When Jesus was bound by His mortal body, He could not move as freely in time and space. After His death, Jesus could disappear and reappear somewhere else all together. We say that Jesus conquered death, if that is true why do people still die? This is a promise that will be fulfilled when we mortals put on immortality at the Last Trumpet when Jesus comes again. When we study Jesus resurrection later in the study I will go into more detail. I hope these posts have helped you to understand this passage better.

206th Post Jesus on Faith Con't - Luke 24: 38 - 39

Jesus appears to the disciples in the upper room continued.
In this account Jesus is showing them His new resurrection body. We will be receiving ours, when Jesus comes again at the last Trumpet. The Bible is pretty clear on this if you pay attention to the clues. The Bible tells us that Jesus was the first to receive His resurrection body as part of His being the First Fruits. I will get into this in more detail when we look at Jesus up coming suffering and death, discussed later in this study. Jesus asked the disciples for food and drink. Jesus ate to show them that He was not a spirit. About this time in the teaching, questions start coming asking when we die what happens to our bodies, will people recognize us in Heaven? When I get these questions, I refer to the Transfiguration of Christ (Matthew 17: 1 - 13). Jesus and a small group of His most trusted disciples were alone on a Mountain top, when all of a sudden, a thick cloud covered them, they could see Elijah and Moses talking to Jesus. If Jesus is the first one to receive His resurrected body, and they could see Elijah and Moses, and they were recognized, this means if we die before the Second Coming of Christ at the Last Trumpet, our bodies will be in a similar state to Moses and Elijah. What exactly this state is, the Bible is unclear. I see I have run out of space again. Continued next post.

205th Post Jesus on Faith Con't. - Luke 24: 38 -39.

Luke 24: 38 - 39. Jesus appears to disciples in locked upper room after resurrection.
Why are you troubled? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.
This passage is spoken by Jesus Easter Night, the disciples were locked inside the upper room, because they are hiding from the Jews and the Romans. This story has lost a lot of its impact over the years, due to the fact, that not much time is spent on this account. You read the words above and it looks like the disciples were afraid and full of unbelief. Put yourselves in their position just for a moment. They were in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was arrested, they saw His face with drops of Blood mingled with sweat, to a normal man this was a man dying as He stood. Yet Jesus would endure, two more whippings, carrying the cross bar of His cross to Golgotha and then live six more hours on the cross. The only way this was possible was that He also was God. His Father had commanded He do this, if He wanted to save us from eternal death. Jesus gladly paid this price for our salvation. This is what separates Him from all the other gods out there!! All roads lead to the CROSS!!! Not to Heaven! At some point you will have to come to Him and make your decision. I see I am out of space again. Will continue next post.

204th Post Jesus on Faith Con't. - Luke 17: 17 - 19

Luke 17: 17 - 19 Jesus heals the 10 Lepers.
Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner? Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.
This passage comes toward the end of Jesus earthly ministry. Jesus is between Samaria and Galilee and has just entered a village when 10 lepers see Him, and cry from a distance, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." This story starts (Luke 17: 11 - 19), Jesus tells them to "Go and show themselves to the priests." As they went they were cleansed. One of them seeing he was cleansed, returned to thank Jesus for healing him. Look at where this story takes place, and Jesus called one of them a foreigner, the foreigner was a Samaritan. The nine Jews traveling with this Samaritan were not as proud now as they would have been if they were healed. Jesus by this time in His ministry would have gone through Samaria many times, on His way North and South, from Jerusalem to Galilee, so it is quite possible the Samaritan knew who Jesus was without the help of the Jews with him. The priests were the only ones who could judge if someone was healed or not. It is interesting, that the Samaritan upon seeing he was cleansed, came back to thank Jesus. The one least likely to return, returns to thank Jesus. When God answers our prayers, do we stop and Thank Him?? We should, you know. How is your walk??

203rd Post Jesus on Faith Con't. - Luke 11: 5 - 13; Matthew 7: 7 - 11 Con't.

Luke 11: 5 - 13; Matthew 7: 7 - 11 Continued from post 202.
The key to unlocking this passage is remembering what Jesus was talking about right before He spoke this passage. We are talking about prayer here. Those of you who are reading this blog and not taking my class, may have heard of the prayer group (A.S.K.), this a group that prays for others based on prayer requests they receive from a larger group. You can start a group like this within your Sunday School class or Church. A.S.K. stands for Ask, Seek, Knock; You can also do this on your own, it can be added to your prayer journal, etc. But this is not all of what this passage is about. You may get questions from others concerning the fate of people who never heard of Jesus before. If they are genuinely seeking the Lord, He will make himself known to them. The Bible is full of such examples. Why is Job's lineage not found in 1 Chronicles chapters 1 - 9? Job was not a Hebrew, yet He knew the Most High God, sacrificed to Him, all without the help of Abraham. The Bible does not say if Job ever met Abraham even. Jethro, Moses Father-in-law, He was a Midianite (The off spring of Abraham but not Jewish) and He followed the Most High God. There are many others. Our God is a God of Mercy, and He will give mercy to anyone who asks, seeks, or knocks. The last line of this text does not seem to answer the questions concerning food, mentioned in the earlier part of the text but it does, it goes to the deeper question of your life after death. Do you really know this Jesus?? Do you really follow Him?? If not, make the decision! It is up to you!!

202nd Post Jesus on Faith Con't. - Luke 11: 5 - 13; Matthew 7: 7 - 11.

Luke 11: 5 - 13; Matthew 7: 7 - 11
Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, "Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him"; and he will answer from within and say, "Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I can not rise and give to you"? I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs. So I say to you, ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!
This was spoken by Jesus as part of His Sermon on the Mount and it comes right after the Lord's Prayer. You need to keep all this in mind as you are trying to unlock this passage. This comes about 1.1/2 years into Jesus earthly ministry. After the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, Jesus speaks the "Lord's prayer", then right after Jesus finishes, he starts in with our text
for this blog post. Look at everything Jesus tells you in this text, the time, the inconvenience of the request, the response of the person being asked, the persistence of the man making the request, the action of the person being asked; and finally Jesus last remark at the end of this text. I see I have run out of space again. Continued next blog.

201st Post Jesus on Faith Con't - Luke 7: 48, 50

Luke 7: 48,50. A Sinful Woman Forgiven - Continued from previous post.
At the end of last post Jesus tells the woman her sins which are many are forgiven. The people in Simon's house take issue with that. To a Jew, only God can forgive sin. Simon believes Jesus to be a man of God, maybe even a prophet, but Son of God? This a stumbling block, even for us today. We read of Jesus many miracles, turning water into wine good enough to fool a wine steward of its vintage. Raising people from the dead, casting out demons, feeding huge crowds. All of these things sound to fantastic to have happened. Why did Jesus do these things? The Old Testament Prophets foretold, this would come to pass, even down to a virgin giving birth to a Son in Bethlehem. Jesus credentials are there for all to look at. Some say it is a leap of faith to believe in Christianity. I say after you have read the Bible for a while, you come to the conclusion it is a bigger leap of faith not to believe. You have to understand, that this Simon may have known Jesus earthly parents, did not know of His virgin birth. So as far as Simon knows Jesus is a mortal man. Simon understands Jesus to be some sort of prophet, Simon is not sold on Jesus being the Son of God. At least not yet. You, who are reading this blog, do you believe Jesus is the Son of God?? Do you need more proof?? Who do you think Jesus is??

200th Post Jesus on Faith Con't. - Luke 7: 48, 50

Luke 7: 48, 50. A Sinful Woman Forgiven.
Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you. Go in Peace.
This passage was spoken by Jesus about 1.1/2 years into His earthly ministry. John the Baptist is still alive; and this story takes place around Capernaum, not Bethany, this story deals with a sinful woman not Mary, Lazarus's sister. This whole story is found in Luke 7: 36 - 50. The story opens with a Pharisee asking Jesus to come to his house and eat with him. Jesus was reclining at the table, and she brought an alabaster flask of ointment. Luke makes mention about the flask in order for his readers to understand what kind of ointment. Alabaster is a translucent stone used in holding costly ointments. The woman stands behind Jesus and weeping she starts to wash Jesus feet with her tears and dry His feet with her hair, and annointed them with the ointment. Luke tells you the name of this Pharisee, Simon. Simon is a pretty common name in Israel, this is not Simon the Leper, that Simon lived in Bethany. This is a different Simon. Simon is watching this happen in his house, and he is thinking that if Jesus were a prophet, He would know what sort of woman this is. Jesus reading his thoughts tells him a story about two debtors, one owed a lot the other only a little. The moneylender cancelled both debts. Jesus asked Simon which debtor would love the lender more. Simon picked the one who owed the bigger debt. Jesus said "you have judged rightly." Jesus turns to the woman and says to Simon, "I entered your house and you gave me no water to wash my feet, she has washed them with her tears, you gave me no ointment, but she has. Therefore her sins which are many are forgiven because she loved much.
I have run out of space again, stay tuned to next blog.

