Saturday, February 2, 2019
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Refuge Cities are not in Bible but Cities of Refuge Are.
The cities were established not for illegal people pouring into a country but for Israelites.
Cities Of RefugeGod gave Israel six "cities of refuge" where accused murderers could run for asylum and find safety until they could get a fair hearing. Even today, Jesus is longsuffering; not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Run to Him.
Numbers 35:11-12 - "...ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares. And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment."
Marrying Within The TribeSome families had no male heirs, and Moses gave the inheritance to the daughters. But if they married outside their tribe, the tribal inheritance would be passed to another tribe. To prevent this, Moses taught the women to marry within their own tribe. The New Testament version of this is "be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers."
Numbers 36:8 - "And every daughter, that possesseth an inheritance in any tribe of the children of Israel, shall be wife unto one of the family of the tribe of her father, ...Neither shall the inheritance remove from one tribe to another tribe."
DeuteronomyOne year before his death, Moses had thirty-nine years of experience leading Israel. His perspective was mature, and in Deuteronomy (meaning "repetition of this law"), he covered all the bases one more time. This book is very rich. Many primary codes and laws are explicitly documented. Moses emphatically admonished the people that God would bless them if they obeyed the commandments of the Lord, but warned of horrific curses if they rebelled. Even under New Testament grace, that principle still stands.
Deuteronomy 11:26 - "Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse."
He Shall Fight For YouIn the fortieth year of their wilderness journey, Moses stood before the Israelites and reminded them of their successes and failures since leaving Egypt. Although they were about to engage the Canaanites in many wars of conquest, Moses did not speak of military tactics. Instead, he preached to them about the rewards of trusting God and the evils of doubting God. Then, he prophesied: "God is going to fight for you!" God STILL fights for His people.
Deuteronomy 1:30 - "The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you..."
Walls were built around Jerusalem to protect the population. But it got a lot of noise. Just like back then if we’re going to protect the population we will have to have walls.
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Cities Of RefugeGod gave Israel six "cities of refuge" where accused murderers could run for asylum and find safety until they could get a fair hearing. Even today, Jesus is longsuffering; not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Run to Him.
Numbers 35:11-12 - "...ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares. And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment."
Marrying Within The TribeSome families had no male heirs, and Moses gave the inheritance to the daughters. But if they married outside their tribe, the tribal inheritance would be passed to another tribe. To prevent this, Moses taught the women to marry within their own tribe. The New Testament version of this is "be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers."
Numbers 36:8 - "And every daughter, that possesseth an inheritance in any tribe of the children of Israel, shall be wife unto one of the family of the tribe of her father, ...Neither shall the inheritance remove from one tribe to another tribe."
DeuteronomyOne year before his death, Moses had thirty-nine years of experience leading Israel. His perspective was mature, and in Deuteronomy (meaning "repetition of this law"), he covered all the bases one more time. This book is very rich. Many primary codes and laws are explicitly documented. Moses emphatically admonished the people that God would bless them if they obeyed the commandments of the Lord, but warned of horrific curses if they rebelled. Even under New Testament grace, that principle still stands.
Deuteronomy 11:26 - "Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse."
He Shall Fight For YouIn the fortieth year of their wilderness journey, Moses stood before the Israelites and reminded them of their successes and failures since leaving Egypt. Although they were about to engage the Canaanites in many wars of conquest, Moses did not speak of military tactics. Instead, he preached to them about the rewards of trusting God and the evils of doubting God. Then, he prophesied: "God is going to fight for you!" God STILL fights for His people.
Deuteronomy 1:30 - "The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you..."
Walls were built around Jerusalem to protect the population. But it got a lot of noise. Just like back then if we’re going to protect the population we will have to have walls.
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Into His Marvelous Light
Introduction
When walking out of a dark room into the sunshine, light can be blinding. As our eyes become accustomed to the light, we can see more clearly and enjoy the scenery that surrounds us. Likewise, when we look into the light of the scriptures, the brightness of truth can sometimes hurt. However, as our spiritual eyesight becomes adjusted we can enjoy "walking in the light".
