After Jesus had left the Centurion He went to the house of his disciple Peter, and there He saw Peter’s wife’s mother, laid on a bed, sick with fever. And He took her by the hand and lifted her up. The fever left her and she was cured. She rose up from her bed and attended upon them.
That evening, when the sun was setting, they brought to Jesus all those that were ill, and many that were possessed with devils. And He cast out the devils by His word, and healed all those that were sick.
“At even, ere the sun had set, The sick, O Lord, around Thee lay; Oh, in what divers pains they met, Oh, with what joy they went away!”
The valley of Jezreel or Esdraelon is located west of the Jordan River and east of the Mediterranean Sea.
The Battle of Armageddon will be fought in this area.
The name “Armageddon” is taken from the strategic military city of Megiddo, which was the fortified chariot city of Solomon.
Armageddon, it has been said, “will be the battleground for the greatest blood bath the world has ever seen!”
144,000 Sealed
The Antichrist, with the false prophet, will rule the world with an iron hand for three and a half years. He will extend control over the political, religious, and economic life of the world.
God will preserve 144,000 believers during this time. He will deliver this remnant, who will be hidden from the destructive power of the Antichrist.
Most believe that the 144,00 will be Jews who turn to Jesus during this time.
Preparation for Armageddon
The Jews will be a thorn in the flesh of this world leader. He will be able to break the will of the other nations but not them.
He will determine to destroy them and will gather his leaders and armies together for this purpose.
At this time the Lord will intervene with a heavenly army.
Rev 19:19 And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army
Rev 16:13-14; 16 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty… And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
Armageddon Closes Out the Tribulation
This battle will be the end of the Tribulation. It will be the final attack of the Antichrist against God and His people.
The cup of God’s wrath will be full at this time, and He will personally come to end the wild and savage earthly reign of the beast and his system.
After this battle Jesus will set up the millennial reign on earth (one thousand years of peace).
The King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:11, 14, 16).
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse, and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge, and make war
And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean
And he had on his vesture, and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS
The Judgment of the Beast and False Prophet
Rev 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
For a few years I lived in a country where “December is as pleasant as May.” The weather was warm all through the year. The ground was never frozen, for there was never any frost. I never saw a snowflake in all the years I lived in the tropics. The trees were trees of the hot climate, mostly palm, bamboo and acacia trees. When Christmas drew near, I thought the day would be a very dreary day, and wholly unChristmaslike because there would be no snow, and we would be without our accustomed tree.
A few days before our first Christmas in the tropics a friend said to me, “I am sending a tree down from the mountains for your children.” In due time the tree arrived. You can imagine the joy of our entire household when they looked upon a genuine, evergreen, Christmas tree. We set it up in our big “sala,” that is our living room, and there it remained for many days, the delight of our eyes.
The tree of the Christmas season has some specifically Christmas messages. First, it is evergreen. That reminds us of the eternal Saviour, “the same yesterday, to-day and forever.” At the very tiptop of the tree we place a star. There it shines, high above all else, reminding us of the higher, holier life to which we are summoned. The star beckons us to loftier aspirations. Christ came down from heaven. He became one of us, sharing our human life. But he is ever above us as well as with us, luring us on to the life of God. The Christmas tree is ablaze with lights. Jesus brought light into the world. How dark the world would be without him! About the base of the tree, and suspended from the branches are many gifts. They are tokens of the love and esteem we hold for each other, and remind us of God’s great gift of love, Christ himself.
MEMORY VERSE, John 3: 16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
MEMORY HYMN
“There’s a song in the air.”
This post is included because it is in the original book by Bruse S. Wright.
Everyone has sinned and needs salvation. Salvation comes by grace through faith based on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Romans 3:23-25
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Acts 2:38-39 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Salvation Topics for Bible Study
Who can have salvation
Who Shall be Saved: The content discusses salvation, emphasizing that merely believing is inadequate. True salvation requires repentance and a relationship with Jesus. This results in the adherence to Biblical teachings.
Salvation offered for all: God forgives everyone, regardless of their background or past. Judging others is wrong; we must teach God’s word to all, focusing on the heart, not appearance.
How to obtain salvation
How to be Saved: The content outlines a path to salvation through admitting sin, believing in Jesus, confessing Him as Savior, and departing from evil while studying the Bible.
The Significance of Jesus’ Blood for Salvation: Jesus’ death was necessary for the forgiveness of sins, as Adam’s disobedience introduced death. His pure blood provides eternal redemption, replacing temporary animal sacrifices and restoring our relationship with God.
