PHILADELPHIA AND LAODICIA

THE CHURCH OF THE LAODICIANS:

THE FALSE, CHRISTLESS CHURCH!

1 Timothy 4:1-6 - Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.  For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:  for it is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer.  If you put the brethren in remembrance of these things, you shall be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto you have attained.

THE LAST DAYS BEFORE THE RAPTURE!

2 Timothy 3:1-5 - This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent (lacking self-control), fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof (acting religious):  from such turn away.

2 Peter 3:1-9 - This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:  that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Savior:  knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming?  For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.  For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the Word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:  whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:  but the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same Word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.  But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

THE CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA:

THE CHURCH OF THE RAPTURE!

Revelation 3:7-13 - And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things says He that is Holy, He that is True, He that has the key of David, He that opens, and no man can shut; and shuts, and no man can open it; I know your works:  behold, I have set before you an open door, and no man can shut it:  for you have a little strength, and have kept My Word, and have not denied My name.  Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. Because you hast kept the Word of My patience, I also will keep you from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.  Behold, I come quickly:  hold that fast which you have, that no man take your crown.  And whosoever overcomes will I make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, which is New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God:  and I will write upon him My new name.  He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches.

GOD IS RICH IN GRACE AND MERCY!

 EPHESIANS 2:1-9

SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH!

[1] And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;  [2] Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:  [3] Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.  [4] But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,  [5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)  [6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:  [7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.  [8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.

GRACE HERE IS DEFINED AS GOD GIVING US SALVATION,

 THAT WHICH WE DO NOT DESERVE!

TITUS 3:1-7

SAVED BY GOD'S MERCY!

[1] Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,  [2] To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.  [3] For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.  [4] But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared,  [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;  [6] Which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior;  [7] That being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

MERCY HERE IS DEFINED AS GOD FORGIVING OUR SIN,

AND THEREFORE, US NOT GETTING WHAT WE DO DESERVE!

BEING LIKE THE MAN ADAM IS A MISTAKE!

THE FIRST MAN WAS ADAM;

THOSE LIKE HIM ARE DOOMED!

1 Corinthians15:41-49 - There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differs from another star in glory.  So also is the resurrection of the dead.  It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:  it is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory:  it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.  There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.  And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the Last Adam was made a quickening spirit.  Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.  The first man is of the earth, earthy: the Second Man is the Lord from heaven.  As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy:  and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.  And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither does corruption inherit incorruption.  

THE SECOND/LAST ADAM IS CHRIST;

THOSE LIKE HIM WILL BE GLORIFIED!

1 Corinthians 15:50-55 - Behold, I show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump:  for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  O death, where is your sting?  O grave, where is your victory?

BELIEVE IN JESUS' DEATH FOR YOUR SINS;

AND HIS RESURRECTION TO BE YOUR LORD;

AND YOU'LL SPEND ETERNITY WITH HIM!

THE SIMPLE MESSAGE OF THE BIBLE!

ALL OF US ARE SINNERS!

Romans 3:10, 23 - As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one . . . . For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God....

ALL DESERVE THE DEATH PENALTY!

Romans 6:23 - For the wages (that which one has earned) of sin is death....

BUT GOD'S SON TOOK OUR PENALTY!

Romans 5:8-10 - But God commended (demonstrated) His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through (faith in) Him.  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

ALL WE MUST DO IS BELIEVE IT!

Romans 10:9-13 - IF you shall confess with your mouth (your faith in) the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.  For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  For the Scripture says, Whosoever believes in Him shall not be ashamed.  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek (non-Jew; Gentile): for the same Lord over all is rich (in mercy and grace) unto all who call upon Him.  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

DO YOU BELIEVE JESUS DIED FOR YOUR SINS AND HIS FATHER RAISED HIM FROM THE GRAVE?  IF SO, HE IS YOUR SAVIOR AND YOUR LORD!  GO TELL THE WORLD!

THE ORDER OF EVENTS AT THE RAPTURE!

