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Posts tagged ‘Jesus’

The Church of Pergamos

 The letter to the Church of Pergamos is found in Revelation 2:13-17.

Jesus says I know:

  • Your works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is
  • thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

But I have a few things against thee:

  • thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
  • So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.

The Solution:

  • Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

Words to know:

  • Balaam:  Strong’s G903
    • Βαλαάμ Balaám, bal-ah-am’; of Hebrew origin (H1109); Balaam, a Mesopotamian (symbolic of a false teacher):—Balaam.
  • Balac:  Strong’s G904
    • Βαλάκ Balák, bal-ak’; of Hebrew origin (H1111); Balak, a Moabite:—Balac.
  • Nicolaitans: Strong’s G3531
    • Νικολαΐτης Nikolaḯtēs, nik-ol-ah-ee’-tace; from G3532; a Nicolaite, i.e. adherent of Nicolaus:—Nicolaitane.

In the Old Testament Balaam was a prophet who the King Balak hired to cures the Israelites. This is found in Numbers Chapter 22. It seems that someone was teaching falsely. They were teaching that it was ok to combine pagan practices such as eating things sacrificed to idols and fornication with the teaching of Christ. Just like oil and water doesn’t mix, pagan and Christian practices don’t mix.

Looking at the etymology of the word “Nicolaitans,” it can be divided into two parts. “Nicos” comes from the Greek word “Nike,” meaning victor or victory. The second part, “laity,” has the same meaning in both Greek and English. Therefore, Nicolaitanism is understood as the act of elevating the clergy above the laity, which is considered heresy. Yes, you should respect the ministers who teach you and pray for you. However, remember Paul and the Bereans. Paul, who was a leader in the church and a well-respected teacher, did not consider it disrespectful for the Bereans to questions and diligently search out what he taught.  Acts 17:10-11 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Notice it says that they were noble in that they received and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. If the clergy where you are doesn’t like for you to search out the scriptures, they just might be under the influence of the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.

Today there are still false doctrines being taught and preached around the world. A few examples are:

  • The Prosperity Gospel: Often referred to as the health and wealth gospel or the Word of Faith movement, it teaches that faith leads to improved finances and health as blessings from God. Supporters believe they are entitled to riches and good health based on their interpretation of the Abrahamic Covenant, Jesus’s atonement, tithing, personal faith, and prayer.
  • The Works-Based Gospel, which believes we are saved by our works.
  • The Moralism Gospel: This fallacy teaches the Gospel was given to make us “good people.”
  • The Self-Help Gospel says Jesus died to make people better versions of themselves.

Each of these and all other false doctrine either adds to or takes away from the Bible. This is why you must read the Bible for yourself. Please obey 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Understanding the Seven Churches of Revelation

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God’s Ways are Higher than Ours

God’s ways are higher than our ways. God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts.

  • Isaiah 55:8-9 says “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
  • 1 Corinthians 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
  • 2 Samuel 22:31  As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

God’s directions often times doesn’t make sense in the beginning. It is only when we look back can we see the wisdom. Throughout the Bible when the people listened and obeyed His directions, it worked great. Here are some examples.

  • Walking through the Red Sea. The Lord had led them to the point where they were closed in on one side by the Red Sea. The wilderness had them trapped. The end result was the Egyptians that tried to follow and recapture the Israelites died and the Israelites went through on dry land.
    • Exodus 14:1-3 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baalzephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea. For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in.
    • Exodus 14:15-16 And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.
  • Walking around the walls of Jerico to win the battle.
    • Joshua 6:1-5 Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in. And the Lord said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour. And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus, shalt thou do six days. And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams’ horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets. And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him.
  • Gideon’s army– God said that there were too many soldiers.
    • Judges 7:2 And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.
    • Judges 7:7 And the Lord said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place.
  • A boy defeating a giant– David went up against Goliath with only a few rocks, a sling shot, and a staff.
    • 1 Samuel 17:39-40 And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him. And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.
    • 1 Samuel 17:48-51 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came, and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.
  • Washing 7 times in the Jordan River to cure Naaman’s leprosy.
    • 2 Kings 5:10-14  And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean. But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So, he turned and went away in a rage. And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean? Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
  • A King Being born in a stable: This kept Jesus safe from King Herod. King Herod did not know where to find Jesus. He was born in a stable and then he moved to a house. Later he was taken to Egypt to keep him safe until it was time for Him to complete His work.
    • Luke 2:11-18 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
    • Matthew 2:9-14  When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

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The Witness of the Stars: CENTAURUS (The Centaur)

CENTAURUS (The Centaur)

The Despised Sin-offering.

It is the figure of a being with two natures. Jamieson, in his Celestial Atlas, 1822, says, “On the authority of the most accomplished Orientalist of our own times, the Arabic and Chaldaic name of this constellation is בזה.” Now this Hebrew word Bezeh (and the Arabic Al Beze) means the despised. It is the very word used of this Divine sufferer in Isa. liii. 3, “He is despised (נִבְזֶה) and rejected of men.”

