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Posts tagged ‘Jesus’

Inspiring Tales of Faith and Divine Protection

Inspirational Stories

This collection features inspirational stories emphasizing hope, divine protection, and the transformative power of prayer. It includes person struggles, lessons from family and the kindness of strangers. The narratives highlight the significance of faith and the demonstrate how simple prayers can lead to profound changes and salvation.

  • Never Lose Hope: This is the story of a mother, facing surgery and despair over infertility. She discovers she is pregnant. Despite an accident and being told the baby was dead, hope prevails, leading to a miraculous birth.
  • Short Prayer: The narrator recalls a challenging experience in a malfunctioning car when an 18-wheeler turned too sharply nearby. Despite the chaos, no one honked, demonstrating community support. This experience reinforced the importance of sincere prayer and a relationship with God.
  • God’s protection: At age 7, I cherished my white boots, playing outside while unaware of a rattle snake on my bike path. My mom found the snake, revealing my boot print on it. This experience reminded me of God’s protective presence, even in ignorance.
  • God Will Provide: Growing up in a financially strained environment after my parents’ divorce, both underwent serious health challenges, leading to unemployment. Despite hardships, including housing insecurity and my mother’s disability, faith and determination inspired resilience. Miraculously, provisions often appeared as answered prayers, allowing us to survive and maintain our home.
  • A Life Saved by Prayer: A long-haul truck driver’s perilous mountain descent coincided with his wife’s fervent prayer for his safety. An angel, resembling their daughter, miraculously stabilizes the trailer throughout the descent. After the dangerous experience, the driver acknowledges the power of prayer, emphasizing its potential to save lives when a strong urge to pray arises.
  • Lessons from my grandpa’ life: Great-grandpa Berry lived a complex life, serving in the army, farming, and working various jobs, but he struggled with hypocrisy and illegal activities. In his final days, he expressed love for his family and a longing for redemption before passing away.
  • Delivered from Cocaine: Marvin, a man once addicted to cocaine and alcohol, transformed through prayer and support from his wife, Annabel, and Pastor Roy. After a powerful encounter at church, he overcame abuse and addiction, remaining faithful until his passing, with Annabel always by his side.
  • Nostalgic Hymns and Childlike Faith: The author reflects on childhood church hymns that inspired emotions and visions of angels, emphasizing the importance of childlike faith in perceiving spiritual experiences.
  • Freezing Children and Kindness from a Stranger: In the 1960s, Marcus and Ann, traveling with their young children, sought warmth at a stranger’s home after a cold church service. The welcoming black couple defied racial norms, demonstrating kindness and compassion, highlighting a memorable act of humanity and divine blessing.
  • The Power of prayer: a childhood story: In the late 1960s, a family moved to an oilfield town where the children, Jerry and Karen, faced a challenge crossing a cattle gap. After Karen got stuck, she prayed for help, and Jerry miraculously bent the pipe to free her. Their father, skeptical, eventually recognized the extraordinary event as a manifestation of their faith.
  • Beating out the Fire: In 1963, Grandpa Paul, a new assistant pastor, shocked a congregation by admitting to “beating” his wife, which he later explained was to extinguish her dress fire. This incident taught the community the importance of understanding intentions behind actions, emphasizing listening before judgment.
  • The Power of Simple Prayers: A Personal Journey: The author recounts experiences from childhood living in a remote town with their mother, emphasizing the power of prayer. During dire moments, including a near-train accident and car troubles, simple prayers were instrumental in their survival. These events reinforced the belief in Jesus’ assistance and the importance of trust in divine timing.
  • Heaven: At a young age, the author learns about Jesus, heaven, and hell, desiring to go to heaven due to chronic sickness and the allure of animals there. After persistently praying, the author dreams of heaven where ailments disappear. Eventually, health improves, confirming the belief that Jesus answers prayers in various ways.
  • God Hears Every Prayer: A mother’s prayer for protection from snakes illustrates faith’s significance, showing that no concern is too trivial for God.
  • A Fork’s Symbolism: Hope and Faith: A woman nearing death insisted on being buried with a fork, symbolizing hope for something better, reminding others that faith leads to eternal life and joy.
  • Car Trouble and the Good Samaritan: A story about a good Samaritan that was the mostly likely to be considered a good Samaritan.
Inspiring Family Stories That Uplift Your Spirit

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inspirational stories, Stories and more

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Understanding Yom Kippur: A Christian Perspective on Atonement

Atonement: Yom Kippour

Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year for the Jewish people. Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur mark the Days of Awe. During this ten-day period, Jews forgive others, give to those in need, and confess sins in order to secure their names in the Book of Life for another year,

The Days of Awe end with a 25 hour fast and a Sabbath rest called Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement. This day was when God provided atonement for the sins of the Israelites. Leviticus 16 explains the Day of Atonement, how the Jews would bring two animals for sacrifice into the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle. Here is a short summary of the major events of the day.

