The Lighthouse

The Great Love Chapter

2006-02-28T21:17:00.000-07:00

1st Corinthians 13 is known as the Great Love Chapter. The King James translators use charity for the Greek word agape. I. The Motive of Love, verses 1 - 3 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. What we say, think and do is not as important than why. God is interested in your motive. People don't care what you know until the know you care. II. The Manner of Love, verses 4 - 7 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Love acts but love also restrains. Love makes you patient and kind. Love also keeps you from being proud, selfish and vengeful. III. The Measure of Love, verses 8 - 10 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. If you have real love, you can never fail. Love stands the test of time. Love is perfect. IV. The Maturity of Love, verses 11 & 12 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. Love grows. Young love is often puppy love. It is a love that klings and holds. But real love gives and ask nothing in return. This love is the love God demonstrated on the cross. Those who are young, fall in love with what they see, but looks can be deceiveing. God see us as we really are and loves us anyway. God does not love us because of what He sees in us. God loves us despite what He sees in us. V. The Maximum of Love, verse 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

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He Made The Stars Also

2006-01-31T22:13:00.000-07:00

I. The Creation of the Stars Genesis 1:16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. This has always been one of my favorite verses. God set in motion the moon and the planets, yet the creation of the stars seems to be afterthought as if to say, by the way he created billions of stars. Note, it doesn't say that the stars where created after the Sun, Moon or Earth. God could have created the stars before the Earth - but God created them all. II. The Constellations of the Stars Astronomy has always been one of my interest. The night sky has always awed me, especially away from city lights. Thousands more stars can be seen and the constellation move across the sky. The Bible mentions a few constellations and stars. Job 9:9 Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the south. 38:31 & 32 Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion? Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons? Amos 5:8 Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, ...: The LORD is his name: Arcturus is the fourth brightest star in the night sky in the constellation Bootes. This constellation appears in late winter and early spring. Orion is a constellation that appears in the winter months. Pleiades, also called the seven sisters, is west of Taurus in the autumn and early winter sky. Mazzaroth is a Hebrew name and the King James translators transliterated the name rather than guess. In could be one of the winter or spring constellations like Leo or could be the a star like Sirius, which is the brightest star in the night sky. The Chambers of the South could likely refer to the Milky Way. III. The Counsel of the Stars Matthew 2:1 & 2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. Throughout history, wise men have looked to the stars for the answers of creation. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork, Psalms 19:1. The universe is the creation of a intelligent designer. The stars even know their Maker. Matthew 2:9 ...; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

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The Forgotten Man of Christmas

2005-12-30T19:50:00.010-07:00

More than likely, when you hear the Christmas story, it begins with Luke 2. It starts with Mary & Joseph journeying to Bethlehem. Some might start the Christmas story back in chapter 1, with the annunciation to Mary by the angel Gabriel. Seldom do people start the Christmas story with Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist. The main character of the first chapter of Luke, is Zacharias - not Mary, Elisabeth or John - not even Jesus. Yet he is hardly remembered - which is ironic, because Zacharias name means "Memory of the Lord". I. The Office of Zacharias Luke 1:5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abijah: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth Zacharias was a priest and Elisabeth was a descendant of Aaron, the first high priest of the nation of Israel. They represented the Old Testament Law. While Zacharias means memory of the Lord - Elisabeth mean "The Oath of the Lord". The significance of their name is, the story of Christmas begins with God remembering the promise to send a Savior. II. The Offense of Zacharias Luke 1:18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man and my wife well stricken in years. Luke 1:19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings. Luke 1:20 And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. Zacharias did not believe Gabriel, and because of his unbelief, Zacharias wouldn't speak until the birth of his son. Today, many don't believe in miracles. They deny the "virgin birth". They cannot accept the "incarnation", or God becoming a man. The key verse of Luke, chapter 1 is verse 37, For with God nothing shall be impossible. III. The Offspring of Zacharias Luke 1:63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marveled all. Onto Elisabeth & Zacharias was born the greatest and last prophet of Israel. Matthew 11:11a Verily I say unto you, Among them that areborn of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist... Zacharias knew the mission his son was sent to do. John was to be the forerunner of the Jesus. I believe that Zacharias & Elisabeth raised John and prepared him for his ministry. Luke 1:80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel. John 1:6 -12 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 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:

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The Temptation of Jesus

2005-10-14T00:10:00.000-07:00

Mark 1:12-13, And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him. The temptation of Jesus is recorded in the three Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark & Luke. Mark give a short summary, but Matthew & Luke give three unique temptations, Matthew 4:1-11 & Luke 4:1-13, although in different order. All seduction can be grouped into three areas, the flesh, the world and pride. Satan first tempted Eve in the Garden with these three areas. These same areas are the focus points of all our temptations. All our desires can be summed in these three lust which are seduced by the three tempters, the World, the Flesh and the Devil. Genesis 3:6, And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was pleasant to the eyes and a tree to be desired to make one wise... 1John 2:16, For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. I. The Flesh Luke 4:3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. The flesh is our basic desires for food, pleasure and sex. Our flesh is our biggest weakness. Jesus response is that physical life is nothing with out spiritual life. Luke 4:4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. II. The Eyes Luke 4:5 - 7, And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. The world tries to allure us through the eyes. It promises fame, power and glory. The world also tries to get us to conform to its's ways. Jesus response is to quotes the first of the Ten Commandments. If the Commandments are good enough for Jesus, they ought to be good enough for us. Luke 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. III. Pride Luke 4:9 - 11, And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. In other words, "You are the Son of God, nothing can hurt you". Satan tries to tempt Jesus into vainly displaying His Deity. Jesus, being part of the Godhead, could easily showed His might, but to flaunt it in a useless exhibition would be sin. Jesus performed all His miracles without boast. Jesus counters this temptation with humility. Luke 4:12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Satan didn't give up and would again tempt Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and at the Cross. Luke 4:13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. But after His resurrection, He ascended to the Right hand of the Father to be our Great the High Priest. Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

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In the Eye of a Storm

2005-08-31T22:23:00.000-07:00

God did not create hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes or other natural disasters, but allows them to happen. These events are the result of sin. The original creation was perfect, but due to Adams sin, all of creation was cursed. Another result of mans sin is that the dominion of the earth was taken from Adam and is now in the control of Satan, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Matthew 4:8 & 9 and Luke 4:6. Our lives are in the hands of God. It is God and God alone who is holding back the forces of nature from destroying us all. God is not capriciously causing disaster after disaster to punish and destroy mankind. It is more correct to say that daily, God's grace and mercy is protecting and blessing us. How often have we thanked him for His goodness? God is the life giver. It is sin and Satan that want to destroy man. Sin destroys from within by breaking our fellowship with God. The old adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, 1 Peter 5:8. Job 1:8 - 22 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. Jonah 1 and Acts 27 give the account of two preachers that were caught in the eye of a storm. Both were men of God sent to preach to a lost and dying world. In the case of Jonah, his disobedience was the cause of the storm. Jonah was thrown overboard when his disobedience was found out. In the case of Paul, the storm was an used as an opportunity to show God's providence. Paul was willing to preach and therefore God brought him safely through the storm. For Paul, the storm was God's Test of Paul's faithfulness, for Jonah, the storm was God's Judgement for Jonah's disobedience, Our nation is also seeing it share of storms. Whether these are the judgement or test of our faithfulness is up to us. I believe that God is testing our faithfulness. Jonah 1:2 Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. Interestingly, Nineveh is in Modern Iraq. Those who know the story of Jonah realize that Nineveh repented and there was great revival in that city. As I written before, I belief that Iraq will be the last great mission field. It will not be a easy place to preach God's Word. Those who go there as missionaries might have to pay with there lives as are some of our young soldiers and marines. God does not keep from the storms of life but allows them to go through them, but goes with them. Mark 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

