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Jeremiah: The Weeping Prophet and His Message

Jeremiah


Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, Before you were born I sanctified you I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

  • Author
    • Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah
    • Jeremiah was told not to marry or have children
      • Jeremiah 16:1-2 “The word of the LORD also came to me, saying. You shall not take a wife, nor shall you have sons or daughters in this place.”
    • Called the “Weeping Prophet
  • Date
    • 626-586 B.C.
    • Jeremiah’s ministry started during the reign of Josiah, King of Judah. He delivered prophecies throughout the reigns of Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah, continuing his work even after the fall of Jerusalem.
  • Theme
    • Failure to repent will lead to destruction
      • Jeremiah 2:19 Your own wickedness will correct you, and your backslidings will rebuke you. Know therefore and see that it is an evil and bitter thing that you have forsaken the LORD your God, and the fear of Me is not in you,” Says the Lord GOD of hosts.
      • John 12:48 He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.
      • The book of Jeremiah has more words in it then any other book. It has at total word count of approximately 788,280.
  • Purpose
    • The book of Jeremiah is filled with warning, guidance, and hope. It warns of the coming destruction due to Judah’s refusal to repent, offers instructions to the Jewish people taken into Babylonian exile, and shares a hopeful message about the restoration of Jerusalem and the arrival of the Messiah.
  • Content
    • The call of Jeremiah: Jeremiah 1:1-19
      • Jeremiah 1:5-10 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I sanctified your I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Then said I: “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” But the LORD said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,” For you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the LORD. Then the LORD put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, To root out and to pull down, To destroy and to throw down, To build and to plant.”
    • The condition of Judah: Jeremiah 2:1-6:30
      • Jeremiah 2:2-5 “Go and cry in the hearing of Jerusalem, saying. Thus says the LORD: I remember you, the kindness of your youth, The love of your betrothal When you went after Me in the wilderness, In a land not sown Israel was holiness to the LORD, The firstfruits of His increase. All that devour him will offend; Disaster will come upon them,” says the LORD. “Hear the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob and all the families of the house of Israel “Thus says the LORD: “What injustice have your fathers found in Me That they have gone far from Me, Have followed idols, And have become idolaters?
    • The temple, law, and covenant: Jeremiah 7:1-12:17
      • Jeremiah 7:2-3 Stand in the gate of the Lord’s house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the Lord, all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the Lord. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place.
      • Jeremiah 7:28 But thou shalt say unto them, This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the Lord their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth.
    • Jeremiah 11:6-8 Then the Lord said unto me, Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying, Hear ye the words of this covenant, and do them. For I earnestly protested unto your fathers in the day that I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, even unto this day, rising early and protesting, saying, Obey my voice. Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart: therefore I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do: but they did them not.
      • “imagination” or “Dictates” is how it is written in the New King James Version.
        • This word comes from שְׁרִירוּת shᵉrîyrûwth, sher-ee-rooth’; from H8324 in the sense of twisted, i.e. firm; obstinacy:—imagination, lust.
          • it means stubbornness, hardness, firmness
        • This word is found ten times in the Bible. Eight of the ten are in the book of Jeremiah referring to Israel’s refusal to respond to God’s warnings.
    • The certainty of captivity: Jeremiah 13:1-18:23
      • Jeremiah 13:19 The cities of the South shall be shut up, And no one shall open them, Judah shall be carried away captive, all of it; It shall be wholly carried away captive.
    • The confrontation of leaders: Jeremiah 19:1-28:17
      • Jeremiah 25:11-12  And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the Lord, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.
    • The promise of restoration: Jeremiah 29:1-33-26
      • Jeremiah 29:10.11(NKJV) For thus says the LORD: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
    • The kingdom falls: Jeremiah 34:1-29:18
      • Jeremiah 39:1-2 In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all his army came against Jerusalem, and besieged it. In the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, on the ninth day of the month, the city was penetrated
    • The trip to Egypt: Jeremiah 40:1-45:5
      • Jeremiah 42:10-17 If ye will still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull you down, and I will plant you, and not pluck you up: for I repent me of the evil that I have done unto you. Be not afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom ye are afraid; be not afraid of him, saith the Lord: for I am with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand. And I will shew mercies unto you, that he may have mercy upon you, and cause you to return to your own land. But if ye say, We will not dwell in this land, neither obey the voice of the Lord your God, Saying, No; but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread; and there will we dwell: And now therefore hear the word of the Lord, ye remnant of Judah; Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; If ye wholly set your faces to enter into Egypt, and go to sojourn there; Then it shall come to pass, that the sword, which ye feared, shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt, and the famine, whereof ye were afraid, shall follow close after you there in Egypt; and there ye shall die. So shall it be with all the men that set their faces to go into Egypt to sojourn there; they shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: and none of them shall remain or escape from the evil that I will bring upon them.
    • The word to foreign nations: Jeremiah 46:1-51:64
      • Judgment on
        • Egypt
        • Philistia
        • Moab
        • Ammon
        • Damascus
        • Babylon
    • The fall of Jerusalem reviewed: Jeremiah 52:1-34
      • Jeremiah 52:4-5  And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came, he and all his army, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it, and built forts against it round about. So the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah.
  • Christ in the Book of Jeremiah
    • The lifestyle of Jeremiah was similar to that of Jesus. Jeremiah is considered a type of Christ in the Old Testament.
      • Jeremiah was accused on political treason, so was Christ
      • Jeremiah was tried, persecuted, and imprisoned for the words he spoke
      • Jeremiah and Jesus both foretold the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and their own people rejected them
      • Jeremiah wept with compassion over the people of Israel
        •  Luke 19:41-44 As He (Jesus) approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it [and the spiritual ignorance of its people], 42 saying, “If [only] you had known on this day [of salvation], even you, the things which make for peace [and on which peace depends]! But now they have been hidden from your eyes. 43 For a time [of siege] is coming when your enemies will put up a barricade [with pointed stakes] against you, and surround you [with armies] and hem you in on every side, 44 and they will level you to the ground, you [Jerusalem] and your children within you. They will not leave in you one stone on another, all because you did not [come progressively to] recognize [from observation and personal experience] the time of your visitation [when God was gracious toward you and offered you salvation].”
      • Jeremiah was mistreated yet chose to forgive
Old Testament Overview: Key Themes Explained

