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Called to Be Holy: Living a Godly Life

When Jesus died the curtail separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies was torn into. Today our high priest is Jesus.

  • Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

The throne of grace is similar to the mercy seat that was built on the Ark of the Covenant. We are now all called to be part of the royal priesthood.

  • 1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

That means there is no need for the priest like Israel had before Jesus came. However, that does not mean that God is any less Holy. God still says for us to be Holy for he is Holy.

  •  1 Peter 1:14-16 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
  • Leviticus 11:44-45 For I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. For I am the Lord that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.
  • Leviticus 19:2 Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy.

Peter quotes from the Old Testament when he writes “Be ye Holy”. Peter explains that we are to be Holy in all manner of conversation.

  • All manner of Conversation is a phrase.
    • ἀναστροφή anastrophḗ, an-as-trof-ay’; from G390; behavior:—conversation.
    • STRONGS G391: ἀναστροφή, -ῆς, ἡ, (from the passive ἀναστρέφομαι, see the preceding word), properly, ‘walk,’ i. e. manner of life, behavior, conduct (German Lebenswandel): Galatians 1:13; Ephesians 4:22; 1 Timothy 4:12; James 3:13; 1 Peter 1:15, 18; 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 3:1f, 16; 2 Peter 2:7; plural ἅγιαιἀναστροφαί the ways in which holy living shows itself, 2 Peter 3:11. Hence, life in so far as it is comprised in conduct, Hebrews 13:7. 
    • Basically, it means in everything that you do, be Holy.
  • Holy
    • ἅγιος hágios, hag’-ee-os; from ἅγος hágos (an awful thing) (compare G53, H2282); sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated):—(most) holy (one, thing), saint.

We are called to be Holy just as God is Holy. We are not to act more holy than everyone else. We are to walk righteously before God and others. In all that we do and say, we are to glorify and be pleasing unto God.

We are called to be a

  • royal priesthood
    • royal: of, relating to, or subject to the crown
      • God is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords
      • We are His adopted children.
    • priesthood
      • the office, dignity, or character of a priest
      • Priest: someone who is authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion especially as a mediatory agent between humans and God
  • holy nation
    • We are now part of God’s eternal kingdom.
  • a peculiar people
    • peculiar: different from the usual or normal:
    • We are not called to act or look like the rest of the world. We are called to be children of the Most High God.

We all of this in mind think about

  • how you act on a daily basis.
  • how you are dressing.
  • how you are talking to others.
  • how you are treating others.
  • what you are spending your time doing.
  • Does your behavior reflect the love of God?
  • Is your style of dress that of a Godly person? or is it more of a worldly person?
  • Would anyone know from what you talk about that you are a Christian?
  • Is what you are watching, reading, or playing pleasing to God?

1 Peter 4:17-18 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

1 Corinthians 11:30-32 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Now is the time to make corrections. Now is the time to repent. Now is the time to judge ourselves before God has to step in and so to speak clean house with a whip. Remember Jesus made a whip and cleaned house while he was on earth.

  • John 2:15-16  And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.
  • Matthew 21:12-13 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Today we normally don’t allow buying and selling in the House of God. However, many people made the word of God into nothing more than merchandise. Paul talked about this in his writings as he was explaining that his group and him were not like the others.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:17 (amp) For we are not like many, [acting like merchants] peddling God’s word [shortchanging and adulterating God’s message]; but from pure [uncompromised] motives, as [commissioned and sent] from God, we speak [His message] in Christ in the sight of God.

When you are acting more like a merchant than a messenger of God, you only teach, preach, or focus on what brings in the crowd and you ignore the rest (holiness, obedience, etc.). You often compromise the true and allow unholy things to come into the Church and lives. If you are guilty of this, repent.

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The Holy Spirit at Work Before the Day of Pentecost

The moving of the Spirit of the Lord was the key to the defeat of Israel’s enemies. The Holy Spirit manifested during creation as He “moved upon the face of the waters” (Gen. 1:2). He manifests the tangible presence of the Almighty with a personality that can be grieved (see Eph. 4:30) and
blasphemed (see Matt. 12:31).

In the Old Testament the Holy Spirit “came upon” people, and in the New Covenant He comes to dwell within believers (see John 14:16). The Holy Spirit “came upon” or “filled” many people over a long period of time prior to the Day of Pentecost described in Acts 2:1-4. Every time the Holy Spirit came upon people an action occurred. This action was often times speaking. Below is a chart about who the Spirit came upon and what the action occurred. This is not an exhausted list of every time the Holy Spirit came upon the people.

