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Jn 4:51.
Jn 4:52.
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AND AS HE (the nobleman or royal officer) WAS NOW GOING DOWN (on the way), HIS SERVANTS (or slaves) MET HIM, AND TOLD HIM, SAYING, (YOUR) SON (LIVES).
THEN INQUIRED HE OF THEM THE HOUR WHEN HE BEGAN TO (GET BETTER). AND THEY SAID (TO) HIM, YESTERDAY AT THE SEVENTH HOUR (or one o'clock in the afternoon-JNT) THE FEVER LEFT HIM
SO THE FATHER KNEW THAT IT WAS AT THE SAME HOUR, IN THE WHICH JESUS SAID (TO) HIM, (YOUR) SON (LIVES): AND (so) (he) HIMSELF BELIEVED (or trusted), AND HIS WHOLE HOUSE (hold).
THIS IS AGAIN THE SECOND MIRACLE (or sign) THAT JESUS DID, WHEN HE WAS COME OUT OF (JUDEA) INTO GALILEE.
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 572
JESUS READ AT THE SYNAGOGUE IN
NAZARETH
30 YEARS PLUS 9 MONTHS
AND HE CAME TO NAZARETH, WHERE HE HAD BEEN BROUGHT UP: AND, AS (USUAL), HE WENT INTO THE SYNAGOGUE ON THE SABBATH DAY, AND STOOD UP FOR TO READ.
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 573
AND THERE WAS (HANDED) (TO) HIM THE (SCROLL) OF THE PROPHET (ISAIAH). AND WHEN HE HAD OPENED THE (SCROLL), HE FOUND THE PLACE WHERE IT WAS WRITTEN,
THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE (HAS) ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL (or Good News) TO THE POOR; HE (HAS) SENT ME TO HEAL THE BROKENHEARTED, TO PREACH (or proclaim) DELIVERANCE (or release, or freedom) TO THE CAPTIVES (or prisoners, or imprisoned), AND RECOVERING OF (or renewed) SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET AT LIBERTY (or set free, or release) THEM THAT ARE BRUISED (or trodden down, or oppressed, or crushed),
TO PREACH (or proclaim) THE ACCEPTABLE (or favorable) YEAR OF THE LORD.
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 600
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FAITH AND TRUST
Continued
78-Faith and The World Hates a message that Proves Jesus Is The Christ
Acts 9:22-24-BUT SAUL INCREASED THE MORE IN STRENGTH, AND CONFOUNDED THE JEWS WHICH DWELT AT DAMASCUS, PROVING THAT THIS IS VERY CHRIST.
Saul proved beyond any doubt at all, that Jesus is deity, that He is very Christ. Did the people therefore humble themselves and repent? No. THE JEWS TOOK COUNSEL TO KILL HIM. THEY WATCHED THE GATES DAY AND NIGHT TO KILL HIM-Acts 9:23,24. It is the same today. The world wants to silence those that take a stand and can prove that Jesus is God, that He is come in the flesh. Saul, later Paul was falsely accused. He was put in Jail. He was whipped. He suffered greatly. One can imagine that at the end of his life, his body was both frail and a scarred mess. Paul tells us of himself: 2 Cor 11:23-28-ARE THEY SERVANTS OF CHRIST? (I AM OUT OF MY MIND TO TALK LIKE THIS.) I AM MORE. I HAVE WORKED MUCH HARDER, BEEN IN PRISON MORE FREQUENTLY, BEEN FLOGGED MORE SEVERELY, AND BEEN EXPOSED TO DEATH AGAIN AND AGAIN. FIVE TIMES I RECEIVED FROM THE JEWS THE FORTY LASHES MINUS ONE. THREE TIMES I WAS BEATEN WITH RODS, ONCE I WAS STONED, THREE TIMES I WAS SHIPWRECKED, I SPENT A NIGHT AND A DAY IN THE OPEN SEA, I HAVE BEEN CONSTANTLY ON THE MOVE. I HAVE BEEN IN DANGER FROM RIVERS, IN DANGER FROM BANDITS, IN DANGER FROM MY OWN COUNTRYMEN, IN DANGER FROM GENTILES; IN DANGER IN THE CITY, IN DANGER IN THE COUNTRY, IN DANGER AT SEA; AND IN DANGER FROM FALSE BROTHERS. I HAVE LABORED AND TOILED (in weariness and painfulness-KJV) AND HAVE OFTEN GONE WITHOUT SLEEP; I HAVE KNOWN HUNGER AND THIRST AND HAVE OFTEN GONE WITHOUT FOOD; I HAVE BEEN COLD AND NAKED. BESIDES EVERYTHING ELSE, I FACE DAILY THE PRESSURE OF MY CONCERN FOR ALL THE CHURCHES (NIV).
1 Pe 3:8-12-LIVE IN HARMONY (be ye all of one mind-KJV) WITH ONE ANOTHER; BE SYMPATHETIC (having compassion), LOVE AS BROTHERS, BE COMPASSIONATE AND HUMBLE (or courteous). DO NOT REPAY EVIL WITH EVIL OR INSULT WITH INSULT,.(you) MUST KEEP (your) TONGUE FROM EVIL AND (your) LIPS FROM DECEITFUL SPEECH. .TURN FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD; .SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT. FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE ON THE RIGHTEOUS AND HIS EARS ARE ATTENTIVE TO THEIR PRAYER, BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL (NIV).
1 Pe 3:15-16-ALWAYS BE PREPARED TO GIVE AN ANSWER TO EVERYONE WHO ASKS YOU TO GIVE THE REASON FOR THE HOPE THAT YOU HAVE. BUT DO THIS WITH GENTLENESS AND RESPECT, KEEPING A CLEAR CONSCIENCE, SO THAT THOSE WHO SPEAK MALICIOUSLY AGAINST YOUR GOOD BEHAVIOR IN CHRIST MAY BE ASHAMED OF THEIR SLANDER.
Eph 4:25-WHEREFORE PUTTING AWAY LYING, SPEAK EVERY MAN TRUTH WITH HIS NEIGHBOUR: FOR WE ARE MEMBERS ONE OF ANOTHER.
Heb 12:1-2-WHEREFORE SEEING WE ALSO ARE COMPASSED ABOUT WITH SO GREAT A CLOUD OF WITNESSES, LET US LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT (or every obstacle or every distraction), AND THE SIN WHICH DOTH SO EASILY BESET US, AND LET US RUN WITH PATIENCE THE RACE THAT IS SET BEFORE US, LOOKING UNTO JESUS THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH (or trust); WHO.ENDURED THE CROSS, DESPISING THE SHAME.
1 Thes 1:3-REMEMBERING WITHOUT CEASING YOUR WORK OF FAITH (or trust), AND LABOUR OF LOVE, AND PATIENCE OF HOPE IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, IN THE SIGHT OF GOD AND OUR FATHER;
Your work for Christ should be a result of faith.
Your labor should be a result of love for Christ.
Your patience should be a result of the hope that is in you which is from faith in Jesus Christ.
81-Faith-Commands: Follow their faith and ruling over you
Heb 13:7-REMEMBER THEM WHICH HAVE THE RULE OVER YOU, WHO HAVE SPOKEN UNTO YOU THE WORD OF GOD: WHOSE FAITH (or trust) FOLLOW, CONSIDERING THE END OF THEIR CONVERSATION.
Note the commands: Command (1) Remember them. Remember who? Those that have the rule over you. Those who have spoken to you God's Word. This is God's minister that God himself has ordained. His ministers have His authority to rule over you.
Command (2) Follow their faith. Follow whose faith? Those that have the rule over you. Those who have spoken to you God's Word.
Heb 13:17-OBEY THEM THAT HAVE THE RULE OVER YOU, AND SUBMIT YOURSELVES: FOR THEY WATCH FOR YOUR SOULS, AS THEY THAT MUST GIVE ACCOUNT, THAT THEY MAY DO IT WITH JOY, AND NOT WITH GRIEF: FOR THAT IS UNPROFITABLE FOR YOU.
Indeed, THE ELDERS THAT RULE WELL (are to) BE COUNTED WORTHY OF DOUBLE HONOUR, ESPECIALLY THEY WHO LABOUR IN THE WORD AND DOCTRINE-ref 1 Tim 5:17.
Heb 13:24-SALUTE ALL THEM THAT HAVE THE RULE OVER YOU, AND ALL THE SAINTS. Note, over and over God uses the word "rule".
However, a minister, is not to exercise Lordship, or dominion, but is to minister to the people, to be a servant of all, to give himself for the saints-ref Mk 10:42-45; Mt 20:25-28. God's ministers have God's authority to rule abundantly.to preach the gospel-ref 2 Cor 10:15-16. He is to feed God's lambs and sheep with God's Word.
God's ministers are to be those that rule their own house well-ref 1 Tim 3:4, (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)-ref 1 Tim 3:4,5.
However, a wicked, stiffnecked, and rebellious generation do not want to submit to anyone. Wives do not want to submit to their husbands. People do not want to submit to Jesus, or God's Word, or God's commands. So called born again Christians do not want to submit to their faith filled minister who speaks to them God's Word. People do not want to submit to obeying speed limits or coming to a full stop at stop signs. Covetous people do not want to tithe to their church. People want to reign over themselves. They do not want to have to answer or give an account to anyone for anything. Most people's nature is to accuse and accuse, and make excuses. This starts with politicians and extends to little children who accuse their brothers and sisters. Does it also include you???????