This Bible study is designed to allow us to "walk" into the marvelous light of the Word of God. We will be journeying into the scriptures by imagining we are back in the days of Jesus and the Apostles, listening to them teach and preach the plan of salvation. In order to do this, we will be careful to "rightly" divide the word of the truth (2 Timothy 2:15) by concentrating on the highlights of the three main divisions of the New Testament in chronological order, including:
1 THE GOSPELS – covering the words and works of Jesus Christ
2 THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES -covering the actions and preaching of the Apostles
3 THE EPISTLES – covering the letters written by the Apostles to the churches they started in the Book of Acts.
We believe the scriptures are divinely inspired and, "of no private interpretation" (2 Peter 1:20-21). Therefore, every effort has been made to present the pure Word of God without adding to, or taking away from its teachings (Deuteronomy 4:2, Proverbs 30:5-6).
It is not our intention to diminish any personal relationship you may have with our Lord. Neither do we desire to convince you of our own personal ideas or the creeds of any denomination. We simply desire to share the truth as it is written. Only by claiming the Bible as our sole authority can any of us be confident of our salvation, for it is the Word of God and not the traditions of men that will judge us all in the end.
Let us read 2 Timothy 3:15-16 as we begin our journey into the Word of God…
Into the Gospels…
John 1:1-5 & 14
In the beginning, the Word was God and became flesh. Jesus Christ is the Living Word of God.
John 1:11-13
If we believe in Him and receive Him, Jesus gives us power to become the sons of God by a supernatural birth. He spoke further about this new birth one night to a ruler of the Jews…
John 3:1-8
The Lord told Nicodemus that everyone who wanted to see or enter into the Kingdom of God, must be born again of water and the Spirit.
John 3:16-21
Jesus also told Nicodemus that whosoever believeth in Him should have eternal life. Jesus mentioned two seemingly different requirements for salvation. One is being born again. The other is believing. Yet, this is not a contradiction. The next scripture explains how believing is related to experiencing the birth of the Spirit…
John 7:38-39
Here, we discover that if we believe on Him (according to the Word), we will receive the Spirit. We find that scriptural belief is more than just a change in the way we think. It also results in a scriptural experience.
John 12:35-36 & 42-43
Today, just as in Jesus’ day, many believe on Him. But, they will not confess Him for fear of what others will do or say.
John 12:44
In response to their fearfulness, Jesus warns that His Spirit will judge us, so we must be careful not to reject it. Rather, we should believe and obey it… no matter what others say…
John 17:17-20
In Jesus’ prayer for his disciples, just before His crucifixion, He said God’s Word is truth. He also prayed for us; and for all those who would believe on Him through the Apostles’ word.
To find out what the Apostles’ word was to be, let us read what Jesus told them to proclaim. The setting of the following great commission scripture in Luke 24:45-49 is just after the Lord’s death, burial and resurrection… and just before His ascension into heaven.
"Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
DID THE APOSTLES PREACH THE MESSAGE JESUS COMMANDED THEM TO PROCLAIM?
HOW WAS THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER FULFILLED?
Let us continue our journey into the Word of God by seeing what was preached and what happened at Jerusalem…
Into The Acts of the Apostles…
Acts 1:3-5
As we enter the Book of Acts, we discover almost immediately that the promise of the Father is the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:1-17
When the Apostles were at Jerusalem, they, along with many others, were joyously filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave the utterance (ability to speak). The amazed onlookers from many nations who heard them speaking with tongues asked, ‘What meaneth this?" Then Peter explained the promised coming of the Spirit and went on to preach Christ and the original apostolic plan of salvation.
