Purification and Worship of God

Purification in the Bible was always followed by the worship of God. The sole purpose was to prepare the mind, body and spirit to enter into His presence. When Jacob (who was later given the name of Israel) walked the earth he would purify himself before building an alter and worshiping God.

Genesis 35:2-5
So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, "Get rid of the foreign gods you have with you, and purify yourselves and change your clothes. Then come, let us go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone." So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods they had and the rings in their ears, and Jacob buried them under the oak at Shechem. Then they set out, and the terror of God fell upon the towns all around them so that no one pursued them.

Here Jacob sets a standard for purification.

1. “Get rid of foreign gods”
2. “Purify yourselves”
3. “Change your clothes”

All three steps are summed up in the following verse:

James 4:8
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

As seen with Jacob, purification was removing anything that came between him and God. All actions were in preparation to approach God uncluttered by distractions.

The First Standard of Purification

In the New Testament the Bible tells about our modern day idols or “foreign gods”. As there is only one God all others are unfit substitutes. God has only two principles that all other rules and guidelines hang on.

Matthew 22:36-39
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

God designed these principles as a guideline for the human race to live in harmony. Each of the Ten Commandments fall into either the “love your God” or “love your neighbor” categories. Following rules that deviate from these guidelines constitute creating your own god. An idol is anything that draws your attention away from Him.

Philippians 3:18-20
For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

The Second Standard of Purification

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Jacob started a cleansing process as he directed his thoughts to God. He was purified as the degrading thoughts of self began to wash away and a new focus flooded his being. He shaved back dead thoughts and thanked God for the promise of forgiveness as he confessed his sins in prayer. After doing all these things Jacob was mentally prepared to commit himself to God’s work.

The Third Standard of Purification

The final step of purification is an outward result of internal change. All true smiles start at the heart and end as an expression on the face. God directed to Moses the principles behind purification in object lessons. Moses then practiced these actions at God’s request so that all would remember the significance that was behind them. Many times God directed people to act out the processes that should take place in the minds of His people.

The external steps as described in Numbers 8 (below) are similar to those taken in the heart and mind.

• Purify by external washing
• Removal of dead growth fuelled by the past (hair is made up of dead cells; this was also done to ensure no disease was covered up during physical purification)
• Wash external raiment
• Prepare a thank offering
• Prepare a sin offering
• Visit the worship place of God
• Start the Lord’s work

Numbers 8:6-11
The LORD said to Moses: "Take the Levites from among the other Israelites and make them ceremonially clean. To purify them, do this: Sprinkle the water of cleansing on them; then have them shave their whole bodies and wash their clothes, and so purify themselves. Have them take a young bull with its grain offering of fine flour mixed with oil; then you are to take a second young bull for a sin offering. Bring the Levites to the front of the Tent of Meeting and assemble the whole Israelite community. You are to bring the Levites before the LORD, and the Israelites are to lay their hands on them. Aaron is to present the Levites before the LORD as a wave offering from the Israelites, so that they may be ready to do the work of the LORD.


God used external reminders all the time.
In the verse below the blood was to be placed on the lobe of the right ear, the thumb of the right hand and the big toe of the right foot of the one being purified. This was to symbolise how important the blood of Jesus spilled at the cross was to be. By placing the memory of his blood in our head (ear), what we do (thumb of hand), and where we go (big toe of foot). We must remember Jesus in all these actions. The oil is representative of the Holy Spirit and how he will help all our actions and will be poured into our mind if we remember Jesus (see the topic about the Holy Spirit to learn more).

Leviticus 14:14-18
The priest is to take some of the blood of the guilt offering and put it on the lobe of the right ear of the one to be cleansed, on the thumb of his right hand and on the big toe of his right foot. The priest shall then take some of the log of oil, pour it in the palm of his own left hand, dip his right forefinger into the oil in his palm, and with his finger sprinkle some of it before the LORD seven times. The priest is to put some of the oil remaining in his palm on the lobe of the right ear of the one to be cleansed, on the thumb of his right hand and on the big toe of his right foot, on top of the blood of the guilt offering. The rest of the oil in his palm the priest shall put on the head of the one to be cleansed and make atonement for him before the LORD.

