Lesson 9 The Life of CHRIST ( JESUS Cleanses the Temple )

Do we need some Temple Cleansing today? Yes we do. We need to get back to having Church, Worshiping a HOLY GOD with HOLY Reverence and Respect. We need to Honor GOD'S House, Time Now. If you are Preaching, Pastoring, Counseling, doing Mission work, etc, for any other reason than to Glorify GOD..Not for Big Business, Not for Big Money, Not for Fame or Fortune, Not for Mega-Churches..You get the picture. If you are...Go Out of Business!! John 2:12-25 is our text and scripture reference for this lesson. In Jerusalem, the Temple was the center of the Jewish religious worship. Solomon constructed the forst Jewish Temple to replace the old tabernacle with a more permanent building. The details of the Temple are given in I Kings 5:12, 6:38, 8:1-66. JESUS was in town for the Passover, which began in Egypt. It was an 8 day festival celebrating Israel coming out of bondage. Read John 2:13, Exodus 12:11. The book of John records every passover that JESUS attended. Exodus chapter 12 gives the reason for the Passover. The Jews Day begins at 6pm ( this is there morning ) and ends at 5:59pm, which makes up the 24 hour system. So one would say that their days and night, run opposite from ours. I believe JESUS was heading to the Temple to worship prior to the Passover celebration. Once HE arrived, into the Court of the Gentiles, which is the common place of the Temple for everyone, however HE had to walk through that court yard in order to reach the Temple itself. Remember, 1 way in and 1 way out of the Temple. This is a type of CHRIST..1 way to Heaven, 1 way out of Hell, through JESUS CHRIST only. Buying and Selling goods was not the problem JESUS encountered that day, the problem was they were making a profit off of the Passover. John 2:16 simply states JESUS'S HOLY Reverence for : My Father's House. These folks were money-changers by occupation, which was a profitable business. They would exchange the Jewish coins into Roman coins for a percentage or profits. Making money, making a profit off of GOD'S people. JESUS was Bold, JESUS was a True Man. HE found something wrong in GOD'S House and fixed it. Do you realize the same bunch of folks that HE ran out of the Temple that day was to be the same group that crucified HIM on Cavalry. This passage also states their were the selling of Oxen, Sheep and Doves. I found this quite amazing that in that day, before CHRIST gave HIMSELF as the Supreme Sacrifice on the Cross, that Doves were reserved for the poor people ( for their sacrifice ) and the Oxen and Sheep were reserved for the Rich people ( for their sacrifice ). I am even more excites that MY SAVIOR, is enough for us all Rich, Poor, Everyone!!! Amen!!! Luke 19:46 suggests that in a seperate incident, JESUS was angered by the abscence of genuine worship in HIS FATHER'S House. Verse 22 says the disciples believed the scriptures after JESUS'S resurrection and they remembered what HE had said ( vs 20 ). We are just like the people of that day. We are driven by emotions and feelings, the same ones the people of that day had. People are People are People. The Jews always wanted a sign from GOD. Say Amen right there!!!!! We do too. You know the problem with that? That is not living by FAITH!!!!! Amen again right there!!!! The Bible teaches that our faith is not static but that it is strenghtens as we grow in our walk with GOD. The same goes for the knowledge of GOD'S Word. Verse 23 is a very solemn verse..It appears that JESUS recognized that some genuinely believed HE was the SON of GOD while others were amazed by HIS miracles but never believed in HIS DIETY. JESUS knows man folks, HE knows that our heart includes Deciet, Unbelief, Fickleness. Are you trusting in the Miracles JESUS preforms daily or are you trusting in the LORD of the Miracles. I would hope you are Trusting in the LORD today! John 2:13 speaks of the Time of the Event, The Passover, To remind the Israelites of their Egyptian captivity asnd release ( Ex 12 ), and was to be an annual event. Ex 12:11 speaks of the original " The LORD'S Passover". John 2:13 speaks of the Master of the event. The boldness and strength of our LORD. The Holiness and Wrath of GOD. The DIETY and Authority of GOD. In John 2:16 HE calls the Temple " My FATHER'S House". John 2:19-21 was the sign the Jews needed. It was JESUS proclaiming HIS own resurrection from the dead. John 2:24-24 Tells us JESUS knows all men. Committ Yourself to the SAVIOR today. You can't run, HE knows you better than you know yourself. HE created you freind, Trust and Obey HIM Today. May GOD Bless HIS HOLY WORD!!








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Lesson 8, The Life of CHRIST ( Changing the Water to Wine )