 THE ORDER OF EVENTS AT THE RAPTURE:  

1.  JESUS PREPARES A PLACE FOR US!

John 14:1-3 - Let not your heart be troubled:  you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father's house are many mansions:  if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

2.  WE WILL BE INSTANTLY TRANSFORMED PHYSICALLY!

1 Corinthians 15:50-54 - Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither does corruption inherit incorruption.  Behold, I show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump:  for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

3.  JESUS CHRIST WILL CATCH US UP INTO HEAVEN!

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, that you sorrow not, even as others who have no hope.  For IF we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so those also who sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.  For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (go before; precede) those who are asleep.  For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

4.  BELIEVERS WILL BE CHANGED SPIRITUALLY TO BE LIKE JESUS!

1 John 3:1-2 - Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons (children) of God:  therefore the world knows us not, because it knew Him not.  Beloved, now are we the sons (children) of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be:  but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.

WHAT GOD INTENDED FOR MANKIND AT CREATION,

WILL HAVE TAKEN SIX MILLENNIA TO FULFILL!

WHEN YOU GO WHERE GOD LEADS, TAKE HIS WORD WITH YOU!

 SOMETIMES, IT IS GOD WHO "PUTS YOU IN A MESS!"

Matthew 4:1-11

[1] Then was Jesus led up of the (Holy) Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.  [2] And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward hungry.  [3] And when the tempter came to Him, he said, If You are the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

THE BEST WEAPON AGAINST SATAN IS GOD'S WORD!

[4] But He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.

HE WILL MISUSE THE WORD TO DECEIVE YOU!

[5] Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, and set Him on a pinnacle of the temple,  [6] And said unto Him, If You are the Son of God, cast Yourself down:  for it is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning You:  and in their hands they shall bear You up, lest at any time You dash Your foot against a stone.

WE NEED TO KNOW THE INTENT OF THE WORD!

[7] Jesus said unto him, It is written again, You shall not tempt the Lord your God (He is your Creator; you are not His equal).

THE DEVIL IS THE GOD OF THIS WORLD (2 COR. 4:4)!

[8] Again, the devil took Him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; [9] And said unto Him, All these things will I give You, if You will fall down and worship me.

SATAN CAN NEVER WIN AGAINST GOD'S WORD!

[10] Then Jesus said unto him, Leave Me, Satan:  for it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.  [11] Then the devil left Him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto Him.

YOU CAN TRUST IN THE WORD OF GOD

BECAUSE GOD IS AS GOOD AS HIS WORD!

AN EXCELLENT SOURCE OF BIBLE STUDY MATERIALS!

 MIDDLETOWN BIBLE CHURCH

BIBLE STUDY MATERIALS

http://middletownbiblechurch.org/miscel/litpage.htm

Literature Ministry

We have hundreds of literature items which range in size from short doctrinal studies to Bible studies which are more than 100 pages in length.  We have numerous booklets on various subjects.  We have hundreds of Sunday School lessons for children and adults.

Most of our literature is also available on this web site.  But if you would like to have our literature in printed form, at a very reasonable cost, please let us know.  We make no profit from our literature sales and we send you this literature at our cost.   For example, a hundred page set of our New Believer Worksheets costs only $1.00!  

Literature List [PDF Format]  -This is a catalog of all our our literature, including Sunday School Materials, Doctrinal Worksheets, Bible study materials, doctrinal studies on various topics, tools for evangelism, studies for new believers & papers/booklets on modern issues.

 

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CHRIST IS THE FOUNDATION, THE HEAD, THE ROCK!

THE CHURCH IS BUILT ON CHRIST!

Matthew 16:13 - When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of Man am?  And they said, Some say that You are John the Baptist: some, Elias (Elijah); and others, Jeremias (Jeremiah), or one of the prophets.  He said unto them, But whom do you say that I am?  And Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.  And Jesus answered and said unto him, You are blessed, Simon Barjona (son of Jonah): for flesh and blood has not revealed it unto you, but My Father Who is in heaven.  And I say also unto you, That you are Peter (Petros - a masculine noun - a small stone; a piece of rock), and upon this Rock (Petra - a feminine noun for a large rock formation) I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

JESUS IS REFERRED TO AS THE ROCK!

Exodus 17:6 - Behold, I will stand before you there upon the Rock in Horeb; and you shall strike the Rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink.  And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.  

[Compare Exodus 17:6 with Psalm 105:41 and 1 Corinthians 10:4.]

Psalm 105:41 - He opened the Rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river.

1 Corinthians 10:4 - And did all drink the same spiritual drink:  for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them:  and that Rock was Christ.

CHRIST IS THE ROCK!