Note God's Word on these subjects: Regarding Jesus, it is written:
Mt 2:6-.FOR OUT OF THEE SHALL COME A GOVERNOR, THAT SHALL RULE MY PEOPLE.
Lk 19:27-BUT THOSE MINE ENEMIES, WHICH WOULD NOT THAT I SHOULD REIGN OVER THEM, BRING HITHER, AND SLAY THEM BEFORE ME.
The world might call those that obey God's Word and Biblically rule as God's Word commands-a cult.
Paul's followers were referred to as a sect or cult. It is written:
Acts 24:5-FOR WE HAVE FOUND THIS MAN A PESTILENT FELLOW, AND A MOVER OF SEDITION AMONG ALL THE JEWS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, AND A RINGLEADER OF THE SECT OF THE NAZARENES.
Acts 28:22-CONCERNING THIS SECT, WE KNOW THAT EVERY WHERE IT IS SPOKEN AGAINST.
Those that follow Jesus can expect to be falsely accused, and hated by many and also called a cult. Those that God puts over churches and ministries that obey Him can expect to be called a cult leader. Those that follow Jesus as the Bible commands can expect to have people speak against them locally, and perhaps even worldwide.
So how can a person distinguish a true cult from a false cult? The world will not understand, but those that follow Jesus can understand. There are several ways to know. Combine all of them together and a person can be certain.
1-By their doctrine. Salvation is: Eph 2:8-9-FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH; AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD: NOT OF WORKS, LEST ANY MAN SHOULD BOAST. Acts 4:12-NEITHER IS THERE SALVATION IN ANY OTHER: FOR THERE IS NONE OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN AMONG MEN, WHEREBY WE MUST BE SAVED. There is one God manifested in three persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost-ref 1 Jn 5:7. To be saved a person must repent and receive Jesus Christ by faith as their only hope of salvation. The Bible is the inerrant Word of God. After a person believes on Jesus Christ, he/she is commanded to be baptized by full immersion in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Note our statement of faith on this Internet site. Also note the section on cults on this Internet site.
2-Do they confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh? It is written: 1 Jn 4:2-3-HEREBY KNOW YE THE SPIRIT OF GOD: EVERY SPIRIT THAT CONFESSETH THAT JESUS CHRIST IS COME IN THE FLESH IS OF GOD: AND EVERY SPIRIT THAT CONFESSETH NOT THAT JESUS CHRIST IS COME IN THE FLESH IS NOT OF GOD: AND THIS IS THAT SPIRIT OF ANTICHRIST, WHEREOF YE HAVE HEARD THAT IT SHOULD COME; AND EVEN NOW ALREADY IS IT IN THE WORLD. 2 JN 1:7-FOR MANY DECEIVERS ARE ENTERED INTO THE WORLD, WHO CONFESS NOT THAT JESUS CHRIST IS COME IN THE FLESH. THIS IS A DECEIVER AND AN ANTICHRIST. We confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh.
3-Do they confess that Jesus Christ is Lord? Phili 2:11-AND THAT EVERY TONGUE SHOULD CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER. 1 Cor 12:3-WHEREFORE I GIVE YOU TO UNDERSTAND, THAT NO MAN SPEAKING BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD CALLETH JESUS ACCURSED: AND THAT NO MAN CAN SAY THAT JESUS IS THE LORD, BUT BY THE HOLY GHOST. We confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
4-Do they believe and confess that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God? 1 Jn 4:15-WHOSOEVER SHALL CONFESS THAT JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD, GOD DWELLETH IN HIM, AND HE IN GOD. We confess that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God-ref Jn 3:3.
5-Do they believe that Jesus is the Christ? 1 Jn 2:22-WHO IS A LIAR BUT HE THAT DENIETH THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST? HE IS ANTICHRIST, THAT DENIETH THE FATHER AND THE SON. 1 Jn 5:1-WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST IS BORN OF GOD. We believe that Jesus is the Christ.
6-Do they love their brothers and sisters in Christ? 1 Jn 5:1-AND EVERY ONE THAT LOVETH HIM THAT BEGAT LOVETH HIM ALSO THAT IS BEGOTTEN OF HIM. Jn 13:35-BY THIS SHALL ALL MEN KNOW THAT YE ARE MY DISCIPLES, IF YE HAVE LOVE ONE TO ANOTHER.
If these things are in place, then they are not a cult in the eyes of God. They are indeed born-again believers in Jesus Christ.
However, the world's definition of a cult is "whatever they disagree with". Remember, Paul's group was called a cult. Paul was called a cult leader. Why can't the world recognize what is Biblically a cult and what is not? Here is God's answer: 1 Jn 3:1-BEHOLD, WHAT MANNER OF LOVE THE FATHER HATH BESTOWED UPON US, THAT WE SHOULD BE CALLED THE SONS OF GOD: THEREFORE THE WORLD KNOWETH US NOT, BECAUSE IT KNEW HIM NOT. Be careful whom you call a cult. Fear God and depart from evil. It is appointed unto men once to die, and then the judgment. You will be judged by a Holy God. The world does not fear God, but God's children do. Beware.
1 Jn 5:4-5-FOR WHATSOEVER IS BORN OF GOD OVERCOMETH THE WORLD: AND THIS IS THE VICTORY THAT OVERCOMETH THE WORLD, EVEN OUR FAITH (or trust). When our faith (or trust) is tested to prove it is genuine, it stands fast. Weak faith may fall. Doubting faith may fail. Faith like a wave may fail, but strong faith-it is centered in the Rock, not on the Rock.
Who is it that overcomes the world? It is those that are truly born again and do not fall away. It is those that continue steadfast in God's calling no matter what. It is those that do not shrink back. It is those that do not make excuses to justify what they do, which are really excuses to justify a lack of trust in God. Their faith or trust in God does not fail despite the trials, problems, hardships, persecutions, fears, or even the death of a cross that comes upon them.
What does God's Word mean when it says "overcometh the world?" It means that no matter what surprises, or horrible things come against the born again Christian, they still continue in God's calling by faith (or trust). Their attitude and actions reflect the mind of Christ and the fruit of the Spirit in the midst of the worst storms, worst fears, worst trials, and worst hurts.
Rev 2:7-HE THAT HATH AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH.TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH WILL I GIVE TO EAT OF THE TREE OF LIFE.
Rev 2:11-HE THAT OVERCOMETH SHALL NOT BE HURT OF THE SECOND DEATH.
Rev 2:17-TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH WILL I GIVE TO EAT OF THE HIDDEN MANNA, AND WILL GIVE HIM A WHITE STONE, AND IN THE STONE A NEW NAME WRITTEN, WHICH NO MAN KNOWETH SAVING HE THAT RECEIVETH IT.
Rev 2:26-HE THAT OVERCOMETH, AND KEEPETH MY WORKS UNTO THE END, TO HIM WILL I GIVE POWER OVER THE NATIONS:
Rev 3:5-HE THAT OVERCOMETH, THE SAME SHALL BE CLOTHED IN WHITE RAIMENT; AND I WILL NOT BLOT OUT HIS NAME OUT OF THE BOOK OF LIFE, BUT I WILL CONFESS HIS NAME BEFORE MY FATHER, AND BEFORE HIS ANGELS.
Rev 3:12-HIM THAT OVERCOMETH WILL I MAKE A PILLAR IN THE TEMPLE OF MY GOD, AND HE SHALL GO NO MORE OUT: AND I WILL WRITE UPON HIM THE NAME OF MY GOD, AND THE NAME OF THE CITY OF MY GOD, WHICH IS NEW JERUSALEM, WHICH COMETH DOWN OUT OF HEAVEN FROM MY GOD: AND I WILL WRITE UPON HIM MY NEW NAME.
Rev 3:21-TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH WILL I GRANT TO SIT WITH ME IN MY THRONE, EVEN AS I ALSO OVERCAME, AND AM SET DOWN WITH MY FATHER IN HIS THRONE.
Rev 21:7-8-HE THAT OVERCOMETH SHALL INHERIT ALL THINGS; AND I WILL BE HIS GOD, AND HE SHALL BE MY SON.
BUT THE FEARFUL, AND UNBELIEVING, AND THE ABOMINABLE, AND MURDERERS, AND WHOREMONGERS, AND SORCERERS, AND IDOLATERS, AND ALL LIARS, SHALL HAVE THEIR PART IN THE LAKE WHICH BURNETH WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE: WHICH IS THE SECOND DEATH.
The message is very clear. He that does not overcome through faith (or trust) in God, shall not be going to heaven. He shall not inherit all things. He shall inherit eternal damnation. Our steadfast faith in God is the key to enter heaven.
Who can stand before deceit? Satan is a master of putting wrong thoughts in a person's mind. Because a person's heart chooses to believe the wrong thinking, they shrink back and fall away. They may still do works, but they have not overcome all things which is required. This is the way it is. These very words from the Bible will judge the intents of a person's heart.
84-Faith-Statement of trust
Ps 73:28-BUT IT IS GOOD FOR ME TO DRAW NEAR TO GOD.
Ps 64:10-THE RIGHTEOUS.SHALL TRUST (or have faith) IN HIM.
Nah 1:7-THE LORD.KNOWETH THEM THAT TRUST (or have faith) IN HIM.
Ps 9:10-.THEY THAT KNOW THY NAME WILL PUT THEIR TRUST (or faith) IN THEE: FOR THOU, LORD, HAST NOT FORSAKEN THEM THAT SEEK THEE.