  • After sacrificing on the priest’s own behalf, he would then sacrifice one animal in the temple as the sin offering. The second was named the Azazel or scapegoat. The priest would symbolically lay the sins of the people on the head of the goat and lead it outside of the camp, representing the sins of the people being taken away. This animal sacrifice would occur once a year and was always a temporal covering of sin. Year after year the Israelites repeated this tradition to ensure sins were covered and names were sealed in the Book of Life.

The question for us as Christians is how do we celebrate and remember a holiday in which the whole point of it is to make atonement for sins when we know Jesus has already made that ultimate atonement for us? Rather than trying to atone for another year’s sins, we as Christians can celebrate what Christ has already done for us. Here are some suggestions:

  1. You can extend radical forgiveness. Just as Jesus has given us grace, we too can extend grace and heal broken relationships during Yom Kippur. When you don’t have the grace or strength to forgive, ask God to supply both of those in greater measure.
    • Remember Matthew 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
  2. You can consider fasting for a meal or entire day. During your time of fasting, spend time praying. Pray for:
    • those who have not yet come to Jesus
    • Missionaries
    • Pastors
    • family members
    • the Nation of Israel
    • your own country
  3. You may also want to thank the LORD for the holidays as a revelation of Jesus at this time. This Blessing is…
    • Blessed art You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has given us holidays, customs, and seasons of happiness, for the glory of our Lord Jesus, the Light of the world.
The Seven Appointed Times of God

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bible, Bible Study, Feasts of God, Scriptural Articles

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Los Siete Copas: Juicios Divinos en Apocalipsis

 

Los Siete Copas (Apocalipsis 15:1-16:21)

  • El preludio (Apocalipsis 15:5-16:1)
    • se abrió el templo del tabernáculo del testimonio en el cielo:
      • Y los siete ángeles salieron del templo, teniendo las siete plagas, vestidos de lino puro y blanco, y llevando sus pechos ceñidos con cinturas de oro.
      • Y uno de los cuatro seres vivientes dio a los siete ángeles siete copas de oro llenas de la ira de Dios, que vive por los siglos de los siglos.
      • Y el templo se llenó de humo por la gloria de Dios y por su poder; y nadie podía entrar en el templo, hasta que se cumplían las siete plagas de los siete ángeles.
      • Y oí una gran voz del templo que decía a los siete ángeles: id, y derramad sobre la tierra las copas de la ira de Dios.
  • Primer copa (Apocalipsis 16:2)
    • el primero fue y derramó su copa sobre la tierra;
      • y sobre los hombres que tenían la marca de la bestia y sobre los que adoraban su imagen cayó una úlcera maligna y dolorosa.
  • Segunda Copa (Apocalipsis 16:3)
    • el segundo ángel derramó su copa sobre el mar
      • y se volvió como la sangre de un muerto: y toda alma viviente murió en el mar.
  • Tercera Copa (Apocalipsis 16:4-7)
    • el tercer ángel derramó su copa sobre los ríos y manantiales de aguas
      • y se convirtieron en sangre.
    • el ángel de las aguas dijo: Justo eres, oh Señor, que eres, y eras, y has de venir, porque así has juzgado. Porque han derramado la sangre de santos y profetas, y tú les has dado sangre para beber; porque son dignos.
    • otro del altar dijo: Así sea, Señor Dios Todopoderoso, verdaderos y justos son tus juicios.
  • Cuarta Copa (Apocalipsis 16:8-9)
    • el cuarto ángel derramó su copa sobre el sol
      • y se le dio poder para quemar a los hombres con fuego.
        • Los hombres fueron quemados con gran calor y blasfemaron el nombre de Dios, que tiene poder sobre estas plagas.
        • No se arrepintieron.
  • Quinta copa (Apocalipsis 16:10-11)
    • el quinto ángel derramó su copa sobre el trono de la bestia
    • y su reino se llenó de tinieblas; mordían sus lenguas de dolor,
    • blasfemaron del Dios del cielo a causa de sus dolores y sus llagas,
    • y no se arrepintieron de sus obras.
  • Sexta Copa (Apocalipsis 16:12-16)
    • el sexto ángel derramó su copa sobre el gran río Éufrates
      • y su agua fue secada, para que se preparara el camino a los reyes del este.
      • Tres espíritus inmundos, semejantes a ranas, salieron de la boca del dragón, y de la boca de la bestia, y de la boca del falso profeta.
        • Porque son espíritus de demonios, que hacen señales, y que salen a los reyes de la tierra y de todo el mundo, para reunirlos a la batalla de aquel gran día de Dios Todopoderoso.
      • He aquí, Yo (Jesús) vengo como ladrón. Bienaventurado el que vela, y guarda sus vestiduras, para que no ande desnudo, y vea su vergüenza.
        • Y los reunió en un lugar llamado en hebreo Armagedón.
  • Séptima copa (Apocalipsis 16:17-21)
    • el séptimo ángel derramó su vaso sobre el aire
      • y hubo una gran voz que salía del templo del cielo, del trono, diciendo: Está hecho.
      • Hubo voces, truenos y relámpagos; y hubo un gran terremoto, tal como no lo había habido desde que los hombres estaban sobre la tierra, un terremoto tan fuerte y tan grande.
      • La gran ciudad fue dividida en tres partes, y las ciudades de las naciones cayeron: y la gran Babilonia fue recordada ante Dios, para darle el cáliz del vino de la ferocidad de su ira.
      • Cada isla huyó y no se encontraron las montañas.
      • Cayó sobre los hombres un gran granizo del cielo, cada piedra con un peso de un talento: y los hombres blasfemaron a Dios por la plaga del granizo; porque la plaga de él era excesivamente grande.
La Eternidad de Dios: Estudio Bíblico