Acts 4:10-11 - Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Whom you crucified, Whom God raised from the dead, even by Him does this man stand here before you whole.  This is the Stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

Ephesians 1:19-23 - And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:  and has put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fulness of Him that fills all in all.

1 Peter 2:6-8 - Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner Stone, elect, precious: and He that believes on Him shall not be confounded.  Unto you therefore who believe He is precious:  but unto those who are disobedient, the Stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a Stone of stumbling, and a Rock of offence, even to those who stumble at the Word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

SALVATION: DO OR DONE!

 "There is a wide difference between your religion and mine," said a Christian lady to one in whose spiritual condition she had long been interested. "Indeed," said he, "how is that?" "Your religion," she replied, "has only two letters in it, and mine has four."

It seems that this gentleman was one of that numerous class seeking to get to heaven by their doings, by attention to ordinances and ceremonies, by what the apostle, in the ninth of Hebrews, terms "dead works." But he did not understand about the "two letters" or the "four." His friend had often spoken to him, and on the occasion to which our anecdote refers she had called to take her leave of him for some time, as she was about to go from home.

"What do you mean," said he, "by two letters and four?"

"Why, your religion," said the lady, "is d-o DO; whereas mine is D-O-N-E." This was all that passed. The lady took her leave; but her words remained and did their work in the soul of her friend--a revolutionary work, verily. The entire current of his thoughts was changed. Do is one thing; done is quite another. The former is legalism; the latter is Christianity. It was a novel and very original mode of putting the gospel; but it was just the mode for a legalist, and the Spirit of God used it in the conversion of this gentleman. When he next met his friend, he said to her, "Well, I can now say with you that my religion is d-o-n-e, DONE.." He had learned to fling aside the deadly doings, and rest in the finished work of Christ. He was led to see that it was no longer what he could do for God, but what God had done for him.

This settled everything. The four golden letters shone under the gaze of his emancipated soul, "d-o-n-e." Precious letters! Precious word! Who can tell the relief to a burdened heart when it discovers that all is done? What joy to know that what I have been toiling for, it may be many a long year, was all done nearly 2000 years ago, on the cross! Christ has done all. He has put away sin; magnified the claims of divine justice; vanquished Satan; taken the sting from death and the victory from the grave; glorified God in the very scene in which He had been dishonored; brought in everlasting righteousness. All this is wrapped up in these four golden letters, "d-o-n-e." Oh, who would not give up the two for the four? Who would not exchange "do" for "done"?

Reader, what say you to this? What of your religion? Does it consist of two letters or four? Is it still "do" with you? or have you found your happy portion and rest in "done"? Do you think of it, dear friend--think deeply--think seriously--and may God's Spirit lead you, this moment, to cease from your own "do," and to rest in Christ's eternal "done." (by C.H.Mackintosh, 1820-1896)

MY UNDERSTANDING OF "HE WHO RESTRAINS!"

 WHO IS HE THAT RESTRAINS THE ANTICHRIST?

2 Thessalonians 2

[1] Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him,  [The Rapture of the Church]
[2] That you be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
[3] Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, [The Church of Philadelphia is removed before the Tribulation (Rev. 3:10); The Church of the Laodiceans is no longer faithful, having fallen into apostasy, as Jesus is at the door knocking to be invited in (Rev. 3:20).] and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition [The antichrist:  referred to later in this chapter (See Dan. 9:26-27; Mt. 24:15; Rev.13:1-10)];
[4] Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
[5] Remember you not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
[6] And now you know what withholds [Some believe it is the Church, and following the Rapture, there is no resistance to him; others believe it is the Holy Spirit.  I believe it is the Holy Spirit because He, as the Comforter of the Church, is no longer needed since the Church has been removed.] that he might be revealed in his time.
[7] For the mystery of iniquity does already work:  only He [The Holy Spirit] Who now letteth (allows) will let, until He be taken out of the way.
[8] And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming [See Rev. 19:11-16].

THIS IS MY INTERPRETATION OF THE PASSAGE;

YOU STUDY IT AND SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS.

EITHER WAY, JESUS IS LORD, AND 

HE IS COMING FOR HIS OWN!

STOP TRYING AND START TRUSTING!

 THE LAW CANNOT SAVE; IT REVEALS OUR SIN!