Genesis 22:8
Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went on together.

Just as Jesus died and took the punishment intended for the human race who disobeyed the law of God. We now no longer need to sacrifice lambs as symbol of what God promised as Jesus has conquered death and now He is what we remember. This is why we no longer have to practice all the old laws of sacrifice outwardly but we should follow them inwardly. Because the outward actions were only to be used to remind us of how to act on the inside and now we have a reminder that is stronger than death, the life of Jesus who made us all!

Romans 7:6
But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

However this does not mean that the original Law (of love of God and neighbour) that was further explained in the Ten Commandments should not be followed.

Matthew 5:17-18
(Jesus said) "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

Jesus was upset at the religious leaders of the time because they purified the outside continually but on the inside they were filled with hate.

Matthew 23:26
Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.

Luke 11:39
Then the Lord said to him, "Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.

Once we see these principles we begin to understand spiritual actions of purification and why they were followed.

Closely linked to the Spiritual purification rites were the health based purifications.

As with the example below when enemies were overpowered and the valuables in the city were gathered they had to be sterilized either by fire or through washing.

Numbers 31:21-24
"This is the requirement of the law that the LORD gave Moses: Gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, lead and anything else that can withstand fire must be put through the fire, and then it will be clean. But it must also be purified with the water of cleansing. And whatever cannot withstand fire must be put through that water. On the seventh day wash your clothes and you will be clean. Then you may come into the camp."

When spiritual purification happens first physical is bound to follow. This concept is demonstrated by the story of Zacchaeus.

Luke 19:8
But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount."

Purification is processes of committing ones self to the Lord. As with Jacob once you put away all that doesn’t matter and seek the Lord in worship you are ready to perform the Lords work and people will notice. You don’t have to tell them as they will see it clearly in how you live your life.

Most importantly it is Jesus who cleanses us. Without Him everything is in vain. God doesn’t need our sacrifices but He wants us to remember Him and live with Him.

Isaiah 1:10-12
"The multitude of your sacrifices—
what are they to me?" says the LORD.
"I have more than enough of burnt offerings,
of rams and the fat of fattened animals;
I have no pleasure
in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.

Proverbs 15:8
The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked,
but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

Proverbs 21:3
To do what is right and just
is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

James 4:8
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Romans 2:21
No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God.

James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Love Lifted Me

I've been singing this song all day. There must be a reason.
LOVE LIFTED ME

I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,
But the Master of the sea, heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me,
now safe am I.

Refrain
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help
Love lifted me!

All my heart to Him I give,
ever to Him I’ll cling
In His blessèd presence live,
ever His praises sing,
Love so mighty and so true,
merits my soul’s best songs,
Faithful, loving service too,
to Him belongs.

Refrain

Souls in danger look above,
Jesus completely saves,
He will lift you by His love,
out of the angry waves.
He’s the Master of the sea,
billows His will obey,
He your Savior wants to be,
be saved today.

Refrain

Remember The Love of God

In what does the Lord delight?
"Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy." Micah
7:18.

How is His mercy continually manifested?
"It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22,23.

Is His mercy limited to any special class?
"Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things."
Acts 17:25.

"That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." Matthew
5:45.

How has mankind repaid Him for His love in creating them and giving them all
things to enjoy?
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23. See. Isaiah 1:4-6.

While all men were in this condition, how did God still further show
His love to them?
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans
5:8.

Is there any difference between the love of the Father and that of the
son?
"I and my Father are one." John 10:30.

"Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake." John
14:11.

Into what relationship to God does His love bring us, if we accept it?
"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not." 1 John 3:1.

What is given us to show that we are sons?
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with out spirit, that we
are the children of God." Romans 8:14-16.

What does the Holy Spirit beget in the hearts of those who receive it?
"And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."
Romans 5:5.

If the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts, what effect will it have?
"Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another." 1 John 4:11.