199th Post Jesus on Faith Con't. - Luke 7:9

Luke 7: 9 The healing of the Centurion's Servant (see blog #189 also).
I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!
This passage comes right after Jesus Sermon on the Mount; and was about 1.1/2 years into Jesus earthly ministry. The Luke account gives way more information about this Roman Centurion, than the account in Matthew 8: 13. Matthew was silent on whether or not the Centurion was a believer. Luke, on the other hand, tells you the Centurion was not only a Jewish believer but helped build the Synagogue in Capernaum and that he loved the Jewish people. The Luke account tells you that the Centurion had Jewish leaders go to Jesus and ask Him to heal his servant, because the Roman felt unworthy to ask Jesus himself. This tells you that the Centurion knew Jewish Customs, and was willing to humble himself for the sake of his servant. This Centurion had the right understanding of God, that Jesus was trying to teach the other Jews. The Jews thought the rituals would save them, not what the rituals were trying to teach them about God. Clearly this Centurion had gotten this message, and changed his life accordingly, by practicing what he had learned. I believe this is why, this story was listed twice in our book. The Centurion's understanding of authority, was enough for Jesus to heal his servant. Then this account in Luke, does not dwell on the Centurion's knowledge of authority, but on his understanding of the Jews, their customs and their religion. The Centurion was the whole package, and got his needs met for two different reasons. Do you have a faith like this Roman Centurion? You can, with a little work. How are you going to be remembered??

198th Post Jesus on Faith Con't. - Mark 9: 23.

Mark 9: 23 Healing of a Boy with an unclean Spirit. (Mark 9: 14 - 29).
If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.
You will notice that this seems to be the same account as the post of 194. In the post of 194, Jesus was healing a boy with epilepsy, this is disease which once it comes on, it stays for life. The Jews did not believe that demons could possess people forever, but for periods of time only. Both situations were called demon possession because they did not understand medically the difference, but they knew somehow that these were not the same situations. Like epilepsy, you can seem normal until an attack happens, then you act in a totally different manner. This is how they are similar; the demon possessed person only acts like it when the demon is actually possessing him. The person with epilepsy seems to be be possessed intermittently, while the demon possessed person is constantly tormented until the demon is cast out or he (the demon) leaves. Both of these situations require more attention then the disciples could handle. This is why they failed in both accounts. The fact that they failed, make us think this is the same account. This is why I keep saying these are two different situations, but are very similar in nature and easy to miss. Most commentaries lump these together also, if you do a word search of these accounts you will see the Apostles used two different words to describe these demon possessed boys.

197th Post Jesus on Faith Con't - Mark 5:36

Mark 5: 36; Luke 8:50 Jesus heals Jarius' daughter.
"Do not be afraid; only believe."
Jesus was on His way to Jarius' house when the woman who had bleeding for 12 years came up and touched Jesus garment see Post 190. This situation with the woman took some time, and Jarius' household came to him to say it was too late, his daughter had died. Jesus told Jarius to believe that his daughter was not dead. Jesus and Jarius went together to Jarius house, when they got there there was a crowd of people outside crying and mourning, Jesus seeing the commotion asked why they were weeping, the child is only asleep and not dead. When the crowd heard this they laughed at Jesus. Jesus went to where the child was and told her to get up, and she got up. What is interesting about this story is remembering who Jarius was and where he works. Jarius was the ruler of the Synagogue, Jarius would be a Pharisee in order to be connected with the Synagogue at all. Usually, the Synagogue would be part of their house. Think how hard it would be for a father to watch his daughter suffer to the point of death, knowing there was a person in his own town that could heal her. Jarius would have been well aware of the Pharisees position on Jesus, they kept wanting to know by whose authority Jesus performed His miracles. This would have been a hard decision to make, by thinking of his daughter first, he could be shunned by the rest of the Pharisees in his area, at best and excommunicated at worst. What would you do??

196th Post Jesus on Faith Con't. Jesus Curses the Fig Tree Con't.

The rest of the way to Jerusalem, the disciples are trying to understand what had happened, why Jesus got so mad at the tree, and that the tree started to die on the spot. The tree had fresh leaves on it, meaning the fruit has already appeared on the tree. In the Middle East, the Fig Tree loses its leaves, and becomes dormant out of season, the fruit comes on the tree first, and the leaves appear after the fruit has come out to protect the fruit from the sun. Jesus was well aware that figs were not in season, but this tree was advertising that it indeed had figs! This tree was being a hypocrite, by saying it was something it was not. Just as Jesus was doing with His group, He exposed the tree for what it was, and caused it to die. Dual mindedness is one thing God hates. If you are for Jesus, then be all in. Jesus does not want you when you follow Him only when it is convenient or easy. Remember that this story takes place right after Jesus "Triumphant Entry" into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Remember that this tree was by the road Jesus took twice a day, going to and from Jerusalem from Bethany. Each time the disciples past this tree, it reminded them what Jesus had done there. In your quiet time, think about this story and what you know of John chapter 15. You will get a better understanding of this passage if you think on it further. Is your faith true? Or are you more like this fig tree? It is up to you!

195th Post Jesus on Faith Con't. - Matthew 21: 21 - 22

Matthew 21: 21 - 22; Mark 11: 22 - 23; Luke 17: 6. Jesus curses the fig tree.
Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, "Be removed and be cast into the sea," it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.
This passage was spoken by Jesus during the last week of His earthly ministry. This passage can be hard to understand without explanation. Jesus was having trouble with the disciples and strengthening their faith; and the unbelief of His followers, and the up swell of hatred of Him by the religious leaders. This story takes place early in the week of His last week before He was to die on the cross. Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem from Bethany and He is hungry, He sees a fig tree already in leaf. This is not the season for figs, the tree has leaves on it, which means the fruit has already come out. Jesus goes out of His way to go to the fig tree for fruit, but finds no fruit on the tree at all. Jesus gets angry and curses the tree for its lack of fruit, and the tree starts to wither and die on the spot. The disciples feel Jesus over reacted when He caused the tree to die. You may feel the same way when reading this passage. Hopefully, after this explanation, you will understand why Jesus did what He did. I am again at the end of my allotted space with more to say on this subject. This will be continued next post.

194th Post Jesus on Faith Con't. - Matthew 17: 20

Matthew 17: 20; Luke 17:6 Jesus heals a demon possessed boy Matthew 17: 14 - 21.
Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
Jesus is near the Northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, and this is toward the end of His earthly ministry. Jesus was letting the disciples to do more and more of His work, kind of like on the job training. This man brought his epileptic son to Jesus to be healed; His disciples tried to heal the boy first but could not. The man went directly to Jesus and asked Him to heal his son. After the boy had been healed, the disciples came up to Jesus privately and asked why they were not able to cast out this demon. Jesus told them it was because of their lack of faith. Then Jesus told the disciples if they had faith the size of a mustard seed, they would be able to move a mountain. This was a big slap in the face to His disciples by Jesus. Mustard seeds are some of the smallest seeds in nature. Jesus told the disciples if you had faith like a mustard seed; because of the small size of this seed, Jesus was telling them their faith was almost non existent. Jesus knew that His time of ministry was coming to an end; and the disciples were a long way from carrying on His ministry. This is a valuable lesson for us today, just going through the motions is not the same as being properly prepared for the task. How is your faith??

193rd Post Jesus On Faith Con't. - Matthew 15: 28 Continued.