Acts 2:36-38
When the people who heard Peter’s words believed that Jesus Christ was their Lord and Savior, they were sorry for their sins and asked Peter and the Apostles what they should do. Peter replied by preaching the message Jesus commanded to be preached in Luke 24:45-49. In light of this, consider the three elements of the Plan of Salvation that Peter preached in verse 38:
1 REPENTANCE
2 REMISSION OF SINS THROUGH BAPTISM IN JESUS’ NAME
3 RECEIVING THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST
NOTICE: Acts 2:38 is the fulfillment of the birth requirements Jesus mentioned inJohn 3:5 that were necessary to enter the Kingdom of God!
• water birth = baptism in the name of Jesus Christ!
• spirit birth = infilling of the Holy Ghost!
Now, let’s look at some more examples of people being born again of water and the Spirit as the Word Jesus gave His apostles continued to be preached throughout the Book of Acts…
• Phillip preaching to the Samaritans in Acts 8
NOTICE: Some people say when they experienced joy; or when they believed in Jesus, or when they were baptized, they were automatically filled with the Holy Ghost. But what does the Word say?
Acts 8:5-8
Did they have great joy?
Acts 8:12
Were they baptized in His name?
Did they believe in Jesus Christ?
Acts 8:14-17
Did they receive the Holy Ghost as a separate and distinct experience?
• Peter preaching to the Gentiles in Acts 10
NOTICE: Some people say being religious is enough, or that the Spirit-baptism evidenced by tongues was only for the day of Pentecost. If the Bible says this is true, then it is true. But the Word shows us through Cornelius’ experience that this is not true… then it is not….
Acts 10:1-2
Was Cornelius a religious man?
Acts 10:5-6
Did God have more for him to do?
Acts 10:44-46
Did they receive the Holy Ghost and speak in tongues after the day of Pentecost?
Acts 10:47-48
Did they still have to be baptized in Jesus’ name?
• Paul preaching to John’s disciples in Acts 19
NOTICE: Many people who are believers have not even heard about the Holy Ghost that is promised to them. Also, some people say it is not necessary to be baptized or re-baptize (if you were baptized by John the Baptist, would you think it would be necessary to be re-baptized using a different baptismal formula?) Others say it does not matter what is spoken when you are baptized. If the Bible indicates it does not matter, then it does not matter…but, what if the Bible shows us it DOES matter?
Acts 19:1-2
They were believers, but had they heard of or received the Holy Ghost?
Acts 19:3-5
Did those baptized by John the Baptist have to be rebaptized in Jesus’ name?
Acts 19:6
Was receiving the Holy Ghost accompanied by the initial evidence of speaking in
other tongues?
We have found that the Apostles preached the following message:
…the life of Christ and His death, burial and resurrection
…repentance toward God and belief in Jesus Christ baptism in water by immersion in Jesus’ name
…receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost (which was accompanied by the initial evidence of speaking with other tongues)
Now, let us read what the Apostles had to say about the message of salvation they
proclaimed in the Book of Acts. We can do this by reading the epistles (letters) they wrote to their converts.
Into the Epistles
As we read the Epistles, we will notice how strongly the Apostles felt about the gospel (good news) of salvation. This is not because they were being judgmental, it is because they knew the Word Jesus had given them to proclaim was going to judge all men.
What did Peter say?
"Ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth.. being born again.. by the word of God.. and this is the word which by gospel is preached unto you." (I Peter1:22-25)
Peter Asked A Question:
"…What shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" (I Peter 4:17-18)
Paul Gave The Answer:
"The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and the obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power." (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)
What did Paul say?
"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another, but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than ye have received, let him be accursed." (Galations 1:6-9)
What did James say?
"….Receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearer only, (deceiving your own selves). For if any be a hearer of
the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was." (James 1:21-24)
The Word is able to save our souls!
JAMES TELLS US THAT IF WE SEE SOMETHING WE NEED TO DO, AS WE LOOK INTO THE "MIRROR OF THE WORD", WE SHOULD DO IT. LET US NOW CONSIDER WHAT WE WILL DO WITH WHAT WE HAVE HEARD…
Conclusion
DO YOU BELIEVE the Word of God is true and will judge us?
DO YOU BELIEVE Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior?