How much must we love one another?
"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." John 15:12.

"Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." 1 John 3:16.

What exhortation is based upon Christ's love for us?
"And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour." Ephesians 5:2.

If we have the love of God, will we love only those who love us?
"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." Matthew 5:43,44.

"For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?" Matthew 5:46.

Did God love us because of any good that we had done?
"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; Which he shed on us
abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour." Titus 3:5,6.

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:4-6.

What alone should prompt all our acts?
"For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead." 2 Corinthians 5:14.

In what other way is God's love manifested to His people?
"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." Revelation 3:19.

"For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." Hebrews 12:6

What may we confidently expect, from the fact that God so loved us as to give Christ to die for us?
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32.

What is God's love for His children able to do when enemies rise up against them?
"Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee." Deuteronomy 23:5.

If we appreciate this loving kindness, what will we do?
"How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings."
Psalms 36:7.

How enduring is God's love to us?
"The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." Jeremiah 31:3

Can anything turn aside the love of God for those who trust Him?
"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38,39.

Unto whom will the saints of God ascribe universal praise both here and in eternity?
"And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood." Revelation 1:5.

Sit with Jesus in 2007

This painting, by Harry Anderson, hangs on the wall in my office. It reminds me how near Jesus is to me each day. He is the "WORD made flesh" so when I read HIS WORD, I am "sitting with HIM.

As we move into this new year, let us prepare ourselves to sit with Jesus every day. I am planning to do this in a new way this year. With GOD's help, I am going to make my own study Bible. I will be using a Bible that has wide margins to allow me to make lots of notes.

HOW TO MARK YOUR BIBLE
Remember that your Bible is a whole Library, not a "story book" (although it is full of wonderful true stories). This Library is made up of Books of Law, History, Poetry, and Prophecy. and in these books we find the Everlasting Gospel woven throughout. I think GOD knew that Satan, the enemy of our souls, would work to confuse us; so HE wove the truth through the Bible so that even if someone tried to change some specific scriptures, that the Truth would still come forth if we study the Bible by topic.

This link is to an article written by Lloyd W. Cary, with his suggestions on how to mark your Bible. He has some very good points.
http://www.biblestudy.org/basicart/markbibl.html

WIDE MARGIN BIBLE
I will be using a wide margin Bible so I will have room to write many notes and cross references. I have marked several Bibles before like this and each time I receive a great blessing, and I learn more and more new things with every time I study.


This kind of study is for our own personal relationship with the WORD. It is very personal and can be kept almost like a journal, I often include dates on the notes that I put in the margin. It is wonderful to come back and read my own comment, and I often am delighted to realize what I knew and when I learned it.

This Bible is not mine, but it looks very much like mine does., except mine is starting to fall apart, so I am starting with a new one. That will be a little uncomfortable, because the one I use now is "so well trained". You know what I mean, it is so easy to find everything in it.

This time I will be using a modern translation. This store has a great deal on these.

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=7574X&netp_id=311384&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW

BIBLE STUDY

In the days of Jesus, what was the name for the Bible?

"Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?" Matthew 21:42.

What other Biblical name is given to this important book?

"And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it." Luke 8:21.

How were the Scriptures given to mankind?

"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.

By whom were the prophets of old guided as they thus spake for God?

"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21.

What specific example of this is mentioned by Peter?

"Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus." Acts 1:16.

Who was it, then, who spoke through these men?

"God, who at sundry times and divers manners spake in past unto the fathers by the prophets." Hebrews 1:1.

For what purpose were the Holy Scriptures written?

"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." Romans 15:4.

What are the four ways in which Scripture can help us?

"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.

What was God's plan in thus giving the Bible to us?

"That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:17.

How does God intend that His Word shall help us in this dark world of sin and death?

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105.

What were the three divisions of Scripture in the days of Christ?

"And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me." Luke 24:44.

NOTE: "The law of Moses" was a common Jewish term for the first five books of the Old Testament. In "the prophets" they included Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the twelve Minor Prophets; also Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, and 1 and 2 Kings. "The psalms" included all the remaining books.