The lessons text comes from John 2:1-11. Before we start, I would like to give you a few facts about wine. Wine is a symbol of Joy in the Jewish custom. In the event you did not have wine or not enough wine to go around, it was considered Taboo in the Jewish custom. Proverbs 23:30-32, tells us that the strong wine was the intoxicating type, which in no way did JESUS ever partake of. It was the weak, sweet, drink (wine), that was the best or first wine, that was fit for our KING! John calls this event, the beginning of miracles, John 2:11. JESUS was at a wedding feast. Reculect back to any wedding you have been a part of. Everything was in place and set to a tee. On the onset, everything looked ok, but, behind the scenes, problems, panic, was about to happen. The wedding party had ran out of wine. What a social embarrassment and a taboo from their culture to do so. In the very time of need, not a moment before, not a moment too late, JESUS handled the situation and provided exactly what was needed, right on time! I believe once Mary, JESUS'S Mother, told her SON of the problem, I honestly believe once her petetion was made known, she had Faith in HIM, to do exactly what needed to be done. Her Faith was based on just exactly what the Angel's proclaimed, or told her before HIS birth as to who HE is! Once Mary told HIM about the wine problem, JESUS replied that HIS hour had not yet come. It was likely related to the proper time for HIS ministry and HIS eventual death to be revealed. JESUS was doing this miracle as a mere warm up of what HE had in store during HIS ministry as well as the miracle of miracles when HE Rose HIMSELF from the Dead..Glory!! Isn't it a relief as well as a Blessing to know our GOD can and will do something about any problem we may face! The same held true for the very Miother of JESUS. As I spoke of the very sweet wine earlier, the first wine, the very best wine. This was what JESUS made from water. HE even had the servants use the unconventional water pots to catch the water in. These pots were typically used to catch water in for washing/bathing purposes. Thank GOD HE used my old unconventional condition of sin, not fit for anything but Hell and Eternal Damnation. HE gave me new wine, sweet wine..JESUS offers us HIS very best, JESUS gives HIS very best and JESUS wants our very best. Mary gave us a true example as she spoke to the serveants in verse 5, " Whatsoever HE saith unto you, do it." I believe they did just exactly what Mary told them. I believe they did just exactly as JESUS required of them. I believe that the more they drew the water (wine) out, the more glad their heart became. Just like our life. The more you do what JESUS requires of us, the more grounded and joyful we become. John 2:3 Presented the Problem, No Wine. John 2:4-8 Presented the Solution ( Mary's concern was physical and temporal. CHRIST'S concern was spiritual and eternal. CHRIST is the answer.) Also the servant's responsibility was to fill the water pots. Take the newly created wine to the Governor of the feast. John 2:9-11 Presnted the results. Wine was produced. CHRIST'S miracles begin. CHRIST'S Glory is manifested. I will leave you with this quote from Oliver B. Greene.." Christianity does not take the joy out of living. On the contrary, Christianity brings life, and life abundant."

Lesson 7 The Life of CHRIST ( The Selection of CHRIST'S Disciples )

John 1:35-51 is Lesson 7 scripture reading and text. GOD'S Calling, Will You Answer? GOD calls HIS people to serve him. HE purchased us with the Blood of HIS SON JESUS CHRIST on the Cross. What a payment that was made! The Blood of JESUS CHRIST stands today as the only means of Salvation! It stands today as the Only Door that leads us as CHRISTians to Heaven! As GOD calls whosoever to be Saved, HE calls HIS Children to be witnesses to the Truth of HIS HOLY Word. As each and every Salvation experience is different, we can all relate it to the birthing of a child or child birth. Each experience is different but the result or evidence is the same. In child birth, the result is a bundle of joy in the form of a boy, girl or both. It is the same for us that are Re-Birthed into GOD'S Family. I am so glad that GOD is no respecter of persons! In the life stories of the disciples, they all were just like us. They each had a little bit of us in them. They all accepted the call of discipleship in different ways, and they all had different personalities. Just to mention a few examples, Phillip, was a doubter. As we recall at the feeding of the 5,000, he wanted to go and buy food, as they didn't have enough, as he thought, to carry out this feeding. Peter denied CHRIST 3 times. We see several lessons for our life. We must approach every believer differently. CHRIST is omniscient anfd omnipresent. HE knows our heart, we can never fool GOD. CHRIST had varying approaches in calling HIS Disciples. Verses 40-41 shows the Satisfaction in the call of Andrew. Verse 42 shows the power to live in the call of Peter. Verses 43-44 shows the blind obedience in the call of Phillip and Verses 45-51 shows the answering objections in the call of Nathanael. Th applications to the call are demonsrated differently. Different personalities need different approaches. Only the HOLY SPIRIT can effectively lead us in witnessing. GOD uses different instruments for witnessing..Preaching, Personal Work and Circumstanaces. Although good works and service can save no one, GOD created us for HIS service ( Ephesians 2:10 ). GOD equips HIS children with the gifts necessary to do the job HE has for them, and HE expects to see them do it. Some CHRISTians are obedient to the call. Unfortunately, many professing CHRISTians are not. Although they have been saved, they are unwilling or shallow in their commitment to GOD in obedience to HIS call. They perfer instead, to go their own way, follow their own agendas and do their own thing. As a result, they do not experience the full blessings of GOD. They both miss out themselves and also prevent others from benefiting from the blessings that their service could bring. If you have been called to Salvation, GOD has another call for you, a call to service. There's a job out there with your name on it. Are you willing to follow GOD'S call, discover the job HE has for you, and then do it for HIS Glory? In these few verses 5 disciples were called, not all were called the same way, but, they were called. After they obeyed HIS first call, HE called them to serve. Because they obeyed this call of service, the gospel spread around the world and you and I enjoy the benefit of their service today. It appears in these few verses that these disciples recognized HIM as a teacher. They should have recognized HIM for HIS Authority and learned from HIM. Simon called JESUS, CHRIST or MESSIAH. Many Jews expected the MESSIAH would be a political or military ruler who would restore David's Kingdom. Phillip told Nathanael that JESUS was the one about whom Moses and the prophets had written. He was indicating his belief that JESUS was the MESSIAH. Imagine that you were Nathanael. How would you have felt when JESUS told you that HE had seen Nathanael under the fig tree? Many Bible commentators believe Nathanael was meditating on the Old Testament and prehaps even on the Messiah when he was under the fig tree. The fig tree repersents the place of meditation, security for the Jews. The fig tree repersents Israel and Safety ( I Kings 4:25 and Micah 4:4 ). It seems likely that JESUS saw him not with HIS eyes but through HIS omniscience. How would CHRIST'S omniscience have been less impressive to Nathanael than the heavenly vision described in verse 51? It appears JESUS was telling Nathanael that he would learn about GOD personally in a way that would overwhealm his expectations. I hope that by studying the Life of CHRIST, that we would know GOD personally and be overwhealmed by HIM! May GOD Bless the study of HIS Word!




