Sermon Draft – The Fall – The Curse – God’s Holiness – God’s Sovereignty

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-18)

For Your Name Is Holy – Paul Wilbur

As we consider the fall and the associated curse, let’s not forget the holiness of God, as it relates to all that we will ever encounter. Let’s consider the sovereignty of God, as He is the creator of all things, seen or unseen, realized or not realized, heard or not heard, desired or not desired, cold or hot, comfortable or uncomfortable, growing or not growing, born or not born, living or dead. (you can continue this thought pattern)

Jeremiah 18:1-6 New King James Version (NKJV)

The Potter and the Clay

18 The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying: 2 “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.” 3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. 4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make.

5 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: 6 “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?” says the Lord. “Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel

Why did God make a world like ours, with so much pain, sickness, and brokenness? In these four minutes, Pastor John Piper speaks to the horrors of sin, the meaning of all our suffering, and the conquering hope we have in Christ.

Click onto the following link and consider the following discussion about the fall and the curse. Consider, “God, Why This Broken World Like Ours?” Consider, “What Was the Curse That God Put on Creation?”

http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/god-why-a-broken-world-like-ours

Consider God’s creation before the fall.

Genesis 1:31 New King James Version (NKJV)

31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

The situation of the world was “very good,” as we read in the first two chapters of the Book Of Genesis. Anything that we find outside of those two chapters is a result of the fall. So, let’s consider the fall, and its effects. John Piper’s video provides good food for thought, and should be a good base of information for “inquiring minds.” We know the saying about inquiring minds, “they want to know.” So, consider the world in which we live. Can we not say that we are experiencing the fall’s aftermath?

Genesis 3:17 21st Century King James Version (KJ21)

17 And unto Adam He said, “Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree of which I commanded thee, saying, ‘Thou shalt not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life.

Genesis 2:15-17 New King James Version (NKJV)

15 Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

Consider the fall and its aftermath.

Genesis 3:6 New King James Version (NKJV)

6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.

Genesis 3:7-13 New King James Version (NKJV)

7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.
8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.
9 Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?”
10 So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.”
11 And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?”
12 Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.”
13 And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”

Genesis 3:14-21 21st Century King James Version (KJ21)

14 And the Lord God said unto the serpent, “Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field. Upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life.
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.”
16 Unto the woman He said, “I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception. In sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.”
17 And unto Adam He said, “Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree of which I commanded thee, saying, ‘Thou shalt not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life.
18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee, and thou shalt eat the herb of the field.
19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread till thou return unto the ground, for out of it wast thou taken; for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”
20 And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.
21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

Genesis 3:22-24 New King James Version (NKJV)

22 Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”— 23 therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. 24 So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.

Consider the effect of the fall on today’s world and God’s plan of redemption for a fallen world and mankind.

Romans 5:1-5 New King James Version (NKJV)

Faith Triumphs in Trouble

5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5:6-11 New King James Version (NKJV)

Christ in Our Place

6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

Romans 5:12-17 New King James Version (NKJV)

Death in Adam, Life in Christ

12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned— 13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. 15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. 16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. 17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)

Romans 5:18-19 New King James Version (NKJV)

18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

Romans 5:20-21 New King James Version (NKJV)

20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, 21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 8:18 New King James Version (NKJV)

From Suffering to Glory

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Romans 8:19-20 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

19 For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope

Revelation 21:1-8 New King James Version (NKJV)

All Things Made New

The Result Of A Lifestyle Of Holiness

21 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.

The Result Of A lifestyle Of Sin

8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

Consider The Romans Road To Salvation

Romans 3:23 New King James Version (NKJV)

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 New King James Version (NKJV)

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 5:8 New King James Version (NKJV)

8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 10:13 New King James Version (NKJV)

13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

The Next Step

John 3:16 New King James Version (NKJV)

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

It’s One Way, Or The Other. The Choice Is Ours. To Believe Or Not To Believe

John 3:18 New King James Version (NKJV)

18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Let The Weight Of Your Glory Fall – Paul Wilbur

Psalm 103:19 21st Century King James Version (KJ21)

19 The Lord hath prepared His throne in the heavens, and His Kingdom ruleth over all.

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Childhood – Gone, But Not Forgotten

Suyash Chopra

“Those were the best days of my life“. How indeed! Now that we are grown up, seeing photographs of our childhood can evoke lot of fond memories – memories that will always be etched in all the cells of our life. Though you can live your childhood only once, you can always relive seeing your own child grow up. Or, it can be any child with its cute little gestures and smiles. Nostalgia sets in, isn’t it?

Two Childhoods

It is often said that when you grow old, you tend to be living your childhood once again. I do not know how that is true. But i guess, after having lived all these years of one’s worldly life, having attained all the wisdom and enlightenment of how death is the ultimate truth of life, people go back to their fondest memories of their life – childhood. Else, why would we be told that…

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Fishing

Saturday Night Fever
“Follow Me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for people!” Mark 1:17

Wow! Saturday Night Fever! Really good music! As I have said before, the purpose of this blog is to be an extension of my pulpit. There are many people around the world who never darken the doorway of a church, and many of them are good people who love music, but have yet to find a tune that says “Jesus loves me” to them. I trust that many of those people, who do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, will go beyond these videos and search other posts that are contained within the borders of this blog. Such findings will be things of humor, truth and justice, and, yes, there will be found among these writings, the truth of the love of Jesus. Such a searcher will come to realize that young boys, who may become ministers of the gospel of Christ, actually enjoy pop music, dancing, and yes, even girls. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have three wonderful children, as well as grand children. So, please let me close my thoughts by saying, “it’s okay to enjoy the Lord.” I would also like to present “the gospel in a nutshell:”

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).

I trust that any of you, who do not have such a saving faith in Jesus, will make a decision to believe in Him as your Lord and Savior. If you have questions, you can reply to this post, and tell me to not show your comment; I will abide by your wishes. By the way, most of my teen years were spent in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. My area of town was very much a “Fonzie, American Bandstand, and Saturday Night Fever,” working class neighborhood. I really miss that city, and those days, that keep many warm memories in my mind. I know a very special blogger friend who makes her home not far from that area that I knew as home. She also has a blog ministry that serves our Lord Jesus, greatly. But, don’t ask me to tell you where she lives, because Christian bloggers are wonderful at loving Jesus, “and” at keeping secrets. too. “Now, let’s continue with the music of “Saturday Night Fever.”

More Than A Woman

Disco Inferno – Short Version

Disco Inferno – Long Version

Two Deleted Scenes

Disco

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Sermon Draft – The Church, A Spiritual Gift Of Jesus

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
I have no words to add about the video.

