The Bible

Passover to Betrayal and Denial

/ Bobby Mayfield / Leave a comment

Passover to Betrayal and Denial

Book of Luke Chapter 22

It was time for the Jewish Passover, and this Passover is tied to the death of Jesus Christ.

The annual Passover celebrated by the Jews is both memorial and symbolic:

1) As a memorial in memory of that first Passover night in Egypt.
2) Symbolic because its ultimate fulfillment was at Mount Calvary.

Joh 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

1Co 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
1Co 5:8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

On the tenth day of Abib (Nisan), a day set aside for the Passover Feast, each family was to select a lamb, without blemish, a male of the first year, and keep it isolated and under close observation until the fourteenth day.

If this lamb were injured or became sick within those four days, it would have been blemished and could not be used as the Passover Lamb, and they would have to select another one.

The Lord Jesus also spent four days in view of those of religion before He was crucified.

On Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a colt, the foal of a donkey, with multitudes crying Hosanna to the Son of David, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord,

This was a fulfillment of prophecy: Zec 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

The Lord Jesus then went in and cleansed the Temple.

Mat 21:12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
Mat 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

The Lord Jesus was under critical scrutiny for four days.

Four different groups challenged him in one day:

1) The chief priests and the elders of the Jews.

2) The Pharisees with the Herodians.

3) The Sadducees.

4) The Pharisees again who brought their lawyer.

With every test, the Lord Jesus proved to be the Messiah by the Word of God.

He had no blemishes, and He had no sin!

We know that day began at six PM and ended at six PM the following day.

The Lord Jesus and the disciples began their feast in the evening of the Passover, while most others celebrated their feast after daylight on the same day, which was the day the Lord Jesus was crucified and died between the hours of 3:00 and 6:00 PM, in accordance with prophecy.

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

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

Exo 12:5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:

Exo 12:7 And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.
Exo 12:8 And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat

The Lord Jesus Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper on the evening He was crucified.

The Lord Jesus commanded that His followers continue to observe this last meal until His return.

Mat 26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
Mat 26:27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
Mat 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Mat 26:29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.

This began the New Covenant in contrast to the Old Covenant.

To enact this New Covenant, His death was necessary because it was His death that provided the forgiveness of our sins.

1Co 11:23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
1Co 11:24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
1Co 11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
1Co 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

So, what is the meaning of the Lord’s Supper?

1) It is a memorial to the death of Jesus Christ for our sins. He said, “Do this in remembrance of Me.”

A) The bread symbolized the body of Jesus Christ.

1Pe 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
1Pe 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

B) The grape juice symbolized His blood for the forgiveness of sin.

Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Eph 1:8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
Eph 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

The Lord’s Supper looked forward to the cross.

He finished His work of salvation when He came the first time.

His resurrection looks forward to His return.

Mat 26:29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.

The Lord’s Supper is also a communion of believers with each other!

1Co 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
1Co 10:17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

Those who love the Lord Jesus Christ will also follow Him and eat and drink the same symbolic elements, focusing on our common faith in the work the Lord Jesus Christ did to provide our salvation.

*Luk 22:14 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
Luk 22:15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
Luk 22:16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
Luk 22:17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
Luk 22:18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
Luk 22:19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Luk 22:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

When all prophecy is fulfilled, we will sit down again for the Lord’s Supper, the difference being, He will be there with us.

This will be the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

It is possible that the Passover Feast has no significance as a meal of remembrance for the Jews as they have rejected the Messiah as the fulfillment of Old Testament Scripture.

Even the Church is cautioned: 1Co 11:27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
1Co 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
1Co 11:29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

The Lord’s Supper is never to be thought of as a means of salvation.

After this meal the Lord Jesus and the eleven disciples now went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray.

The Lord Jesus often prayed at Gethsemane, and Judas the betrayer knew this.

*Luk 22:47 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
Luk 22:48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

We should understand that the religious leaders of Israel had joined the forces of darkness against the Messiah.

This will be repeated when the Lord Jesus Christ returns!

Judas had been one of the twelve, but he had now sunk so low as to desert the Lord.

How could he have done such a thing?

Luk_22:3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

Judas is separated from the crowd, but his crime is much greater than that of the crowd.

There was the kiss of love and the kiss of reverence, but this day Judas had the kiss of a traitor.

Mar 14:44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

The kiss of Judas on this day was to put the Lord Jesus in the hands of His enemies.

Only a criminal has this kind of love!

The other eleven had love to defend the Lord, but the Lord did not need them to defend Him.

In fact, it is the Lord who does what is needed to protect these eleven true disciples.

We must also keep in mind that these Jewish leaders could have captured the Lord Jesus many times, but they were afraid of the people.

They chose the cover of darkness and broke the law themselves to capture Him.

*Luk 22:49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?
Luk 22:50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
Luk 22:51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

We know that only the eleven remaining disciples were with the Lord at this time.

We know it was Peter who took the sword that he had, and it was Malchus who was the servant of the High Priest.

Peter attempted to take off the head of Malchus, but Malchus reacted quickly enough that only his ear was removed, and the Lord Jesus immediately healed him.

Many of these men were the Temple guards, but the rest were chief priests and elders of Israel.

The Lord Jesus was no robber trying to escape!

The Lord Jesus was the Lamb of God, ready to be sacrificed.

All those things of abuse that were used on Him were unnecessary.

Even the kiss of Judas was unnecessary because Jesus had stepped forward to protect those who were with Him.

Jesus told His disciples to stand back and just allow this thing to happen to protect them, and that prophecy would be fulfilled.

The use of violence was to be left to those who brought swords and clubs, and not those who followed the Lord.

The Lord Jesus was never a danger to society, but He was a danger to their positions with Rome.

To them, Jesus was no more than a thief trying to rob them of their position over the people.

The Lord Jesus was not ready to establish His earthly Kingdom at that time.

They still did not understand that our Lord Jesus was bringing eternal salvation to all those who believed in Him and the work of the Cross.

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

The greatest sin of these people, which is the only sin that cannot be forgiven, was that they were blind to the Son of God!

They just were not going to accept the Lord Jesus as the Messiah, no matter how many miracles He did.

The Lord Jesus never once acted as if He were a thief come to steal something from this world.

The Lord Jesus never preached a sermon that allowed them to live as they wished; He always preached the Word of God clearly.

Only if they changed their evil and wicked ways could they be received by the God that they said they worshipped.

They had to repent and obey the Word of God, which was the message that they received from Moses.

They knew the truth of the flood.

The Lord Jesus had to teach the truth for anyone to be saved.

God will never accept an unrighteous person.

If we want to meet the Almighty Living God, then it will only be without sin.

We must believe who God really is!

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

The Word of God tells us who He is, and we must have enough faith to believe it.

Those who arrested the Lord Jesus on this day could only think of their position with Rome and not their position with the God whom they said they followed.

They were sold out to this material world that will soon come to its terrible end.

They had joined forces with the powers of darkness.

Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

What did the Devil know?

Col 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Col 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

When the Light of Jesus reappears, the darkness of this world will disappear.

Peter became afraid for his life, and it caused him to sin.

*Luk 22:54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off.
Luk 22:55 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.

Peter followed Jesus “afar off”.

This phrase means:

1) Not walking close to Him.
2) Not standing with Him.
3) Not being identified with Him.
4) Not focusing his life on Him.

If this could happen to Peter, it could happen to any of us.

Peter became afraid for his own life, and his commitment was weak.

Peter sat down with the crowd.

The truth is God has not given us the Spirit of Fear, so if we are afraid, it came from the Devil.

2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2Ti 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord,

What is apostasy?

Apostasy describes the defection of Christians, or so-called Christians, who now accompany the Antichrist.

It is written that just before the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, there will be much apostasy by many in the Church.

What we see in Peter is what we will see in the Church just before the rapture of the Church.

2Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

The Antichrist will show himself to be a superhuman and deceive many.

*Luk 22:56 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.
Luk 22:57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
Luk 22:58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
Luk 22:59 And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.
Luk 22:60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.

We must never pretend that we do not know the Lord Jesus Christ.

We do not need to hang out with non-believers.

We certainly must never deny the Lord Jesus Christ.

Persecution is going to increase among Christians, and it is already terrible in many places today.

Jesus said: Mrk_8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.

Matthew and Mark tell us that Peter began to curse and swear.

As Peter warms himself among the enemies of Jesus, he becomes like them.

Pro 4:14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
Pro 4:15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.

Peter was from Galilee and he could not deny this.

Then the rooster crowed.

*Luk 22:61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
Luk 22:62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

Then Peter remembered the Lord’s Words.

Then the Lord turned his head so He could see Peter and Peter could see the Lord.

The Lord Jesus had already warned Peter: Luk 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
Luk 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

In all this, the Lord Jesus, knowing exactly what would happen to Peter, the Lord never forgot him.

Even while the Lord Jesus was being beaten and abused, He still prayed for Peter.

He loved and cared for Peter, and He still wanted his loyalty and service.

Peter left this wicked crowd just as fast as he could.

He was a broken man, full of anguish and pain for having failed the Lord Jesus, and he wept bitterly.

Peter repented of his sin.

1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Amen

The Beginning of the End

/ Bobby Mayfield / Leave a comment

The Beginning of the End

Book of Luke Chapter 21

This is one of the chapters in the New Testament that is known as the Olivet Discourse.

The Lord Jesus will teach us:

1) The destruction of the Temple.
2) His return.
3) The end of the world.

The Book of Matthew, Chapters twenty-four and twenty-five, along with the Book of Mark Chapter 13, should also be studied to get a complete picture of what the Lord Jesus is teaching here.

The Lord Jesus begins with the destruction of the Temple.

We should understand that this Temple was intended to be a House of Prayer.

Mat_21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Mrk_11:17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Luk_19:46 Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.

The Temple had been made into a house of commerce and was no longer the house of God, but a house of men.

Only for faith did it have any value, such as that poor widow who had given all she had in faith.

The disciples of the Lord were still blind to the corruption in the House of God at this time.

Much of the Church is blind to the corruption in many houses of God today, which are more entertainment centers than they are Houses of Prayer.

What is wrong with the Houses of God today? Repentance is no longer required, and the Bible is not preached, or it has been changed to reveal a false gospel.

*Luk 21:5 And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,
Luk 21:6 As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

The Lord Jesus begins to reveal to them what will happen to this Temple that they are so proud of, and some of them may have still been alive to see it happen.

The Lord Jesus describes to them the destruction of Jerusalem and the total destruction of the Temple that took place in 70 AD.

The siege of Jerusalem began in April 70 AD, led by the Roman general Titus, as part of the First Jewish Revolt against Roman rule (66-73 AD).

The city was already weakened by internal strife among various Jewish factions, including the Zealots, which hindered their ability to mount a unified defense against the Roman forces.

After months of intense fighting, the Romans breached the city walls and captured Jerusalem. The climax of the siege occurred in the summer of 70 AD when the Romans set fire to the Second Temple.

Estimates suggest that over a million Jews died during the conflict, with many more enslaved or displaced.

The Romans systematically destroyed much of the city, leaving only a few structures, including parts of the Western Wall, which remains a site of pilgrimage today.

The fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple fundamentally altered Jewish religious life and still does today.

The destruction of the Jewish Temple in 70 AD was a significant event that reshaped Jewish history, culture, and religion, with effects that are still felt today.

It is said that Titus did not want the Temple to be destroyed, but he lost control of his armies and Temple was set on fire to melt all the gold that could be captured.

Josephus the historian wrote that, except for Herod’s three great towers and part of the western wall, the whole circuit of the city was so thoroughly levelled and dug up that no one visiting it would believe that it had ever been inhabited.

This is why the Muslim say today that Israel never existed.

The disciples then wanted to know when these things would take place.

*Luk 21:7 And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?
Luk 21:8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.

The Book of Mark tells us that Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked this question.

They also asked if there would be a sign before it happened.

The Jews did love their Temple. We know that King Herod had spent forty-six years making the Temple one of the great wonders of the world.

The government of the Jews had no respect for Jehovah God.

The disciples had already begun to see that the Lord Jesus was not going to sit as King of the Jews at this time, and this thing told of the Lord made this more real to them.

The Lord Jesus told them that this destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple was not one of the signs of the end times.

The Apostles of Jesus Christ would face some terrible times as they taught the first words of Christianity and the beginning of the Church.

In other words, there will come a time of the destruction of Jerusalem and a new rebuilt Temple, which would take place during the time of the Gentiles.

Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Mat 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.

We get the idea that it would certainly be centuries before the return of Jesus Christ, first to get His Church and Second to reclaim Jerusalem and all the earth.

2Pe 3:2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
2Pe 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
2Pe 3:4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
2Pe 3:5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
2Pe 3:6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

What is the greatest sign mentioned by the Lord Jesus Christ?

The sign of deception!

Mat 24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Mat 24:25 Behold, I have told you before.

The Lord Jesus is dealing with the end of the Temple and the end of the world, the destruction of the Temple and the destruction of the world.

It is sin that causes the judgment of God upon this entire world and not just the sin of the Jews!

Deception is the state of being misled.

As Christians, we recognize that the Church Age will end with the judgment at the return of Jesus Christ.

Because God is Holy, He must judge all that is unholy; otherwise, He would no longer be Holy Himself.

God is judging in this present age as every true Christian has been justified, but this future judgment goes much further than this.

At some point in the past, God judged Lucifer and the fallen angels.

God judged the people of the earth when He sent the flood.

God judged the people at the Tower of Babel, and the different languages began.