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El fin de los tiempos y el Libro del Apocalipsis, Estudio de la Biblia,, La eternidad de Dios

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Understanding Yom Teruah: The Day of Shouting Explained

Trumpets: Yom Teru’ah

On the 1st day of the Seventh Month (Tishrei) the Bible commands us to observe the Holy day of Yom Teruah which means Day of Shouting (Leviticus 23:23‑25; Numbers 29:1‑6). Yom Teruah is a day of rest on which work is forbidden.

One of the unique things about Yom Teruah is that the Bible does not say what the purpose of this Holy day is. The Bible gives at least one reason for all the other holy days and two reasons for some. The Feast of Matzot (Unleavened Bread) commemorates the Exodus from Egypt, but it is also a celebration of the beginning of the barley harvest (Exodus 23:15; Leviticus 23:4-14). The Feast of Shavuot (Weeks) is a celebration of the wheat harvest (Exodus 23:16; 34:22). Yom Ha‑Kippurim is a National Day of Atonement as described in great detail in Leviticus 16. Finally, the Feast of Sukkot (Booths or Tabernacles) commemorates the wandering of the Israelites in the desert and is also a celebration of the ingathering of agricultural produce (Exodus 23:16). In contrast to all these Torah festivals, Yom Teruah has no clear purpose other than that we are commended to rest on this day.

Nevertheless, the name of Yom Teruah provides a clue as to its purpose. Teruah literally means to make a loud noise. This word can describe the noise made by a trumpet but it also describes the noise made by a large gathering of people shouting in unison. For example:

  • Joshua 6:5 (KJV) “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.”

In this verse the word “shout” appears twice, once as the verb form of Teruah and a second time as the noun form of Teruah. Although this verse mentions the sound of the shofar (ram’s horn), the two instances of Teruah do not refer to the shofar. In fact, in this verse, Teruah refers to the shouting of the Israelites which was followed by the fall of the walls of Jericho.

While the Bible does not explicitly tell us the purpose of Yom Teruah, its name may indicate that it is intended as a day of public prayer. The verb form of Teruah often refers to the noise made by a gathering of the faithful calling out to the Almighty in unison. For example:

  • Clap hands, all nations, shout to God, with a singing voice! (Psalms 47:2)
  • Shout to God, all the earth! (Psalms 66:1)
  • Sing to God, our strength, shout to the God of Jacob! (Psalms 81:2)
  • Shout to Jehovah, all the earth! (Psalms 100:1)

In Leviticus 23:24, Yom Teruah is also referred to as Zichron Teruah. The word Zichron is sometimes translated as memorial, but this Hebrew word also means to mention, often in reference to speaking the name of God. For example, Exodus 3:15; Isaiah 12:4; Isaiah 26:13; Psalms 45:18. The day of Zichron Teruah, the Mentioning Shout, may refer to a day of gathering in public prayer in which the crowd of the faithful shouts the name of God in unison.

