John 1 : 35 - 42
Again the next day John was standing there with two of his disciples. Gazing at Jesus as he walked by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!" When John's two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Jesus turned around and saw them following and said to them, "What do you want?" So they said to him , "Rabbi" (which is translated Teacher), where are you staying?" Jesus answered, "Come and you will see." So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. Now it was about four o'clock in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two disciples who heard what John said and followed Jesus.
We in the west look at the first thing the two disciples said to Jesus, and think that is an odd question. In the Middle East, asking where you are staying, is a very natural question. In the East, who your father and mother are, and from what country you come from is very important. Often, more important than what your beliefs are. Knowing this, makes the Scripture reading easier to understand. Andrew and John, were disciples of John the Baptist, and chose to follow Jesus, after the Baptist pointed to Jesus and said "Look the Lamb of God". John and Andrew, came to John the Baptist, looking for "truth". Those who truly seek God and His Truth, will find it. You don't have to be in the Middle East, or in Church, to find God and His Truth. This is exactly how people are still finding God and His Truth today. After meeting God and His Truth, the Holy Spirit may urge you to start attending a God-fearing, Bible based Church, that will help you learn more about God, and associate with other believers. A Church will help keep you accountable. These are the very first disciples of Christ, they were sent by John the Baptist, to follow Jesus. It is important for us to look for the Truth, and when we find it, not to depart from it. We will see from the examples of Andrew and John, how a believer is to learn and act.
Monday, November 13, 2017
Sunday, November 5, 2017
Post 19 - Study of all 4 Gospels at the Same Time - Temptations in the Wilderness - Matthew 4: 1 - 11; Mark 1: 12 - 13; Luke 4: 1 - 13
After Jesus was baptized the Holy Spirit led Him into the wilderness (desert); Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights; and was extremely hungry. It was when Jesus was in this weakened condition, the tempter came to Him. "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become bread." But he answered, "It is written, 'Man does not live by bread alone, but every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" (Deuteronomy 8: 3) Then the devil (tempter) took him to the holy city (Jerusalem), had him stand on the highest point of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you' and with their hands they will lift you up, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" Jesus said to him, "Once again it is written: 'You are not to put the Lord your God to the test.'" (Deuteronomy 6: 16). Again the devil took Jesus to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdom of the world and their grandeur. And he (devil) said to him (Jesus), "I will give you all these things if you throw yourself to the ground and worship me." Then Jesus said to him, "Go away, Satan! For it is written: 'You are to worship the Lord your God and serve only him.'" (Deuteronomy 6: 13). Then the devil left him, and the angels came and began ministering to his needs. Matthew 4: 1 - 11.
Mark 1: 12 & 13. The Spirit immediately drove him into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness 40 days, enduring temptations from Satan. He was with wild animals, and angels were ministering to his needs.
You see a big difference between the Matthew and Mark accounts. Matthew wrote Jesus was tempted after 40 days in the wilderness. Mark writes Jesus was tempted during the 40 days, making it sound like Satan tempted him throughout the 40 days, instead of after the 40 days. Mark also mentions Jesus being with wild animals. Jesus would have had to deal with the animals he encountered in the wilderness; Jesus having created the animals would have a different relationship with them than just a regular man.
The Luke 4: 1 - 13, is very similar to the Matthew account I won't write it here, I gave you the Scripture Address,
It was necessary for Jesus to be tempted by Satan; Jesus had to withstand these temptations, he had to beat the devil to be worthy to become our "Perfect Sacrifice", our unblemished Lamb.
All of things Satan tempted Jesus with, would be things Jesus would take back by dying on the cross. If Satan succeeded in getting Jesus to worship him, the devil would have gotten God to do something ungodly. This would have made Satan God, and not God. This is very important to understand why Jesus had to be strong here; if He failed, we would be lost forever.
Mark 1: 12 & 13. The Spirit immediately drove him into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness 40 days, enduring temptations from Satan. He was with wild animals, and angels were ministering to his needs.
You see a big difference between the Matthew and Mark accounts. Matthew wrote Jesus was tempted after 40 days in the wilderness. Mark writes Jesus was tempted during the 40 days, making it sound like Satan tempted him throughout the 40 days, instead of after the 40 days. Mark also mentions Jesus being with wild animals. Jesus would have had to deal with the animals he encountered in the wilderness; Jesus having created the animals would have a different relationship with them than just a regular man.
The Luke 4: 1 - 13, is very similar to the Matthew account I won't write it here, I gave you the Scripture Address,
It was necessary for Jesus to be tempted by Satan; Jesus had to withstand these temptations, he had to beat the devil to be worthy to become our "Perfect Sacrifice", our unblemished Lamb.
All of things Satan tempted Jesus with, would be things Jesus would take back by dying on the cross. If Satan succeeded in getting Jesus to worship him, the devil would have gotten God to do something ungodly. This would have made Satan God, and not God. This is very important to understand why Jesus had to be strong here; if He failed, we would be lost forever.
Friday, November 3, 2017
Study of all 4 Gospels at the Same Time - John the Baptist Declares Jesus to be Messiah - John 1: 29 - 34 - Post 18
On the next day after Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one about whom I said, 'After me comes a man who is greater than I am, because he existed before me.' I did not recognize him, but I came baptizing with water so that he could be revealed to Israel." Then John testified, "I saw the Spirit descending like a dove from heaven, and it remained on him. And I did not recognize him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'The one on whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining - this is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' I have both seen and testified that this man is the Chosen One of God." (John 1: 29 - 34)
John the Baptist's choice of words echo back to Genesis 22: 8, "God will provide for himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son," Abraham replied, The two of them continued on together. As God provided a lamb for Abraham and Isaac, God will also provide a lamb for the perfect sacrifice needed to save us from our sins. That Lamb is Jesus Christ.
The Baptist' message was for individuals to repent and come back to God. The one coming after him was bringing the message to a much larger audience, Jesus was to bring the message of repentance to the whole Nation of Israel, and the whole world! Since God created the world and gave us "free choice", we as humans have always sought after the devil and the world; rather than the things of God. This is why the study of God, is so hard. Left to ourselves we will pursue the darkness, instead of the Light. The Baptist could be talking to us today. We would rather do what we want, and say, I will do what God wants right before I die. This is dangerous, because none of us knows when death will come to us; when it comes, will we be smart enough to ask God to help us find His Ways? Or will we die, without making the change.
When the Baptist used the words the Spirit remained on him. John the Apostle uses the Greek word meno, it means permanency, The Apostle uses it to describe the relationship between God the Father and the Son; and the relationship between Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Permanence, is a good way to describe God and His Words. They will never go away, they will never fade. This study is provided with the hopes of making your belief in God stronger, or providing you with information to help you make the decision to follow Christ. After the commitment is made you can no longer live as you did before the commitment was made. Praise God!!!
John the Baptist's choice of words echo back to Genesis 22: 8, "God will provide for himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son," Abraham replied, The two of them continued on together. As God provided a lamb for Abraham and Isaac, God will also provide a lamb for the perfect sacrifice needed to save us from our sins. That Lamb is Jesus Christ.
The Baptist' message was for individuals to repent and come back to God. The one coming after him was bringing the message to a much larger audience, Jesus was to bring the message of repentance to the whole Nation of Israel, and the whole world! Since God created the world and gave us "free choice", we as humans have always sought after the devil and the world; rather than the things of God. This is why the study of God, is so hard. Left to ourselves we will pursue the darkness, instead of the Light. The Baptist could be talking to us today. We would rather do what we want, and say, I will do what God wants right before I die. This is dangerous, because none of us knows when death will come to us; when it comes, will we be smart enough to ask God to help us find His Ways? Or will we die, without making the change.
When the Baptist used the words the Spirit remained on him. John the Apostle uses the Greek word meno, it means permanency, The Apostle uses it to describe the relationship between God the Father and the Son; and the relationship between Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Permanence, is a good way to describe God and His Words. They will never go away, they will never fade. This study is provided with the hopes of making your belief in God stronger, or providing you with information to help you make the decision to follow Christ. After the commitment is made you can no longer live as you did before the commitment was made. Praise God!!!
