THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE REFORMATION

Five hundred years ago today, Martin Luther protested against the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church.  It was not his intention to begin the Protestant Reformation, but rather, to challenge those who were abusing their power, who much like the Pharisees and the Sadducees with the Jews in the days of Jesus' sojourn on this orb, the Roman Catholic Church was getting wealthy at the expense of the poor, even to the point of enslaving them.  In addition to that, and a much more serious charge, he called for a return to the Bible as the sole source of doctrine for the Body of Christ!  He recognized that salvation was a gift from God to all who believed in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  His "enlightenment" came while teaching the Book of Romans, when he came to Romans 1:16-17; it reads:  "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ:  for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith:  as it is written, The just shall live by faith." 

Luther called for reform, not division!  He was well aware of Christ's desire that His Church be united, so that its testimony to this lost world would be well received.  Jesus had said in His prayer before going to the Cross:

"As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.  And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.  Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.  And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one:  I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me." (John 17:18-23)

Unfortunately, Luther's protests were rejected, and he was declared a heretic, which was punishable by death.  He spent the rest of his life in exile.  Thus began five hundred years of debate, division, and denominationalism.  Of course, the Lord, being Omniscient, knew that it would happen.  His knowledge of it can be seen in the parables of Matthew 13, and in the Seven Churches described in Revelation 2 & 3.

Perhaps the saddest result of the fragmentation of the Christian Church, is that each individual group thinks they are doctrinally correct, and that all others are going to hell!  It has been my privilege to fellowship with born again believers from many other groups.  While in the Navy, true Christians from many different denominations, including Roman Catholics, met together to worship, study, and edify each other.  All believed that Jesus is the Son of God!  All believed He was coming back for us!  All shared the Lord's Supper, and many were baptized having come to faith during our times together!  We all praise the Lord and shared the Gospel message with others!  Most of all, we all loved one another!  Blacks, Whites, males, females, Catholics, and dozens of those from Protestant denominations, all thanking God for each other!

Don't get me wrong.  The doctrines involving salvation and discipleship were foundational for our unity.  Those who challenged the Trinity, the Virgin Birth, the death, burial, and Resurrection, Christ's Second Coming, and those with an agenda to "convert" others to their narrow views, were quick to discover our fellowship was united and firm in our faith.  They either came to believe as we, or moved on to seek weaker sheep in some other fold.  I miss that unity and fellowship!

JESUS IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION

JESUS IS CALLED THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH ONCE!

Revelation 5:5 - "And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof."

JESUS IS IDENTIFIED AS THE LAMB TWENTY-SIX TIMES!

Revelation 5:6 - "And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth."
Revelation 5:8 - "And when He had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints."
Revelation 5:12-13 - "Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.  And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever."
Revelation 6:1 - "And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see."
Revelation 6:16 - "And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb...."
Revelation 7:9-10 - "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God Who sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb."
Revelation 7:14 - "And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me,  These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."
Revelation 7:17 - "For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters:  and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."
Revelation 12:11 - "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."
Revelation 13:8 - "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."
Revelation 14:1 - "And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with Him an hundred forty and four thousand, having His Father's name written in their foreheads."
Revelation 14:4 - "These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb."
Revelation 14:10 - "The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb...."
Revelation 15:3 - "And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints."
Revelation 17:14 - "These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them:  for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings:  and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful."
Revelation 19:7 - "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready."
Revelation 19:9 - "And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.  And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God."
Revelation 21:14 - "And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb."
Revelation 21:22-23 - "And I saw no temple therein:  for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it:  for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof."
Revelation 22:1 - "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb."
Revelation 22:3 - "And there shall be no more curse:  but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him...."

EVEN IN VICTORY, JESUS REMAINS THE HUMBLE LAMB OF GOD!

 

THE BIRTH OF THE CHURCH

THE BIRTH OF THE CHURCH WAS AT PENTECOST

Matthew 16:17-19 - And Jesus answered and said unto him, "Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona:  for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father Who is in heaven.  And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter [Πέτρος (Petros) - proper masculine noun - a small stone], and upon this rock [πέτρα (petra) - feminine noun - a huge boulder] I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  And I will give unto thee [Peter] the keys of the kingdom of heaven:  and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven:  and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

IT IS PETER WHO VERIFIES THOSE WHO ARE SAVED

Acts 1:8 - "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:  and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth [to the Gentiles]."