Upon what evidence did Jesus base the fact of His Messiahship?

"And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself." Luke 24:27.

NOTE: Jesus referred particularly to the Old Testament prophecies as proof of His Messiahship. When Christ spoke of the Scriptures, He meant the Old Testament, for the New Testament has not yet been written.

What is one of the names of God in the Bible?

"He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he." Deuteronomy 32:4.

What, therefore, must be the character of His Holy Word?

"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." John 17:17.

To what extent has God magnified His Word?

"I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name." Psalms 138:2.

NOTE: A man's name stands for his character. It is the same with God. When God places His word above His name, His character becomes the foundation of His word and the pledge that His word will be fulfilled. (Hebrews 6:13, 14)

What value did Job place upon the words of God?

"Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food." Job 23:12.

How firm was the prophet Isaiah's faith in God's Word?

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever." Isaiah 40:8.

Real True Love

Many in this world of hate and lies are trying to find someone they can trust and rely on. We wonder if there is something true that we can totally believe in. When a loved one betrays us and we find ourselves without a friend we can find One who is totally true and trust worthy. He alone can give us peace and hope. The future of this world is doubtful and the future seems uncertain but God alone can give us happiness and assurance. But you may wonder how His Word can be understood. He is so distant, so hard to understand.

The Bible assures us that if we seek Him we will find Him. Look at these wonderful promises:

But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. Deuteronomy 4:29

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Proverbs 8:17

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Luke 11:9

What does the Bible say about love? What is love? What does love have to do with obedience and the law?

We are told in the Bible that God is love. Read it in 1 John:

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 for our sins. 1 John 4:8-10

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

That is tremendous love, isn’t it? That is a love that is difficult to understand. God loved us before we knew Him. He gave all for us. That is a love that gives and cares for someone who is totally unmindful of that love. A parent of a tiny baby can experience that type of love. The baby cannot give love in return, it is totally dependant on the love of the parent. As the baby grows it becomes aware of the love of the parent and responds to the love shown by the parent. That is the rebirth of the Christian: as we see the love of God we respond to His love. As we learn more about God we can choose to become like Him and return His love or we can like the rebellious child reject Him and turn away. But He continues to love us. Not that He is happy with our rebellion but like the parent who sees their child playing in the busy street He wants very much to save us from our rebellion that He can see is about to destroy us.

Some say that Gods love is ‘unconditional’ and that once we are ‘saved’ it doesn’t matter what we do. While it is true that God loved us before we knew Him He does have claims on us and He does want the best for us. Just like the human parent wants the best for their child God wants us to be happy. And just like the human parent, God is wiser than we and knows what is best. Some say that we can’t obey God and that loving God doesn’t mean that we should obey Him. But what does the Bible say?

If ye love me, keep my commandments. John 14:15

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. John 15:12

These things I command you, that ye love one another. John 15:17

By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 1 John 5:2&3

Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; Deuteronomy 7:9

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.1 John 4:20&21
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. John 14:21

For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Romans 13:9

And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, Deuteronomy 10:12

In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. Deuteronomy 30:16

And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments: Nehemiah 1:5

He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 1 John 4:8

But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.1 John 2:5

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.1 John 4:11

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 1 John 3:16&17

And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. 2 John 1:5&6

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. John 15:10

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. John 13:34

And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. Exodus 20:6
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. Mark 12:30&31

Now if someone said that they loved their spouse what would happen? Would they go away for a long time and never write? Would they beat their spouse? Would they kill the spouses friends? Would they call that spouse names and cheat on them? No, not if the love is real. Real love is demonstrated by action. It is revealed in what is said and done. A person that loves you will want to be with you, they will treat you kindly, they will do anything to make you happy. So if you love God you will say and do that which is pleasing to Him. You will want to be with Him. You will treat Him kindly and will do those things that make Him happy.