Galatians 3:21-26 - Is the Law then against the promises of God?  God forbid:  for if there had been a Law given which could have given life (made one born again), verily righteousness should have been by the Law.  But the Scripture has concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.  But before faith came, we were kept under the Law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.  Wherefore the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.  But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.  For you are all the (born again) children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE, A GIFT FROM GOD!

Ephesians 2:1-9 - And you has He quickened (made alive), who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience:  among whom also we all had our conversation (our way of living) in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.  But God, Who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, has quickened us (made us alive) us together with Christ, by grace you are saved; and has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:  that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.  For by grace (God's favor; unearnable; undeserved) are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God:  not of works, lest any man should boast.

YOU CANNOT BE SAVE BY OBEYING THE LAW,

BUT THE SAVED WILL WANT TO OBEY THE LAW

IN LOVING THEIR NEIGHBOR AS THEMSELVES!

THE BIBLE IS CLEAR ON THE IDENTITY OF JESUS CHRIST!

WHO AM I?  I AM!

Genesis1:1 - In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Isaiah 9:6 - 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 Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

John 1:1, 10, 14 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . . He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. . . . And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Colossians 1:16-17 - For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him:  and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.

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.

Hebrews 1:1-3 - God, Who at sundry (various) times and in divers manners (different ways) spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, Whom He has appointed heir of all things, by Whom also He made the worlds; Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.

Revelation 19:11-16 - And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He does judge and make war.  His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns;  and He had a name written, that no man knew, but He Himself.  And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called The Word of God.  And the armies which were in heaven followed Him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.  And out of His mouth went a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations: and He shall rule them with a rod of iron: and He treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.  And He has on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

THESE THINGS BEING TRUE,

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

WORSHIP AND OBEY HIM!

MY UNDERSTANDING OF REPENTANCE AND BEING BORN AGAIN!

 THE LORD'S RESPONSE TO NICODEMUS

JOHN 3:1-21 (My Interpretation)

[1] There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
[2] The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him, Rabbi (Master), we know that You are a teacher come from God: for no (mere) man can do these miracles that You do, except God be with Him.
[3] Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
[4] Nicodemus said unto Him, How can a man be born when He is old?  Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
[5] Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a man be born of water (physical birth) and of the Spirit (spiritual birth), he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
[6] That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
[7] Marvel not that I said unto you, You must be born again.
[8] The wind blows where it listeth (wills), and you hear the sound thereof, but can not tell whence it cometh (from where it comes), and whither it goeth (where it goes):  so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.
[9] Nicodemus answered and said unto Him, How can these things be?
[10] Jesus answered and said unto him, Are you a master (teacher) of Israel, and know not these things?
[11] Verily, verily, I say unto you, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and you receive not (reject) our witness.
[12] If I have told you earthly things, and you believe not, how shall you believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
[13] And no man has ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, even the Son of Man Who is in (better:  of; from) heaven.
[14] And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
[15] That whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.
[16] 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.
[17] For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.
[18] He that believes on Him is not condemned:  but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the Only Begotten Son of God.
[19] And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
[20] For every one that doeth evil hates the light, neither comes to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved (exposed and punished).
[21] But he that does truth (lives by obedience to the truth) comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God (directed and empowered by God).

BELIEVING IN JESUS RESULTS IN THE NEW BIRTH,

OUR OLD WAY OF THINKING IS TRANSFORMED

AS A RESULT OF FAITH:  THIS IS REPENTANCE!

Keep Us In Prayer!

Sorry for not posting today.  I am not feeling well, and it has nothing to do with having turned 78 years old today.  Please continue to pray for our family.  Judy is in a lot of pain as am I.  Dawn is running around like a mad woman trying to take care of us and also the mother of her three grandkids; while dealing with MS herself!  Thank God for Hosparus and Caretenders!  Longing for our Blessed Hope to come for His children!!!!!!!  Amen!!!!!!!

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PETER AND PAUL!

 THE GOSPEL AS PREACHED BY PETER!

Acts 2:14, 22-38 -  But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, You men of Judaea, and all you that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words . . . . You men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as you yourselves also know:  Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:  Whom God has raised up, having loosed the pains of death:  because it was not possible that He should be holden of  (held by) it.

For David spoke concerning Him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for He is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:  therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:  because You will not leave my soul in hell, neither will You suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.  You have made known to me the ways of life; You shall make me full of joy with Your countenance.

Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day.  Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, He would raise up Christ to sit on His throne; He seeing this before spoke of the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in hell, neither His flesh did see corruption.  This Jesus has God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.  Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He has shed forth this, which you now see and hear.  For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he said himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, You sit on My right hand, until I make Your foes Your footstool.  Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God has made that same Jesus, Whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?  Then Peter said unto them, Repent (have a change of mind:  go from disbelief to believing), and (then) be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

THE GOSPEL AS PROCLAIMED BY PAUL!

Romans 10:8-13 - But what does it say?  The Word is near you, even in your mouth, and in your heart: that is, the Word of faith, which we preach; that if you shall confess with your mouth (your faith in) the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.  For with the heart man believes unto (and is granted Christ's righteousness - see 2 Corinthians 5:21) righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  For the Scripture says, Whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed.  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek (non-Jew; Gentile): for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him.  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

1 Corinthians 15:1-6 - Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also you have received, and wherein you stand; by which also you are saved, if you keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless you have believed in vain.  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:  and that He was seen of Cephas (by Peter), then of the twelve:  after that, He was seen of above (by more than) five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain (alive) unto this present, but some are fallen asleep (have died).

Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace (the undeserved love of God) are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God:  not of works, lest any man should boast.

IT CANNOT BE ANY CLEARER THAN THIS:

SALVATION IS A GIFT BOUGHT WITH THE

BLOOD OF JESUS, AND OFFERED TO YOU!

TODAY MIGHT BE YOUR LAST OPPORTUNITY!

ROMANS ONE:  AS IT WAS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH AND LOT!

[24] Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves:
[25] Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever.  Amen.
[26] For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
[27] And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.
[28] And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
[29] Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
[30] Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
[31] Without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
[32] Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

2 TIMOTHY THREE:  AS IT IS TODAY!

[1] This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
[2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
[3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
[4] Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
[5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

TIME IS RUNNING OUT; TRUST IN JESUS TODAY!

1 CORINTHIANS 15:1-4:  BELIEVE THE GOSPEL AND BE SAVED!

[1] Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also you have received, and wherein you stand;
[2] By which also you are saved, if you keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless you have believed in vain.
[3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures;
[4] And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures....

THE LAMB ON THE CROSS!

GOD HIMSELF, THE LAMB, DIED FOR OUR SIN!

Genesis 22:7-8 - And Isaac spoke unto Abraham his father, and said, My father:  and he said, Here am I, my son.  And he said, Behold the fire and the wood:  but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?  And Abraham said, My son, God will provide (offer) Himself (as) a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.

John 1:29-36 - The next day John saw Jesus coming unto him, and said, Behold the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world.  This is He of Whom I said, After me comes a Man Who is preferred before me:  for He was before me.  And I knew Him not:  but that He should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.  And John bore 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 you shall see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, the Same is He which baptizes with the Holy Ghost.  And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.  Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; and looking upon Jesus as He walked, he said, Behold the Lamb of God!

1 Corinthians 5:7-8 - Purge out therefore the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, as you are unleavened.  For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us:  therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

1 Corinthians 15:1-6 - Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also you have received, and wherein you stand; by which also you are saved, if you keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless you have believed in vain.  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:  and that He was seen of Cephas (by Peter), then of (by) the twelve (remaining eleven):  after that, He was seen of above (by more than) five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present (day), but some are fallen asleep (some have died).

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.

THE LIFE-CHANGING RESPONSE OF MAN!

Romans 10:8-13 - But what does it say?  The Word is near you, even in your mouth, and in your heart:  that is, the Word of faith, which we preach; that if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.  For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  For the Scripture says, Whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed.  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek (non-Jew; Gentile): for the same Lord over all is rich unto all who call upon Him.  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

JESUS LOVES YOU!

LOVE HIM BACK!

OVERCOMING SATAN!

OVERCOME SATAN IN THIS WORLD!

Romans 12:21 - Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

2 Peter 2:19 - While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption:  for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

HOW ONE OVERCOMES SATAN!

1 John 2:13-14 - I write unto you, fathers, because you have known Him Who is from the beginning.  I write unto you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one.  I write unto you, little children, because you have known the Father.  I have written unto you, fathers, because you have known Him Who is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because you are strong, and the Word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.

1 John 4:4 - You are of God, little children, and have overcome them:  because greater is He Who is in you, than he that is in the world.