God judged the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and then later He judged the Southern Kingdom of Judah.

None of these things were the final judgment.

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

Believers will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ.

Rom 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Unbelievers will stand before the White Throne Judgment!

Rev 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
Rev 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
Rev 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

At the end of the ages, God will judge Satan and his demons together with the beasts and the false prophet.

Yes, judgment is coming to all God’s created people!

A great deception is already in place today in the Church and in the world.

We believe that after the Rapture of the Church and the Church meets the Lord Jesus in the air, it is at this time or near this time that a covenant of peace will be signed with Israel, and the Temple will be rebuilt, and the priestly duties, along with animal sacrifices, will begin again.

This begins the time of Jacob’s trouble, when Israel has relative peace until they find out that the Antichrist, who is the great deceiver, has no intention of peace, the sacrifices will stop, and the Temple will again be destroyed in what we know of as the Great Tribulation.

Dan 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Mat_24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

This is the time of Israel, and God has removed the Church just as he promised before this takes place.

Some things should not bother us too much, for the Church will not see this wrath of God as He has promised.
As long as the Church is upon this earth, we are to stay busy spreading the Gospel.

The Lord Jesus says that we will live in a time of unrest, and we are today, and it may get worse before we go home to Heaven.

We have seen this unrest since the Crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ and the beginning of the Church Age.

*Luk 21:9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.
Luk 21:10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:

What have we seen?

1) We have seen nations fight each other and kingdoms take up arms against each other.
2) We have seen that the earth has been moved by great earthquakes and natural disasters.
3) Heaven has also spoken; terrible things have happened that make great impressions, and great signs in the heavens have already been seen.

The Lord Jesus said that these things are going to happen, but they are not necessarily signs that the end is imminent.

The Lord Jesus Christ was preparing His Apostles for His death and departure and preparing them to carry on without Him.

We already know that these eleven men and the Apostle Paul faced some terrible times in which they were all martyred, but the Apostle John.

The most important thing we can gain from this message of Jesus Christ is that we must not grow weary in waiting for His return.

He was telling us all that we will see and experience so much trouble in our world that our faith might falter, and we must guard against this happening.

Many walk this earth today after their own lusts, not even caring if Christ will return, in fact stating, where is He, where is His promise.

One of the key signs of the return of Jesus Christ is what we see today: 1Jn 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
1Jn 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
1Jn 2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

Many of the doubters come from the Church itself.

We see a falling away from the Church today, but this speaks of those who belong to Satan who have become leaders in many churches and now deny Jesus Christ.

We should know that God is never caught off guard. He is still on the throne and still in charge of His creation.

We should not get caught off guard ourselves. We can expect these things from a corrupt world, so we must not get discouraged.

Joh 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
Joh 14:2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Joh 14:4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

We will face challenges that will try to draw us away from God, our Savior.

We must concentrate our trust on New Heaven and the New Earth and not in this world.

We must remember that the Lord Jesus was not preaching a sermon here; He was answering the questions from His Apostles.

Joh 16:31 Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?
Joh 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

We should also understand that the turmoil we see in our world is not part of the plan of God; He just knows that these things will happen.

It is because of the lust, the greed, and the wickedness in this evil world, which never goes away.

Jas 4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
Jas 4:2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
Jas 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
Jas 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

We must not get caught off guard by these things we see every day!

We see how violent our world has become, so we believe that the end is near, and it may be, but it may not be.

We are to remain busy with the work of the Lord!

Jer 51:45 My people, go ye out of the midst of her, and deliver ye every man his soul from the fierce anger of the LORD.
Jer 51:46 And lest your heart faint, and ye fear for the rumour that shall be heard in the land; a rumour shall both come one year, and after that in another year shall come a rumour, and violence in the land, ruler against ruler.

There will most certainly be natural disasters, which may increase and have.

We do live in a cursed world!

*Luk 21:11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

We can say that since the time of the flood, there have been great earthquakes.

We seem to forget sometimes that when the Lord Jesus first created this earth, all the land was in one great continent.

During and after the flood, this big continent broke apart, and volcanoes and earthquakes began as the tectonic plates began to shift and are still shifting.

Gen_7:11 In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.

Gen_10:25 And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan.

What do we know about earthquakes?

Just on March 30th.

Map data from National Geographic
5.1 magnitude Celebes Sea
3.9 magnitude Road Town, British Virgin Islands
4.9 magnitude, Lakatoro, Malampa, Vanuatu
4.2 magnitude, The Valley, Anguilla
4.1 magnitude, Road Town, British Virgin Islands
4.6 magnitude, Fiji
Another 5.0 magnitude, The Valley, Anguilla
Another 3.9 magnitude, The Valley, Anguilla
Another 3.6 magnitude, Road Town, British Virgin Islands
Another 3.7 magnitude, The Valley, Anguilla

There have been 195 earthquakes in the past 24 hours
1,278 earthquakes in the past 7 days
5,452 earthquakes in the past 30 days
50,842 earthquakes in the past 365 days

Earthquakes are one of the most feared disasters among people.

The historian Josephus made a record of the earthquake that fulfilled the prophecy of the Lord Jesus upon the cross.

Josephus also thought the world was coming to an end on the day Jesus died.

He wrote: There broke out a prodigious storm in the night, with utmost violence, and very strong winds, with the largest shower of rain and continuous lightnings, terrible thundering, and amazing concussions and bellowings of the earth, that was in an earthquake.

He added: These things were a manifest indication that some destruction was coming upon men, when the system of the world was put into this disorder, and anyone would guess that these wonders foretold some grand calamities that were coming.

The Lord Jesus speaks of “great earthquakes” more powerful than what we see daily.

Food is one of the necessities we cannot do without. Jesus said there would be a great famine before Jerusalem falls again.

Rev 6:5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
Rev 6:6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.

The Bible says that those who are slain with the sword are better off than they that die from hunger.

There will be great diseases, and we know disease shows no partiality.

No one can buy their way out of an epidemic of disease.

There will be fearful sights and great signs in the heavens.

We know that the earth can be darkened by the dust of volcanoes, windstorms, and even smoke from huge fires.

Whatever darkens the sun will also affect the moon.

Meteorites fall from the sky, and we have been seeing very large meteorites pass through our solar system lately.

Large enough to destroy our planet.

The earth is primed for all these things to take place, but if we believe that the “Rapture” is the next event on God’s calendar to take place, then there is one more thing that will take place.

*Luk 21:12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake.
Luk 21:13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
Luk 21:14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
Luk 21:15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

This is the sign that concerns the Christian that will happen before God removes His Church.

Right now, there is a Christian murdered every two hours just for following the Lord Jesus Christ, and it is only going to get worse.

For them, following the Lord Jesus Christ has cost them everything!

They are tortured and murdered just for saying “I believe in Jesus Christ”.

This is the reality for Christians who live in the Islamic World.

More than 388 million Christians suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith.

We had better understand that we will face persecution for claiming our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

We stand for godliness; the world is not godly, nor does the world seek to become godly.

The Muslims claim to serve the God of Abraham, yet they reject the Lord Jesus Christ, so this is an outright lie; they serve the Devil.

All those who live for the world do not think they should have to change; therefore, the message of Jesus Christ is that they will die in their sin.

Repentance is not even taught in many so-called houses of God today because few people left are willing to change their lives.

When this persecution happens, we must be settled in our hearts that we will remain with Christ, and the Holy Spirit will use our own mouths to speak the words of Jesus Christ.

Without a test of our faithfulness, we will never have a testimony!

What will our persecution look like?

Luk 21:16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.
Luk 21:17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.
Luk 21:18 But there shall not an hair of your head perish.
Luk 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls.

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

Many believe that the destruction of Jerusalem by Rome in 70 AD was the fulfillment of this prophecy.

1.1 million Jews were slaughtered.

97,000 were taken captive and removed from Jerusalem.

Not one Jew was left alive in Jerusalem.

Not one Christian died because they fled Jerusalem before the siege of Jerusalem took place.

Many Jews have used this as an excuse to hate Christians ever since, but our main job is to obey the Word of God and not this world.

The Romans not only destroyed the Temple and Jerusalem, but they also ransacked the entire area around Jerusalem, so that it looked as if no one had ever lived there.

Was this even what the Lord Jesus described?

After the destruction of Jerusalem and the dispersion of the Jews predicted by Jesus in the previous verses, there would come a long period when Jerusalem would be dominated by Gentiles.

But miraculously, in 1948, Israel again became a nation, and in 1967 Jerusalem was captured again by the Jews and is now again one of the mightiest nations on this earth.

As long as the Muslim rule on the Temple Mount, Jerusalem is still trampled by the Gentiles, there remains prophecy to be fulfilled.

Dan 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

As Christians, we believe that this one week is the seven years of tribulation that have not taken place yet and will not until the Rapture of the Church has taken place.

The truth is that no one knows exactly when these things will happen, and the Lord Jesus says to watch and pray.

To watch means to keep up with what is going on in Israel and Jerusalem at all times.

*Luk 21:21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
Luk 21:22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
Luk 21:23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
Luk 21:24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

No doubt these things took place in the siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD.

Some who Jesus was teaching were alive to see these things happen.

Some of the Apostles and the Christians fled to a place called Pella in the district of Decapolis.

In reality, we are still to be prepared for the coming judgment of the end times because we know they have not taken place yet.

As Christians, we may be actual witnesses to the beginning of these things of the end times.

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

We should understand that Jesus describes things that did not happen in the years around 70 AD, so the Lord Jesus is describing a future event.

Revelation Chapters 6, 8-9, 15-18 give us a much clearer picture of what the Lord Jesus is teaching here.

Our universe will be in complete turmoil.

What Size Asteroid Would it take to destroy Earth?

It is believed that no single asteroid can completely and utterly destroy the Earth as a planet. However, an asteroid approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) in diameter or larger could trigger a global catastrophe that renders the planet largely uninhabitable for humans and many other species.

In the last few years, there have been asteroids or comets that have entered our solar system larger than this.

Gravity is another power in the heavens, and gravity in some way must fail before the stars of heaven can fall.

The power above all power is in God, the Holy Trinity, who only can cause such things to fail.

It is at the end of these things that the Lord Jesus will return to this earth.

The Church will already be in Heaven or will be returning with the Lord Jesus, so those who are gathered would be those who were saved during the Great Tribulation, and they would be mostly Jews, who still have God’s covenant.

Rom 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Rom 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
Rom 11:27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
Rom 11:28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.

This is the remnant that is mentioned throughout the Bible.

Isa 10:21 The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.

This is a lot to take in, but when we see any of these things begin to take place, then we need to look up, lift our heads high, because we are soon going home.

Remembering that deception is the main culprit affecting the Church, we should be holding our heads up high now and not be deceived.

The Church will be out of here soon.

Amen

Parables and Blessings

/ Bobby Mayfield / Leave a comment

Parables and Blessings

Book of Luke Chapter 18

Besides the Holy Spirit, prayer is our greatest weapon in this world against the evilness and wickedness of our world.

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

Prayer is the meeting of our soul with the mind of God.

1Sa 1:15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.

Prayer is beseeching the Lord.

Exo 32:11 And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?

Prayer is crying out to Heaven.

2Ch 32:19 And they spake against the God of Jerusalem, as against the gods of the people of the earth, which were the work of the hands of man.
2Ch 32:20 And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven.

Prayers are seeking and making supplication.

Job 8:5 If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty;

Prayer is drawing near to God.

Psa 73:28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

Prayer is the bowing of the knees.

Eph 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Eph 3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
Eph 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Eph 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

We must persevere in prayer because it is our duty!

We must put forth the effort to talk with God even when it seems He is not listening because He is always listening!

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

What is persevering prayer? To persevere means to be constant in our purpose for praying.

When we look around, we see that we are in similar days of Noah and Lot where God brought destruction.

God has already promised a future destruction, and we are very near to it now.

Psa_2:12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Isa_9:19 Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts is the land darkened, and the people shall be as the fuel of the fire: no man shall spare his brother.

Isa_13:13 Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the LORD of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger.

Zep_1:15 That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness,

There is power in persistence.

Continuous prayer is the only thing that gives us the strength to persevere.

Continuous prayer shows that we are confident in our God.

We are to pray and continue to pray until the Lord Jesus Christ returns to take us home.

In this parable, we see an unjust judge who disregards the laws, hates God, and hates those who come before him.

Yet he feels like he has the power to do as he wishes.

This is the way of our world today.

Everyone wants to reach in and grab a piece of power to do the things they desire.

We live in the day of the unjust judge, and it is very noticeable.

There was this widow who had been wronged and was seeking help from the judicial system, but this judge had no feelings for the truth, and he hated to be bothered with such trivial matters.

Every judge in our nation needs to understand there is a Higher Judge who has His eyes on them, and they, too, will be judged the same way that they judge others.

It is a fact that on that day of the widow, that most every widow, especially those who had no children, lived in helplessness and defenselessness.

Luk 7:12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.
Luk 7:13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

Many times, this judge just ignored her and her problems.

We know this is not the way of the Lord Jesus, who is a most compassionate God.

This judge began to realize that if he did not do anything to help this widow, she was going to continue to come before him.

Finally, this self-centered judge did the right thing just to free himself from her ceaseless pleading.

The Lord Jesus is saying that if a corrupt judge on this earth will attend to the pleas of this poor widow whom he cared not for, how much more will God be moved by those He loves.

It is a fact that God is biased in favor of innocent victims of persecution.