Ruth 2:12-THE LORD GOD OF ISRAEL, UNDER WHOSE WINGS THOU ART COME TO TRUST.Ps 36:7-THE CHILDREN OF MEN PUT THEIR TRUST (or faith) UNDER THE SHADOW OF THY WINGS.
Ps 91:4-UNDER HIS WINGS SHALT THOU TRUST.
Isa 51:5-THE ISLES SHALL WAIT UPON ME, AND ON MINE ARM SHALL THEY TRUST.
Zeph 3:12-.THEY SHALL TRUST (or have faith) IN THE NAME OF THE LORD.
Mt 12:21-.IN HIS NAME SHALL THE GENTILES TRUST.
Ro 15:12-.IN HIM SHALL THE GENTILES TRUST.
2 Cor 3:3, 4-.YE ARE.THE EPISTLE OF CHRIST.WRITTEN.WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD;.IN FLESHY TABLES OF THE HEART. AND SUCH TRUST (or faith) HAVE WE THROUGH CHRIST TO GOD-WARD:
85-Faith-Conclusion. Commands concerning faith
1 Tim 4:12-BE THOU AN EXAMPLE OF THE BELIEVERS, IN WORD, IN CONVERSATION, IN CHARITY, IN SPIRIT, IN FAITH (or trust), IN PURITY.
Col 2:8-BEWARE LEST ANY MAN SPOIL YOU THROUGH PHILOSOPHY AND VAIN DECEIT, AFTER THE TRADITION OF.THE WORLD.
Jude 1:20-21-BUT YE, BELOVED, (BUILD) UP YOURSELVES ON YOUR MOST HOLY FAITH (or trust). KEEP YOURSELVES IN THE LOVE OF GOD.
Jude 1:3-IT WAS NEEDFUL FOR ME TO WRITE UNTO YOU,.YOU THAT YE SHOULD EARNESTLY CONTEND FOR THE FAITH.
Titus 1:13-14-Regarding correction, the Bible commands.REBUKE THEM SHARPLY, (those that are liars, evil, and lazy gluttons) THAT THEY MAY BE SOUND IN THE FAITH.
Gal 6:10-.DO GOOD UNTO ALL MEN, ESPECIALLY.THEM.OF FAITH (or trust).
Heb 10:22-LET US DRAW NEAR WITH A TRUE HEART IN FULL ASSURANCE OF FAITH (or trust).
1 Tim 6:12-FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH (or trust). When the devil attacks resist him being stedfast in the faith-ref 1 Pe 5:8,9. All Christians are soldiers. There is a war going on for every person's eternal soul. All born again Christians need to take the SHIELD OF FAITH, and with this shield they should be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked. The shield of faith can help to extinguish those big knots, those doubts a person gets. There will be times when we will be fearful. There will be times when there seems to be no way out. There will be times when we may scream out in pain, but the shield of faith will enable us to stand fast in the midst of the worse storms, even the death of a cross. And when the Lord brings us home, we can expect to hear the words WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT. THOU HAST BEEN FAITHFUL-ref Mt 25:23.
1 Tim 6:11-FOLLOW AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS, GODLINESS, FAITH (or trust), LOVE, PATIENCE, MEEKNESS.
2 Tim 2:22-FOLLOW RIGHTEOUSNESS, FAITH, CHARITY (or love), PEACE,
2 Tim 2:22-FOLLOW.THEM THAT CALL ON THE LORD OUT OF A PURE HEART.
Heb 6:12-BE.FOLLOWERS OF THEM WHO THROUGH FAITH (or trust) AND PATIENCE INHERIT THE PROMISES.
Titus 3:15-GREET THEM THAT LOVE US IN THE FAITH.
Heb 10:23-LET US HOLD FAST THE PROFESSION OF OUR FAITH (or trust) WITHOUT WAVERING.
Phili 2:16-17-HOLDING FORTH THE WORD OF LIFE.
2 Tim 1:13-HOLD FAST THE FORM OF SOUND WORDS, WHICH THOU HAST HEARD OF ME, IN FAITH (or trust) AND LOVE WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS.
Not the words and commands of God concerning faith: fight, stand fast, be strong, do good, be an example, follow, live by, hold fast, and in 2 Pe 1:5-9-add to your faith.
Gal 3:11-THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.
1 Pe 5:8-9-THE DEVIL,.(is) SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR: WHOM RESIST STEDFAST IN THE FAITH (or trust), KNOWING THAT THE SAME AFFLICTIONS ARE ACCOMPLISHED IN YOUR BRETHREN THAT ARE IN THE WORLD. Satan uses afflictions to try to cause people to fall. God's Word tells the believer to resist the devil. This is done through stedfast faith.
1 Pe 1:6-.NOW.YE ARE IN HEAVINESS THROUGH MANIFOLD TEMPTATIONS.
Titus 2:1-SPEAK.SOUND DOCTRINE.THAT.MEN BE.SOUND IN FAITH, IN CHARITY (or love). Note the words (sound in faith) and in love. Sound means to be healthy and having no defect as to the truth, to justice, to wisdom, to reasoning, to doctrine. Be SOUND in faith. Most churches speak little of God's Word anymore. Most people read little of God's Word any more. There is just not enough time. Some might watch television, many hours a day. They have time to read the newspapers, magazines, and books, and be on the computer, but they leave no time for Bible study. It has been estimated that in most churches, should a person go to every service the church had for 50 years, they would never hear all the Bible preached even once. Since faith comes only through God's Word, it is no wonder that many of today's Christians are only lukewarm. Lukewarm is an arrow that points to hell.
Ja 5:14,15-IS ANY SICK AMONG YOU? LET HIM CALL FOR THE ELDERS OF THE CHURCH; AND LET THEM PRAY OVER HIM, ANOINTING HIM WITH OIL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD: AND THE PRAYER OF FAITH (or trust) SHALL SAVE THE SICK (note the words prayer of FAITH), AND THE LORD SHALL RAISE HIM UP; AND IF HE HAVE COMMITTED SINS, THEY SHALL BE FORGIVEN HIM. God then gives a command. He said in Ja 5:16-
(item 1)-CONFESS YOUR FAULTS ONE TO ANOTHER, AND
(item 2) PRAY ONE FOR ANOTHER, THAT YE MAY BE HEALED. THE EFFECTUAL FERVENT PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN AVAILETH MUCH. Why did God say to call the ELDERS OF THE CHURCH? Born again elders in a church are to be men of faith. When they pray they should indeed pray the prayer of FAITH.
1 Cor 16:13-WATCH YE, STAND FAST IN THE FAITH, (BE MEN OF COURAGE-NIV, BE BRAVE-NKJ), BE STRONG.
Phili 1:27-29-.STAND FAST.STRIVING TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH (or trust) OF THE GOSPEL. Note God's Words which said "striving", and second "together", and third for the "faith". Those that belong to the family of God are under commandment to-struggle vigorously and make strenuous efforts-with others of the family of God-for the faith of the Gospel. Those that are lazy are in sin. Those that make excuses are in sin. Those that are loners who do not desire to be with or work together with the family of God need to repent and deny themselves for they are in sin. Any command of God which is resisted and refused is sin. We might go so far as to say, those that do not wish to obey God's Word now, would also be miserable in heaven because for eternity we shall be doing the works of God. Those that resist obeying God now, will find that their eternity will be in the lake of fire. Those that do not want God to reign over them now, neither would they want God to reign over them for ever and ever. This command needs to be repeated. You are to-strive-TOGETHER-FOR THE FAITH-OF THE GOSPEL or struggle vigorously-and make strenuous efforts-with others-of the family of God-for the faith of the Gospel.
Ps 4:5-PUT YOUR TRUST (or faith) IN THE LORD.
Ps 37:3-TRUST (or have faith) IN THE LORD.
Ps 37:5-TRUST (or have faith).IN HIM.
Ps 115:9-TRUST THOU (or have faith) IN THE LORD.
Ps 115:10-TRUST (or have faith) IN THE LORD.
Isa 26:4-TRUST YE (or have faith) IN THE LORD FOR EVER.
Jere 49:11-LET THY WIDOWS TRUST (or have faith) IN ME.
Ps 5:11-LET ALL THOSE THAT PUT THEIR TRUST (or faith) IN THEE REJOICE: LET THEM EVER SHOUT FOR JOY, BECAUSE THOU DEFENDEST THEM.
Ps 62:8-TRUST (or have faith) IN HIM AT ALL TIMES; YE PEOPLE, POUR OUT YOUR HEART BEFORE HIM: GOD IS A REFUGE FOR US.
Pv 3:5-TRUST (or have faith) IN THE LORD WITH ALL THINE HEART; AND LEAN NOT UNTO THINE OWN UNDERSTANDING.
Ps 56:3-WHAT TIME I AM AFRAID, I WILL TRUST (or have faith) IN THEE. Trust in the Lord even when you are afraid.
Col 2:6-WALK YE IN HIM: ROOTED AND BUILT UP IN HIM, AND STABLISHED IN THE FAITH (or trust),.ABOUNDING THEREIN WITH THANKSGIVING. Col 2:10-.YE ARE COMPLETE IN HIM.