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Understanding Isaiah: Judgment and Restoration Messages

Isaiah


Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

  • Author
    • Isaiah 1:1 The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
    • Isaiah “Yahweh Is Salvation”
    • Isaiah was martyred during the reign of Manasseh. Most believed he was cut into.
  • Date
    • 700-690 B.C.
    • Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
  • Theme
    • God’s Salvation
  • Purpose
    • To declare God’s displeasure with Judah, Israel, and surrounding nations due to their disobedience
      • Isaiah 1:2-4 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth! For the LORD has spoken: “I have nourished and brought up children, And they have rebelled against Me; The ox knows its owner And the donkey its master’s crib; But Israel does not know, My people do not consider. Alas, sinful nation, A people laden with iniquity, A brood of evildoers, Children who are corrupters! They have forsaken the LORD, They have provoked to anger The Holy One of Israel, They have turned away backward.
    • A warning to God’s people and a call to repentance
      • Isaiah 1:19 If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land;
    • A message of hope for the faithful remnant
      • Isaiah 37:31 And the remnant who have escaped of the house of Judah Shall again take root downward, And bear fruit upward.
        • Remnant is the people who would come back from Babylon.
  • Content
    • 2 Parts:
      • Chapters 1-39
        • God’s Judgment
      • Chapters 40-66
        • God’s Salvation and Restoration
    • Judgment and hope of restoration Isaiah 1:1-6:13
      • Isaiah 2:6 For You have forsaken Your people, the house of Jacob, Because they are filled with eastern ways; They are soothsayers like the Philistines, And they are pleased with the children of foreigners.
      • Isaiah 6:11-13 Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, And the Lord have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land. But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof.
        • the tenth is the remnant and the one that didn’t leave.
        • they are few and heavily persecuted.
    • Trust in Assyria or God Isaiah 7:1-12:6
      • 2 Kings 16:7-8 So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria, saying, “I am your servant and your son. Come up and save me from the hand of the king of Syria and from the hand of the king of Israel, who rise up against me. And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasuries of the king’s house, and sent it as a present to the king of Assyria.
    • Prophecies about nations Isaiah 13:1-23:18
      • Prophecy concerning
        • Babylon
        • Assyria
        • Philistia
        • Moab
        • Syria
        • Israel
        • Ethiopia
        • Egypt
        • Edom
        • Arabia
        • Jerusalem
        • Tyre
    • Israel’s judgment and deliverance Isaiah 24:1-27:13
      • Isaiah 24:5-6 The earth is also defiled under its inhabitants, Because they have transgressed the laws, Changed the ordinance, Broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore the curse has devoured the earth, And those who dwell in it are desolate. Therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, And few men are left.
      • Isaiah 27:2-6 In that day sing to her, A vineyard of red wine! the LORD, keep it, I water it every moment; Lest any hurt it, I keep it night and day. Fury is not in Me. Who would set briers and thorns against Me in battle? I would go through them, I would burn them together. Or let him take hold of My strength That he may make peace with Me; And he shall make peace with Me. Those who come He shall cause to take root in Jacob; Israel shall blossom and bud, A fill the face of the world with fruit.
    • Warnings, judgment, and future glory Isaiah 28:1-35:10
      • Isaiah 31:1-5 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, And rely on horses, Who trust in chariots because they are many, And in horsemen because they are very strong. But who do Yet He also is wise and will bring disaster, And will not call back His words, But will arise not look to the Holy One of Israel, Nor seek the LORD! against the house of evildoers, And against the help of those who work iniquity. Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; And their horses are flesh, and not spirit When the LORD stretches out His hand, Both he who helps will fall, And he who is helped will fall down; They all will perish together. For thus the LORD has spoken to me: “As a lion roars, And a young lion over his prey (When a multitude of shepherds is summoned against him. He will not be afraid of their voice Nor be disturbed by their noise), So the LORD of hosts will come down To fight Like birds flying about, So will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem. Defending, He will also deliver it; Passing over, He will preserve it. for Mount Zion and for its hill.
    • King Hezekiah and Assyria Isaiah 36:1-39:8
      • Isaiah 38:5-6 Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will add to your days fifteen years. I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city.”
    • Promises of deliverance Isaiah 40:1-56:8
      • Isaiah 40:1-5 “Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” Says your God. Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, That her warfare is ended, That her iniquity is pardoned; For she has received from the LORD’S hand Double for all her sins.” The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the LORD; Make straight in the desert A highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight And the rough places smooth; The glory of the LORD shall be revealed, And all flesh shall see it together, For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
    • The future kingdom Isaiah 56:9-66:24
      • Isaiah 60:1 (NKJV) Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.
      • Isaiah 60:1(AMP) Arise [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you-rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory or the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!
      • Isaiah 61:6-7 But you shall be named the priests of the LORD, They shall call you the servants of our God. You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, And in their glory you shall boast. Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; Everlasting joy shall be theirs.
  • Christ in the Book of Isaiah
    • The book of Isaiah contains more prophecies about the Messiah than any other Old Testament book. Seventeen chapters contain prophetic references to Christ.
    • Christ is spoken of:
      • The Lord
      • Branch of the Lord
      • Immanuel
      • Wonderful Counselor
      • Mighty God
      • Everlasting Father
      • Prince of Peace
      • Rod of Jesse
      • Cornerstone
      • King
      • Shepherd
      • Servant of Yahweh
      • Elect One
      • The Holy One of Isreal appears 25 times
      • Lamb of God
      • Leader and Commander
      • Redeemer
      • Anointed One
    • Isaiah Chapter 53
    • Isaiah Chapter 61
Old Testament Overview: Key Themes Explained