- - - Acts 2:14 - "But PETER, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words."

- - - Acts 8:14-17 - "Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them PETER and John:  who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.); then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost."

- - - Acts 10:44-45 - "While PETER yet spoke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word.  And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost."

HOW COULD PAUL PERSECUTE THE CHURCH

IF IT DIDN'T EXIST UNTIL HE PREACHED THE GOSPEL?

* * * * * * *

HOW DO WE KNOW THE CHURCH WAS BORN ON PENTECOST?

ACTS 2:47 - "...AND THE LORD ADDED TO THE CHURCH DAILY...."

APOSTLES WERE TO MAKE DISCIPLES - DISCIPLES ARE TO SHARE THE GOSPEL!

CHRIST'S INSTRUCTIONS TO HIS APOSTLES

Matthew 28:19-20 - "Go therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:  and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

1)  "teach all nations" - from the Greek μαθητεύω (mathēteuō), meaning "to make disciples."  Therefore, the message they were to "teach" had to be the Gospel, for only the Gospel message has the "power of God unto salvation"
       Romans 1:16 - "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ:  for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
2)  "baptizing them" - from the Greek βαπτίζω (baptizō), meaning "to immerse or submerge."
Baptism follows salvation - examples"
       Acts 8:12 - "But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women."
       Acts 8:34-38 - And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, "I pray thee, of whom does the prophet speak?  Of himself, or of some other man?"  Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same Scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.  And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, "See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?"  And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may."  And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."  And he commanded the chariot to stand still:  and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
       See also:  Acts 2:41; 18:8!
3)  "teaching them to observe" - from the Greek διδάσκω (didaskō), meaning "to instruct disciples."
       Ephesians 4:10-12, 20-21 - "And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ....But you have not so learned Christ; if so be that you have heard Him, and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus...."
       See also:  Colossians 1:28; 2:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 2 Timothy 2:2!
4)  "end of the world" - from the Greek αἰών (aiōn), meaning "an age; a set period of time."  Here it refers to the Church Age, from the birth of the Church at Pentecost (Acts 2), until the Church is removed by Christ at the Rapture (John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:50-54; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
       Ephesians 3:21 - "Unto Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.  Amen."
       See also:  Ephesians 2:7; Colossians 1:26!

THE LOCAL CHURCH IS THE PLACE TO TRAIN DISCIPLES.

ALL DISCIPLES ARE TO SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH OTHERS.

REVELATION 11:1-12 - "MY TWO WITNESSES"

REVELATION 11:1-12

[1] And there was given me a reed like unto a rod:  and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
[2] But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

[Note:  Jews are still worshipping in the Tribulation Temple; the Gentiles control Jerusalem; therefore, this forty-two months is the first half of the seven-year Tribulation.  See Dan. 9:27.]

[3] And I will give power unto My two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
[4] These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
[5] And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies:  and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.
[6] These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

[Note:  I believe the "two witnesses" are Enoch and Elijah, as neither died - Heb. 9:27 states "...it is appointed unto men once to die...." - Gen. 5:24; 2 Kgs. 2:11 - "two olive trees" - Zech. 4:1-14.  "God of the earth" - 2 Cor. 4:4. - 1260 days is equal to first forty-two months of the Tribulation.] 

[7] And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
[8] And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
[9] And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.
[10] And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
[11] And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
[12] And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

[Note:  "the beast that ascendeth"; in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue, his name Apollyon - Rev. 9:11 - is also named Satan - Rev. 20:2-3.  Until the use of satellites, it was not possible for the world to watch their bodies.]

Because the Church will have already been caught up to meet the Lord in the air (1 Th. 4:17; Rev. 4:1), God will use His two witnesses to proclaim His desire that none should perish but that all would come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9).  While we, the Church, are still here, we are to call upon people to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved; time is short so don't put it off.  Jesus died and rose again for you, so trust Him and live for Him today!

ALL BIBLE PROPHECY WILL BE LITERALLY FULFILLED

ISAIAH'S PROPHECIES CONCERNING JESUS CHRIST!