Matthew 16:18 New King James Version (NKJV)

18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

The Church, A Spiritual Gift Of Jesus

The announcement of Jesus that He was going to build His church has great significance for us today. The reason that Jesus made that statement was because there was not a church, or assembly, that would be like the one that would be birthed on the day of Pentecost when the Spirit of God would fall on the Jews in Jerusalem in the year 33 A.D. The Holy Spirit had been present in prior times, but had not literally indwelled/filled the people of God. Those of us who have been born again/born from above (John 3:3-8), have the literal presence of God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) within our spirits. The effect of having the Spirit of God dwelling within our spirits is for us to receive the leading and teaching of God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). The first manifestation of the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit occurred with the Jews who had assembled in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). They heard the words of the Galilean disciples speaking the words of God to them; words that were understood by many of the Jews, in their native tongues, of the nations from where they had been dispersed. This miracle can be related to the United Nations method of interpreting the language of a key speaker into the languages of all of the other UN members who are present. A physical church would emerge after the Day of Pentecost, but the spiritual/born again church was the subject of the teachings of Jesus on “His Church,” (Matt 16:18). The physical brick and mortar church would be led by a plurality of those having the title: pastor/elder/presbyter/overseer/episcopal/bishop. Bishop is translated “overseer” in the English Standard Version, Holman Christian Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, New International Version, and New English Translation. The King James translations hold to “bishop.” For the plurality application of church leaders, see Acts 14:23 and Scofield Study Bible note on Titus 1:5. The term “deacon” applies to a servant of a congregation, but not a church leader; see Ephesians 4:11-12; Acts 6:1-7. But, as we can see in the example of Philip, who was one of the original seven deacons who were appointed by the apostles in Jerusalem, there are deacons who have the spiritual gifting that is described in Ephesians 4:11. So, churches should be watchful for such spiritually gifted servants who serve their congregations. There should always be a track for upward mobility within every church. All too often, deacons remain deacons when they should be considered for the position of pastor, or associate pastor. In my home church, I can think of at least three serving deacons who have the ability to lead a congregation. In the account of the council at Jerusalem, the participants were the apostles and elders, with the “whole church” observing. There was no mention of deacons in that event; they were a part of the “whole church.” Neither can the term, “deacon board,” be found in the Bible. The Holy Spirit “gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers,” (Eph 4:11), “for the equipping of the saints for the works of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ (Eph 4:12). Deacons and trustees are not a part of the leadership of a church. The pastor is the source of authority for all church activities. Such a leader will make wise use of deacons “for the equipping of the saints.” As we see in Acts 14:23, there is not to be a church superstructure. Each congregation is to be autonomous in its government and leading. All pastors may not have the spiritual gifting of that office. But, all pastors should be treated with the respect that is expected to be given to such a person. Consider David, the King of Israel. King Saul tried to kill David 12 times (1 Samuel 18-19). David had the opportunity to kill Saul. However, David respected the office of the King of Israel and spared Saul’s life. Consider the following words of David in “1 Samuel 24:6.”

“6 And he said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord.”

The body of Christ/the church of Christ, those of us who have been born again, should consider the teachings that relate to the study of the Bible, which are written in Acts 17 and 2 Timothy, as seen below. We should check to make sure that the sermons and teachings that we receive have proper scriptural backing.

The following scriptures are provided as support for the sermon that I delivered on the subject:

“The Church, A Spiritual Gift Of Jesus”

1 Samuel 16 New King James Version (NKJV)

David Anointed King

13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah.

John 14 New King James Version (NKJV)

Jesus Promises Another Helper

16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
Indwelling of the Father and the Son
19 “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. 20 At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.
The Gift of His Peace
25 “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Acts 1:4-8 New King James Version (NKJV)

The Holy Spirit Promised

4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said,“you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 2 New King James Version (NKJV)

Coming of the Holy Spirit

2 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The Crowd’s Response

5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.

Early apostles went out

Ephesians 4:11-12 New King James Version (NKJV) – Spiritually Gift Church Leaders 64 A.D.

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,

Acts 6:1-7 New King James Version (NKJV) – Deacon Servants 33 A.D.

Seven Chosen to Serve

6 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Consider Philip (Spiritually Gifted Deacon/Evangelist)

Acts 8:5-6 New King James Version (NK) 34 A.D.

5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

Acts 8:12-13 New King James Version (NKJV)

12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.

Acts 8:26 New King James Version (NKJV)

Christ Is Preached to an Ethiopian

26 Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is desert.

Acts 8:29-31 New King James Version (NKJV)

29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.”
30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”
31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him.

Acts 8:34-35 New King James Version (NKJV)

34 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.

Acts 8:38-40 New King James Version (NKJV)

38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. 39 Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.

Reexamine Acts 6:7

Consider Apostles and Elders

Acts 14:23 (NKJV) 46 A.D.

23 So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

Consider The Council At Jerusalem

Consider Apostles, Elders, “Whole Church”

Acts 15 New King James Version (NKJV) 46 A.D.

Conflict over Circumcision

15 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.

The Jerusalem Council

6 Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter.
12 Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. 13 And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, “Menand brethren, listen to me:

18 “Known to God from eternity are all His works. 19 Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God,20 but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. 21 For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

The Jerusalem Decree

22 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.

Acts 17:1-12 (NKJV) 53 A.D.

Preaching Christ at Thessalonica

1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas.
Ministering at Berea

10 Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men.

Elders Fellowship At Troas (Acts 20:7) 59 A.D.

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them … (This verse does not prove a meeting of the church for “church services,” nor does it prove weekly communion). Consider Acts 2:42, 33 A.D.). Breaking of bread was a meal.

Approved Workers

2 Timothy 2:15 New King James Version (NKJV) 66 A.D.

15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Workers’ Tool – Inspiration Of God/God Breathed Out

2 Timothy 3:16 New King James Version (NKJV) 66 A.D.

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

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041615 – It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know

John 17:3 New King James Version (NKJV)

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3

“It’s Not What You Know,
It’s Who You Know”
The Whites

God has been very gracious to me by surrounding me with people who I have found to be much smarter than I could ever imagine being. One of our Chaplains, who resides in Canada, is one of those “very smart people,” who gave me the idea for this post. The song was recorded and released by the White Family in the late 1980s (I think). It’s message is “quite cute,’ but has a message of great truth. John 17:3 is a text book definition of “eternal life.” To have eternal life is to “have an intimate relationship with God the Father, through God the Son.” So, please let me say..”thank you, Chaplain Zoe, for all that you do to provide me with ideas that relate to the grace of God, and other matters of spiritual content. You are a Champ in the spiritual battles that confront God’s people daily”…

Sermon Draft – April 4, 2014 – That I May Know Him

Sing Hallelujah – Paul Wilbur

“that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death” (Philippians 3:10)

Sermon Draft – April 4, 2014 – “That I May Know Him”

God: Worship, Praise and Sovereignty

Psalm 134:2 “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord!” KJ21
Psalm 135:3-4 “3 praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing praises unto His name, for it is pleasant. 4 For the Lord hath chosen Jacob for Himself, and Israel for His peculiar treasure. KJ21
Psalm 135:6 “6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did He in heaven and on earth, in the seas and in all deep places.” KJ21

Break Up Your Fallow Ground

Hosea 10:12 King James Version (KJV)

12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

Amos 7:14-15 King James Version (KJV)

14 Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycamore fruit:
15 And the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.

1 Corinthians 3:6-7 King James Version (KJV)

6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

James 5:7 New King James Version (NKJV)

Be Patient and Persevering

7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.

“Facing The Giants” – “Preparing For Spiritual Rain”

Revelation 3:7-8 New King James Version (NKJV)

The Faithful Church

7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: 8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.

Notes: Reformation Study Bible; R.C. Sproul

10:12 steadfast love. See note Ex. 15:13. Sowing that which is right and good brings a harvest of blessing from the Lord.
break up your fallow ground. When virgin and fallow ground is plowed, it produces a particularly abundant harvest.
rain righteousness. God must give the harvest (1 Cor. 3:6, 7)

Those who plant and water.

Prophets: Isa 1:1; Jer 1:1-2; Eze 1:2; 3:10-11; Dan 10:1; Hos 1:1-2a; Joel 1:1; Amos 1:1; 2:1; 3:1; Oba 1:1; Jon 1:1; Mic 1:1; Nah 1:1; Hab 1:1; Zeph 1:1; Hag 1:1-1; Zec 1:1; Mal 1:1; Matt 3:1; John 1:6-8; John 1:29.
Preachers: Rom 10:14 (60 A.D.) (Preacher =”Herald,” (Greek Lexicon)
Combo Preachers: Acts 2:16-36. (33 A.D.) = Apostle Peter, Apostle, Elder, Preacher
Spiritual Gifts To Believers: 1 Cor 12:4-11) 59 A.D.
Spiritual Gifts To Believers: Rom 12:3-8 (60 A.D.)
Spiritual Gifting Of Leadership: Eph 4:11-12. (64 A.D.)