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Study of all 4 Gospels at the Same Time - Baptism of Jesus - Matthew 3: 13 - 17; Mark 1: 9 - 11; Luke 3: 21 - 22 - Post 17
Matthew's account of the Baptism of Jesus says that John the Baptist was hesitant to Baptize Jesus, because John knew Who Jesus was (even though he was related to Jesus); the Baptist felt he was not worthy to perform the Baptism of Jesus. We have to understand why Jesus told John it is right that John Baptize Him. God is a God of order, and it was right that the Baptist Baptize Jesus. God instituted the Tabernacle and the Temple worship. But the Levites who were in charge of the Temple started worshiping God, according to their own understanding, instead of following the way God had set up. This is very interesting, because we are doing this same thing in our "Christian" Churches today. The Jews were only going through the motions of Worship, but not engaging God in their worship. God wanted the Jews to be "hearers, but also doers" of His Word. The attendance of our Church Services show that we don't even want to be hearers, much less doers. The religious leaders at the time of Christ, did not even recognize Jesus as their Messiah, that shows how far they had fallen. Since the conventional religious system did not recognize Jesus it made God have to go a different way to reach the people and draw them back to Him. The Prophets in the Old Testament, were raised up by God in order to try to bring the people back to a personal relationship with Him.
Look at the account in Matthew, about what happened after John finished baptizing Jesus, the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming on Him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my one dear Son; in Him I am well pleased." This is very unconventional indeed. Think if this happened in your Church, would you go about your business like nothing happened?
Mark's account is very similar to what Matthew said. Luke's account says that Jesus waited until all the other people who came to baptized to finish before He came to John.
All of these accounts are similar, with Matthew and Luke providing the most information.
Matthew's account should have a lot of detail, because he wrote to the Jews, to prove to them that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah as foretold by the Prophets in the Old Testament.
If you are a believer do you have a personal relationship with Christ?? You have to be a doer beside a hearer of the Word.
Look at the account in Matthew, about what happened after John finished baptizing Jesus, the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming on Him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my one dear Son; in Him I am well pleased." This is very unconventional indeed. Think if this happened in your Church, would you go about your business like nothing happened?
Mark's account is very similar to what Matthew said. Luke's account says that Jesus waited until all the other people who came to baptized to finish before He came to John.
All of these accounts are similar, with Matthew and Luke providing the most information.
Matthew's account should have a lot of detail, because he wrote to the Jews, to prove to them that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah as foretold by the Prophets in the Old Testament.
If you are a believer do you have a personal relationship with Christ?? You have to be a doer beside a hearer of the Word.
Monday, October 30, 2017
Study of all 4 Gospels at the Same Time - Introduction of Christ - Matthew 3: 11 & 12; Mark 1: 7 & 8; Luke 3: 15 - 18; John 1: 19 - 28 - Post 16
Matthew and Luke talk about a winnowing fork, this a tool used for the process of removing the wheat kernels from the stock and chaff of the wheat plant after the wheat has died. The threshing floor is a special plate that has raised ridges, with valleys in between to provide a place for the kernels to accumulate before they can be swept up to take to the mill. The valleys are narrow enough to keep the stock and chaff from gathering there. This terminology is used to describe the work the Messiah will perform while He was on earth during His Ministry. John the Baptist used the apocalyptic language of baptism with the Holy Spirit and with fire; to show the importance of the Messiah's coming and why it will impact all of humanity. Matthew and Luke both mention that the wheat will be gathered into His storehouse. This talks about the separation of the good from the bad, and where both will end up. This also is a very strong image painted here by the Gospel accounts, to show that the coming of the Messiah is very serious and important. Inextinguishable fire, is a metaphor for hell.
John's account is more interested in viewing Jesus Christ as the Son of God. This is why the Apostle points out who the Jewish leaders were and what questions they asked the Baptist. The Jewish leaders started asking the Baptist who he was, The Baptist answered "I am not the Christ!" The Jews were looking for the Messiah (Christ) to come. Then they asked the Baptist if he were Elijah; this was because the Prophet Malachi said that the Lord would sent Elijah before the great and terrible day of the Lord. At this point in time, God had not mentioned that the Messiah would come twice. I believe that this is why John the Baptist used apocalyptic language in his Ministry Messages. John the Baptist understood that Rome was in charge, and the Messianic Scriptural references talked about. After the Baptist had told the Jewish leaders he was not any of the people they asked him about. Then they asked him what he would say about himself. The Baptist quoted Isaiah 40: 3, making the path straight is a metaphor for becoming straight through repentance.
When the Baptist said this the Jewish leaders wanted to know by whose authority the Baptist was baptizing. The Jewish leaders asked this question, because they felt they were the voices of God and they had not given their permission to baptize the people. God will use Whom He Will to accomplish His Will. That even includes women and children!!
John's account is more interested in viewing Jesus Christ as the Son of God. This is why the Apostle points out who the Jewish leaders were and what questions they asked the Baptist. The Jewish leaders started asking the Baptist who he was, The Baptist answered "I am not the Christ!" The Jews were looking for the Messiah (Christ) to come. Then they asked the Baptist if he were Elijah; this was because the Prophet Malachi said that the Lord would sent Elijah before the great and terrible day of the Lord. At this point in time, God had not mentioned that the Messiah would come twice. I believe that this is why John the Baptist used apocalyptic language in his Ministry Messages. John the Baptist understood that Rome was in charge, and the Messianic Scriptural references talked about. After the Baptist had told the Jewish leaders he was not any of the people they asked him about. Then they asked him what he would say about himself. The Baptist quoted Isaiah 40: 3, making the path straight is a metaphor for becoming straight through repentance.
When the Baptist said this the Jewish leaders wanted to know by whose authority the Baptist was baptizing. The Jewish leaders asked this question, because they felt they were the voices of God and they had not given their permission to baptize the people. God will use Whom He Will to accomplish His Will. That even includes women and children!!
Study of all 4 Gospels at the Same Time - Introduction of Christ - Matthew 3: 11 & 12; Mark 1: 7 & 8; Luke 3: 15 - 18; John 1: 19 - 28 - Post 15
Matthew 3: 11 & 12
"I baptize you with water, for repentance, but the one coming after me is more powerful than I am - I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clean the threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the storehouse, but the chaff he will burn up with inextinguishable fire."
Mark 1: 7 & 8
He proclaimed, "One more powerful than I am is coming after me; I am not worthy to bend down and untie the strap of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
Luke 3: 15 - 18
While the people were filled with anticipation and they wondered whether perhaps John could be the Christ, John answered them all, "I baptize you with water, but one more powerful than I am is coming - I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clean out the threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his storehouse, but the chaff he will burn up with inextinguishable fire." And in this way, with many other exhortations, John proclaimed good news to the people.
John 1: 19 - 28
Now this was John's testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" He confessed - "I am not the Christ!" So they asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not!" "Are you the Prophet?" He answered , "No!" Then they said to him, "Who do you say about yourself?" John said, "I am the voice of one shouting in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way for the Lord, as Isaiah the prophet said" (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) So they asked John, "Why then are baptizing if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"
These accounts are similar, yet different. I felt it would help to see all the accounts, so you would be able to follow my explanation and differences between them. The Matthew and Luke account say "He will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire." Mark does not use this language, because his Gospel was aimed at the Romans. John's (the Apostle) account talks more about John the Baptist's qualifications then how Jesus will baptize. Matthew's Gospel was written to the Jews to show Jesus Christ as the Messiah. Mark's account was written to the Romans to give an account of Jesus Christ. Luke's account is the most historical account and was written to the Greeks. John's account was to show Jesus Christ as the Son of God.
"I baptize you with water, for repentance, but the one coming after me is more powerful than I am - I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clean the threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the storehouse, but the chaff he will burn up with inextinguishable fire."
Mark 1: 7 & 8
He proclaimed, "One more powerful than I am is coming after me; I am not worthy to bend down and untie the strap of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
Luke 3: 15 - 18
While the people were filled with anticipation and they wondered whether perhaps John could be the Christ, John answered them all, "I baptize you with water, but one more powerful than I am is coming - I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clean out the threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his storehouse, but the chaff he will burn up with inextinguishable fire." And in this way, with many other exhortations, John proclaimed good news to the people.
John 1: 19 - 28
Now this was John's testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" He confessed - "I am not the Christ!" So they asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not!" "Are you the Prophet?" He answered , "No!" Then they said to him, "Who do you say about yourself?" John said, "I am the voice of one shouting in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way for the Lord, as Isaiah the prophet said" (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) So they asked John, "Why then are baptizing if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"
These accounts are similar, yet different. I felt it would help to see all the accounts, so you would be able to follow my explanation and differences between them. The Matthew and Luke account say "He will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire." Mark does not use this language, because his Gospel was aimed at the Romans. John's (the Apostle) account talks more about John the Baptist's qualifications then how Jesus will baptize. Matthew's Gospel was written to the Jews to show Jesus Christ as the Messiah. Mark's account was written to the Romans to give an account of Jesus Christ. Luke's account is the most historical account and was written to the Greeks. John's account was to show Jesus Christ as the Son of God.