We may never have to plead with God, but we must also understand that God will not answer every prayer at the time we think it is needed.

God knows what we need and when we need it.

God does not get mad at us if we ask for the same thing over and over again until we receive it or God says no.

*Luk 18:6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

We must not think that this judge is a type of God; he is not. He is just an unjust judge who does not care about the suffering of any people.

The Lord Jesus wants us to continue in prayer of faith until we get an answer.

It is not that God is just too busy; it is just that God knows what we need and when we need it.

God knows our needs, and He promised to meet our needs.

God will avenge His own elect!

God’s elect are those who follow His Son, Jesus!

As God’s elect, we know that only God can meet our needs!

We also know that only God is the Judge of all His creation.

Luk 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

God is patient with all of us, but we know He is so full of mercy and grace that He will always meet our needs.

We must also realize that just as Jesus suffered, we will also suffer, and this will make us stronger witnesses and servants.

1Pe 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

These things will make us stronger, and God wants us to learn from all our trials.

God will also avenge His elect without hesitation.

*Luk 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

Our God is the only true Judge in this cosmos.

That word elect means God’s favorites, God’s preferred, God’s believers, the disciples of Jesus Christ.

God will preserve all Christians from all their adversaries and save them from the seven years of Tribulation that is soon to come to this world.

Remember, this is God’s choice, and He did not have to make this choice.

Only God can do the choosing of those who will not be a part of His wrath.

Joh 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Joh 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
Joh 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Joh 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

If an unjust judge grants the petition of a defenseless person he cares nothing for, how much more shall our just Judge, our merciful God hear the cries and avenge the cause of those He loves.

We may have to cry out day and night before God will answer but He will answer.

He never said we would not suffer; in fact, He said we would.

Keep in mind the Jews suffered many years before God sent Moses to Pharaoh.

We should know that once God chooses to avenge His elect, He will come speedily.

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

We must understand that persevering prayer is tied to our faith! He may not come soon but it will be suddenly.

Our adversaries will not know what hit them until it is over.

Jesus then adds, when He comes, will He find faith on this earth?

The Lord wants us to continue to pray even though it has been so long that we are losing heart, even though the answer is delayed, and we see evil increasing daily.

God is still hearing our prayers, but we must persevere until He comes.

We could ask how many will keep the faith until He comes?

We must guard against losing our faith!

God will always remain faithful to do as He says, but will we?

We swore an oath to be saved based on faith, and that faith must remain with us.

God does not have to think about whether He will return or not.

He knows He is coming and He knows when He is returning, and it will not take Him long to get here when He does come.

The Church may pass through a period of oppression in this world, but we must cling to our faith.

We should begin now by praying more earnestly.

If Jesus Christ seems to be delaying His return, then He has His reasons, and it has nothing to do with the Church.

The vengeance of the Lord will be a terrible time upon this earth, and the Lord will have to put aside His compassion to do those things, but He will do what He says He will for His Church.

Whenever deliverance comes, it will be sudden!

Then the Lord speaks with another parable.

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

The fact is that self-righteous people do not need to pray at all!

These people will never lose heart because they never had it to begin with.

They do not need faith to be confident in this world.

They feel that all they need dwells within them in their bodies and minds.

Pro 30:12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.

We are in the generation of the return of Christ, but we are also in the generation of self-righteousness.

The Lord continues.

*Luk 18:10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
Luk 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
Luk 18:12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

When we think we stand head and shoulders above all others, we are no better off than King Saul.

This Pharisee was a religionist.

This publican was a sinner.

Both these men went to the House of God to pray, which the Lord Jesus said was a house of prayer.

There is no better place to pray than in the House of God!

They both wanted to please God.
They were both seeking God to feel His presence in their lives.

Deu 4:29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

This Pharisee represents the religious world in its most respected form.

This publican represents people who have no honor to maintain. He knows he is a sinner and is looking for the mercy of God.

The Pharisee prayed only with himself, only to himself.

He glorified himself before God and just told God how great a man of God he was.

This was not true prayer, and it did not reach into Heaven.

Joh 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

Prayer is a means of worship, but this Pharisee only worshipped himself.

In fact, he actually thanked God for making him who he was.

God does not make us self-righteous, and God does not cause us to be sinners, and God does not tempt us in any way.

This Pharisee said he had not fallen into sin, which means he made himself to be equal with the Lord Jesus Christ, who truly had no sin.

He fasted twice a week, and he tithed. Both of these are good things and are pleasing to God, but these things do not make up for self-righteousness.

The publican.

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

This man was ashamed and embarrassed by his sin, and others would not get near him because of his sin.

Remember Publicans were tax collectors for Rome, and the Jews hated them.

This publican stood far off, much like a leper.

He felt cut off by God and mankind. The Jews had a special hatred for publicans and considered them traitors to the nation of Israel.

I feel somewhat like this for all Democrats and many Republicans.

He would not even lift his eyes toward Heaven, but he did lift his heart toward Heaven.

He knew he did not deserve God’s forgiveness!

He beat on his chest because he was angry with himself for his sin.

He pleaded with God to forgive Him. He pleaded for God’s mercy.

We can only appeal to God’s “Grace” when we do not deserve it.

There is no other way to be received by God than to acknowledge our sin before God and plead for God’s forgiveness.

Mercy is not getting what we deserve, which is eternal death.

Grace comes from the Lord Jesus Christ, and it is receiving what we do not deserve, eternal salvation.

We should understand that as long as we are in these bodies of flesh, we will never be righteous; we are only “counted righteous” by our Holy God because we are covered by the Blood of Jesus.

2Th_1:5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

Who then was justified?

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

We can see that the words of Jesus do not line up with what the world says.

In fact, the words of Jesus do not line up with what many churches teach today.

It is the one who acknowledges that he is a sinner who has been justified by his faith.

Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

*Luk 18:15 And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
Luk 18:16 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Luk 18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

We must be humble when we approach the Lord for forgiveness of our sins.

The first characteristic that fits the Kingdom of God is that of a child.

When we doubt that the Lord Jesus can save little children, we are acting like a Pharisee.

When we think the Church is spending too much money on our youth, we act like Pharisees.

When we do not look at our youth as being the future of the Church, we are acting like a Pharisee.

When we do not look at our youth as being the future of our nation, we act foolish because we need to train them to be the future of our nation.

God cares about every stage of the process of our growth, starting from childhood.

God loves the little children as much as He loves any of us!

Most children are obedient to their parents, and they can learn right from wrong at an early age.

Most children are far more forgiving than most adults.

When we get to Heaven, we will find that we are all children, God’s children!

There is no way to get into Heaven except by receiving God’s Kingdom like a child!

Mat 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Amen

The Great Banquet

/ Bobby Mayfield / Leave a comment

The Great Banquet and Discipleship

Book of Luke Chapter 14

The chief Pharisee of the Jews invited the Lord Jesus to a meal at his home on a Sabbath Day.

The word Sabbath signifies a Day of Rest, a Sabbath of the soul.

The Sabbath is the sign of the covenant between the LORD and His earthly people, the Israelites.

Exo 31:13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.
Exo_31:14 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

In reality, the Sabbath represents the soul resting in Jesus Christ: Heb 4:9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God, the Church.

Heb 4:10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
Heb 4:11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

The Pharisees had no clue about the truth of the Sabbath, but they intended to somehow get the Lord Jesus to stumble on the day of this feast.

What is the truth of the Sabbath? Jesus said: Mar 2:27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
Mar 2:28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

The priests of the Temple had much work to do on the Sabbath days, yet they were not considered to be breaking the Law of the Sabbath.

Mat 12:5 Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?

Every Jew would take care of their animals on the Sabbath, just as they would on any other day, and it was not considered work.

The point being that the Lord Jesus Christ is far greater than any priest, and the Lord Jesus also had work to do.

*Luk 14:15 And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.

To eat bread in the Kingdom of God means to be among those who are present in the joys of the Messianic Kingdom.

Here we see a self-righteous man is smugly sure that he will be among the righteous who will be in Heaven.

The main importance of this passage is to get a clear picture of the invitation of the Lord to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, which cannot happen until we have accepted that the Lord Jesus is the Messiah sent from God.

1Jn 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
1Jn 2:23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

We know that we cannot get to Heaven without the Lord Jesus Christ.

To these self-righteous Pharisees, they could think only of the Messianic Feast.

This was a supposed feast given to God’s people, the Jews only, when He sets up His Millennial Kingdom.

The Lord Jesus will use another parable to explain to this Pharisee the error in his thought process.

It was customary for guests who were invited to these feasts of the Pharisees to attend.

Israel had actually been invited to the Messianic Feast by God’s messengers, the Prophets, but they had all made excuses about attending in an insulting manner.

If any people thought that God owed them a place in the Messianic Kingdom, it was these Pharisees.

They felt they would have the highest seats in God’s Kingdom.

The Lord Jesus begins to teach a parable that they found easy to understand.

*Luk 14:16 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:
Luk 14:17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.

This parable sends out a strong message to all the people of this earth for whom the Lord Jesus Christ died.

No one can be saved or attend this feast unless they have received an invitation and have responded to it!’

This feast is the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

Those who make excuses will remain lost!

All things are ready for today is the Day of Salvation.

2Co_6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

The invitation is sent to all who have heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, seen the Gospel, or read the Gospel.

What has Israel done with the Lord’s invitation, along with many others?

*Luk 14:18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
Luk 14:19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
Luk 14:20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.

We must keep in mind that God wants to share His riches with all people, but God also has determined the process of accepting His invitation.

All these people mentioned had received God’s invitation, and now it was time to decide on attending.

God sent His servant to remind them that they had received an invitation.

We should notice that God’s invitations had first been sent to the super religious men of Israel, the Pharisees.

Joh 7:47 Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?
Joh 7:48 Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?

The modern Pharisees are all those who believe they will get into God’s Heaven because of their good works.

What had the Lord Jesus said? Mat_19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

There is no work we can do to get into God’s Heaven; we reach Heaven only if we have “faith” in the work of Lord Jesus Christ to bring forgiveness to us.

They all agreed to make excuses for rejecting God’s invitation to the Feast of God.

The first excuse came from a businessman.

His excuse was that he had bought a piece of land and he needed to look after it.

If God is the center of our life, then any business, any profession, or any affair would not be allowed to consume our life, and God would be first in our lives.
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Next, we see a man who was wrapped up in a new purchase.

An oxen team would be like buying a new tractor to plow with today, and he wanted to go play on it.

It could be a new house, a new car, a new motorcycle, or even a new television, all material things, but material things should never keep us away from God.

Third, we see a man who was wrapped up in his family.

He had made a new marriage, and even if this marriage was ordained of God, we are never to put our wives before God. This is what Adam did, and sin entered the world, and we are still suffering with sin today.

Salvation is just too important for us to give it up for material things, or family and friends, or any other reason.

When we show contempt for the Word of God, we should not wonder that God gets angry.

We know that some in Israel have accepted God’s invitation, but there is still much room for many more.

*Luk 14:21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
Luk 14:22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.
Luk 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

Now the Lord sends His invitation to the Gentiles.

We should understand that nothing will make God stop His plan of salvation.

No power on this earth can cause God to cease His invitation to receive the free gift of salvation.

To compel does not mean to coerce people to come to God; it means to assure them that it was God who sent them an invitation.

We must all clearly understand that just getting an invitation to the Marriage Feast of the Lamb does not mean we will be accepted.

There will still be a Marriage Feast in Heaven, whether we have been invited or not!

The Lord Jesus is going to fill His banquet hall, but time is running out to accept His invitation.

The Lord Jesus invites those who need some help to get to the banquet.

All sinners need the Lord’s help to get to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb!

The self-righteous need no help; they will be rejected.

If you are a sinner, you will need the Lord’s help to be accepted to the Feast.

If you are too poor, the Lord will provide the right clothing.

2Co 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Mat 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

If you are lame or crippled, the Lord will provide the means to get to His Feast.

If you are blind, the Lord will guide or direct you to His Feast.

As long as the Lord has room at His table, He will continue to accept us at His Feast through His “Mercy” and “Grace”.

But those who were first invited and had nothing but excuses for not coming, they will not be accepted to the Marriage Feast of the Lamb of God.

God said His House shall be filled! Therefore came “Grace”.

Grace makes a way because the Law has failed!

*Luk 14:24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.

These are the very words of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Those who would be rejected were the ones the Lord Jesus was eating with at that time.

These are the ones the Lord Jesus used this parable on.

Though a few of the Israelites have accepted the Lord Jesus as their Savior, the majority of them have rejected Him.

The Apostle Paul wrote: Act 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
Act 13:47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

The Lord Jesus is not through with them, but they will go through the seven years of Tribulation.

Rom 11:11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

Rom 11:15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

Rom 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

God had shown His “Grace” to the Israelites many times throughout the Old Testament, but they could not comprehend the power of God’s Grace at that time. Israel will join the Church that is planted by the Lord Jesus Christ.

For the Jews, there were two stages: the present age and the age to come, which was the Messiah’s reign on this earth.

The prophets had written much about these things.

Because they reject the New Testament, they have missed New Heaven and New Jerusalem.

The redeemed believers of all ages will live in New Jerusalem.

Joh 14:2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

The New Jerusalem is also the New Heaven, the Kingdom of God.

This is the place of all God’s banquets.

Mat 8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

This is not the place of unbelievers.

Mat 8:12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Heaven is a real place!

Heb 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
Heb 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
Heb 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

There is still time to get an invitation to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, but time is running out.

God has made a way for the Israelites after and during the Tribulation period, but He has not made a way for Gentiles.