In what Name to Baptize In: The church must unite in faith, focusing on Jesus, rather than dividing over baptismal phrases and unnecessary legalism.
Key Bible Verses Discussing the Concept of Baptism: The Bible discusses various aspects of baptism, including its significance, methods, and prerequisites, emphasizing its role in salvation and spiritual rebirth.
Should We Call God by His Hebrew Name?: The discussion emphasizes that while addressing God in Hebrew can be meaningful, it should not be mandated for salvation; God understands all languages and knows our hearts.
Other information
Once Saved Always Saved?: The content discusses the permanence of salvation, emphasizing the necessity of a relationship with Jesus and warning against willful disobedience and turning away from God.
God’s Plan of Salvation: Past, Present, Future: The content outlines God’s faithful plan for humanity’s redemption, demonstrating His purpose through scripture, history, and ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ’s work and future promise.
What is the best word! I think I can hear each of you as he answers. One says “Mother is the best word.” Another says, “Father.” Still another, “Daddy.” A fourth one answers, “Home.” Now I hear a voice that says, “America.” Another voice shouts, “Friend.” Yes, there are many, many words to which we might rightfully give the title “best word.”
But for this season of the year, and for this particular Sunday, there is one word that stands out from among all the others. That one word is “Christmas.” To-morrow will be Christmas day. I think this word “Christmas” is the best word because it includes all the other good words.
In your home you have a rug. There are many colors in that rug, yet it is all one fabric. The many colors are skillfully woven and beautifully blended to make the one fabric. Think of this word Christmas as a rug, made up of many words of many colors. We see in this rug the word “mother.” What would Christmas be without mother! We see also the word father, and the words sister, brother, grandfather, grandmother, aunt, uncle, friend, home. Then clearest of all in this wonderful rug is the word Christ. Christ is Christmas. Yes, Christmas is the best word for it gathers within its meaning all other good words.
“This happy day, whose risen sun Shall set not through eternity; This holy day, when Christ, the Lord, Took on him our humanity; For little children everywhere A joyous season still we make; We bring our precious gifts to them, Even for the dear Child, Jesus’ sake.”
MEMORY VERSE, John 1: 4
“In him was life; and the life was the light of men.”
In all the big cities people are hustling and bustling to get ready for Santa Claus but are they ready for Jesus to come I am asking you? What is Christmas all about? Is it the tree and Santa Claus or is it Jesus Christ I am asking you?
I will tell you what it is all about. On Christmas we remember the very first Christmas when Jesus came as a Baby. On that Christmas it was a silent night and a holy night that’s the night Jesus came. There was no room in the inn so Jesus the son of God was born in a manger in Bethlehem so long ago, there in a manger. In the same country shepherds abiding in their field, keeping their flocks by night had an Angel of the Lord come upon them. They were sore afraid the angel said unto them, Fear ye not: for, unto you and all people too is Christ the Lord, Emmanuel. You will find the babe in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. They found the baby just as the angel said. On that Silent night and Holy night that’s the night Christ the holy one, came.
This is the true meaning of Christmas. So, when it’s gets close to Christmas eve, please stop a minute and remember the true meaning of Christmas. Remember the Silent night and holy night so long ago in the Manger in Bethlehem with Jesus Christ, the Holy one came. To set us free from our worldly sin.
Bible verses
Isaiah 9:6-7
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
a Christian feast on December 25 or among some Eastern Orthodox Christians on January 7 that commemorates the birth of Christ and is usually observed as a legal holiday
Etymology
Middle English Christemasse, from Old English Cristes mæsse, literally, Christ’s mass
First Known Use
Before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at
Hustling
Definition
To crowd or push roughly
To convey forcibly or hurriedly
To urge forward precipitately
To obtain by energetic activity —usually used with up
Synonyms of hustling: as in rush
Bustling
Definition
a bustling market
bustling streets
Synonyms of bustling: full of lively activity: busily astir
Things to ask yourself
In all the big cities people are hustling and bustling to get ready for Santa Claus but are they ready for Jesus to come?
I don’t think they are ready for Jesus maybe Santa Claus but not Jesus.
What is Christmas all about? Is it the tree and Santa Claus or is it Jesus Christ?
I think people knew, but I think they forgot what Christmas is all about.
The Reign of the Antichrist A forceful political leader, usually called the Antichrist, will come forth to dominate world leadership during the Tribulation. He will have much help in the person of the false prophet, who will be the world religious leader. A world system of government under one head will envelop the political, religious, and the economic areas of life.