Paul Wilbur – For Your Name Is Holy

The Special Bride And Born Again Body

John 5:22-23 – Equality Of Jesus with “The Father”

John 5:24 – The Immediacy Of Eternal Life – Compare And Contrast “believeth on Him” The Resurrection vs Rapture

John 5:24 New King James Version (NKJV) “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

John 5:25-30 The Post-Tribulation Resurrection Of Jews vs Pre-Tribulation Rapture Of Christians

John 5:25-30: (Post-Tribulation Resurrection) Jesus is speaking to Jews about the time at the end of the Tribulation (Matthew 24:21), and its aftermath. The Jews and Gentiles, who miss the rapture, and find themselves in the Tribulation, but who come to saving faith in Jesus, will be resurrected at the end of the Tribulation (Rev 20:4, 6). Jews and Gentiles who miss the rapture, and who do not come to saving faith in Jesus during the Tribulation, will be resurrected at the end of the 1,000 year millennium and will face the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev 20:5, , 11-15).

Daniel 12:1-2 (Post-Tribulation Resurrection) Daniel’s prophecy discusses the time of “Jacob’s Trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7),which is also the time of tribulation, and its aftermath. The resurrections of Rev 20:4, 6 and 20:5, 11-15) also relate to this prophecy. His prophecy also relates to Jews who will have died before the time of the Church Age.

The resurrection, which takes place at the beginning of the millennium, is of the righteous dead, and is the first bodily resurrection.

The resurrection that occurs at the end of the millennium is that of the unrighteous dead, and is the second bodily resurrection, when the unrighteous dead are resurrected and judged.

1 Corinthians 15:50-54 – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (Pre-Tribulation Rapture): Paul Is talking to Christians about the Tribulation that they will miss.

John 5:37-38 – Those who have not been born again vs those who have been born again.

John 5:39-40 – Unsuccessful way to attain eternal life.

John 4:24 – “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Paul Wilbur – Let The Weight Of Your Glory Fall

041515 – Where Are You?

Blow the horn in Zion; sound the alarm on My holy mountain! Let all the residents of the land tremble, for the Day of the LORD is coming; in fact, it is near– (Joel 2:1)

Feast of the Trumpets 2012: Blow The Trumpet In Zion

Genesis 18:9 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

9 Then they said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “There, in the tent.”

The question that was made to Abraham by God may have escaped the minds of many people who have read this passage. It is without question that God knows “all,” especially the exact location of Sarah. In verses 2 and 3 of this chapter, the pre-existent Christ (a Christophany) and two angels “just showed up” at the tent of Abraham. The question to Abraham related to more than “which physical room in the tent,” was Sarah. The question more correctly understood is, “where is Sarah your wife, spiritually.”

The question, which dealt with the bride of Abraham, can also be asked about the Church, which is the bride of Christ. It can be asked of us, “where are we spiritually?” Are we going to take up the spiritual banner of Jesus and take it elsewhere, where the love of Christ, and the message of salvation needs to be heralded. Consider the three following passages of scripture that tell of our Lord’s Great Commission that was assigned to us, “the bride of Christ.”

Matthew 28:16-20 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

16 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

In this passage, the disciples are given the great commission on a mountain in Galilee.

Acts 1:4-8 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

4 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; 8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

In this passage, the disciples are given the great commission in Jerusalem

Acts 26:15-18 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

15 And I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But get up and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you;17 rescuing you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, 18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’

In this passage, the Apostle Paul is given the great commission while he was on the Damascus Road, where he was headed to persecute Christians (Acts 9:1-5). Consider the last four words of Acts 26:17, and the full verse of verse 18.

“17 … I am sending you, 18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.”

Consider the words that are being spoken to us, the bride of Christ, “I am sending you.” If we are being sent to “open their eyes,” (unbelievers), have we been equipped to take on such a ministry of evangelism? May I ask a simple question? Are we serious about fulfilling the Lord’s Great Commission? Let’s consider the following passage.

Ephesians 4:11-12 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;

In Ephesians 4:11, we read that The Holy Spirit has provided special spiritual gifting to certain individuals to lead “the bride of Christ” to be equipped to perform works of service to build up the body of Christ., as is seen in 4:12. Notice that the key point of leadership within any congregation is its pastors. Let us pray for pastors to be bold in their preaching of God’s Holy Word. Let us pray also for the bride of Christ to submit itself to the authority of pastors so that the equipping work will be quick, continuing and effective. May deacons understand their roles as servants within their congregations, and that they will work in support of their pastors to achieve this task of equipping the people who chose them for such a ministry (Acts 6:3).

Sermon Draft – March 28, 2015 – Equipping The Saints

Consider the sermon draft. We, who are the born-again believers in Christ, are the church of Christ. We are also the bride of Christ. We should always consider, “just how special we are,” as being the Bride of Christ. We are, of all times, “the Bride of all brides.” Our Groom, who is Jesus, is the “Groom of all grooms,” of all times. Consider “just how protective Jesus is of His Bride,” during these times in which we live, and always will be, especially when we consider the coming of the seven years of tribulation.

Ephesians 4:11-12 – New American Standard Bible

And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;

Daily equipping necessary. Detailed study needed. Consider word meanings, “Hebrew and Greek.” (numbers here relate to Greek)

Always Remember:
Isaiah 55:8 King James Bible
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
Psalm 103:19 King James Bible
The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
1 John 4:8 New American Standard Bible
The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
John 10:28 King James Bible
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

Consider Key Words Of Scripture:

Hebrews 4:12 – New American Standard Bible
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart
12. Soul – 5590; Spirit – 4151

Romans 8:28-30 (NASB)
28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.
28. called – 2822; purpose – 4286
29. foreknew – 4267; predestined – 4309; to be conformed – 4832b; to the image – 1504; of His son – 5207
30. predestined – 4309; called – 2564; justified – 1344; glorified – 1392

Related Terms:

Jeremiah 30:7 – Jacob’s Trouble (Tribulation)
Luke 21:24 – Times Of The Gentiles (The era from Israel’s captivity to Babylon (586 B.C..2 Kings 25) to Her restoration in the Kingdom (Revelation 20:1-6/Millennium/For God’s Purpose)
Joel 3:10 – Beat Your Plowshares Into Swords…(Tribulation-War)
Isaiah 2:4 – Beat Your Swords Into Plowshares… (Millennium-Peace)

The Special Born Again Body And Bride Of Christ.

1 John 1:5 – John 1:1-13 – Light vs darkness
John 1: 9 – The Calling/Courting Of Holy Spirit
John 3:3-8 – The Cleansing By The Holy Spirit
John 3:16 – The Response Of The Prospective Bride
John 3:17 – 2 Peter 3:9 – Not One Misses The Calling
John 3:18 – Romans 8:1 – The Consummation Of The Relationship
John 3:19 – The Rejection Of The Calling
John 3:20 – The Natural State Of Those In Darkness
versus John 1:9 – The Response Of The Holy Spirit
Those in darkness – Rev 3:10 – Rev 11:10 – Rev 13:8
Those who are “in light” – Important!
Compare Rev 3:10 with Philippians 3:20.
“Dwellers of the earth vs Citizens of heaven”
Philippians 3:20 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;
John 3:21 – The State Of Those “In Light”

I Enter The Holy Of Holies
Paul Wilbur

041415 – The Sabbath, Let’s Consider It

How Great Thou Art

“6 The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. 7 He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs.” (Psalm 33:6-7 New Living Translation)

As I am looking outside, over my computer and numerous Bibles, through the front window of my house, I am experiencing the end of the Day of Preparation (John 19:14, 31). The sky is a beautiful hazy gray, the grass and trees have a rich color of green. Our God really did a good job in His creation! In a little while, the sun will be setting and the Lord’s Sabbath will begin (John 19:31). Each Friday is special to me. I look forward to the sequence of events that takes place as I wake up early on Fridays while the sky is still dark. As the darkness turns to dawn, I say to myself, “God! You did it again!” Only You could have turned the night-time darkness into the dawn of the morning. As the dawn turns to daylight, my mind reminds me of the greatness of God’s creative genius. As daylight begins to turn to dusk, an ease comes across my mind. When sunset comes, and the Lord’s Sabbath arrives, and darkness will soon arrive, I think, “my Savior God to Thee, How great thou art!” I would like to share a few passages of scripture with you that tell of the Sabbath. I trust that you will be greatly blessed by the way that God describes His Sabbath.