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Bible Week

2005-07-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

One reasons I believe the Bible is true is that it is a complete record of man. It starts with Creation and end with the the Millennium 1000 Year Reign of Christ on Earth. At this time, we see a New Heaven and New Earth. The Bible ends and it begins. The Creator is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Even though the Bible was written by different writer over two millennia it tells story of Gods dealing with man. The record is unbroken in its truth. From the Law written by Moses to the prophesies foretold by John in Revelation, the Bible is constant and whole. From the start, it gives a complete account. The Genesis narration is hard to beat in chronicling the creation of man and the universe. It accounts for man purpose as well as his existence. I. Seven Days The Bible starts with six days of creation and a day of rest. The modern week then is based on the Genesis account. Along with creating the the heavens and the earth, God setup the weeks, months and seasons. • First Day, Genesis 1:1-5 • Second Day, Genesis 1:6-8 • Third Day, Genesis 1:9-13 • Fourth Day, Genesis 1:14-19 • Fifth Day, Genesis 1:20-23 • Six Day, Genesis 1:24-31 • Seventh Day, Genesis 2:1-3 II. Seven Millenniums 2 Peter 3:8, But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The existence of man is only been six thousand years so far. The bible chronology can be used to date the creation to about four thousand years before Christ. We certainly can date modern times from this date - 2005 years. The bible states there will be a thousand year reign of Christ, starting with the 2nd Coming. Revelation 20:2 - 7 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, Therefore the Thousand Year Reign of Christ is the seven thousandth year of man existence on earth. The earth was created in seven days, the earth will exist for seven thousand years. III. Seven Years of Tribulation The Bible ends with the Book of Revelation which interestingly foretells the Great Tribulation which last sevens years. Revelation contain the references to a number of thing that come in seven. • Seven Churches, Revelation 1:4 • Seven Seals, Revelation 5:1 • Seven Angels and Seven Trumpets, Revelation 8:2 • Seven Plagues and Seven Vials, Revelation 15 • A Beast with Seven Head and Seven Kings with Seven Crowns , Revelation 17

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Bible Archetypes

2005-06-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

One of the keys to understanding the Bible is knowing archetypes, a typical example of a certain person or thing. The stories in the Bible have meaning and are used to teach us great truths of God and Jesus Christ. Many of the New Testament principles are introduced in the Old Testament. Jesus said, Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me, John 5:39. The Bible is Christ-centric. Even though Jesus is not mentioned by name, the different types of Christ are seen and read throughout the Bible. I. A Lamb From the start, the lamb shows up as a type of Christ, a sacrifice for our sins. Genesis 3:21, Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. The strongest of this archetypes is the Passover Lamb. Exodus 12:3, ..., In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: Exodus 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: All through the Old Testament, the lamb is a type of Christ sacrificed for our sins. The New Testament finally verifies this type. John 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. Other types of Christ in the Bible are Melchizedek, Genesis 14, the “Ancient of Days”, “Priest of the Most High God” who received tithes from Abraham. Joseph, Genesis 37, “Beloved Son of the Father”, rejected by his brothers, saviour of a nation. Jonah is also a type of Christ by coming back for the dead after three day and night. Others truths show up in the Bible as archetypes. II. Noah's Ark The Ark is a type of Salvation, Genesis 6. Noah and his family escapes judgement by entering the ark. Other salvation type are Lot escaping Sodom & Gomorra, Genesis 13; The Passover, Exodus 12 and The Crossing of the Red Sea, Genesis 14. Often places represent different things. III. Egypt & Canaan Egypt is a type of the world and Canaan is a type of Christian living. IV. Mount Sinai & Mount Moriah Mount Sinai is a type of the Law and Mount Moriah is a type of Grace. Some of the strongest archetypes are people. There are many, but here are a few. V. Abraham & Isaac Abraham is type of God the Father and Isaac is a type of God the Son. Isaac is offered as a scarifies on Mount Moriah, Genesis 22. Isaac is Abraham's “only son”, Genesis 22:2, 12 & 16. Other types of Christ are Abel, Genesis 4 and Joseph, Genesis 30 & 37. VI. Eliezer & Rebekah Eliezer, the servant of Abraham, is a type of the Holy Spirit. Eliezer is sent to fetch Isaac a bride. Eliezer returns with Rebekah, a type of the Church, Genesis 24.

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The Three Thesis of Theism

2005-06-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Bible starts with simple premise - God exist; and not only exist, but is the Creator. Before we can understand biblical theology, we must first have theology. Without God, the Bible has no meaning. Genesis 1:1, In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth. I propose the following three thesis to argue the existence of God. I. The Supernatural Supersedes the Laws of Science. The Laws of Science are not absolute, at least for God. God is not bound by the Laws of Gravity or Thermodynamics. If He were, He would not be God.

By Definition, God is a Divine Supernatural Being. God is omnipotent and has the ability to trump the Laws of Nature which He created.
By Definition, Miracles are the Acts of the Divine. If God wanted to display His Divinity, He could do so by performing miracles. The Bible are filled with such acts.

By Definition, Miracles are the Acts of the Divine. If God wanted to display His Divinity, He could do so by performing miracles. The Bible are filled with such acts. II. It Is Impossible to Disprove the Existence of God. One needs to do the following to disprove the existence of God.

Must Disprove ALL Miracles, not only the ones in the bible. One act by God proves that He exist.
Must Demonstrate the Natural Laws are the ONLY explanation of all events.

Miracles are not confined to supernatural acts alone. Often ordinary acts are acts of God. For instance, a young lady in my church was diagnose with cancer and not given long to live. The church prayed of this woman and her family. After going through chemotherapy, the cancer has gone into remission. This is a miracle. Was it of God? - I believe it was. III. Revelation Is Grounds for the Divine. Hebrews 11:1 & 6, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not see. 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.

Since this is an act of God, it is Miracle.
Agnosticism is the Only Alternative to Theism. One either knows God exist or doesn't know God exist.

One can't know that God doesn't exist. This is my argument for the existence of God. If God exist, one should try to find out if he does exist. Belief or denial will not change this fact. Of course if God doesn't exist, my belief does not create him. But then what is the source of my faith and the faith others. You must prove all revelation is not real.