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Lesson 6 The Life of CHRIST (John, the Forerunner of CHRIST)

We as CH RISTians need to understand right off the bat in this lesson, that We need to be the Forerunner's  for the 2nd Coming Of CHRIST. John preached and proclaimed GOD in the flesh in CHRIST JESUS. John faced unbeliever's, doubter's, hater's and the whole gammit of Religious ridicule of his day. I'm sure John often got discouraged from all the struggles he encountered. John was no better than we are, nor was he any better equipped than we are today. John simply had the Power of GOD on his life, John was led by the HOLY SPIRIT, John could have just threw up his hands and gave up. But as we read in GOD'S Word, John lept in his mother's womb, being filled with the HOLY GHOST. John was a wild man, in the flesh. I can just picture John as a rugged, tough, mountain man. His diet was locust and wild honey. His wardrobe was the hides of wild beasts or animals, but, his inner man was given to GOD. We spoke in lesson 5 that it is not what we have outwardly that counts, it is what we are inside, the inner man, the heart, the soul..If it aint for GOD, of GOD and if GOD aint in control, go back to the alter and give your life to GOD right now. Today is the day of Salvation, making things right with a HOLY GOD. We go through life merely going through the motions. We know what to do..Pray, Read GOD'S Word, Attend Church and Yes on a regular basis. But, we have to say, this get's old. Say Amen right there. We simply get tired of doing them. Amen Brother Terry! We continue to do them because we know they are right to do, or we want our little group to not think bad of us, or we want our youth group, sunday school, etc to loose points or have any thing other than a perfect attendance record, or we don't want our Pastor mad at us for missing church..many many many excuses we can think of and just understand when we reach that point we are not getting anything accomplished spiritually. T. M. Moore was thinking the same thing when he wrote, "We've all known them, those seasons when the wind seems to go out of the sails of our spiritual lives. Our time in the Word of GOD is unexciting and unfruitful. Prayer is a struggle. Our devotions are skimpy or even skipped. Worship never quite satisfies. Our witness is virtually nonexistent. Too many things seem more important than spirituality and we would not describe ourselves as currently on the cutting edge of CHRISTian growth." Moore calls this predicament "the Spiritual Doldrums, when the sails of our spirits go limp while the rest of our life is proceeding full speed ahead. A. W. Tozer calls this "wasted religious activity". It is also called going through the motions as I mentioned earlier. It is simply when all is said and done, none of it meets GOD'S requirements because our motives are all wrong. Let me speak a few words about CHRISTianity of Today. The day and time in which we live in right now 2011. We are not content to empasize only what GOD'S Word commands. Then we take it a few steps further, we add and subtract from what GOD tells us in HIS Word, then we have the guts to the judge other people's spirituality more by their adherence to the man made rules we have thrown in there to help GOD out, rather than being obedient to GOD'S Word period. We are affected by Modern Day Pharisaism. Oh yes I did, stay with me folks, We have become Pharisee's!! We make religion consist in conformity to the law, and promises GOD'S Grace only to the doers of the law. Religion becomes external. More attention is focused on the outward show of spirituality than on the true inward spirituality. John had this similar situation going on in Israel during his ministry. Thats right folks, the game of the devil aint changed in over 2,000 years, the game has just elevated due to our spiritual ignorance. Say Amen right there!! It is time we have men stand and call black, black and call white, white and get out of the Grey!!!!! It's either Sin or it's Not Sin!! Period, No In Between! Wake Up Folks!! The Jewish Leadership was made up of 3 sects or groups, 1. Pharisees  2. Sadducess  3. Essenes The Pharisees were the strictest. They formed as a reaction against the religious compromise that was creeping into the Jewish society as the influences of Grecian culture took hold under the rule of the Roman Empire. The people were beginning to lose their Jewiah distinctiveness, and the Pharisees wanted to bring the nation back to its Jewish roots and fight further decay in society. To accomplish this, the Pharisees insisted on strict adherence to the Mosaic Law. In fact, they went beyond the Mosaic Law and strongly insisted on strict observence of additional traditions that had been added down through the centuries. They became the religious "nit-pickers" of the day. And because they paid strict attention to the nit-picky rules, they thought themselves spiritually superior to everyone else in society. Now go back to what I typed a few sentences back and see what we are doing today. We are looking down our nose at others,judging them, critizing them, talking bad about them, all the while we are saying..Look At Me...See what I have done or am doing...Man I am doing good...Look Look Look at Me!!! Brother Tozer said this behavior or attitude of Pharisaism...I could lable it Terryism...Amen Brother Preach it..Amen I think I will!!!!! Anyway this is caused by one of three things...1. Ignorance of the Scriptures  2. Unbelief  3. Disobedience. I am going to give you the reference scriptures for you to study on your own, because, I beleive GOD has presented to me and you exactly what HE want's us to see. John was simply a man, that wanted GOD in his life more than he wanted anything else. John was not a super-natural man. John was a human being, just like you and me. John had his priorites in order..GOD First and everything else next! Mark 1:6 tells us John's Diet and Dress. Luke 1: 1-80 tells us John's miracle birth. John 3:26-36 tells us John's reason for his ministry. Colossians 2:8-23 Gives us the warnings against philosophy and legality. Colossians 3:1-25 tells us CHRISTian Living and Believer's Union with CHRIST, now and here-after. Todays text is John1:15-51. Scripture reading and memorizing are found in John 1:27. To summarize, John's Mission Statement can be found in verse 23 of John Chapter 1. John saw JESUS as Exactly who HE is in John 1:36 " Behold The Lamb of GOD." John 1:19-23 puts John is the spot-light of all the religious leaders. The Jewish Leaders spiritual condition was Spiritual Ignorance, Spiritual Pride and Spiritual Confusion. John 1:23-27 the spot-light turns to CHRIST, John denies himself or deminishes himself and John Proclaims, Exalted CHRIST. John 1:29-34 places the Lamb of GOD in the spotlight..Baptism of the Lamb of GOD and Behold the Lamb of GOD. Did you realize that when John was being flocked around and being questioned, it was a very distinct possibility JESUS was standing in the midst and they didn't even know it. Let us recognize when GOD is in our midst and lets stop clouding HIS HOLINESS with our Pharisee Attitude and Actions. Let's not have our testimony for CHRIST be tainted. Being a Pharisee simply means to seperate and divide. When the world looks at me will they see JESUS? May GOD Bless the study of HIS Word. Until next time is my prayer!