Genesis 1 King James Version

1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
5 And the evening and the morning were the first day.
8 And the evening and the morning were the second day.
13 And the evening and the morning were the third day.
19 And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
23 And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.
31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Genesis 2 King James Version

1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

Exodus 16:22-30 King James Version

22 And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses.
23 And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which ye will bake today, and see the that ye will see the; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
24 And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein.
25 And Moses said, Eat that today; for today is a sabbath unto the Lord: to-day ye shall not find it in the field.
26 Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none.
27 And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none.
28 And the Lord said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?
29 See, for that the Lord hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.
30 So the people rested on the seventh day.

Exodus 20:8-11 King James Version

8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
10 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:
11 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.

Exodus 31:12-13 King James Version

12 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you

Exodus 31:17 King James Version

17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

John 5:46-47 King James Version

46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me.
47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

Hebrews 3:16-4:11 King James Version

16 For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.
17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
4 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

My comment. How do we enter into God’s rest? Consider Hebrews 3:18, 19 and 4:9-11. The Sabbath day is the seventh day. We can’t draw a boundary around the seventh day, hire an excavator and dig up “the Sabbath day,” and move it to a more desirable “hole in the ground,” on another day of the week, and call that place “our Sabbath.” The Sabbath day is the Lord’s Sabbath; we have no control over it. We may decide to rest on another day of the week, but the Lord’s Sabbath will always be the seventh day. But, don’t forget the words in Hebrews! I trust that you will have a blessed Sabbath day, which our Lord God carefully crafted and gave to His people. He gave it to His people, the Jews, who were the descendants of Shem. The Sabbath day was not a special day between God and the descendants of Ham and Japheth, who were Gentiles. The whole world is able to be special giftees of the Sabbath, through the blessing of the Jews, who is “Jesus!” Let us consider worship, and what is true worship.

John 4:19-24 King James Version

A conversation between Jesus and a Samaritan woman.

19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

My comment. We may ask a simple, yet powerful, question. How do we worship God in Spirit and in truth. Consider a thought that came to me from a conversation that I had with a very special “Sister In Christ,” who many of us lovingly know as ” Dorrine .” Through Dorrine’s words, I came to understand that the answer to the question of “how to worship God in spirit and in truth,” is “all of us for all of Him.” Thank you Dorrine . Your words continue to go around the world through my frequent references to them in my blog posts. May our Lord Jesus richly bless you, Dorrine .

041315 – Jacksonville Praise

Sold Out

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins”(Matthew 1:21)

The purpose of this post of songs of worship and praise is to give honor and glory to Jesus, our King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16). As with any sermon or lesson, it is often difficult to determine starting and stopping points as is shown in the first and last verses of the Bible.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1,NASB)
“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.” (Revelation 22:21, HCSB)

Also, the decision of which information to put in between the starting and stopping points can be a matter of deep prayer. Such was the challenge that I had as I was choosing from the many wonderful songs that had been parts of the annual Pastors’ Conferences of The First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Florida, USA. The opening song, “Sold Out,” was led by Daniels Crews with the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church and FBC JAX choirs at the 2014 Jacksonville Pastors’ Conference. The songs that were chosen for this post came from previous conferences that date back to the year 1998. The First Baptist Church Of Jacksonville is affiliated with The Southern Baptist Convention. Its current membership is approximately 28,000. The congregation is led by its Senior Pastor, Dr. Mac Brunson.

Please let me say how thankful I am for the way that God has allowed me to share the love of Christ with other bloggers who live in various nations around our world. We, who are believers in Christ, are all products of the “Great Commission,” which was given by our Lord Jesus Christ. I trust that you will receive a rich blessing as you listen to the songs of this post.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, HCSB)

Gospel Music Medley Part 1

Gospel Music Medley Part 2

It Is Well With My Soul

The Anchor Holds

Until Then

We Are Standing On Holy Ground

The Name Of Jesus Medley

Revelation Song / Holy/Holy/Holy

041215 – Prestonwood Praise

No More Night

1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 Nothing accursed will be found there any more. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him; 4 they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. (The River Of Life, Revelation 22:1-5 New Revised Standard Version)

The songs that are contained in this post are led by the 500 member choir of Prestonwood Baptist Church, which is located in Plano, Texas, USA. There are two other Prestonwood locations, and are situated in Prosper and Dallas, Texas. The combined membership is in excess of 38,000. Prestonwood Baptist Church is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, and has as its Senior Pastor, Dr. Jack Graham. He is one of the most respected pastors in the Southern Baptist Convention, and within the United States of America. His sermons are shown by broadcast on the Trinity Broadcasting Network, Daystar, and other networks. I trust that you will be blessed by the songs that I have selected for this post. There is no particular rhyme or reason for the arrangement of the songs. A link to one of Dr. Graham’s sermons is located at the bottom of this page. He is also seen briefly at the end of the last song.

Jesus Saves

I Then Shall Live

Unto The Lamb

Lord, You’re Holy

End Of The Beginning

Alpha And Omega

Revelation Song

Midnight Cry

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 New King James Version (NKJV)

16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

http://www.lightsource.com/ministry/prestonwood-baptist-church/video-player/a-mission-driven-life-461708.html

Sermon by Senior Pastor, Dr. Jack Graham.

041115 – The Love Of Jesus

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Del Way – Calvary’s the Reason why

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
(2 Corinthians 5:17)

Del Way – The Old Man Is Dead

040915 – Truth, Boldness, Love, Humility

This is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the payment for our sins. Dear friends, if this is the way God loved us, we must also love each other.(1 John 4:10-11, Names Of God Bible)

The video pieces of Joshua come from the movie, “Joshua,” that was released in April, 2002. The full movie was not available, but was a blessing to me when I saw it on TBN. As you watch the video, consider Maggie and her broken crystal vase. Consider “Joshua.” Consider “Jesus” in Matthew 1:21, 25. Consider the virtures of truth, boldness, love , and humility.

Jesus. 2424 Jesus or Joshua, the name of the Messiah,
2424 Iēsoús – Jesus, the transliteration of the Hebrew term, 3091 /Lṓt (“Yehoshua”/Jehoshua, contracted to “Joshua”) which means “Yahweh saves” (or “Yahweh is salvation”).

Matthew 1:20-25 New King James Version (NKJV)

20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.

Tent Revival

The Miracles Of Joshua

Goodbyes Of Joshua And Maggie

Joshua At The Vatican 1

Joshua At The Vatican 2

Do you have a Joshua in your life?