DO YOU BELIEVE it is necessary to repent by determining to turn from sin and giving your life to God?
DO YOU BELIEVE water baptism in the same of Jesus Christ is the biblical way to be baptized?
DO YOU BELIEVE the baptism of the Holy Ghost is for you today, and when you receive it you will speak in other tongues, just as they did in the Bible?
IF YOU BELIEVE THESE THINGS, PRAY RIGHT NOW, ASKING GOD TO ALLOW YOU TO EXPERIENCE ALL THAT HE HAS FOR YOU!
Supplemental Study Scriptures:
(1) Matthew 7:13-24
NOTE: God’s warning regarding false prophets and the importance of being a doer and not just a hearer of the Word.
(2) Matthew 16:15-19
NOTE: Peter was given the "keys of the kingdom" because of his revelation of who Jesus Christ was.
(3) Other "Great Commission" scriptures":
NOTE: In Matthew 28:18-20 the word "name" is singular in this command to baptize. The Apostles obeyed this command when they baptized only in the name of Jesus, and did not use the titles mentioned here. (see Acts 4:12)
Mark 16:15-18. The importance of water baptism and the signs following believers.
(4) Matthew 16:15-19
NOTE: Peter, who was given the "keys of the kingdom", uses them to open the "kingdom door" by preaching the original apostolic message of salvation for the first time.
(5) Acts 8:35-39
NOTE: Philip must have mentioned baptism when he preached Jesus to the Eunuch, because the Eunuch asked to be baptized in water. The Greek root word for baptize is
"bapto", which literally means to cover wholly with fluid, to dip. (see also Romans 6:3-4).
(6) Acts 10:34-43
NOTE: Peter preached the life and lordship of Jesus Christ as well as His death, burial and resurrection.
(7) I Peter 3:20-21
NOTE: According to Peter baptism is an essential part of the plan of salvation.
We encourage you to read through the Gospels… in detail… and continue to walk "into His marvelous light"!
To contact the Authors of Into His Marvelous Light write:
Into His Marvelous Light
PO Box 90507
Houston, TX 77290-0507
When walking out of a dark room into the sunshine, light can be blinding. As our eyes become accustomed to the light, we can see more clearly and enjoy the scenery that surrounds us. Likewise, when we look into the light of the scriptures, the brightness of truth can sometimes hurt. However, as our spiritual eyesight becomes adjusted we can enjoy "walking in the light".
This Bible study is designed to allow us to "walk" into the marvelous light of the Word of God. We will be journeying into the scriptures by imagining we are back in the days of Jesus and the Apostles, listening to them teach and preach the plan of salvation. In order to do this, we will be careful to "rightly" divide the word of the truth (2 Timothy 2:15) by concentrating on the highlights of the three main divisions of the New Testament in chronological order, including:
1 THE GOSPELS – covering the words and works of Jesus Christ
2 THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES -covering the actions and preaching of the Apostles
3 THE EPISTLES – covering the letters written by the Apostles to the churches they started in the Book of Acts.
We believe the scriptures are divinely inspired and, "of no private interpretation" (2 Peter 1:20-21). Therefore, every effort has been made to present the pure Word of God without adding to, or taking away from its teachings (Deuteronomy 4:2, Proverbs 30:5-6).
It is not our intention to diminish any personal relationship you may have with our Lord. Neither do we desire to convince you of our own personal ideas or the creeds of any denomination. We simply desire to share the truth as it is written. Only by claiming the Bible as our sole authority can any of us be confident of our salvation, for it is the Word of God and not the traditions of men that will judge us all in the end.
Let us read 2 Timothy 3:15-16 as we begin our journey into the Word of God…
Into the Gospels…
John 1:1-5 & 14
In the beginning, the Word was God and became flesh. Jesus Christ is the Living Word of God.
John 1:11-13
If we believe in Him and receive Him, Jesus gives us power to become the sons of God by a supernatural birth. He spoke further about this new birth one night to a ruler of the Jews…
John 3:1-8
The Lord told Nicodemus that everyone who wanted to see or enter into the Kingdom of God, must be born again of water and the Spirit.