We as Christians can look to the New Testament for the answer as to the reason for celebrating this Holy Day.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.

The Trumpet referred to in scriptures is more commonly today called a Shofar.

A man blowing a shofar.

Today, few people remember the biblical name of Yom Teruah and instead it is widely known as Rosh Hashanah which literally means head of the year and hence also New Years Day. The transformation of Yom Teruah (Day of Shouting) into Rosh Hashanah (New Year’s) is the result of pagan Babylonian influence upon the Jewish nation. The first stage in the transformation was the adoption of the Babylonian month names. In the Torah, the months are numbered as First Month, Second Month, Third Month, etc. (Leviticus 23; Numbers 28). During their sojourn in Babylonia the people began to use the pagan Babylonian month names. 

How to celebrate:

  • It should be clear on how to celebrate. We are to sing, shout, and make a joyful noise to the Lord on this day.
  • There are no food restrictions on this day, except for keeping it Kosher (see the section on Kosher).
  • You may also want to thank the LORD for the holiday as a revelation of Jesus at this time. The Blessing is…
    • Blessed art You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has given us holidays, customs, and seasons of happiness, for the glory of our Lord Jesus, the Light of the world.
The Seven Appointed Times of God

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Understanding Pentecost: Significance and Celebrations

What is Pentecost and How to Celebrate it

This Festival is called by 5 different names in the Bible. Now it is better known as Pentecost. Here are the names given for it in the Bible and a brief explanation of why it was called that.

1) Chag Shavuot ‑ Festival of Weeks

  • The Hebrew word sheva means 7, shavu’ah means week, and shavuot means weeks.
  • It is also referred to as Bikkurei Ketzir Chittim (the first fruits of the wheat harvest). And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, of the first fruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the year’s end.@ (Exodus 34:22). And thou shalt keep the feast of weeks unto the Lord thy God with a tribute of a freewill offering of thine hand, which thou shalt give unto the Lord thy God, according as the Lord thy God hath blessed thee: (Deuteronomy 16:10).

2) Chag Hakatzir- The festival of the Harvest

  • Exodus 23:16 And the feast of harvest, the first fruits of thy labors, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of in gathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labors out of the field.”

3) Yom HaBikkurim ‑ Day of the First‑Fruits

  • This is not to be confused with the Festival of First Fruits. Also, in the day of the first fruits, when ye bring a new meat offering unto the Lord, after your weeks be out, ye shall have a holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work:” (Numbers 28:26).
  • The Targum (a Jewish commentary) to Numbers 28:26, interprets the word “beshavu’oteichem” ‑ “your Festival of Weeks” ‑ “be’atzrateichon.” ABe’atzrateichon is also known as Atzeret.

4) Zeman Matan Torateinu

  • In the Kiddush and Amidah prayers recited during Yom Tov, it is referred to as “zeman matan Torateinu” ‑ “the time of the giving of our Torah.”

5) Yom HaKahal- “The Day of Assembly”

  • According to all that thou desiredst of the Lord thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God, neither let me see this great fire anymore, that I die not.” Deuteronomy 18:16.

 Major Events that occurred during Shavuot

  • Pentecost Acts 2:1
  • The Day of the First fruits / Yom HaBikkurim Numbers 28:26
  • The Day of the Congregation / Yom HaKahal Deuteronomy 18:16
  • Feast of Harvest / Hag Hakatzir Exodus 23:16 
  • Feast of Weeks / Hag Shavuot Exodus 34:22
  • The Law was given at Sinai. Exodus 19:1‑11
  • All males to appear before the Lord in Jerusalem.  Deuteronomy 16:16
  • Jesus prays all night.  Luke 6:12
  • Jesus keeps the feast. John 7:37
  • The Holy Spirit comes! Acts 2:1
  • The covenant made at Sinai will be “renewed”.  Jeremiah 31:31‑40