WhoScripture Reference
BezalelExodus 31:1-5 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.
AholiabExodus 31:6 And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;
MosesNumbers 11:25 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to him; and He took some of the Spirit who was upon Moses and put Him upon the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested upon them, they prophesied [praising God and declaring His will], but they did not do it again.
The seventy elders of IsraelNumbers 11:25-26 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to him; and He took some of the Spirit who was upon Moses and put Him upon the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested upon them, they prophesied [praising God and declaring His will], but they did not do it again. But two men had remained in the camp; one named Eldad and the other named Medad. The Spirit rested upon them (now they were among those who had been registered, but had not gone out to the Tent), and they prophesied in the camp.
BalaamNumbers 24:2 And Balaam raised his eyes and he saw Israel living in their tents tribe by tribe; and the Spirit of God came on him. 
OthnielJudges 3:9-10 But when the Israelites cried out to the Lord [for help], the Lord raised up a man to rescue the people of Israel, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother.  The Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he judged Israel. He went out to war, and the Lord gave Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand, and he prevailed over Cushan-rishathaim.
GideonJudges 6:34 So the Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon [and empowered him]; and he blew a trumpet, and the Abiezrites were called together [as a militia] to follow him. 
JephthahJudges 11:29 Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh, and Mizpah of Gilead, and from Mizpah of Gilead he passed on to the Ammonites. 
SamsonJudges 14:6 The Spirit of the Lord came upon him (Samson) mightily, and he tore the lion apart as one tears apart a young goat, and he had nothing at all in his hand; but he did not tell his father or mother what he had done.
Saul1 Samuel 10:9-10 Then it happened when Saul turned his back to leave Samuel, God changed his heart; and all those signs came to pass that day. When they came to the hill [Gibeah], behold, a group of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came on him mightily, and he prophesied [under divine guidance] among them.
David1 Samuel 16:13  Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed David in the presence of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah.
Saul’s messengers1 Samuel 19:20 Then Saul sent messengers to take David; but when they saw the group of prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing and presiding over them, the Spirit of God came on the messengers of Saul; and they also prophesied.
Elijah1 Kings 18:46 And the hand of the Lord was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.
The hand or Spirit of the Lord was upon Elijah, and he ran fastest than a chariot.
Elisha2 Kings 2:9-15 And when they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.”  He said, “You have asked for a difficult thing. However, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.”  As they continued along and talked, behold, a chariot of fire with horses of fire [appeared suddenly and] separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.  Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” And he no longer saw Elijah. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces [in grief]. He picked up the mantle of Elijah that fell off him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan. He took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him and struck the waters and said, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” And when he too had struck the waters, they divided this way and that, and Elisha crossed over.
Amasai1 Chronicles 12:18 Then the [Holy] Spirit came on Amasai, who was chief of the thirty, and he said,
“We are yours, O David,
And with you, O son of Jesse!
Peace, peace be to you,
And peace be to him who helps you;
For your God helps you.”
Then David accepted and received them and made them officers of his troops.
Azariah2 Chronicles 15:1 Now the Spirit of God came on Azariah the son of Oded,
Jahaziel 2 Chronicles 20:14 Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the Lord in the midst of the congregation; And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
Zechariah2 Chronicles 24:20  Then the Spirit of God came over Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, and he stood above the people and said to them, “This is what God has said: ‘Why do you transgress the commandments of the Lord so that you cannot prosper? Because you have abandoned (turned away from) the Lord, He has also abandoned (turned away from) you.’”
All of the Writers of the Old Testament2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
All of the true ProphetsHebrews 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Mary Luke 1:34-35 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
ElizabethLuke 1:41-42 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
ZechariahLuke 1:67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, (see Luke 1:68-79)
John the BaptistLuke 1:15-17 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
Simeon Luke 2:25-28 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, (see Luke 2:29-35)
Anna Luke 2:36-38 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
The Messiah/ Jesus ChristIsaiah 11:2 And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him—
The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The Spirit of counsel and strength,
The Spirit of knowledge and of the [reverential and obedient] fear of the Lord—
Isaiah 42:1 “Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold;
My Chosen One in whom My soul delights.
I have put My Spirit upon Him;
He will bring forth justice to the nations.
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
Because the Lord has anointed and commissioned me
To bring good news to the humble and afflicted;
He has sent me to bind up [the wounds of] the brokenhearted,
To proclaim release [from confinement and condemnation] to the [physical and spiritual] captives
And freedom to prisoners,
Matthew 3:16 After Jesus was baptized, He came up immediately out of the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he (John) saw the [l]Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him (Jesus), 
Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me (the Messiah),
Because He has anointed Me to preach the good news to the poor.
He has sent Me to announce release (pardon, forgiveness) to the captives,
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set free those who are oppressed (downtrodden, bruised, crushed by tragedy),
The DisciplesJohn 20:19-22 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

 Joel prophesied of time when everyone would be filled with the Holy Spirit.