Plate 3: Centaurus (the Centaur)

The constellation contains thirty-five stars. Two of the 1st magnitude, one of the 2nd, six of the 3rd, nine of the 4th, etc., which, together with the four bright stars in the Cross make a brilliant show in southern latitudes.

The brightest star, α (in the horse’s fore-foot), has come down to us with the ancient name of Toliman, which means the heretofore and hereafter, marking Him as the one “which is, and which was, and which is to come—the Almighty” (Rev. i. 8). Sir John Herschell observed this star to be growing rapidly brighter. It may be, therefore, one of the changeable stars, and its name may be taken as an indication of the fact that it was known to the ancients.

Another name for the constellation was in Hebrew, Asmeath, which means a sin-offering (as in Isa. liii. 10).

The Greek name was Cheiron, which means the pierced, or who pierces. In the Greek fables Cheiron was renowned for his skill in hunting, medicine, music, athletics, and prophecy. All the most distinguished heroes of Greece are described as his pupils. He was supposed to be immortal, but he voluntarily agreed to die; and, wounded by a poisoned arrow (not intended for him) while in conflict with a wild boar, he transferred his immortality to Prometheus; whereupon he was placed amongst the stars.

We can easily see how this fable is the ignorant perversion of the primitive Revelation. The true tradition can be seen dimly through it, and we can discern Him of whom it spoke,—the all-wise, all-powerful Teacher and Prophet, who “went about doing good,” yet “despised and rejected of men,” laying down His life that others might live.

It is one of the lowest of the constellations, i.e. the farthest south from the northern centre. It is situated immediately over the Cross, which bespeaks His own death; He is seen in the act of destroying the enemy.

Thus these star-pictures tell us that it would be as a child that the Promised Seed should come forth and grow and wax strong in spirit and be filled with wisdom (Luke ii. 40); and that as a man having two natures He should suffer and die. Then the third and last section in this first chapter of this First Book goes on to tell of His second coming in glory.

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Peter and the Gentiles: Breaking Barriers

The Gospel Spreads:

  • The Gospel spread from Jerusalem, Judaea, and Samaria to the uttermost parts of the eath.
  • Acts 10 records a new turn in the history of the church.
  • Before chapter 10, the apostles preached only to the Jews.
  • But now the door is open to the Gentiles as well.
    • God had always intended on the door to be open to the Gentiles as well.
      • Isaiah 42:1-6 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law. Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;
      • Isaiah 49:6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
    • Gentile means
      • a Greek either by nationality, whether a native of the main land or of the Greek islands or colonies
      • in a wider sense the name embraces all nations not Jews that made the language, customs, and learning of the Greeks their own; the primary reference is to a difference of religion and worship
      • גּוֹי gôwy, go’-ee; rarely (shortened) גֹּי gôy; apparently from the same root as H1465 (in the sense of massing); a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts:—Gentile, heathen, nation, people.

Cornelius and the Angel

  • Cornelius, a centurion in the Roman army, was a moral man, generous to the poor, feared God, and was faithful in prayer.
  • He saw a vision, and an angel of God told him to send to Joppa for a man called Peter who would tell him what to do to be saved.
    • Acts 10:1-6 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
    • Acts 11:13-14 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

Peter on the Rooftop

  • God was preparing Peter for a ministry to the Gentiles, whom the Jews thought were unclean.
  • At this time, the messengers sent from Cornelius arrived.
  • Peter learns and declares that God is no respecter of persons.
    • Acts 10:34-35 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

Gentiles Receive the Holy Ghost

  • As Peter preached to Cornelius and his household, the Holy Ghost fell upon them, then Peter commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.
    • Acts 10:44-48 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

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The House Built Upon the Sand

THE HOUSE BUILT UPON THE SAND

What a foolish man the builder of the house shown in our picture must have been! Of course, when the wind blew and the waves dashed against his house, it would fall. Look how the sea has washed the foundation away, and how the roof is falling in! And the people; see how they are fleeing to save their lives! And all this calamity because he built his house upon the sand. But the other house, shown in the distance: how firmly that stands! What a bold front it offers to the waves, and how safely it resists the fury of the storm. Its foundations are sure, because they rest upon the solid rock.

THE HOUSE BUILT UPON THE SAND

Jesus had been teaching the people. He had taught them many wonderful truths, which you will find written in the fifth, sixth, and seventh chapters of Matthew; and in closing He said, “Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man who built his house upon a rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not, for it was founded upon a rock. And everyone that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man which built his house upon the sand. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” The lesson Jesus sought to impress upon the people by this parable was, that it is not enough simply to hear what He says. Many will do that; but it is only those who remember Christ’s commandments and keep them, whose work will stand when the time of trial comes.