Lesson 5 The Life of CHRIST

The Incarnation of CHRIST as outlined in this lesson is The Traditional CHRISTmas Story. Many use the letter X in place of CHRIST to write Xmas. There are many folks around our town and country that simply takes CHRIST completely out of their life or uses HIM when HE is needed at crisis time. The lost world does not know any better, but, us as CHRISTians, know the CHRIST of CHRISTmas and yet we put HIM away and use HIM like we use a spare bed room. Apart from CHRIST, We are Dead! Sin is defined as failing to measure up to CHRIST'S Perfection. The best we can do apart from CHRIST is fail. Keep that little extra near by the next time you feel you don't need GOD around or the next time you think, I can do this all by myself. It's a sobering fact that we can only fail apart from GOD! As we read I Timothy 3:16 the Apostle Paul found the truth of the Incarnation of CHRIST, JESUS born as GOD in the Flesh, as mind-boggling, as we all do. " Great is the mystery of GODLINESS: GOD was manifest in the flesh." To know that a HOLY GOD came to this earth from the Portals of GLORY, for Me and You, so that We might have the Life HE has intended for us to have from the Beginning. A Perfect Life, through the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Baby JESUS in the manger in Bethlehem, the CHRISTmas Story, is what we celebrate in December. I am thankful for JESUS and HIS HOLY Birth, but, this was a part of the entire truth that JESUS came to die for our sins. That is what the Incarnation of CHRIST was all about. A HOLY, PERFECT, SINLESS, GOD, left Glory and All the Perfection there, to come to earth in the flesh in CHRIST JESUS, in the form of our human body full of problems and imperfections, that We may have life enternal and our sin debt be paid in full forever. John 1:14-18 is the outline text for todays study lesson. CHRIST was only here on earth for a short time, 33 years. Approx 3 1/2 years HE was in the Ministry. Before CHRIST came to this Earth to dwell among sinful men, sin had to be dealt with in a temporary manner. The Tabernacle was the place in which GOD dwelt with HIS people, it was the place in the center of Israel's Camp, no matter where they went, it was a temporary place where the High Preist made blood offerings to cover the sins of man for just a short period of time, until which time he had to do it again. Exodus Chapter 25 through the end of the book describes the construction and order inside the Tabernacle. Exodus Chapter 20-24 speaks of the Abrahamic Covenant and the Laws that the Jews had to live and obey, every day. There were some 639 of these laws. As you read about the Tabernacle try to visualize this truth concerning the construction..Not much was said about the outward appearence of the Tabernacle. The outside was not very attractive as we know the term. It was made of wood and some tentage material..Oh but the inside was a sight to behold..Gold, Precious Stones, the Finest of the Fine, you could say the inside of the Tabernacle was gorgeous, perfect, flawless. We need to remember that where GOD dwells, Beauty will abound. GOD dwells only in a perfect place. That counts Me Out, I am far from Perfect, But, My Savior is Perfect, I have accpeted HIM, now GOD sees me as Perfect. Thanks To My SAVIOR!! We see that Israel only used this tabernacle for about 35 years, again, just a temporary place. As I spoke about the tabernacle being a place where GOD dwelt, the Greek meaning for Dwelt simply states it means Pitch a Tent, shown again as temporary. As we begin to understand that before CHRIST came as GOD in the flesh, Sin had a huge price tag, and no one had enough of anything to pay Sin's price. Oh but as we read in Isaiah Chapter 53, GOD in the Flesh, JESUS CHRIST is the only answer and the only payment for Sin. In John 1:14 says that the Word was "full of Grace and Truth." The Law demands Righteousness, The Law blesses the Good, The Law demands blessings to be earned, The Law is connected with Moses and works..BUT..Grace is Kindness and Love of GOD our SAVIOR toward man, not by works of righteousness that we have done. Grace gives Righteousness to Man, Grace is with CHRIST and Faith, Grace saves the bad, Grace is a Free Gift. Galatians 2:15,16 and 3:10-12 speaks of Law and Grace. Grace is Law and Justice. Everyone must pay for their own sins, unless Grace steps in. Grace is Free given from GOD the FATHER through JESUS CHRIST. One must only accept it by simple child like faith. John 1:14 ( in fleshly form)  The meaning of the Incarnation of CHRIST. The comparisons between CHRIST and the Tabernacle..Temporary, Outwardly apperance unattractive, Where GOD met man, Center of Israel's Camp ( Numbers 2:17). John 1:14-18 reveals the Purpose of the Incarnation of CHRIST. Verse 18 reveals the Nature of GOD. Verses 14-17 reveals the Grace of GOD. Verse 14 reveals the Truth of GOD. GOD hates sin. If we decide to pay for our sin, by refusing JESUS CHRIST, we will burn in Hell forever. Eternal Torment and Damnation. I thank GOD when GOD looks at me, HE sees JESUS!!!! GOD can't even see me because I have accepted CHIRST and HIS Finished Work on the Cross!! The Grave could not hold HIM and Death couldn't keep HIM dead...Glory Glory Glory..What a GOD!!! The scripture reading and memorization for this week is John 1:14, Last weeks scripture was John 1:10-12. May GOD Bless our study and until next time is my Prayer!!