2 Pe 1:5-9-God commands:.ADD TO YOUR FAITH (or trust) VIRTUE; AND TO VIRTUE KNOWLEDGE; AND TO KNOWLEDGE TEMPERANCE; AND TO TEMPERANCE PATIENCE; AND TO PATIENCE GODLINESS; AND TO GODLINESS BROTHERLY KINDNESS; AND TO BROTHERLY KINDNESS CHARITY. FOR IF THESE THINGS BE IN YOU, AND ABOUND, THEY MAKE YOU THAT YE SHALL NEITHER BE BARREN NOR UNFRUITFUL IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. BUT HE THAT LACKETH THESE THINGS IS BLIND, AND CANNOT SEE AFAR OFF, AND HATH FORGOTTEN THAT HE WAS PURGED FROM HIS OLD SINS. A person that does not add to his faith these things forgets that he was purged from his old sins. He does not continue in the law of liberty. He forgets what God's Word says. His understanding becomes deceit. He forgets what type of a person he was when he walked with God-ref Ja 1:24,25. He goes spiritually blind regarding Biblical understanding of God's Word as it applies to himself. He falls.
86-Faith-The future, and peace
As the rapture draws near, as the coming forth of the antichrist draws near, as the tribulation comes upon the earth, and as the return of Jesus Christ gets closer and closer, which is immediately after the tribulation of those days, religious deception shall increase, and faith will degrease. The love of many shall wax colder and colder. Hostility toward God's Word and towards God's people will increase as birth pangs of a woman. The world will embrace things that are ungodly more and more even as it is happening right now. It is written: Lk 18:8-I TELL YOU.WHEN THE SON OF MAN COMETH, SHALL HE FIND FAITH ON THE EARTH? Jn 9:4-(Jesus said) THE NIGHT COMETH, WHEN NO MAN CAN WORK. Expect the churches to become more and more lukewarm. Expect false doctrines to increase. Expect sound doctrine to become harder and harder to find. Expect that tomorrow it will be harder to follow Jesus than today. Expect that the day after tomorrow it will be harder to follow Jesus than tomorrow. As it is written, so shall it be. It is a day for crying, not laughing. Love the lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and with all the understanding. Keep His commandments and obey Him. Love the brethren with all your heart. Seek more of Jesus day by day. Become more and more childlike to correction from God's anointed who fear God and watch for your soul. Fight the good fight of faith. Finish the course God lays out for you, fully trusting in Him, in thankfulness.
Jn 14:27-PEACE I LEAVE WITH YOU, MY PEACE I GIVE UNTO YOU: NOT AS THE WORLD GIVETH, GIVE I UNTO YOU. LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED, NEITHER LET IT BE AFRAID.
Isa 26:3-4-THOU WILT KEEP HIM IN PERFECT PEACE, WHOSE MIND IS STAYED ON THEE: BECAUSE HE TRUSTETH IN THEE. TRUST YE (or have faith) IN THE LORD FOR EVER: FOR IN THE LORD JEHOVAH IS EVERLASTING STRENGTH:
Eph 6:23-PEACE BE TO THE BRETHREN, AND LOVE WITH FAITH (or trust), FROM GOD THE FATHER AND THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.
The end of the subject of faith
The verses continue-
Jn 4:51. AND AS HE (THE NOBLEMAN or royal officer)
WAS NOW GOING DOWN (on the way). Note that the nobleman was going down in elevation. The word down denotes elevation, not direction. Jesus was in Cana of Galilee. The nobleman had gone up from Capernaum which is on the sea of Galilee to Cana to talk with Jesus. Now he was returning down to Capernaum which is at a lower elevation. The verse continues-
HIS SERVANTS (or slaves)
MET HIM,
AND TOLD HIM, SAYING,
(YOUR) SON (LIVES). One can only imagine the joy that the royal officer had-
Jn 4:52. THEN INQUIRED HE
OF THEM
THE HOUR
WHEN HE BEGAN TO (GET BETTER).
AND THEY SAID (TO) HIM,
YESTERDAY
AT THE SEVENTH HOUR (or one o'clock in the afternoon-JNT)
THE FEVER LEFT HIM. This shows that the people had some form of a clock that enabled them to tell the time. The fever did not leave him gradually, but instantly-
Jn 4:53. SO THE FATHER KNEW
THAT IT WAS AT THE SAME HOUR,
IN THE WHICH
JESUS SAID (TO) HIM,
(YOUR) SON (LIVES). The fact that he inquired may illustrate that he still had doubts. However, when he learned that his son was healed at the same time as Jesus told him that his son lived, this helped strengthen his faith. As a result-
AND (so) (he) HIMSELF BELIEVED (or trusted),
AND HIS WHOLE HOUSE (hold). As a result of this miracle that Jesus did, not only did the nobleman believe on Jesus Christ, but so did his whole household, plus He had his son healed.
This is the battle that rages inside of us all. It is a battle of unbelief and belief. It is a battle of knowing something is true verses doubting. The heavens declare the glory of God-Ps 19:1. When we look at the sky at night do we see the handy work of God and the glory of God, or do we see the lie of evolution which is from Satan? When we see an eagle or a hummingbird fly, do we see God's incredible creation or Satan's lie of evolution? Have we considered the wonderment of how God created the wings of each in such a perfect way. The atmosphere around us is a certain denseness. How could evolution have figured that out? If the wings of each bird was just a bit smaller, or larger, or thicker, or thinner, the birds couldn't fly. When we read the Bible do we believe it is all the Word of God, or do we doubt as Eve did when the serpent told her "HATH GOD SAID? The nobleman learned his son was healed at the exact same hour Jesus told him that his son lived. Therefore his doubts ceased. He believed and his whole house also. Yet, there is no question that Satan was right there in his mind, trying to tell him that it was only a coincidence that his son was healed at this exact time. There is no doubt that Satan was telling the father that his son would have been healed anyway, even if he would not have gone to Jesus. The nobleman's heart choose to believe the truth. Jesus healed his son. What would you have believed under the same circumstances?
What do you believe when you read God's Word? What do you do when God's Word commands you to do this or that, or not to do this or that. If God tells you as a believer, not to fellowship with the ungodly, do you justify yourself in some way and do it anyway because things seem to work out better? When God tells you to serve him in a specific way, and do this or that, do you justify yourself because of worldly pressure and do contrary to what God has called you to do, and then even say to yourself that you have done no wrong? Do all of your ways please God, or do you willingly choose to believe the lies Satan puts in your thoughts in various situations. Is your life a life of self denial, or self indulgence? Is your life, a life of doing God's will with a right attitude, or doing your own will and then justifying yourself because of the circumstances that you are going through? Does God's Word dictate what you do, or the various worldly circumstances you are in? What voice do you follow? What kind of a heart do you really have?
It would be wise for you to examine yourself "truthfully" by God's Word to see if your ways are more pleasing to God, or to yourself.
The verses continue-
Jn 4:54. THIS IS AGAIN
THE SECOND MIRACLE (or sign)
THAT JESUS DID,
WHEN HE WAS COME OUT OF (JUDEA) INTO GALILEE. This was the second miracle Jesus did in Cana. The first miracle was Jesus turning the water into wine-ref Jn 2:9.
In the first miracle, Jesus showed his power over the physical realm. He turned one substance into another.
In the second miracle Jesus showed his power over severe sickness. He showed his power was not limited by distance.
It is only John's Gospel that recorded that first miracle and it is only John's Gospel that records this second miracle. Luke's Gospel now appears to take over where John's Gospel left off. Jesus, however had done many miracles in Jerusalem-ref Jn 2:23, 3:2.
Jesus has demonstrated His authority over substances by changing the water into win.
Jesus had demonstrated His authority over sickness, even at a distance by healing the Nobleman's son.
Jesus later demonstrated His authority over the weather as He stopped the wind and waves on the sea of Galilee.
Jesus later demonstrated His authority over water as he walked on the water.
Jesus later demonstrates His authority over death itself as He raises atleast 3 or more people from the dead.
The list could go on and on.
Jn 21:25 tells us-And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.
Mt 21:23-And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority? As followers of Christ we all need to understand authority. We are a soldier in God's army. There is a chain of command that God himself has set up. Some will obey God's chain of command. Most will not.
Authority or the military chain of command.
We are in an army. It is God's army.
Total and complete obedience with a right attitude
A rebellious nature does not like God's way.
Who will choose to understand that God is really God?
Who will receive God's Word (the Bible) as the undisputed and absolute perfect truth and final authority in all matters pertaining to each of us?
Who of us will let God rule and reign over all aspects of our life?
Who of us will truly love God as the Scriptures state and prove we love God by keeping His commandments and obeying His word-all of His Word?
Man does not want to be told what to do. Man is by nature a rebellious creature. Man is stubborn. Eve rebelled against God's Word. Adam rebelled against God's Word. The World rebelled against God before the flood. The world rebelled against God after the flood. The children in the wilderness rebelled against Moses in the wilderness. Saul rebelled against Samuel. Israel rebelled against Jesus when He came. The world has rebelled against Jesus after His resurrection. The world is in rebellion against God right now. The world will rebel against God during the tribulation. The world will against rebel against God after the millennium. Man by nature wants his own way. He wants to rule over himself.
God's Word tells us in 1 Sam 15:23-For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
Animals rebel against their owners. Children rebel against their parents. Wives rebel against their husbands. People rebel against God, God's Word, and God's chain of command. So children and people have to learn obedience. However, few will ever learn Biblical obedience. Few will ever learn to be totally submissive to all of God's Word. Few will ever enter heaven. How many people obey the speed limits, coming to a stop sign and totally stopping? How many people cheat on their spouses, taxes, or some other thing? How many will love God's children and will stand together with them when the world is against them, even to the point of death?