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Memorial for Mary of Bethany

2005-05-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

The anointing of Jesus by Mary of Bethany is one of the least understood passages of the Bible. It is disturbing to feminist and liberals. The words of Jesus, to some, would be conceited and vain. Having a woman wipe His feet with her hair, to most, seems lewd and sexist! But without its context and motive, this act of love and devotion can not be fully understood. This event is recorded three times in the gospels. Yet, Jesus commands that Mary be remembered for deed. Matthew 26:6 -13 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her. Mark 14:3 - 9 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her. John 12:2 - 8 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always. I. A Sacrifice of Great Price. Judas accuses Jesus of wasting a precious resource. I have heard that the cost of the ointment would be equivalent to a years wages - a great sum even by today’s standards. The money could have been used to take care of the needed. It is more important to honor God before feeding the poor. The priority is God first, others next and you last! II. An Act of Great Love. Mary showed great humility in performing this act. Jesus allows the chauvinist act of Mary wiping His feet with her hair. This would be arrogant until your realize that Mary was preparing Jesus for His Death. In a week, Jesus would perform the greatest act of love by dying on the cross, and bearing our sins in his body for us. Philippians 2:8, And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. III. A Misunderstood Motive. The world will judge your actions. They will accuse you of being fanatical. Godly people have always had their action criticized. Christians have been accused of having ulterior motives when they stand by their beliefs. If you are pro-life, you will be accused of being narrow-minded and self-righteous. If you are belief homosexuality is wrong - they label you a bigot and intolerant. The anointing of Jesus by Mary would be considered sexist, if Jesus was not about to die on the cross for our sins. The cost of the perfume would have been wasted had it not been given to The Son of God. Believing the Bible would be absurd if it was not The Word of God.

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The Great Commission

2005-05-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Matthew 28:19, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations. . . Mark 16:15, And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Acts 1:8, But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. The command to evangelize the world is called the Great Commission. It is the last order Christ gave to His church before ascending up into Heaven. This mission is given to every disciple. I. Teach & Preach All Christians are have the duty to spread the gospel - “Go Ye”. Christian are witnesses of Christ to all nations and every creature. II. Home & Abroad Believers must bear witness to the truth in this world. This witness starts at home - Jerusalem and Judaea. It spreads out from there and reaches out - Samaria and the Uttermost Part of the Earth. III. Return of The King The Great Commission is the main purpose of the Church until she is reunited with her Savior. The history of the world is the history of the Holy Spirit and Church spreading the Word of God. For the most part, the Gospel has spread in a westward direction. Starting from Jerusalem, it quickly moved to Asia Minor, the Mediterranean and Europe being carried by Roman converts. The churches evangelism was re-ignited with the translation of the King James Bible during the Renaissance. From England, Christians moved across the Atlantic to the New World. America was established on Christian principles The Great Missionary Movement of the 18th and 19th century grew for England and America. Missionaries like William Carey to India, Adorniam Judson to Burma and Hudson Taylor who founded the China Inland Missions. There are many others like C. T. Studd & Livingston who took the gospel to the Far East and Africa. The mission of the Church will be completed before the coming of her King - that is the Second Coming. There remains but one mission fields that must be opened to and evangelized to complete the mission. The Middle East and the Persian region of the world is the Last Great Mission Field. Again, the history of the world is the history of the Holy Spirit and the Great Commission. I have no doubt that the strength of the United States is granted because of the missionary mindedness of the Christian in this country. While it was not the President intention to evangelize the Muslim world, I pray that the countries of Afghanistan and Iraq will be opened to the Gospel. Lord willing this area will accept the preaching and teaching of the Word be for the Lord of Lord and King of Kings returns. Acts 1:11, ... , 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.

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Lovest Thou Me?

2005-04-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

John 21 gives the account of Jesus' third appearance to the disciples after his Resurrection. The chapter deals mainly with the restoration of Simon Peters faith and strength. Peter is realizing that Jesus is God, but just a week ago, Peter denied the Lord. Peter hasn't gotten over his failure. He still remembers the look Jesus gave him when he denied the Lord. He probably thought that Jesus was disappointed with him. I. Peters Three Denials 1. Outside the Door John 18:15 – 17 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter. Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not. Peter's first denial was when he followed Jesus from a distance. Peter was still following, but a far off. 2. Warming Himself by the Fire John 18:18 & 25 And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself. And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not. Peter's second denial was when he was warming by the fire. Peter wanted to stay close enough but far enough not to risk his life. “What is wrong with being comfortable and safe.” 3. Peter Turns His Back on Jesus John 18:26 & 27 One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him? Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew. Peter finally, totally denies Jesus. He didn't stop following the Lord all at once. The denials got stronger and stronger as Peter got further and further for the Lord. He was willing to fight, and at first followed, but afar off. But as Peter gradually drifted away. II. Peter Runs From Jesus Peter still remembered the look Jesus gave him before the last cock crow. His guilt was tearing him up inside. Peter didn't forgive himself and didn't think the Lord forgave him also. He wants to hide from the Lord. John 21:3, I go a fishing. Peter thought to himself, “I let him down when He needed me. I am not good enough to follow Him anymore. He is so disappointed with me, and I bragged that I would never forsake Him.” Peter had mixed emotion. He was glad that the Lord was alive, but so ashamed about denying the Lord. I know how Peter felt. I stumbled and failed the Lord. I am disappointed in myself. I am embarrassed to be around others. Everyone knows that I messed up. After Peter's failure, Peter decided that he would return to his old way of life. He was a pretty good fisherman. Maybe he could go back and do that again. That night was a complete waste of time - fishing all night long and nothing. By this time Peter was miserable. “I am a total and complete failure.” III. Peter Remembers the First Love Peter had to be stripped down before he could get back to the Lord. Peter remembered the first time he met Jesus. To be restored, we have to get back to the time when we first got saved. Do you remember the first time you met the Lord? You were unworthy then and you are unworthy now, but He accepts you anyway. You couldn't earn His love, He loved you just as you were! John 21:7, Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. At this point, Peter knew there was no turning back to his old life. He would never be happy back in the world again. He had to get back, no matter what. He didn't care what others thought anymore. He didn't deserve to be loved by the Lord, but he was willing to do anything for Him. As long as Peter could near Jesus again, Peter would do anything. IV. Peter Restored by Jesus As Peters failure was a process, so was Peters restoration. Peter needed to forget his failures. Jesus is not making fun of Peter by asking him if he loved him. Jesus wanted Peter to know he still loved the Lord. In verses 15 to 17, the question is “Lovest Thou Me?” are not the same question. 1. John 21:15, Lovest Thou Me, More Than these? The word lovest in this verse is agape, meaning Godly love. Jesus is asking Peter if he adored him more than the others disciples present - “these”. Peter reply means, “I love you the more than they do!” 2. John 21:16, Lovest Thou Me? Jesus ask again, but this time, He want to know if Peter love Him only. Forget everyone else. 3. John 21:17, Lovest Thou Me? Finally, Jesus ask if Peter is His friend. The word lovest here is the word phileo, brotherly love. This is a more intimate love or friendship. You can reverence God, but it is more if you say that Jesus is your friend. V. Peter Follows the Jesus The first time Peter meet Jesus, Peter was asked to follow. Matthew 4:18 - 20 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. Peter followed Jesus to the end. Tradition tells us that Peter was crucified upside-down, not feeling to be crucified the same way as Jesus. John 21:22, Jesus saith unto him, ... follow thou me.