Matthew 15: 28; Mark 7: 29 The Canaanite Woman continued.
Jesus ignores her and responds "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Look at what Jesus tells her, I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. You being a Canaanite woman, are neither a believer in the Most High God, nor are you a Jew. Why should I help you? Was His response. This also seems to be unlike Jesus, who in earlier accounts in the Gospels had performed miracles for unbeliever's before, why not now! You have to remember that Jesus being God, could look at her heart, Jesus knowing her heart, wanted to teach His disciples and other believing Jews about her faith. This woman did not stop coming to Jesus, in verse 25 the Bible says that she knelt down before Jesus and said "Lord help me." She is begging Jesus to help her daughter. Jesus answers her beg with "It is not right to take the children's (Jews) bread and throw it to the dogs (unbelievers)." Jesus is reminding her that she is neither a Jew nor a believer, she has no right to ask Him for help for her daughter. Again, she does not back down, but counters what Jesus said with "Yes Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." The woman has said a lot here. The dogs that Jesus was talking about were the wild packs of dogs that run wild and can kill people. The woman turned the word around by saying dogs that eat from their master's table. These dogs were once wild, but have been domesticated and can live as a member of the master's household. These animals are less than actual members of his family, but they get fed and are protected from harm, like the rest of his family. This woman was reminding Jesus that His words and deeds have power, and can change even unbeliever's hearts, to followers of God. Just like a wild dog can be changed from wild to house pet. This is what Jesus was waiting for, He knew that she had enough faith to save her daughter, and by talking with her in this way showed the disciples her faith as well. We don't like it when God tests our faith, because it is uncomfortable, God could be using you to be an example for someone else, just like in this story. How strong is your faith??

192nd Post Jesus on Faith Con't. - Matthew 15: 28

Matthew 15: 28; Mark 7: 29 The Faith of a Canaanite Woman Matthew 15: 21 - 28.
O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.
This passage was spoken by Jesus about halfway through to toward the end of His earthly ministry. Popular opinion was turning against Him and He had to flee for His life. This story takes place in the area of Tyre and Sidon, North of the kingdom of Israel in a pagan stronghold. You need to remember this for this story to make any sense. The Bible refers to her as a Canaanite woman, this could be because of where she lived, or refers to her religious beliefs or both; the Bible does not say if she was a believer or not. We first meet this woman crying out to Jesus saying "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon." This is very interesting, Jesus came to this region because the Jews did not believe His claims to be the Messiah and the Son of God. Jesus fled to this area because He knew that the Jews here would not know Him or His agenda. Look at what this woman tells Him, "O Lord, Son of David." She just told Jesus, she knows exactly who He is, and where He came from! Jesus ignores her. This seems very much unlike the Jesus, we have come to know from previous passages in the Gospels. Why did Jesus seem to ignore her? I see I am running out of space for this post, so I will have to continue next post.

191st Post Jesus on Faith Con't. - Matthew 9: 29

Matthew 9: 29 Jesus heals two blind men.
According to your faith let it be to you.
This passage was spoken by Jesus about 1.1/2 years into His earthly ministry. This story starts with verse 27. These two blind men called out loud to Jesus saying "Have mercy on us , Son of David." This situation is different from the woman who was bleeding for 12 years. The Bible does not record her saying anything to Jesus before she touched His garment. These blind men called Jesus the son of David; by using these words they were telling Jesus that they were Jews and believed Jesus to be the Messiah. Jesus entered a house and the blind men followed Him. Jesus asked if they believed He could do what they asked. Yes, they told Him. They did not have to wash in a pool like the man near the pool of Siloam. Jesus touched their eyes and they were healed. Jesus told them not to tell anyone what had happened, they agreed and then went and spread the news far and wide. Why did Jesus tell them to keep this healing to themselves? Capernaum is the city in which this story takes place. Jesus curses Capernaum for not believing His teachings or His miracles performed within the city limits. Jesus told them it would go better for Sodom on the day of judgement than for them. This is why Jesus told the blind men to keep this quiet.

190th Post Jesus on Faith Con't. - Matthew 9: 22; Mark 5: 34; Luke 8: 48.

Matthew 9: 22; Mark 5: 34; Luke 8:48. The woman bleeding for 12 years.
Be of good cheer daughter, your faith has made you well.
This passage was spoken by Jesus about halfway through His earthly ministry. This passage in Matthew, tells only the bare facts; Mark gives more information concerning this woman. In Mark, you learn that she had tried to get cured by going to many physicians, had spent all her money and she had gotten worse. Luke's account is much the same as Mark's. The Bible is not clear on the condition of this woman's heart, was she a believer or not. Holy Men in the ancient world were believed to carry the power of healing, and could heal just by touching them or their clothes. It is said the Peter's shadow could heal people (after the death of Jesus). This woman was familiar with this idea, and moved through the crowd to just brush against Jesus. When she did this, Jesus felt some of His power go out of Him and He asked "Who touched Me?" Jesus is God, He knew exactly who touched Him and with what part of her body she had touched Him. Why did Jesus say "Who touched Me?" He wanted this woman to be known publicly. When she came forward and admitted, Jesus told her to be of good cheer your faith had made you well. Desperation, can sometimes drive us to try anything no matter how crazy it sounds. She knew Jesus was a Holy Man and as such, He had the power of healing. This was her faith and this healed her. How is your faith?

189th Post Jesus Said on Faith Con't. - Matthew 8: 13

Matthew 8: 13
Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.
This passage comes right after Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and is 1.1/2 years into His earthly ministry. This passage takes place after the meeting between Jesus and a Roman Centurion. The Centurion comes up to Jesus and asks him (Jesus) to heal the Roman's sick slave. Jesus asks where the Centurion lives so that He may accompany the Roman to his house. The Roman responds, that my house is unclean for you, but you are a man of authority. I also am under authority. I tell this one to go here and he goes. The Roman tells Jesus to just say the word and his slave will be healed. The Jews kept asking Jesus by what authority He did the things He did. Here is a Roman soldier that not only understood Jesus was a person under authority, but believed that Jesus would do what the Roman soldier asked. Jesus told the Jews that He had not seen as much faith in all of Israel as this Roman soldier had. Faith is something that the Jews has had a problem with through out their history. Their lack of faith caused them to doubt and to turn to unbelief. When you look at the teachings of the Bible, it seems to boil down into Trust and Obey. When the Jews lost their trust, they started to disobey. This lesson is not just for people living during Jesus' time, it is just as important for us today. People say today that the miracles that were done in the Bible happened a long time ago. When you walk with God, miracles still happen. How is your faith??

188th Post Jesus Said on Faith - New Topic Message

Faith is the new topic we will look at. This post is to introduce this new topic. Jesus was constantly telling the Jews they had little faith. What is faith? And why is it necessary to have a lot of it? I believe that doubt is the opposite of faith. God's Word is full of examples, where we are to trust God to keep His Word. This is very hard for us, because people hardly keep their word, so we believe that God will be the same way. Not keeping your word is the way of the world. When you decide to follow Jesus, you must make a choice; to follow Jesus or to stay with what the world teaches. God is true, and if you follow Him you must believe that He is True. When you first become a believer, what you know is truth, and what you believe is faith. Faith is knowing that something is true, but you can't prove it. When you become a new Christian, your faith ceiling is very high; especially if you don't know much of God's Word. As you learn more about God, through His Word and in Church, your knowledge level grows and your faith ceiling gets smaller. This is because your knowledge is growing faster than your faith ceiling. At some point, your knowledge reaches your faith ceiling. At this time you become uneasy and uncomfortable, and feel like God has left you. You are feeling spiritually, what you felt growing up when you physically changed from baby, to child, to adult. If you remain true to God during these times of spiritual growth, your faith ceiling will expand each time you break through the old ceiling. Your faith ceiling will be higher each time you pass a growth period. What is the condition of your faith??

187th Post Jesus On Religious Practices Con't. - Matthew 7:6

Matthew 7: 6 Jesus said on Religious Practices Continued Pearls before swine.
Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.
This passage was spoken by Jesus as part of His Sermon on the Mount and was about 1.1/2 years into His earthly ministry. What does this passage mean? We don't use these words much today, so to unlock this passage you need to look at what it meant when Jesus spoke them. Packs of wild dogs were a real problem during the time of Jesus. They could appear anywhere and could turn on you at any time. Jesus could have been thinking about this, when He spoke these words. Dogs, was another term the Jews gave to pagans, and other people they hated. Swine or pigs are thought of pretty much the same way today as during Jesus' time. It is interesting that Matthew Chapter 7 opens with "Judge Not"; and yet you have to discern between people to know which group you are dealing with. I used two different words to distinguish between the groups. We are not to judge, only God can do that! Knowing the people you are with is very important. Think about witnessing for a moment. If you are in a crowd that does not want to hear about Jesus, they will attack you and your message until you retreat. This is what Jesus was talking about. We will get into this later when Jesus appears before Religious Leaders when they are trying to kill Him. Jesus was very silent at those times and only told them the Truth, but He was not rewarded correctly for His answers.