Amen

Repentance False Religion and the True Way

/ Bobby Mayfield / Leave a comment

Repentance, False Religion, and the True Way

Book of Luke Chapter 13

The Lord Jesus Christ was preaching about the signs of the times, or we could say the sins of the times.

These are the same sins we have today, only they are getting worse.

If we analyze the present time according to the Word of God that we have, we should be able to see that time is running out to make a decisive choice about the truth of Jesus Christ.

Jesus said to the crowd: Luk 12:54 And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.
Luk 12:55 And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.
Luk 12:56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?

The Lord Jesus called them hypocrites because they could look at the patterns of the weather to see what was coming next, but they kept their eyes closed when it came to their spiritual condition.

Most of the time we think much too much of ourselves!

They knew the laws of nature and how to apply them, but they were ignoring the Law of God, and they lived according to their own thoughts and the ways of the world.

God had explained that judgment was coming, but the Word of God was ignored.

They did not think about the time in which they lived because they did not want to repent and place their lives in the hands of God.

Their greatest mistake they made was not considering that our lives are already in the hands of God!

If we know only one thing, it is that we are responsible for knowing right from wrong!

Normally, this is the first lesson we try to teach our children.

If we have a personal relationship with God, then we can be where God wants us to be, and God can save us.

The Lord Jesus always seeks the salvation of each of us so He can show us mercy.

Mercy means we will not get what we deserve, which is eternal death.

Num 14:18 The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression,

Psa 103:8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

The next question would then be, “Why do good people suffer”?

One answer would be that we do not suffer more because we are far worse than others, so we can remove this from our thought process.

*Luk 13:1 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
Luk 13:2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
Luk 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Luk 13:4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
Luk 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Rome considered the Galileans the most turbulent and seditious people under their control.

They were always ready to cause problems for Roman authority.

The Apostles that Jesus had selected were all Galileans, either by birth or by where they lived.

Act 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Most of the Jews could tell if you were a Galilean by the way that you talked. Just ask Peter.

Mat 26:73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.

It would be sort of like the speech of us Southerners and those who live in the North of our own nation.

Many would actually call Jesus Christ the Galilean God.

This was used many times to keep from using the title Christian during the time of the early Church.

The truth was, Pilate hated the Galileans so much that his army surrounded a group of Galileans at the Temple, where they had gone to worship, and murdered them and poured their blood on the sacrifices that were being made to God.

By doing this, Pilate also showed his contempt for the sacrificial services of the Jews.

The question to the Lord Jesus Christ was that these Galileans must have been sinners far greater than other men.

They suggested that it was not so much the cruelty of Pilate as it was the judgment of God.

The Lord Jesus said: “It is not up to any of us to decide whose sins are worse than others”.

Jesus’s answer to these Jews was “except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish”.

We know that there were not many of the Jews who did repent, and they were all slaughtered by the Romans in 70 A D.

The Romans did to the Jews what Pilate had done to these Galileans.

The answer is that we do not suffer more in this world just because we are greater sinners than most others.

We are all sinners in need of repentance!

Every sin has the same “judgment” from God, eternal death without God.

In fact, totally innocent people suffer, and we do not know any reason beyond the providence of God.

We do know this verse we see so much: Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Then the Lord Jesus adds another incident.

There was a great tragedy in Jerusalem when eighteen men were killed because a guard tower at the pool of Siloam fell and killed them all.

Some commentaries say it was eighteen construction workers who were killed.

Some say that Pilate used the Temple money to construct an aqueduct into Jerusalem, and some of the Jews said this was the reason these men were killed, again by God Himself, but it was merely an accident that happened to men trying to make a living for their families.

Were these eighteen greater sinners than others in Jerusalem?

Did they deserve to die more than others who live?

We might ask ourselves, why are we allowed to live and others are not?

The Lord Jesus said it was not because they had greater sin than others.

There again Jesus said: “except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish”.

It is not up to us to raise the question of the guilt of others.

Do I believe there may be different levels of suffering in Hell? Yes, I do.

Most suffering of the sinner upon this earth is caused by themselves.

Go to the hospitals and see if you can tell who is good and who is bad.

Much of our suffering as we get older is because of the way we lived our lives when we were younger.

No one suffers upon this earth because we think they are greater sinners than others.

These things are all in the hands of God!

The greatest thing we can do is to repent and be saved, so we know we will not suffer in Hell.

Heaven is going to be so wonderful. Why would anybody not want to spend eternity there?

We cannot afford to die without Jesus Christ!

Again, the Lord Jesus teaches us with a parable.

*Luk 13:6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
Luk 13:7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
Luk 13:8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
Luk 13:9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

Israel is God’s people.

The Church is God’s people.

God expects us all who love Him to bear fruit.

The fruit God expects from all His people is the Fruit of the Spirit!

Isa 44:3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:
Isa 44:4 And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.

Joh 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
Joh 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
Joh 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

Israel thought they were safe because they were the seed of Abraham under the promises of God.

Israel did not even realize the precarious state in which they were in.

(By the way, the Church is sinking so fast that the Church does not realize the precarious state it is in).

It was totally inappropriate to speculate about the Galileans, and it was foolish to forget the people of Jerusalem.

We could understand this parable as showing these Jews their own history that hangs over their heads.

But without a doubt, it should also wake up the Church, which lives by the Grace of God.

There will come a time when God elects to cut down fruitless trees.

We must understand the need for repentance: Mat 21:28 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
Mat 21:29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
Mat 21:30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
Mat 21:31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

Repentance is a change of mind that brings a complete change in the heart. It is a heartfelt sorrow for sin and a confession of that sin, turning to God and righteousness.

One day God’s patience will run out with this world: 2Pe 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
2Pe 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
2Pe 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

Israel is the fig tree of the Lord. Israel must stand before God in its righteousness.

Adam and Eve, after falling into sin, tried to cover themselves with the leaves of a fig tree.

Gen 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

This man-made apron could not cover their nakedness, so God made them garments of skin.

They then stood before God covered by a sacrificial lamb, which we know now as Jesus Christ.

This is the only way every single sinner can stand before our Holy God.

We know of another Scripture that says the Lord Jesus sought fruit again from the fig tree and could not find it, and the fig tree withered away and died after the Lord Jesus cursed it.

It is the Lord Jesus Christ who spent three years trying to convince the Jews to repent, but they would not.

Jhn_1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

The Church also needs to repent and get busy for the Lord!

It is God Himself who is looking for fruit!

All those places of worship producing no fruit are just wasting space!

Mat 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Mat 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

*Luk 13:10 And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.
Luk 13:11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.
Luk 13:12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.
Luk 13:13 And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

This is possibly the last time that the Lord Jesus got to teach in a synagogue of the Jews.

This healing took place on a Sabbath, and we see that healing was not allowed on the Sabbath because it was considered to be work and not a movement of God.

The Lord Jesus was doing exactly what He came to do.

Luk_19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

We can see that the Jewish synagogues were places where women could also worship along with religionists.

That phrase “spirit of infirmity” probably means that this illness she had was because of a demon.

So, we see that the devil and his demons try to be present in every worship service, and he still does this today.

This woman had reached a point where she could no longer lift herself, but if she had not been committed to worship, she would have missed this opportunity when the Lord Jesus showed up at the worship service.

Worship at church reaches another level when the Lord Jesus shows up to worship with us!

We already know that God sings with us when we sing in our worship service.

Zep 3:17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

When we rejoice in the Lord, we can have the Holy Spirit with us, the Almighty God singing, and the presence of the Lord Jesus to heal us.

This illness this woman suffered with was for eighteen years, and she may not have been able to make it to another worship service if not for Christ also being there on that day.

This type of illness is, in typology, a spiritual weakness in those who are weighed down by the Laws of Moses.

This is what the Law does: it requires those who follow it to meet certain conditions before they can claim righteousness and escape the judgment of God.

Today, we call this legalism!

The Law cannot make anyone righteous!

Gal 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Gal 3:12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

This woman had a true Spiritual need!

The Lord Jesus laid His wonderful healing hands upon her.

This woman had not asked for anything; the Lord Jesus just knows our needs.

She was no longer bowed over but was straightened.

Such wonderful things are overlooked by traditionalists.

*Luk 13:14 And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.
Luk 13:15 The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?
Luk 13:16 And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?
Luk 13:17 And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.

The Lord stepped into a synagogue and just ruined the service for all those religionists, and they would not allow Him into another synagogue during the time He had left.

Much of the Church would not allow the Lord Jesus to preach in any service today.

Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
This man worshipped God, but he did not worship the same God as this woman who was healed.

The ruler of this synagogue was an arrogant man who was self-righteous because he followed the traditions of men rather than the Word of God.

This woman sought God to meet her needs.

This synagogue leader sought God through form and rituals, ceremony and rules.

This is not what the worship of God is to be about.

This man lost his temper with the Lord Jesus Christ, and this is not a good thing in any worship service.

The Lord Jesus said he was a hypocrite and he was.

He had already taken care of his animals before he came to worship, all these things done on the same Sabbath.

He was a leader who put his own animals and his own rules above the people and above the Word of God.

There are church leaders who do this same thing today!

The Jewish people had allowed their religious leaders to corrupt the Word of God.

The people inside this synagogue began to see the truth and rejoiced to hear the truth from the Lord Jesus.

The Lord Jesus continued to travel and teach through the cities and villages that were between Him and Jerusalem.

*Luk 13:22 And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.
Luk 13:23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,

Just who are the saved?

Will many of the world be saved?

Jesus will answer these questions Himself.

The Lord Jesus Christ knew exactly what was going to happen to Him in Jerusalem!

This did not alter His message.

The Lord Jesus would be killed by the hands of the Jewish people.

Mat_27:25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.

The Lord Jesus just kept doing what His Father sent Him to do as He traveled to His death.

Then someone asked Him: Lord, are there few that be saved?

Notice the Lord Jesus is not so much concerned by the question as He is by that person who asked the question.

This is still one of the biggest questions asked by those who are religious.

Many religions, including some Christians, still try to find some way to deny those whom they do not like the opportunity to get to God’s Heaven.

It is only the Lord Jesus Christ who can set the boundaries of getting to Heaven.

It is only the Lord Jesus Christ who can separate the sheep from the goats.

Only God can open the door to Heaven, and it is by His Grace through His Son Jesus!

This doorway is narrow, and the Lord is the door!

Jhn_10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
Jhn_10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

There is a great price to be paid to get the Lord Jesus to open the door to Heaven.

No halfhearted people can get through the door!

The Apostle Paul wrote: 1Co 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
1Co 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
1Co 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
1Co 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

It is by repentance and by renouncing our self-righteousness, our arrogance, and our own self-will.

It is difficult to enter this door when it is open and impossible once it is closed!

We must be doers of the Word of God!

Jas 1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
Jas 1:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
Jas 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

The Lord Jesus continues:

*Luk 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

The way to salvation is specific, very specific!

1) There are not many ways to salvation; there is only one way to salvation.

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

2) The way to salvation is straight, very straight!

It is not crooked in direction, it is not crooked in purpose, it is not crooked in morals.

There is nothing in salvation that will make us great, so we must become small.

We must be in the right relationship with God!

Joh 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

We must diligently seek God!

Most of those in our world are not willing to pay the price.

The Lord knows it so, therefore the gate is narrow.

*Luk 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

We must understand that God is long-suffering and truly patient, but there will come a moment when God puts an end to entering the Door of Jesus Christ!

In the Bible, we have a great example in Noah.

Gen 7:15 And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life.
Gen 7:16 And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: “and the LORD shut him in”.

The salvation of God is now, today, that door may be closed tomorrow.

If your name is not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, then the Lord Jesus will say that He does not know you, and if He does not know you, then the God of Heaven does not know you.

Luk_10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

It will be too late to call for the “Mercy of God,” and He will cut off the flow of “Grace” from His throne.

*Luk 13:26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.

Then those who have had one foot in the Church and the other foot in the world will be rejected.

They were friends of true Christians.
They listened to the preacher, and they may have even attended Sunday School.
They had witnessed great movements of the Holy Spirit and had seen souls who were truly saved.

They were citizens of so-called Christian nations.
They even allowed their streets to be used for evangelism.

However, they professed a relationship with Jesus Christ that they did not have.

Tit 1:15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
Tit 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

We should understand that the Lord Jesus was outside the doors of the Church at one time, knocking, almost begging for them to let Him back in.

Now we see just the opposite. We see those who were playing Church on the outside of the door of salvation begging the Lord Jesus Christ to let them in.

What will the Lord Jesus say to them?

*Luk 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
Luk 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.

We see that the saved shall be separated from the lost, and it appears that those who are lost will get to see those who are saved enter into the Kingdom of God.

Mat 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

On the day of the Rapture, many will look around and wonder why they were left behind.

They will be upset with themselves and with God’s saints who are no longer on this planet.

They will see godly parents, friends, children, and neighbors enter the Kingdom of God and see themselves shut out.

They had not denied themselves: Luk 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

*Luk 13:29 And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
Luk 13:30 And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

Those who were saved are mainly Gentiles, and the Lord will do a new work on the Jews after and during the seven years of Tribulation.

There is a revival of sorts today in many nations, though not in the USA.

We need to be praying for a revival while there may still be time to have one.

I have never seen so much sin and corruption in our nation as I see today, and no one seems to care.

Our politicians have allowed these things to go on for far too long.

Those who are lost have their conscience seared with a hot iron and do not see the sin and corruption in our land today.