Study of all 4 Gospels at the Same Time - His Message (John the Baptist) - Matthew 3: 7 - 10; Luke 3: 7 - 14 - Post 15
The Message of John the Baptist was very harsh. He was telling the Jews, that their worship of the Lord was sending them to damnation. He said that they have "no fruit", meaning they know what God wants them to do, but refused to do so. This is very hard for the Jews to hear, because the Scriptures tell them they are the chosen by God. Now John the Baptist is telling them it is not enough. John could be talking directly to us today. You can imagine this did not set well with a large number of Jews, and they would go back to the Temple in Jerusalem to complain to the religious authorities. When John the Baptist saw the Pharisees and the Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them "You offspring of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Therefore produce fruit that proves your repentance, and don't think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as out father.' For I tell you that God can raise up children for Abraham from these stones! Even now the ax is laid at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. (Matthew 3: 7 - 10)! Who are the Pharisees and the Sadducees? The Pharisees, were the Levitical Rabbi's that were teaching the people in the Synagogues. The Pharisees were of the house of Aaron, and could work in the Temple as well. The Pharisees believed in the Resurrection, but were not sure which form the resurrection would take.
The Sadducees, were the Levitical Jews that lived in the Southern part of Israel and worked in the Temple. The Sadducees were the political group that did not like the Roman occupation, but they were willing to work with them, and took a more liberal view of interpreting the Scriptures. The Sadducees also did not hold to the resurrection teachings of the Scriptures.
The Jews believed very strongly in keeping their family lines pure. This is one of the reasons, Jews hated the Samaritans, even though they were related to them. I will talk more on this in later blogs in this study. When John the Baptist tells the Pharisees and the Sadducees, that God could turn these stones into "Sons of Abraham." John was telling them their special treatment of God and their worship was lacking. This is a hard thing to hear for anyone. How about you reading this blog, are you Christian? Do you remember when you became a Christian? Has your life shown any change? If you can not see any change in your life for the better; maybe you should look at where you failed to change. This was John the Baptist's challenge to the Jews of his day. And This is the same challenge we are under today. Where are you??
The Sadducees, were the Levitical Jews that lived in the Southern part of Israel and worked in the Temple. The Sadducees were the political group that did not like the Roman occupation, but they were willing to work with them, and took a more liberal view of interpreting the Scriptures. The Sadducees also did not hold to the resurrection teachings of the Scriptures.
The Jews believed very strongly in keeping their family lines pure. This is one of the reasons, Jews hated the Samaritans, even though they were related to them. I will talk more on this in later blogs in this study. When John the Baptist tells the Pharisees and the Sadducees, that God could turn these stones into "Sons of Abraham." John was telling them their special treatment of God and their worship was lacking. This is a hard thing to hear for anyone. How about you reading this blog, are you Christian? Do you remember when you became a Christian? Has your life shown any change? If you can not see any change in your life for the better; maybe you should look at where you failed to change. This was John the Baptist's challenge to the Jews of his day. And This is the same challenge we are under today. Where are you??
Friday, October 27, 2017
Study of all 4 Gospels at the Same Time - John the Baptist Introduces Christ - Matthew 3: 1-6; Mark 1: 2-6; Luke 3: 1-6; John 1: 6 - 18 - Post 14
John the Baptist was the one spoken of by the Prophet Malachi, in chapter 4: 5 "Behold I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes."
Many thought John the Baptist was Elijah, he looked very similar to what Elijah would have looked like. Before I go further, the account in Malachi says that God will send Elijah, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. I believe that the passage in Malachi is talking about the "Second Coming" of the Lord. I will address this in later posts on this blog. Since this is not the "Second Coming", I will stop here on this topic.
Jews and non Jews were coming to the Jordan River, confessing their sins and being baptized by John the Baptist. The Jews believed they were the "Chosen People" of God, and by birth-right they did not have to be baptized. The "religious leaders" believed that since they were teaching the people, they were without sin. This also will be looked into more detail later in this study.
Remember who John the Baptist's father was, Zechariah was of the house of Aaron; being a member of the High Priest rotation; gave him access to the Library in the Temple of Jerusalem, and access to all Scriptural Scrolls. Zechariah's job was to educate his son to all things the Messiah would do and what types of things He would say. John begins his ministry by saying "Repent for the Kingdom of God is near". John went on to say that "the One Coming after him will Baptize with the Holy Spirit and with Fire." Up to this time the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament came on people but left shortly, The Spirit did not stay. We will go into more detail on this later in this study. John the Baptist was teaching about an "Apocalyptic Messiah". Apocalyptic means pertaining to "End Times". If you are familiar with Old Testament Prophecy, there is no mention of when these things will take place or if some will be fulfilled before others. I will talk about this also later in this study.
John the Baptist drew huge crowds into the desert, to hear his words. The huge crowds, he was drawing, were getting the attention of not only religious leaders, but also Herod and Rome. The politicians were getting nervous at John's popularity. Israel and Rome were afraid of a large uprising. And wanted to defuse it before it could get started.
All through history, God has asked all of us to make a decision, to either make God the Lord of your life, or not. Have you made this decision yet?? If you are ready, talk to your local Church, or ask me. You can comment to this blog. I would love to pray for you, or talk to you.
Many thought John the Baptist was Elijah, he looked very similar to what Elijah would have looked like. Before I go further, the account in Malachi says that God will send Elijah, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. I believe that the passage in Malachi is talking about the "Second Coming" of the Lord. I will address this in later posts on this blog. Since this is not the "Second Coming", I will stop here on this topic.
Jews and non Jews were coming to the Jordan River, confessing their sins and being baptized by John the Baptist. The Jews believed they were the "Chosen People" of God, and by birth-right they did not have to be baptized. The "religious leaders" believed that since they were teaching the people, they were without sin. This also will be looked into more detail later in this study.
Remember who John the Baptist's father was, Zechariah was of the house of Aaron; being a member of the High Priest rotation; gave him access to the Library in the Temple of Jerusalem, and access to all Scriptural Scrolls. Zechariah's job was to educate his son to all things the Messiah would do and what types of things He would say. John begins his ministry by saying "Repent for the Kingdom of God is near". John went on to say that "the One Coming after him will Baptize with the Holy Spirit and with Fire." Up to this time the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament came on people but left shortly, The Spirit did not stay. We will go into more detail on this later in this study. John the Baptist was teaching about an "Apocalyptic Messiah". Apocalyptic means pertaining to "End Times". If you are familiar with Old Testament Prophecy, there is no mention of when these things will take place or if some will be fulfilled before others. I will talk about this also later in this study.
John the Baptist drew huge crowds into the desert, to hear his words. The huge crowds, he was drawing, were getting the attention of not only religious leaders, but also Herod and Rome. The politicians were getting nervous at John's popularity. Israel and Rome were afraid of a large uprising. And wanted to defuse it before it could get started.
All through history, God has asked all of us to make a decision, to either make God the Lord of your life, or not. Have you made this decision yet?? If you are ready, talk to your local Church, or ask me. You can comment to this blog. I would love to pray for you, or talk to you.
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Study of all 4 Gospels at the Same Time - Eighteen Years Spent at Nazareth? - Lost Years - Luke 2: 51 - 52 - Post 13
The Bible says that His mother kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and with people. There is a lot of speculation concerning these 18 years between the Bible account when Jesus was twelve till Jesus started His Ministry when He was thirty. It seems everyone wants to take the credit for Jesus' enlightenment. Some say Jesus went to the East to learn from them. Some say He went to live with the Essenes around the Dead Sea. Some even say He went to Western Hemisphere to teach people there. If Jesus is God, and the teachers were astonished with His wisdom at twelve, why would He go elsewhere to learn from them?? If you look at what the East teaches and compare it with what Jesus taught, it is similar on some things and totally different on others. The Essenes do not hold with "Blood Sacrifice", what could Jesus possibly learn from them?? If He went to the Western Hemisphere, why is there no evidence of this. The Holy Family spent a short time in Egypt, and the Coptic's say they became believers from that short time with Jesus.
God created man and woman, created marriage between one man and one woman; He created family, to live as a unit. This is what Jesus taught. We will go into more detail concerning His teachings as we get further into the Gospels.
Joseph is not mentioned after the trip to Jerusalem during Passover of Jesus' 12th year. Joseph's occupation was that of carpenter. Joseph would have taught Jesus the trade as part of their understanding of what God taught. If Joseph had died, Jesus would have become the "Head of the household". In this position Jesus would be responsible for caring for His mother and the rest of the family by working as a carpenter. Jesus would have to work in this capacity until one of his brothers could take over the family business. When this was accomplished, Jesus would be free to start working in His Father's business. His Father had provided everything for Jesus while He was growing up in Joseph's house. The Wise men, had brought gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. God had provided for His Son, by providing the means for Joseph to move his family in and out of Egypt. God was taking care of His Son and His family. Remember Jesus had to satisfy all of the Law of God, in order to be the Jewish Messiah, and our "Perfect Sacrifice". Everything that happens, is according to God's Design and because He allowed it to happen. Even when it looks like God is not working; He is working.