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Upon This Rock

2005-04-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

Matthew 6:15 - 19 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. I. Peter and the Rock The Rock Jesus built His Church on is Himself. Peter is not the Rock. Jesus was making a comparison between Peter and Himself. When Jesus said this rock, He was talking about Himself. Peter in Greek is petros, which means more pebble or small stone. Not a large rock on which to build the Church of God. In order to interpret Peter as the rock, you would have to ignore other references where Jesus clearly states that He is the Rock. Romans 9:33, As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 1 Corinthians 10:4, And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. This Rock is Peter's statement, Thou art the Christ, The Son of the Living God, not Peter. Jesus is the foundation and cornerstone of the Church. II. The Keys to the Kingdom The keys to the kingdom are not the keys to death and hell, Revelation 1:18. Peter was given the keys to the kingdom and used them in the Book of Acts to unlock the doors of salvation to the Gentiles. Acts 11:18, When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. III. A Pillar in Jerusalem The Bible also gives indication that Peter stayed in Jerusalem with the Jewish converts. Peter was the Apostle to the Jews, while Paul was the Apostles to the Gentiles. Galatians 2:7 - 9 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. The only Apostle that made it to Rome was Paul. Acts 23:11, And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

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The Resurrection

2005-03-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

I. Rolling Stone The stone was rolled away from the tomb of Jesus not to let the Lord out, but to let the women and disciples in so they could see that Jesus had risen, Matthew 28:1 - 6 II. Flesh and Bones The resurrected body of Jesus was real flesh and bone, and not a spirit. 1. Jesus Had A Physical Body Mary must have saw Jesus shortly after he came out of the tomb, because He had not ascended to the Father. Later the disciple are able to touch His body, John 20:17 & 27. Thomas would place his finger in wounds of Jesus. Ephesian 4:8 - 10, wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 2. Jesus Appears and Disappears At Will Jesus appeared to the frighten disciples in a locked room. Jesus was not bound by physical barriers, such as walls, doors or the stones trying to seal Him in a tomb. 3. Jesus Could Eat and Drink After the Resurrection, the Lord ate and drank. When Jesus appears before the disciples, he asked for bread to eat. On the shore, Jesus invites them to Come and Dine. Jesus will always have the scars on in his side, hands and feet. It is ironic that the sinless Lamb of God would be scared for eternity.

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The Crucifixion

2005-03-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

I. Good Thursday The events surrounding the trial, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are laid out in the gospels. But the traditional view that Jesus was crucified on Friday is hard to match with the Bible. First, Matthew 12:40 states that Jesus must remain in the grave “three days and three nights”. If Jesus was crucified on Friday, that would only be two nights. Secondly, Mark 15:42 states that Joseph of Arimathaea as for the body of Jesus on the day evening on the day before the sabbath. For a Jew, the sabbath begins Friday evening. The evening before the sabbath would be Thursday evening. II. Seven Sayings From the Cross The Bible records seven saying the Lord from the cross. 1. Luke 23:34, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Jesus ask forgiveness for those who were crucifying him. 2. Luke 23:43, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. There were two others crucified with Jesus. One malefactor was saved - the other lost. The foolish one railed on Jesus to “Save Himself and us also”. This the Lord could not do because if He had come down from the cross, he could not have saved others. To save other, the Lord had to die. 3. John 19:26, Woman, behold thy son! Behold thy mother! John, the Beloved, would outlive all the other disciples. The Lords earthly brother and the rest of the Apostles would be persecuted and killed. 4. Matthew 27:46 & Mark 15:34, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? The hours of darkness began when the Father turned His back toward His only begotten Son. The Godhead was temporarily bruised when the God Man bore the sins of the world in His body. 5. John 19:28, I thirst. Like the rich man who died in, The Lord was tormented with flames as he hung on the cross. 6. John 19:30, It is finished. Jesus bruised the serpents head by hanging on the cross. Man's salvation is complete. The veil that separated Man from God was rent in two and a way to the throne of grace was opened wide for all, through the shedding of God's Blood. The Roman centurion would later pierce the side of Jesus and find no blood. That blood was the blood that bought salvation for all mankind. 7. Luke 23:46, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. Jesus was not killed. The crucifixion was not the cause of death. Jesus willingly released His Spirit and gave up His life. No power in heaven and earth could take Jesus life. Jesus gave His life for the us. III. The Death & Burial Not a bone was broken. Jesus was buried in the tomb of Joseph. Nicodemus was there. Uselessly the tomb was sealed. Three days and three nights later, the power of the gospel would be shown.

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Bone of My Bone

2005-03-05T22:47:00.000-07:00

I. Man The Keeper Adam was placed in Eden to keep the garden. This was his job. God has a some task for everyone. II. It Is Not Good For Man To Be Alone God brought the animal to Adam and he gave them names. As Adam named the animals, he noticed that their was two of each kind. “Hey Lord, there are two of each kind”. They were all nice, but Adam needed someone to be his mate. Genesis 2:1 - 7 & 25 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him. And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. III. Woman The Helper Eve was the perfect fit. She was taken not from his back or foot but from his side and close to his heart. Eve place is by Adams side to stand by him, and under his arm so he can protect and care for her. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother. When a man becomes a husband, he must assume the full responsibility for “his” own family. He must put his wife above his parents and even his own kids. The two shall be one flesh. A husband and a wife is the perfect team. God instituted marriage as the primary relation for a man and woman. God gave the first bride away. I am thankful for the woman God gave me. She has been by my side for almost twenty years through all the jobs that God has given me. I would not be a father if not for my wife Mila. I know I couldn't raise my girls by myself. Mila is not only the mother, but the organizer. And the home maker. A deacon need the be the husband of one wife. Mila is there in the church with me every Sunday. We, as a team, are Sunday School teachers. I am proud how she has taken God's work to heart. Mila was there when I was in the military. She was willing to go wherever the Army sent us. When I decided to go back to school, she was there to support me and she worked when I attended classes full-time to. Today I have a good job that I enjoy because she was willing to let me go back to school and get my degree. I am not ashamed to call her my wife and I thank God for bringing us together.

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Sabbath in The Garden

2005-02-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

On the seventh day God rested. God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden. Man was created in God's image to keep God's Creation & have fellowship with God. Exodus 20 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. I. The Four Rivers That Flowed In Eden, v. 10 - 14 Eden was located where four rivers meet. It was a real place. Not a metaphor or an allegory. It was in the area of the Mideast. I can't place the Pison in the land of Havilah but the land was known for its' gold and onyx stone. The Euphrates still exist today as does the lands of Ethiopia. Assyria was located in modern Afghanistan & Syria. Interesting that the world is still focused on this region today. 1. Pison - Havilah. 2. Gihon - Ethiopia. 3. Hiddekel - Assyria, probably the Tigris. 4. Euphrates, which still exist today in Iraq. Over the years, rivers change course and the Flood rearranged the landscape of the earth. But I have no doubt of Eden's existence. II. Two Trees That Grew In Eden, v. 9 In Eden, there were many trees. Most of them still exist today, like the fig tree. But two trees no longer appear on earth today, at least for now. 1). The Tree of Knowledge, the forbidden tree & 2.) The Tree of Life. A while back, someone mention that Martin Luther did not feel Revelation was part of New Testament. But without Revelation, the Bible is incomplete. The Tree of Life is mention in only two chapter of the entire Bible, here in Genesis 2 & in Revelation 22. In the beginning and at the end, the Tree of Life is there in God's presence. In Genesis God creates the heavens & the earth and God recreates it in Revelation. The Bible ends at it began with creation reunited with its' Creator. III. Four Things Absent In Eden Man had everything he needed. Of course there were somethings not in Eden. 1. No Rain, v. 5 & 6. The weather was different before the flood. No rain or storms. There were season, Genesis 1:4 2. No Dying, v. 9. Because of the Tree of Life, those who ate its' fruits would live forever. 3. No Hunger, v 16. Adam & Eve could eat of any tree “freely”, except from the Tree of Knowledge. 4. No Shame, v. 25. Because they had no knowledge of good & evil, Adam & Eve did not know shame. They were in the state of innocence.