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The Children’s Six Minutes: A BOY FROM THE COUNTRY

A BOY FROM THE COUNTRY

Once upon a time there was a boy who lived in the country. It was said of him that he was “ruddy and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to.” I think that description fits a country lad. Well, this boy had brothers who were away from home in the army, fighting. One day the boy’s father said to him, “I wish you would go down and see how your brothers are getting along, and take with you this present.” The boy started on his journey. Now when he came to the place where the soldiers were encamped he saw a strange sight. A giant, from the opposing army, came out, blustering and issuing his challenge to any one who would dare come against him. All seemed afraid of him. Even the big, strong soldiers would not do battle with him. Therefore this youth from the country volunteered saying, “I will go out and fight him.” They tried to dissuade him, but he insisted. Now he was a perfect shot with the sling. He [27]chose five smooth stones from the brook. With one of these he prevailed over the giant.

This lad, however, had some other things which stood him in better stead even than the sling and the stones. What were they? First, he had courage. He possessed what all the others lacked. Second, he had the ability to do one thing and do that one thing well. He could use a sling with the utmost accuracy. Third, he had confidence in himself and faith in God. He was not conceited, no, we do not like that. Rather he had self-confidence. Above all was this—”I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts.” So said the lad from the country as he went to fight the giant. What was his name? It is a good name—David.

MEMORY VERSE, I Samuel 17: 45

“Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield; but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts.”

MEMORY HYMN

“Faith of our fathers.”

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The Children’s Six Minutes: SYSTEM

SYSTEM

Here are three books. I put them down like this, one beside the other, that is system. I throw them down carelessly, that is not system, it is not orderly.

Here is a little box. Inside are letters, such as you see on the sign in front of the Church. Each letter has a space all its own. Now if A were put down at M, M at Z, and E at X, what a task it would be to pick out the letters and make a sign!

One day I visited a Chinese school. Such lack of system, such disorderliness I never did see! Such noise I never did hear! They were all studying at the tops of their voices, sitting around in all sorts of ways, each trying to out-shout the other. Another day I went into a school here in our city. I saw the desks arranged in systematic fashion, each child with a desk all his own. In front I saw a platform, with a larger desk, for the teacher. All was quiet and orderly.