John 3:16-21
Jesus also told Nicodemus that whosoever believeth in Him should have eternal life. Jesus mentioned two seemingly different requirements for salvation. One is being born again. The other is believing. Yet, this is not a contradiction. The next scripture explains how believing is related to experiencing the birth of the Spirit…
John 7:38-39
Here, we discover that if we believe on Him (according to the Word), we will receive the Spirit. We find that scriptural belief is more than just a change in the way we think. It also results in a scriptural experience.
John 12:35-36 & 42-43
Today, just as in Jesus’ day, many believe on Him. But, they will not confess Him for fear of what others will do or say.
John 12:44
In response to their fearfulness, Jesus warns that His Spirit will judge us, so we must be careful not to reject it. Rather, we should believe and obey it… no matter what others say…
John 17:17-20
In Jesus’ prayer for his disciples, just before His crucifixion, He said God’s Word is truth. He also prayed for us; and for all those who would believe on Him through the Apostles’ word.
To find out what the Apostles’ word was to be, let us read what Jesus told them to proclaim. The setting of the following great commission scripture in Luke 24:45-49 is just after the Lord’s death, burial and resurrection… and just before His ascension into heaven.
"Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
DID THE APOSTLES PREACH THE MESSAGE JESUS COMMANDED THEM TO PROCLAIM?
HOW WAS THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER FULFILLED?
Let us continue our journey into the Word of God by seeing what was preached and what happened at Jerusalem…
Into The Acts of the Apostles…
Acts 1:3-5
As we enter the Book of Acts, we discover almost immediately that the promise of the Father is the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:1-17
When the Apostles were at Jerusalem, they, along with many others, were joyously filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave the utterance (ability to speak). The amazed onlookers from many nations who heard them speaking with tongues asked, ‘What meaneth this?" Then Peter explained the promised coming of the Spirit and went on to preach Christ and the original apostolic plan of salvation.
Acts 2:36-38
When the people who heard Peter’s words believed that Jesus Christ was their Lord and Savior, they were sorry for their sins and asked Peter and the Apostles what they should do. Peter replied by preaching the message Jesus commanded to be preached in Luke 24:45-49. In light of this, consider the three elements of the Plan of Salvation that Peter preached in verse 38:
1 REPENTANCE
2 REMISSION OF SINS THROUGH BAPTISM IN JESUS’ NAME
3 RECEIVING THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST
NOTICE: Acts 2:38 is the fulfillment of the birth requirements Jesus mentioned inJohn 3:5 that were necessary to enter the Kingdom of God!
• water birth = baptism in the name of Jesus Christ!
• spirit birth = infilling of the Holy Ghost!
Now, let’s look at some more examples of people being born again of water and the Spirit as the Word Jesus gave His apostles continued to be preached throughout the Book of Acts…
• Phillip preaching to the Samaritans in Acts 8
NOTICE: Some people say when they experienced joy; or when they believed in Jesus, or when they were baptized, they were automatically filled with the Holy Ghost. But what does the Word say?
Acts 8:5-8
Did they have great joy?
Acts 8:12
Were they baptized in His name?
Did they believe in Jesus Christ?
Acts 8:14-17
Did they receive the Holy Ghost as a separate and distinct experience?
• Peter preaching to the Gentiles in Acts 10
NOTICE: Some people say being religious is enough, or that the Spirit-baptism evidenced by tongues was only for the day of Pentecost. If the Bible says this is true, then it is true. But the Word shows us through Cornelius’ experience that this is not true… then it is not….
Acts 10:1-2
Was Cornelius a religious man?
Acts 10:5-6
Did God have more for him to do?
Acts 10:44-46
Did they receive the Holy Ghost and speak in tongues after the day of Pentecost?
Acts 10:47-48
Did they still have to be baptized in Jesus’ name?