Storyline

The town of Auburn was always normal, to say the least. True, the people there weren’t really a “community”, but they never noticed…until a stranger named Joshua rolled into town one morning. In small ways, Joshua began to help out around the town-helping a teen play guitar, helping save a marriage in danger, or teaching a bumbling priest how to speak about faith. An old Baptist church that came down in a storm is his next big project. With the help of stuttering Theo, who dreams of being a preacher, he brings the town together to restore the old building. In this way, the whole town unites and becomes a community. This attracts the attention of Father Tordone, who is a bitter man due to the fact that he lost a position in the Vatican. When the mysterious Joshua begins to show up in two places at once and miraculously cures a blind woman, Father Tordone believes Joshua is a false prophet, trying to cheat people. When his next huge miracle-reviving Theo from death after he falls from the roof of the newly completed church-overwhelms the town, Father Tordone seeks out an official condemnation from the Vatican. But Joshua melts his icy heart, and the reformed Father becomes a Vatican member. Joshua sees the Pope himself and reveals himself as Jesus! After his meeting, Joshua leaves-but the people of Auburn, with their dreams fulfilled and their happiness increased. (written by anonymous)

040715 – Being Jesus To Someone

35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

Matthew 25:35-40 New King James Version (NKJV)

Give Me Jesus – Fernando Ortega

Ruth Graham Tribute

We are prone to be thankful for the things that people have given to us. Ruth Graham spent a life of giving, with much of that giving being the gift of the love of her Lord, Jesus Christ. In the video, Fernando Ortega plays a wonderful song of tribute to our sister, Ruth. I am sure that many people could tell stories of how much they had been blessed by the relationship of love that they had experienced with Ruth Graham.

The scripture passage of Matthew tells of the future blessings of God that will be given to the gentiles who treat the Jews with proper love and respect during the coming time of tribulation. A secondary application of that passage relates to us today. We probably all know of someone who needs the love and care that can be given to them by us, who are the body of Christ, and who should know and be able to share our Savior’s love with those of whom we call, “the least of these.”

Per our Lord’s Words, if we show love or kindness to a homeless person, maybe to a drug addict or prostitute, or to a homosexual, it is as if we are showing that same love and kindness to Jesus, Himself. Those, and other needy people that we may encounter in day-to-day travels and communications, are in desperate need of someone “being Jesus to them.”

God has blessed me with the opportunity and ability to minister to certain people who were experiencing extreme hardships. I would like to tell you about one such incident. A man who I will call Mr. Johns, had lost his job, and had many health issues that had come upon him at the same time. As a result of his many problems, he was unable to pay the rent amount that was due on the home where he and his family resided. I made the need known to a network of prayer warriors for someone to pay his rent. God moved a gracious ministry to meet that rent need. But, a late fee had risen, and without the rent amount, with the late fee being paid with it, Mr. Johns would be evicted from his house. I went to the rental agency of the home of Mr.Johns. I explained the situation to a nice young lady. Then, I said: “do you know ‘Matthew 25:40?” She replied, “no.” I said, please let me tell you; and followed with, “in as much as you did it to one of the least of these, my brethren, you did it to me.” Then, with the boldness that came from God I said, “someone needs to “be Jesus” to Mr. Johns.” The woman then waived the late fee, and gave the man extra time to make his next payment. There was still a need that existed that related to the day-to-day financial needs that Mr. Johns could not meet. So, I went to another business and spoke to a man about the need of Mr. Johns. I then asked the man if he knew Matthew 25:40; and I proceeded to quote that scripture again, and made the same bold statement again; “Somebody needs to “be Jesus” to Mr. Johns.” That business man gave $400 to the man, and gave even more money until the man no longer had such a need. Altogether, that business man gave more than $2500 to meet the financial needs of Mr. Johns. Please let me say that the business man has been known to be a very generous man, and without having a great financial wealth of his own. That man’s relationship with God is his reward for doing such benevolent things for “the least of these.”

It is impossible for me to know which similar need may be placed before you tomorrow, the next day, the next week or month, or even during the next year. But, whenever the situation may arise, you may be able to “be Jesus” to someone who has never known Jesus in a personal and saving way, and who has never had anyone to “be Jesus” to them in any other way. May our Lord Jesus bless you with such an experience, and may He bless you because of how you responded to the need of someone who needed you to “be Jesus” to them.

Jesus has commanded you to GO will you obey?

Pastor Davis has provided us with great encouragement for following our Lord’s command that we find in the “Great Commission.” (Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8). Many thanks to Pastor Davis. He is truly a mighty man of God.

040415 – Jesus, The Gentle Shepherd

28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30 New King James Version (NKJV)

As we consider the significance of this Resurrection Sunday in which our Lord and Savior, Jesus, arose from the dead, so that we who believe in Him will have eternal life with Him, let us also consider the comfort that we find written in the words of the Savior, who is our gentle Shepherd. The words, “Come to me,” cover a lot of territory; they even include the communion table. On the night of the betrayal of Jesus; on the night that Jesus and His disciples came around a table to share in the Passover meal, Jesus not only served Judas Iscariot the bread and the wine, He also washed the feet of Judas. If there seems to be error in this thought, with all sincerity of heart, please, give me a list ….. Let’s consider four other verses of scripture that tell about the love that Jesus has for those of us who know Him as our Lord and Savior

John 4:10-12 New King James Version (NKJV)

10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

John 7:38 New King James Version (NKJV)

38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”

Revelation 7:17 New King James Version (NKJV)

17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Revelation 21:1-6 New King James Version (NKJV)

1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”
6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.

Now that we have had a thought, and have read some words about Jesus, let’s share the message of Christ with some more music that has been provided by Bill Gaither. The videos were made about twenty years ago. The songs tell of Jesus, Heaven and home. A number of those who you will see and hear praising Jesus have gone on to be with our Lord and Savior. They will be missed by us, but will rejoice in Heaven where they will be singing praises to Jesus forever. In the videos where Vestal Goodman is singing, you will notice a handkerchief in her left hand; such warm thoughts of my childhood. As you watch the videos, you may notice a shift of your own personal emotions. It was very difficult for me to put the songs in any particular sequence that would give proper respect to Jesus. I pray that I have given due honor and glory to our Lord, as I have attempted to do so with this post.

When He Was On The Cross (I Was On His Mind)

He Is Here

Til The Storm Passes By

Sweet Jesus

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

Farther Along

What A Day That Will Be

Sweet, Sweet Spirit

Sweet Beulah Land

Looking For A City

This Is Just What Heaven Means To Me

Then I Met The Master

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow

The people chooses a murder over the Messiah

Pastor Davis is a might many of God. I receive a blessing from his messages every day. I trust that many other believers in Christ, as well as non-believers, will also follow his blog. I thank our God for Pastor Davis.

040315 – Loving God, “Without Reservation?”

Psalm 18:1-3

I will love You, O Lord, my strength.
2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies.

“If The Lord never gives you …..(?), will you still love Him?”

Facing The Giants – Best Prayer Scene

Uploaded on Nov 13, 2011
And in times of trouble and in triumph I will honor Him. In sorrow, in tears and in joy I will praise him. In desperation and comfort I will always glorify His name. I am not afraid anymore because I’m serving a mighty God and my Saviour Jesus Christ!!.

040215 – Good Friday

The Passion of the Christ – Crucifixion & Resurrection

35 When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.36 And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. 37 Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews.

Matthew 27:35-37 New International Version (NIV)

At the time of this writing, it is The Day Of Preparation, Friday – Friday afternoon. The shadows from the trees are lengthening. Sunset and the beginning of The Sabbath will soon be arriving.

The Events Of Good Friday

Luke 22:54-23:55 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Scripture Text.

Friday.