  • Joel 2:28-29 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

That time came on the Day of Pentecost in the upper room.

  •  Acts 2:1-4
    • And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
    • And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
    • And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
    • And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Now everyone can be filled with the Holy Spirit. This occurs when you except Jesus and invite Him into your heart. He is a gentle man. He never comes in uninvited.

  • Rev. 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

If you have not experienced some sort of action since you “got saved”, please pray about this. Every time that the Holy Spirit (Spirit of God) came upon the people it was followed by an action. Most of the time that action was speaking, but there was always an action. For those who lived righteously, it was continual thing.

Here is a song that used to be popular about the Spirit of God Moving.

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Weekly Recap of Articles for Christians posted Nov 16th through Nov 22nd

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The Biblical Promise of Jewish Return to Israel

The Bible States over and over that the Jews would return to the desolate land and rebuild what was destroyed.

  • Isaiah 11:12 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.
  • Isaiah 43:5-6 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;
  • Jeremiah 29:14 And I will be found of you, saith the Lord: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the Lord; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.
  • Jeremiah 31:10 Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.
  • Amos 9:14-15 And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the Lord thy God.

History

  • In 1882 there were 24,000 Jews in Palestine.
  • In 1914 there were 85,000 Jews in Palestine.
  • In 1948, at Israel’s declaration as a nation, there were 65,000.
  • Today there are over 3,000,000 Jews in Israel.
  • God is bringing the Israelites home to Israel.

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The Church of Thyatira

The letter to the church of Thyatira is found in Revelation 2:18-29.

Jesus has good and bad things to say about this church.

Jesus says,

  • I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
  • I have a few things against thee,
    • You let that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
    • I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
    • Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
    • I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
  • But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
  • But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
  • he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
  • I will give him the morning star.

This church was being infiltrated by a woman called Jezebel. This woman is named after another famous woman. Remember King Ahab married a woman, Jezebel. By marrying her he was able to seal a trade agreement with the Phoenicians. Thyatira was known as a great center of commerce (place of trading). Jezebel, the wife of Ahab, was able to introduce the abomination of Astarte worship to the Israelites. Here we see history repeating itself. Some in the church were making compromises to get a better position (trade deal) by allowing this woman to teach. Since Thyatira was famous for its magnificent Temple of Artemis (another name for the goddess Diana), it is believed that this Jezebel was a devotee of Diana.

Today we need to make sure we are not allowing compromises to the truth to come into our lives. God did not approve when Israel allowed corruptions to come in. God did not approve when the church of Thyatira allowed the corruption to come in. Look at Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. In light of this verse, it is safe to say that God does not approve today. If you are guilty of compromise, Repent Now!

Understanding the Seven Churches of Revelation

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Jairus’ Daughter

JAIRUS’ DAUGHTER

Jairus was one of the rulers of the Jewish church, or synagogue, and he had a daughter who had been very ill and was now at the point of death. She was an only daughter, and was twelve years of age. So hearing that Jesus was near, he came to Him, and, falling down before Him, implored Jesus to come and see her.

And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did His disciples. Soon there came running to them a messenger from the ruler’s house, who said to Jairus, “Thy daughter is already dead; do not trouble the master.” But when Jesus heard it He turned to Jairus and said, “Fear not. Only believe, and she shall be restored to life.”

When they came to the ruler’s house they saw the minstrels and many people who were making much noise and lamentation for the dead girl, as was the custom. Jesus said unto them, “Make way; weep not, for the maiden is not dead, but sleepeth;” but they laughed Him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And He put them all out of the room, all but Peter and James and John, and the mother and father of the maiden. Then He took her by the hand, and called to her, saying, “Maid, arise.” And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway; and He commanded her parents to give her food.

Her parents were astonished when they saw their daughter raised to life and able to eat, but Jesus charged them that they should tell no man what He had done. But the fame of the miracle He had wrought went abroad unto all that land.