186th Post Jesus Said on Religious Practices Con't. - Matthew 6: 16 - 18

Matthew 6: 16 - 18 Jesus on Religious Practices continued.
Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
This passage comes from Jesus Sermon on the Mount, was spoken by Jesus about 1.1/2 years into His earthly ministry. Fasting, is something we do not hear much about these days. As your prayer life grows deeper, you should incorporate fasting into your prayer life. Why do you fast? Fasting, should be used when you are going through some rough time and you feel like regular prayer is not enough. What is fasting? Fasting traditionally is going without food and drink, and spending the time you are fasting in prayer and worship to God. Jesus taught that when we pray, we need to pray in secret. Fasting is something that if you do it, it is not a regular part of your weekly life. The Pharisees at the time of Jesus fasted twice a week, like when they did charity, they made sure all who knew them knew they were fasting. They thought they were better for how often they fasted. They missed the whole point. Fasting is a tool, you can use to better concentrate on your prayer, and your problem. This is not something to do lightly. Remember God knows your heart, and knows what your agenda is. If you are fasting rightly, God will reward you.

185th Post Jesus Said on Religious Practices- Matthew 6: 1 - 4

Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have the glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.
This passage was spoken by Jesus during His Sermon on the Mount, and was about 1.1/2 years into Jesus earthly ministry. As you walk closer with Jesus, you will want to start to do something for others. As you feel blessed by God, you want to show others blessings like you have received from God. This is a normal progression that you go through when you start to take the worlds attributes off and put on Christ's attributes. Jesus was making the distinction between the Pharisees and Jesus. The Old Testament says you are to do charitable deeds also, the Pharisees were doing according to their own understanding, and not God's. Jesus was trying to correct this misunderstanding.

184th Post Jesus Said on Religious Practices - New Topic Comment

Religious practices was where the Jews had gotten off track, when they received God's Word from Moses on Mount Sinai. It was over religious practices that Jesus and the Pharisees quarreled during Jesus earthly ministry. The Jews started to worship God according to their own understanding instead of God's. This is what Proverbs 3: 5-6, teaches against. Unfortunately we can also fall into this trap today. God desires a personal relationship with all of His children. We are called to be salt and light in an unbelieving world. To be effective, we have to go out in the world. Many Christians choose to spend as much time at Church during the week as they can; and they only deal with other Christians. This is a very easy trap to fall into, because it is easy, and we feel good about ourselves. This group I call salt in the shaker, it is very easy to keep your Christian values, only dealing with other Christians. Christians will not purposely push your buttons or make you uncomfortable. However, Jesus calls us to be in the world, but not of the world. You can not be effective as salt if you stay in the shaker. It is this whole idea of comfort that keeps us from being effective. Another pitfall is Church itself. The Christian life is a 24 hour 7 day a week commitment. Unfortunately, many Christians are Christians only while they are in Church. Jesus requires us to be His 24 hours 7 days a week. This means we act as Christians at work, at home, and everywhere else. If you were convicted of being a Christian, would they be able to find enough evidence to convict you?? Only you can answer this question, and do something to change it if your answer is no.

183rd Post Jesus Said on Worship Con't. - John 4:21 - 24.

John 4: 21 - 24 Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well.
Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain,nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.
This passage was spoken by Jesus very early in His earthly ministry, and takes place in Samaria outside the city of Sychar, at a well Jacob had dug. The woman has just asked Jesus where the proper place to worship God is. On Mount Gerizim as the Samaritans worship or at Jerusalem as the Jews do. Jesus does not answer her question, about place, but notice He tells her she worships what she does not know. Jesus was reminding her that Samaritans do not know the One True God completely, but a facsimile thereof. The Jews know who they worship, because salvation comes from the Jews. We need to remember that the Jews received salvation first, because God chose to give it to them. They are still God's chosen people. Jesus' whole ministry was to show us how to worship God in Spirit and in truth. Baptism was the first step in learning about following God in the Spirit.

182nd Post Jesus Said on Worship Continued - Comment on Samaritans.

Who are the Samaritans, and why did the Jews hate them? You would know the answer to this if you have studied the Old Testament. The Kingdom of Israel, was divided between the Northern 10 tribes, and the Southern two tribes. God divided the Kingdom, because of the Jews unbelief. The Old Testament documents the split starting during the time of King Solomon, God told Solomon, that He would wait for Solomon to die first before dividing the Kingdom out of respect for God's relationship with David, Solomon's father. God's Temple was located in Jerusalem, in the Southern Kingdom. Jeroboam was the first king of the Northern Kingdom. He was so afraid of losing his power to the King of the South by allowing his subjects to go to the Temple and worship there; that he built two Golden Calves, one in Bethel, and the other in Dan. Jeroboam told his subjects they no longer had to go to Jerusalem to worship, but could stay within the Northern Kingdom's borders to Worship God. The Northern Kingdom was overthrown by the Assyrians who not only conquered them, but gathered up as many Jews as they could and took them to the land of Elam, and took the people of Elam and put them in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The Jews in the North gave their children in marriage to the pagen people the Assyrians had put there. These pagen people brought their own gods with them and the Jews started worshiping them along with their own God. This is what created the race known as the Samaritans. Jews would look on the Samaritans as half breeds, and outcasts because they have fallen away from worshiping the Most High God! Jews would stay away from Samaritans considering them unclean.

181st Post Jesus Said on Worship - New Topic Comment.

Jesus said on worship.
Worship is something we are to do all the time, not only on Sundays. Worship is something we can do anytime and anywhere. But what is worship? Worship is praising God for Who He Is, instead of what you want Him to do for you! When you start to study the Bible, you begin to learn about God.
Your relationship with God becomes stronger and you begin to see how truly awesome He is. You start to see God, not as an angry God, who wants to extract a pound of your flesh for every wrong you commit. You start to see God as a loving, and personal God, interested in you, and wanting to help you become the best you can be. Worship becomes an interaction between you and God, and you feel good after worshiping. If we can worship on our own, why do we have to go to Church? This is a good question, when we meet as a group, and our worship is combined with others, this is pleasing to God's Ears! God commanded us to worship as a group. Worship is a time for believers to show God through their worship how much they love GOD!! Worship is different than Praise. When you worship, you are worshiping God for Who He Is, not What He Does for you! It seems a lot a praise music you hear on the radio, is aimed at what God did for you. Worship concentrates on God and His Attributes Only!

180th Post Jesus Said on Trust Con't - Matthew 6:25 - 34.

Matthew 6: 25 - 34; Luke 12: 22 - 31 Continued.
This passage can be hard to understand because it deals with the Sovereignty and Providence of God. God created the whole world and everything in it; and continues to act in it everyday. We can get so involved with our everyday tasks that we forget God is there altogether. Or we can stop living our lives and wait for God to provide for our every need. These are not what God intended. When Jesus talked about the birds of the air and that God fed them. The picture you got when you read those words, was that the birds still had to gather what God had provided. They did not just sit in their nests with their beaks open and expect God to feed them. God's animal kingdom, understands this better than we, or maybe they just react and don't think at all. We on the other hand were given a brain, and can use it to think. It is this aspect of our nature that gets us into trouble; we seem to always come up to a different conclusion than God. This is why God gave us His Holy Word (the Bible), through reading it and studying it, we get a better understanding of who God is and what He expects. This is just the beginning, though, you are to start putting His Word into action by living it. Jesus Christ never sinned, unlike us. He is the model we are to try to become, and measure ourselves against Him, not others.

179th Post Jesus Said on Trust Con't. - Matthew 6: 25 - 34

Matthew 6: 25 - 34; Luke 12: 22 - 31.
Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow or reap nor gather in barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "what shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For after these the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
This passage comes for Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and was about 1.1/2 years into His earthly ministry. I will comment on this passage in the next posts.

178th Post Jesus Said on Trust - New Topic Comment.