The Antichrist
2 Thessalonians 2:3-10 describes this evil leader, calling him the “man of sin.”
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
It further teaches:
The son of perdition, that man of sin will be revealed.
He will oppose God (verse 4).
He will exalt himself above God (verse 4).
He will sit in the Temple, showing himself as God (verse 4).
He will be destroyed by the Lord Jesus at Armageddon (verse 8).
Satan will empower him with signs and lying wonders (verse 9).
He will deceive those who do not love the truth (verse 10).
God will allow those who do not love the truth and are deceived by the Antichrist to believe a lie and be damned (verses 11-12).
The Devil has the same desires now as when he was in Heaven.
Isaiah 14:10-16
All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us?
Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;
Revelation 13 describes him as a “beast” rising up out of the sea.
The dragon (Satan) will give him his power and authority.
Rev. 13:2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
The one-world system of government will be, in some sense, a revival of the old Roman Empire.
Rev 13:3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
The people will worship the beast.
Rev. 13:4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
He will have total power the last three and a half years of the Tribulation.
Rev 13:5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
He will blaspheme God, His name, and the heavenly dwellers.
Rev 13:6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
He will make war against those who turn to God during this time.
Rev 13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
He will cause all to receive a mark in the right hand or forehead in order to buy or sell (verses 16-17).
Rev 13:16-17 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
His number is calculated to be 666.
Rev 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
The False Prophet (Religious Government)
Revelation 13 also describes a religious leader in the Tribulation who works closely with the Antichrist. He will assist the Antichrist in attaining world supremacy. The false prophet is mentioned three other times (Revelation 16:13; 19:20; 20:10).
According to Revelation 13:
Rev 13:11-15
And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
He will exercise great power.
He will cause the people to worship the Antichrist and submit to the world system (verse .
He will perform miracles by the power of Satan.
He will be a deceiver.
He will have an image of the Antichrist made.
He will give life to the image and cause the image to speak.
He will put to death all that will not worship the image of the beast.
These nations will help the Antichrist come to power and sustain that power for some years.
Their authority will be lessened by the Antichrist after he has used them to gain world power.
This confederation will probably develop into a very powerful economic bloc, which will give them great influence in the making of a world leader.
Daniel 7:7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.
Daniel 7:24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.
Rev 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
Rev 17:12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.
This world will be greatly dominated by a world religion, which Revelation 17 describes as a great harlot drunk with blood of saints and martyrs. This harlot will ride the beast until the beast kills her. The political-economic system will destroy the false world church, taking its power and wealth.
Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
“To live is Christ”, is Paul’s reason for living. He is in a Roman prison, when he writes this letter to the people of Philippi. In Ancient Rome prisoners were not treated well. They were more or less left to die without food or water or feed to the lions. Unless resources were brought to the prison for them, they had nothing. Paul is writing this letter to the people of Philippi as a thank you note for sending a care basket.
There are times people today still struggle with living. It is important to remember that Jesus is our source of Joy. Jesus is a great reason to live. Until the work on earth that Jesus has called you to do is finished, it is necessary and essential for you to live.
For anyone who has every felt more than ready to go home to heaven, remember that Jesus hasn’t called you home yet because you still have work on earth to do. Your work may be something as simple as talking to others or it may be something more. Your reason for living is Jesus. Take joy in Jesus. Trust in Jesus. Get your strength from Jesus. Pray and ask Jesus what work it is that you need to do and then get busy doing it. Remember that even when it feels like no one sees and no one cares that Jesus does.
Baptist involves water and the Holy Ghost. Baptism is the part of the new birth. Water Baptism is the public demonstration and acknowledgement of what has happened Spiritually.
Mark 1:6-8
And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
John 3:5-7
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Jesus had been preaching to a crowd of publicans and sinners. The publicans of those days were the collectors of taxes for the Romans, and it was a constant complaint against them that they exacted more from the people than they had any right to do. So they were looked upon as wicked men, although they were not all bad. Now the Scribes and Pharisees, who made a great show of religion, so far as outward forms went, were greatly shocked at seeing Christ sitting with publicans, and said, “This man receiveth sinners and eateth with them.”
Then Jesus asked them, “What man of you, if he has a hundred sheep, and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after the lost one, until he has found it? And when he has found it, he lays it upon his shoulders and takes it home, rejoicing; and calls together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’
“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance.
“Again, what woman if she has ten pieces of money, and loses one, does not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbours, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece of money which I had lost.’
“Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner that repenteth.”
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