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Curing the Incurable

CURING THE INCURABLE

Jesus went into Capernaum, followed by a great crowd of people, and among them was a woman who for twelve years had suffered from a disease which no doctor could cure, though she had consulted many, and spent all her wealth upon them. She had said within herself, “If I could but touch His garment I should be made well.” So she pressed through the crowd, and put out her arm and touched the hem of His garment, and immediately she was made well.

Then Jesus, turning round to His disciples, said, “Who touched Me?” But they all denied that they had done so, and Peter and they that were with him said, “Master, the multitude throng Thee and press Thee, and yet Thou sayest, Who touched Me!” They were surprised that Jesus should make such an enquiry, seeing that so many were crowding round Him, and pressing against Him. But Jesus said, “Somebody hath touched Me, for I perceive that healing virtue hath gone out of Me.”

When the woman saw that Jesus knew what she had done, and that she could not be hidden in the crowd, she came trembling, and, falling down before Him, she declared unto Him before all the people why she had touched Him, and how she had been healed at once. And He said unto her, “Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. Go in peace, and be healed of thy illness.”

Jesus wishes us to trust in Him. We suffer from a terrible disease—the disease of sin, which no doctor can cure; but Jesus will heal us and take away our sin if we trust in Him.

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The Man Possessed by Devils

THE MAN POSSESSED BY DEVILS

One day Jesus came with His disciples in a boat to the country of the Gadarenes, near Galilee. They landed near the tombs, that is, caverns cut into the rock, where the dead were buried. And there met them a man, who, for a long time, had been possessed by many unclean spirits. He lived in the tombs and wore no clothes. He had been so fierce and wild that his friends had been obliged to chain him up, but he had burst his fetters, and the devils had driven him out to the tombs.

Jesus bade the unclean spirits to come out of the man. And when the man caught sight of Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before Him, saying, “What have I to do with Thee, Jesus, Thou Son of God most high? I beseech Thee to torment me not.”

And Jesus asked him his name. And he said, “Legion,” because many devils were in him. They besought Jesus that He would not make them go into the sea, but would let them enter into a herd of swine that were feeding on the cliffs close by. He suffered them to do so, and the devils went out of the man and entered into the pigs, and the whole herd ran violently over the cliff into the water and were drowned. And when the herdsmen saw what was done, they fled into the city and told all the people. Then the people came out to Jesus, and they saw the man that had been possessed, clothed and in his right mind, sitting at the feet of Jesus. And they that had seen it told them by what means the man had been healed, and they were afraid. The man out of whom the devils had departed, besought Him that he might stay with Jesus, but He sent him away, saying, “Return to thy house, and show what great things God hath done unto thee.” And he went his way and published throughout the city what great things Jesus had done unto him.

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The Parable of the Net

THE PARABLE OF THE NET

These fishermen have just returned to shore with their net full of fish. Now this is not a casting-net, which is thrown out from the boat and drawn in again, but a drag-net which is of great length, and which is drawn constantly through the water until it is well filled with fish. It is then hauled up to the shore, and the fishermen sit around it, and take out the fish. Many of these, of course, are unfit for food, or not liked. They cast those into the sea again, but the good fish which they can sell for food are carefully placed in vessels brought for the purpose.

Christ said, “The kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered every kind (of fish): which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”

At another time Jesus taught His disciples the same truth; when He spake of His coming and of the gathering of all nations before Him, the good entering into eternal life, but the wicked being cast away. “When the Son of Man shall come in His glory,” said Jesus, “and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory. And before Him shall be gathered all nations; and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats. And He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.”

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The Pearl of Great Price

THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE

Very similar to the parable of the Hidden Treasure is this one of the merchant seeking goodly pearls.

“The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchantman seeking goodly pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.”

In the picture we see the merchant on the sea-shore, where he has waited for the landing of these sailors from another country. He asks them if they have any goodly pearls for sale, and one man opens his box and takes out this “pearl of great price.” It is just the kind of pearl the merchant had been seeking, so he quickly produces his two bags of gold and offers them to the man for his pearl. But the man smiles. “What! part with so large and so beautiful a pearl for two bags of gold?” He could not think of it. The pearl is again placed in its box, and the merchant has to go away disappointed. But the longing to have that pearl is too great. A thought occurs to him. He will go home and sell all that is his, and the money he shall thus obtain, added to his two bags of gold, will surely buy the precious jewel.

And so, it is with men when they seek that pearl of pearls, the forgiveness of God. They will give up a great deal in order to obtain it, but they find that God requires them to give up everything that is sinful or worldly. And if their hearts are really set upon obtaining it, they will do as this merchant did, and part with everything that would hinder them from coming to God or walking in the way that leads to heaven.

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