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Paradise Lost

2005-02-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Adam & Eves eyes were opened but paradise had been closed. Along with the knowledge of good and evil comes the knowledge of right and wrong. Man innocents was also lost. Romans 3:20, Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. People hide from God when they sin. Adam and Eve were ashamed and tried to hid with aprons of fig leaves - a type of their own righteousness. Adam blames Eve when they were caught. Eve blames Satan. Genesis 3:12, And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did . And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. They were both actually blaming God. “The woman you gave me.” “The serpent you created.” James 1:13, Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: I. Penalty Given The serpent was cursed to crawl on it's belly. For women, child bearing would be painful. Eve will weep when she bore children weep again when her son kills his brother. Man would work and sweat for a living. The ground was cursed. It would bring forth thorns, the same thorns would be used to make a crown that would pierce the Savior's head. II. Promise Guaranteed Even-though Adam and Eve sinned, God promised Savior. Genesis 3:15, And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. The woman's seed is a reference to the virgin birth. Satan bruised the heal of Christ at the cross, but by His resurrection, Christ destroyed sin. The final blow has not happened yet. III. Pardon Granted Gods forgave Adam & Eve. The coats of skin were temporary atonement for their sin until the Lamb of God would die for their sins. Cain knew that a sacrifice was needed for his s not work Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

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Temptation in Eden

2005-02-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

The fall of man changed the coursed of history. God expels Adam & Eve from the Garden of Eden. Man dies spiritually and loses fellowship with God. Nature turns against Man and Man becomes mortal. This was brought about by temptation. Man no longer is in the garden but he still faces temptation. I. The Tempter - The Serpent Satan has been tempting man from the start and will continue until his end. Revelation 12:9, And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Revelation 20:2, And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, Unlike popular myth, Satan is not some hideous creature with horns and a pitch fork. 2 Corinthians 11:14, And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. When Satan approaches Eve, she isn't afraid. In fact, the serpent was the most beautiful creature in the Eden - a dragon. John 8:44, Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. Satan method is simple and still works today. He get you to doubt God's Word. “Ye, hath said?” “Did God mean what He said?” “Is the Bible really God's Word?” II. The Transgressors - Adam & Eve Genesis 3:6, And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. Man sins because he is a born a sinner. We inherited this original sin from the first man and woman. 1. The Woman Tricked Satan temps Eve when Adam is not around. The seduction takes place under the branches of the forbidden fruit. Eve just wanted to look at it. “There is nothing wrong with looking.” “I won't even touch it.” James 1:14 & 15 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. The moment Eve ate, she died spiritually. 2. The Man Torn On the other hand, Adam sinned willfully. He made a choice. He knew the full consequence of disobeying God. He realized Eve had died spiritually and would eventually die physically. Because Eve sinned, God would banish her from Eden. Adam would be alone again. Adam had to choose between the woman he loved and his God. Adam gave up immortality and paradise for Eve. His wife was worth dying for. 1 Timothy 2:13 & 14, For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Romans 5:14, Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. Men ever since have been dying to prove their love. Thankfully, there is another man willing to die for the one he loved. 1 Corinthians 15:22 & 23 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Ephesian 5:25, Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; Jesus, the last Adam, died because He loved His bride, the church, Ephesian 5:31 & 32.

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Cain, First Man Born

2005-02-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

The first man born was a murderer. Cain means “gotton of the Lord”, but was of the wicked one, 1 John 3:12. Genesis 4 1 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. 2 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. 4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: 5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. 6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. 8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. 9 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? 10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground. 11 And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand; 12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. 13 And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear. 14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me. 15 And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him. 16 And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden. 17 And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch. 18 And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech. 19 And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. 20 And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle. 21 And his brother’s name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ. 22 And Zillah, she also bare Tubal-cain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah. 23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt. 24 If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold. 25 And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew. 26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD. I. The Brother of Cain Cain killed Abel, forever linking them together. The first two men born on the earth were twins, but they couldn't be any more different. Cain was a farmer and Abel a shepherd. Cain brought his works to the Lord while Abel brought a sacrificial lamb. Cain became the first murderer, Abel, the first martyr. II. The Way of Cain Jude 11, Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain ... Cain didn't sin just when he killed Abel. Cain's sin was a way of life. His world view lead him down the path to killing his brother. Cain was lost long before he slayed Abel. The way of Cain is the way of a religious man. He knew God, yet did things his own way. Step-by-step, Cain became the first lost man. Genesis 4 1. Self-righteousness, v. 3 & 4 Cain offers his works, the best he has grown, but his best is not good enough. He tries to earn acceptance without a sacrifice. Instead he uses his own righteousness but they are filthy rags, Isaiah 64:6. 2. Jealousy, v. 5 Cain gets jealous over Abel's sacrifice. Abel offers a “lamb of God”, Hebrews 11:4. Cain refuses the old-fashion, bloody religion of his brother. 3. Anger, v. 6 His anger is kindled when his offering is rejected. “Isn't one way just as good another? As long as we all try to do are best, it should be good enough.” 4. Pride, v. 7 Cain refuses help from Abel. “He's no better than me”. 5. Murder, v. 8 While in the field talking, Cain finally gets tired of Abel. “Always preaching that bible, Always quoting the scripture. You think you know it all.” I don't think Cain meant to kill Abel, only shut him up. 6. Denial, v. 9 Cain asks, “Am I my brother's keeper”? Cain excuse is the denial of who he was. Yes, he was his brother's keeper. Cain never repents! III. The Legacy of Cain 1. The Curse, v. 11 & 12 God curses the ground that brought forth the fruits of Cain righteousness. Cain loses his livelihood & his home. 2. The Mark, v. 14 - 15 I don't know what the mark of Cain was, but it was something that distinguished him for everyone else. The mark had to be noticeable from a distance. 3. The Descendants, v. 16 - 22 Cain marries one of his sisters, Genesis 5:4. He decides to raise his family out of the presents of the Lord in the land of Nod. They all die in the flood.