God has set up a chain of command.. Those who inherit eternal life will submit to God's ways. Only a few will put on Christ, even the very nature of Christ in meekness, humility, love, and obedience from a pure heart. Only a few will put off an accusing nature which comes from Satan, and put in a Christ-like attitude of love and fearing God. So called saints accuse other saints, but this is not God's way. Many so called saints complain and complain, but this is not God's way.
Again, all of God's children need to learn total submissiveness to God's chain of command, to His authority out of a pure submissive and uncomplaining heart. They need to learn to conform to the image and ways of Christ. They need to learn to obey Godly correction in meekness and humbleness.
The chief of the military is to obey the president
The commanding general is to obey the chief of the military
The generals are to obey the commanding general
The company commander needs to obey those over him
The first sergeant is to obey the company commander
The platoon sergeant is to obey the first sergeant
The corporal is to obey the platoon sergeant
The private is to obey the corporal.
So it is with God's command structure.
God the Father is all in all. He is the final, the complete, the absolute authority.
Jesus came and is under the authority of God the Father.
Jesus is the second person of the Trinity and is God's Word.
The Holy Spirit is the third.
The next in the line of authority is the apostles
After this is the bishops, and the preachers
Then the elders that are under the preacher.
The members of the flock are under the authority of the elders.
The wife is under the authority of her husband, and even more so if he is in the Lord.
The children are under the authority of their parents in the Lord.
So what do people do? Children rebel against their parents. Wives rebel against their husbands. Both rebel against the authority of those God puts over them. Man usually seek churches that do not promote God's authority over those that do. Again, it needs to be said: Man wants to rule over himself. Man is a true expert at making excuses and justifying himself when he rebels against God's authority and God's chain of command. Man is an expert of convincing himself he is right when he is wrong. Of course, Satan is behind this rebellion. Therefore when man rebels, God has a chain of command to correct the rebellious person. But the rebellious person by nature does not want to listen to correction because of his un-pure and dishonest heart. Those that harden themselves against Godly correction can expect to perish. So it is written, and so shall it be.
Much of the entire world, believes they will go to a better place when they die. Yet it is an absolute fact that the Bible teaches that only a few will inherit eternal life.
The word authority is mentioned in the New Testament about 35 times. As Jesus was under His father's authority, and learned obedience, so those few that inherit eternal life must also learn about authority, obedience, submission, meekness, humility, love, and the fear of God Any kind of pride can kill you. Self rule can kill you. The dishonest heart, how can it be honest and examine itself truthfully? Those that think of themselves as being real honest, are usually just the opposite. To be very blunt, in this lukewarm generation: you either obey God's Word and His chain of command with a pure heart or you perish. A person's deceived, faulty, fabricated, self seeking, self rule justifications and excuses are a straight road to the eternal lake of fire and many, many, many there be that go this way. If fear guides a person, they are in spiritual trouble. If a person is watching out for number one, mainly himself, he is not keeping his heart and eyes on Jesus in love, meekness, and humility And when the people heard this message, some repented. Some went their way and said to themselves, "We will think about it". Others said to themselves, This message is not for me", while others mocked, and yet others it went in one ear and out the other and it had no effect. Which are you??????? He that has ears to hear, let him hear.
Following are most of the Scriptures that use the Word authority in the KJV.
Pv 29:2-WHEN THE RIGHTEOUS ARE IN AUTHORITY, THE PEOPLE REJOICE: BUT WHEN THE WICKED BEARETH RULE, THE PEOPLE MOURN.
Mt 7:28,29-AND IT CAME TO PASS, WHEN JESUS HAD ENDED THESE SAYINGS, THE PEOPLE WERE ASTONISHED AT HIS DOCTRINE: FOR HE TAUGHT THEM AS ONE HAVING AUTHORITY, AND NOT AS THE SCRIBES-ref Mk 1:22. Jesus is the living Word. His authority was from His Father in heaven. Heb 4:12-The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Jesus did not teach about the Word. He taught The Word
Mk 1:27-AND THEY WERE ALL AMAZED, INSOMUCH THAT THEY QUESTIONED AMONG THEMSELVES, SAYING, WHAT THING IS THIS? WHAT NEW DOCTRINE IS THIS? FOR WITH AUTHORITY COMMANDETH HE EVEN THE UNCLEAN SPIRITS, AND THEY DO OBEY HIM.Lk 4:35-36-AND JESUS REBUKED HIM (the devil), SAYING, HOLD THY PEACE, AND COME OUT OF HIM. AND WHEN THE DEVIL HAD THROWN HIM IN THE MIDST, HE CAME OUT OF HIM, AND HURT HIM NOT. AND THEY WERE ALL AMAZED, AND SPAKE AMONG THEMSELVES, SAYING, WHAT A WORD IS THIS! FOR WITH AUTHORITY AND POWER HE COMMANDETH THE UNCLEAN SPIRITS, AND THEY COME OUT.
Lk 22:24-27-AND THERE WAS ALSO A STRIFE AMONG THEM, WHICH OF THEM SHOULD BE ACCOUNTED THE GREATEST. AND HE (Jesus) SAID UNTO THEM, THE KINGS OF THE GENTILES EXERCISE LORDSHIP OVER THEM; AND THEY THAT EXERCISE AUTHORITY UPON THEM ARE CALLED BENEFACTORS.
Mt 20:25-27-AND.YE KNOW THAT THE PRINCES OF THE GENTILES EXERCISE DOMINION OVER THEM, AND THEY THAT ARE GREAT EXERCISE AUTHORITY UPON THEM. Mk 10:42-45-YE KNOW THAT THEY WHICH ARE ACCOUNTED TO RULE OVER THE GENTILES EXERCISE LORDSHIP OVER THEM; AND THEIR GREAT ONES EXERCISE AUTHORITY UPON THEM. BUT IT SHALL NOT BE SO AMONG YOU: BUT WHOSOEVER WILL BE GREAT AMONG YOU, LET HIM BE YOUR MINISTER (or BE AS THE YOUNGER); AND WHOSOEVER WILL BE CHIEF AMONG YOU, LET HIM BE YOUR SERVANT (or servant of all) (OR AS HE THAT DOTH SERVE). FOR WHETHER IS GREATER, HE THAT SITTETH AT MEAT, OR HE THAT SERVETH? IS NOT HE THAT SITTETH AT MEAT? BUT I AM AMONG YOU AS HE THAT SERVETH. FOR EVEN THE SON OF MAN CAME NOT TO BE MINISTERED UNTO, BUT TO MINISTER, AND TO GIVE HIS LIFE A RANSOM FOR MANY.
Mt 8:9-The Centurion said: I AM A MAN UNDER AUTHORITY, HAVING SOLDIERS UNDER ME: AND I SAY TO THIS MAN, GO, AND HE GOETH; AND TO ANOTHER, COME, AND HE COMETH; AND TO MY SERVANT, DO THIS, AND HE DOETH IT. The Centurion said: I AM NOT WORTHY THAT THOU SHOULDEST COME UNDER MY ROOF. WHEREFORE NEITHER THOUGHT I MYSELF WORTHY TO COME UNTO THEE: Then he said, BUT SPEAK THE WORD ONLY, AND MY SERVANT SHALL BE HEALED. The Centurion understood authority, and yet he was humble. He understood the authority Jesus had. Regretfully in today's church few understand these things. They do not understand their minister's authority, and neither do they understand the authority of the Scriptures, and neither do they fear God. WHEN JESUS HEARD THESE THINGS, HE MARVELLED AT HIM, AND TURNED HIM ABOUT, AND SAID UNTO THE PEOPLE THAT FOLLOWED HIM, Mt 8:10-VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, I HAVE NOT FOUND SO GREAT FAITH, NO, NOT IN ISRAEL-ref Lk 7:7-9.
Mt 21:22-24-AND WHEN HE (Jesus) WAS COME INTO THE TEMPLE, THE CHIEF PRIESTS AND THE ELDERS OF THE PEOPLE CAME UNTO HIM AS HE WAS TEACHING, AND SAID, BY WHAT AUTHORITY DOEST THOU THESE THINGS? AND WHO GAVE THEE THIS AUTHORITY?-ref Mk 11:28, Lk 20:2. AND JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO THEM, I ALSO WILL ASK YOU ONE THING, WHICH IF YE TELL ME, I IN LIKE WISE WILL TELL YOU BY WHAT AUTHORITY I DO THESE THINGS.
Lk 9:1,2-THEN HE (Jesus) CALLED HIS TWELVE DISCIPLES TOGETHER, AND GAVE THEM POWER AND AUTHORITY OVER ALL DEVILS, AND TO CURE DISEASES. AND HE SENT THEM TO PREACH THE KINGDOM OF GOD, AND TO HEAL THE SICK.
Jn 5:26-27-FOR AS THE FATHER HATH LIFE IN HIMSELF; SO HATH HE GIVEN TO THE SON TO HAVE LIFE IN HIMSELF; AND HATH GIVEN HIM AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE JUDGMENT ALSO, BECAUSE HE IS THE SON OF MAN.
Mk 13:34-FOR THE SON OF MAN IS AS A MAN TAKING A FAR JOURNEY, WHO LEFT HIS HOUSE, AND GAVE AUTHORITY TO HIS SERVANTS, AND TO EVERY MAN HIS WORK, AND COMMANDED THE PORTER TO WATCH. God's servants have authority and work to do from Jesus. We are all under commandment to watch.