Isaiah 7:14 - "Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel."

Isaiah 9:6-7 - "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:  and the government shall be upon His shoulder:  and His name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever.  The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will perform this."

ISAIAH'S PROPHECIES REQUIRE JESUS TO COME TO EARTH TWICE!

THE INCARNATION OF JESUS CHRIST

Matthew 1:1, 16, 23-25 - "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. - - - And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. - - - Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.  Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:  and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son:  and he called His name JESUS."

Matthew 19:28 - "And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

Luke 1:30-35 - "And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary:  for thou hast found favor with God.  And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His name JESUS.  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest:  and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David:  and He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end.  Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?  And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee:  therefore also that (Holy Child) which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."

THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST

Matthew 25:31 - "When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory."

Hebrews 12:2 - "Looking unto Jesus, The Author and Finisher of our faith; Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Revelation 20:4 - "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the Word of God, and who had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."

Revelation 22:1-4 - "And He showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.  In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month:  and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.  And there shall be no more curse:  but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him:  and they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads."

HE WILL RETURN VERY SOON - ARE YOU READY?

THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE LIFE OF JESUS

THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE LIFE OF JESUS

Matthew 3:16 - "And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water:  and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him...."

Matthew 12:28 - "But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you."

Luke 4:1, 14, 18-19 - "And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness....And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about....The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord."

John 1:32-33 - "And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon Him.  And I knew Him not:  but He that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon Whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, the same is He Who baptizeth with the Holy Ghost."

John 3:34 - "For He Whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God:  for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him."

John 15:26 - "But when the Comforter is come, Whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of Truth, Who proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of Me...."

Romans 8:2 - "For the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."

1 Timothy 3:16 - "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:  God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."

1 Peter 3:18-19 - "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:  by Whom also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison...."

Revelation 19:10 - "And I fell at his feet to worship him.  And he said unto me, See thou do it not:  I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus:  worship God:  for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy."

DO YOU WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS?  

SUBMIT YOURSELF TO THE SPIRIT OF GOD!

FAITH + WORKS = EVIDENCE

SALVATION IS BY FAITH

John 3:15-18 - "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:  that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.  For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.  He that believeth on Him is not condemned:  but He that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."

Acts 16:30-31 - "And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved...."

SALVATION CANNOT BE EARNED

Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God:  not of works, lest any man should boast."
Titus 3:5 - "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost...."

HOWEVER, GENUINE SALVATION RESULTS IN GOOD WORKS

Matthew 5:16 - "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Who is in heaven."

Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

OUR WORKS ARE EVIDENCE OF OUR FAITH IN CHRIST

James 2:14, 17-20 - "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works?  Can (workless) faith save him? --- Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.  Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works:  show me thy faith without thy works (it cannot be done!), and I will show thee my faith by my works.  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well:  the devils also believe, and tremble.  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?"

IF YOU HAVE BEEN BORN AGAIN BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST,

YOUR LIFE SHOULD BE A TESTIMONY WHICH GLORIFIES GOD!

ONE GOD: THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT!

EVIDENCE OF THE TRIUNE GOD IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

In the following verses, note that "God" in the Hebrew is  אֱלֹהִים ('elohiym), a plural masculine noun; also notice the pronouns in Genesis 1:26-27 are also plural:

Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning God...."
Genesis 1:26-27 - "And God said, Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.  So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them."
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:  And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might."

EVIDENCE OF THE TRIUNE GOD IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

Matthew 3:16-17 - "And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him:  and lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased."
Matthew 28:19-20 - "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.  Amen."
John 14:16-17, 26 - "And I (Jesus) will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; Whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him:  but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you....But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, Whom the Father will send in My name (Jesus), He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
Ephesians 2:18 - "For through Him (Jesus) we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father."
1 Timothy 3:15-16 - "But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.  And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:  God was manifest in the flesh (Jesus) , justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."
1John 5:5-7  - "Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?  This is He that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.  For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word (Jesus), and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."

WHEN YOU TRUST THAT JESUS DIED FOR YOUR SINS ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES, THAT HE WAS BURIED, AND THAT THE FATHER RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, AS THE SCRIPTURES HAD SAID HE WOULD, YOU ARE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT!  (John 14:16-20; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

THOSE WHO KNOW HIM CANNOT BE SILENT!