• Paul preaching to John’s disciples in Acts 19
NOTICE: Many people who are believers have not even heard about the Holy Ghost that is promised to them. Also, some people say it is not necessary to be baptized or re-baptize (if you were baptized by John the Baptist, would you think it would be necessary to be re-baptized using a different baptismal formula?) Others say it does not matter what is spoken when you are baptized. If the Bible indicates it does not matter, then it does not matter…but, what if the Bible shows us it DOES matter?
Acts 19:1-2
They were believers, but had they heard of or received the Holy Ghost?
Acts 19:3-5
Did those baptized by John the Baptist have to be rebaptized in Jesus’ name?
Acts 19:6
Was receiving the Holy Ghost accompanied by the initial evidence of speaking in
other tongues?
We have found that the Apostles preached the following message:
…the life of Christ and His death, burial and resurrection
…repentance toward God and belief in Jesus Christ baptism in water by immersion in Jesus’ name
…receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost (which was accompanied by the initial evidence of speaking with other tongues)
Now, let us read what the Apostles had to say about the message of salvation they
proclaimed in the Book of Acts. We can do this by reading the epistles (letters) they wrote to their converts.
Into the Epistles
As we read the Epistles, we will notice how strongly the Apostles felt about the gospel (good news) of salvation. This is not because they were being judgmental, it is because they knew the Word Jesus had given them to proclaim was going to judge all men.
What did Peter say?
"Ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth.. being born again.. by the word of God.. and this is the word which by gospel is preached unto you." (I Peter1:22-25)
Peter Asked A Question:
"…What shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" (I Peter 4:17-18)
Paul Gave The Answer:
"The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and the obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power." (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)
What did Paul say?
"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another, but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than ye have received, let him be accursed." (Galations 1:6-9)
What did James say?
"….Receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearer only, (deceiving your own selves). For if any be a hearer of
the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was." (James 1:21-24)
The Word is able to save our souls!
JAMES TELLS US THAT IF WE SEE SOMETHING WE NEED TO DO, AS WE LOOK INTO THE "MIRROR OF THE WORD", WE SHOULD DO IT. LET US NOW CONSIDER WHAT WE WILL DO WITH WHAT WE HAVE HEARD…
Conclusion
DO YOU BELIEVE the Word of God is true and will judge us?
DO YOU BELIEVE Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior?
DO YOU BELIEVE it is necessary to repent by determining to turn from sin and giving your life to God?
DO YOU BELIEVE water baptism in the same of Jesus Christ is the biblical way to be baptized?
DO YOU BELIEVE the baptism of the Holy Ghost is for you today, and when you receive it you will speak in other tongues, just as they did in the Bible?
IF YOU BELIEVE THESE THINGS, PRAY RIGHT NOW, ASKING GOD TO ALLOW YOU TO EXPERIENCE ALL THAT HE HAS FOR YOU!
Supplemental Study Scriptures:
(1) Matthew 7:13-24
NOTE: God’s warning regarding false prophets and the importance of being a doer and not just a hearer of the Word.
(2) Matthew 16:15-19
NOTE: Peter was given the "keys of the kingdom" because of his revelation of who Jesus Christ was.
(3) Other "Great Commission" scriptures":
NOTE: In Matthew 28:18-20 the word "name" is singular in this command to baptize. The Apostles obeyed this command when they baptized only in the name of Jesus, and did not use the titles mentioned here. (see Acts 4:12)
Mark 16:15-18. The importance of water baptism and the signs following believers.
(4) Matthew 16:15-19
NOTE: Peter, who was given the "keys of the kingdom", uses them to open the "kingdom door" by preaching the original apostolic message of salvation for the first time.
(5) Acts 8:35-39
NOTE: Philip must have mentioned baptism when he preached Jesus to the Eunuch, because the Eunuch asked to be baptized in water. The Greek root word for baptize is
"bapto", which literally means to cover wholly with fluid, to dip. (see also Romans 6:3-4).