Here I have a package of envelopes. There [25]are fifty-two envelopes, one for each Sunday in the year. Each envelope is divided in the center. On one side I read, “For others.” On the other half I read, “For ourselves.” I need not tell you that these are church envelopes. In this way, this systematic way, we support our local church and pay to missions. We like to have the girls and boys, as well as older people, use these envelopes. The financial secretary of your church is just as willing to keep the records of young people who give but five cents in each side of the envelope as he is to keep the account of the man or woman who places five dollars in each side of the envelope every Sunday. You see we want you to grow up systematic and orderly in all your religious life. Our Master is pleased when we do our religious duties “decently and in order.”

MEMORY VERSE, I Corinthians 16: 2

“Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him.”

MEMORY HYMN

“Jesus shall reign where’er the sun.”

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Fun Facts about Jesus’ Disciples

Jesus Picks His Disciples

Vocabulary:

  • Disciples (dih-Sigh-puhl)
    • It means a pupil or learner under someone like Jesus,
    • the people Jesus called to follow him during his earthly ministry are called disciples
  • Apostles (uh; pahs-uhl)
    • Ones who are sent out on a mission
    • Like each of the men whom Jesus Sent to tell people about God
  • Boanerges
    • Sons of thunder
  • ordained
    • To set a part for a task
  • Treasurer
    • money keeper
  • Slain
    • killed

Who Jesus called first

  • Simon Peter
  • Andrew
  • James
  • John
  • Phillip
  • Nathanael (also called Bartholomew)
  • Thomas
  • Matthew also called Levi
  • James Son of Alphaeus
  • Thaddaeus (also called Judas)
  • Simon the Zealot
  • Judas Iscariot

These are the 12 Jesus choose after praying.

See Luke 6:12-16
When morning light returned Jesus was ready to choose his helpers, so he left his place of prayer and joined the company of disciples who all were waiting on him in a valley.

Who is who?

Simon Peter

  • Simon Peter is the brother of Andrew.
  • Simon Peter lived in Capernaum and worked with his brother.
  • Simon Peter was the first to see that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God.
  • He was a leader of the early church.
  • Peter was killed Crucified upside down because he didn’t want to be crucified how Jesus was
NameName meaningOccupationIdentifiable Traits
Simon Peter (Pee-tuhr)Simon means “hearing”
Peter means “Stone or Rock”
Simon Peter/hearing Roock		Fisherman1. Headstrong
2. Impetuous
3. Denied Jesus 3 times


Andrew

  • The brother of Peter
  • Found the boy with the original loaves of bread and fishes
    • John 6:6-13
  • Was a Disciple of John the Baptist
Name Name meaningOccupationIdentifiable Traits
Andrew (An-droo)Andrew means “Manly ConquerorFishermanOutgoing ,bold Brought his brother peter to Jesus


James

  • Son of Zeb-e-dee
  • brother of John
  • Given the nickname Boanerges
    • see Luke 9:52-56
    • see Mark 3:17
  • Slain by Herod
NameName meaningOccupationIdentifiable Traits
James (Jaymz)James is Greek form of Jacob
James means one who follows
Name originates from Hebrew
name Yaakov meaning supplanter or who follows		fisherman
Easily angered
one of the
Sons of
Thunder

John

  • The Son of Zebedee
  • Brother of Jame
  • Nickname Boanerges
    • Luke 9:52-56
    • Mark 3:17
  • Wrote Revelation
  • Took care of Jesus’s mother
  • Would not stop preaching God’s word
  • could not be killed died of old age.
  • They sent him away to the Isle of Patmos, he preached to the people who were with him
NameName meaningOccupationIdentifiable traits
John (Jahn)John means “Gift of GodFisherman Loyal, especially
to Jesus, cared
for Jesus’s mother,
had a temper, one
of the Sons of
thunder

Philip

  • Jesus called Philip to follow him as a disciple
    • John 1:43-44
  • Philip found Nathaniel and told him about Jesus.
    • John 1:45
  • He was crucified by Soldiers
NameName meaningOccupationIdentifiable Traits
Philip (Filip)Philip means “lover of horsesFishermanConcerned with the nuts and bolts,
Mr. Organization


Bartholomew / Nathaniel

  • Jesus called him a true Israelite
NameName MeaningOccupationIdentifiable Traits
Bartholomew (bahr-thahl-uh-myoo)
or
Nathanie		Bartholomew means “Son of Tolmai”Fisher manPrejudiced
Curious


Thomas

  • Known as Doubting Thomas
  • Didn’t believe Christ rose from the Dead
  • Believed after he saw Jesus
  • He died by blows of spears
NameName meaningOccupationIdentifiable traits
Thomas (Tahm uhs)Thomas means twinFishermanSkeptical, prone to doubt, pessimistic