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The Sons of God

2005-01-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

I. Who are the Sons of God in Genesis 6? It is commonly taught that the sons of God in Genesis are the direct descendant of Seth. The lineage from Seth to Jesus is referred to as the Godly Line of Seth. But there are problems with this teaching. Not all ancestors of Jesus were Godly, Rehoboam for example, 2 Chronicles 12:14. This teaching ignores the Hebrew usage of the sons of God. The only other time the term is used in the Old Testament is in the Book of Job. The sons of God in Job are angelic beings. Job 1 & 2 ...there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them... Job 38:4 - 7 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? This teaching doesn't match the context of the chapter. Genesis 6 describes the situation of the earth before the flood. Peter links the angels that sinned with the flood, 2 Peter 2: 4 & 5. There is a cause and effects in Genesis 6. The sons of God mating with the daughters of men is the reason God repented over His creation. Another outcome of the mingling of the sons of God with the daughters of men were giants in those days. A study of giants in the Bible revels that giants aren't a good thing, Goliath for example. Dr. Peter Ruckman taught that the sons of God in the Old Testament might be angels that left there first estate, Jude 6. But those who adhere to the Godly Line of Seth, interpret the daughters of men as the descendants of Cain. Genesis 6:1 - 8 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. The controversy over the sons of God should not over shadow the main point of Genesis 6. The important lesson of the chapters is that God's grace always accompanies God's judgment. II. Who are the Sons of God Now? The Sons of God today are believers. 1 John 3:2, Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. But this transformation is not complete. The manifestation of the Sons of God is a future event. Romans 8:18 - 23 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. Though God great love & grace, He gave His Only Begotten Son so we can be sons of God.

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Ten Very Old Men

2005-01-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

I. The Man Who Never Was Born God's judgment is not always immediate, but sure. Adam died spiritually the day he sinned but physically lived almost a thousand years. Adam lived 930 years, but he still died as will all men. Adam was created perfectly in God's likeness and would have lived forever if he had not sinned. All of Adam's descendants where created in Adam's likeness, not Gods. Men die because of Adam's sin, Romans 5:12. Genesis 5 1 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; 2 Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created. 3 And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth: 4 And the days of Adam after he had begotten Seth were eight hundred years: and he begat sons and daughters: 5 And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died. 6 And Seth lived an hundred and five years, and begat Enos: 7 And Seth lived after he begat Enos eight hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters: 8 And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years: and he died. 9 And Enos lived ninety years, and begat Cainan: 10 And Enos lived after he begat Cainan eight hundred and fifteen years, and begat sons and daughters: 11 And all the days of Enos were nine hundred and five years: and he died. 12 And Cainan lived seventy years, and begat Mahalaleel: 13 And Cainan lived after he begat Mahalaleel eight hundred and forty years, and begat sons and daughters: 14 And all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years: and he died. 15 And Mahalaleel lived sixty and five years, and begat Jared: 16 And Mahalaleel lived after he begat Jared eight hundred and thirty years, and begat sons and daughters: 17 And all the days of Mahalaleel were eight hundred ninety and five years: and he died. 18 And Jared lived an hundred sixty and two years, and he begat Enoch: 19 And Jared lived after he begat Enoch eight hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: 20 And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died. 21 And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: 22 And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: 23 And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: 24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. 25 And Methuselah lived an hundred eighty and seven years, and begat Lamech: 26 And Methuselah lived after he begat Lamech seven hundred eighty and two years, and begat sons and daughters: 27 And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died. 28 And Lamech lived an hundred eighty and two years, and begat a son: 29 And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed. 30 And Lamech lived after he begat Noah five hundred ninety and five years, and begat sons and daughters: 31 And all the days of Lamech were seven hundred seventy and seven years: and he died. 32 And Noah was five hundred years old: and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Chronology of Genesis 5

Dates are from the creation of Adam.
name        born    died    age     
Adam           0     930    930
Seth         130    1042    912
Enos         235    1140    905
Cainan       325    1235    910
Mahalaleel   395    1290    895
Jared        460    1422    962
Enoch        642    1007    365, but did not die!
Methuselah   707    1676    969
Lamech       894    1671    777
Noah        1076    2026    950, total, Genesis 9:29
Shem, Ham   1576
& Japheth
Date of
the Flood   1676    Noah was 600, Genesis 7:6

II. The Man Who Never Died Enoch & Elijah are two men who never died. Some believe they might be the prophets that show up in Revelation 11 and are killed. Enoch is also a type of the Church that is escapes judgment. Hebrew 11:5, By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Jude 14, And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, III. The Man Who Was The Oldest Methuselah is the oldest human recorded. He dies in the same year of the flood. He might have died in the flood or God might had waited until after Methuselah died to send the flood. But there is no scripture to support this. This teaching goes along with the teaching of the Godly Line of Seth. This line is suppose to be the Sons of God in Genesis 6. There is no scriptural support for this teaching also. Salvation and Godliness are not inherited. Godly people can have wicked offspring and lost people can have very godly children.

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Noah and the Flood

2005-01-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

I. Before The Flood Before the flood, the environment was different. People live longer. Noah was five hundreds years old he had his sons. Before the flood, there was a different weather system than what we have now. Genesis 2: 5 & 6 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew:for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground. But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground. 1. Noah's Sons Since Noah's sons were born the same year, they are the only triplets recorded in the Bible. They help their father build the ark and are the fore fathers of the human race. Shem, Ham & Japheth each had one wife like their father. Like there father, they were monogamous. Genesis 5:32, And Noah was five hundred years old:and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 2. Noah's Task Noah's task, along with his sons was to preserve life, human and animal. Genesis 7:1 - 3, 15 & 16 And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation. Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female. Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth. And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life. And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, ...God is creator of genetics. In verses 2 & 3 the we find that Noah brought three pairs of male & female plus one for sacrifice later. Genesis 8:20, And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. All ethnic groups are the results of the intermarriage of the children of Shem, Ham & Japheth. This is the same for genus or 'kind'. It wasn't necessary for Noah to bring every breed of dog or cattle on the ark. The variety of species for each genus is a result of interbreeding of the survivors of the ark. II. After The Flood God reaffirms the command to multiply and replenish the earth as He did with Adam. But man no longer has dominion. Before the flood, man and animals had no fear between them and man was a vegetarian. After the flood, man and animals are separated by fear and man & animals become carnivorous. 1. Physical Changes The change in the physical characteristic of humans take place. Mans longevity decreases and mans diet now allows meat. Genesis 6:3, And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh:yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. Genesis 1:28 - 30, And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it:and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat:and it was so. Genesis 9: 1 - 3, And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. 2. Environmental Changes Two processes start to occur that didn't happen before the flood, rain & fermentation. Hurricanes, earthquakes, droughts and other devastating forces of nature are not part of God's original creation. They only came into existence after the flood. Genesis 9:14, 20 & 21 And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard: And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent. Sin not only separate God and man, but man and from the rest of creation.

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Signs of The Time

2005-01-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

The earthquake off the coast of Sumatra that cause the tsunami is an indication of the coming of the Lord. More hardship will come from the famine & disease to follow. Even before this tremendous natural disaster, we have been caught in a great conflict in Iraq & Afghanistan. Not only the Mideast, but there are conflicts in Africa & Eastern Europe. I am not a 'date setter', one who sets an exact date for the Coming of Christ, but I do believe it is soon. There is no prophesy left to be fulfilled prior to the 'Rapture of the Church'. Matthew 24:3 - 8 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Mark 13:7, And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled:for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. Luke 21:10, Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. While I hope that people will open their hearts and have compassion on those who are suffering. I also hope for the Lords return, for that is the only true hope for this world, Titus 2:13.