Customs

  • Eat Milk and Honey (if possible)
    • Since the Bible, which gives nourishment to the spirit, is often liken to milk and honey, dairy foods are eaten on this day.
      • Psalms 19:7-10 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
      • 1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
  • Remember to Pray
    • Acts 2:2-4 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.
  • Decorate the house with flowers and fruits to remember the ancient practice of bringing first fruits to the Temple in Jerusalem.
  • Learn/ remember the 10 commandments that were given on this day.
  • Thank the LORD for the holiday as a revelation of Jesus at this time. This Blessing is…
    • “Blessed art You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has given us holidays, customs, and seasons of happiness, for the glory of our Lord Jesus, the Light of the world.”
The Seven Appointed Times of God

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The Events of Holy Week: A Journey to Calvary

The Road to Calvary: The last week of Christ’s life he many prophecies were fulfilled and demonstrated the compassion of Jesus for His Friends and enemies.

  1. The Triumphal Entry
    • As Jesus and His disciples came near Jerusalem, He sent two of them to a nearby village with instructions to return with a colt that they would find.
    • Jesus instructed them as to what to say.
    • A great crowd of people greeted him spreading garments in the path of the donkey.
    • Fulfilling Zechariah 9:9
      • Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
      • Matthew 21:1-5 And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
    • The Multitudes cried out:
      • And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
    • In a few days these same people would be screaming “Crucify Him”
  2. The Last Supper
    • The next event that occurred during the week before the crucifixion is known as the Last Supper: Matthew 26:17-29
    • Every year, the Jews kept the Feast of the Passover in remembrance of their delivery from Egyptian slavery
    • During the week before Jesus was crucified, at the Passover meal, Jesus instituted something new to the disciples and said:
      •  Matthew 26:26-28 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
    • Jesus revealed to His disciples that this meal would have a new special meaning. It is called the Lords Supper and it signifies that Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us
      • 1 Corinthians 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
      • 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 For I have received of the Lord that which also I deliverered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
    • Paul explained the meaning of the scripture as follows:
      • The bread represents Christ’s body.
      • The fruit of the wine symbolizes His blood.
      • This ordinance is to be observed.
      • This ordinance should be continued until the Lord’s return.
        • 1 Corinthians 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come.
    • Before Jesus instituted this supper, He said:
      • Matthew 26:20-25 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me, And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it 1? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
  3. GETHSEMANE
    • Following the supper, Jesus and His disciples came to the Garden of Gethsemane. He told eight of them of remain behind while He went to pray.
    • He took Peter, James, and John.
    • He became very sorrowful and heavy at the prospect of His betrayal and crucifixion.
    • He began to pray.
      • Matthew 26:40-41 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
  4. BETRAYED
    • Sometime later, He woke the disciples and said:
      • Matthew 26:46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
    • While Jesus was still speaking, Judas came with a multitude armed with swords and clubs.
    • Judas came to Jesus and said:
      • Matthew 26-49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master, and kissed him.
        • This was the prearranged signal to identify Christ to the mob.
  5. The Trial
    • Jesus’ trial was a mockery.
    • Arrangements for false witnesses had been made to testify against Him so that Jesus would be put to death.
    • They spit in Jesus’ face.
    • They struck Him with their hands.
      • Matthew 26:57-60 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end. Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven, Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying. He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death. Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, Saying. Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee? Now Peter sat without in the palace; and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee,
    • Following these tragic events, Jesus was led from Caiaphas to Pilate; Pilate was the governor over Judea and was responsible for carrying out the death penalty on criminals.
    • After questioning Jesus, Pilate said to the Jews:
      • Luke 23:14 Said unto them. Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:
      • John 18:39-40 But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? Then cried they all again, saying. Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber
    • In their frenzy they rejected the Son of God and chose a criminal.
  6. JESUS BEATEN
    • Little did they know that prophecy was being fulfilled by men of God years before.
      • Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
    • The stripes that Jesus took on His body was the price paid for our healing
    • Many years later Peter said’:
      • 1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
    • Healing of the sick is one of the signs that follow believers, Jesus said:
      • Mark 16:17-18 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Explore Fundamental Bible Stories in Home Study

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Listening to the Holy Spirit: A Life-Defining Moment

I will always remember Aug 13 1999. My mom and I were leaving Walmart on 16th Ave. As we were getting into the vehicle, I felt/heard a voice/ a nudging not to put my seat belt on. I always wore my seat belt, but this feeling was too strong. So, I delayed putting on my seat belt. As we were turning from 16th Ave to head for home a car ran the red light. This car was going too fast for that road and it did not have on its headlights. This was around 8:30 at night. The driver admitted to going 120 miles per hour.