God created man and woman, created marriage between one man and one woman; He created family, to live as a unit. This is what Jesus taught. We will go into more detail concerning His teachings as we get further into the Gospels.
Joseph is not mentioned after the trip to Jerusalem during Passover of Jesus' 12th year. Joseph's occupation was that of carpenter. Joseph would have taught Jesus the trade as part of their understanding of what God taught. If Joseph had died, Jesus would have become the "Head of the household". In this position Jesus would be responsible for caring for His mother and the rest of the family by working as a carpenter. Jesus would have to work in this capacity until one of his brothers could take over the family business. When this was accomplished, Jesus would be free to start working in His Father's business. His Father had provided everything for Jesus while He was growing up in Joseph's house. The Wise men, had brought gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. God had provided for His Son, by providing the means for Joseph to move his family in and out of Egypt. God was taking care of His Son and His family. Remember Jesus had to satisfy all of the Law of God, in order to be the Jewish Messiah, and our "Perfect Sacrifice". Everything that happens, is according to God's Design and because He allowed it to happen. Even when it looks like God is not working; He is working.
Study of all 4 Gospels at the Same Time - Childhood at Nazareth And Jesus Trip to Jerusalem at Age Twelve - Luke 2: 40 - 50 -Post 12
Joseph's family moved to Nazareth from Egypt to be further away from the eyes of the ruling authorities of the Kingdom of Israel and the Temple. At this time the rulers of the kingdom and the Temple, were more interested in keeping a good relationship with Rome, than with God. They liked their positions inside the Roman Empire, and would rather keep the status quo instead of making waves.
During this time Jesus was growing into an adolescent. Not much is noted about Jesus' life at this time. The Bible is silent until the Passover Feast of Jesus' life and the trip to Jerusalem. The distance from Nazareth to Jerusalem is about 30 - 50 miles. This was before public transportation, and motels and hotels, did not exist along the roadway as they do today. A trip like this, would require a lot of planning. They had to carry their food, provide enough food and water for themselves and their animals, and provide for their own security while traveling. It was not unusual for families to make this trip together. Jesus, had to keep all the Laws of God, in order to be the Jewish Messiah, and to become the "Perfect Sacrifice".
The family units during Jesus' time are not like the ones we know today. When Jesus lived, people did not move very far from where they were born. This means you would live close to your aunts, uncles, mother and father, and grandparents. Since families would have to go to Jerusalem at least five times a year for the Feasts celebrated in the Temple. They would usually travel together, safety in numbers and pooling their resources and sharing with each other. After the Feast of the Passover, Mary and Joseph packed up their things and started the long journey back to Nazareth. Mary and Joseph went a days journey and could not find Jesus, among their traveling unit.
It is here that modern parents start to admonish Jesus' parents for losing Jesus. I believe this is a little unfair. Think of Who their Child was. I think it was really hard to have Jesus as a member of the family; he never did anything wrong. Mary and Joseph had become used to not worrying about Jesus, and probably gave him a lot of room. I believe this could have contributed to their delay in looking for Jesus. I think it is very interesting that when they got back to Jerusalem, it took them three days before they looked for Him in the Temple. How much have we changed from them?? Human nature is to try to do things according to our own strength, and when that fails, then we turn to God! They should have prayed to God first. Jesus' answer to them is perfect "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house?"
Being in the Temple, talking with the teachers of the Law, listening and asking questions, they were astonished at his answers and his understanding. They just didn't know Who He was!
During this time Jesus was growing into an adolescent. Not much is noted about Jesus' life at this time. The Bible is silent until the Passover Feast of Jesus' life and the trip to Jerusalem. The distance from Nazareth to Jerusalem is about 30 - 50 miles. This was before public transportation, and motels and hotels, did not exist along the roadway as they do today. A trip like this, would require a lot of planning. They had to carry their food, provide enough food and water for themselves and their animals, and provide for their own security while traveling. It was not unusual for families to make this trip together. Jesus, had to keep all the Laws of God, in order to be the Jewish Messiah, and to become the "Perfect Sacrifice".
The family units during Jesus' time are not like the ones we know today. When Jesus lived, people did not move very far from where they were born. This means you would live close to your aunts, uncles, mother and father, and grandparents. Since families would have to go to Jerusalem at least five times a year for the Feasts celebrated in the Temple. They would usually travel together, safety in numbers and pooling their resources and sharing with each other. After the Feast of the Passover, Mary and Joseph packed up their things and started the long journey back to Nazareth. Mary and Joseph went a days journey and could not find Jesus, among their traveling unit.
It is here that modern parents start to admonish Jesus' parents for losing Jesus. I believe this is a little unfair. Think of Who their Child was. I think it was really hard to have Jesus as a member of the family; he never did anything wrong. Mary and Joseph had become used to not worrying about Jesus, and probably gave him a lot of room. I believe this could have contributed to their delay in looking for Jesus. I think it is very interesting that when they got back to Jerusalem, it took them three days before they looked for Him in the Temple. How much have we changed from them?? Human nature is to try to do things according to our own strength, and when that fails, then we turn to God! They should have prayed to God first. Jesus' answer to them is perfect "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house?"
Being in the Temple, talking with the teachers of the Law, listening and asking questions, they were astonished at his answers and his understanding. They just didn't know Who He was!
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Study of all 4 Gospels at the Same Time - Flight to Egypt And Death of Herod the Great - Matthew 2: 13 - 30 - Post 11
After the Wise men had come to Jerusalem to the Palace of Herod the Great and inquired of the birth of the Messiah; Herod questioned them in hopes of finding more information concerning the whereabouts of the Child. King Herod told the Wise men to come back and tell him where the child was so he could worship the Child. When the Wise men did not return, King Herod became angry and issued a proclamation that all new born males born 2 years and younger, in and around Bethlehem are to be killed. King Herod arrived at this group to be singled out from questioning the Wise men when they had visited his Palace. King Herod told the Wise men that he intended to worship the Child, as the Wise men had done. King Herod really wanted to kill the Child. King Herod's title was King of the Jews, but Herod was not Jewish at all. He was an Edomite, born of the House of Esau. Herod became king of Israel, because no Jew wanted to be king under the rule of the Romans. You can read more about King Herod in Josephus' Book The Antiquities of the Jews Book 14 Chapter 13 1.324. Starting there and continuing. King Herod was King of Israel from 37 B.C. to 4 B.C.
The story continues with God coming to Joseph in a dream, telling him to take his young family and go to Egypt for safety until all those trying to kill the Messiah were dead. Joseph and his family were gone from Bethlehem, when Herod's soldiers came to kill all the young boys living in and around Bethlehem 2 years and younger.
While Joseph's family were in Egypt, people living in Egypt became aware of Joseph and his family, some of these people came to believe that Joseph's Son was the Messiah. These people became known as "Coptic's" This group in Egypt traces their belief back to when this family was in Egypt.
True to His Word, God came to Joseph in a dream, while he was still in Egypt and told him it was safe for he and his family to return back to Israel. Upon returning to Israel, Joseph took his family and settled in Nazareth, in the Northern part of Israel. This is where the family lived after leaving Bethlehem.
Nothing is mentioned in the Bible until Jesus was 12 years old.
The story continues with God coming to Joseph in a dream, telling him to take his young family and go to Egypt for safety until all those trying to kill the Messiah were dead. Joseph and his family were gone from Bethlehem, when Herod's soldiers came to kill all the young boys living in and around Bethlehem 2 years and younger.
While Joseph's family were in Egypt, people living in Egypt became aware of Joseph and his family, some of these people came to believe that Joseph's Son was the Messiah. These people became known as "Coptic's" This group in Egypt traces their belief back to when this family was in Egypt.
True to His Word, God came to Joseph in a dream, while he was still in Egypt and told him it was safe for he and his family to return back to Israel. Upon returning to Israel, Joseph took his family and settled in Nazareth, in the Northern part of Israel. This is where the family lived after leaving Bethlehem.
Nothing is mentioned in the Bible until Jesus was 12 years old.