(6) Acts 10:34-43
NOTE: Peter preached the life and lordship of Jesus Christ as well as His death, burial and resurrection.
(7) I Peter 3:20-21
NOTE: According to Peter baptism is an essential part of the plan of salvation.
We encourage you to read through the Gospels… in detail… and continue to walk "into His marvelous light"!
To contact the Authors of Into His Marvelous Light write:
Into His Marvelous Light
PO Box 90507
Houston, TX 77290-0507
Friday, February 8, 2013
Buy it on your way back
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PRAYER - "Moses Interviews God"
What do you want to know about God? What do you need to know about His will for your life? Ask Him. It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but it is the honor of kings to search it out. God delights in our interest in Him.
Exodus 3:13 - "And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?" Let's read the story. Bible
What do you want to know about God? What do you need to know about His will for your life? Ask Him. It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but it is the honor of kings to search it out. God delights in our interest in Him.
Exodus 3:13 - "And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?" Let's read the story. Bible
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PRINCIPALS - "Seventy Souls"
Seventy souls entered Egypt - Jacob's immediate family. 430 years later, they left Egypt as a great nation. 600,000 military-aged men were accounted at Sinai, suggesting a total population of around two million who followed Moses across the Red Sea. Chances are, Israel would never have multiplied intact had they remained nomads in Canaan. God sent them to Egypt to prepare them for the Promised Land. Do you feel your circumstances do not make sense? Trust God!
Genesis 46:27 - "...all the souls of the house of Jacob, which came into Egypt, were threescore and ten." Let's read the story. Bible
Seventy souls entered Egypt - Jacob's immediate family. 430 years later, they left Egypt as a great nation. 600,000 military-aged men were accounted at Sinai, suggesting a total population of around two million who followed Moses across the Red Sea. Chances are, Israel would never have multiplied intact had they remained nomads in Canaan. God sent them to Egypt to prepare them for the Promised Land. Do you feel your circumstances do not make sense? Trust God!
Genesis 46:27 - "...all the souls of the house of Jacob, which came into Egypt, were threescore and ten." Let's read the story. Bible
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PRINCIPLES - "God Pays Moving Expenses"
If and when God wants you to move, He will make a way. Do not fret the details. God will provide.
Genesis 45:19-21 - "Now thou art commanded, this do ye; take you wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come. Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours. And the children of Israel did so: and Joseph gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh, and gave them provision for the way." Let's read the story. Bible
If and when God wants you to move, He will make a way. Do not fret the details. God will provide.
Genesis 45:19-21 - "Now thou art commanded, this do ye; take you wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come. Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours. And the children of Israel did so: and Joseph gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh, and gave them provision for the way." Let's read the story. Bible
PROPHECIES - "One Portion Above Thy Brethren"
Bible scholars suppose that Jacob left Shechem specifically to Joseph. He is, in fact, now buried there. Jacob bought the land when first returning from Laban, but apparently the Amorites took it from him, and he had to retake it by the sword. Today, it is Nablus, a power-center for Muslim extremism in the Middle East. Jesus retake it following Armageddon.
Genesis 48:22 - "Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow." Let's read the story. Bible
Bible scholars suppose that Jacob left Shechem specifically to Joseph. He is, in fact, now buried there. Jacob bought the land when first returning from Laban, but apparently the Amorites took it from him, and he had to retake it by the sword. Today, it is Nablus, a power-center for Muslim extremism in the Middle East. Jesus retake it following Armageddon.
Genesis 48:22 - "Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow." Let's read the story. Bible
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Slavery started in Egypt for Israelites
Thou Art Even As PharaohWay back yonder in Joseph's dream, he saw his brethren bowing down to him. "We were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf." Genesis 37:7. Many years later in Egypt, Joseph had the mastery over his brothers and could easily have had them destroyed. As humiliated aliens before Pharaoh, they begged for mercy. Prophecy fulfilled.
Genesis 44:18 - "Judah came near unto him, and said, Oh my lord, ...let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh."