Lesson 4 Life of CHRIST The Pre-Existence of CHRIST Part 2

Just as I had promised I will continue our study on Lesson 4. In John 1:1-13 speaks of "In the beginning" in verse 1 GOD, The WORD, The LIGHT all speaks of GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON, GOD the HOLY SPIRIT, which is the HOLY TRINITY, ALL are seperate forms, yet ALL are the Same. Our finite minds can't truly grasp around this, but, it's not debateable, it's the HOLY Truth as stated in GOD'S Word. GOD existed before anything. In the greek Word is Logos. The Jehovah's Witness publish a bible called the new word translation. It translates John 1:1, " the Word was a God." (emphasis added). This translation violates an absolute law of Greek grammer. GOD is merely not A God. HE is GOD period! The Apostle John was sent tp testify to the light so that all might believe. It's a sad fact that all don't believe in GOD nor will everyone be Saved by the Grace of GOD through JESUS CHRIST. We as believers can't allow this fact to defeat us in our testimony and witness. We are to be that Light pointing men, women, boys and girls to GOD in all we are and do. John 1:12 puts it simply that we must believe and recieve JESUS. HE will give us Power to become the Son's of GOD. John 1:11 states JESUS came to HIS own people and they recieved HIM not. The same will happen to us. We will be mocked, persecuted, denied from our families and friends, punished, critized, etc for taking a stand for GOD. That's the Truth! John 1:13 states we are not born into a relationship with GOD, we are not blood-related with GOD (Except through the HOLY BLOOD shed by JESUS on the Cross), we are not willed in our flesh to be of GOD, we are not willed as who we are made of to be of GOD..But believing and recieving JESUS CHRIST and HIS Paid-in-Full shedding of HIS HOLY Blood, Dying, Rising again from the dead and today sitting on the right hand of GOD the FATHER in Heaven making intercession for us Daily and pleading our case to GOD, we are birthed into the Family of Our HOLY GOD by simple Faith and heaps of Grace. Amen. John 1:13 speaks of this as being born spiritually as I just stated. We that are Saved have a 2nd Birth in JESUS which creates a better birthday that when we were born into this world from our Mother's. We must be grounded in GOD'S Word to grow in the Grace and Admonition of GOD so we can withstand what the devil throws at us every day. Everything we are is GOD. Without GOD we have No Hope at All. John 1:1 states the Doctrine (Fact) of CHRIST'S Preexsistence. John 8:58, Exodus 3:14, Micah 5:2, states this Truth as well. II Timothy 4:3 speaks of the day in which we live today. The form of CHRIST'S preexistence is told in John 1:1, 20:28, 1:3, 1:4. Or Faith in HIS preexistence is stated in John 1:10-12. All of our Power comes from GOD. We limit GOD'S Power by how we live. At all times in Heaven 2 and 3 are present at all times. Before JESUS came to earth to die for us as sinners, all 3, JESUS, GOD and HOLY SPIRIT was present in Heaven. When JESUS was on earth 2000 years ago, GOD and HOLY SPIRIT were present in Heaven. When JESUS rose from the grave, he left us with the HOLY SPIRIT to guide us and is present with us today. GOD and JESUS are in Heaven today. Where 2 or 3 are gathered in GOD'S Name, HE is in the midst. What truth and Power we as CHRISTians have!! When studying the Greek language, you have to first understand that each word, unlike our English language, has various shades of meaning. GOD made man to live forever. GOD made man to be like CHRIST. GOD made man to be perfect. Man was just that in Adam and Eve before sin entered in and the garden was cursed along with man. Thats why we live in disease, stress, death, suffering, pain..not because of GOD but because of sin. Read Col 1:16, John 1:1-13..All things were created by GOD. GOD created everything from nothing. When HE created man, HE got down on HIS knees and created man from the dust of the ground, which GOD created and breathed the breathe of life into man. GOD made Woman from the rib of man, which GOD created. GOD wants fellowship with man, as HE intended from the beginning. Let me be the Light to my family, freinds, community as I will be possibly the only light of CHRIST that they may ever see. What a job I have and you have to others, not to be self centered with our own struggles and victories. GOD has no past ans has no future, HE has and will Always be!! We have that Hope and our Future is Bright because of JESUS. GOD has no time table. We have a time table because of sin. My future is sealed by CHRIST..I pray yours is too! Until next time is my prayer! GOD Bless HIS Words!!!

Lesson 4 Life of CHRIST The Pre-Existence of CHRIST

Before I get into this weeks study., I want to catch you up on the weekly scripture study and reading verses. Chapter 1 Reading Study Verses is Romans 15:4. Chapter 2 is John 20:31 Chapter 3 is John 1:1-3 and Chapter 4 is John 1:10-12. I will post the weekly redings and study verses at the end of each weeks lessons. Notice that in Genesis Chapter 1:1 as it gives an account of creation, it reads " And GOD said, let US make man in OUR own image, after OUR likeness" and verse 2 gives the emphasis of verse 1. Who was GOD talking to or about. HE is refering to the DEITY of the HOLY TRINITY..GOD the FATHER..GOD the SON and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT. As John 1:1-3 states " In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD and the WORD was GOD" " The same was in the beginning with GOD, All things were made by HIM; without HIM was not any thing made that was made" John Chapter 1 was given the Truth that even before Genesis Chapter 1 of the Creation and the Creation of Man..There was, is and forever will be GOD! Hate to break it to ya Scientists, Doctors..That don't believe in GOD. GOD made it ALL and HE made it from Nothing...Take that to the Lab folks..GLORY!!! The WORD that was spoken in John Chapter 1 was referring to none other than JESUS CHRIST, GOD in the flesh. This passage confirms what the Genesis account says concerning the involvement of the TRINITY in Creation.  Take a look at what the Apostle Paul says in Colossians 1:16-17. " For by HIM were all things created, that are in Heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions or principalities, or powers: All things were created by HIM, and for HIM: and HE is before all things and by HIM all things consist." Emphasis added!! If you don't believe this truth from the very beginning, you can't believe it all. I beleive and will proclaim this truth, for by this truth comes Salvation and Eternal Forgiveness and Payment for my sins Forever!! I am going to stop right there for today...Think and study these passages and I will pick back up in a few days with the rest, but I feel GOD wants me as well as you study and dwell, think and pray on these few words....GOD was GOD is GOD will forever be.....GOD..Who are we to think anything else? HE Love You today freind and You were created for HIS Pleasure to bring GLORY and HONOR to HIM..Thats why we were made folks..Read it in Genesis for yourself...We either get down on our knees now, confess our sins, in faith believe what GOD says in Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9-13, John 14:6, Acts 16:31...All these scriptures will point you to JESUS and GOD and the HOLY SPIRIT..All 3 are 1 and Every 1 is 3...If you don't have a HOLY BIBLE, please let me know and I will send you one of mine..Just know it's TRUTH and it's the ONLY way of Escape from this world. I will be glad to speak with anyone and don't hear what I say but hear what GOD says in HIS Word. Everything I type I will and can support with GOD'S Word..Please Please Please I Pray...Asheville, NC be Saved...USA be Saved..The World be Saved..Today or the True Reality in Revelation 20:9-15 will be your Truth if you do not accept JESUS as SAVIOR!!! Until next time is my Prayer!! My Reality is in Revelation Chapter 21 and 22...And can be yours Today is My Prayer..All because of GOD and I give GOD All the GLORY and HONOR today and forever more...It's Free Folks..JESUS Paid it ALL!!!!!!