New Topic Comment on Trust.
God and people both use this word, but unfortunately there seems to be two different definitions. When God uses this word it is absolute, all the time, no exceptions. Where human understanding of this is more or less strong. The Bible standard teaching is to Trust and Obey. The stories in the Bible are man's struggle to do just that. You can count on God to hold up his side of the bargain; however, we on the other hand mostly mess up. Jesus had to suffer and die for us because Adam and Eve could not Trust and Obey. The fact that Jesus walked this earth and was going to the cross to pay for our lack of Trust, is proof that God keeps His Promises. Jesus died for all people who are sinners. Since Jesus is the only human that remained perfect and sinless, puts the rest of us into the sinner category. Romans teaches us that while we were still in our sins Jesus died for us. This means that any human can come to Jesus and ask for forgiveness, even today this very minute. We are encouraged to make the decision sooner than later, because this window of opportunity is only open for a while. When Jesus comes again, it will be too late to ask for forgiveness, because it will be the time for Him to judge. Jesus tells us to believe in His Words because He is God and will not fail. If you have not made a commitment yet, now is as good a time as any. Make the decision and change your life!

177th Post Jesus Said on Submission Con't - John 13: 13 - 17

John 13: 13 - 17
You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
This passage takes place in the upper room on Maundy Thursday, the night before Jesus was to die on the cross. Jesus knew that His time with the disciples was short, and He knew they still needed a lot more teaching time. Jesus is still fighting with the disciples about who will be the greatest, even after He had already taught them concerning this very thing. The usual practice of manners, dictated that a house should provide a bowl and a towel for the visitors to wash their feet before entering the house. The bowl and towel were provided by this household also, none of the disciples made an effort to use this. When Jesus, picked up the bowl and wrapped the towel around His waist, His disciples must have been surprised. Jesus went around the room washing their feet. The passage we are looking at, takes place after the actual washing of feet. Jesus was still trying to get them to submit with humility. Think of how hard it was for them to understand, it is even worse for us, because we did not see it being modeled. This teaching is just as important for us as it was to the disciples. You too will be blessed if you do this.

176th Post Jesus Said on Submission Con't. - Luke 17: 7 -10

Luke 17: 7 - 10
And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, "Come at once and sit down to eat"? But will he not rather say to him, "Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink"? Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you have commanded, say, "We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do."
This passage comes about half way through Jesus earthly ministry. This is a hard teaching of Christ, for it can still convict us today. Jesus starts out in His parable about a servant plowing or tending sheep. Both of these jobs were considered by Jews to be unclean, and they would have to clean themselves up outside before entering the house. Look at the way the master treats his servant, before they even take care of their hunger; they must first prepare something for their master and then they have to serve and wait on him and clean up after him before they can think about their own hunger. Then the master eats his fill and leaves without even thanking his servant for his service. This servant is being treated like a slave, and less than he deserves. Jesus is teaching us that if we have servants, we are to treat them with respect, and show their worth as a person created by God. We are not to take them for granted, nor treat them badly. You have to remember that at the time of Jesus, servants or slaves were considered property, and not looked upon with much respect. Jesus was commanding His followers not to be like the rest of the owners. If we are bosses, are we treating our people under us with the respect they deserve? This is what Jesus was teaching His people about submission. We are to submit to Jesus and treat people as He would treat them. Go out and do likewise!

175th Post Jesus Said on Submission Con't. - Luke 14: 8 - 11

Luke 14: 8 - 11; Matthew 23: 12
When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; and he who invited you and him come to you and say to you "Give place to this man," and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when he that invited you comes he may say to you, "Friend, go up higher." Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
This passage comes toward the end of Jesus' earthly ministry; Jesus is talking to His disciples. Religious teachers at the time of Jesus were revered for their profession. The Sadducees, Pharisees, and Scribes enjoyed being treated with celebrity. They liked being treated as someone special. Jesus wanted His disciples, not to in any way look like these religious leaders. Humility, is one of the most basic rules, we as followers of Christ are to maintain. You can not give God the Glory if you are stealing the spotlight. When we have decided to follow Christ and are pointing the way for others, we are not to take any of that light, it should be solely given totally to God. This is what Jesus said and what He wants us to act like.

174th Post Jesus Said on Submission Con't - Matthew 23: 8 - 12

Matthew 23: 8 - 12; Mark 9:35
But you, do not be called "Rabbi", for One is your Teacher, the Christ (Messiah), and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ (Messiah). But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
This is very close to the end of Jesus' earthly ministry. Notice Jesus is still having to remind His disciples not to worry about who will be the greatest. Jesus tells them not to let people call them Rabbi (teacher), they have only one teacher that is Jesus. They are not to call anyone father, except their heavenly Father. Jesus tells them again not to exalt themselves, but to remain humble. Humility is one of the hardest qualities Jesus asks us to have. Think of what these disciples will be able to accomplish in Jesus name. It is very easy to get caught up with what is happening, and to begin to think you are something special. This is true even today. If the Holy Spirit blesses your work, it is very easy to think you had something to do with it. God is using you to accomplish His Will. If you remember this, you will do well in His Service!

173rd Post Jesus Said on Submission Con't - Matthew 5: 38 - 42

Matthew 5: 38 - 42; Luke 6: 29 - 30 Continued If a person sues...
Remember Jesus is talking about dealing with an evil person. If they want to sue you to take away your tunic, let them have your cloak also. In Jewish law, you could take a person's cloak as a pledge, but you were to return it to him before dark, so that he could sleep in it. In the morning he would return it to you as a pledge. If you did not do this, the person would call out to the Lord and He would hear, because He is a compassionate God. Remember, Jesus is talking about an evil person, here. They do not care for you or your welfare, and do not fear God. This person is only interested in what they can get. Jesus was saying that if someone sues you for your tunic, you are to give them your cloak also. That person has wiped you out, you have nothing more to give, this is the teaching here. When you study God's Word, you have to remember that God does not lie, and does not contradict Himself. Jesus said these things to make a point. You can not expect ungodly people to act the way a godly person acts. Jesus told you to turn the other cheek, but He did not say that you were to give up your dignity and become a floor mat either. There is a difference between being meek, and weak! As God's creation, you are worth a lot. Ungodly people do not agree with God on this point. At some point, they will have to bow before Jesus and declare Jesus Is Lord!!

172nd Post Jesus Said on Submission Con't - Matthew 5: 38 - 42

Matthew 5: 38 - 42; Luke 6: 29 - 30; Continued "Eye for an Eye"
If you do not resist, they may take what they want from you, but may spare your life. Today, this idea seems to work sometimes. People that rob you take what they want and then kill you, this seems to happen more and more. This shows the break down of society, and why this world needs a Savior. The next teaching is turning the other cheek. The idea is that when a person strikes you, the world expects you to respond in kind. When you offer them your other cheek, you are responding the way Jesus would like you to, and not the way the world wants. This might cause your attacker to, stop and think about what he is doing, and the attack will stop. Sometimes, this works, and sometimes the attacker, will look at your gesture as being weak, and really attack you.
You have to remember that Jesus tells you that you are facing an evil person; again, this person will not care about the law. These people do not care about the law until they are caught. Then they will try to use the law to its fullest extent to try to go free. When these people attack you, they are in control; they hold the power to kill you or not. If you do not resist them, you may get out of this with your life. Jesus was asking us to teach "His ways" at all times. This is part of walking with God. Continued next post.

171st Post Jesus Said on Submission - Matthew 5:38 - 42

Matthew 5: 38 - 42; Luke 6: 29 - 30
You have heard that it was said, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
This passage was spoken by Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount, about 1.1/2 years into His earthly ministry. This passage contains a lot of hard teachings, so it may take several postings to explain it.
First, an eye for an eye, this comes from the Old Testament from Moses, when he told the people about this, there was no limit of how far a person could go for retribution. If someone put out a person's eye, the wounded person could kill the other person without fear from the law. God, through Moses used this idea of the punishment must fit the crime. This was the start of civilized law. All people adopted similar laws based on this idea. Now Jesus takes this further by saying do not resist an evil person. An evil person does not live according to the laws of society, so the teaching of an eye for an eye, would not apply to him. Who has the most force is what this type of person understands. Jesus teaches us not to resist them. Continued next post.