1 John 5:4-5 - For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world:  and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.  Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

THE REWARD FOR OVERCOMING SATAN!

Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26 - He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. . . . He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; He that overcomes shall not be hurt of the second death. . . . He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows except he that receives it. . . . And he that overcomes, and keeps My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.

Revelation 3:5, 12, 21 - He that overcomes, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels. . . . He that overcomes will I make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out:  and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, which is New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God:  and I will write upon him My new name. . . . To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.

Revelation 21:7 - Those who overcome shall inherit all things; and I will be their God, and they shall be My children.

THE TRIBULATION: THE HOUR OF TEMPTATION!

 TODAY'S CHURCH CONSISTS OF THE WHEAT AND THE TARES!

Matthew 13:24-30 - Another parable put He forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man who sowed good seed in his field:  but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.  But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.  So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field?  From where then has it tares?  He said unto them, An enemy has done this. The servants said unto him, Is it your will that we go and gather them up?  But he said, No; lest while you gather up the tares, you root up also the wheat with them.  Let both grow together until the harvest:  and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them:  but gather the wheat into my barn.

THE INTERPRETATION OF THE PARABLE!

Matthew 13:37-43 - He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of Man;  the field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; the enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.  As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.  The Son of Man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire:  there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.  Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.

THE CHURCH TODAY:  

THE WHEAT:  PHILADELPHIA!

Revelation 3:7-13 - And to the angel of the Church in Philadelphia write; These things says He that is holy, He that is true, He that has the key of David, He that opens, and no man shuts; and shuts, and no man opens; I know your works: behold, I have set before you an open door, and no man can shut it:  for you have a little strength, and have kept My Word, and have not denied My name.  Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.  Because you have kept the Word of My patience, I also will keep you from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.  Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which you have, that no man take your crown.  Him that overcomes will I make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out:  and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, which is New Jerusalem, which coms down out of heaven from My God:  and I will write upon him My new name.  He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches.

 THE TARES:  LAODICEA!

Revelation 3:14-22 - And unto the angel of the Church of the Laodiceans write; These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God; I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot:  I would you were cold or hot.  So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of My mouth.  Because you say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and know not that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:  I counsel you to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that you may be rich; and white raiment, that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness does not appear;  and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.  Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:  if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.  To him who overcomes will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.  He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches.

TRUST IN JESUS TODAY, AND YOU WILL

AVOID THE HOUR OF TEMPTATION!

HUMBLE GRATITUDE!

 

I Am Debtor by Robert Murray McCheyne (1813-1843) When this passing world is done, When has sunk yon glaring sun, When we stand with Christ in glory, looking o'er life's finished story, Then, Lord, shall I fully know, not till then how much I owe. When I hear the wicked call On the rocks and hills to fall, When I see them start and shrink, on the fiery deluge brink, Then, Lord, shall I fully know, not till then how much I owe. When I stand before the throne Dressed in beauty not my own, When I see Thee as Thou art, Love Thee with unsinning heart, Then, Lord, shall I fully know, not till then how much I owe. When the praise of heaven I hear Loud as thunders to the ear, Loud as many waters' noise, sweet as harp's melodious voice, Then, Lord, shall I fully know Something of how much I owe. Chosen not for good in me, Wakened up from wrath to flee, Hidden in the Saviour's side, by the Spirit sanctified, Teach me, Lord, on earth to show, by my love, how much I owe. Oft I walk beneath the cloud, Dark as midnight's gloomy shroud; But, when fear is at the height, Jesus comes, and all is light: Blessed Jesus bid me show doubting saints how much I owe. When in flowery paths I tread, Oft by sin I'm captive led; Oft I fall, but still arise; the Spirit comes, the tempter flies: Blessed Spirit! Bid me show weary sinners all I owe. Oft the nights of sorrow reign Weeping, sickness, sighing, pain, But a night thine anger burns, morning comes, and joy returns: God of comforts! bid me show to Thy poor, how much I owe. May 1837

SOME THOUGHTS ON DEALING WITH SIN!