Bible

When you carry the Bible, Satan gets a headache. When you open it, he collapses. When he sees you reading it, he faints. When he sees that you are living what you read, he flees. When you are about to re-post this, he will try and discourage you.... I just defeated him!! Copy and re-post if you can, somewhere, anywhere you can find, even if many of your... "friends".. laugh and make fun of you..... Any takers??

The GRACE of GOD

It is by the Grace of GOD that my Family is Saved and On our way to Heaven, never to be seperated again. Glory, Glory, Glory..To GOD Be All the Glory..Amen!!

The Life of CHRIST, Lesson 3, 1-16-2011

The Geographic and Political Situation at the time of CHRIST'S Ministry will be outlined during our study this week. I would like to challenge you all to look up the areas I will be outlining in the next few minutes in our study. I have never been to the Holy Land or the region of Palestine. As we studied this chapter, it makes me want to study and research further this area. It is where CHRIST ministered and HE either walked and or rode a donkey through this very rugged region. Keep this in mind while reading the scripture references I will provide through out this study. I wasn't a History buff in school, but, I was simply amazed, when presented with these facts. We have heard of the Dead Sea, which is one of the geographic features in Palestine. If a canal were cut to the Mediterranean Sea from the Dead Sea, the ocean would run in, instead of the Dead Sea running out. The Dead Sea recieves more than 6 million tons of water daily from the Jordan River and other smaller rivers. After a very rainy season, the Dead Sea will deepen by 15 feets and will be 1 mile longer than usual. Evaporation at the Dead Sea is so great that it creates dense clouds. The waters of the Dead Sea is nauseous to the taste and oily to the touch, leaving upon the skin, when it dries, a thick crust of salt. It's buoyance is so great that it is difficult to sink the limbs deep enough for swimming. The Gospels are filled with references to other similarly interesting places, all of them connected in some way with the minsitry of CHRIST. A thorough understanding of the land of Palestine will help one to understand the life and ministry of CHRIST on earth. Its distinct geographic features and political realities provide the background of HIS life. Visualizing and tracing HIS ministry throughout the land enhances our appreciation for what CHRIST did for us. The physical characteristics of Israel may be divided into 5 features running eastward from the Mediterranean Sea.. 1. Coastal Plain 2. Shephelah 3. Cis-Jordan Hills 4. Jordan Valley 5. Trans-Jordan Hills. The Jordan River runs north to south through Israel. 2 lakes or seas that are found there are the Dead Sea to the south and the Sea of Galilee to the north. The Shephelah is the region of gradually rising hills between the coastal region and the Cis-Jordan Hills. Israel has 2 ranges of hills, the Cis-Jordan Hills and the Trans-Jordan Hills. The Cis-Jordan Hills contains most of the cities CHRIST visited during HIS earthly ministry. The highest point in Israel is Mount Herman which is 9,232 feet in elevation. Jerusalem is 2680 feet above sea level. Just 10 miles from Jerusalem is the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea, which is 1300 feet below sea level. Israel's climate is best described as variable. Extreme differences in altitude in such a small country guarentee widely varying temperatures. When snow is falling in Jerusalem, tourist might be baking under the sun in 90 degree temperatures at the Dead Sea. Generally speaking, the country has 2 seasons. Warm and dry summers and mild wet winters. The rainy season lasts from November through March. The average temperature in Jerusalem ranges from 50 degrees in January to 85 degrees in August. Galilee is pleasent in the summer, whereas the Dead Sea is a scorching 100-110 degrees that season. Palestine comprises 3 major areas: judea, Samaria and Galilee. Other surrounding areas that JESUS visited during HIS earthly ministry include Pera, Decapolis and Bashan. The Gospel mention 21 cities that CHRIST visited or mentioned by name. Again I mention to visualize CHRIST either walking or riding a donkey to get from place to place in the following scripture references and I will include the mileage traveled following each reference: John 4:1-5 ( 50 miles ), John 4:43-46 ( 40 miles ), John 4:54-5:1 ( 90 miles ). The Bible states that CHRIST went up to Jerusalem when HE actually traveled south because Jerusalem is higher in elevation than that of Judea. John 10:40 ( 20 miles ), John 10:40-11:1-17 ( 18 miles ), John 11:54 ( 25 miles ). JESUS'S Ministry was primarily in Galilee, by the Sea of Galilee. This area, which is by the water, is where it flourished, and the people HE ministered to was near the water area. Israel, north to south is 390 miles long and east to west is 30-80 miles wide. Isreal is actually the center of the world. If you can draw a line horizontally and diagonally through the world map (Globe), the dead center would be Israel. The richest soil in the world is found in the Coastal Plains. Pastor Donnie, our Sunday School teacher has been there several times, and he states that anything you can think of can be grown in this area. This is very unual when it comes to the various crops, that require various types of soil, temerature, water, etc. He also mentioned the oranges there are very very delicious. Judea is the wilderness of the area, Samaria to the North and Galilee to the South. If you go away from Jerusalem you will be going down hill. During CHRIST'S life and ministry on earth, several different Roman rulers governed various political regions of Palestine. We now turn to the Geo-Political Region of Judea and Samaria which was governed by Herrod the Great ( 43-4 B. C. ), Archelaus ( 4 B. C. - A. D. 6 ), the Procurators were Coponius, Pontius Pillate, Ambivius ( A. D. 26-36 ), Rufus, Gratus. Galilee and Perea which was governed by Herod Antipas ( 4 B. C. - A. D. 39 ), He killed John the Baptist. Iturea and Trachonitis ( which is North East of the Sea of Galilee ), was governed by Philip ( 4 B. C. - A. D. 34 ). As we sum up this lesson I encourage you to take time and research these areas and indulge into the Word of GOD. Allow the Word to soak in to your very soul as we study. As penned by David in Psalms, there is a place in Israel that is refered to as The Valley of the Shadow of Death. This area, in the Life of CHRIST and HIS ministry was the only way to travel across Israel. This is where the wolves would be because they knew the Shepards would be bringing their sheep through and they would lurk and prey on those sheep. Thieves and Robbers would hide there as well, to seek and rob the people, for they knew this was the only way through. Modern day improvements has made Israel more accessable, with more routes to and from, but, you can look down and see this Valley from above, according to folks that have been able to go to Israel. The last part of this study is to look at what the Dead Sea signifies as we picture many CHRISTians today. When fresh water flows in, but, nothing comes out...We lose our Joy and Enthusiasm. We become Bitter and Harsh. We produce no life and our soul Shrivles. I would to GOD, we would restore our landmarks, get back to our old fashioned roots, fall down before a HOLY GOD and Pray, Pray, Pray, Ask, Ask, Ask, Seek, Seek, Seek, Knock, Knock, Knock..Until the Power of GOD Falls from Heaven onto the Altar of our soul and We Have Revial in our midst!! Until next time is my prayer. GOD Bless the study of HIS Word!!