Those who are corrupt accuse everyone else of being corrupt to hide their own corruption.

They have it in their minds that we are all fools when they are not fooling anybody.

The great “Marriage Supper” of the Lamb of God is closer than we think, and we must know that we know we are saved.

There will be no classes of people in Heaven. Race will not be considered, nor riches, nor classes of people.

Only Christians will be there, those who love the Lord Jesus Christ with all their heart.

Act 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
Act 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

Amen

Jesus Teaches on Important Issues

/ Bobby Mayfield / Leave a comment

Jesus Teaches on Important Issues

Book of Luke Chapter 12

Our lesson today spends some time on “fear”.

In the Scriptures, there is but one creature of God that is said to be void of fear.

Job 41:33 Upon earth there is not his like, who is made without fear.
Job 41:34 He beholdeth all high things: he is a king over all the children of pride.

This is the Leviathan, king of the sinners, and He only fears the God of Heaven and Earth.

God is very blunt here when He says that if no man will approach the Leviathan, which is a creation of God, how is it that any man can say they have no fear of God?

Psa 76:7 Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?

There is Natural Fear, there is Sinful Fear, and there is Holy Fear.

Every person upon this earth has to deal with natural fear and sinful fear.

Only the “Born Again” child of God deals with Holy Fear!

Natural fear entered our world with the fall of Adam when Adam tried to hide himself from the presence of the Lord.

Gen 3:8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.

Once Adam felt the fear of sin and the death of sin, he began to understand that perfect love casts out that fear!

1Jn_4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Our greatest blessing comes when the Love of God rids us of the fears of this world.

Luk 1:70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
Luk 1:71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
Luk 1:72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
Luk 1:73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
Luk 1:74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
Luk 1:75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

*Luk 12:8 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:
Luk 12:9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

We should not forget that God is “omniscient”.

God knows every little detail of everything that is happening in our lives.

God is also “omnipotent”.

God can control any event that is happening to each believer, no matter how large or how small.

This is why there are normally good things that come out of every bad thing that happens to every believer.

Every characteristic of God is so wonderful that we have doubts about the reality of them until we come to know God in a personal way.

It is the love of God that brings us to reality.

Nothing can separate us from the love of God: Rom 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Rom 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

When we are not loyal to our loving God as He is to us, the Lord Jesus reminds us of the consequences.

1) We will be judged before angels. The angels who are totally loyal to their Creator will witness our acceptance or our rejection by God.
2) This judgment will come from the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, so the door of Heaven is opened for us. In all His time upon this earth, the Lord Jesus never sinned. He is the only One who can judge our actions of disloyalty or our steadfastness as a Christian.

Mat 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
Mat 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
Mat 25:33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

God has given His Son, Jesus, the right to judge us because He died in our place.

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

The basis of our judgment is our attitude toward our Savior!

Have we confessed our love and our loyalty to Jesus Christ before the world?

This does not mean every time we stumble, we can be forgiven, but it does mean do we love the Lord enough to be loyal to Him.

Jesus will confess us before Heaven’s Angels and tell all angels that we belong to Him and are true witnesses of Him.

If we deny Jesus Christ, we shall be denied before our Holy God and the Angels of God.

Angels do exactly what God says for them to do.

*Luk 12:10 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.

Because the Lord Jesus is so full of “GRACE,” He will forgive anyone who has spoken against Him. He knows we are born with a rebellious spirit. If we repent, Jesus will forgive us.

Look at the Apostle Paul as an example.

1Ti 1:13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

BUT if we blaspheme the Holy Spirit will not receive forgiveness!

We cannot attribute the work of Jesus Christ to Satan.

When we deny the Lord Jesus over and over again till the day we die, we are showing hatred for the work the Lord Jesus Christ did for our salvation. Remembering that Our Lord Jesus worked with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Act 7:51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

It is the Holy Spirit from which we draw our strength as Christians.

Our prayer life depends on the Holy Spirit.
Our relationship with God depends on the Holy Spirit.
Our strength to be a usable servant to the Lord depends on the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is the One who called us.
The Holy Spirit is the One who convicts us.
The Holy Spirit is the One who guides us through life.
The Holy Spirit will teach us what to say when we do not know what to say.

The Lord Jesus is not saying all these things to cause us to fear. He is telling us all these things to give us encouragement.

We will suffer persecution as Christians, and we need to be encouraged.

*Luk 12:11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
Luk 12:12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

When we are called out for our faith in Jesus Christ, we should not be concerned.

In fact, we should be proud that someone can see Jesus in us.

The Lord Jesus would not include this in the Scriptures if it was not going to happen.

This includes all persecution, mild or just ridicule, or just physical abuse, but it also includes becoming a martyr.

The greatest power on this earth, the Holy Spirit, will decide then how we should answer our accusers.

He will give us the strength to bear and the words to speak, and even then, He will not allow us to deny the Lord.

We need to just trust God because we know that He is in charge, and He knows what is best for us at all times.

The fear of any man is a terrible thing.

Fear can cost a person their eternal destiny even if they claim the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Jesus was preaching to His disciples, friends, and those who followed Him.

Fear is the opposite of peace with God.
Fear means we are not as committed as we say we are.
Fear can take us out of the Will of God.

2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2Ti 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord,

We must understand that some people just do not want to be reached with the salvation of God!

This is sad but also very true!

These are the same ones who will be our persecutors.

They still need to be told or at least warned of the truth of God.

Persecution is not such a high cost for being a servant of God.

Jas 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

Our fear of God should be enough to convince us not to fear what mankind can do to us.

God’s terror is forever!

1Pe 4:18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
1Pe 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

If we know the Lord Jesus as our Savior, then we should realize the effort God is making to bring us to our final goal.

In the midst of all our trials, He continues His work in us.

He guards against our falling away and from sliding back into the world.

He purifies our faith, so that we can continue to respond to Who He is.

God will not make judicial decisions in our lives; He has given us the tools to make those decisions ourselves when He said to live righteously before Him.

There is a great danger in seeking God to help us with materialism!

*Luk 12:13 And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.
Luk 12:14 And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?

We should understand that this sermon that the Lord Jesus Christ had just preached was a serious lesson about the teaching of the Pharisees, the committing of the unforgivable sin, and the persecution of His followers.

It was a foolish thought that the Lord Jesus would interfere in a family dispute.

He expects us to act like Christians in any dispute.

No telling how many people have prayed for God to help them win the lottery when He will never do this.

Salvation is not about material things!

These things may have been stolen from the man.
These things may have rightfully been his to begin with.
This could even be seen as an act of justice by those who followed Christ.

The Lord Jesus treats this man as if he were not a believer.

The Lord Jesus preached trusting God for our necessities, not our riches, except for the riches of Heaven.

This man, like many others, was not paying attention to what the Lord had said.

Just listening to the Word of God preached does not mean we hear what God says.

Just hearing what God says does not mean we will apply it to our lives.

Spiritual maturity is not about a worldly life!

The Lord Jesus did not die on Calvary’s Cross to give us property.
The Lord Jesus died on Calvary’s Cross to give us life, and that life eternal!

*Luk 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

The world hates the Ten Commandments of God when they are things that are good to live by.

Exo 20:17 Thou shalt not covet

Covetousness is a crime.

Covetousness ranks right next to murder, adultery, theft, and slander.

Every time we see this word in the Old Testament, it is connected with a prohibition or a curse.

In the New Testament, we usually see covetousness classed together with adultery.

We should get a feeling for what God thinks about covetousness.

Eph 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Eph 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Covetousness is a craving or a desire for more.

It is greediness, a dissatisfaction with what is enough.

It is a craving as much for material things as fleshy indulgence.

Then the Lord Jesus gives us an example.

*Luk 12:16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
Luk 12:17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
Luk 12:18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
Luk 12:19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
Luk 12:20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

There is great danger in worldliness.
There is great danger in greediness.

Jas 4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
Jas 4:2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
Jas 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
Jas 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Covetousness has been the start of many wars.
No matter what we think about this war with Iran, Iran was coveting the destruction of God’s people. To Iran, America is the Great Satan, and this is not far from the truth because of the wickedness we see in our own nation.
When our happiness is more about our possessions rather than God, we are in serious trouble.

In reality, our possessions cannot bring us true power. Only God can do this.

Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

This rich man was greatly blessed, but he did not thank God for such a blessing.

Those were his fruits and his goods, and he was not about to share them.

Notice he also said his soul, when all souls belong to God, to do as He so chooses.

His pride in his possessions made him think of bigger and better things.

Our greatest mistakes stem from selfishness, self-indulgence, and extravagant living.

We are always trying to keep up with the Joneses.

What is our duty?

Ecc 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecc 12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

As Christians, we may live with peace in our hearts, but we may never live at ease in this world.

This rich man thought only of himself and never gave a thought to helping those who did not have.

He forgot that he was living in a wicked world that was slowly dying.

Instead of helping others, he decided to build new storage for his abundance.

He worked hard to get the things he wanted and was not about to share them.

We will see that this man only got to think about his greed, his new barns, and his great excess because he did not live long enough to do these things.

Deu 8:11 Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:
Deu 8:12 Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein;
Deu 8:13 And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied;
Deu 8:14 Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God,

An intense appetite for gain and more gain is just a passion for pleasure that we may never see.

When we focus so much on this life, we begin not to focus on eternal life.

We forget about the rewards of Heaven. In fact, we forget to work for those rewards.

Pro 23:4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
Pro 23:5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

In our world today, the richer we are, the greater the chance that there will be people who will take away those riches.

For example, California will vote soon on a measure to just reach in and grab five percent away from those who are rich.

Our government cannot face the fact that they continuously spend more than they take in and robs the people who support it.

This is government greed!

All such people are no more than fools.

They build and build up riches only to give those riches to someone who may not even appreciate the hard work they did.

Ecc 2:18 Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.
Ecc 2:19 And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.

Why would we even want to live a vain life, a life that meant nothing?

While this man could only think of his riches, he received a message from God that his time was over on this earth.

God knows exactly when our time is over, and He is the only one who knows this.

Eze 18:23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?
Eze 18:24 But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

*Luk 12:21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

Wealth is not a permanent possession!

There is always someone else who will get your wealth after your death.

In fact, the greedy government you support will reach in to try to get a share of your wealth.

When we die, the only portion of our life that lives is our spirit, and spirits cannot have any material possessions.

That spirit will live somewhere forever.

Wealth cannot buy off death.

It is a fool who lives simply and only for the sake of accumulation.

Rom_8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

God requires our souls to return to Him when our life is over, but it is the way we lived that life that determines what God will do with that soul.

Amen

God’s Instructions and Indictments

/ Bobby Mayfield / Leave a comment

Instructions and Indictments

Book of Luke Chapter 11 Verses 17-28

The first part of Chapter 11 deals with prayer, and it is a great day when we finally realize the power of prayer.

The Lord Jesus prayed often, and it was another fulfillment of prophecy.

Psa 109:4 For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer.

We all need the Lord’s help to pray properly.

The Lord Jesus taught that prayer is one of the greatest needs we have in our Christian life.

I know I do not pray enough, and there is power in prayer.

Our lesson does not go into prayer, but we need to read what the Lord says here in this chapter.

What is the truth that we need to deal with? Our Lord Jesus has been rejected, denied, and cursed by most of this world, and this is not going to change.

There is a lot of evidence that proves that Jesus was exactly who He said He was.

There has been a lot of archaeology that has proven the Bible is accurate.

Underground churches have been found in Israel that state that they were part of the Church that Jesus planted.

King David has been proven to have existed.

Jeremiah, Baruch his scribe, Isaiah, King Solomon, the Temple that Solomon built, and when it was rebuilt, King Cyrus and his directive to allow the Jews to go home have all been proven. The Moab stone proved of war with Israel, many things in Egypt, and much more has been proven that shows the Bible is full of the truth.

The Bible is accurate, and the Lord Jesus did really come to this earth just as the Bible says.

The information we read in the Book of Luke came from eyewitnesses to the life and death of Jesus Christ.

The Lord Jesus cast out the devil from a deaf and dumb man, and the wicked rulers of Israel said the power of Jesus came from the prince of devils, Beelzebub.

This is just another name given to Satan.

We must understand how the wicked work in our world.

When evil and wicked men cannot deny a good man’s deeds, they will do their best to destroy his reputation.

In fact, this is what is driving the wickedness in our nation today, and why we cannot get good people to run for office.

There are no perfect people in this world. Almost all of us have something in our past that we are not proud of.

The Lord Jesus, who took on the flesh of a human, is the only one who walked this earth as a perfect man and is the perfect God.

To say these things about the Lord Jesus Christ, whose power comes by the Holy Spirit, is the unforgivable sin.

The Scriptures speak of sins against the Holy Spirit called quenching: 1Th 5:19 Quench not the Spirit.

There is the sin of grieving the Holy Spirit: Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

We only think of blaspheming the Holy Spirit when we think of sins against the Holy Spirit, but these others are also sins against the Holy Spirit; He will forgive, but not blasphemy against Him; He will not forgive.

We should understand that the Lord Jesus had made Himself known to Israel throughout the Gospels, but look into the Book of Matthew, Chapters five through seven.

The Lord Jesus had done many miracles also in Matthew Chapters 8 through 10.

The Lord Jesus had fulfilled many of the Messianic signs, and the Jews had witnessed all these things and knew they were true.

Many of these same things are written about in the Book of Luke.

Now the religious leaders came who had witnessed all these other things, and they decided that the power of the man Jesus came from Satan.