 JOHN 8:1-11

Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.  And early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came unto Him; and He sat down, and taught them.  And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto Him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, they said unto Him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.  Now Moses in the Law commanded us, that such should be stoned:  but what do You say?  This they said, tempting Him, that they might have (a just cause) to accuse Him.  But Jesus stooped down, and with His finger wrote on the ground, as though He heard them not.  So when they continued asking Him, He lifted up Himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.  And again He stooped down, and wrote on the ground.  And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last:  and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.  When Jesus had lifted up Himself, and saw none but the woman, He said unto her, Woman, where are those who accused you?  Has no man condemned you?  She said, No man, Lord.  And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn you:  go, and sin no more. 

WHAT DO YOU THINK JESUS WROTE IN THE DIRT?

*  Perhaps He asked them, Where is the man, if it is true you caught them in the act?  After all, Leviticus 20:10 says:  And the man that commits adultery with another man's wife, even he that commits adultery with his neighbor's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.

*  Perhaps He wrote the sins of all her accusers, showing them what hypocrites they were being.  Then, their consciences convicted them and their shame overwhelmed them.  After all, 1 Kings 8:46 says:  If they sin against You, (for there is no man that does not sin,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy.... 

*  Perhaps He wrote that He knew they were trying to trap Him so that they could actually stone Him!  In which case, they "put their tails between their legs," and left Him.  

*  Whatever Jesus wrote in the dirt, it silenced them!  Ironically, Jesus, the One sinless person (see 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Hebrews 4:15) Who was qualified to stone the woman, did not condemn her to death, but loved her, forgave her, and told her to go and sin no more!  The same is true for you and me; Jesus does not condemn us but, because we respond to His love for us by placing our faith in Him, He saves us from our sins, and He directs us through life as our loving Lord!

MATTHEW 7:1-5

Judge not, that you be not judged.  For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged:  and with what measure you mete (standard you uses), it shall be measured to you again.  And why beholdest thou the mote (do you focus upon the speck or splinter) that is in your brother's eye, but do not consider the beam (large piece of lumber) that is in your own eye?  Or how will you say to your brother, Let me pull out the mote (the speck or splinter) out of your eye; and, behold, a beam (large piece of lumber) is in your own eye?  You hypocrite, first cast out the beam (large piece of lumber) out of your own eye; and then shall you see clearly to cast out the mote (the speck or splinter) out of your brother's eye.

TO WHOM HE IS LORD, THEY ARE TO BE HIS SERVANTS!

 JESUS IS THE MESSIAH, THE KING OF THE JEWS!

Matthew 2:1-2 - Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews?  For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him.

Matthew 27:37 - And set up over His head His accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

John 1:40-42 - One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.  He first found his own brother Simon, and said unto him, We have found the Messiah, which is, being interpreted, the Christ (the King).  And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, You are Simon the son of Jonah:  you shall be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

John 4:25-26 - The woman said unto Him, I know that Messiah is coming, Who is called Christ:  when He is come, He will tell us all things.  Jesus said unto her, I that speak unto you am He.

JESUS IS THE SAVIOR, THE LORD OF THE CHURCH!

["Lord Jesus" appears in 117 verses from Luke 24:3 to Revelation 22:20.]

Philippians 3:17-21 - Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as you have us for an example.  (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:  whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)  For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ:  Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself.

1 Timothy 1:1 - Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ, Who is our hope.

Titus 1:1-4 - Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; in hope of eternal life, which God, Who cannot lie, promised before the world began; but has in due times manifested His Word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Savior; to Titus, mine own son after the common faith:  Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.

2 Peter 3:18 - But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To Him be glory both now and forever.  Amen.

IF JESUS IS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD,

THAT MAKES YOU HIS SERVANT:

SO SERVE HIM!

ONLY UNBELIEVERS WILL BE SURPRISED!

 NOTICE THE PRONOUNS!

1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 5:11

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.  For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep.  For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:  and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.  For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.  But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.  Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day:  we are not of the night, nor of darkness.  Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.  For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.  But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.  Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS!

 GOD IS A GOD OF LOVE!

1 John 4:8-16 - He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.  In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His Only Begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.  Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation (full payment) for our sins.  Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.  No man hath seen God at any time.  If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us.  Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit.  And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.  Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.  And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us.  God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

BUT, GOD ALSO HATES!

Proverbs 6:16-19 - These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto Him:  a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

ACCEPT JESUS AND KNOW HIS LOVE,

OR REJECT HIM AND KNOW HIS HATE!

ONE DANGER OF DISPENSATIONALISM!