Monday, October 9, 2017
Study of all 4 Gospels at the Same Time - Visit of the Wise Men (Magi) Matthew 2: 1 - 12 - Post 10
Who are these Wise Men, these "Magi"? And why would they be interested in an infant's birth in a small obscure kingdom such as Israel? These are very important questions and need to be answered if you are to understand who this "Baby" is. The Wise Men or Magi were not themselves kings, but they were high officials in the kingdoms that hired them. Kingdoms would hire Magi's or Wise Men to advise them on world affairs; they were also prized for their spiritual knowledge and would be asked for leadership in this area as well. Now that we know a little more about who these Magi were, why would they be interested in anyone born in Israel? The Bible provides some insight into this question. Magi would have ben present in Egypt's palace and would have seen Moses' miracles (Exodus Chapter 4 and following. The Children of Israel had another encounter with a Magi, named Balaam, Numbers 22:22 and following; not going to tell his story here except to focus on Numbers 24: 17 "I see him, but not now; I behold him but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob , and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth."
Nothing is said about the Magi until the book of Daniel; Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon had a dream. He summoned all magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and the Chaldeans (Daniel 2:1 and following). All the kings wise men could not help the king. It was brought to the king's attention that a young Israelite named Daniel might be able to help. Daniel's story continues through the rest of the book of Daniel. Daniel becomes the head of the Magi in Babylon during this time. The Magi become familiar with Israel and the "Star" that would mark the coming of the Israelite King. We now understand why some Magi would be interested in this new "Star", and go to follow it. This is why the Magi would travel to Jerusalem and to the palace of the king. Their reception at the palace was less than warm. Herod the Great, would question the magi as to why and where they would be led to his palace. When the Magi told Herod that a child had been born, he asked his religious leaders to look through the Scriptures and find where this Messiah would be born. The religious leaders found the Scripture that advised where the Messiah would be born (Micah 5: 2).
Notice that no one from the Palace of Herod went with the Magi, to see where the "Baby" was. The Matthew account says that the Magi found the Baby, worshipped Him and returned to their own country by another way. They did not return to Jerusalem to inform King Herod. They had been warned in a dream not to see Herod again.
This whole story about the birth of Jesus, and everything that took place, seems pretty hard to believe; except for the fact, that there are facts you cannot dispel. The virgin birth is hard to prove without the help of the Scriptures; by studying the Scriptures, you come to the conclusion that it has to be. This is the only way that God have handled everything. I know I have no control over who reads this blog, but I hope to show the truth of the Scriptures. I am trying to provide facts in the hopes that you will gain a greater understanding of Who Jesus Christ is,
Nothing is said about the Magi until the book of Daniel; Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon had a dream. He summoned all magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and the Chaldeans (Daniel 2:1 and following). All the kings wise men could not help the king. It was brought to the king's attention that a young Israelite named Daniel might be able to help. Daniel's story continues through the rest of the book of Daniel. Daniel becomes the head of the Magi in Babylon during this time. The Magi become familiar with Israel and the "Star" that would mark the coming of the Israelite King. We now understand why some Magi would be interested in this new "Star", and go to follow it. This is why the Magi would travel to Jerusalem and to the palace of the king. Their reception at the palace was less than warm. Herod the Great, would question the magi as to why and where they would be led to his palace. When the Magi told Herod that a child had been born, he asked his religious leaders to look through the Scriptures and find where this Messiah would be born. The religious leaders found the Scripture that advised where the Messiah would be born (Micah 5: 2).
Notice that no one from the Palace of Herod went with the Magi, to see where the "Baby" was. The Matthew account says that the Magi found the Baby, worshipped Him and returned to their own country by another way. They did not return to Jerusalem to inform King Herod. They had been warned in a dream not to see Herod again.
This whole story about the birth of Jesus, and everything that took place, seems pretty hard to believe; except for the fact, that there are facts you cannot dispel. The virgin birth is hard to prove without the help of the Scriptures; by studying the Scriptures, you come to the conclusion that it has to be. This is the only way that God have handled everything. I know I have no control over who reads this blog, but I hope to show the truth of the Scriptures. I am trying to provide facts in the hopes that you will gain a greater understanding of Who Jesus Christ is,
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Bibe Study of All 4 Gospels at the Same Time - Circumcision and Presentation of Jesus at the Temple - Post 9
Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple to be circumcised when Jesus was 8 days old. This was done to fulfill the requirements stated in the Law of Moses. According to the Law of Moses all male children were to be circumcised when they were 8 days old. One of the requirements of Jesus saving us from our sins, was that he would keep all the Jewish Laws perfectly, Jesus had to be perfect, to take the sin out of the world, that Adam allowed in when he sinned at the fall in the Garden of Eden. Adam was created perfect until he fell, Jesus would have to remain perfect in order to take sin out of the world. Jesus could not be born from a man and a woman, because he would have been born into the same sin that Adam brought into the world. Jesus had to come from above (Heaven), only God would be strong enough to withstand the devil's trials and not fail. Along with presenting Jesus to be circumcised, a sacrifice was required due at the time of presentation. Mary and Joseph gave a pair of doves or two small pigeons. They gave this amount because they were poor. Then they returned home in Bethlehem.
A month after birth the Jewish parents that were not of the tribe of Levi would have to redeem their first-born male children back from God. All first-born male children had to be dedicated to the Lord, as an offering of first fruit. The Levites had to dedicate their male first-born into service of the Lord. as stated in Numbers 1: 47 - 54. The rest of the Jewish males had to be redeemed from God's service as specified in Numbers 18:16. This account is important, because Jesus had to satisfy all the Jewish Laws in order to be proclaimed the "propitiation" (1 John 4: 10b) sacrifice, the complete sacrifice for the remission of all sin. This was to occur approximately 30 days after birth. It was during this Temple visit that Simeon and Anna met the infant Jesus. Simeon was a devout Jew and was told by God that he would not die until he beheld the Christ child. Simeon took Jesus into his arms and blessed him Luke 2: 29 - 32.
Anna was also in the Temple that day. Her story is stated in Luke 2: 36 - 40. Anna also was a devout Jewess and spent her days in the Temple after the death of her husband, she had been a widow for 84 years. God told her also, that she would not die until she beheld the Messiah. All of these things occurred so that the Word of the Lord would be fulfilled.
A month after birth the Jewish parents that were not of the tribe of Levi would have to redeem their first-born male children back from God. All first-born male children had to be dedicated to the Lord, as an offering of first fruit. The Levites had to dedicate their male first-born into service of the Lord. as stated in Numbers 1: 47 - 54. The rest of the Jewish males had to be redeemed from God's service as specified in Numbers 18:16. This account is important, because Jesus had to satisfy all the Jewish Laws in order to be proclaimed the "propitiation" (1 John 4: 10b) sacrifice, the complete sacrifice for the remission of all sin. This was to occur approximately 30 days after birth. It was during this Temple visit that Simeon and Anna met the infant Jesus. Simeon was a devout Jew and was told by God that he would not die until he beheld the Christ child. Simeon took Jesus into his arms and blessed him Luke 2: 29 - 32.
Anna was also in the Temple that day. Her story is stated in Luke 2: 36 - 40. Anna also was a devout Jewess and spent her days in the Temple after the death of her husband, she had been a widow for 84 years. God told her also, that she would not die until she beheld the Messiah. All of these things occurred so that the Word of the Lord would be fulfilled.
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Study of all 4 Gospels at the Same Time The Praise of Angels and Homage of Shepherds to Babe in Manger - Post 8
Why were there shepherds outside Bethlehem at this time of year? This is a good question and requires some thought in order to answer it. The Lord's Temple was located in Jerusalem, some 7 miles from Bethlehem. Lambs and goats were used in sacrifices in the Temple. The animals used in the sacrifice were considered clean, but when they were part of the flock they were considered unclean. Due to the smell that seems to follow the flock, they were not allowed any nearer to Jerusalem. The Jews were not the only group of people that thought this way. When Jacob brought his family to Egypt, they had to keep their flocks at Goshen, miles from the Palace of Egypt, because the Egyptians felt the flock or herd animals were unclean. Notice the lambs for sacrifice were considered clean, but where they were born and kept was considered unclean. It is kind of the same way with us. When we are born we are born into sin, through the human nature that caused Adam to sin. When we are introduced to the Holy Spirit (the first time we realize that there is a God); we start on the road to becoming clean.
We found out why the sheep and goats were on the hillside outside Bethlehem, but who are the shepherds? In order for the lambs to be considered clean they would have to be kept in compliance with the Jewish Laws dealing with the handling of the animals. You have probably heard the word "Kosher" before. Kosher means that the item labeled that was inspected by a Rabi in all the processes used to bring that item to your market. The idea in this situation is the same. Who better to guarantee that the sheep were raised according to Jewish law, would be young Levites. Levites were the tribe of Jews whose job it was to run all aspects of the Temple. Just like David was a shepherd before he became king, so the young Levites would work as shepherds making sure the sacrifice animals were clean to be used at the Temple.