Mat 12:22 Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.
Mat 12:23 And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?
Mat 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

God had already said: Mat 12:18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.

We should not doubt that every sin committed is a sin against the Lord Jesus Christ.

The world of that day should have recognized that the Lord Jesus is indeed the Messiah.

The religious people could not deny the work of Christ or the miracles; they just denied that He was the promised Messiah and pointed to the Devil as the source of His power.

This is the sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit!

This sin is final, and it is unforgivable because they had witnessed these great works of the Lord Jesus, themselves.

Mat 12:32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

There will be no opportunity for repentance for this sin!
There will be no opportunity for a pardon!
There will be no opportunity for forgiveness!

Where does the power of every Christian come from? It comes from the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us.

Joh 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
Joh 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
Joh 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

It is believed that this sin cannot be committed today because it requires the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ and the work that He does Himself.

Thank goodness that most all sinners get more than one chance to accept the truth of the Lord Jesus Christ.

If saved, it meant we finally repented and turned to Christ.

Those who reject the Lord Jesus Christ before their death cannot be forgiven.

Those elders and religionist that claimed that the power of Christ came from the Devil, knowing better, are now burning in the hottest part of Hell reserved for Satan Himself.

The Lord Jesus always knows the thoughts that are in our heads.

*Luk 11:14 And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.
Luk 11:15 But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.
Luk 11:16 And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.
Luk 11:17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.
Luk 11:18 If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.
Luk 11:19 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.

The Lord Jesus claimed to be of another house and another kingdom than that of Satan.

The Lord Jesus set before these people a logical example, that a divided kingdom or house will surely fall.

They understood what the Lord was saying because they knew it was the truth.

We had better be careful here in America because we are more divided than we ever have been, at least this is the message our government is sending along with most news sources.

These things make us really weak, and it is all because of sin.

When the Lord Jesus spoke these things, He acknowledged the existence of Satan and his kingdom, both of whom struggle against righteousness and good.

Satan is not divided, and you will never hear of him doing good or being righteous, but he is deceiving.

Satan wants his own kingdom, and he does not want any of God’s people to be in it.

Satan wants to be worshipped as God, even though he is just a created being like the rest of us.

Satan is certainly not going to cast out the wickedness and evil in this world because he then would have no power at all.

Joh 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Joh 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

There were, at that time, Jewish exorcists who were of the Jewish nation who tried to cast out devils and demons in the name of Jehovah God, and they were not accused of using powers from Hell.

The Lord Jesus deserved far more respect than these exorcists.

One of the biggest mistakes of the Jews was that they exalted priests and religion above God and the Holy Scriptures.

We still see this today in many denominations!

We know these people honored God and the Holy Spirit, but they rejected the Son of God, who was also the Son of Man.

Without the Son of God, there is no payment for sin!

Without the Holy Trinity, there is no salvation!

What the Lord says next is interesting.

*Luk 11:20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.

All the acts of the Lord Jesus Christ were through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God.

Every action the Lord Jesus took on earth was in obedience to His Heavenly Father, God the Father.

Since the Lord Jesus was born in Bethlehem, He has been busy establishing the Kingdom of God.

The Holy Trinity, the Triune God who is One God, cannot be divided.

Jesus said He had enough power in one finger to cast out the house of the Devil.

I believe Him!

*Luk 11:21 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:
Luk 11:22 But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.

When the Lord Jesus Christ died on Mount Calvary, He went into the house of the strong man (Satan)(the Devil) and robbed him of his household goods (all the people he had in his power)( the keys to hell).

He then bound the strong man (the Devil) when Jesus defeated him in the wilderness.

Then Jesus went through all the land doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the Devil.
He is still doing this through the Church today!

Jesus gave old Satan a swift kick in the head on the cross, and Satan is still dizzy from that today.

Wherever the power of God is located, this is the Kingdom of God.

The only thing lacking is accepting what the Lord Jesus has done for us!

1Jn 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Eph 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Eph 4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
Eph 4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

*Luk 11:23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

The Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest gift this world has ever seen because He is our Creator, but He is also our Great Shepherd.

Where we choose to stand in relationship with Jesus Christ will determine the impact we make in this life!

It is the Lord Jesus Christ who determines our destiny!

There is no neutrality with Jesus Christ: we are either with Him or we are against Him.

We either fight against evil or fight against righteousness.

We either fight for the Kingdom of God, or we fight for the kingdom of evil.

Standing still is fighting against the Kingdom of God by doing nothing for God.

Standing still is allowing evil to continue in our homes, our nation, and this world.

A voice of silence is a voice for evil!

1Co 10:21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.

*Luk 11:24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.
Luk 11:25 And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.
Luk 11:26 Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

Many in our world claim they do not need the Lord Jesus to clean up their lives.

Deliverance from wickedness and evil is not the same as being set free and living for the Lord Jesus.

Maybe someone can get the unclean spirit to leave him.
Maybe someone can let go of a wrong religion or religion itself.
Maybe someone can stop worshiping material things in this world.

These things will not make someone a new man, though some may say that.

All that emptiness in that person must be filled with something, and the only thing that will work is the presence of God and the possession of a New Nature.

Without this, that person will just feel empty with no purpose.

Unless that emptiness is filled with the Holy Spirit, some new evils far worse than the first will return, and the last state of that person will be far worse than he was at first.

Many make a confession of Christ, but they remain an empty house, and they fail.

It is unlikely that this man would ever clean his house again.

2Pe 2:21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
2Pe 2:22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

*Luk 11:27 And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.
Luk 11:28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

All mothers want to see their children do well, and this woman was saying how blessed the mother who had raised such a son as Jesus.

We do not know if this woman even knew Mary, the mother of Jesus.

We do know that Mary was blessed by God.

This woman does not go beyond the natural feeling of the Lord’s good deeds.

The Roman-Catholic church has gone much further by introducing the worship of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and God does not honor this.

Mat_4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Luk_4:8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

How did the Lord Jesus respond to this?

The Word of God is not about being impressed by the goodness of the Lord Jesus.

It is certainly not about His mother Mary, who had to be a wonderful, godly person.

If we want true blessings, then we need to hear God’s Word and do our best to follow the Word of God all our days.

A personal relationship with Jesus Christ is far better than any relationship one can have here on earth.

No book on this earth has the importance of the Word of God!

There is nothing on this earth that should come between us and the Word of God!

1Jn 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Joh 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

Rev 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

Amen

Rejoice Because Your Name is Written in Heaven

/ Bobby Mayfield / Leave a comment

Rejoice Because Your Name is Written in Heaven

Book of Luke Chapter 10

Heb 12:23  To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 

Heb 12:24  And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. 

Many who deny the deity of Jesus Christ do so by referring to the term firstborn. If this term relates to Jesus, it must imply that He had a beginning in time, but they are wrong.

In the Old Testament, the culture was all about the status of the oldest son.

Deu 21:17  But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.

In reality, the word firstborn denotes priority or supremacy, and this is the way it is used of Jesus Christ.

Col 1:18  And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 

Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church and preeminent in all His creation.

Heb 1:6  And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. 

Heaven’s angels will not worship anyone but God!

Psa 89:27  Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.

God’s Messiah will be the firstborn who is resurrected to New Life to rule this entire earth.

The firstborn of the Church, who are all those whose names are written down in Heaven. Born Again, Regenerated,

Tit 3:4  But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 

Tit 3:5  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 

Tit 3:6  Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 

Tit 3:7  That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Joh 1:11  He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 

Joh 1:12  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 

Joh 1:13  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

These are those whose names are written down in Heaven.

If we cannot rejoice because our names are written Heaven, then we need to question our salvation.

*****Luk 10:1  After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. 

1) We should be able to tell that there are many disciples of the Lord Jesus, just as there are many more today.

Most of these disciples would not meet the qualifications to become an Apostle, but many of them were still committed to the Lord Jesus Christ.

These seventy disciples were so committed that the Lord Jesus could send them to preach and teach the Gospel.

There may have been at least one hundred and twenty who met the qualifications to be an Apostle, but were not chosen by the Lord Jesus.

Act 1:12  Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey. 

Act 1:13  And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. 

Act 1:14  These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. 

Act 1:15  And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) 

Act 1:16  Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. 

2) The Lord Jesus also sent them out two by two.

This does not mean we are not to go out alone to witness for Jesus Christ, but two together are much stronger against our enemy, Satan. With the two, there could be mutual encouragement and help when help was needed.

3) There was a tremendous need for people to hear the truth of the Messiah and the truth of the Word of God.

If that need was great at that time, it is certainly much greater now.

We know that the Lord had sentenced that generation to death, and Jerusalem and the Temple was destroyed in 70 A.D.

We now know that all those who reject the Lord Jesus Christ are sentenced to eternal death, and the Lord Jesus could return at any moment.

There is certainly a greater need to spread the Gospel!

4) These seventy were sent as forerunners. They were to prepare the people for His coming.

Tit 2:12  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 

Tit 2:13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

We have the same job today!

Our time to serve the Lord grows short!

*****Luk 10:2  Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

1) The first thing they were to do was to pray!

Who is this Lord of the Harvest? We know only one Lord and He is the Lord Jesus Christ!

Every believer has a duty in this work for the Lord Jesus! 1Co 3:5  Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 

1Co 3:6  I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 

1Co 3:7  So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 

1Co 3:8  Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 

1Co 3:9  For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. 

2) What kind of people are in the world to be witnessed to?

*****Luk 10:3  Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. 

Notice that the Lord Jesus Christ does not call them the “Lost Sheep of Israel”; He calls them wolves.

We see a reversal of sorts; the disciples are now the lambs, and those who are lost are the wolves.

Going out for the Lord is not a victory march, but it is a bit dangerous and is growing more so today.

The lambs of God’s House are defenseless against the wolves of this world unless they walk in faith and the purpose of the Holy Spirit.

The key, they must still go out with “faith,” but the Holy Spirit will be working on the hearts of those they witness to.

There is still the danger of persecution.

It is the wolves of this world who are trying to rid the world of the followers of God.

So, the next time you see your politician going against the Word of God, remember they are wolves out to destroy your nation and allow sin to rule.

The next time your preacher preaches against the Word of God, remember they are just wolves employed by Satan.

The next time your News Source defends sin, remember they are just wolves trying to regain control of our nation.

*****Luk 10:4  Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. 

If we do not trust God, then we will never be of much use to Him!

They were not to worry about money for food, housing, clothing, or an extra pair of sandals.

If they had to pack and prepare all these things, they would not be able to cover as much ground.

Friendliness is all good and well for things of this earth and the time we live in, but as witnesses for the Lord, we must think about our eternal salvation.

Here we see that the Lord Jesus told them not to waste time on needless conversation.

All their time was to be used on their ministry and prayer.

The Lord intended to instill in them the urgency and the commitment to enter the Kingdom of God.

2Co_6:2  (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

As believers, we know that the Lord could return at any moment now, and those who are lost need to understand this.

*****Luk 10:5  And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. 

Luk 10:6  And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. 

We must clearly understand that the message of salvation is a message of peace with God, our Creator.

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

One of the greatest things I have realized as a believer is that I can rest each night knowing that I am at peace with God.

Rom 5:1  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 

Rom 5:2  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 

As witnesses for Jesus Christ, we are to proclaim peace in any household we enter.

If the head of that household was a man of peace, then God’s peace could be proclaimed.

If the head of that household did not proclaim peace, then the message of God was not to be forced upon that house.

God will never force anyone to accept His message of truth.

Rev 22:11  He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. 

Psa 81:15  The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever. 

*****Luk 10:7  And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. 

We must understand that those who carry the message of the Kingdom of God in truth are worthy to be supported by those who receive the truth of God!

1Ti 5:17  Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 

They were to seek compensation, but they were not to seek luxury.

They were not to be embarrassed or self-conscious in receiving payment.

There is certainly nothing wrong with living a simple life!

Our Heavenly Father is already committed to providing our needs.

They were to eat whatever food was placed before them without question, regardless of the Jewish food laws.

*****Luk 10:8  And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: 

Luk 10:9  And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. 

The Apostle Paul wrote, guided by the Holy Spirit: 1Co 10:25  Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: 

1Co 10:26  For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof. 

1Co 10:27  If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. 

We know that the number twelve has a particular significance in the Bible, and we can be sure that the number seventy also has significance to the Jews.

Notice the Lord Jesus also gave these seventy disciples the power to heal the sick.

We are never to take on the sin of that person we are witnessing to, but they must feel that we have compassion on them, and we may have to change our own customs and habits to reach these people.

Those we witness to must see that they are accepted just as they are, and they should see that we care for their souls just as the Lord Jesus does.

We must remember that the Lord Jesus died for us while we were still sinners.

He could have just as easily said: “no Father, I do not want to have anything to do with that bunch of sinners”.

Thank you, Lord, for your precious love for us!

When the Lord Jesus walked upon this earth, He was the Kingdom of God in the flesh.

When we take the exact Word of God to others, we are taking the knowledge of the Kingdom of Heaven to them.

One day soon, we will be witnesses to the actual Kingdom of God, and this should also be mentioned.

We may not know what Heaven looks like, but we know it will be wonderful.

1Co_2:9  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

We do know more of what the Kingdom of God will be like during the Lord’s reign from Jerusalem for one thousand years.

Zec 8:3  Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain. 

The “Good News” is for those who accept the truth of God’s Messiah.

Those who reject the “Good News” will be told of their coming “Judgment”.

*****Luk 10:10  But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, 

Luk 10:11  Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. 

Luk 10:12  But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. 