ISRAEL AND THE CHURCH HAVE THIS IN COMMON;

WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED BY THE LORD OUR GOD!

Judges 5:3 - "Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel."

2 Samuel 22:50 - "Therefore I will give thanks unto Thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto Thy name."

2 Chronicles 29:30 - "Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise unto the LORD with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer.  And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped."

Psalm 7:17 - "I will praise the LORD according to His righteousness:  and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high."
Psalm 9:2, 11 - "I will be glad and rejoice in Thee:  I will sing praise to Thy name, O Thou most High....Sing praises to the LORD, Who dwells in Zion:  declare among the people His doings."
Palm 18:49 - "Therefore will I give thanks unto Thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto Thy name."
Psalm 27:6 - "And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me:  therefore will I offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD."
Psalm 30:12 - "To the end that my glory may sing praise to Thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto Thee forever."
Psalm 47:6 - "Sing praises to God, sing praises:  sing praises unto our King, sing praises."
Psalm 61:8 - "So will I sing praise unto Thy name forever, that I may daily perform my vows."
Psalm 68:4, 32 - "Sing unto God, sing praises to His name:  extol Him Who rides upon the heavens by His name JAH, and rejoice before Him....Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah."
Psalm 75:9 - "But I will declare forever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob."
Psalm 92:1 - "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O most High."
Psalm 98:4 - "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth:  make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise."
Psalm 104:33 - "I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being."
Psalm 108:3 - "I will praise Thee, O LORD, among the people:  and I will sing praises unto Thee among the nations."
Psalm 135:3 - "Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good:  sing praises unto His name; for it is pleasant."
Psalm 138:1 - "I will praise Thee with my whole heart:  before the gods will I sing praise unto Thee."
Psalm 144:9 - "I will sing a new song unto Thee, O God:  upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto Thee."
Psalm 146:2 - "While I live will I praise the LORD:  I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being."
Psalm 147:1, 7 - "Praise ye the LORD:  for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely....Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God."
Psalm 149:3 - "Let them praise His name in the dance:  let them sing praises unto Him with the timbrel and harp."

Hebrews 2:12 - "Saying, I will declare Thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee."

Revelation 5:9-10 - "And they sang a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof:  for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth."
Revelation 14:3 - "And they sang as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders:  and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, who were redeemed from the earth."

WHILE THE WORLD IS FALLING DOWN AROUND US,

WE SHOULD FOCUS UPON OUR GOD'S GLORY, 

AND SING PRAISES TO HIS WONDERFUL NAME!

THE LORD IS TRUSTWORTHY!

THE LORD ALONE IS TRUSTWORTHY!

Job 13:15-16 - "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him:  but I will maintain mine own ways before Him.  He also shall be my salvation:  for an hypocrite shall not come before Him."

Psalm 2:10-12 - "Be wise now therefore, O ye kings:  be instructed, ye judges of the earth.  Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.  Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and ye perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little.  Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him."

Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."

Isaiah 12:1-2 - "And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise Thee:  though Thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and Thou comfortedst me.  Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid:  for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation."

Daniel 3:28-29 - "Then Nebuchadnezzar spoke, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, Who hath sent His angel, and delivered His servants that trusted in Him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.  Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill:  because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort."

Nahum 1:7 - "The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him."


Matthew 12:18-21 - "Behold My Servant, Whom I have chosen; My Beloved, in Whom My soul is well pleased:  I will put My Spirit upon Him, and He shall show judgment to the Gentiles.  He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear His voice in the streets.  A bruised reed shall He not break, and smoking flax shall He not quench, till He send forth judgment unto victory.  And in His name shall the Gentiles trust."

Romans 15:8-12 - "Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:  and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to Thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto Thy name.  And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with His people.  And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud Him, all ye people.  And again, (Isaiah) saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and He that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in Him shall the Gentiles trust."

Ephesians 1:12-13 - "...we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ.  In Whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your salvation:  in Whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise...."