These sheep and shepherds were enjoying a quiet peaceful night on the hillsides outside Bethlehem, when all of a sudden the sky became full of Light, and a host of angels proclaimed the good news that God had brought His Son into the World. If these shepherds were Levites, they would understand the message that the Angels gave to them. They would send representatives to Bethlehem to see all that the Angels had told them. The Levites would understand what this means. God has sent His Messiah into the world to save His people, all people from their sins. No other God loved His people, all people this much to bring His Son into the world to suffer and die to save us from our sins.
We found out why the sheep and goats were on the hillside outside Bethlehem, but who are the shepherds? In order for the lambs to be considered clean they would have to be kept in compliance with the Jewish Laws dealing with the handling of the animals. You have probably heard the word "Kosher" before. Kosher means that the item labeled that was inspected by a Rabi in all the processes used to bring that item to your market. The idea in this situation is the same. Who better to guarantee that the sheep were raised according to Jewish law, would be young Levites. Levites were the tribe of Jews whose job it was to run all aspects of the Temple. Just like David was a shepherd before he became king, so the young Levites would work as shepherds making sure the sacrifice animals were clean to be used at the Temple.
These sheep and shepherds were enjoying a quiet peaceful night on the hillsides outside Bethlehem, when all of a sudden the sky became full of Light, and a host of angels proclaimed the good news that God had brought His Son into the World. If these shepherds were Levites, they would understand the message that the Angels gave to them. They would send representatives to Bethlehem to see all that the Angels had told them. The Levites would understand what this means. God has sent His Messiah into the world to save His people, all people from their sins. No other God loved His people, all people this much to bring His Son into the world to suffer and die to save us from our sins.
Thursday, June 1, 2017
Study of all 4 Gospels at the Same Time The Birth of Jesus - Post 7
Birth of Jesus - Luke 2: 1 - 6 & 7; Matthew 1: 25
The Gospel of Matthew shows Jesus as the Jewish Messiah. The verse Matthew 1: 25 tells that Joseph did not consummate the marriage until after Jesus was born. By doing this Joseph confirmed that his wife Mary was a virgin when Jesus was born. The Prophet Isaiah said in Chapter 7: 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (God with us). Prophecies in the Bible are 100% accurate. We need to remember this since there are many Bible prophecies still waiting to be fulfilled. There is no expiration date on these prophecies, they will all be fulfilled.
The Gospel of Luke shows the historical facts concerning Jesus. Chapter of 2 of Luke starts out with the decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered, Luke goes on to say that this was the first registration, meaning there are more than one, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. God can use all men to further His plan. Caesar Augustus was not a believer in The Most High God, he believed himself to be a God. So why would he ask for a registration that the whole world as they knew it should be taxed. It costs a lot of money for a country to carry on a war. Augustus needed the money to keep his army moving and maintaining the land they already occupied. The army has to be strong to keep all of their occupied lands in line. We will see that Israel was an unusual occupation, it will be hard to see who really is in power, Israel or Rome. This sounds far fetched, if you do not know the history of these countries. Luke goes on to say that Quirinius was governor of Syria, this on the surface seems pretty straight forward, until you start doing research. You find that Quirinius was indeed governor, but twice and not successively. Either 7 B.C., or 4 B.C. Luke goes on to say in his Gospel, that this took place during the first registration of the whole world at that time should be taxed. There are other facts that we can look at to help to nail down the exact date. We know that King Herod was visited by a group of Wisemen from the East, looking for the King of the Jews. King Herod dies not long after this. Since Herod was a historical figure, his death is part of history. Herod also died during the Lunar eclipse, which also can be researched.
In the 1950's, when I was a child, we had to take much of what was mentioned above, by a "leap of faith." Our knowledge of what happened during that time, is becoming more and more clear, as this happens, it becomes easier to believe and understand the facts as facts and not conjecture.
The Gospel of Matthew shows Jesus as the Jewish Messiah. The verse Matthew 1: 25 tells that Joseph did not consummate the marriage until after Jesus was born. By doing this Joseph confirmed that his wife Mary was a virgin when Jesus was born. The Prophet Isaiah said in Chapter 7: 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (God with us). Prophecies in the Bible are 100% accurate. We need to remember this since there are many Bible prophecies still waiting to be fulfilled. There is no expiration date on these prophecies, they will all be fulfilled.
The Gospel of Luke shows the historical facts concerning Jesus. Chapter of 2 of Luke starts out with the decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered, Luke goes on to say that this was the first registration, meaning there are more than one, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. God can use all men to further His plan. Caesar Augustus was not a believer in The Most High God, he believed himself to be a God. So why would he ask for a registration that the whole world as they knew it should be taxed. It costs a lot of money for a country to carry on a war. Augustus needed the money to keep his army moving and maintaining the land they already occupied. The army has to be strong to keep all of their occupied lands in line. We will see that Israel was an unusual occupation, it will be hard to see who really is in power, Israel or Rome. This sounds far fetched, if you do not know the history of these countries. Luke goes on to say that Quirinius was governor of Syria, this on the surface seems pretty straight forward, until you start doing research. You find that Quirinius was indeed governor, but twice and not successively. Either 7 B.C., or 4 B.C. Luke goes on to say in his Gospel, that this took place during the first registration of the whole world at that time should be taxed. There are other facts that we can look at to help to nail down the exact date. We know that King Herod was visited by a group of Wisemen from the East, looking for the King of the Jews. King Herod dies not long after this. Since Herod was a historical figure, his death is part of history. Herod also died during the Lunar eclipse, which also can be researched.
In the 1950's, when I was a child, we had to take much of what was mentioned above, by a "leap of faith." Our knowledge of what happened during that time, is becoming more and more clear, as this happens, it becomes easier to believe and understand the facts as facts and not conjecture.
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Study of all 4 Gospels At the Same Time Annunciation to Joseph of Coming Messiah Matthew 1: 18 - 24 Post 6
Joseph seems to be a very unusual man from the accounts of him in the Bible. We will look a little deeper into the words that Matthew said about him. Picture, you as a man seeing Mary your betrothed for the fist time after a 3 month trip and she is showing (with child). You know you were not part of this; but she is still with child. Joseph being a Jew could have had Mary stoned for her infidelity. Joseph would be completely within his rights to do that. He also could have divorced her publicly and humiliated her and her family. This also was completely within his rights. Joseph does not do either of these things but is thinking of divorcing her quietly. It is while Joseph is contemplating these options that God sent an angel to comfort him and advise him on what to do. The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1: 20 - 21).
Matthew goes on to say all this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the Prophet: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel". (Isaiah 7: 14) Immanuel means God with us.
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel had commanded him. He took Mary for his wife and went with her to Bethlehem so the Scriptures might be fulfilled. It goes on to say that Joseph never consummated the marriage until after Jesus was born. This act also shows that Joseph was not like other men. Most of us would not have that degree of self control.
Look at this couple God picked to be the human parents of His Son Jesus. Both were plain and simple people. Why would God, make the parents of His Son from folks like these?
Adam was created without sin, but gave into his free-will and sinned. This sin brought sin into the perfect place God had created for them. This set the requirement to restore what was lost. This was accomplished by Jesus the God-Man, who was strong enough to say no to temptation, and restore the world of men back into favor with God. Jesus being God and Man was able to resist sin.
This study will follow Jesus' life and show what God has accomplished so far. When Jesus dies, the story does not end there but continues.
Matthew goes on to say all this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the Prophet: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel". (Isaiah 7: 14) Immanuel means God with us.
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel had commanded him. He took Mary for his wife and went with her to Bethlehem so the Scriptures might be fulfilled. It goes on to say that Joseph never consummated the marriage until after Jesus was born. This act also shows that Joseph was not like other men. Most of us would not have that degree of self control.
Look at this couple God picked to be the human parents of His Son Jesus. Both were plain and simple people. Why would God, make the parents of His Son from folks like these?
Adam was created without sin, but gave into his free-will and sinned. This sin brought sin into the perfect place God had created for them. This set the requirement to restore what was lost. This was accomplished by Jesus the God-Man, who was strong enough to say no to temptation, and restore the world of men back into favor with God. Jesus being God and Man was able to resist sin.
This study will follow Jesus' life and show what God has accomplished so far. When Jesus dies, the story does not end there but continues.
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Study of all 4 Gospels At the same time John the Baptist's Childhood Post 5
John the Baptist had been placed in a very unusual situation. His father was Zacharias, a High Priest from the Line of Aaron. Zacharias would have expected his son to live out his life serving in the Temple in Jerusalem, following in his footsteps. This was not going to be the case. John's ministry was to be preaching on the highways, and byways trying to get the Jews in Israel to come back to God and prepare the way for God's Messiah to come.