Luk 10:13  Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 

Luk 10:14  But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. 

Luk 10:15  And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. 

The Lord’s disciples were told to walk away from all those who rejected the truth of God.

We are not to argue with non-believers. We are never to create a bad situation that might reflect upon our character; we must just leave.

We have the truth of God, and they can only offer the meaningless thoughts of the Devil.

1) There would be cities that rejected the disciples of Christ.

They symbolized God’s rejection by shaking the dust off their feet as they left that city. This was a silent testimony that was clearly understood on that day.

This was a symbol of serious judgment. It meant that not even the dust of that city was worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, much less the people.

That city was to be left to itself just as they had wanted.

The Lord Jesus will not force the truth upon anyone!

2) There would be those who professed to be God’s People. These were mostly Jews.

These are people who only make a profession of faith but stick to their old lives, and there is no change.

The truth is, you cannot claim to be God’s people if you reject God’s Son.

The world needs to wake up to this fact!

The judgment of God would be greater on those who claim to be God’s people and reject Him than was God’s judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah.

These would include Chorazin and Bethsaida, and would be far worse than the judgment upon Tyre and Sidon.

We know that Chorazin and Bethsaida do not exist as cities any longer, nor do Tyre or Sidon.

3) There would be those who had a constant witness.

Capernaum was the city where Jesus Christ was raised, and Jesus was the One who never committed even one sin.

He was known as the Carpenter, which means He was a good carpenter.

The Lord Jesus healed every sick person in this city. Things that only God could do, and they knew this to be true.

He was accused of having worked these great works with the power of the Devil.

This is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, which cannot be forgiven.

The residents of Capernaum went straight to Hell because they rejected God’s Son and the truth of the Gospel.

These are the Scriptures that give us the thought that there are degrees of punishment even in Hell, but there is no joy in Hell at all!

Mar 8:36  For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 

Mar 8:37  Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 

Mar 8:38  Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. 

When the Lord Jesus Christ uses the word “woe”, it is not a call for vengeance but is a call of deep regret and a warning to others.

Jud 1:14  And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 

Jud 1:15  To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

When we hear the Word of God by God’s called people, we are hearing from God Himself.

*****Luk 10:16  He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. 

We must understand that when we speak the Word of God, just as it is written by the Holy Spirit, we are speaking the words of our Savior and our God!

2Ti_3:16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Rev 22:18  For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 

Rev 22:19  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 

Rev 22:20  He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen.

Every person who has lived and who will live upon this earth needs to know what God has said.

1Jn_4:15  Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

Act_2:21  And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Rom_13:2  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

Rev_20:15  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

As witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ, we provide the opportunity to know the truth of Jehovah God. Yeshua. Yahweh.

Our lesson picks back up as these seventy witnesses sent out by the Lord Jesus Christ have returned.

*****Luk 10:17  And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 

The seventy have returned with great joy, but they do not speak a word about their preaching and teaching or the results.

They could only talk about the authority they had over demons.

They did not mention:

1) How much they had done for Jesus Christ.

2) How hard the work had been.

3) How strongly the Devil fought back to keep his own.

They could only talk about the power that is in the name of Jesus Christ.

Any power we have as Christians comes from the Lord Jesus Christ.

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

There is great power in the rich red blood of Jesus Christ!

1) Demons deceive people. 1 Thessalonians 3:5, Ehphesians 2:2

2) Demons inflict disease. Luke 13-16

3) Demons deceive nations. Revelation 16:14

4) Demons influence the mind. Gen 3:1-5

Every victory over Satan and his demons should bring great joy!

Satan is a defeated foe!

*****Luk 10:18  And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

Satan has fallen from his position in Heaven and can no longer be there where he once had the power of angels.

Col 1:12  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 

Col 1:13  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 

Col 1:14  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 

Satan and his demons may still be able to cause many problems for a short time longer, but Satan is a loser, and we need to remind him of that at all times.

Joh 16:7  Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 

Joh 16:8  And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 

Joh 16:9  Of sin, because they believe not on me; 

Joh 16:10  Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 

Joh 16:11  Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

The power of God given to each believer is for the purpose of defeating Satan!

*****Luk 10:19  Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 

We should understand that if God has called us for some special mission, some special purpose, there is nothing on this earth that can cause us harm until that purpose has been fulfilled.

Satan certainly has some power: Eph 6:12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 

The Lord’s power is far greater: Rom 8:31  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 

1Jn 4:4  Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 

The Lord Jesus will give His believers power over the enemy: Luk 9:1  Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

Eph 1:19  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 

God’s servants are perfectly safe against all enemies: Joh 17:11  And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. 

These are not the most important things in our lives as Christians.

*****Luk 10:20  Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. 

We should rejoice far more in our salvation than in any power the Lord may have given to us.

Gal 4:4  But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 

Gal 4:5  To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 

Gal 4:6  And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 

Gal 4:7  Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. 

1Pe 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 

1Pe 1:4  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 

1Pe 1:5  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 

Amen

Jesus Continued to Heal and to Teach

/ Bobby Mayfield / Leave a comment

Jesus Continued to Heal and to Teach

Book of Luke Chapter 9 Verses 37-42, 57-62

There is a lot of great material between verse 22 and verse 37, but let’s keep to our lesson plan.

Our lesson begins the next day after the Transfiguration of the Lord.

We could say that on the Day of Transfiguration, the glory of the Lord Jesus broke out in the presence of His disciples.

The transfiguration of the Lord Jesus is hard to describe accurately, so it is best to read the Scriptures in the Gospels.

What is recorded as a record was an absolute historical reality, and not a mere vision.

Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Peter never forgot this day: 2Pe 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
2Pe 1:17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
2Pe 1:18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

Many today worship the Devil, who is Satan, but I wonder if they realize how the devil treats all our children.

*Luk 9:37 And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him.
Luk 9:38 And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child.
Luk 9:39 And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him.
Luk 9:40 And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not.

This is an epileptic seizure.

This does not mean that everyone who has seizures is caused by the Devil, but if they do not know the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior, this should be their first place to start.

I call Him Doctor Jesus.

On the mountain top, there was the glory of the Lord, showing God’s power, but in the valley, Satan was showing the people his power.

This is the difference between Heaven and Earth.

We can see a father who has seen his only son, who was tormented by an evil spirit.

He was begging the Lord Jesus to have pity on him.

We should ask ourselves why more parents do not see this today and beg for the help of our Savior for their own children.

We all should know that the Lord Jesus has great compassion for all people.

This man had lost all control over his son because he was a victim of Satan’s power.

1Pe_5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

This father had no choice but to stand by helplessly and watch the Devil destroy his son.

We can see this in our lost children today, and we need to go to the Lord Jesus for His help.

This man had already approached the nine disciples of Christ for their help, and they could not help him for some reason.

The Lord had given them the power over demons, and they had used it, but for some reason, their faith was not as it should have been.

We saw this in an earlier lesson, and we saw it again in this lesson.

Their real problem was a lack of faith.

Their faith never matured until the Lord Jesus Christ walked out of that tomb on the third day, just as He said He would.

The Lord Jesus later told them that they had not been praying and fasting as they should have.

The Lord Jesus gives us many gifts today, but if we will not fellowship with Him daily, that gift will have no power.

We must never forget who the Lord is! He is the Almighty God!

Many times, as Christians, we are a disappointment to the people around us who could use our help.

Only the Lord Jesus knows how many times we have been a disappointment to Him.

We may not have the powers of Jesus Christ, but we can be attentive and sympathetic to their needs.

We can certainly begin with prayer at that very moment if we have compassion on them.

Fortunately for us all, the Lord Jesus is always on time.

*Luk 9:41 And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither.

After all the disciples of Christ had seen of the miracles of Jesus, we could ask ourselves how they could have a lack of faith?

We can also see that the Lord Jesus spoke to the whole generation of Jews and not just to His chosen disciples.

Where was this father’s faith?
Where was the faith of all those who were present?

The chosen disciples of Christ did not have the power, even though the Lord Jesus had given them that power when He sent them out earlier as evangelists.

Notice all those present just stood around when the disciples of Christ tried to heal this son, having no concern for the life of this boy, when they too could have been praying.

What do we do when the Lord is not physically present as He is today?

Surely, we can all pray!

Surely, we can all show faith!

This father could have shown faith after all these were God’s people. They could go to the priests. They could make sacrifices.

This child continued to suffer because no one had enough compassion to seek God for him.

Jesus said they all were faithless and perverse. Perverse here means morally corrupt.

The Holy Spirit says: Tit 1:15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
Tit 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

When God’s people act this way, there will be no power in the Church.

Guess what, we see very little power in the Church today!

It is not our duty to judge other places of worship; it is our job to make sure our own place of worship is following the Word of God by being obedient in our worship and in our lives.

*Luk 9:42 And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.

The Devil tried to show his power over the boy, but the Lord just spoke the word, and the Devil had to leave.

If the chosen disciples of Christ had been following Christ as closely as they should, they would have been able rid this boy of this demon.

Jesus broke the power of this demon the same way He broke Satan’s power; He just spoke with the Sword of His Mouth.

Rev_2:16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

Rev_19:15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

Rev_19:21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

The people who were observing what the Lord did were amazed at the mighty power of God!

Once more, all those who were observing could only think about the great power of God.

They marveled at the Majesty of God’s Messiah, but we should also understand there is a cost for every disciple of Jesus Christ.

*Luk 9:57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
Luk 9:58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

When someone tells the Lord Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go”, it sounds good, but it has to be made very clear why anyone makes such a claim.

No one can follow the Lord who has not been called!

A self-commitment is nothing like a Jesus Christ-centered commitment.

If there is a real calling of “Grace,” then that person must let go of all things that might hinder their walk with Christ.

Rom 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, “separated” unto the gospel of God,

Rom 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, “called to be saints”: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called “according to his purpose”.

It is only the call of God that enables us to believe.

God’s purposes in Himself sum up all things in Jesus Christ!

Eph 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure “which he hath purposed in himself”:
Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times “he might gather together in one all things in Christ”, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

The Lord Jesus Christ must become our Lord of life!

The Lord Jesus Christ gave up all of Heaven and all of Himself to meet the needs of this dying world we live in.

A profession of faith is not enough.
Saying, “I am willing to follow” is not enough.Mrk_14:38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
We must deny ourselves completely!
We must accept the Lord Jesus as the Servant of mankind and become such a servant ourselves.

There is nothing in our old life that will help us achieve the call of Christ!

The Lord Jesus led a perfect life, and it must be our goal to do the same, even if we cannot be perfect while we remain in these sinful bodies of flesh.

We must accept the pattern of life that the Lord Jesus had as our own.

Luk 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

1Pe 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

The Lord Jesus Christ had no home on this earth because His home is in Heaven. As His disciples, we must share His homelessness in this world because our home is now in Heaven, and we have no attachment to this world to bind us.

Jesus Christ is the perfect picture of what God wants to see in each of us.

*Luk 9:59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
Luk 9:60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

In many cases, it is the son who will take care of his father in their old age.

The Lord Jesus had invited this man to become one of His disciples, to even become a preacher to preach the Kingdom of God.

When we decide to follow the Lord Jesus, it means we have decided that this is the most important decision we will ever make, and nothing on this earth is more important.

We must give up everything in this world for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

It was not a bad thing for this man to bury his father, but the message of salvation is far more important.

This father died lost, rejecting the Lord Jesus as the Messiah.

Those who are spiritually dead because they have rejected the Lord Jesus are not as important as those who have never had that opportunity, at least to our Savior.

This is the truth of being loyal to Jesus Christ.

We must consider that when the Jews rejected the Lord Jesus, it was more important for the Apostle Paul to go to the Gentiles.

Even those who have rejected the Lord one time are not as important as those who have never heard of the Kingdom of God.

God has already decided to meet the needs of these in the work of the Sower when one plants, another waters, and another reaps the harvest of the soul for Christ to save.

Every person is of extreme value to the Lord, and we should know that the Holy Spirit was working hard to bring this man to conviction.

Those whom God has called to preach need to respond as quickly as possible.

Mat_9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
Mat_9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

The Lord Jesus knew that this man was hesitating to answer Him, and he just used the burying of his father as an excuse.

What was the message of Christ? Luke 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
Luk 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

It is a hard message, but it is a necessary truth to serve the Lord.

We cannot allow Satan’s children to drag us down, even if they are family members.

The word hate means “to love less”. We must love the Lord with all our heart, all our body, and all our soul!

*Luk 9:61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
Luk 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Following the Lord Jesus Christ is a lifelong commitment!

Here is a man who offered “on his own” to become a follower of Jesus Christ. He was not called.

Looking ahead to the Rapture of the Church is the most important event that we are looking forward to.

To the Jew, the return of Jesus Christ is the most important event they have to look forward to.

These are two separate events!

If we look at those two words “but and first”, we see that this man saw something more important that he should do before committing to the Lord, which he said he had already made such a commitment.

Maybe he needed the advice of his family before he made a final commitment.

Maybe he needed someone else’s approval before a full commitment to the Lord.

As we saw in the Book of Luke, Chapter fourteen, maybe he was putting his love for his family ahead of his love for Jesus Christ.

Either way, the Lord Jesus knew what was going on in this man’s life; he was unwilling to cut the ties of this life and give all of himself to the Lord.

Jesus Christ is the “first” and the “last,” and He must be everything to us!

Looking back can be fatal.

Just ask Lot’s wife.

Gen 19:17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.

Gen 19:26 But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

The word commitment fits in right here.