Perhaps you are a sports fan. Think of how you would treat your favorite athlete if they were to come to visit you. If they were to tell you that they would be there Saturday would you show up on Sunday? Would you lie to him? Would you leave the house in a dirty mess? Would you call him names? Would you listen to him or would you ignore him while he was there? Would you pick a fight with his friends and family members? I doubt it. You would probably be kind and treat him with respect. You would show up on the day he specified. You would treat his friends and family with kindness and you would hang on his every word. Do you realize that a fan is someone who is a fanatic? That is where the word fan came from. Yet when someone suggests keeping Gods law it is common to hear them called a fanatic. If we treated God the way many treat a sports hero I guess we are a fanatic. Gods fan.

God tells us that we are to love our neighbor. We know from the illustration Christ gave in Luke 10:30-37 that our neighbor is anyone we come into contact with. You may ask, ‘How do I love my brother like the Bible says I should?’ That love ,my friend, is a gift from God. If you pray and ask Him to give you that love He will give it to you. In 1 Corinthians 13 we can find a description of how to love. Read this chapter every day and it will change you into a loving person. Try reading it in a new translation every day.

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

This love is not based on race or position but on Christian principles. By beholding we become changed. If we are beholding crime and violence we will become like a criminal or a violent person. If we behold Christ as we find Him in the Bible we will become like Him. We will see how He handled situations and we will become like Him.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

David wrote:
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. Psalms 101:3.
He learned the evil of looking on the wrong things. See 2 Samuel 11 for this story.
His admiration of a naked woman led him to murder. I’m sure it seemed innocent enough to him at the time but look at what unhappiness followed because of his selfish indulgence. If he had loved Uriah as a neighbor the way he should have he would not have even entertained the idea. Shouldn’t we learn from him the evils of pornography. God gave us this story of David so that we might avoid his mistake and keep ourselves right. If you have a problem with pornography memorize Psalms 101:3 and say it when you are tempted. Then follow the advise in Philippians 4:8 and choose those things that are pure, honest, just, lovely and true.

Christ says that if we harbor it in our heart it is as if we have done it. God wants more than the outward behavior He wants us to have a new heart. And He can give it to you if you ask. The Bible says:
‘Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.’ Psalms 51:10.
We can claim that prayer as ours. God will do it for you, my friend. Ask Him.

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
---Matthew 6:30-34

How to Live the Gospel

As we head into a new year, let us learn how to make the Gospel real in our lives.
"To him that overcometh 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." Rev 3:21

Let us focus on Jesus. How did Jesus overcome?
He was Born of Spirit
He applied the Word of God
He invited the daily Indwelling of the Spirit
He practiced Prayer
He practiced Resisting Temptation

He Was Born of Spirit
Christ had a Divine nature - We can share in it
Col 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 2 Pet 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Jesus was born of the Spirit - So should we be
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Eze 18:30–31 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Ezek 36:25–29 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you.

Jesus Died To Self - So should we
Before we can be reborn we must die to self.
Rom 6:3–14 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Rom 8:10–11 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Rom 12:1–2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Phil 3:8–12 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

So...How are we to be born of the Spirit ?
1 Pet 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Psa 33:6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
Heb 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Gen 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
2 Cor 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Remember....Faith is taking God at His Word and living it
Jesus overcame temptation thru God's Word.
Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Heb 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Matt 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Through The Word of God
His Word says to us - I can do all things
Matt 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Matt 19:25–26 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Matt 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
1 Cor 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Cor 10:4–5 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

So...What does this Word do For us ?
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
1 Pet 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
1 Thes 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
2 Pet 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
John 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
Psa 17:4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.
Psa 119:9–11 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
John 6:57–58 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
Ps 1:1–3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
2 Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
2 Tim 3:15–17 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

God's Indwelling Spirit
What happens when God's Word dwells in us ?
Col 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
John 17:21–23 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
Rom 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Col 3:3–4 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Col 1:26–27 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
1 John 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