The Life of CHRIST, Gospel of John, 1-9-2011

As we looked last week in our study in the Life of CHRIST, we determined, according to the Word of GOD, the background and introduction to CHRIST as recorded in the Gospel of John. We know HE is 100% GOD and 100% Man and 100% HOLY SPIRIT. John emphasizes the DEITY of CHRIST. In Johns Gospel, John is not trying to prove CHRIST' DEITY, so much as he is letting JESUS CHRIST prove HIS OWN DEITY. Remember this Powerful Truth as we study together. In lesson 2 we look at the purpose of John's Gospel. In John Chapter 20:30-31, John states Why he recorded these events. "Believing that JESUS is the CHRIST, the SON of GOD and that believing ye might have Life through HIS name." As we learn that John was selective as to what was recorded in this book. He only recorded 7 miracles. The number 7 alone means Completion. We know that we are only complete through CHRIST! According to Jon 20:30-31 and John 21:25, that "Many other signs truly did JESUS in front of HIS Disciples, which are not written in this book." John 2:1-11, 4:46-54, 5:1-27, 6:1-14, 6:15-21, 9:1-41, 11:1-57, bears record of the 7 miracles, recorded in John. Most of us have read and heard about these miracles performed by CHRIST; Turning the water into wine, Nobleman's son healed, Healing of the impotent man (Healing waters of Bethesda), feeding of the 5,000, JESUS walking on the water and calming the sea, Healing the blind and raising of the Dead Man, Lazarus.11 times in John, CHRIST uses the phrase, "I AM." John 4:25,26, 6:35, 8:58, 9:5, 10:7, 10:11, 11:25, 13:13, 14:6, 15:1, 18:5; "I AM the Messias.", "I AM the Bread of Life.", " Before Abraham was, I AM.", "I AM the Light of the World.", "I AM the Door of the Sheep.", "I AM the Good Shepard.", "I AM the Resurrection and Life.", "Ye call ME MASTER and LORD.", "I AM the Way, the Trutch and the Life.", "I AM the True Vine.", "I AM HE.", which means JESUS of Nazareth. There was 7 people recorded in John who stated that JESUS was GOD. John 1:34 (John), 1:49 (Nathaneal), 6:69 (Peter), 10:36 (JESUS, I AM the SON of GOD), 11:27 (Martha), 20:28 (Thomas) and 20:31 (John, the Disciples with Thomas present). We must understand that we all as sinners, must make an active response concerning the DEITY of CHRIST. We must Believe, Believing, ye might have Life through HIS NAME. The result of believing is that we will have Life. Just merely knowing about JESUS or being convinced of the DEITY of CHRIST is not enough. We must Recieve HIM as Personal LORD and SAVIOR, John 1:12. The word believe appears 100 times in the Gospel of John. The word live and life also appear 52 times as well. John also wrote to supplement the other 3 Gospels. These are Matthew, Mark and Luke, which are known as the Synoptic Gospels. The word synoptic means, to see together. You will find a timeline of the Book of John beginning in John 1:1-34 the Prologue, 1:35-2:11, First months of CHRIST'S Ministry, 2:12-4:54, First year of CHRIST'S Ministry, 5:1-47, 2nd Year of CHRIST'S Ministry, 6:1-10:39, 3rd year of CHRIST'S Ministry, 10:40-11:46, Final 3 months of CHRIST'S Earthly Life, 11:47-19:42, The Last 6 days of CHRIST'S Earthly Life, 20:1-21:25, Resurrection and Post-Resurrection Appearances of CHRIST. Johns 2 fold purpose is to Cause us to believe that JESUS is the CHRIST, the SON of GOD and To show us how to obtain life through HIS NAME, John 20:31. The bulk of John deals mostly with the month of Nisan (March,April), and, around A. D. 32. Please take time to slowly read John and take these note and let GOD Word speak to your soul. Take Time with GOD'S Word. As our Sunday School Teacher, Pastor Donnie stated, don't read the Bible like we read most books, take the time and let it speak to you. The Lessons of Life is plainly written; 1. CHRIST is the Central Person in History. 2. The Cross and Resurrection is the Central Truth in History. 3. Salvation by faith alone in CHRIST alone is the Central Message in History. 4. Proclamation of the Gospel is the Central Responsibilty of the Believers. I am honored to share these notes from my study with you and Pray GOD will Bless the Study of HIS Word together. One final thought. I metioned the word History. Let me stand firm and state that HISTORY disected is HIS-STORY. We as CHRISTians have a GODLY History and Heritage in CHRIST, The KINSMAN REDEEMER, SAVIOR and LORD. We not only have a GODLY History but, Praise be unto GOD, through CHRIST JESUS, we as CHRISTians have a GODLY Future! Amen and Amen. Until next week is My Prayer.