It is true that in order to plough a straight furrow, the farmer must concentrate on a certain point in front of him.

He must keep his eyes fixed upon the goal.

As we serve the Lord, we must know that our work is not done until the Rapture of the Church on a day of the Lord’s choosing.

It may be close, but it is not here yet!

It is not the time to quit on God!

Amen

Twelve Evangelists Were Sent and Five Thousand Were Fed

/ Bobby Mayfield / Leave a comment

Twelve Evangelists Were Sent and Five Thousand Were Fed

Book of Luke Chapter 9

We should understand that God has revealed His program for the Church, and the Church is to follow the program God has given us.

We do not have the authority to change the program the Lord Jesus Christ lived and died for and then arose in glory to give us an example of our own glory when we reach Heaven.

We must understand Christ’s calling and our own calling.

We would not understand anything if we were not called of God!

Paul wrote by the Holy Spirit: Rom 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, “called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God”,

All God’s saints have been called: Rom 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, “called to be saints”: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

We are called for His purpose: Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, “to them who are the called according to his purpose”.

It is because we are called of God that we can believe!

God chose us while we were still sinners, just like the Lord Jesus Christ called twelve men who were the outcasts of society.

God chose us when we deserved death and offered us life!

This is the same thing the Lord Jesus Christ did when He called His disciples.

*Luk 9:1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
Luk 9:2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

1) We already know that the devil’s demons can cause sickness and misery.

Luk 13:11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.

Luk 13:16 And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

2) We should also know that demons can influence the mind.

We know that Satan deceived Eve, and Eve caused Adam to sin.

2Co 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

2Co 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Satan and his demons can lead weak Christians away from the simplicity of Jesus Christ by telling us that it is hard to live by the commands of God, and most of us will fail. He does not mention God’s grace.

Jas 3:14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
Jas 3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

We must keep our minds on Christ Jesus!

2Co 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

3) Demons deceive people.

1Th 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

Through his demons Satan also works in unbelievers.

Eph 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

4) Demons deceive nations.

Rev 16:13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
Rev 16:14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

5) Demon possession is a reality.

The Scriptures teach us that there was a great outbreak of demon activity in the time of Jesus Christ, no doubt to oppose Him.

We see this through all the Gospels and in parts of the Book of Acts.

We can see evidence of demon possession in the affected person’s personality.

Demons do have some supernatural knowledge and intellectual power and can show supernatural strength.

Jesus Christ defeated Satan and his demons at the cross:

Col 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Col 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Are there demons out there today? We have the power to defeat demons because we have the power to defeat Satan, and that power comes by using the Word of God, as we saw in the temptations of Jesus Christ.

Jas_4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

As far as the gift of healing, it was given to the Apostles of Christ by Jesus himself to promote the Gospel. These healings were instantaneous, unconditional, and most importantly, purposeful.

Not just for the purpose of relieving their suffering.

It was secondary to preaching the Word of God.

It was to confirm these Apostles as the messengers of God.

We must understand who our enemies are: Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Today God heals through answered prayer and not through another person.

The Lord Jesus gave these men the power to do certain things and then the authority to use that power.

He does not do this today!

*Luk 9:3 And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.
Luk 9:4 And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.
Luk 9:5 And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.
Luk 9:6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

We wonder why the Lord told them not to take necessary items with them.

The Lord Jesus did not want them to worry about anything when it came to their own needs. This would only hinder them in fulfilling their mission.

They were to travel with “faith” that our Heavenly Father would provide those needs.

This way, they could dedicate themselves completely to their task.

They were to have perfect faith!

Missions and missionaries fail because of a lack of faith!

We need to believe and trust God everyday knowing that He loves us and He will do what He says He will do.

We cannot allow material things to become obstacles in serving God.

We must avoid any appearance of evil or of being evil.

We must avoid all worldly distractions when serving the Lord.

The Jews were hospitable people, taught from the beginning by the Laws of Moses.

Exo_23:9 Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.

The disciples were to investigate and search out a receptive family and home and stay there until it was time to move on to another city.

The family is still most important to God. The Church is to be the family of God!

The Gospel is a message for the community intended to spread from family to family.

There is nothing upon this earth that is to be more stable than the godly family.

Preaching and door-to-door evangelism are still the preferred methods of reaching the lost.

Act 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. Act 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

This is the method taught by the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Lord Jesus told His disciples that there would be places where they would not be received.

It was the custom of the Jews when they returned from Gentile lands, as they crossed the frontiers of the Holy Land, to shake the dust off their feet.

This was saying: “we free ourselves from all contact with you” or “we free ourselves from participation in your condemnation”.

It had the same meaning as that of Pilate: Mat 27:24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.

The Apostle Paul also had his method for the Judaizers: Acts 18:6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

What did the Lord Jesus say about those who rejected the Gospel? Mat 10:15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.

And so, they went forth preaching and teaching the “Kingdom of God”.

*Luk 9:7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;
Luk 9:8 And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.
Luk 9:9 And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

There was a revival happening in Judah, and it found its way into the halls of government.

This teaches us that every government always has its ears open to what is happening in Christianity.

Almost every government will seek ways to stop any revival of Christianity.

Herod had already murdered John the Baptist, thinking he had stopped the Christian movement, but he was wrong.

No government exists that can stop the plan of God!

Some people had said that John the Baptist had been raised from the dead.

This bothered Herod because he had murdered John by removing his head to give to his wife, and he was feeling guilty because he was guilty.

The family of Herod was a tangled mess.

Herodias was the daughter of Aristobulus, another son of Herod the Great. When she married Philip, she was marrying her own father’s brother.

Herod Antipas was another uncle of Herodias, and Herod Antipas talked Herodias into leaving his brother Philip to marry him, further compounding the incest in this family.

This is why John the Baptist preached against these things, and it got him murdered by the king.

Not only had some people said that John had risen from the dead, but others had said that Elijah had come back as had been prophesied, and some had even said that Jesus was one of the other prophets that had been raised from the dead.

The biggest thing we see here is that the imaginations of non-believers will run wild when they realize their guilt.

What did God say about the conscience? Heb_9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

What else did God say? 1Ti 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1Ti 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Herod thought that if he could just see the Lord Jesus in the flesh, then he would not feel so guilty and just maybe he could be forgiven.

Wickedness will bring you to conviction sometimes, but you must act upon it.

*Luk 9:10 And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.

The first thing we notice here is that we all need some private time with the Lord Jesus.

It is just after this that the Lord Jesus spends most of His time with these twelve men.

This is also a good example for all of us. We need to tell the Lord what we have accomplished and then seek His wisdom on how to do better.

There is no time that we should be standing still.

If we are having results in our ministries, it is only because we know the Lord Jesus and are filled with the Holy Spirit.

We should always evaluate ourselves to see how we can improve.

A desert place is a place that is not cultivated for crops but consists of grazing land.

Bethsaida was the birth home of Peter, Andrew, and Philip.

Joh 1:44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

It seems no matter where the Lord was, crowds of people could always find Him.

*Luk 9:11 And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.

We should notice that the Lord Jesus always has time for the needy.

These disciples would soon embark on the greatest mission of this world, but the Lord Jesus would always take time to help those who came to Him because He is our compassionate Savior.

This lesson is clear. Even when we need our rest, there are still people who need the Lord.

There are always sheep who need the Shepherd.

Mar 6:34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

In the Kingdom of God, God is the absolute ruler, and we are His subjects; the Word of God is the absolute law, and obedience is demanded.

Many people are confused about this and think they can alter the Law of God.

If you are a “Born Again” child of God, you have already felt the healing power of God, but in most cases, healing is not our greatest need.

It is always our Spiritual needs that are most important, so therefore the Lord does not always heal us as we would think He would.

Most of the time, we can learn more in our suffering than we can ever learn when we are healthy, and we can get closer to God.

This was a lesson that these chosen men of God needed to learn.

Miracles are great, but salvation is greater!

*Luk 9:12 And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.
Luk 9:13 But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.

We know that these disciples had been given certain powers when they were sent on a mission, and we do not read where He had taken their powers away.

So, the Lord tells them to provide their needs.

These people had certainly been listening to the Lord for several hours, and it may have been hard for them to find food so late in the day.

We know this was a crowd of five thousand men, and it could have been much larger if there were women and children there.

The Lord Jesus could have stopped his teaching earlier, but He did not.

Either way, five thousand people would never find shelter or food to meet their needs in such a short period of time.

The answer these disciples had was that the people could provide their own needs.

We know that people just cannot be left to sustain their own needs; we all need God’s help.

Jesus told His disciples it was they who should provide the needs of these people.

It was more important for these people to hear the message of God than it was to seek food and shelter.

Joh 6:49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
Joh 6:50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
Joh 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

The biggest problem the twelve disciples saw was that there were just not enough resources available to feed these people.

The twelve men said that they did not have the power to meet the needs of these people. We know that only God has such power.

There is nothing too hard for God!

*Luk 9:14 For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.
Luk 9:15 And they did so, and made them all sit down.

It would have been hard to make sure that every person could eat if this crowd were not organized.

They were set as if they were an army.

While this was taking place, the Lord took time to pray. He had what He needed: “five small barley loaves and two fish”.

Mar 6:40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.
Mar 6:41 And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.

*Luk 9:16 Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.
Luk 9:17 And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.

The Jewish barley loaves were broad, thin cakes, and they were broken to eat them.

The two fish were small fish, maybe no bigger than sardines, and were salted to preserve them.

The Lord Jesus Christ broke these small cakes and fish, and He gave them to the Apostles, and He just kept on breaking and giving until all were fed.

The Lord Jesus Christ was meeting the needs of these children of Judah.

Jesus had first looked up to Heaven, giving thanks to God the Father.

Jesus thanked God for what He did have, fives cakes of barley and two fish.

He then blessed what God had already given to Him.

We should understand that once we do our part in the work God has given to us, then and only then will God multiply our resources.

What we will see is that there was plenty enough to feed this large crowd, and there was still some leftovers.

God will provide more than enough!

Each of the Lord’s disciples kept coming to Jesus to fill their baskets until all were fed.

Joh 6:11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

Psa 37:16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.

By feeding these people in such a desert place, the Lord Jesus shows these Jews He is the new Moses spoken of in the Books of Moses!

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

Deu 18:18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.
Deu 18:19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.

When everyone had their fill, twelve baskets, one for each Apostle, were filled with what had not been eaten.

When we study this miracle out, we do not see any indication that any of these people were aware of the miracle that had just taken place beyond His own disciples.

The truth is that this world belongs to the Lord Jesus: Psa 24:1 The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

*Luk 9:18 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?
Luk 9:19 They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.
Luk 9:20 He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

The Lord Jesus never forgot to thank His Father for what He had done.

The Lord Jesus also needed strength as He would set out for Jerusalem, where He would soon face the cross.

We can only imagine the mental anguish upon the Lord as He walked by Golgotha, knowing He would soon die there.

No doubt this would be part of His suffering for us, even before the cross.

At the end of His prayer, He then asked His disciples, “Who say the people that I am”?

There were many Jews who thought that Jesus was the reincarnated John the Baptist.

Others said He was Elijah who had returned as prophesied.

It was also time for those twelve chosen men who rest their minds on Jesus the Christ of God.

It was time for them to confess without hesitation that Jesus was the Messiah sent from Heaven.

As disciples of Christ Jesus, we must pray before all major events in our lives.
As disciples of Christ Jesus, we too must come to an understanding of the Cross, His death, burial, and His resurrection.

We must pray for strength to withstand the trials of life, to bear our own cross that lies ahead of us.

Psa 91:15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
Psa 91:16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Many people just said the Lord Jesus was just a great man who had come their way.

These twelve men needed to have their concept of the Messiah corrected with the truth.

The general saying was that the Messiah would come to be King of Israel and, like King David, save them from their enemies.

Isa 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isa 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Mic 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Mic 5:3 Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.
Mic 5:4 And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.

Jer 33:14 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah.
Jer 33:15 In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.
Jer 33:16 In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.

All these things would be true, but the Lord Jesus first came to save us and start the Church.

Jesus was not the Forerunner John the Baptist.
Jesus was not Elijah returned.
Jesus was not one of the Prophets of the Old Testament who returned.

These are the same false confessions made of the Messiah in every generation.

The Lord Jesus is much more than just some man martyred for His faith.
He was certainly the greatest teacher and the greatest prophet of all time.
He was the only one who could tell us the truth of God.
He was the One sent not only for the Jews but also for the Gentiles.
He was a Great Carpenter.
He did make this world, but many reject this truth.

What is the truth? 1Jn 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
1Jn 2:23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

Again: 1Jn 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
1Jn 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1Jn 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
1Jn 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

The Lord Jesus is indeed the Messiah sent from the only true God, Immanuel, with the mission to save all mankind.

The Lord Jesus was not just some man. He is the Almighty Living God!

*Luk 9:21 And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;
Luk 9:22 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.

The truth is, “Faith” in God cannot be lived out in a vacuum.

A sheltered faith can never be a mature faith!

As believers, we are not to accept the opinion of others; we must know that we know the Lord Jesus is indeed the Messiah sent from God to save us from the penalty of our sin.

The Lord Jesus is indeed the Messiah, but not what the Jews wanted at that time.

The path of His suffering was not an option. It had to take place just as written in the Word of God.

The path to His Kingship will also be just as described in the Word of God.

It was the elders of Judah, the Chief Priests, and the Scribes, who caused Jesus to be slain.

Many of these were the members of the Sanhedrin Court, the Supreme Court of the Jews.

Amen