Prayer
So...What else did Jesus do? - Prayer
Heb 5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
Matt 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Luke 6:12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Phil 4:6–7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Col 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
1 Pet 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 1 Thes 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
John 14:13–14 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
Matt 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
John 16:23–24 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
Matt 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Okay, but... Why then don't I always overcome when I pray ?
James 4:3–4 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Jer 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
James 4:7–10 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Resisting Temptation
Jesus also resisted temptation - it is a very real battle
2 Tim 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2 Cor 10:4–5 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Heb 12:1–2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 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.
Heb 12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
1 Cor 9:25–27 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
1 Pet 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
Heb 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
Heb 5:7–9 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

So...What is this battle against?... SELF?
John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

At which point can we stop the fight and say we have attained salvation ?
Matt 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
1 Pet 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Heb 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Rev 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

What about the teaching of "once saved always saved" ?
Eze 18:24 But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.
Matt 18:23–35 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

What then, is our conclusion of "how to live the Gospel"?
Eph 6:10–14 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
1 Pet 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
Phil 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Eph 6:15–18 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Phil 2:12–13 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
1 John 3:2–5 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth 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. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
Prov 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Jesus, Our Salvation Our Friend

Our Pattern, Helper, and Friend

How alone should the Christian walk?
"He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." 1 John 2:6. (See Colossians 2:6.)

What mind should be in us?
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:" Philippians 2:5.

While yet but a child, what example of obedience to parents did He present to us?
"And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart." Luke 2:51.

How are His childhood and youth described?
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." Luke 2:52.

What example did He give us in regard to baptism?
"Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him." Matthew 3:13-15.

How important was prayer in His life?
"And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God." Luke 6:12.
"And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray." Luke 9:28.

To what kind of work did Jesus dedicate His life?
"How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him." Acts 10:38.

What was it that caused Jesus to leave the riches of heaven and come down and live here on earth?
"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9.

When misunderstood, reviled, and mistreated, what did He do?
"Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:" 1 Peter 2:23.

How did He pray for those who crucified Him?
"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." Luke 23:34. (See Acts 3:17.)

What did the Bible predict His life would be like?
"Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows." Hebrews 1:9.

How powerfully can Jesus bring us salvation?
"Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save." Isaiah 63:1.

What was Christ's purpose in coming to this world?
"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:10.

Through what was Christ made a complete and perfect Saviour?
"For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." Hebrews 2:10.

As a result of His suffering and temptation, what is Christ able to do?
"For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted." Hebrews 2:18.

How complete a Saviour is He?
"Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." Hebrews 7:25.

From what is He able to keep us?
"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen." Jude 1:24,25.

What does Jesus, our Pattern, Helper, and Friend, call those who accept Him?
"Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you." John 15:15.

What kind of friend is He?
"A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24.

What is the evidence of a genuine friend?
"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Proverbs 17:17.

Prophecy of the coming of Jesus, the Messiah

Here is an interesting prophecy concerning the Messiah found in Daniel 9:24-27.

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

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

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

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

Let's just see what this actually tells us.

Seventy Weeks
Here we are given definite times here for these things to occur. Are they literal weeks ? Obviously they can not be because 70 literal weeks after the rebuilding of Jerusalem the Messiah had not come. Now some may like to apply the principles of prophetic interpretation known as futurism, developed by cardinals Belaman and Rivera, and put all of this into some future time. We, however, would like to present the true interpretation of this prophecy as believed by the early Christian church. Unfortunately it as been lost sight of in more recent times.

How do we interpret these time periods? Well, it’s rather simple. You see the Lord tells us clearly how he deals with prophetic and symbolic time periods; A day for a year.

"For I have laid upon thee the years of their iniquity, according to the number of the days, three hundred and ninety days: so shalt thou bear the iniquity of the house of Israel. And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee each day for a year." Eze 4:5,6

"After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise." Num 14:34
The Hebrew for "seventy weeks" is shabuim shibim. The word shibim is seventy, but the word shabuim is understood by Hebrew scholars to mean "a period of seven years." All devout orthodox commentators translate this word shabuim, - shmitoth. A Shmitah is "a period of seven years." While the English translations of the Hebrew Old Testament by Jewish scholars render the word shabuim shibim as "seventy weeks," it is clear that these weeks are prophetic rather than weeks of seven literal days. (see Num 14:34; Eze 4:6) Rabbi Isaac Leeser, who translated the Old Testament into English, is in accord with this prophetic interpretation of shabuim shibim. He says:
"Ancient Jewish writers thought that the second temple stood four hundred and twenty years, which, with the seventy years of Babylonian captivity, make four hundred and ninety years." (Note 47, Lesser's comments on his Old Testament translation.)