Matthew / Levi

  • A tax collector
  • Son of Alphaeus
  • The brother of James & Judas
  • Also, know as Levi
NameName MeaningOccupationIdentifiable traits
Matthew/ LeviLevi mean joined
Matthew
means “Joy of God		tax CollectorFriendly to the
Irreligious, hospitable


James (Son of Alphaeus)

  • The son of Alphaeus
  • The brother of Matthew and Judas (not the betrayer)
  • The same as James “the less
  • Shorter and or younger than the other James
NameName MeaningOccupationIdentifiable traits
JamesJames is the Greek
form of the name of Jacob
James means one who follows
Name originate from
Hebrew nam Yaakov		UnknownPatient, comfortable with being in the background


Judas

  • The Son of Alphaeus
  • The brother of James & Matthew
  • Not the one who betrayed Jesus
NameName MeaningOccupationIdentifiable Traits
Judas mean Praiseunknown Tender hearted and gentle

Simon

  • called Simon the Can-naan-ite
  • He also called Ze-lo-tes
NameName MeaningOccupationIdentifiable traits
SimonSimon name meaning is hearing Political insurrectionist Zealous; Passionate


Judas Iscariot

  • A thief
  • The treasurer
  • Betrayed Jesus for thirty Pieces of silver
  • He hanged himself after he betrayed Jesus
  • He was the only one from Judea.
    • What do the word Judea mean?
      It is a place
    • the word Means Jewish
NameName meaningOccupationIdentifiable Traits
Judas Iscariot (ISS-Kar-ih-aht)PraiseTreasurer of the Disciples money
a Thief		Greedy, disloyal

Jesus picked these 12 Disciples to help him.

  • He sent them two by two into the world as lamb to wolfs. He sent them to teach everyone that the kingdom of heaven is near. Jesus told them to take nothing, but what you are wearing.
  • Jesus told them to be brave and speak out what I have taught you.
  • You have nothing to fear from someone who can only kill the Body. The One You should fear is God.
  • He (Jesus) reminded them that when someone welcomes you, they welcome me (Jesus). If Someone gives you a drink of water because you are my disciples, he or she will be rewarded.
  • In those days, the days of Jesus, the people had two things they traveled with. Those two things were a staff and a traveler’s Bag.
    • A traveler’s Bag is a small bag made of woven strips of leather or any other fibric.
      • A scrip and a traveler’s bag are often thought to mean the same thing, but they actually have different meanings.
      • A scrip is typically a small pouch or satchel made from leather or cloth, used by shepherds and travelers to carry food, tools, and other necessities.
      • A traveler’s bag is a general term for any bag used by travelers, which can vary in size and material depending on the individual’s needs.
      • Jesus told His disciples not to carry anything but to trust in God for their needs.
    • In Jesus’ Day, almost everyone carried a staff.
      • Travelers particularly benefited from having one because journeys can take a long time, and you may walk on rough ground.
      • A Walking Stick helped to walk on rough ground and acted like a third leg.
      • It could also be used to fight off wild animals or snakes.
  • After this, Jesus traveled to Galilee on his own.

They all came from different types of homes.

  • Some of them were Educated men and others were just working men.
  • Some were fishermen, but each of them wanted to serve Jesus, so very much that they were ready to give up his life to work with Jesus.


After Judas Iscariot Betrayed Jesus, the disciples appointed two other men.

  • Matthias (Muh-thigh-uhs)
    • the replacement of Judas Iscariot, who committed Suicide after betraying Jesus Christ.
    • His name means Gift of God or gift of Yahweh.
  • Joseph Barsabas Justus
    • Joseph called Barsabas, who was Surnamed Justus
      • Acts 1:23
    • Joseph Barnabas Justus or just called Barnabas (Bahr-nuh-buhs)
    • His Name means Son of encouragement.
    • A Native of Cyprus

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Engaging with God’s Word: Practical Steps

How to Interact with God’s Word:

  • Listen to the Word of God.
    • Hear others read, teach, and preach the Word of God.
    • Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
    • Nehemiah 8:3 And he (Ezra) read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.
    • Luke 24:25-27 Then he (Jesus) said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
  • Study the Word of God.
    • Many tools are available to help us study the Bible. There are many Study Bibles, commentaries, and Bible Dictionaries.
    • Here is an article about Effective Bible Study Methods for Spiritual Growth.
    • Psalms 119 mentions three steps of Basic Bible Study
      • Observe: We are to observe the Word of God by looking at it and reading it.
        • Psalm 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
      • Understand/ interpret: This is where we are to carefully and prayerfully ask what it means.
        • Psalm 119:27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
      • Application: This is where we apply the Word of God to our lives.
        • Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
  • Memorize the Word of God.
    • This is where we store the Word of God in our hearts. As you try to memorize the Holy Ghost will help you.
      • John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
      • Psalms 37:31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
  • Meditate on the Word of God.
    • Think about the Word of God often. Thinking about the Word of God will help you remember and apply it to our life so that you don’t fall into temptation and sin.
      • Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
      • Psalm 1:1-2  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
  • Talk about the Word of God.
    • Whatever is in your heart will come out in what you talk about. We are commanded in the Bible to talk to ourselves in psalms.
      • Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
      • Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
  • Teach the World of God.
    • The Best way to learn anything is to try to teach it. In order to teach something, you must know it very well.
      • Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
  • Pray the Word of God.
    • This is where you turn scripture into prayers. It could be praise of petition.
    • Here is an article on How to pray the word of God.
    • There are many different prayers in the Bible.
      • Ephesians 1:15-23 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
      • Ephesians 3:14-21  For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
      • Here is an article on Examples of Iconic Prayers in the Bible.
  • Sing the Word of God.
    • Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
    • The Psalms were orginally written to be sung.
    • Here is an article on Music.
  • Live the Word of God
    • God gave us His word so that by reading, hearing, meditating, and praying the Word, we would become more like Him.
      • Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
    • Remember, simply hearing something without taking action accomplishes nothing.
      • James 1:22-24 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
Understanding Our New Relationship with God

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La perspectiva de Dios sobre los niños en las Escrituras

¿Qué dice la Biblia sobre los niños? Tiene mucho que decir sobre los niños y las familias.

  • El diseño original de Dios era la familia.
    • Génesis 1:28 Y los bendijo Dios, y les dijo: Fructificad y multiplicaos; llenad la tierra, y sojuzgadla, y señoread en los peces del mar, en las aves de los cielos, y en todas las bestias que se mueven sobre la tierra.
  • Los hijos son una herencia y una recompensa.
    • Salmo 127:3-5 He aquí, los hijos son herencia del Señor, y el fruto del vientre es su recompensa. Como saetas en la mano del valiente, así son los hijos de la juventud. Bienaventurado el hombre que llena su aljaba de ellos; no serán avergonzados, sino que hablarán con los enemigos en la puerta.
  • La falta de hijos era motivo de pesar.
    • Génesis 11:30  Pero Sarai era estéril, y no tenía hijo.
    • 1 Samuel 1:9-10 Ana se levantó después de haber comido en Silo y de haber bebido. El sacerdote Elí estaba sentado en una silla junto a un pilar del templo del Señor. Con amargura de alma, oró al Señor y lloró desconsoladamente.
  • El embarazo es motivo de alegría.
    • Salmo 113:9 Él hace que la mujer estéril viva en casa, y que sea madre feliz de hijos. ¡Alaben al Señor!
  • Los bebés no nacidos pueden sentir y experimentar emociones.
    • Lucas 1:44 Porque he aquí, tan pronto como la voz de tu saludo llegó a mis oídos, la criatura saltó de alegría en mi vientre.
  • Dios tiene planes para los niños.
    • Jeremías 1:5  Antes que te formase en el vientre te conocí, y antes que nacieses te santifiqué, te di por profeta a las naciones.
    • Gálatas 1:15 Pero cuando agradó a Dios, que me apartó desde el vientre de mi madre, y me llamó por su gracia,
  • Los nietos son una fuente de alegría.
    • Proverbios 17:6 Corona de los ancianos son los hijos de los hijos, Y la gloria de los hijos son sus padres.
  • Los niños deben ser consagrados a Dios.
    • 1 Samuel 1:21-28 Y subió Elcana con toda su casa a ofrecer al Señor el sacrificio anual y su voto. Pero Ana no subió, pues le dijo a su marido: «No subiré hasta que el niño sea destetado, y entonces lo traeré para que se presente ante el Señor y allí permanezca para siempre». Y Elcana, su marido, le respondió: «Haz lo que bien te parezca; quédate hasta que lo hayas destetado; solamente el Señor cumple su palabra». La mujer se quedó, y amamantó a su hijo hasta que lo destetó. Y cuando lo hubo destetado, lo llevó consigo, con tres becerros, un efa de harina y una vasija de vino, y lo trajo a la casa del Señor en Silo; y el niño era pequeño. Entonces degollaron un becerro y trajeron el niño a Elí. Y ella dijo: «¡Oh, mi señor! ¡Viva su alma, mi señor! Soy la mujer que estuvo aquí junto a usted, orando al Señor. Por este niño oré, y el Señor me ha concedido la petición que le hice. Por lo tanto, también lo he prestado al Señor; mientras viva, le será indulgente». Y adoró al Señor allí.
    • Lucas 2:22 Y cuando se cumplieron los días de su purificación, según la ley de Moisés, le trajeron a Jerusalén para presentarle al Señor;
  • Los niños pequeños tienen ángeles guardianes.
    • Mateo 18:10 Mirad que no menospreciéis a uno de estos pequeños; porque os digo que sus ángeles en los cielos ven siempre el rostro de mi Padre que está en los cielos.
  • El reino de los cielos pertenece a los niños.
    • Lucas 18:15-17  Y le trajeron también unos niños pequeños para que los tocara; pero al verlo sus discípulos, los reprendieron. Pero Jesús los llamó y dijo: «Dejad a los niños venir a mí y no se lo impidáis, porque de los tales es el reino de Dios» . De cierto os digo: El que no reciba el reino de Dios como un niño pequeño, no entrará en él.
  • Los niños no nacidos son:
    • Diseñado y formado por Dios.
      • Salmo 139:13-14  Porque formaste mis lomos; me hiciste en el vientre de mi madre. Te alabaré, porque formidables y maravillosas son tus obras; maravillosas son tus obras, y mi alma lo sabe muy bien.
      • Visto y conocido por Dios.
        • Salmo 22:10 Sobre ti fui entregado desde el vientre de mi madre; Desde el vientre de mi madre fuiste mi Dios.
        • Salmo 139:15-16 No te escondieron mi cuerpo cuando en secreto me formaban, y con gran destreza me  moldeaban  en las profundidades de la tierra. Tus ojos vieron mi embrión,
          y en tu libro estaban escritos todos los días que  me fueron señalados , cuando ni uno solo de ellos estaba tomando forma.
      • Reconocido y valorado.
        • Salmo 22:30-31 La posteridad le servirá; hablarán del Señor a la siguiente generación. Vendrán y anunciarán su justicia a un pueblo que aún no ha nacido, diciendo que él lo ha hecho [y que está consumado].
        • Salmo 78:5-6 Porque él estableció un testimonio en Jacob, y puso una ley en Israel, la cual mandó a nuestros padres que enseñasen a sus hijos, para que la generación venidera los supiera, y los hijos que habían de nacer se levantaran y los contaran a sus hijos,
        • Salmo 102:18 Quede esto escrito para la generación venidera, Que el pueblo que está por crear alabará al Señor.
      • Sacado del vientre materno por Dios.
        • Salmo 22:9 Pero tú fuiste el que me sacó del vientre; Me hiciste confiar estando a los pechos de mi madre.
        • Salmo 71:6 En ti he confiado  y  me he sustentado desde mi nacimiento; tú eres quien me sacó del vientre de mi madre  y  has sido mi benefactor desde ese día. Mi alabanza es siempre para ti.
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La Verdad Sobre el Aborto