We were in a very large old church van. The car hit the front of the van on my side. I sit in the front passenger seat. It then swung around and hit my side. This impact broke the motor support. The motor came through the dashboard and was sitting in my floorboard. Because I didn’t have my seat belt on, I was flung to the middle of the van. Only my right leg was caught between the motor and the door. It took the EMS 2 hours to get me out of the van. They had to use the jaws of life. My right eye was swollen shut. I had numerous cuts and scrapes. My right femur bone was broken. Thank God I listened to the nudging of the Holy Spirit. If I would have had my seat belt on, I would have stayed in my seat. Because of where the motor was, it would have either crushed both of my legs or killed me. Today, I am alive, and I can walk because of obedience to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Always heed the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Stay in prayer where you know the voice of the Good Shepherd. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. John 10:27-28.

Inspiring Family Stories That Uplift Your Spirit

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Finding Comfort in Psalm 23: Lessons for Life

Psalm 23
The Lord is my Shepherd

  • That’s Relationship!


I shall not want

  • That’s Supply!


He maketh me to lie down in green pastures

  • That’s Rest!


He leadeth me beside the still waters

  • That’s Refreshment!


He restoreth my soul

  • That’s Healing!


He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness

  • That’s Guidance!


For His name sake

  • That’s Purpose!


Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

  • That’s Testing!


I will fear no evil

  • That’s Protection!


For Thou art with me

  • That’s Faithfulness!


Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me

  • That’s Discipline!


Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies

  • That’s Hope!

Thou annointest my head with oil

  • That’s Consecration!


My cup runneth over

  • That’s Abundance!


Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life

  • That’s Blessing!


And I will dwell in the house of the Lord

  • That’s Security!


Forever

  • That’s Eternity!
Comprehensive Bible Studies by Topic

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Exploring the Book of Esther: Themes and Historical Context

Esther: The last of the Books of History


Esther 4:14
For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”


Author:

  • The author is unknown but was written by a Jew familiar with Persian customs.
  • Possibly written by Mordecai or Ezra.


Date:

  • Shortly after 465 B.C.
  • At this time a number of Jews were still in Babylon under Persian rule.
  • They had been freed to return to Jerusalem for over fifty years.


Theme:

  • God’s favor toward His people as they face opposition


Purpose:

  • Although the name of God is not mentioned in the book of Esther, this book demonstrates God’s sovereignty and loving care for His people.
  • No matter what the plan of the enemy is God’s plan is greater and always ensures His people victory.


Content:

  • Esther made Queen: Esther 1:1-2:23
    • Esther 2:4 Then let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti. This thing pleased the king, and he did so.
      • Esther 2:17 Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
  • Haman’s Plot to Destroy the Jews: Esther 3:1-5:14
    • Esther 3:2 Then the royal officials at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, “Why do you disobey the king’s command?”
    • Esther 3:5-6 When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor, he was enraged.  Yet having learned who Mordecai’s people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes.
    • Esther 3:8-10 Then Haman said to King Xerxes, “There is a certain people dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom who keep themselves separate. Their customs are different from those of all other people, and they do not obey the king’s laws; it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will give ten thousand talents of silver to the king’s administrators for the royal treasury.” So the king took his signet ring from his finger and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews.
    • Esther 5:14 His wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Have a pole set up, reaching to a height of fifty cubits, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai impaled on it. Then go with the king to the banquet and enjoy yourself.” This suggestion delighted Haman, and he had the pole set up.
  • Victory for the Jews: Esther 6:1-10:3
    • Esther 6:13 “Haman” …told Zeresh his wife and all his friends everything that had happened to him. His advisers and his wife Zeresh said to him, “Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him—you will surely come to ruin!” 
    • Esther 7:3-6 Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request. For I and my people have been sold to be destroyed, killed and annihilated. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king.” King Xerxes asked Queen Esther, “Who is he? Where is he—the man who has dared to do such a thing?” Esther said, “An adversary and enemy! This vile Haman!” Then Haman was terrified before the king and queen. 
    • Esther 7:10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecal. Then the king’s wrath subsided.
    • Esther 9:1 Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day, the time came for the king’s command and his decree to be executed. On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them.
    • Esther 9:20-22 And Mordecal wrote these things and sent letters to all the Jews, near and far, who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, to establish among them that they should celebrate yearly the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar, as the days on which the Jews had rest from their enemies, as the month which was turned from sorrow to joy for them, and from mourning to a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and joy, of sending presents to one another and gifts to the poor.
    • Esther 10:3 For Mordecal the Jew as second to King Ahasuerus, and was great among the Jews and well received by the multitude of his brethren, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen.