The comment of this famous rabbi on these two Hebrew words is agreed to by Hebrew scholars. These words of Lesser indicate that Jewish writers believe the year day method to be the correct way to reckon the seventy weeks, but they failed to take note of the angel's words that the period "to Messiah the Prince" is to be reckoned "from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem." Dan 9:25. The commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem went forth in 457 BC and at that time began the seventy weeks. F.C. Gilbert's Messiah in His Sanctuary.
So that when the Lord said a day, He meant a year. When he says a week, it then must be seven years. So we will use this principle: A day for a year.

Now in verse 24 we are therefore told that Israel and Jerusalem has been given 70 weeks = 70x7 days = 490 days = 490 years in order to :


finish the transgression,
make an end of sins,
make reconciliation for iniquity,
bring in everlasting righteousness,
seal up the vision and prophecy,
anoint the most Holy.
An End of Sins
When it says here to make an end of sins, the Hebrew word used is 'chattath' (sorry no ASCII Hebrew) this word can either mean sin or sin offering. Lev 4:3 is an example of this uses when it says "Let him bring for his sin ...a young bullock... for his sin offering." The same word 'chattath' is used in both occasions.

In this period of 490 years in Jerusalem there would be an end made to the system of sin offerings, a reconciliation for iniquity would be effected, everlasting righteousness would be effected and the most Holy would be anointed. This last point is interesting because Messiah means the anointed one. The point about sealing up the vision and prophecy is linked to a wider prophecy concerning Dan 8.

Now when was all this to happen? How can we determine a starting time for all of this to happen?
Verse 25 tells us that the time would start from the going forth of the command to rebuild Jerusalem. The 70 weeks are also further subdivided into periods of 7 and 62 and the remaining week.

We see that seven weeks are allotted to the restoration of Jerusalem, the rebuilding of the street and the wall. From this point 62 weeks are measured off so that at the end of this total period 69 weeks have elapsed and we are to see the manifestation of the Messiah the Prince. In the midst of this 69th week we are told that (verse 27) the Messiah would be cut off and thereby cause the sacrifice to end.

Rebuild Jerusalem
When did the 70 weeks commence ? There are 3 degrees which were issued to restore Jerusalem.


Cyrus 536 B.C. To Restore the temple
Darius 519 B.C. Reaffirmation of Cyrus' degree
Artaxerxes 457 B.C. Complete Restoration of national economy and sovereignty.
Of the three, the one under which the wall and street was built according to the prophecy was that of Artaxerxes in 457 B.C. Now how do we know this is the correct date ? Well this is probably the surest date in Scripture. This work was accomplished by Ezra.

"This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.

And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king. And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king." Ezra 7:6-8

"And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment." Ezra 7:26
The Seventh year of Artaxerxes was 457 B.C. Now we have mentioned that 7 weeks or 7x7 = 49 years were allocated to the rebuilding of the wall and street. We find that the last act of restoration is recorded in Neh 13:23... and this occurred exactly 49 years after the work had been first begun by Ezra.

Messiah the Prince
Now 69 weeks = 69x7 = 483 years were to extend to Messiah the Prince. Dating from 457 B.C. the period ends in 27 A.D. (remember to skip year 0)

It is interesting to note the event that occurred at this time. The anointing of Jesus Christ.

"Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased." Luke 3:21,22

After this Jesus himself "Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled." Mark 1:14-15. The Messiah had come and with His own lips He announced the termination of that period of the prophecy. How is it that He also knew the time of His death ? The prophecy also foretold this event.

Now the Messiah was to confirm the covenant with many for one week in the midst of which He would cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease. How would this occur? It occurred when He was "cut off but not of himself."