170th Post Jesus Said on Submission - New Chapter Comment

Like commitment that we have just studied, submission is also just as important. These are the attributes (when applied to Jesus), that will set you apart from the rest of the world. Just like you learned in the last section about commitment, submission is also a 24 hour, 7 day a week obligation. This is how Jesus knows you are sincere, willing and able to follow. These are the two areas, New Testament teachers, do not stress enough. They will tell you that once you become a follower of Christ, everything will be perfect and your life will become a bowl of cherries, you will be rich and famous, and have tons of friends. Jesus on the other hand said "If anyone comes after Me, he must first deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow Me." (Luke 9:23). Where in that passage does it say, you will be rich and famous, or popular? Jesus said "If you follow Me, you will have life and live it more abundantly". What Jesus promised is not the same thing that the New Testament teachers are telling you in their statements mentioned above. Riches, fame, popularity these are what the world offers. Jesus said "Be in the world, but not of it." As you live your life for Jesus, He may choose to reward you with riches, fame popularity, etc. You will possess them, not they possessing you. The difference is you know, you are blessed with or without the riches, fame and popularity. These things do not define you, so if you lost them, you would still stay committed and submitted to Jesus Christ your Lord!! Once you have Jesus, you will forsake everything, before you will forsake Him. This is what the Book of Job, was trying to teach us. Where do you weigh in on this??

169th Post Jesus Said on Commitment Con't - Matthew 5: 13 Con't.

Matthew 5: 13, 10: 37 - 38; Mark 9:50; Luke 14: 26 - 35 Continued.
Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!
Jesus gives still another example of how important your commitment is. His last example deals with a king about to go to war against a stronger foe. The king must first weigh the amount of men he has in the army, the strength of his defenses and if he can withstand a long siege. Depending on his calculations, he either prepares for war, or contemplates how much it will cost him to have the conditions of peace. Whichever cost is better, that is the one the king will choose. Sometimes being a vassal is better than being totally destroyed. Unlike the king, our choice is between good and evil. If we choose evil, that means total separation from God. That is the choice, choose wisely.

168th Post Jesus Said on Commitment Con't - Matthew 5: 13 Con't.

Matthew 5: 13, 10: 37 - 38; Mark 9:50; Luke 14: 26 - 35 Continued.
For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it- lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, "This man began to build and was not able to finish."
This is a continuation of Jesus comment in previous post about becoming a disciple. Jesus knows what He is asking is tough, and few will make the commitment. Like this man building a tower, if you are going to follow Christ, you must first consider the cost. When you decide to follow Christ, you have to be all in, part or limited commitment is not what He is looking for. Just like the builder of the tower, if we decide part way through that the price of following Christ is too high and quit, we too will be mocked concerning our failure. To put this in prospective, James wrote in his Epistle, that our lives on earth are like a vapor. We are not here for very long, but eternity is eternal. Where do you want to spend it? With God, or without God?? That is the question. Where do you want to spend it, becomes the bottom line. The cost of following, becomes more appealing when you consider the cost of not following. If you turn your back on God now, He will turn His back on you later, and later is an awful long time. On our own we win hell, but with God's help we win eternity! It is up to you, which choice you make. If you choose wrongly, you can not blame God for your decision.

167th Post Jesus Said on Commitment Con't - Matthew 5: 13 ; 10: 37 - 38

Matthew 5: 13; 10: 37 -38; Mark 9: 50
If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
This passage comes about 1.1/2 years into Jesus earthly ministry from the Sermon on the Mount.
This is a hard passage because it states just how serious God is about you following Him. First when reading the Bible, you have to remember that this is God's Word, and God does not contradict Himself. He tells you in Exodus to Honor your Father and Mother, in Genesis He tells us to Love our Spouse. On the surface, this looks like a contradiction, it is not. Jesus was making a point, as to how your commitments should be arranged. God is a jealous God, and will not share top billing with anything. If you are to follow Him, He must be the most important thing in your life! If He is not, then you are splitting your attention between Him and something, or someone else. God wants your whole attention first, then you can take care of your family, and others, work etc. When Jesus talks about bearing your cross and following, it means everyday, without question. Christ worked for His Father 7 days a week, 24 hours a day; to be called a Christian means "Christ Like", also a 7 day 24 hour commitment. This is the walk, your talk is supposed to model, if it does not, then you know where to make changes. Some of you might say "If I witness at work I could get fired." There is witnessing and there is witnessing. St. Augustine was said to have said when they gave him his position as Cardinal and Professorship at Hippo; "I can teach, and talk too!" We seem to forget that our actions are the truest Sermon, we can preach. I don't think anyone can be fired for acting like a Christian, and this can be accomplished without talking, can you believe it. This should not be an Epiphany, but something you are already doing. If not, its a place to start. How is your walk??

166th Post Jesus Said on Commitment Con't. - Matthew 5: 13 - 16 Con't.

Matthew 5: 13 -16; Mark 4: 21; 9: 50; Luke 8: 16; 11: 33 Continued.
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Jesus is using another picture to give us the same message. If you are a Christian, you are not of the world but in it. This means that you conform your life to the things of God instead of the world.
You will be noticed by the world because you stick out. If your life and that of unbeliever's look the same, than something is wrong with your commitment with God. If your life seems like the one I just described, then you are hiding your light under a basket where no one can see its light To be a city on a hill, or a lamp on a lamp stand, you need to be bold in your living the Christian life. Your light is what people see, not the sermons you preach. It is your works, and you do it for the glory of God! Not yourself! This is what the Pharisees did, before they did anything good, they would ring a bell to call attention to themselves, and when an audience had come large enough to suit them, then they would do something good for humanity. People of this world hate the United States, but they are very happy to receive any aid, we provide them. The next world disaster, look and which country sends aid first, and how much. It is because of this, that we still look like a Christian country, unfortunately we do not act Christian in any other ways. But we can change this one Christian at a time. If you are convicted, will you make the change??

165th Post Jesus Said on Commitment Con't. -Matthew 5: 13 - 16.

Matthew 5: 13 -16; Mark 4: 21, 9: 50; Luke 8: 16; 11: 33.
You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be trampled under the foot by men.
This passage comes from Jesus Sermon on the Mount, and takes place about 1.1/2 years into Jesus earthly ministry. Jesus tells us we are the salt of the earth, meaning like salt it does not take many of us to make a difference in the world. We, are to be the world's conscience. The Church now seems more afraid of being politically correct, then standing up for Jesus and what is right. This is what we were commanded by Jesus to do. I think St. Augustine got it right when he said when he was given his teaching position at Hippo; "I can teach, and talk too". We as Christians seem to forget how important our walk is. How important, that it has to match our talk. St. Augustine was saying that our actions should be our best sermon on living the Christian lifestyle. Jesus warns that we should never stop being salt. If we stop, our influence as the world's conscience will stop, and we will be worthless. Jesus demands that we are walking with him 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, not just a hour or two on Sunday, and maybe one or two hours during the week. The Church does not need to see you be a Christian, you need to show the world fearlessly and continuously, not intermittently.

164th Post Jesus Said on Commitment - New Area of Study on Comment

We have finally finished our study on what Jesus said about hell. I hope that this study has given you some new things to think about, and maybe cleared up some things concerning hell.

The study will now focus on what Jesus said about commitment. When studying the Words of Jesus, you need to remember that Jesus is not teaching anything new, that was not revealed through Moses and the prophets. The reason it seems new, is because the Old Testament teachers were studying and teaching in their own understanding instead of what God had intended. This is why Proverbs 3: 5 -6, are very important for us to remember. We are to lean not unto our own understanding but God's. If we teach with this in mind, we will stay close to God's Will for us. This is the intent of this study, to try to keep focused on God. The Sadducees, and Pharisees both thought that since they taught the Law, they were not able to sin. Paul reminds us that all have sinned and fallen short of the Kingdom of God (Romans 3: 23). They needed a Savior just as much as the rest of the people did. Jesus was telling the people, that even if you are blessed, you still sin and need someone to save you from your sin. That is why Jesus came into the world. God wants a personal relationship with you. He wants your whole life, and soul, not just part. How is this possible, you ask? The following posts on this subject should give you an idea.

163rd Post Jesus Said on Hell Con't. - Revelation 1:17 - 18.