Hebrews 2:9-13 - "But we see Jesus, Who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man.  For it became Him, for Whom are all things, and by Whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.  For both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one:  for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, I will declare Thy name unto My brethren, in the midst of the Church will I sing praise unto Thee.  And again, I will put my trust in Him."

THE HOLY SPIRIT SAYS TO TRUST IN GOD, THE FATHER,

AND IN JESUS CHRIST, HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON!

DANIEL: THE KEY TO UNDERSTANDING PROPHECY

SOME "REVELATIONS" FROM DANIEL 9:24-27

[24] Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

[Notes:  "Weeks" - from the Hebrew שָׁבוּעַ (shabuwa`), which means "a heptad, seven of anything."  In this case, "seven years" or 490 total years.  "Thy people" - this prophecy refers to Israel.  "Thy holy city" - refers to Jerusalem.  The six accomplishments listed will not all be fulfilled until the 490 years are completed, when Jesus begins His role as King on the throne of David - Rev. 20!]

[25] Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

[Notes:  The command to "go forth" was decreed by Artaxerxes in 444 B.C. (the 20th year of his reign - Neh. 2:1-8).  Jesus, "Messiah the Prince," would be at His triumphal entry 483 years later (49 + 420 + 14).  It is at that time, He will be killed - see next verse.]

[26] And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for Himself:  and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

[Notes:  After the 483 years, Jesus would be crucified for OUR sins, not His own!  After that (A.D. 70), Rome destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple.  The future "prince," (verse 27) will be the Antichrist; he will be from the area which was controlled by the Roman Empire.]

[27] And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week:  and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

[Notes:  The Antichrist will rule for "one week" (the remaining seven years of the 490).  It is from this verse that we know the "weeks" are weeks of years.  This "Seventieth Week of Daniel" is also known as "The Time of Jacob's Trouble (Jer. 30:7) and the "Tribulation" (Mt. 24:29).  The seven years are divided into two halves, three and one half years each.  Each half is described as "Time, times, and half a time" (a "time" being one year of 360 days - Dan. 7:25; 12:7; Rev. 12:14); "1260 days" (Rev. 11:3; 12:6); and "42 months" (Rev. 11:2; 13:5).

            The "abominations he shall make it desolate" refers to him declaring himself to be God and demanding to be worshipped as such (Dan. 8:1-13 - Antiochus Epiphanes was a type of the Antichrist - Mt. 24:15; Rev. 13:1-18).]

The Good news for "the saved" (born again believers), is that we will not be here when the Antichrist reigns (Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:50-54; 1 Th. 1:10; 4:13-18; 5:9; Rev. 3:10).  The last mention of the Church in the time line of Revelation is Chapter three.  The Tribulation is described in Chapters 6-18!  If you have never trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you need to do so today!  The world is described as totally wicked (Days of Noah), and being plagued with homosexuality (Days of Lot), when Christ comes for His Church.  Is there any doubt that the world meets that description today?  Jesus died for your sins according to the Scriptures, He was buried, and His Father raised Him from the dead according to the Scriptures (1 Cor. 15:3-4).  Trust Him before it is too late!   

NOTICE

NOTICE

WHILE THE NUMBERS OF READERS OF

skipslighthouse.blogspot.com (new address) 

IS NOT NOW, NOR HAS IT EVER BEEN IMPORTANT,

IT DOES SERVE AS AN INDICATION OF A PROBLEM.

RECENTLY, SOME KIND OF COMPUTER GLITCH

HAS CAUSED THE OLD ADDRESS,

WWW.SKIPSLIGHTHOUSE.BLOGSPOT.COM

TO BECOME INVALID!  I HAVE NO IDEA WHY!

I AM WRITING THIS NOTICE TO RECONNECT

WITH THOSE WHO HAVE "BEEN DISCONNECTED!

PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH THOSE YOU KNOW

WHO HAVE READ MY BLOG IN THE PAST!

THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

BAPTISM FOLLOWS SALVATION BY FAITH IN CHRIST!

My Understanding of ACTS 8:26-40

The Ethiopian Eunuch was a Jew.

       And the Angel of the Lord spoke unto Philip, saying, "Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goes down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert."  And he arose and went:  and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace, Queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, was returning, and sitting in his chariot, read (Isaiah) the Prophet.  Then the Spirit said unto Philip, "Go near, and join yourself to this chariot."  And Philip ran to him, and heard him read the Prophet (Isaiah), and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"  And he said, "How can I, except someone guide me?"  And he desired that Philip would come up and sit with him.