2 Cor 10:8-FOR THOUGH I SHOULD BOAST SOMEWHAT MORE OF OUR AUTHORITY, WHICH THE LORD HATH GIVEN US FOR EDIFICATION, AND NOT FOR YOUR DESTRUCTION, I SHOULD NOT BE ASHAMED. Note, the authority God's servants have is from the Lord.
Titus 2:15-THESE THINGS SPEAK (God's Word), AND EXHORT, AND REBUKE WITH ALL AUTHORITY. LET NO MAN DESPISE THEE.
Acts 8:26-27-AND THE ANGEL OF THE LORD SPAKE UNTO PHILIP, SAYING, ARISE, AND GO TOWARD THE SOUTH UNTO THE WAY THAT GOETH DOWN FROM JERUSALEM UNTO GAZA, WHICH IS DESERT. AND HE AROSE AND WENT: AND, BEHOLD, A MAN OF ETHIOPIA, AN EUNUCH OF GREAT AUTHORITY UNDER CANDACE QUEEN OF THE ETHIOPIANS, WHO HAD THE CHARGE OF ALL HER TREASURE, AND HAD COME TO JERUSALEM FOR TO WORSHIP.
Acts 26:10-(Paul said) WHICH THING I ALSO DID IN JERUSALEM: AND MANY OF THE SAINTS DID I SHUT UP IN PRISON, HAVING RECEIVED AUTHORITY FROM THE CHIEF PRIESTS; AND WHEN THEY WERE PUT TO DEATH, I GAVE MY VOICE AGAINST THEM.
Acts 26:12-WHEREUPON AS I (Paul) WENT TO DAMASCUS WITH AUTHORITY AND COMMISSION FROM THE CHIEF PRIESTS.
Acts 9:13-15-THEN ANANIAS ANSWERED, LORD, I HAVE HEARD BY MANY OF THIS MAN (Saul), (who also is called Paul)-ref Acts 13:9, HOW MUCH EVIL HE HATH DONE TO THY SAINTS AT JERUSALEM: AND HERE HE HATH AUTHORITY FROM THE CHIEF PRIESTS TO BIND ALL THAT CALL ON THY NAME. BUT THE LORD SAID UNTO HIM, GO THY WAY: FOR HE IS A CHOSEN VESSEL UNTO ME, TO BEAR MY NAME BEFORE THE GENTILES, AND KINGS, AND THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL.1 Tim 2:12-14-BUT I SUFFER NOT A WOMAN TO TEACH, NOR TO USURP AUTHORITY OVER THE MAN, BUT TO BE IN SILENCE. FOR ADAM WAS FIRST FORMED, THEN EVE. AND ADAM WAS NOT DECEIVED, BUT THE WOMAN BEING DECEIVED WAS IN THE TRANSGRESSION.
1 Tim 2:1-3-I EXHORT THEREFORE, THAT, FIRST OF ALL, SUPPLICATIONS, PRAYERS, INTERCESSIONS, AND GIVING OF THANKS, BE MADE FOR ALL MEN; FOR KINGS, AND FOR ALL THAT ARE IN AUTHORITY; THAT WE MAY LEAD A QUIET AND PEACEABLE LIFE IN ALL GODLINESS AND HONESTY. FOR THIS IS GOOD AND ACCEPTABLE IN THE SIGHT OF GOD OUR SAVIOUR.
Rev 13:2-Once the rapture has occurred, then the antichrist comes forth. AND THE BEAST (which is the antichrist) WHICH I SAW WAS LIKE UNTO A LEOPARD, AND HIS FEET WERE AS THE FEET OF A BEAR, AND HIS MOUTH AS THE MOUTH OF A LION: AND THE DRAGON (which is Satan) GAVE HIM HIS POWER, AND HIS SEAT, AND GREAT AUTHORITY.
Lk 19:17-AND HE SAID UNTO HIM, WELL, THOU GOOD SERVANT: BECAUSE THOU HAST BEEN FAITHFUL IN A VERY LITTLE, HAVE THOU AUTHORITY OVER TEN CITIES.
1 Cor 15:24-25-THEN COMETH THE END, WHEN HE SHALL HAVE DELIVERED UP THE KINGDOM TO GOD, EVEN THE FATHER; WHEN HE SHALL HAVE PUT DOWN ALL RULE AND ALL AUTHORITY AND POWER. FOR HE MUST REIGN, TILL HE HATH PUT ALL ENEMIES UNDER HIS FEET. Note, it appears that all that are not of the family of God, all that are not for us, and all that are against us are called enemies by God's Word.The end of the message on Authority.The verses continue
Lk 4:16. AND HE CAME TO NAZARETH. Jesus went from Cana of Galilee to Nazareth of Galilee-
WHERE HE HAD BEEN BROUGHT UP. Jesus had lived there from an early age after Joseph and Mary returned from Egypt. He had lived in Nazareth, as best as can be determined about 25+ years. Thus, everyone in this small town probably knew Him.
NAZARETH INFORMATION
JESUS CHILDHOOD INFORMATION
(In a straight line, Nazareth is approximately 66 miles north of Jerusalem {or about an 88 mile drive}, about 56 miles north northeast of Tel Aviv, about 21 miles east southeast of Haifa, and about 16 miles west southwest of Tiberias; and about a 20 mile drive southwest from Capernaum). It is located near the southern part of Galilee's hill country which overlooks the Jezreel Valley.
Nazareth is not found in the Old Testament but is mentioned in the New Testament about 28 times.
Mary and Joseph were both in Nazareth when the Holy Spirit came upon Mary. They had traveled to Bethlehem where Jesus had been born. They lived a short time in Bethlehem, but then fled to Egypt. They were in Egypt until Herod died. At the direction of an angel, they left Egypt and returned to Israel. They then went to Nazareth where Jesus grew up and became a carpenter.
Socially Jesus had gained favor with the people that knew him. Those of His hometown thought highly of Him.
Mark shows us that Jesus had become a carpenter and had at least 4 younger brothers and 2 or more sisters. It is written in Mk 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?
It is reported that people that lived in Nazareth were despised. It is further reported that this city housed Roman soldiers and people in other regions thought that the people that lived in Nazareth consorted with the enemy. Nathanael said ref Jn 1:46-CAN THERE ANY GOOD THING COME OUT OF NAZARETH? To be called a Nazarene was to be despised in the eyes of many. It may be said it was a name of reproach and contempt. It may be said that a person which came from Nazareth would have no respect.
It was just said concerning Jesus-Isa 53:3-HE IS DESPISED AND REJECTED OF MEN;.AND WE ESTEEMED HIM NOT. Ps 22:6-BUT I AM A WORM, AND NO MAN; A REPROACH OF MEN, AND DESPISED OF THE PEOPLE. Those that follow Jesus are in like manner often despised and ridiculed. The verse continues-
AND, AS (USUAL),
HE (Jesus) WENT INTO THE SYNAGOGUE
ON THE SABBATH DAY, (which is our Saturday).
SABBATH. SATURDAY
SUNDAY. DISCIPLES MET AFTER THE RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION
They met Saturday as they were still under the "law".
Jesus was resurrected on the first day of the week which is our Sunday. It is written: Mk 16:9-NOW WHEN JESUS WAS RISEN EARLY THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK, HE APPEARED FIRST TO MARY MAGDALENE, OUT OF WHOM HE HAD CAST SEVEN DEVILS. Jn 20:1-THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK COMETH MARY MAGDALENE EARLY, WHEN IT WAS YET DARK, UNTO THE SEPULCHRE, AND SEETH THE STONE TAKEN AWAY FROM THE SEPULCHRE.
Jesus first appeared to the disciples on the first day of the week. It is written: Jn 20:19-THEN THE SAME DAY AT EVENING, BEING THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK, WHEN THE DOORS WERE SHUT WHERE THE DISCIPLES WERE ASSEMBLED FOR FEAR OF THE JEWS, CAME JESUS AND STOOD IN THE MIDST, AND SAITH UNTO THEM, PEACE BE UNTO YOU.
Following the resurrection of Jesus, Christians began meeting on Sunday, which is the first day of the week. Note Acts 20:7- AND UPON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK, WHEN THE DISCIPLES CAME TOGETHER TO BREAK BREAD, PAUL PREACHED UNTO THEM, READY TO DEPART ON THE MORROW; AND CONTINUED HIS SPEECH UNTIL MIDNIGHT. 1 Cor 16:2-UPON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK LET EVERY ONE OF YOU LAY BY HIM IN STORE, AS GOD HATH PROSPERED HIM, THAT THERE BE NO GATHERINGS WHEN I COME.
The verse continues-
AND STOOD UP FOR TO READ. It is reported that when a teacher read the Scriptures, it was the custom of the time to respectfully stand up. Afterward the teacher would humbly sit down to teach. Note Mt 5:1-AND SEEING THE MULTITUDES, HE WENT UP INTO A MOUNTAIN: AND WHEN HE WAS SET (or seated), HIS DISCIPLES CAME UNTO HIM. He sat down to teach, just as He did in Lk 4:20.
From this verse, it is noted that sometime prior to His baptism, it was normal for Jesus to read the Scriptures on the Sabbath in the Synagogue. There is no indication that Jesus had been gone from Nazareth for many years as some people have said.