Jesus’ Arrest

54 Having arrested Him, they led Him away and brought Him to the house of the high priest; but Peter was following at a distance. 55 After they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter was sitting among them. 56 And a servant-girl, seeing him as he sat in the firelight and looking intently at him, said, “This man was with Him too.” 57 But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know Him.” 58 A little later, another saw him and said, “You are one of them too!” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” 59 After about an hour had passed, another man began to insist, saying, “Certainly this man also was with Him, for he is a Galilean too.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, “Before a rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.
63 Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking Him and beating Him, 64 and they blindfolded Him and were asking Him, saying, “Prophesy, who is the one who hit You?” 65 And they were saying many other things against Him, blaspheming.

Jesus before the Sanhedrin

66 When it was day, the Council of elders of the people assembled, both chief priests and scribes, and they led Him away to their council chamber, saying,67 “If You are the Christ, tell us.” But He said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe; 68 and if I ask a question, you will not answer. 69 But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” 70 And they all said, “Are You the Son of God, then?” And He said to them, “Yes, I am.” 71 Then they said, “What further need do we have of testimony? For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth.”

Jesus before Pilate

1 Then the whole body of them got up and brought Him before Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, and saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.” 3 So Pilate asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And He answered him and said, “It is as you say.” 4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.” 5 But they kept on insisting, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching all over Judea, starting from Galilee even as far as this place.”
6 When Pilate heard it, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7 And when he learned that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself also was in Jerusalem at that time.
Jesus before Herod
8 Now Herod was very glad when he saw Jesus; for he had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had been hearing about Him and was hoping to see some sign performed by Him. 9 And he questioned Him at some length; but He answered him nothing. 10 And the chief priests and the scribes were standing there, accusing Him vehemently. 11 And Herod with his soldiers, after treating Him with contempt and mocking Him, dressed Him in a gorgeous robe and sent Him back to Pilate. 12 Now Herod and Pilate became friends with one another that very day; for before they had been enemies with each other.

Pilate Seeks Jesus’ Release

13 Pilate summoned the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought this man to me as one who incites the people to rebellion, and behold, having examined Him before you, I have found no guilt in this man regarding the charges which you make against Him. 15 No, nor has Herod, for he sent Him back to us; and behold, nothing deserving death has been done by Him. 16 Therefore I will punish Him and release Him.” 17 [Now he was obliged to release to them at the feast one prisoner.]
18 But they cried out all together, saying, “Away with this man, and release for us Barabbas!” 19 (He was one who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection made in the city, and for murder.) 20 Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again, 21 but they kept on calling out, saying, “Crucify, crucify Him!” 22 And he said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has this man done? I have found in Him no guilt demanding death; therefore I will punish Him and release Him.” 23 But they were insistent, with loud voices asking that He be crucified. And their voices began to prevail. 24 And Pilate pronounced sentence that their demand be granted. 25 And he released the man they were asking for who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, but he delivered Jesus to their will.

Simon Bears the Cross

26 When they led Him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, coming in from the country, and placed on him the cross to carry behind Jesus.
27 And following Him was a large crowd of the people, and of women who were mourning and lamenting Him. 28 But Jesus turning to them said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, stop weeping for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.29 For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’ 30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’31 For if they do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
32 Two others also, who were criminals, were being led away to be put to death with Him.
The Crucifixion
33 When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. 34 But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. 35 And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.”36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine,37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!” 38 Now there was also an inscription above Him, “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” 43 And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”
44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 because the sun was obscured; and the veil of the temple was torn in two. 46 And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last. 47 Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent.” 48 And all the crowds who came together for this spectacle, when they observed what had happened, began to return,beating their breasts. 49 And all His acquaintances and the women who accompanied Him from Galilee were standing at a distance, seeing these things.

Jesus Is Buried

50 And a man named Joseph, who was a member of the Council, a good and righteous man 51 (he had not consented to their plan and action), a man from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who was waiting for the kingdom of God; 52 this man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 And he took it down and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid Him in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had ever lain. 54 It was the preparation day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. 55 Now the women who had come with Him out of Galilee followed, and saw the tomb and how His body was laid.

Comments.

Luke 22:55 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

55 After they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter was sitting among them.

Note: Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible (It was night time)

And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall,…. It being cold in the night time, though it was at the passover, and the beginning of harvest, the servants and officers of the high priest made a fire in the middle of the hall, whilst Jesus was examining before the Sanhedrim, at the other end of it:

Luke 22:66 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Jesus before the Sanhedrin

66 When it was day, the Council of elders of the people assembled, both chief priests and scribes, and they led Him away to their council chamber …

22:66. Note. Ryrie Study Bible. when it was day. This verdict was made official as soon as it was day.

23:44 Note. Reformation Study Bible. about the sixth hour. About noon.
darkness. This was a supernatural darkness.

23:54 Note. Reformation Study Bible. Preparation. Friday, the day on which people prepared for the Sabbath (John 19:14 note).

John 19:14 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

“Now it was the day of preparation for the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. And he *said to the Jews, “Behold, your King!”

Note: 19:14. Ryrie Study Bible: preparation for the Passover. Friday of Passover week. In verse 31, preparation refers to Friday as the day of preparation for the Sabbath (see note on Luke 23:54).

Luke 23:54 Ryrie Study Bible. “It was the preparation day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.”

Note: 23:54. Ryrie Study Bible. It was the preparation day. Friday, the day Jesus died, was the time of the preparation for the Sabbath, which began Friday at sunset.

23:55, 56 Note. Reformation Study Bible. There was not time on Friday to do all that Jesus’ followers would have liked for His burial. The women took note of where the body was laid, evidently to know where to come when the Sabbath was over to complete the burial. Joseph and Nicodemus placed a considerable quantity of myrrh and aloes with the body as they laid it in the tomb (John 19:38, 39), but the women wanted to make their own contribution.

John 19:31-32 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Care of the Body of Jesus

31 Then the Jews, because it was the day of preparation, so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 So the soldiers came, and broke the legs of the first man and of the other who was crucified with Him;

Note. Ryrie Study Bible. 19:31. that Sabbath was a high day. i.e., the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread fell that year on a Sabbath, making it a “high” or “special” festival (Ex 12:16, Lev 23:7). They were anxious that the body not remain on the cross (Deut 21:22-23). their legs might be broken. This was done to hasten death, since the victim could no longer raise himself up on the nail through his feet in order to allow himself to breathe and thus to delay ultimate asphyxiation. The skeleton of a crucified body found in 1968 showed that the legs had been broken.

Feasts Of Passover And Unleavened Bread

Exodus 12:15-20 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

15 Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, but on the first day you shall remove leaven from your houses; for whoever eats anything leavened from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel. 16 On the first day you shall have a holy assembly, and another holy assembly on the seventh day; no work at all shall be done on them, except what must be eaten by every person, that alone may be prepared by you. 17 You shall also observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this very day I brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt; therefore you shall observe this day throughout your generations as a permanent ordinance. 18 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at evening, you shall eat unleavened bread, until the twenty-first day of the month at evening. 19 Seven days there shall be no leaven found in your houses; for whoever eats what is leavened, that person shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he is an alien or a native of the land.20 You shall not eat anything leavened; in all your dwellings you shall eat unleavened bread.’”

Note: Ryrie Study Bible. The Feast Of Unleavened Bread began on the evening of Passover (vv 6, 18) and lasted for seven days.

Leviticus 23:4-8 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

4 ‘These are the appointed times of the Lord, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at the times appointed for them. 5 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at twilight is the Lord’s Passover. 6 Then on the fifteenth day of the same month there is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the Lord; for seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. 7 On the first day you shall have a holy convocation; you shall not do any laborious work. 8 But for seven days you shall present an offering by fire to the Lord. On the seventh day is a holy convocation; you shall not do any laborious work.’”

Note: Ryrie Study Bible:

Feasts Of Passover And Unleavened Bread: Celebrating God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt.
Feast Of Unleavened Bread. Dedicating to God the first portion of the earliest crop (barley).