Life of CHRIST Study 1-1-11

As we start this study on the life of CHRIST, it will take us about 1 year to complete. The Book of John is the reference book for our study. I will be posting note from my study at TBC here in Asheville, NC where I attend. What a privilage to be studying about My LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. We often hear of role model's that we look up too. I want to present to you my ROLE MODEL, CHRIST! There are 3 things that you can rest assured of 1. CHRIST Died for our sins. 2. CHRIST was buried with our sins. 3. CHRIST rose up from the Dead, defeating sin, death, hell and the grave. The reference for this is I Corinthians 15:3-4. As we look at the Book of John, we often hear it called and referred to in the scriptures as The Gospel According to Saint John. The word GOSPEL means GOOD NEWS. What other good news is any better than a HOLY GOD, sent HIS ONLY SON, into this old corrupt world, in the flesh, just like you and me, to Live, Die and Rise Again for our sins. The blood of the prize lambs, the show lambs, the very best animals they had, could not do anything for our sins but just roll them over and over and over..But THE LAMB, THE PERFECT LAMB in the PERSON of CHRIST was the SUPREME Sacrafice, once and for all. I can't tell you of any other good news but the Only GOOD NEWS of CHRIST. Please study Romans 15:4 this week and try to memorize this piece of scripture. What Hope we have according to this verse from GOD'S WORD. According to John 21:20-24 John wrote The Gospel of John. It was written in AD 90. It was written in the City of Ephesus. John was call the Beloved Disciple. He was #1 of the 12 Disciples. JESUS commited HIS Mother mary to John when HE was at the Cross. Galatians 2:9 speaks of John as a pillar, recieving grace. According to Luke 6:14-16 the 12 Disciples were Simon(Peter), Andrew, James, John, Phillip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James(Son of Alphaesus), Simon called Zelotes, Judas, Judas Iscariot. John was in the fishing business. It has been said that it was quite a money making fishing business at that. John 1:37-41 tells us that John saw JESUS and recognized as he spoke, Behold, The LAMB of GOD, heard JESUS speak and Followed JESUS. What Faith, but, John knew JESUS..GLORY to GOD, What a Savior. I may not get through this folks. Just think what John saw and recognized and said..Behold the LAMB of GOD!! Wow!! John wanted to see where JESUS dwells, he abode with JESUS on the 10th hour before HIS Death on the Cross. Andrew said to his brother Simon, We have found the Messiah or CHRIST!! Read and study John 13:23, John 18:15-16, John 20:2-10, John 21:2,7,20,24. These verses are key to the life John desired, which was to be like CHRIST. What an example CHRIST is to us and John knew CHRIST, Oh to know HIM is to Love HIM! John leaned on JESUS bosom, John was the Disciple who JESUS Loved, John went into the high Preist with JESUS. As I stated earlier, at the Crucifixtion of CHRIST, HE gave watch care over Mary, HIS Mother to John. There were two thinking patterns in the days refered to in John. Gnosticism was a rapidly growing philosopy in John's day. Gnostics believed that GOD was absolutly good and that matter was absolutly evil. A good GOD, they taught could not create evil matter. so there must be other beings descending from GOD in a chain. These beings called aeons and each one had a little less Diety than the one above it. The last aeon they called CHRIST. The Gnosics were divided into two groups, he Docetists and the Cerenthians. The Docetists taught that CHRIST did not have a flesh and blood body; HE only seemed to have one. The Cerenthians, however taught that CHRIST neither was born nor died. They believed that the Aeon CHRIST came upon JESUS at HIS baptism and left HIM at the cross. The Mosaic System of laws and regulations influenced the thinking of the people of John's day. The Jews followed the Old Testemant Law of Moses and rejoiced the idea that the Messiah would establish salvation for the whole world. Instead, He was to come for only the Jews. This view, of, that GOD so loved the world..that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life. Such teaching opened the door of salvation to everyone, Gentiles (non-Jews) as well as the Jews. John's Gospel attacked the popular thinking of the time. In the first 18 verses of John, he served notice that both Gnosticism and the reliance upon the Mosaic System for salvation were incompatible with CHRISTian Doctrine. Read John 1:1-3, John 1:1-14, John 1:1-18, for reference. John records 7 Miracles of JESUS in Chapters 2,4,5,6,9,11,21. John emphasizes The Deity of CHRIST. John is not trying to prove CHRIST's Diety so much as he is letting JESUS CHRIST prove HIS own Diety. John paints the Portrait of CHRIST as GOD, HE was, HE is and He always will be King, Servant, GOD and Man. John also emphasizes JESUS' own Words concerning HIMself. John focuses on Judea rather than on Galilee. John is one of the simplest of the books of the NT, Most profound book in the NT. It is the 3rd book of the 4th Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). To summarize The Book of John is the Most Powerful, Precious, Important Book in the Bible. JESUS is much more than a fact in history. HE Lives, HE longs for us to know HIM, not just know about HIM. May GOD Bless You and Until Next week is My Prayer!!




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