Zacharias was to prepare John, for this task God had given John. Zacharias, being a High Priest, had access to the Library in the Temple, that contained all of the sacred teachings of the Jews. In order for John to prepare the way for God's Messiah (Jesus Christ), he had to be knowledgeable in all Scripture passages concerning the Messiah. I will go into this later in this study.
Other Levites would train their children in how to take care in the operating of the Temple. They would concentrate on what was required to perform the duties of the High Priests, and the various other duties carried out by the other clans of Levites. By other clans, I mean those not of the Line of Aaron, but still Levites. I will go into this later in this study.
The High Priest's duties did not necessarily demand a working knowledge of Bible Prophecy. This also will be looked into more detail later on in this study.
Zacharias was to train John in the Scriptures that deal with the Messiah, the reason He was sent, and what His duties would be. This was a large undertaking, and as we will see in the coming posts, it is very easy for us to interject what we believe it should go and what God is going to do. Look at all the books published on "End Times", it will not take you long to see there are many opinions on what will happen first, and how it will go. If you are looking for these answers in this blog, you will not find them. Hopefully, you will find them discussed and will find that we always bow to the Will of God.
John will be very willing and ready to do what God has asked of him.
Zacharias was to prepare John, for this task God had given John. Zacharias, being a High Priest, had access to the Library in the Temple, that contained all of the sacred teachings of the Jews. In order for John to prepare the way for God's Messiah (Jesus Christ), he had to be knowledgeable in all Scripture passages concerning the Messiah. I will go into this later in this study.
Other Levites would train their children in how to take care in the operating of the Temple. They would concentrate on what was required to perform the duties of the High Priests, and the various other duties carried out by the other clans of Levites. By other clans, I mean those not of the Line of Aaron, but still Levites. I will go into this later in this study.
The High Priest's duties did not necessarily demand a working knowledge of Bible Prophecy. This also will be looked into more detail later on in this study.
Zacharias was to train John in the Scriptures that deal with the Messiah, the reason He was sent, and what His duties would be. This was a large undertaking, and as we will see in the coming posts, it is very easy for us to interject what we believe it should go and what God is going to do. Look at all the books published on "End Times", it will not take you long to see there are many opinions on what will happen first, and how it will go. If you are looking for these answers in this blog, you will not find them. Hopefully, you will find them discussed and will find that we always bow to the Will of God.
John will be very willing and ready to do what God has asked of him.
Study of all 4 Gospels At the Same T ime The Magnificat of Mary Luke 1: 46 - 56 Page 4
Luke's account of Mary clearly states that Mary called the baby in her womb (my Savior). Luke 1: 47. If Mary were the Mother of God, she would have no need of a Savior. Mary is the Mother of Jesus, not the Mother of God. For Mary to be the Mother of God, she would have to be God; she would have been with God at the beginning. She would also be another intercessor to God the Father. Jesus is called our High Priest, and as such is the only intercessor to God the Father. Jesus stated in John 14: 6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." This statement spoken by Jesus Christ is pretty clear that there are no exceptions, concerning who has access to the Father. That means, not Mary, nor the Saints, have direct access like Jesus.
Mary has been revered by all generations since, for her role in providing a way for the Messiah, the Christ to be born, and to take on the form of a man. Jesus' name means "He saves us from our sins".
Sin was brought into the world, by a man made perfect who disobeyed God and brought sin into the world. All mankind in this state is doomed to hell, because we do not possess the power to obey God on our own. We need another Adam, to be tempted by Satan and yet be able to do the Will of God. This man has to be sinless, like the first Adam in order to accomplish God's Will. The Bible teaches that sin is transferred through the man. I will talk more about sin, later in this study.
In verse 50 of Luke chapter 1; Mary states "His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. God grants mercy to them who trust and obey His Words and Statutes.
Mary prophesied that Jesus will bring down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things. and the rich he has sent empty away.
People think to be "Christian" means you have to be poor. This is not so, what Jesus was saying you must love God more than anything; the problem is people who have money, try to make more and more. This attitude puts money before God.
The last part of Mary's Magnificat verses 54 & 55, deal with Israel. The Jews are still the promised people, Mary states forever. The World and some "Christians" believe this is not so. Some "Christians" believe that the Jews lost their favor with God, when they had Jesus Crucified. This is just not so. I will explain this in more detail when we study Jesus' Crucucifixion.
Mary returns home to Nazareth after spending 3 months with Elizabeth in the hill country in Judah.
Mary has been revered by all generations since, for her role in providing a way for the Messiah, the Christ to be born, and to take on the form of a man. Jesus' name means "He saves us from our sins".
Sin was brought into the world, by a man made perfect who disobeyed God and brought sin into the world. All mankind in this state is doomed to hell, because we do not possess the power to obey God on our own. We need another Adam, to be tempted by Satan and yet be able to do the Will of God. This man has to be sinless, like the first Adam in order to accomplish God's Will. The Bible teaches that sin is transferred through the man. I will talk more about sin, later in this study.
In verse 50 of Luke chapter 1; Mary states "His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. God grants mercy to them who trust and obey His Words and Statutes.
Mary prophesied that Jesus will bring down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things. and the rich he has sent empty away.
People think to be "Christian" means you have to be poor. This is not so, what Jesus was saying you must love God more than anything; the problem is people who have money, try to make more and more. This attitude puts money before God.
The last part of Mary's Magnificat verses 54 & 55, deal with Israel. The Jews are still the promised people, Mary states forever. The World and some "Christians" believe this is not so. Some "Christians" believe that the Jews lost their favor with God, when they had Jesus Crucified. This is just not so. I will explain this in more detail when we study Jesus' Crucucifixion.
Mary returns home to Nazareth after spending 3 months with Elizabeth in the hill country in Judah.
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Study of All 4 Gospels At The Same Time Post 3
Annunciation to Mary about Jesus Christ. Luke 1: 26 - 38. Luke continues the story after 6 months of the Annunciation of John to Zacharis. The Angel Gabriel was again sent by God to contact Mary, living in the area of Galilee to a city called Nazareth, betrothed to Joseph a carpenter, who was of the house of David. For more on this refer to my first post of this study. Mary is a virgin, and was betrothed to be married to Joseph, young women were to be virgin's according to God's Law. The Angel Gabriel came to Mary and told her "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" But Mary was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. Gabriel continued to say "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to Him the throne of his father David, and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." Gabriel told Mary a lot here. Jesus was to be the Jewish Messiah, foretold in the Old Testament and prophets. God had been silent for a period of about 430 years, and now He tells Mary through His Angel Gabriel, that she will give birth to the Messiah. Mary reminds Gabriel that she is a virgin. Gabriel replies, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy - the Son of God. And behold your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing is impossible with God." And Mary said, "Behold, I am your servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. Mary's response was completely different from Zacharis; she believed the angel and was happy.
Mary decided to visit her cousin Elizabeth to check on her condition. It seems here Mary, is not quite sure if what the angel had told her was true. This could be viewed as a form of unbelief that Zacharis suffered from. The Lord is clear about "To whom much is given, much is required." Zacharis should not have questioned the Will of the Lord, it was because of this he was struck dumb.
Mary had to travel from Nazareth to the hill country to a town in Judah. This journey would have been approximately the distance of about 80 miles. Several day journey from Nazareth to the hills of Judah. When Mary arrived and met Elizabeth, Elizabeth told Mary that her child leaped inside her womb. The Angel had foretold that the Holy Spirit would be with John, even inside her womb.
Mary decided to visit her cousin Elizabeth to check on her condition. It seems here Mary, is not quite sure if what the angel had told her was true. This could be viewed as a form of unbelief that Zacharis suffered from. The Lord is clear about "To whom much is given, much is required." Zacharis should not have questioned the Will of the Lord, it was because of this he was struck dumb.
Mary had to travel from Nazareth to the hill country to a town in Judah. This journey would have been approximately the distance of about 80 miles. Several day journey from Nazareth to the hills of Judah. When Mary arrived and met Elizabeth, Elizabeth told Mary that her child leaped inside her womb. The Angel had foretold that the Holy Spirit would be with John, even inside her womb.