Note: Mac Arthur Study Bible:

Passover (Ex 12:1-14; Matt 26:17-20) fulfilled in the death of Christ (1 Cor 5:7).
Unleavened Bread (Ex 12:15-20) fulfilled in the sinlessness of Christ (1 Cor 5:8).

Consider The Christ – “Behold The Man!”

John 19:5-6 New King James Version (NKJV)

Pilate’s Decision

5 Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!”

6 Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”

Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.”

Lead me to the Cross — The Passion of the Christ

All for Love – HILLSONG- Passion of the Christ

040115 – Road To Armageddon, Daniel 2

Left Behind: The Antichrist Revealed

Revelation 13:5-8 New King James Version (NKJV)

5 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. 6 Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. 7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. 8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

The last words in the video that the Anti-Christ spoke were : “Its time to change history.” We’ve heard recent presidents talking about: “a new world order, changing America, and changing the world.”

Road To Armageddon, Daniel 2

A central thought is provided by one verse which is provided by G. Campbell Morgan (1863-1945), in his book, Life Applications From Every Chapter Of The Bible (copyright 1926).

The verses that are discussed are taken from the Scofield Reference Notes, which are taken from The Scofield Study Bible. The first Scofield Study Bible was published in 1909 and revised in 1917, (copyright 1909 and 1917, renewed 1937 and 1945), and was edited by Dr. Cyrus Ingerson Scofield (C.I. Scofield, D.D., 1843-1921).

The notes for each passage are taken from the Reformation Study Bible (RSB), R.C. Sproul, General Editor ( Copyright 2005). Notes from other commenters may be used but will be noted, as such).

The Scofield and RSB sources are posted on the internet.

G. Campbell Morgan Central Thought

Daniel 2:17 English Standard Version (ESV)

God Reveals Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream

17 Then Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah,Mishael, and Azariah, his companions
(No comment on central thought)

Scofield Outline, With Reformation Study Bible Notes

Chapter 2, Nebuchadnezzar’s Vision Of The Statue

Verses 1-13, The Forgotten Dream

Verses 14-18, Daniel Requests Time, Seeks Mercy From God

Verses 19-30, The Mystery Revealed To Daniel

Verses 31-35, The Dream: The Great Image

Verses 36-38, The Interpretation: First World Empire, Babylon Under Nebuchadnezzar (cp 7:4)

Verse 39, Second And Third World Empires: Medo-Persia (cp 7:5; 8:20) and Greece (cp 7:6, 8:21)

Verses 40-43, Fourth World Empire: Rome (cp 7:7; 9:26)

Verses 44-45, Christ’s Kingdom To Be Established On Earth (See Matthew 3:2, Scofield Note).

Verses 46-49, Daniel Promoted

Daniel 2:1 English Standard Version (ESV)

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream

1 In the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; his spirit was troubled, and his sleep left him.

2:1 In the second year. Since the Babylonian system started counting Nebuchadnezzar’s reign officially from the beginning of the year succeeding his actual succession, his “second year” could mean the end of Daniel’s three years of training (1:5). Otherwise the events took place during his training.

his sleep left him. It was widely believed in the ancient Near East that the gods spoke to human beings in dreams.

Daniel 2:2 English Standard Version (ESV)

2 Then the king commanded that the magicians, the enchanters, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans be summoned to tell the king his dreams. So they came in and stood before the king.

(Scofield Reference Note)

Chaldeans

i.e. the men having the ancient wisdom; the learned; Chaldeans par excellence (Daniel 2:13). “wise”

Daniel 2:4 English Standard Version (ESV)

4 Then the Chaldeans said to the king in Aramaic, “O king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will show the interpretation

(Scofield Reference Note)

From Daniel 2:4 to Daniel 7:28 the Book of Daniel is written in Aramaic the ancient language of Syria, and substantially identical with Chaldaic, the language of ancient Babylonia. Upon this fact, together with the occurrence of fifteen Persian, and three Greek words has been based an argument against the historicity of Daniel, and in favour of a date after the conquest of Palestine by Alexander (B.C. 332). It has, however, seemed, with some modern exceptions, to the Hebrew and Christian scholarship of the ages an unanswerable proof rather of the Danielic authorship of the book that, living from boyhood in a land the language of which was Chaldaic, a great part of his writing should be in that tongue. It has often been pointed out that the Chaldaic of Daniel is of high antiquity, as is shown by comparison with that of the Targums. The few words of Persian and Greek in like manner confirm the writer’s residence at a court constantly visited by emissaries from those peoples. It is noteworthy that the Aramaic section is precisely that part of Daniel which most concerned the peoples amongst whom he lived, and to whom a prophecy written in Hebrew would have been unintelligible. The language returns to Hebrew in the predictive portions which have to do with the future of Israel. “The Hebrew of Daniel is closely related to that of Ezekiel.”–Delitzsch.

Daniel 2:14 English Standard Version (ESV)

14 Then Daniel replied with prudence and discretion to Arioch, the captain of the king’s guard, who had gone out to kill the wise men of Babylon.

(Scofield Reference Note)

captain

Or, executioner, Daniel 2:24.

Daniel 2:22 English Standard Version (ESV)

22 he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him

2:22 he reveals deep and hidden things. Job 28 is a carefully drawn picture of wisdom as “hidden from the eyes of all” (Job 28:21) and inaccessible without God.

Daniel 2:29 English Standard Version (ESV)

29 To you, O king, as you lay in bed came thoughts of what would be after this, and he who reveals mysteries made known to you what is to be.

(Scofield Reference Note)

what should come

Times (of the Gentiles), Daniel 2:29-45; Revelation 16:19; Luke 21:24.

Daniel 2:31 English Standard Version

Daniel Interprets the Dream

31 “You saw, O king, and behold, a great image. This image, mighty and of exceeding brightness, stood before you, and its appearance was frightening.

(Scofield Reference Note)

great image

The monarchy-vision. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, as interpreted by Daniel, gives the course and end of “the times of the Gentiles” Luke 21:24. (See Scofield “Revelation 16:19”) that is, of Gentile world-empire. The four metals composing the image are explained as symbolizing Daniel 2:38-40 four empires, not necessarily possessing the inhabited earth, but able to do so (Daniel 2:38), and fulfilled in Babylon, Media-Persia, Greece (under Alexander), and Rome. The latter power is seen divided, first into two (the legs), fulfilled in the Eastern and Western Roman empires, and then into ten (the toes) See Scofield “Daniel 7:26. As a whole, the image gives the imposing outward greatness and splendour of the Gentile world-power.

The smiting Stone Daniel 2:34; Daniel 2:35 destroys the Gentile world-system (in its final form) by a sudden and irremediable blow, not by the gradual processes of conversion and assimilation; and then, and not before, does the Stone become a mountain which fills “the whole earth.” (Cf. Daniel 7:26; Daniel 7:27). Such a destruction of the Gentile monarchy-system did not occur at the first advent of Christ. On the contrary, He was put to death by the sentence of an officer of the fourth empire, which was then at the zenith of its power. Since the crucifixion the Roman empire has followed the course marked out in the vision, but Gentile world dominion still continues, and the crushing blow is still suspended. The detail of the end-time is given in Daniel 7:1-28, and Revelation 13-19. It is important to see

(1) that Gentile world-power is to end in a sudden catastrophic judgment (see “Armageddon,” Revelation 16:14; Revelation 19:21).

(2) that it is immediately followed by the kingdom of heaven, and that the God of the heavens does not set up His kingdom till after the destruction of the Gentile world- system. It is noteworthy that Gentile world-dominion begins and ends with a great image. Daniel 2:31; Revelation 13:14; Revelation 13:15.
Daniel 2:35 English Standard Version (ESV)

35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold, all together were broken in pieces, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, so that not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.