Moloc es un demonio antiguo que exigía la muerte de humanos. Cuanto más joven era el humano, más le gustaba. Hoy en día sigue exigiendo sacrificios humanos. Simplemente se le llama con otro nombre. Ahora se llama aborto. Basta con mirar lo que dice el Templo Satánico sobre el aborto.

Comunicado de prensa de febrero de 2023 del Templo Satánico.

Este es el último párrafo representado traducido al español: El Templo Satánico espera expandir sus operaciones a otros estados, incluidos aquellos que no permiten que los clínicos realicen abortos. “TST está orgulloso de expandir las opciones reproductivas para nuestros miembros. Esto es solo el principio”, dijo Erin Helian, Directora Ejecutiva de Campañas. “Nos mantendremos firmes mientras continuamos la lucha por defender la justicia reproductiva en los Estados Unidos”. El Templo Satánico ha argumentado en sus demandas contra Texas que, bajo la Primera Enmienda y las Leyes de Restauración de la Libertad Religiosa federales y estatales, su ritual de aborto está exento de restricciones y prohibiciones porque el procedimiento es una parte esencial de una práctica religiosa.

La Biblia llama a Moloc una abominación.

  • 1 Reyes 11:7 Entonces edificó Salomón un lugar alto a Camós, ídolo abominable de Moab, en el monte que está delante de Jerusalén, y a Moloc, ídolo abominable de los hijos de Amón.

En el poema épico Paraíso perdido, John Milton escribe:

“Primero MOLOCH, Rey horrible manchado con sangre
De sacrificios humanos, y lágrimas de padres,
Aunque por el ahogamiento de Tambores y Panderos fuertes
los gritos de Sus hijos no fueron oídos, que pasaron a través del fuego
Hacia su lúgubre ídolo.”

estatua del dios Moloc

En el libro de Isaías Dios hace una pregunta.

  • Isaías 49:15 ¿Se olvidará la mujer de lo que dio a luz, para dejar de compadecerse del hijo de su vientre? Aunque ella se olvide, yo nunca me olvidaré de ti.