Christ in the Book of Esther

  • Esther as a type of Christ
    • Willing to risk her life for the lives of her people
    • Interceding for the Jewish people
  • Esther as a type of the Church
    • Esther 2:17 The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her made her queen instead of Vashti.
    • Ephesians 5:22 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
Old Testament Overview: Key Themes Explained

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La Bestia del Mar y el Falso Profeta: Profecías Apocalípticas Clave

El Programa de Satanás (Apocalipsis 12:1-13:18)

  • La mujer, el hijo y el dragón (Apocalipsis 12:1-6)
    • Gran maravilla en el cielo: una mujer vestida de sol, y la luna debajo de sus pies, y en su cabeza una corona de doce estrellas.
      • ella estaba embarazada y lista para tener al bebé.
    • Otra maravilla en el cielo: un dragón rojo que tiene 7 cabezas, 10 cuernos y 7 coronas sobre sus cabezas.
      • su cola arrastró 1/3 parte de las estrellas del cielo (las estrellas a menudo se refieren a ángeles) y las lanzó a la tierra.
    • La mujer tuvo un hijo varón (Jesús).
      • Este niño iba a gobernar todas las naciones con una vara de hierro.
      • El niño fue elevado a Dios, y a Su Trono.
    • La mujer huyó hacia las montañas donde se había preparado un lugar para ella.
      • Durante 1260 días, se le provee.
  • Gran guerra en el cielo (Apocalipsis 12:7-12)
    • Miguel y sus ángeles lucharon contra el dragón y sus ángeles.
    • El dragón perdió y fue expulsado del cielo.
    • El dragón es la serpiente antigua ( la que engañó a Eva ), el Diablo y Satanás.
  • Se oye una voz en el cielo que dice:
    • “Ahora ha venido la salvación, el poder, y el reino de nuestro Dios, y la autoridad de su Cristo; porque ha sido lanzado fuera el acusador de nuestros hermanos, el que los acusaba delante de Dios día y noche.”
  • La persecución en la tierra (Apocalipsis 12:13-17)
    • ¡Ay de la gente de la tierra y del mar! Porque el diablo ha descendido a vosotros con gran ira, sabiendo que tiene poco tiempo.
    • El dragón persiguió a la mujer que había dado a luz al hijo varón.
      • A la mujer se le dieron dos alas de una gran águila para que pudiera volar al desierto
      • ella va a un lugar preparado para ella por un tiempo, y tiempos, y medio tiempo.
      • ella está lejos de la serpiente
    • El dragón echó agua de su boca para que la mujer fuese arrastrada
      • La tierra ayudó a la mujer al absorber el diluvio.
    • El dragón va a hacer guerra contra el remanente de su descendencia, los que guardan los mandamientos de Dios y tienen el testimonio de Jesucristo.
  • La Bestia del mar: El anticristo (Apocalipsis 13:1-10)
    • Una bestia surgió del mar
      • tiene 7 cabezas
      • 10 cuernos
      • 10 coronas en las 10 cabezas
      • Parecía un leopardo con patas de oso y boca de león.
      • El dragón le dio su poder, su asiento y su gran autoridad.
    • Había una herida mortal en una de sus cabezas que está curada.
      • El mundo se maravilla tras la bestia
      • el mundo adora a la bestia
    • Se le dio una boca para hablar grandes cosas y blasfemias durante 42 meses.
      • abrió su boca en blasfemias contra Dios:
        • blasfemar contra su nombre
        • blasfemar contra su tabernáculo
        • blasfemar contra los que moran en el cielo
    • Y se le dio poder para hacer guerra contra los santos, y para vencerlos; y se le dio autoridad sobre toda tribu, pueblo, lengua y nación.
      • Todos los que moran en la tierra debían adorarle, cuyos nombres no están en el libro de la vida.
  • La bestia de la tierra: el falso profeta (Apocalipsis 13:11-18)
    • una bestia de la tierra
      • 2 cuernos como de cordero
      • hablaba como un dragón
      • ejerció todo el poder de la primera bestia
        • Hizo que la gente de la tierra adorara a la primera bestia
      • Él hace grandes maravillas, como hacer descender fuego del cielo.
        • Engañó a la gente de la tierra con los milagros.