(Scofield Reference Note)

mountain

A mountain is one of the bibical symbols of a kingdom. (See Scofield “Isaiah 2:2”).

Daniel 2:38 English Standard Version (ESV)

38 and into whose hand he has given, wherever they dwell, the children of man,the beasts of the field, and the birds of the heavens, making you rule over them all—you are the head of gold.

(Scofield Reference Note)

wheresoever the children

This is universal dominion. It was never fully realized, but power was given for it.

Daniel 2:41 English Standard Version (ESV)

41 And as you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom, but some of the firmness of iron shall be in it, just as you saw iron mixed with the soft clay.

(Scofield Reference Note)

but there shall be

From the “head of gold” (Daniel 2:38) to the “iron” of the “fourth kingdom” (Rome) there is deterioration in fineness, but increase of strength (Daniel 2:40). Then comes the deterioration of the “fourth kingdom” in that very quality, strength.

(1) Deterioration by division: The kingdom is divided into two, the legs (Eastern and Western empires), and these are again divided into kingdoms, the number of which when the Stone smites the image will be ten toes, Daniel 2:42; cf. Daniel 7:23; Daniel 7:24.

(2) Deterioration by admixture; the iron of the Roman imperium mixed with the clay of the popular will, fickle and easily moulded. This is precisely what has come to pass in the constitutional monarchies which, the Republic of France and the despotism of Turkey, cover the sphere of ancient Roman rule.

Daniel 2:44 English Standard Version (ESV)

44 And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever,

(Scofield Reference Note)

and in the days

The passage fixes authoritatively the time relative to other predicted events, when the kingdom of the heavens will be set up. It will be “in the days of those kings,” i.e. the days of the ten kings (cf. Daniel 7:24-27 symbolized by the toes of the image. That condition did not exist at the advent of Messiah, nor was it even possible until the dissolution of the Roman empire, and the rise of the present national world system. See “Kingdom (O.T.)”; Genesis 1:26; Zechariah 12:8 “Kingdom (N.T.)”; Luke 1:31-33; 1 Corinthians 15:28, (See Scofield “Matthew 3:2”) note (defining “kingdom of heaven”). Daniel 2:45 repeats the method by which the kingdom will be set up. (Cf) See Scofield “Daniel 2:31”; Psalms 2:5; Psalms 2:6;Zechariah 14:1-8; Zechariah 14:9.

Daniel 2:40 English Standard Version (ESV)

49 Daniel made a request of the king, and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the affairs of the province of Babylon. But Daniel remained at the king’s court.

(Scofield Reference Note)

Daniel

Cf. Genesis 19:1. Lot the compromiser with Daniel the inflexible.

Consider the following verses that describe the Antichrist.

Revelation 13:1-4 New King James Version (NKJV)

The Beast from the Sea

13 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. 2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”

Consider the following video which discusses the Antichrist.

Dr. Jimmy De Young

Why could the Antichrist be alive and well on the earth today?

Published on Dec 29, 2011
Why could the Antichrist be alive and well on the earth today?
This clip is from our (John Ankerberg Show) series entitled, “Step by Step through the Book of Revelations.”

032415 – Road To Armageddon, Daniel 1

Left Behind: The Movie – Raptured!

Don’t Be Left Behind!

Road To Armageddon, Daniel 1

A central thought is provided by one verse which is provided by G. Campbell Morgan (1863-1945), in his book, Life Applications From Every Chapter Of The Bible (copyright 1926).

The verses that are discussed are taken from the Scofield Reference Notes, which are taken from The Scofield Study Bible. The first Scofield Study Bible was published in 1909 and revised in 1917, (copyright 1909 and 1917, renewed 1937 and 1945), and was edited by Dr. Cyrus Ingerson Scofield (C.I. Scofield, D.D., 1843-1921).

The notes for each passage are taken from the Reformation Study Bible (RSB), R.C. Sproul, General Editor ( Copyright 2005).

The Scofield and RSB sources are posted on the internet.

G. Campbell Morgan Central Thought

Daniel 1:8 English Standard Version (ESV)

Daniel’s Faithfulness

8 But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.

1:8 he would not defile himself. The reason for Daniel’s conclusion that he and his friends would be defiled by the king’s food is not given. Perhaps it involved violation of the dietary laws of Moses (Lev. 11; 17). (RSB)

Scofield Outline, With Reformation Study Bible Notes

Chapter 1, Daniel’s Early Life In The Babylonian Court

Verses 1-7, Daniel In The Palace Of Nebuchadnezzar

Verses 8-21, Daniel’s Resolve

Daniel 1:1 English Standard Version (ESV)

Daniel Taken to Babylon

1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it.

1:1 the third year. Jehoiakim’s third year was 605 b.c. In that year Nebuchadnezzar defeated a coalition of Assyria and Egypt at Carchemish and initiated Babylon’s rise to international power. After the battle of Carchemish, Nebuchadnezzar advanced against Jehoiakim (2 Kin. 24:1, 2; 2 Chr. 36:5–7) and took some Judeans captive, including Daniel. This was the first of three invasions of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar. The second was in 597b.c. (2 Kin. 24:10–14), and the third in 587 b.c. (2 Kin. 25:1–24). In the Book of Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar’s attack is dated to Jehoiakim’s fourth year instead of the third (Jer 25:1; 46:2). The difference of one year occurs because in the Babylonian chronology, which Daniel apparently used, the king’s reign was officially counted from the first day of the succeeding new year, rather than from the actual date of his accession to the throne.

Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar led the Babylonians to victory at Carchemish as crown prince and commander of the army. Shortly after this victory, he assumed the Babylonian throne when his father Nabopolassar died (626–605 b.c.). Nebuchadnezzar’s reign (605–562 b.c.) is the historical context for much of Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.

Daniel 1:6 English Standard Version (ESV)

6 Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah.

1:6 Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. In these Hebrew names, the component el means “God,” and yah is a form of God’s name “Yahweh” (Ps. 50:1 note). Hence: Daniel means “my judge is God”; Hananiah, “Yahweh is gracious”; Mishael, “Who is what God is?” and Azariah, “Yahweh has helped.”

Daniel 1:7 English Standard Version (ESV)

7 And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego.

1:7 Belteshazzar . . . Shadrach . . . Meshach . . . Abednego.Suggestions for the meanings of these names include: Belteshazzar, “May Bel protect his life”; Shadrach, “the command of Aku,” (the Sumerian moon-god); Meshach, “Who is what Aku is?” and Abednego, “servant of Nebo” (a Babylonian god). Bel is another name for Marduk, the chief Babylonian god (cf. 4:8).

Daniel 1:21 English Standard Version (ESV)

21 And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus.

1:21 until the first year of King Cyrus. Babylon fell to Cyrus in 539 b.c., or sixty-six years after Daniel had been taken captive to Babylon. Daniel lived through the entire period of the Babylonian captivity. Cyrus issued a decree in the first year of his reign permitting the Israelites to return from captivity, and to take with them the vessels from the temple that had been seized by Nebuchadnezzar (Ezra 1:7–11). The statement does not mean that Daniel died in the first year of Cyrus (10:1).

Let us consider the following video which discusses the signs of the last days.

Published on Feb 18, 2014

The Bible is clear that there will be certain signs that take place during the last days. However, the signs described are different in the passages that take place at the Rapture and at the Second Coming. At the Rapture, no signs must first take place. At the Second Coming, there will be many. In this session, guests Dr. Renald Showers and Dr. Jimmy De Young along with Dr. John Ankerberg look at the fifth difference between these two events—a difference between the number of signs that are given for each event—and why this difference matters.

Signs of the Last Days