This takes place approximately 9 months after He was baptized. The verses continue-
Lk 4:17. AND THERE
WAS (HANDED) (TO) HIM (Jesus)
THE (SCROLL) OF THE PROPHET (ISAIAH). (Note that God had put in the mind of the person that handed the scroll to Jesus to give Him the scroll containing Isaiah so what was ordained to be done would be accomplished). The person that handed the scroll to Jesus may have been the ruler of the synagogue.
AND WHEN HE (Jesus)
HAD OPENED THE (SCROLL),
HE FOUND THE PLACE WHERE IT WAS WRITTEN. Jesus knew exactly what He was to do. He found a specific passage in Isaiah that He needed to read to the people. Jesus quoted from Isaiah approximately 56 of the most important words ever spoken in the history of the world. He said-
Lk 4:18. THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME. Note the Trinity. #1-The Spirit. #2-of the Lord. #3-is upon Me (Jesus). Without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit we are as fist out of the water.
When Jesus came out of the water after being baptized
#1-THE SPIRIT
#2-OF GOD descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon
#3-Him, which is Jesus, and it abode upon #3-Him, and it remained on #3-Him, and a voice came from heaven,.(which said), Thou art my beloved #3-Son. The verse continues-
BECAUSE. Following the word "because" 6 items are mentioned.
Note the Words THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME. Then the next word gives the reason the Spirit is upon Him. It was because:
#1-
HE (which is God the Father)
(HAS) ANOINTED ME. The Spirit is the anointing. The Spirit of the Lord has anointed Jesus. To be anointed means to be called, t be commissioned, to be sent, to have God's gifts to be equipped for the task God has given you to do. God had anointed Jesus-
TO PREACH
THE GOSPEL (or Good News)
TO THE POOR. The Spirit anointed Jesus to preach the Gospel. Then it tells us to whom he is to preach the Gospel to, it is to the poor-
#2-
HE (which is God the Father)
(HAS) SENT ME. Note first was that "He" has anointed me., then second "He" has sent me. He has sent Jesus-
TO HEAL
THE BROKENHEARTED. This is one reason Jesus came.
#3-God sent Jesus-
TO PREACH (or proclaim)
DELIVERANCE (or release, or freedom)
TO THE CAPTIVES (or prisoners, or imprisoned). This is another reason Jesus came.
AND
#4-God sent Jesus to preach
RECOVERING OF (or renewed) SIGHT
TO THE BLIND. This is another reason Jesus came.
#5-
TO SET AT LIBERTY (or set free, or release)
THEM THAT ARE BRUISED (or trodden down, or oppressed, or crushed). This is another reason Jesus came.
#6-
Lk 4:19. TO PREACH (or proclaim)
THE ACCEPTABLE (or favorable) (or year of the Lord's favor).
YEAR OF THE LORD. This may have also been the year of Jubile which can be said to be a new start-ref Lev 25. This occurs every 50 years.
This is another reason Jesus came. Jesus' words reflects the offer of the coming of the kingdom
Jesus quoted from Isa 61:1,2. He only quoted the first part of verse 2. The second part of verse 2 talks about the day of vengeance of our God. This he did not quote. That day will be Armageddon, (the second advent) which has not yet come.
Jesus does not treat people like a doctor or psychologist. He delivers them from things that hold them captive.
He delivers the alcoholic, the drug addict, the porn addict the sex addict, the prostitute, the homosexual from their addictions and life-styles if they come to Him in repentance.
But much more, He delivers them from guilt. No matter how bad the shame, the hurt, the feelings of rejection, once a person understands they are accepted by Christ Himself, guilt fades away. There is no guilt in existence that can't be cleansed by knowing that Jesus want's you, no matter what you have done, no matter what you have been through.But much more. To be loved by the world is here today and gone tomorrow. To know that you know that you are accepted and loved by God himself, the creator of all things, and that Jesus died personally for you is overwhelming. He cleansed you of all sin with His own blood to be His bride for eternity. To understand this is beyond description. To know that you have a value to God himself that is priceless, is to feel love. How can you but love as it is written WE LOVE HIM BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US-1 Jn 4:19. Which would you rather have? -the love of everyone in the world, or the love of God Himself for eternity?
He fills the prejudice, the accusers, the haters, the racists, the proud, the envious with love and compassion and the fruits of the Spirit
Religion binds millions of people in its grips. I am a (Catholic, a Baptist, etc.) and I will die a Catholic, a Baptist some may say. Such people are in bondage to religion, not to Christ.
Are you spiritually poor or blind. How are you spiritually a prisoner? Are you brokenhearted, or crushed. Jesus can set you free if you are willing and will repent and place your trust in Him by faith.
The rich man had the good things of this life NOW (which may have lasted about 70 years), but he lost his soul.
The beggar had the bad things of this life now (which may have lasted about 70 years), but he gained Christ for eternity-ref Lk ch 16. It will last beyond a trillion years-even forever and ever.
Foolish, foolish, foolish is that man that chooses the best this life can offer in exchange for what God offers. 1 Cor 2:9-EYE HATH NOT SEEN, NOR EAR HEARD, NEITHER HAVE ENTERED INTO THE HEART OF MAN, THE THINGS WHICH GOD HATH PREPARED FOR THEM THAT LOVE HIM.
LUKEWARM CHURCH OF TODAY COMPARED WITH LK 4:18,19.
The "so called" Christian church since the time of Israel's rebirth has got worse and worse like birth pangs of a woman. Lets consider a comparison. On one side we consider the teaching of Jesus, the apostles, the anointed ministers of the 1800's, and Billy Graham, especially when he was younger.
Now on the other side take the teaching of most television preachers and ministers. It is two different Gospels. For a person, in this latter day generation, to find a church that teaches the uncompromised Gospel as Jesus and the apostles did, is most difficult, if not impossible. Today's "so called" Christian church consists mostly what the Bible calls "Laodicean-lukewarm"-ref Rev 3:14, 16.
There may also be a few elements from Thyatira #4 which allowed Jezebel to seduce God's servants. Jezebel shall be cast into great tribulation. Some Bible scholars believe Jezebel refers to the Roman Catholic church. God never calls Jezebel a church, but a church that tries to cause God's servants to go astray-ref Rev 2:18-23. Jezebel repented not and will not repent-note Rev 17 and 18.
There are also elements of the church in Sardis, #5 the dead church in this present time. Only a few in this church had not defiled their garments. It they do not watch, Jesus will come on them as a thief and they will not be aware when He will come-ref Rev 3:1-3.
There are also elements of the church of Philadelphia #6 in this latter day generation, but just a scant few. This was the church mainly of the 1800s +/-. God had set before them an open door. This church was among the best of the 7. They shall be kept from the hour of temptation (the tribulation)-ref Rev 3:7-10.
Then there is the Laodicean church #7, the church to which most "so called" Christians belong to today. It is the church that will see the rapture come. This church is called lukewarm, neither cold or hot, which is not acceptable. God will spit them out. This church is wretched, it is miserable, it is spiritually poor, it is a blind church, and it is naked which means not clothed with white garments. And making this even worse, this church does not know its true spiritual condition. It thinks it is a good church-God forbid. This is the church that God says in the first verse v14-THE BEGINNING OF THE CREATION OF GOD. In other words God knew that the lie of evolution would take root at this time. He reminds His people that He created all things. This church names the name of Jesus, but He is not inside. This is the church that the Scriptures indicate has Jesus on the outside knocking on the door trying to get in, but the door is shut. This church shall not be raptured, but rather its participants shall go into the tribulation. Consider how spiritually blind this church is. We are on the verge of the rapture and the tribulation. The Bible commands us to know the signs and watch. Yet they are so inapt at understanding the deeper things of God's Word, that they do not even warn their people to watch and be ready.
All the churches mentioned, except Philadelphia, are admonished to repent.
Following is a picture of the church of today, the church that will see the rapture. Once the rapture comes, the church age ends as all born again children of God are taken, but the tens of millions of people that think they are Christians (but God does not know them) will be left behind to go into the tribulation. Some may have a chance to receive Christ through the preaching of 144,000 male, virgin Jews that God will raise up, but death by deception lies ahead for most. Most will never have another chance as 1/4th of the world's population will die in or as a result of what "we" call world war 3. While the unconverted may laugh at this, their laughing and mocking will not last much longer as the U.S. and Russia should both nearly annihilate each other in 8 hours of time following the Russian-Arab invasion of Israel. Russia, Iran and other nations will be involved in this invasion.
Today's church age as we see it, and other Bible scholars also, is as follows.
The church of today has a very watered down Bible school system. Most churches preach little or no Scripture. Some will preach 1,2,or 3 verses (milk). Then relate worldly things to the subject conveyed in the 3 verses (water). Sad to say, most people in most churches know far more about their preacher and what he has done than they know about Jesus. At the rate that most preachers use Scripture, if a person went to every service in their lifetime, they would not have heard the entire Bible even once. The Bible prophesied about a famine of hearing the Word-ref Amos 8:11 and a day coming when no man can work. Consider. If you give a new born baby (symbolizing a new born Christian) 1 part of milk (basic doctrine) mixed with 10 parts of water (unbiblical story telling), what would be the result? The answer is that the new born baby would become very frail and weak. Soon it would die. Such is the case today. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Churches today preach mostly what people's itching ears want to hear. Satan's subtle attacks using preachers that are not spiritually-minded is working. Churches have become entertainment, sports, ceremonial, laughing, and feel good centers. Some have pastors that are great joke tellers. A few scriptures and the name of Christ is thrown in here and there to make it look like they are Christian. Some have huge, beautiful, comfortable buildings and outreaches with many followers. Regretfully, where is God's Word? In their parking lots can be found cigarettes, drugs, beer cans, and condoms just to mention some. As their people get into their cars, swearing and even cursing God's name might be heard.