Study of All 4 Gospels At The Same Time Post 2
The Annunciation to Zacharis about John the Baptist. This story is found in Luke 1: 5 - 25. Verse 5 of Luke gives you a lot of information, if you read carefully. Luke tells you that Zacharis is of the house of Aaron, and through Abijah, he is related to Aaron. The importance of this information will become clear later. Luke goes on to say that Zacharis' wife is also of the house of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. This couple walked blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. Luke is telling you that this couple were God-Fearing people. Luke states that they had no children and were advanced in age. Verse 8 says that Zacharis was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. This verse likewise is full of information. The above information would make Zacharis part of the group of Levites to be the High Priest. The Temple needed a large group of High Priests to operate the Temple and Officiate at each Sacrifice. Levites did not own any property, and were to be scattered throughout Israel, Since the number of Aaron's offspring were very large, they were broken into 24 subgroups and each of the subgroups would have to serve in the Temple twice a year. Even these subgroups were still too large to serve in Temple during the Sacrifice's. This is why they were picked by lot to serve for each service. Luke said Zacharis was picked to burn incense. This information tells you what time of year this was. The High Priest could only enter the Temple to burn incense once a year, during "Yom Kipur", the feast of atonement. This is a very Holy Day to the Jews, it is the day they come to the Temple, to have all their sins from the previous year covered. The reason for this feast, will become more evident later in this study. While Zacharis was in the "Holy Place" on his way to the "Holy of Holies" an angel of the Lord appeared to him and told him, he and his wife would have a child. The angel told Zacharis, he was to name his son "John". The angel went on to say that John could not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be full of the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. The angel prophesied that John would turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him (God) in the spirit of Elijah. If you look at Malachi 4: 5, the prophet said that God would send Elijah to prepare the way of the Lord.
After Zacharis heard all these things, he said to the angel, "How shall I know this?" For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." The angel answered him and said, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. Then Gabriel told Zacharis, that since he did not believe my words, you will be silent until all these things take place.
Remember, Zacharis is in the Temple on his way to the "Holy of Holies" to offer the yearly sin offering to the Lord on the "Mercy Seat". After doing so he is to go out of the Temple and address the crowd, telling them that the Lord has accepted their Sacrifice. Zacharis went into the Temple being able to speak, but when he comes out, he could not say anything. The people are waiting for his Blessing from the Lord, and Zacharis could not say anything. The people left bewildered about what had just happened.
Zacharis had time to totally absorb what the Angel Gabriel had told him, in his silence. Zacharis, being a High Priest had access to the Library in the Temple that had copies of all the books and sacred writings available at that time. This put Zacharis in the position to train his son John in all the ways of the Lord. This information is vital in order for John to fulfill his coming role, as the herald for the coming Messiah. See how God plans every detail no matter how minute to fulfill His Word.
After Zacharis heard all these things, he said to the angel, "How shall I know this?" For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." The angel answered him and said, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. Then Gabriel told Zacharis, that since he did not believe my words, you will be silent until all these things take place.
Remember, Zacharis is in the Temple on his way to the "Holy of Holies" to offer the yearly sin offering to the Lord on the "Mercy Seat". After doing so he is to go out of the Temple and address the crowd, telling them that the Lord has accepted their Sacrifice. Zacharis went into the Temple being able to speak, but when he comes out, he could not say anything. The people are waiting for his Blessing from the Lord, and Zacharis could not say anything. The people left bewildered about what had just happened.
Zacharis had time to totally absorb what the Angel Gabriel had told him, in his silence. Zacharis, being a High Priest had access to the Library in the Temple that had copies of all the books and sacred writings available at that time. This put Zacharis in the position to train his son John in all the ways of the Lord. This information is vital in order for John to fulfill his coming role, as the herald for the coming Messiah. See how God plans every detail no matter how minute to fulfill His Word.
Saturday, May 6, 2017
Study of All 4 Gospels At The Same Time Page 1
I have been away from this subject for about 5 years. I am currently teaching all 4 Gospels at the same time. Each Gospel looks at a different side of Christ, this is the reason I am looking at each Gospel at the same time. This provides a better look of Jesus Christ. Matthew shows Jesus as the Jewish Messiah. Mark shows Jesus as the suffering servant. Luke shows the historical Jesus. And John shows Jesus as the Son of God. All of these views are important, because they show Jesus as the Real Messiah, The Son Of God.
Before I get into the study, I would like to remind you that God has been silent to the Jews for a period of approximately 430 years. During this time, man has been leaning on his own understanding, and not God's understanding. Before Jesus' birth, the world was becoming a very dark place. This is what the Gospel of John Chapter 1 is describing. On the night Jesus was born, only the shepherds watching their flocks on the hill side outside of Bethlehem were visited by the Angels. The Angels of the Lord appeared to these shepherds and told them about the "new born" in Bethlehem. The shepherds went into the city to see this fact that the Angels had told them.
Matthew Chapter One lists the Genealogy of Jesus. This is not really the Genealogy of Jesus, but that of Joseph, Jesus' step Father. Caesar Augustus sent out a decree that the whole world had to be taxed, and the whole world had to be registered, each to his own town. It was this decree that caused Joseph his step-father to have to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem in Judea. Bethlehem was the birth place of David; and Jesus was to come from the line of David. Joseph's line was not a direct line to David, so Jesus could not be born of Joseph. Jesus needed Joseph's genealogy, in order to be born in Bethlehem. King Jechoniah was king when the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar took him in bondage to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar killed Jechoniah's sons before him and then gauged out Jechoniah's eyes so that was the last thing the king saw. This made a cut in Joseph's direct line to David. Now Joseph was betrothed to Mary to be his wife, Mary's genealogy is listed in Luke chapter 3. When you compare Joseph's and Mary's genealogies, you will notice that Joseph's line starts with Abraham. Mary's genealogy starts with Joseph, and goes through Adam. This was necessary, in order to connect Jesus to Adam. Adam brought sin into the world when he disobeyed God and ate of the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Jesus' name means "To Save Us From Our Sins". Jesus' suffering and death was necessary for Him to be able to reconcile us back to God. Mary was not part of Caesar Augustus' decree so there was no reason for her to leave Nazareth and travel to Bethlehem. In order to accomplish Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, both parents needed to be in Bethlehem at the same time. When you consider the size of Nazareth, and its population, this makes the odds of these two coming together at the right time highly unlikely. God's prophecy had to be fulfilled, Micah 5: 2; in order to be a prophet of God, you needed to be 100% accurate. I will talk about this later in this study.
Genesis Chapter 3: 15, talks about the curse of the seed of the serpent and the seed of the woman. It is this curse that made it necessary for there to be a Savior. We will show in this study that Jesus Christ is That Savior.
Before I get into the study, I would like to remind you that God has been silent to the Jews for a period of approximately 430 years. During this time, man has been leaning on his own understanding, and not God's understanding. Before Jesus' birth, the world was becoming a very dark place. This is what the Gospel of John Chapter 1 is describing. On the night Jesus was born, only the shepherds watching their flocks on the hill side outside of Bethlehem were visited by the Angels. The Angels of the Lord appeared to these shepherds and told them about the "new born" in Bethlehem. The shepherds went into the city to see this fact that the Angels had told them.
Matthew Chapter One lists the Genealogy of Jesus. This is not really the Genealogy of Jesus, but that of Joseph, Jesus' step Father. Caesar Augustus sent out a decree that the whole world had to be taxed, and the whole world had to be registered, each to his own town. It was this decree that caused Joseph his step-father to have to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem in Judea. Bethlehem was the birth place of David; and Jesus was to come from the line of David. Joseph's line was not a direct line to David, so Jesus could not be born of Joseph. Jesus needed Joseph's genealogy, in order to be born in Bethlehem. King Jechoniah was king when the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar took him in bondage to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar killed Jechoniah's sons before him and then gauged out Jechoniah's eyes so that was the last thing the king saw. This made a cut in Joseph's direct line to David. Now Joseph was betrothed to Mary to be his wife, Mary's genealogy is listed in Luke chapter 3. When you compare Joseph's and Mary's genealogies, you will notice that Joseph's line starts with Abraham. Mary's genealogy starts with Joseph, and goes through Adam. This was necessary, in order to connect Jesus to Adam. Adam brought sin into the world when he disobeyed God and ate of the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Jesus' name means "To Save Us From Our Sins". Jesus' suffering and death was necessary for Him to be able to reconcile us back to God. Mary was not part of Caesar Augustus' decree so there was no reason for her to leave Nazareth and travel to Bethlehem. In order to accomplish Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, both parents needed to be in Bethlehem at the same time. When you consider the size of Nazareth, and its population, this makes the odds of these two coming together at the right time highly unlikely. God's prophecy had to be fulfilled, Micah 5: 2; in order to be a prophet of God, you needed to be 100% accurate. I will talk about this later in this study.
Genesis Chapter 3: 15, talks about the curse of the seed of the serpent and the seed of the woman. It is this curse that made it necessary for there to be a Savior. We will show in this study that Jesus Christ is That Savior.
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