El filósofo griego Plutarco habla de la música que acompañaría los sacrificios de niños y su propósito:

  • “…y toda la zona delante de la estatua se llenó de un fuerte ruido de flautas y de tambores, para que los gritos de lamentación no llegaran a los oídos del pueblo.”

Para lo que la Biblia dice sobre los niños, lee La perspectiva de Dios sobre los niños en las Escrituras

Principios Clave del Estudio Bíblico

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Powerful Prayers for Diverse Life Situations

Here are model prayers for various situations in life. More will be added as time permits.

General prayer

Prayers for others

Prayer for Nations

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Prayer for a Person’s Deliverance from Satan and His Demonic Forces

This is a prayer that can aid you in praying for a friend or family member. Remember that God hears all of our prayers. Some prayers sometimes take a little bit more time than others. There is this thing called free will, it sometimes gets in the way of our prayers for others.

When praying for a person to be delivered from Satan and his Demonic Forces, always start by praying for their salvation. They need Jesus most of all. Pray specifically for his/her salvation. Stand firm and thank the Father that it is done in the name of Jesus.

Then pray:
Father, in Jesus’ name, I confidently approach Your throne of grace and lift up (person) before You. I intercede, trusting that the Holy Spirit within me joins me in standing against the evils trying to keep (person) in bondage. Through my prayers, I break the chains of wickedness holding (person) and take up my shield of faith to extinguish every fiery dart of the enemy aimed at (person).
Father, You remind me that whatever I bind on earth is bound in heaven, and whatever I loose on earth is loosed in heaven. You instruct me to cast out demons in the name of Jesus.
In the name of Jesus, I bind a person’s body, soul, and spirit to align with God’s will and purposes for their life. I bind their mind, will, and emotions to God’s will. I bind them to the truth and the blood of Jesus. I bind their mind to the mind of Christ so that His thoughts, feelings, and purposes fill their own.
I release every old, wrong, and ungodly pattern of thinking, attitude, idea, desire, belief, motivation, habit, and behavior from him/her. I break down, crush, and destroy every stronghold associated with these things. I release any stronghold in his/her life that has been justifying and protecting hard feelings against anyone. I release the stronghold of unforgiveness, fear, and distrust from him/her. I bind and release these things in Jesus’ name.
Father, I ask you to send Your ministering spirits to provide the needed help and support for Person.

Father, I hold firmly to Person’s declaration of faith in the Lordship of Jesus Christ. I speak of things that are not as though they are, focusing on the unseen—the eternal truths of God. I declare that Satan will not prevail against Person, for I am aware of his schemes. I resist Satan, and he flees from Person in the name of Jesus. I refuse to give Satan any foothold in Person’s life. I plead the blood of the Lamb over Person, for Satan and his forces are defeated by that blood and Your Word. Thank You, Father, that I walk in authority over serpents, scorpions, and all the power of the enemy on behalf of Person. Person is rescued from this evil age, delivered from the powers of darkness, and transferred into the Kingdom of Your beloved Son!
Father, I pray that You fill the empty spaces within Person with Your redemption, Your Word, Your Holy Spirit, Your love, wisdom, righteousness, and revelational knowledge, all in the name of Jesus.

I thank You, Father, that Person is redeemed from the hand of Satan through the blood of Jesus. He/she is justified, made righteous by His blood, and belongs entirely to You—spirit, soul, and body. I am grateful that every yoke of bondage is broken, and he/she will not be enslaved by anything or brought under its power in the name of Jesus. Person has escaped the devil’s snare that once held him/her captive and now fulfills Your will, Father, glorifying You in spirit, soul, and body.

Thank You, Father, for sending Jesus to destroy the works of the devil. In Jesus’ name, Satan’s works are defeated in Person’s life. Hallelujah! Person lives in the Kingdom of God, filled with righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit! Praise the Lord! Amen.


Note: This prayer may be prayed as many times as necessary. It takes time to realize the faith that leads you into a position of praise and thanksgiving. Stand firm, fixed, unmovable, and steadfast, remembering that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.

Scripture References:
Hebrews 4:16
Ezekiel 22:30
Romans 8:26
Isaiah 58:6
2 Corinthians 2:11
James 4:7
Ephesians 4:27
Revelation 12:11
Ephesians 6:16
Matthew 18:18
Luke 10:19
Galatians 1:4

Mark 16:17
Ephesians 6:12
Colossians 2:15
Matthew 12:29
Hebrews 1:14
Romans 4:17
2 Corinthians 4:18
Colossians 1:13
Matthew 12:43-45
1 Corinthians 6:12
2 Timothy 2:26
1 John 3:8
Romans 14:17

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