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John the Baptist

2004-12-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

John the Baptist life parallels Jesus Christ's life. John had a miraculous birth announced by the Angel Gabriel, Luke 1. John had a Violent death, Matthew 14 & Mark 6. John & Jesus lived about the same amount of time, 33 years. I. A Witness of the Light John recognized the Light. He was the forerunner of Christ. He was from the tribe of Levi, a cousin of the Lord. It was his job to introduce Jesus as the Lamb of God. It was John who had the honor of baptizing Christ at the Jordan. John 1:6 - 8, 35 & 36 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! II. The Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness If John were alive today, his preaching would be considered dogmatic & not compassionate. People today would accuse Jesus of not preaching Love. His message was “Repent, The Lord is coming”. People then didn't expect the Lord to come, but He did. People now don't expect the Lord to come, but He is. Mark 1:2 - 4 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. III. The Last & Greatest Prophet John was the end of the Old Testament, the end of the Law. His birth was like that of Samuel. His life was that us of Elijah. He was killed for telling the truth, for preaching against sin. It wasn't popular back then to tell the king that he is committing adultery. People today don't like it if you call their sports heroes or favorite ex - president an adulterer. In the end, John head was given as payment for a dance. Luke 7:24 -28 ..., What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist:

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The First Christmas Bloggers

2004-12-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, there were 'bloggers' that first Christmas, the shepherd. No they didn't have internet. But much of what they did is typical of today's bloggers.

First, they were not part of the established news media. They were just common working folk. Not scholars or pundits.

Luke 2:8 - 14
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lo
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a man.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and sag,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Second, when they heard the story, they went and checked out the facts. They didn't just believe the tidings. They went and saw for themselves. Yes the story was true.

v. 15 & 16
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known u us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

Last, they spread the good news of that first Christmas night. The news was heard by kings and wise-men!

v. 17 - 20
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning the child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Merry Christmas!

No Christmas Without Christ

2004-12-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Luke 2:7, And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

The world today is trying to take Jesus Christ out of Christmas. But without Jesus, there is no season of rejoicing. Christ is the reason for the season. A Holy God becoming a Man is the miracle of the holiday. Jesus is the Savior of this world, but the world rejected Him at His birth and crucified its Lord.

John 1:10, 11 & 14
He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
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.

I. No Clothes
Jesus was born to die. At His birth, His mother wrapped Him in strips of cloth and laid Him in a manger. At His death, Mary wrapped Him in linen and laid Him in a borrowed tomb.

Mark 15:46 & 47
And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.
And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.

II. No Crib
Jesus' crib was a bed of hay. During His earthly ministry, Jesus had no bed or roof over His head. The precious Lamb of God, who came to take away the sins of the world, was laid to sleep with the animals in a stable.

Luke 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.

III. No Room
Sadly, the inn and the world has no room for Jesus. People today have no time for Christ because their lives are too busy. They have no need for a God Who is not politically correct. They have no room in their lives for a Savior, who gave up heavens glory, to be born in a manger, only to grow up without a home and to die on a cross for their sins.

Luke 12:16 - 21
And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
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.
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.
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?
So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich tows night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

Myths of Christmas

2004-12-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

We are all familiar with Nativity Scene during the Christmas Season. The traditional account has Jesus, Mary & Joseph along with shepherds, angels and the three wise men all at the manger on Christmas Night.Much of this is erroneous and most of the account is chronologically and locationally inaccurate according to the Bible. This study is my attempt to put the accounts of Matthew 1 - 2 & Luke 1 - 2 in chronological order and give a more accurate account of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. I. Chronology of Events

1 - 2 years     Luke 1:5 - 25   Jerusalem - Gabriel visits Zacharias,
before Christmas                Elisabeth conceives.
9 mos.          Luke 1:26 - 38  Galilee - The Annunciation &
                                Immaculate Conception.
6 - 9 mos.      Matt. 1:18 - 25 Galilee - Angel, probably Gabriel,
                                appears to Joseph.
                Luke 1:39 - 56  Jerusalem - Mary visits Elisabeth & 
                                Magnificat.
6 mos.          Luke 1:57 - 80  Jerusalem - Birth of John the Baptist.
1 week          Luke 2:1 - 6    Mary & Joseph travel to Bethlehem.
Christmas       Luke 2:7 - 20   Bethlehem - Birth of Jesus.
                                Angel appear to shepherds.
                                Heavenly host glorifies Jesus.
8 days after    Luke 2:21 - 38  Jerusalem - Simeon & Anna see Jesus at
                                the Temple.
couple of wks.  Luke 2:39       Jesus, Mary & Joseph return to Galilee.
3 - 6 mos.      Matt. 2:1 - 8   Jerusalem - Wise men arrive & see Herod.
3 - 12 mos.     Matt. 2:9 - 12  Galilee - Epiphany at the house of
                                Mary & Joseph.
                                Presentation of gifts by the Magi.
                                Departure of wise men.
12 - 18 mos.    Matt. 2:13 - 15 Flight into Egypt.
1 - 2 yrs.      Matt. 2:16 - 18 Slaughter of the Innocent.
3 - 10 yrs.     Matt. 2:19 - 23 Return to Nazareth.
12 yrs.         Luke 2:40 - 52  Jesus Found Teaching in the Temple.

II. Three Wise Men Matthew account of the Magi never give the number of three. We don't know how many, but it was at least two. Three is a guess because of the three gifts, gold, frankincense & myrrh. The meaning of the three gifts.

Gold - King
Frankincense - Priest
Myrrh - Prophet

III. Mary a Perpetual Virgin The misconception that Mary remained a virgin through out her marriage to Joseph is un-biblical. Both Christmas accounts state that Jesus was the only the firstborn. Matthew 1:24 & 25 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son:and he called his name JESUS. Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. The fact is that Mary & Joseph had four sons, and more than one daughter. Matthew 13:55 & 56 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? ... Mark 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? ...

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Uriah The Hittite

2004-12-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite characters in the Bible is Uriah, the Hittite. Of all the people mention in Christ lineage, he is the only one that is not an ancestor of Jesus. His name is used to refer to Bathsheba, Matthew 1:6. The story of David & Bathsheba is well told in 2 Samuel 11, but Uriah's part is often overlooked. But God doesn't overlook him and I feel that the mention of Uriah (Urias) in the Line of Christ is God's way of honoring the Hittite. I. Uriah to David, The Loyal Subject David was the king and should have been with his men in the field. 2 Samuel 11:1, And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. It is also interesting to note that Hittites are not Jews. I kind of picture Uriah as an minority. Today, we often hear of marines and soldiers fighting for this country who are not even American citizens. Often new immigrants are more thankful for the freedoms of this country than those who are born with these freedoms. II. Uriah to Bathsheba, The Faithful Spouse I had to read between the lines to get a real insight into Uriahs' character. The fact that a soldier goes home on leave and refuses to sleep with his wife is strange. Some have said that Uriah was a hardcore mercenary, that he was some kind of “cold - blooded killer” to almost justify Bathshebs' unfaithfulness. Being and ex - Marine and soldier, I feel this is far from the truth. Men in the military serve because they love their families. They are willing to pay the greatest sacrifice for those they love. Lately, you hear of marines and soldier who are wounded in battle and want to return to their units as quickly as possible. It is not that they don't want to be with their families, but their sense of honor & duty to families & comrades far outweighs their own desires of worldly pleasures. 2 Samuel 11:11, And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? as thou livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing. The mention of Uriah in Matthew 1:6 leads me to a deeper reason that Uriah did not go home to sleep with Bathsheba. It is my opinion, that Uriah actually knew that Bathsheba had committed adultery with the king. Others knew of the affair and could have easily told Uriah. Maybe the Lord Himself told Uriah the secret. Either way, Uriah's actions then become more explainable. His refusal to go to his own bed was his way of protecting David & Bathsheba's reputation. Here, Uriah demonstrates real love by forgiving the his king & wife and not bring them down in disgrace. III. Uriah to Joab, The Brave Soldier Uriah is listed as one of the Mighty Men of Valor. 1 Chronicles 11:41 & 2 Samuel 23:39. 2 Samuel 11:15 - 17 And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die. And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that valiant men were. And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also. Joab orders Uriah in to a infantry charge then leaves Uriah to die in battle. Uriah was not afraid to go on a dangerous mission. I think of Uriah when life's battles get to me.