Isaiah's Prophecy Foretells of the Death of Jesus.

       The place of the Scripture which he read was this, "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:  in his humiliation his judgment was taken away:  and who shall declare his generation?  For his life is taken from the earth."  And the eunuch said to Philip,  "I pray you tell me of whom did the prophet speak?  Of himself, or of some other man?"  Then Philip spoke beginning at the same Scripture, and preached unto him Jesus (the Gospel - Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 15:3-4).

Faith in Jesus Precedes Believer's Baptism!

       And as they went on their way, they came unto an oasis:  and the eunuch said, "See, here is water; what does hinder me from being baptized?"  And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may."  And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."  And he commanded the chariot stop:  and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.  And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, and the eunuch saw him no more:  and he went on his way rejoicing.  But Philip was found at Azotus:  and passing through, he preached in all the cities until he came to Caesarea.

What Does Our Observation of the Ordinances Tell Others? 

       There are two ordinances which the Church observes:  Baptism, and the Lord's Supper.  Baptism pictures the believer's identifying with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12); and the partaking of the Lord's Supper declares one's faith in Christ's death and Second Coming (1 Cor. 11:23-26)!  Each publicly proclaims faith in Jesus Christ; each is a confession of one's faith in the Lord Jesus (Rom. 10:8-13)!

Romans 10:9 (My Version)

If you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus,

and you believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead,

you will be saved!

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SALVATION AND REWARDS

  SALVATION   verses   REWARDS

  1)  Salvation is a free gift.  
        Rewards are earned by faithful service.

  2)  Salvation is not deserved.  
        Rewards are things believers deserve. 

   3)  Salvation is not by our works. 
        Rewards are based upon our works.

  4)  Salvation is a present possession.  
        Rewards are a future attainment.

  5)  Salvation can never be lost.  
        Rewards can be lost.

  6)  The focus of salvation is upon sin. 
        The focus of rewards is upon service.

  7)  Salvation involves possessing Christ.  
        Rewards involve possessing crowns.

  8)  Salvation is believing "IT IS DONE!" 
        Rewards come with a "WELL DONE!"

  9)  Salvation occurs at a point of time.  
        Rewards are earned from that time.

10)  Salvation is from Christ's work. 
        Rewards are from our works.

11)  Salvation:  man's part is FAITH. 
        Rewards:  man's part is FAITHFULNESS.

12)  Salvation:  believers are all equal. 
        Rewards:  believers are not all equal. 

13)  Salvation:  the judgment at His cross! 
        Rewards:  the judgment seat of Christ!

14)  Salvation costs me nothing. 
        Rewards cost a life of service.

15)  Salvation:  our justification.  
        Rewards:  our glorification.

16)   Salvation:  gratitude = service. 
            Rewards:  gratitude = casting crowns before Jesus.

NOTE:  For Scriptural support for these points, see the following:    www.middletownbiblechurch.org/salvatio/rewards.htm

SAVING FAITH: BELIEVING GOD GAVE HIS SON FOR OUR SINS ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES!

THEY KILLED JESUS FOR SAYING GOD WAS HIS FATHER

Matthew 7:21 - "Not every one that says unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father Who is in heaven."
Matthew 10:32-33 - "Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father Who is in heaven.  But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father Who is in heaven."
Matthew 11:27 - "All things are delivered unto Me of My Father:  and no man knows the Son, but the Father; neither knows any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him."
Matthew 12:50 - "For whosoever shall do the will of My Father Who is in heaven, the same is My brother, and sister, and mother."
Matthew 16:17 - "And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona:  for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father Who is in heaven."
Matthew 18:10, 19 - "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of My Father Who is in heaven....Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father Who is in heaven."
Matthew 20:23 - "And He said unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with:  but to sit on My right hand, and on My left, is not Mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of My Father."
Matthew 24:36 - "But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only."
Matthew 25:34 - "Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."
Matthew 26:29, 39, 42, 53 - "But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom....And He went a little further, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt....He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done....Think thou that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve legions of angels?"