Revelation 1: 17 & 18.
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
Revelation was written by John, the same John who wrote the Gospel, and three Epistles. This was John the beloved disciple of Jesus, whom he said of himself, was the disciple that Jesus loved. John wrote this book around 90 A.D. Clearly, long after Jesus had walked the earth and ascended into Heaven. Notice Jesus is right there in his vision, he placed his right hand on me and spoke. Jesus is clearly still alive here. Jesus goes on to Say "I am the First and the Last etc." He says that He is alive forever. Can Budha say that? Mohammad? Any of the other Gods? No! By saying that He holds the keys to death and Hades, Jesus is saying He is Lord over both. If Jesus holds these two keys, what Keys is Peter holding? Peter's keys are to Heaven. When Jesus says He holds the Keys to Death and Hades, he means He has the Supreme Power. Jesus did not have to wrestle with Satan, in order to get these Keys, like some people teach. Satan never had this control. Jesus was given these Keys by the Father upon completion of His work of redemption. Jesus is the only God interested in the salvation of all people. Contrary to popular belief not all roads lead to Heaven. They all lead to the cross; and it is there you have to make the decision. Do you believe?? Or not?? Only you can answer that question.

162nd Post Jesus Said on Hell - Comment on Jude.

We have spent a lot of time looking at what Jesus said about hell, and sometimes questions come up about different parts of the Bible and what they say on the subject. The Epistle of Jude came up, and I made the comment that some of the sources that Jude used in his Epistle were not part of the canon as we know it. This led to a discussion I was not prepared to continue, so I told them I would put this on the blog, for them to look at at their convenience. The sources that Jude quoted
are part of the Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, and the actual sources are 1 Enoch, and the Assumption of Moses. These sources were written between 50 - 100 B.C., the writer of the source is unknown and there is no way to prove that what is said in these sources can be tied to the people who are the titles of these sources. Enoch lived before the flood, Genesis Chapter 5 tells us all we know about Enoch. Genesis does not say anything about him being a prophet, or what he may or may not have written. Some part of these sources quoted by Jude still exist, however, the actual parts that Jude quoted from are not there. This has been a source of discussion to whether or not Jude should be part of the canon at all. Jude was the half brother of Jesus Christ, along with James. Jude should remain part of the canon, because it does not say anything that would cause someone reading Jude not to believe the Bible. Jude is telling the truth and should stay in the Bible as the Word of God, because it helps us understand God's Truth. I hope this makes things clear.

161st Post Jesus Said on Hell Con't. Luke 16: 29 - 31

uke 16: 29 - 31 The Parable of the Rich man and Lazarus Continued.
"Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' 'No, father Abraham,' he said 'but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' "He said to him, 'if they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"
Abraham is very stern in his rebuke of the rich man here, if they don't listen to Moses and the Prophets, they won't listen to someone else. This is exactly correct, Moses and the Prophets give you hope in the resurrection of the dead. It is here that you receive hope concerning this, not from the world. The world does not believe, and tries to destroy your belief. If someone does not believe Moses or the Prophets, they will not be convinced, even if someone comes to them who is dead. Jesus is using this parable to prophecy about His own up coming death. Jesus will die! And Rise, and people do not believe that He did, nor will they listen to His Words!! Jesus rose from the dead is a fact, we used to mark it as a fact, those of you who are over 50 years old should remember these B.C and A.D. B.C. meant before Christ's Birth, and A.D. meant in the year of or Lord, meaning after Jesus birth. Today books will use this terminology B.C.E and C.E. meaning Before Common Era, and Common Era. This is supposed to be politically correct. The fact remains that Jesus was a real Man and was God, that is why He could allow Himself to Die and then Raise Himself from the Dead. This is the truth, people will try to deny it, but it will always Be The Truth!!

160th Post Jesus Said on Hell Con't. - Luke 16: 27 - 28

Luke 16: 27 - 28 Parable of Rich man and Lazarus Continued.
"He answered, 'Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.'
The rich man pleads with Abraham to send Lazarus back from the dead to plead for a change in their life, so that they will not also come to this place of torment. Isn't that interesting, in life the rich man never gave one thought about anybody else, but himself. Now in death, he starts thinking about others and their welfare. The rich man says that his brothers will believe someone back from the dead. If that was true, we would have more Christians in this world than we do now. They did not believe Jesus! He is God!! If they did not believe Him, what makes you think they would believe a poor beggar brought back to life to tell them? Jesus was using this parable to give us an idea of what heaven and hell are like. You have to remember that Jesus is not of this world, so when He was living here as a man He had seen Heaven and because He was God, He also knew about hell and Sheol because He made it. There is a lot of teaching out there, that says that the living can change the position of people who have died. Jesus here seems to say otherwise. Being that Jesus is the Son of God, I would put more weight into what He said, than some other person. Jesus was unique because he was alive and had seen Heaven. Jesus gave us a true picture, I would listen to Him. How about you??

159th Post Jesus Said on Hell Con't. - Luke 16: 25 & 26

Luke 16: 25 & 26 Parable of Rich Man and Lazarus Continued.
"But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us'.
Abraham reminded the rich man that all through his life he had received good things, while Lazarus had received bad things. The rich man could have shown Lazarus compassion, and relieved his suffering. The rich man chose not to do so. Now the rich man is paying for his lack of compassion, and he does not like it. Abraham reminds the rich man that even if Lazarus wanted to show him the compassion that the rich man didn't show him. Lazarus could not do so, because of the great chasm that separates the two places. Notice that how much time the rich man spent at the Temple is not an issue here. Jesus was trying to tell us that there is more to living for God than just spending a few hours a week in the Temple or the Church. We are to be compassionate to all people. We are commanded to be living sacrifices, and as the sacrifice does not die, so our commitment to serve should not cease, or become hardly at all.

158th Post Jesus on Hell Con't. - Luke 16: 22 - 24.

Luke 16: 22 - 24 Parable of Rich Man and Lazarus Continued.
"The time came when the beggar dies and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire."
Lazarus dies and the angels come and carry him to Abraham's side. This is in Sheol (Hades) of the Old Testament, the place of the dead. Hades is the Greek form, and is interesting that in the Septuigint Hades meant place for both good and bad, but in the New Testament it means hell only.
The reason the word changed is because when Jesus was on the cross and He said to the thief "Today you will be with Me in Paradise." Jesus meant Heaven, with God, not Sheol with Abraham.
Back to the rich man, notice that when he sees Father Abraham and Lazarus, he asks Father Abraham to send Lazarus to him to cool his tongue. An act of Kindness, that the rich man did not show Lazarus when he was alive. Send Lazarus to minister unto me. Isn't that interesting. In Sheol the good and bad were separated by a large crevasse, they could not reach each other. The parable will continue next post.

157th Post Jesus on Hell Con't. - Luke 16: 19 - 21.

Luke 16: 19 - 21. The Parable of The Rich Man and Lazarus
"There was a rich man who dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores. and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores."
This was spoken by Jesus toward the middle of his earthly ministry. Jesus is telling the story to show people the difference between heaven and hell in Sheol (Hades). I will explain this later in this parable. The rich man lived in luxury but did not share it with anyone. He believed his wealth was his to spend as he wanted to. His ability to make money was given by God, his brain etc. But the rich man did not share his wealth as God would have liked. The beggar is given a name "Lazarus" (not to be confused with the Lazarus that lived in Bethany, Jesus' friend), he was poor, and could not afford food nor medical attention. The Bible names certain people, based on their character, some are good and some are bad. Most of the people named in the Bible are good, though. Lazarus had no chair to sit on so he had to lay by the gate. Only the dogs seemed to care for Lazarus. When dogs are mentioned in the Bible, they are usually bad. Jesus did not say, but it could be that these dogs were owned by the rich man, and that is why they were around and not driven off as if they were in a pack of wild dogs. Isn't it interesting, that the dogs could see Lazarus' condition and had compassion on him. The rich man could have helped Lazarus, but refused. He was only interested in his own comfort and well being.