Churches seldom preach anymore much on sin, repentance, judgment, the lake of fire, fearing God, loving God, loving the brethren, the Revelation, accurate Bible prophecy, loving Israel, or the ten commandments.
The following does abound: drugs, alcoholism, sex outside of marriage, violence around the world, homosexuality, violence in our schools, divorce, pornography, rebellion against parents, violence on television, violent computer games, abortions, and self centeredness. These things abound today as never before in our history. People in high places are trying to stamp out God, the Bible, prayer in the name of Jesus, and God's commandments from every place possible from schools to city Christmas displays. To a certain degree, they are succeeding and will continue to succeed. Much of this was prophesied in the Bible as signs of the coming tribulation, but the unbeliever, how could they believe this? If you think things are bad today, wait till tomorrow. This is only the beginning. It is going to get worse, much worse. This is the only Biblical generation of the 7 that Jesus said they are blind and naked.
Expect the rights of churches to be curtailed more and more as the rights of the most perverted life styles increase greatly. Expect your personal rights and privacy to become a thing of the past because of the need for security. There is coming (during the tribulation) what one may call a one world system (10 toes in two divisions). Note the "world bank, world court, world almost everything is already here. Go to your local store and see if you can find anything made in America? The one world economy is coming upon us. There are none so blind than those who will not see. In the midst of the tribulation people will be required to take the mark of the beast, or the number of his name, etc. 666 in their forehead or right hand. Those that do not cannot buy or sell. Sounds like a good security system. People will be required to worship the image of the antichrist. If they do not, they can expect to be beheaded. Those that take the mark and worship the image commit what we may call the unforgivable sin. They are guaranteed the lake of fire by God who cannot lie.
The facts are, that most preachers that are in the pulpits no longer believe all of the Bible is the perfect Word of God. Surveys have been conducted. The percentages are bad. In some denominations 90+ percent don't believe God's Word. Even the best of denominations, the percentages are frightening. Preaching abounds using other materials.
Various kinds of psychologies and philosophies abound today. Sin is not sin. Other names are used. Sin can be only a disease or some kind of a disorder.
Blaming others is the explanation which people have regarding their problems. They were victimized in their childhood by situations, relatives, school mates, and friends. They think that others made them the way they are. They lay the blame on others.
Secular counselors, self-help books, and so called Christian churches abound that preach self esteem. To deny oneself, and pick up your cross and follow Jesus is unthinkable. Self esteem brings pride, self centeredness, and selfishness. These must be repented of if Christ is to come in.
Another philosophy is that all truth is of God. One of the writers of this material has seen how destructive this can be as a certain professing Christian appears to have used it to justify what he was doing in his occupation.
Regarding such it is written: 1 Cor 3:19-20-FOR THE WISDOM OF THIS WORLD IS FOOLISHNESS WITH GOD. FOR IT IS WRITTEN, HE TAKETH THE WISE IN THEIR OWN CRAFTINESS. AND AGAIN, THE LORD KNOWETH THE THOUGHTS OF THE WISE, THAT THEY ARE VAIN.
Few, if any, ever faced as many problems as Jesus did?
Did you ever face the problems Paul, or the apostles, or born again teachers teaching in a Moslem country or in China go through? Yet do they hold grudges? Are they full of hate? Are they mad most of the time. Do they want revenge? No, they are filled with love and compassion and the fruits of the Spirit. Jesus is their answer. He is your answer if you will let Him be. Jesus can take the most crushed person in the world and heal him and set him free, both emotionally and spiritually.
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Both Lk 4:18 and 19 give us some reasons that Jesus came. Following should be Bible studies on this subject. The first Bible study is relating to being "chosen". The second Bible study is entitled "Why Jesus Came".
(Lk 4:18,19)
God sent Jesus
to heal,
to preach: deliverance and recovering of sight
to set people free.
He send Jesus to do these things to:
the poor.
the brokenhearted,
the captives
the blind
and the oppressed.
Note it did not say Jesus was sent to the rich, or to kings and proud men.
One might ask, "Who else has Jesus been sent to? Who else will be chosen?"
Jesus quoted what today is Lk 4:18,19 from Isa 61:1,2. A comparison of the two side by side should be at the end of the bible study on being chosen.
The end of the lukewarm church of today
CHOSEN
NOT MANY OF THESE ARE CHOSEN
THE POOR
The Scriptures tell us that God has chosen the poor of this world rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom-ref Ja 2:5.
He has chosen foolish things, the weak things, the base (or lowly) things, and things which are despised by this world-ref 1 Cor 1:27,28.
But regarding the rich, God tells us in Mt 19:23-I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Regarding the wise, the influential, the mighty and the noble men, God tells us in 1 Cor 1:26-28-For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh (or by human standards), not many mighty (or influential), not many (of) noble (birth), are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base (or lowly) things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought (or nullify the) things that are. The more you seek to be something in this world, the less you seek to be like Jesus. For it is written of Jesus: Phili 2:7-8-But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Are you on this list that God chooses the most from?
The base (or lowly)
The blind
The brokenhearted
The bruised (or trodden down, or crushed)
The captives (or prisoners)
The despised
The foolish
The oppressed.
The poor
The things which are not
The weak?
Jesus came to call sinners to repentance, not the righteous and the whole-ref Mk 2:17.
Many are called by God, but out of that many, only a few are chosen.
That bears repeating: How many are chosen by God? The answer is only a few.
Mt 20:16-The Bible tells us: FOR MANY BE CALLED, BUT FEW CHOSEN.
Mt 22:14- FOR MANY ARE CALLED, BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN. Only a few people, a small percentage will be going to heaven.
CHURCHES. WHAT KIND IS YOURS?
Wide gate, and the broad way churches teach that many will be going to heaven. Straight gate and narrow way churches should recognize that only a few find it. Mt 7:13-14-ENTER YE IN AT THE STRAIT GATE: FOR WIDE IS THE GATE, AND BROAD IS THE WAY, THAT LEADETH TO DESTRUCTION, AND MANY THERE BE WHICH GO IN THEREAT: BECAUSE STRAIT IS THE GATE, AND NARROW IS THE WAY, WHICH LEADETH UNTO LIFE, AND FEW THERE BE THAT FIND IT. Which kind of a church do you attend?
WHEN WERE GOD'S PEOPLE THAT WERE CHOSEN, CHOSEN?
2 Thes 2:13-GOD HATH FROM THE BEGINNING CHOSEN YOU TO SALVATION.
Eph 1:4-ACCORDING AS HE HATH CHOSEN US IN HIM BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD, THAT WE SHOULD BE HOLY AND WITHOUT BLAME BEFORE HIM IN LOVE:
WHO OR WHAT HAS GOD CHOSEN?
God has not chosen the rich and famous, the proud, the noblemen, the unrepentant, and neither has He called the righteous and the whole, etc. according to the Scriptures.
In addition to: the poor, the brokenhearted, the captives, the blind, and the oppressed.
Ja 2:5-GOD (HAS) CHOSEN THE POOR OF THIS WORLD RICH IN FAITH, AND HEIRS OF THE KINGDOM WHICH HE HATH PROMISED TO THEM THAT LOVE HIM?
1 Cor 1:27-29-GOD HATH CHOSEN THE FOOLISH THINGS OF THE WORLD TO CONFOUND THE WISE; AND GOD HATH CHOSEN THE WEAK THINGS OF THE WORLD TO CONFOUND THE THINGS WHICH ARE MIGHTY; AND BASE THINGS OF THE WORLD, AND THINGS WHICH ARE DESPISED, HATH GOD CHOSEN, YEA, AND THINGS WHICH ARE NOT, TO BRING TO NOUGHT THINGS THAT ARE: THAT NO FLESH SHOULD GLORY IN HIS PRESENCE.
WHY DOES GOD CHOOSE CERTAIN PEOPLE?
Jn 15:16-I HAVE CHOSEN YOU, AND ORDAINED YOU, THAT YE SHOULD GO AND BRING FORTH FRUIT, AND THAT YOUR FRUIT SHOULD REMAIN. This is only one Scripture out of many that covers this subject.
2 Tim 2:4-NO MAN THAT WARRETH ENTANGLETH HIMSELF WITH THE AFFAIRS OF THIS LIFE; THAT HE MAY PLEASE HIM WHO HATH CHOSEN HIM TO BE A SOLDIER.
WHO RETURNS WITH JESUS WHEN HE RETURNS?
Rev 17:14-HE IS LORD OF LORDS, AND KING OF KINGS: AND THEY THAT ARE WITH HIM ARE CALLED, AND CHOSEN, AND FAITHFUL. Note those three words. First a person must be called by God. Of those called by God, only a few will surrender to Jesus and allow Him to be their Lord, as well as their Saviour, plus deny themselves, be humbled, follow Jesus, and remain faithful to the end and be chosen. Such are those that die in faith-ref Heb 11:13. Few churches in this lukewarm generation will preach these Scriptures.
Jesus quoted what today is Lk 4:18,19 from Isa 61:1,2. According to the wording of the King James Bible, Jesus substituted certain words in doing so.
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