 DISPENSATIONALISM

According to those of us who believe the history of mankind should be divided into seven dispensations [stewardships of God's world], the teachings of the four Gospels should be applied to the Dispensation of the Law.  The dispensation to follow, the Church Age, began on the Day of Pentecost, when Jesus filled His followers with the Holy Spirit.  Those of us who are born again believers, have been led to believe that the writings of Paul [never called an Apostle by anyone other than himself in the Scriptures] were specifically written for the Church.  The rest of the New Testament is directed at Israel, which is still living under the Law of Moses.

In other words, thirteen books are addressed to the Jewish people:  Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, and Revelation.  Thirteen books are addressed to the Church:  Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.  The Book of Acts is a transitional book written to show the history of the change from obedience to the Law for salvation, to salvation being a gift to all who believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Let me add that even though the books of the Bible are addressed to specific people, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16). 

A DANGER OF DISPENSATIONALISM!

There is a danger of born again believers focusing on the writings of Paul, and ignoring the rest of the New Testament.  As a result, the Church seems to "relaxing in the grace of God," and ignoring their Lord's commands.  Jesus told His followers to love their enemies; feed the poor; visit the sick and those imprisoned; forgive those who offend us; and above all, GO and proclaim the Gospel to a lost and dying world!  Yes, born again believers are saved by grace, but we have been saved to serve our Lord:

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.

Luke 12:42-43 - And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?  Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

John 14:12 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father.

Paul wrote this about the Church's responsibility:

Ephesians 2:8-10 - 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.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 - For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.  For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.  Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

Yes, Paul's writings are for the Church, but Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Church:

1 Corinthians 3:11-15 - For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man's work shall be made manifest:  for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.  If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.  If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

THE JEWS BELIEVED WORKS SAVED;

THE CHURCH WORKS BECAUSE THEY ARE SAVED!

IN ADAM ALL DIE; IN CHRIST ALL ARE BORN AGAIN!

 

Romans 5 - The International Children's Bible:

1 We have been made right with God because of our faith.  So we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  2 Through our faith, Christ has brought us into that blessing of God’s grace that we now enjoy.  And we are happy because of the hope we have of sharing God’s glory.  3 And we also have joy with our troubles because we know that these troubles produce patience.  4 And patience produces character, and character produces hope.  5 And this hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out His love to fill our hearts.  God gave us His love through the Holy Spirit, Whom God has given to us.

6 Christ died for us while we were still weak. We were living against God, but at the right time, Christ died for us.  7 Very few people will die to save the life of someone else.  Although perhaps for a good man someone might possibly die.  8 But Christ died for us while we were still sinners.  In this way God shows His great love for us.

9 We have been made right with God by the blood of Christ’s death.  So through Christ we will surely be saved from God’s anger.  10 I mean that while we were God’s enemies, God made us His friends through the death of His Son.  Surely, now that we are God’s friends, God will save us through His Son’s life.  11 And not only that, but now we are also very happy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Through Jesus we are now God’s friends again.

12 Sin came into the world because of what one man did.  And with sin came death. 

And this is why all men must die—because all men sin.  13 Sin was in the world

before the Law of Moses.  But God does not judge people guilty of sin if there is no

 Law.  14 But from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, everyone had to die.  Adam

 died because he sinned by not obeying God’s command.  But even those who did not

 sin in the same way had to die.

Adam was like the One Who was coming in the future.  15 But God’s free gift is not like Adam’s sin.  Many people died because of the sin of that one man.  But the grace that they received from God was much greater.  Many people received God’s gift of life by the grace of the One Man, Jesus Christ.  16 After Adam sinned once, he was judged guilty.  But the gift of God is different.  God’s free gift came after many sins. And the gift makes people right with God.  17 One man sinned, and so death ruled all people because of that One Man.  But now, some people accept God’s full grace and the great gift of being made right with Him.  They will surely have true life and rule through the One Man, Jesus Christ.

18 So one sin of Adam brought the punishment of death to all people.  But in the same way, one good act that Christ did makes all people right with God.  And that brings true life for all.  19 One man disobeyed God, and many became sinners.  But in the same way, One Man obeyed God, and many will be made right.  20 The Law came to make people have more (awareness of) sin.  But when people had more (awareness of their) sin, God gave them more of His grace.  21 Sin once used death to rule us.  But God gave people more of His grace so that grace could rule by making people right with Him.  And this brings life forever through Jesus Christ our Lord.