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Letting Go of the Past: A Guide to Philippians 3:13-14

Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

This is often times a difficult passage to understand especially the “forgetting those things which as behind” part. It is not possible to forget completely. I don’t believe that we are meant as human beings to completely forget. However, it is possible to learn from past mistakes.

Many years ago, I was having problems. My mom explained this verse to me. She explained that if you stay focused on the past you can’t reach what is in front of you. Jesus has plans for you. You will never accomplish His plans for you if you stay focused on the past. She used a demonstration to explain this to me. Here is the demonstration:

  • Pretend that 1 spot in your home is the past. (We used the front door.)
  • Pretend that an area in front of that 1st spot is what Jesus wants for you. (We used the living room).
  • Now start at the past. Start walking towards the future.
  • Now look back at the past and try to walk towards the future. (It is not possible.)
  • Now set your eyes where Jesus is (the future) and try to walk towards the future. (It is now possible.)

Remember the time when Jesus walked on the water and Peter asked to come out on the water to Jesus. Matthew 14:28-30 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

Notice that as long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to walk towards Jesus, but when he took his eyes off of Jesus, he started sinking. It is the same way with us. We can only go forward to Jesus when we keep our eyes on Jesus and stop worrying about our past (forgetting those things which are behind). This sometimes takes many hours of prayer, but it is more than worth the time in prayer.

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The Children’s Six Minutes: CHEAPEST AND BEST

A business man would not consider this subject a very good advertisement. He believes that the best things are never cheapest. There are a few instances however in which that is not the case.

First, the air we breathe. It does not cost us anything, it isn’t metered out to us, so we have a saying, “as free as air.” You go down to the drug store and buy a bottle of perfume. A good perfume will cost not less than a dollar a bottle. The air we breathe is infinitely purer and better than the costliest perfume.

Second, the water we drink. Do you like ice cream soda? I am sure you do. If you do not you are not a normal girl or boy. How much do you have to pay for a good ice cream soda? That depends; some places it is ten cents and some fifteen cents. You think you might like to have ice cream soda every meal, but you would soon tire of it. The water you drink is necessary, and it costs you nothing.

Third, a book, that is this book, the Bible. If you wish to buy an up-to-date book of fiction it will cost, you anywhere from $1.00 to $3.00. But here is a book, the most popular, the most wonderful book that was ever written. You can buy a Bible for a few pennies, and if you do not have the pennies there is a great Bible Society that will give you a copy, that none may be without the Word of Life.

Finally, the things that are cheapest and best are the things of the soul, the spiritual ministries and influences of life. They are worship, communion, faith, hope, prayer and love. No one stands at yonder door and demands a dollar of you as you enter. The seats in this church are free to rich and poor, aged and young. These free seats typify the salvation that is here proclaimed.

Note: The prices have changed greatly since this was written. However, the idea is still good.

MEMORY VERSE, Isaiah 55: 1

“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”

MEMORY HYMN

“I heard the voice of Jesus”

THE CHILDREN’S SIX MINUTES by Bruce S. Wright

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Weekly Recap of Articles for Christians posted Oct 26th through Nov 1st

Bible

Education

Cooking

Estudio Bíblico en Español

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Mother Stories from the New Testament

“Mother Stories from the New Testament” by Anonymous is an early 20th-century collection of religious tales created mainly for children. It’s meant to help mothers and caregivers share the teachings and stories of the New Testament in a way that’s easy to understand and engaging for young readers. The book gathers some of the most notable New Testament stories, highlighting moral lessons and the values of faith, compassion, and kindness. It features accounts like the visit of the wise men, Jesus’ parables, his healing miracles, and his warm interactions with children. Each story comes with illustrations that add to the reading experience and help convey the messages of love and redemption at the heart of the Christian faith. This approachable format both teaches children about the New Testament and encourages the core values of Christianity in a relatable way.

Content:

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Understanding Jesus as the Light of the World

Then Jesus again unto them saying I am the light of the world he that followeth me shall not walk darkness but shall have the light of the life. John 8:12 [KJV]

What does it mean?

When we walk in truth we have the light of God.

What does it say?

True light comes from God.

Key Words

  • Light: Source of light, day light, fire light.
  • Followeth: Go or come after purse to obey, to follow or be a disciple.
  • Darkness: Absent of light or, dark , dimness.

Context

Author:John
Audience: Jews & Gentiles
When:A.D.85
Style: Historical
Purpose: To communicate a deeper understanding of Jesus and his role in salvation.

Translation of the Bible

  1. Amplified Holy Bible
    •  Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, “[a]I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness but will have the Light of life.” John 8;12
  2. Holman Holy  Bible
    • Then Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

What going on in the previous verse?

The Woman was caught in adultery.

Related Verses

  • John 1:4
    • In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
  • John 3:19
    • And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil
  • John 9:5
    •  As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
  • John 12:35
    • Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
  • John 12: 46
    •  I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness

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