They Had Abused Joseph, But Had To Defend BenjaminJoseph played some serious mind-games with his brothers. He framed them for crimes they did not commit, although he had no intention of prosecuting them. He only wanted to teach them a long-overdue lesson. They had hated and betrayed him, so Joseph forced them to defend Benjamin.
Genesis 44:20-23 - "We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, ...if he should leave his father, his father would die. ...I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad ...and let the lad go up with his brethren."
Enslaved To Save LivesJoseph sent his brothers away with the money they paid him hidden in their grain sacks. Joseph's silver cup was in Benjamin's sack. Then his servants arrested them and charged them with theft. But Joseph dropped the charges. "I am Joseph," he weepingly confessed. Their old sins against Joseph turned out for everyone's good. Same for us. God has a glorious outcome for all our sufferings.
Genesis 45:5 - "Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life."
GoshenJoseph knew God had put him through his trials in Egypt to preserve the posterity of Israel. "...it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt." Joseph gave them the fertile land of Goshen.
Genesis 45:10 - "And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast."
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.(KJV)
Genesis 44:18 - "Judah came near unto him, and said, Oh my lord, ...let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh."
They Had Abused Joseph, But Had To Defend BenjaminJoseph played some serious mind-games with his brothers. He framed them for crimes they did not commit, although he had no intention of prosecuting them. He only wanted to teach them a long-overdue lesson. They had hated and betrayed him, so Joseph forced them to defend Benjamin.
Genesis 44:20-23 - "We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, ...if he should leave his father, his father would die. ...I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad ...and let the lad go up with his brethren."
Enslaved To Save LivesJoseph sent his brothers away with the money they paid him hidden in their grain sacks. Joseph's silver cup was in Benjamin's sack. Then his servants arrested them and charged them with theft. But Joseph dropped the charges. "I am Joseph," he weepingly confessed. Their old sins against Joseph turned out for everyone's good. Same for us. God has a glorious outcome for all our sufferings.
Genesis 45:5 - "Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life."
GoshenJoseph knew God had put him through his trials in Egypt to preserve the posterity of Israel. "...it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt." Joseph gave them the fertile land of Goshen.
Genesis 45:10 - "And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast."
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| Focus on God |
We've talked
to a few race car drivers. Here's what we've learned from them: You have to focus on where you want to
go. Race cars move so fast that the slightest change in course -
the slightest turn of the wheel - quickly produces big changes in your position
on that track. Surprisingly, where you look can shift your body enough to turn
the wheel just enough to send you in that direction. In other words, your focus
determines your direction. That's why race car drivers are taught never to look
at the wall. Look at the wall and that is where you will end up - crashed.
I think that's also why the Bible spends so much time teaching us to keep our eyes on Christ. Because of our focus determines our direction.
Do you recall the story of Peter when he saw Jesus walking on the water in Matthew14:22-33? Peter climbed out of the boat and walked on the waves. As long as he focused on Jesus, he walked toward Him on the water. Peter looked down at the waves beneath him, that's precisely where he ended.
I pray that His
word, we meditate on it; we memorize verses with it, and use it to remind us to
keep our eyes on Christ, trusting Him for transformation in our life. Until we've
seen the transformation take place!
Reading Hebrews
12:2 reminds
us to take our eyes off ourselves and our circumstances - off the problem
behaviors or the "walls" in our lives—and fix them squarely on
Christ. Because of our focus determines our direction.
Dear
Lord, I want to fix my eyes squarely on you today. Help us see you at work in
my life and in the forming of my heart. In the name of Jesus Christ.
Related
Resources:
If you're looking for focus and direction this year, Rev.Ashcraft has made available many bible studies.. Get a copy Ashcraft Ministries and let's find out our purpose with God's word.
If you're looking for focus and direction this year, Rev.Ashcraft has made available many bible studies.. Get a copy Ashcraft Ministries and let's find out our purpose with God's word.
Memorization: We can replace the
words of a favorite song with scripture. In no time everyone will be singing
Bible verses.
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