John 5:18 - "Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill Him, because He not only had broken the Sabbath, but said also that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God."

ONE MUST HAVE FAITH IN THE FATHER AND THE SON

1 John 1:3 - "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with The Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ."
1 John 2:22-24 - "Who is a liar but he that denies that Jesus is the Christ?  He is antichrist, that denies The Father and The Son.  Whosoever denies The Son, the same hath not The Father:  but he that acknowledges The Son hath The Father also.  Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning.  If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in The Son, and in The Father."
1 John 4:14 - "And we have seen and do testify that The Father sent The Son to be the Savior of the world."
1 John 5:7 - "For there are three that bear record in heaven, The Father, The Word, and The Holy Ghost: and these three are one."

2 John 1:3, 9 - "Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God The Father, and from The Lord Jesus Christ, The Son of the Father, in truth and love....Whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.  He that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both The Father and The Son."

FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD,

THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON,

THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM

SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE!

JESUS IDENTIFIES WITH HIS OWN

MATTHEW 25:31-46

WITH THE JEWISH PEOPLE DURING THE TRIBULATION

       When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory:  and before Him shall be gathered all nations:  and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats:  and He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.
       Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:  for I was an hungry, and ye gave Me meat:  I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink:  I was a stranger, and ye took Me in:  naked, and ye clothed Me:  I was sick, and ye visited Me:  I was in prison, and ye came unto Me.
       Then shall the righteous answer Him, saying, Lord, when saw we Thee an hungry, and fed Thee?Or thirsty, and gave Thee drink?  When saw we Thee a stranger, and took Thee in?  Or naked, and clothed Thee?  Or when saw we Thee sick, or in prison, and came unto Thee?
       And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me. 
       Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:  for I was an hungry, and ye gave Me no meat:  I was thirsty, and ye gave Me no drink:  I was a stranger, and ye took Me not in:  naked, and ye clothed Me not:  sick, and in prison, and ye visited Me not.
       Then shall they also answer Him, saying, Lord, when saw we Thee an hungry, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto Thee?
       Then shall He answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to Me.  And these shall go away into everlasting punishment:  but the righteous into life eternal.

ACTS 9:1-6; 15-20

WITH BORN AGAIN BELIEVERS

       And Saul, yet breathing out threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.  And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:  And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why (do you) persecute Me?
and he said, Who art Thou, Lord?

       And the Lord said, I am Jesus Whom (you) persecute:  it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
       And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do? 

       And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

ACTS 9:15-20

       ...the Lord said unto him, Go thy way:  for he is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:  for I will show him how great things he must suffer for My name's sake.
       And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou came, hath sent me, that thou might receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.  And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales:  and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.  And when he had received meat, he was strengthened.  Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.  And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.

MISTREATING GOD'S PEOPLE WILL COST YOU DEARLY;

EITHER IN THIS LIFE, OR FOR ALL ETERNITY!

LUKE 16:19-31 IS NOT A PARABLE

SIX REASONS LUKE 16:19-31 CANNOT BE A PARABLE

1.  It would be the only parable in the Bible that describes certain things that are outside of the realm of human experience. All the other parables talk about things that we are familiar with such as birds, seed, fields, pearls, wheat, barns, leaven, fish, etc. (see Matthew 13, etc.).  This passage is different because it talks about what happens to two men after death, and this is a realm where none of us have had any personal experience. A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly or spiritual significance but Luke 16 transcends the realm of the earthly.

2.  It would be the only parable in the Bible that uses a proper name (Lazarus).

3.  It would be the only parable in the Bible that makes mention repeatedly of a historical person--Abraham. Moreover, this historical person actually carries on a dialogue with the rich man! Indeed, mention is also made in this parable of  Moses, another historical character.  What other parable speaks of real, historical persons?

 

4.  It would be the only parable in the Bible that describes the places where the dead go (Hades, Abraham's bosom, a place of torment).

5. It would be the only parable in the Bible that makes mention of angels.  Compare Matthew 13 verses 24-30, 36-43, 47-49 where angels are mentioned in the explanation of the parable but not in the parable itself.

6. If Hades is not really a place of torment then this would be the only parable in the Bible where the Lord Jesus taught error instead of truth. GOD FORBID!