156th Post Jesus Said on Hell Con't. - Luke 12: 4 -5

Luke 12: 4 -5
"I tell you my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after killing the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him."
This was spoken by Jesus about 1.1/2 years into His earthly ministry. The people of Jesus time lived in a dangerous world, the Romans were in charge and they had the power to kill, thieves and robbers also had the power to kill, and Satan also had this power. You probably looked at the previous sentence and agreed with all but Satan, right! The devil is more subtle than just killing you outright. Paul says the "Wages of sin is death". Satan causes you to sin. You say, but not all the time, that is true also. If you showed a drunk at the time of his first drink, that he would end his life on a dirty street all alone; he probably would not continue to drink. But that is not the picture Satan shows you. He tells you you will be popular, women will go crazy over you, you will be successful. In truth, you will lose all these things if you had them, or you would never be able to attain them. By getting you more involved with the world, this is how Satan works. The deeper you are in the world, the less time you have for God, and the next thing you know, you are dead. If you have not received Jesus Christ before you have died, then it too late! Are you ready to have a personal relationship with Jesus yet? If you are reading this, it is not too late! Tell your Pastor you are ready to make the commitment, or find a Church and ask them.

155th Post Jesus Said on Hell Con't - Luke 10: 16

Luke 10: 16
"He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects the one who sent Me."
This passage was spoken by Jesus about 1.1/2 years into His earthly ministry. He spoke these words when He sent out the disciples two by two, to try their hand at spreading the Gospel. Notice carefully the order of succession, if they reject you, they reject Me, and if they reject Me they reject the One Who sent Me. This is very serious, if the messenger is bringing the Gospel as Jesus taught it and they reject them; they are rejecting Jesus Himself. If the reject Jesus, then they are rejecting God Himself. This is a very strong rebuke, and should be taken seriously. Not only for the hearers, but also the ones bringing the Gospel! They too have to be very sure they are bringing the whole truth, and are speaking the whole truth. We have a lot of different groups saying they are speaking for Jesus, but are they really? Would Jesus say to them on the Last Day "Well Done Good and Faithful Servant"! Or will He say "Go Away I Never Knew You!" Jesus is telling both the speaker and the hearer, you have to be very sure, you are bring My words, and not yours, based on your own understanding. If we are speaking for Jesus, we have to be very sure we really are speaking for Jesus. Jesus had one, who was never a part of Him; like Jesus we too have the same problem. The only way to make sure is by reading and studying your Bible and through prayer. If you seek the truth, you will find it. If you hear the truth, you will know it.

154th Post Jesus Said on Hell Con't. - Luke 10: 13 -15

Luke 10: 13 - 15
Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths.
This passage was spoken about 1.1/2 years into Jesus earthly ministry. On the surface, it would look like Jesus was rebuking these cities for no reason. This is not the case, these cities were the ones Jesus and His disciples spent the most time in, and performed the most miracles in, in the Galilee area. This is why Jesus was so strong in His rebuke. The Pharisees, felt that since they studied the Scriptures, and were faithful at the Temple, this would earn them eternal life. Jesus says No! It is how you conduct yourself with God and others between the times you are at the Temple, or in modern day Church. Tyre and Sidon, have a long history of being against God and the people of Israel. No prophet ever went to these places and declared the Word of God to them. Jesus said if they had, the people of Tyre and Sidon would have recognized their sin and repented, like Nineveh did at the time of Jonah. This can apply today, if you attend Church and Bible studies, but your life looks like you don't do either. It is real easy to do something for an hour or two a week; and something else to do it 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. How is your walk?

153rd Post Jesus Said on Hell Con't. - Luke 10: 8 - 12

Luke 10: 8 - 12
When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.' But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into the streets and say, 'Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The Kingdom of God is near.' I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.
This passage was about 1.1/2 years into Jesus earthly ministry; Jesus was telling the disciples what to do when He sent them out by two's to try to witness to the people on their own. Notice He tells them to eat was was set before them. Jesus told them to go only to the Jews in Israel, not the pagan parts of Samaria or Decapolis. When you are a guest in someone's house and they took the trouble to cook or prepare food for you, it is bad manners to complain about what has been served.
You must eat it even if you don't like it. This falls under the teaching of Paul, that you being the stronger must humble yourself to the weaker so that you don't cause them to stumble. Notice Jesus said that after they fed you, you are to heal their sick that are there, before you give your message. And then you proclaim the Kingdom of God is near you. And you bless the town, before you leave. The opposite is true if you enter a town that does not accept you, you are to wipe or shake the dust from your feet after leaving. Notice Jesus said it would be better for Sodom on the day of Judgment than for that town. That is to tell them that as His disciples, they have the same power as Christ Himself, and even though this town had not done this to Him directly, they had done it to His representatives, and it is like they did it unto Christ.

152nd Post Jesus Said on Hell Con't. - Mark 9: 43 - 47

Mark 9:43 - 47
If your hand causes you to sin, cut if off. It is better for you to enter life maimed then with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the Kingdom of God with one eye than have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where " 'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.'
This passage was spoken by Jesus around 1.1/2 years into His earthly ministry. The message is very clear. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you are not to sin. It is over the question of sin, that separates the believer from the non believer. If you are a follower of the world, you have no concept of sin. Except for the 10 Commandments which are written in the hearts of all people. Any group of humans that live together have some form of rules, this goes from the most sophisticated down to the most backward. They have some kind of supreme being that is greater than they are; and they respect other people. These are two things they have in common. If you look at what Jesus said when asked about which commandment was greater, He replied "Love God with all your heart, soul and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself." You will see these are very similar to the rules the unbeliever follows. If you try to follow Jesus you try not to do anything that he does not like. If you continue to sin the same sin over and over you may have to take drastic measures to stop the sin. Stopping the sin, is what is intended here. You can chose a less drastic way to stop sinning. The more you study God's Word, and pray, the louder your conscience gets inside you. This helps you not to sin. When you are living contrary to God, your conscience becomes very soft, and easy to disregard. Are you a follower of Jesus yet??

151th Post Jesus Said on Hell Con't. - Matthew 23: 33

Matthew 23: 33
"You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?"
This passage comes toward the end of Jesus earthly ministry. This was quite strong language used by Jesus here. To understand how the Jews would feel about being called snakes; you need to go back in Genesis to the fall. Since God cursed the snake, Jews have hated snakes ever since. Jesus does not just call them snakes, but vipers, these are poisonous. These snakes are worse. Jesus in the previous verses has shown them their hypocrisy and how they were causing their students to stray. This is a very strong warning that even we as teachers today must be careful of. We must always declare the truth, and make sure that we teach with God's understanding and not our own.
This is the first time where God makes it clear, that teachers are to be held to a higher standard than the rest of people. This is not the first time God gave this message, He gave it through Moses in the wilderness. The Pharisees had not worried about this, and continued to teach in their own understanding, instead of God's. Jesus rebukes them with the authority of God, because He is God. They would put Jesus to death, not long after this, because they did not believe that He was the Son of God. If Jesus asks you "Who do you think that I am?" How would you answer??

150th Post Jesus Said on Hell Con't. - Matthew 23: 29 - 32

Matthew 23: 29 - 32.
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. And you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' So you testify against yourselves that you are descendants of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your forefathers!"
This passage comes from the end of Jesus earthly ministry. This is a short time before Jesus was to be killed. Look at the passage, they think they are better than their forefathers and have learned from their mistakes. As their forefathers failed to see that God raised up the prophets to bring them back to God. They (Prophets) were killed because the people did not believe. Now the younger generation is about to commit the same crime, for the same reason. Only in this case it is much worse, because God's Own Son is the one they are going to kill. Before you start to go off on the Jews, it was their unbelief that Jesus was Who He Said He was, that caused them to kill Jesus. Paul in Romans tells us that while we were still in our sins, Jesus died for us. Jesus died for all the sins of Adam's race, meaning all men everywhere. Who do you think Jesus is? Are you still in unbelief??

149th Post Jesus on Hell Con't - Matthew 23: 27 - 28.

Matthew 23: 27 - 28
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."
This passage comes toward the end of Jesus earthly ministry. This passage was spoken by Jesus while He was at the Temple in Jerusalem. When I was in Israel in 1999, we walked on the Temple Mount, all that is left of the Temple after the Romans tore it down in 70 A.D. You can see the Jewish bone boxes on the Mount of Olives from the Temple Mount. When you take in this scene, you can almost hear Jesus' uttering those words 3,00 years ago. The white boxes almost glow in the sunlight. Part of walking with God is purging your self of worldly things, and concentrating on Godly things. The religious leaders of Jesus' day, talked of being pure, but their lifestyle did not reflect these words. If they were brought to trial for being Godly, would there be enough evidence to convict? NO! Jesus is asking you same question. Could they find enough evidence to convict?? If not, than you are in same boat as the Pharisees. How is your walk with Jesus? Only you can fix it.