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Scarlet Women in the Line of Christ

2004-12-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Three women are mention by name in the line of Jesus Christ. What were special about these women? If we look at their life stories, we can say that none of them had very virtuous lives. Thamar (Tamar) had twins by her father - in - law. Rachab (Rahab) was a prostitute. Ruth was somewhat of a gold - digger. Yet these wanton women are direct decedents of the Lord.

Matthew 1:1 - 5
The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;
And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;

I. Tamar the Woman of the Street
Genesis 38
... Then Judah saw her, he thought her to be an harlot; because she had covered her face. And he turned unto her by the way, ... And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by whoredom...

Tamar is a type of believer that tries to do God's will their own way. Being the wife of Judah's eldest son, she was in the line of Christ as prophesied by Jacob. Genesis 49:10. But instead of waiting for God to work things out, she tries to take the matter in her own hand.

... And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins were in her womb. And it came to pass, when she travailed, that the one put out his hand:and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first. And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out:and she said, How hast thou broken forth? this breach be upon thee:therefore his name was called Pharez. And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand:and his name was called Zarah.

God still keep her in the lineage, but instead of the oldest son Zarah being in Christ line, God puts in Pharez. Sometimes, God allows a person to do His will their way, but this is not the best way of doing things.

II. Ruth the Moabitess - The Book of Ruth.
Ruth 1:16, ... for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.

My wife and I used this verse for our wedding but it is actually Ruth statement to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth was willing to step out by faith and leave her country and people for God.

Ruth 3
... And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet... And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; ... And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor.

Ruth is a type of believer that does follows God by obeying some else. God will often reward a person who follows another's direction to do God's will.

III. Rahab the Harlot Who Hid Spies - Judges 2 & 6
Judges 2: 1 & 18
And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.
Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee.

Judges 6:25
And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.

Of the three, Rahab is most honored by God and is mention as one of the Great Persons of Faith. Hebrews 11:31 & James 2:25. The scarlet thread represents salvation by the blood. Rahab was willing to repent from her past and risk her own life to follow God's.

The Finger of God

2004-11-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

The bible records three occasions where the finger or hand of the God wrote. Here is what God wrote, to whom and when.

I. The Law to a Nation

Exodus 31:18, And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.

The Ten Commandments were written in Hebrew on stone tablets. God gave them to Moses and the Jews at Mount Sinai. The stone tables, called the Testament, were place in the Ark of the Covenant. They “vanished” during the destruction of the Temple by the Babylonians. Some speculate that God took the Ark of the Covenant and Testament up to heaven before they were captured, Revelation 11:19.

II. A Judgment to a King

Daniel 5:1-5
Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.
Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.
Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them.
They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.
In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace:and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.

The judgement MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN was written in an unknown language. Daniel the Prophet interpreted Gods sentence to the King Belshazzar.

MENE, God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.
TEKEL, Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.
PERES, Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persian.

The judgement was executed that night.

Daniel 5:30 & 31
In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.
Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old.

III. Conviction to Sinners

John 8:1 - 11
Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

What the Lord wrote is unknown. It was written in either Greek or Aramaic to the scribes and Pharisees present. Only those there could read what Jesus wrote. It must have been something that convicted them of their own sin. It's not important what was written, but who wrote it. Gods Word has the power to get to the heart, Hebrews 4:12. The woman, without accusers, received mercy.

The Ten Commandments

2004-11-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

While the Bible is inspired by God, it was written by men hand, 2 Peter 1: 21. But the Ten Commandments are unique in that they are written by God own hand. Exodus 31: 18. Since God took time to write them, we need to look at them a little closer. Exodus 20:1 - 17 I. And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. III. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. IV. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. V. Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. VI. Thou shalt not kill. VII. Thou shalt not commit adultery. VIII. Thou shalt not steal. IX. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's. The Ten Commandments are the prototype for today's legal system. It is often refered to as the law. The Commandments can be divided into three groups.

1. Religious Law; I - IV

The first four commandments deal with mans obligation to God. Our laws have a moral ethical basis and rely on our ability to know right from wrong.

2. Family Law; V & VII

Gods Laws also have a element of 'Family Values'. God define the family as a father, mother & children. Marriage is between a man & woman. Genesis 2:23, Matthew 19:4 &Mark 10:6.

3. Civil Law; VI, VIII - X

Gods Laws also governs mans place in society. All societies accept that murder and stealing are wrong. Most accept that lying is also wrong. Yet the tenth commandment would never make it into any law book today. The tenth also recognizes mans ownership of property. God's perfect system is built upon three supporting institution Church, State & The Family. I conclude with this account from the Gospel of Matthew: Matthew 22:35 - 40 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. It is ironic that a lawyer did not comprehend the nature of the law nor did he realized who was the law maker.

Apologetics

2004-11-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

I have decided to change the focus of this blog. I want to put down my thoughts and convictions on the Bible. I have been blessed by the teaching and preaching of Gods Word. Now, I feel that I should share these blessing with others. Twenty-five years ago, I felt God had called me to Bible College. My personal desire was to study math, after getting out of the Marine Corps. But, I remember kneeling by my bunk one night and surrendering to the Lords' will, even though I didn't feel I was called to the ministry. If I learned everything else but did not know God and His Word, it wouldn't really matter. I realized that the most important thing I could learn was the Bible. I attended Pensacola Bible Institute and received a Bachelors of Divinity. Fifteen years later, God granted me the opportunity to receive a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science. While I make a living as a programmer, it is my faith and knowledge of the Word that gives me a reason to live. I have been taught the Word of God by pastors and Bible teacher. I have heard sermons from preachers and evangelists. I have read the Bible and have done personal Bible Studies. I do not profess to be a Bible scholar, but a ‘workman’, 2 Timothy 2:15. These are not great theological doctrines. Rather things God has shown me from time to time.

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Church, State & The Family

2004-11-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Marriage is God's institution for the relationship between a man and a woman, Genesis 2:18 - 25.
The Church is God's institution for the relationship between believers, 1 Corinthians 12:27 & 28.
Government is God's institution for the relationship between individuals and society, Romans 13:1.

To say that there is a total separation between these institution denies their common foundation. They are interlocked. The church and state need the loyalty of the family to be strong. The family and church need the protection of the state to be safe. The family and state need the wisdom of the church to function and govern.

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