      • Hizo que se hiciera una imagen de la primera bestia
        • Todos tenían que adorar a la primera bestia o ser asesinados.
        • Hizo que todos recibieran una marca en la mano derecha o en la frente
          • No se puede comprar ni vender sin la marca, o el nombre de la bestia, o el número de su nombre.
        • Aquí hay sabiduría. El que tenga entendimiento, cuente el número de la bestia, pues es número de hombre; y su número es 666.
  • El programa de Dios (Apocalipsis 14:1-20)
    • El Cordero y los 144.000 (Apocalipsis 14:1-5)
      • El cordero (Jesús ) estaba en el monte Sión con 144.000 personas que tenían el nombre de Dios escrito en sus frentes (el sello de Dios ).
      • Cosas oídas del cielo
        • Una voz como la voz de muchas aguas
        • Una voz como la voz de un gran trueno
        • Una voz de arpistas con sus arpas
          • Cantaron una nueva canción antes:
            • el trono
            • las cuatro bestias
            • los ancianos
            • Sólo los 144.000 pudieron aprender esta canción porque
              • fueron redimidos de la tierra
              • No se contaminaron con mujeres, son vírgenes
              • Siguen al Cordero dondequiera que vaya
              • Son redimidos de entre los hombres, siendo primicias para Dios y para el Cordero.
              • En sus bocas no hay engaño, porque son sin mancha delante del trono de Dios.
    • Los 3 ángeles (Apocalipsis 14:6-13)
      • primer ángel
        • Un ángel vuela por en medio del cielo, con el evangelio eterno para predicarlo a los moradores de la tierra, a toda nación, tribu, lengua y pueblo,
        • Diciendo a gran voz: Temed a Dios, y dadle gloria, porque la hora de su juicio ha llegado; y adorad a aquel que hizo el cielo y la tierra, el mar y las fuentes de las aguas.
      • segundo ángel
        • otro ángel, diciendo: Ha caído, ha caído Babilonia, la gran ciudad, porque ha hecho beber a todas las naciones del vino del furor de su fornicación.
      • tercer ángel
        • El tercer ángel los siguió, diciendo a gran voz: Si alguno adora a la bestia y a su imagen, y recibe la marca en su frente o en su mano,
          • Este también beberá del vino de la ira de Dios, que ha sido vaciado puro en el cáliz de su ira; y será atormentado con fuego y azufre delante de los santos ángeles y del Cordero;
          • Y el humo de su tormento sube por los siglos de los siglos; y no tienen reposo de día ni de noche los que adoran a la bestia y a su imagen, ni nadie que reciba la marca de su nombre.
        • Aquí está la paciencia de los santos: los que guardan los mandamientos de Dios y la fe de Jesús.
        • Y oí una voz del cielo que me decía: Escribe: Bienaventurados los muertos que mueren en el Señor de aquí en adelante. Sí, dice el Espíritu, descansarán de sus trabajos, porque sus obras con ellos siguen.
    • La mies de la tierra (Apocalipsis 14:14-20)
      • Y miré, y he aquí una nube blanca; y sobre la nube uno sentado semejante al Hijo del Hombre, que tenía en la cabeza una corona de oro, y en la mano una hoz aguda.
        • Y del templo salió otro ángel, clamando a gran voz al que estaba sentado sobre la nube: Mete tu hoz, y siega; porque la hora de segar ha llegado, pues la mies de la tierra está madura.
        • Y el que estaba sentado sobre la nube metió su hoz en la tierra, y la tierra fue segada. Y otro ángel salió del templo que está en el cielo, también con una hoz afilada.
        • Y salió del altar otro ángel, que tenía poder sobre el fuego, y clamó a gran voz al que tenía la hoz aguda, diciendo: Mete tu hoz aguda, y vendimia los racimos de la tierra, porque sus uvas están maduras.
        • Y el ángel metió su hoz en la tierra, y vendimió la viña de la tierra, y echó las uvas en el gran lagar de la ira de Dios.
        • Y fue pisado el lagar fuera de la ciudad, y del lagar salió sangre hasta los frenos de los caballos, por mil seiscientos estadios.
La Eternidad de Dios: Estudio Bíblico

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