"He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken." Isaiah 53:8

At His death, sacrifices for sin ended: He was the sacrificial lamb.

When was this to occur ? In the midst of the last week or 3.5 years after the 69th week. 3.5+27 = 31 A.D. the date of the Crucifixion. We know that Christ attended 3 Passovers. In fact, this date (31 A.D.) can be proven historically.

"Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; " Matt 27:50,51

Obviously the tearing of the veil signified the end of the sacrificial system.

So that we see that Christ brought about a reconciliation for iniquity, through His atoning sacrifice and simultaneously brought in everlasting righteousness to all those who would accept His righteousness in place of theirs. Obviously the most Holy, the Messiah himself was anointed by the Father and the Holy Spirit at His baptism at the hands of John. The fulfillment of this prophecy is complete in every detail.

The prophecy also elaborates on the future of Israel after their foretold rejection of the Messiah. The destruction and desolation of Jerusalem and the temple in A.D.70 by the Romans. But that is another study.

"And now I have told you before it come to pass, that when it is come to pass, ye might believe." John 14:29

The Birth and Early Life of Christ

Where, in the Bible, is given the first promise of the Saviour from sin?
"And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." Genesis 3:14,15.

Through whose descendant was the promised restoration to come through?
"For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever." Genesis 13:15.

Who was this promised seed?
"Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ." Galatians 3:16.

What town was predicted to be the birthplace of the Christ?
"And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet. And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel." Matthew 2:4-6. (See Micah 5:2.)

Of whom was Christ to be born?
"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14.

What name was Joseph told to give the promised Son when He was born?
"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21.

At His birth, what message did the angel bring to the shepherds abiding in the field?
"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10,11.

What was the song of praise that the host of angels sang that night?
"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:13,14.

What important prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled when Christ was born?
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6.

What descriptive names did Isaiah give to Him?
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." Isaiah 9:6,7.

What did the godly Simeon say when he saw Jesus?
"And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law. Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said. Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation. Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." Luke 2:27-32.

Upon seeing Jesus, what were the words of the aged prophetess Anna?
"And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem." Luke 2:38.

What did the Wise Men from the East do when they had found Jesus?
"And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." Matthew 2:11.

Why did Joseph flee to Egypt with Jesus and His mother?
"And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him." Matthew 2:13.

How does John the revelator describe this satanic urge to destroy Christ?
"And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born." Revelation 12:4.

By what means did Herod seek to kill Jesus?
"Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men." Matthew 2:16.

After Herod's death, to what town did Joseph and his family move?
"And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene." Matthew 2:23.

How does the Bible describe the early life of Jesus?
"And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him." Luke 2:40.
"And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart." Luke 2:51.

At the Feast in Jerusalem, how did Joseph and Mary lose Jesus when He was twelve years old?
"But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him." Luke 2:44,45.

What was Jesus doing when they later found Him?
"And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions." Luke 2:46.

What impact did His questions and answers have upon the spiritual leaders of Israel?
"And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers." Luke 2:47.

How does Scripture summarize Christ's childhood and youth?
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." Luke 2:52.

The Human Side Of Jesus Christ

Jesus Was Born of the Spirit
Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.


Jesus Was Made Like Man
Phil 2:6,7 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:


Jesus Took the Seed of Fallen Man
Heb 2:16-18 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Romans 1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;


Jesus Came in the Flesh
Heb 2:14-15 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:


What does it mean to be in the Flesh ?
Rom 8:4-9 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.


Antichrist does not believe He came in the Flesh
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.


Did Jesus have any advantage over us ?
John 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

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.


Was Jesus Omnascient ?
Mark 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.


How was Jesus Tempted ?
Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

James 1:13-15 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.


Could Jesus follow His own will ?
John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.


Did Jesus Have to Perfect His Nature ? How ?
Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Heb 5:7-9 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

2 Pet 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

John 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.


Does God expect us to follow a standard we can not attain like a carrot on a stick?
Psa 32:9 Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.