A MAN CAN ACCEPT CHRIST'S DEATH AS PAYMENT FOR HIS SIN

- - - - - - - OR - - - - - - -

HE WILL SPEND ETERNITY WISHING HE HAD!

THIS IS A TEST OF THE "EMERGENCY BLOGGING SYSTEM"

On November 5th, 2009, I made my first trial run to make sure I understood all of the instructions for posting a blog.  I wrote nine words:  THIS IS MY FIRST POSTING OF MY NEW BLOG.  It worked, and now, somewhere near 3100 posts later, I am "beginning again."

Originally, my Pastor literally guided me through creating this, my "world-wide ministry," because I had been hospitalized with severe blood-clots in nearly every "branch" of my lungs.  He had asked if he could pray for me, and I said that if he did, he had to ask the Lord that if I was to continue to live, the He would provide me with some kind of ministry.  The rest is history.

Today, I am returning to my computer after being "missing in action" for a couple of days.  I was unable to sleep on Wednesday evening due to three very uncomfortable hours of "chest pains."  It wasn't really severe pain like you see in the movies, so I wasn't sure it was my heart.  Finally, I woke my wife (bless her sweet heart - no pun intended) and she drove me to the emergency room.  She spent nearly every minute by my bedside for about the next 48 hours. After "thousands" of blood-draws, breathing treatments, tests in medicine's newest diagnostic marvels, the results are in:  I have a small constriction in the lower muscle of my heart, and my cardiologist wants to try some medicine before giving me a heart cath.  I am on blood-thinner, and that does not go well with heart caths.  So now, we have to make appointments with him, and with pneumatology, to add more doctors' visits to the already full time chauffeuring by my dear wife.  So, if anyone out there feels like praying for me, be sure to add:  "If it is Your will that Skip remains in this sin-sick world, then let him continue his blog!"  I would much rather be absent and present with the Lord (via the Rapture preferably - LOL)!

As irony would have it, the very night I experienced my "heart attack," the internet decided my blog address was not valid!  As a result, I am, in a way, testing to see if all is back to normal.  My previous blog address was www.skipslighthouse.blogspot.com and while it was not working, I simply removed the www. and it worked ( skipslighthouse.blogspot.com ). So whichever works for you, please add me to your favorites, and share in spreading God's Word as an old retired sailor understands it!  God bless, and let me know if you got this.

JESUS IS LORD, AND THOSE WHO LOVE HIM SEEK HIS WILL!

SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE BOOK OF REVELATION

THREE OBSERVATIONS AND A QUESTION

I.  The word "church" appears 18 times in Chapters 1-3; zero times in Chapters 4-21; and once in Chapter 22, where John concludes writing of the vision; we read:
Revelation 22:16-17 - "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches.  I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the Bright and Morning Star.  And the Spirit and the bride say, Come...."

II.  Based upon its "key verse," the Book of Revelation is divided into three parts:  1) John's observations of the beginning of the vision (his past); 2) the Church Age (his present); and 3) future prophecies:
Revelation 1:19 - "Write the things which thou 1) hast seen, and 2) the things which are, and 3) the things which shall be hereafter...."
     1)  Revelation 1:20 - "The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks.
     2)  The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches."
     3)  Revelation 4:1 - "After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven:  and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter."

III.  Based upon the fact that the Church is not mentioned in Chapters 4-21, and the fact that these chapters describe The Tribulation (a.k.a. "Daniel's Seventieth Week" - Daniel 9:24-27, and "The Time of Jacob's Trouble" - Jeremiah 30:7); The Second Coming of Christ with His Church (1 Thessalonians 3:13); The Millennial Kingdom (Revelation 20); and The New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21); we have the best argument for the Pre-Tribulation Rapture of the Church (John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:50-54; 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 4:13-18, 5:9; and Revelation 3:10)!

IV.  There is one observation that has me totally baffled!  We are told in Revelation 3:12 that those of the Church of Philadelphia who shall be overcomers, will each be "a pillar in the temple of My God."  And yet, in Revelation 21:22, we read that there will be no Temple there:  the verse reads, "And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it."

I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR EXPLANATIONS ON THIS PUZZLE!