Sounds easy, right? It is easy. You just have to give up your right to do as you please. Religion added many traditions, fences, even indulgencies, to interpret the Will-of-God. Jesus came to remove the barriers caused by rebellion and religion to restore the relationship between man and God. Relationships require time and commitment even in the kingdom of God. We can come to God as-we-are and be made whole, but something is required to maintain that status. ***Wilt Thou Be Made Whole (Part 5) CHAPTER 15:  JESUS HEALS A LAME MANIN JERUSALEM, by the sheep market, was the Pool of Bethesda.  Beside it lay a great multitude of invalids—the lame, blind, withered, and bedridden—all waiting for the moving of the water; because at certain times an angel went down into the pool and troubled the water.  Then, whoever was the first to enter the water after its troubling, was cured of whatever disease or infirmity he had.            Jesus, one day, walked beside the Pool of Bethesda and saw a man there who had been infirm and lame for thirty-eight years.  Realizing that he had been so long infirm, Jesus spoke to him, saying;             “Wilt thou be made whole?”            The lame man answered:            “Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool; but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.”            Jesus said to him:            “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.”            Immediately the man was healed.  He took up his bed and walked away.            This miracle came to pass on the Sabbath.  The Jews, therefore, stoppedthe man who had been cured, saying:             “It is the Sabbath day.  It is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.”            He answered:            “He that made me whole, the same said unto me, “Take up thy bed, and walk.”            The Jews asked him:            “What man is that which said unto thee, ‘Take up thy bed, and walk’?”             But he who had been healed did not know who his benefactor was, because Jesus had left to avoid the crowd in that place.            Later Jesus found him in the temple and said to him:            “Behold, thou art made whole.  Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.”             The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.

"The least you can do is pray.” Is that right? The Eternal God is not subject to our wishes or demands. Scriptures say, 'The effectual fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much.' We must live in a manner to hear the voice of God to have the wisdom to pray. Jesus always acted in obedience to his Father. We should follow His example. *** Wilt Thou Be Made Whole (Part 4)CHAPTER 15:  JESUS HEALS A LAME MANIN JERUSALEM, by the sheep market, was the Pool of Bethesda.  Beside it lay a great multitude of invalids—the lame, blind, withered, and bedridden—all waiting for the moving of the water; because at certain times an angel went down into the pool and troubled the water.  Then, whoever was the first to enter the water after its troubling, was cured of whatever disease or infirmity he had.            Jesus, one day, walked beside the Pool of Bethesda and saw a man there who had been infirm and lame for thirty-eight years.  Realizing that he had been so long infirm, Jesus spoke to him, saying;             “Wilt thou be made whole?”            The lame man answered:            “Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool; but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.”            Jesus said to him:            “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.”            Immediately the man was healed.  He took up his bed and walked away.            This miracle came to pass on the Sabbath.  The Jews, therefore, stopped the man who had been cured, saying:             “It is the Sabbath day.  It is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.”            He answered:            “He that made me whole, the same said unto me, “Take up thy bed, and walk.”            The Jews asked him:            “What man is that which said unto thee, ‘Take up thy bed, and walk’?”             But he who had been healed did not know who his benefactor was, because Jesus had left to avoid the crowd in that place.            Later Jesus found him in the temple and said to him:             “Behold, thou art made whole.  Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.”             The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.

Honesty is a rare commodity. Do you want to be made whole? It's a serious question. Infirmity can become an identity with distinction. There are limitations and perhaps discomforts, but after many years there are reduced demands in life. "I'm handicapped" is a great excuse; "I'm whole" restores a flood of responsibilities - and expectations. Obedience and faith is required to become "little Christ's". Keep the commandments, take time every day to hear the voice of God and never, ever violate what we know is the right thing to do. ***Wilt Thou Be Made Whole (Part 3)CHAPTER 15:  JESUS HEALS A LAME MANIN JERUSALEM, by the sheep market, was the Pool of Bethesda.  Beside it lay a great multitude of invalids—the lame, blind, withered, and bedridden—all waiting for the moving of the water; because at certain times an angel went down into the pool and troubled the water.  Then, whoever was the first to enter the water after its troubling, was cured of whatever disease or infirmity he had.            Jesus, one day, walked beside the Pool of Bethesda and saw a man there who had been infirm and lame for thirty-eight years.  Realizing that he had been so long infirm, Jesus spoke to him, saying;             “Wilt thou be made whole?”            The lame man answered:            “Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool; but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.”            Jesus said to him:            “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.”            Immediately the man was healed.  He took up his bed and walked away.            This miracle came to pass on the Sabbath.  The Jews, therefore, stoppedthe man who had been cured, saying:             “It is the Sabbath day.  It is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.”            He answered:            “He that made me whole, the same said unto me, “Take up thy bed, and walk.”            The Jews asked him:            “What man is that which said unto thee, ‘Take up thy bed, and walk’?”             But he who had been healed did not know who his benefactor was, because Jesus had left to avoid the crowd in that place.            Later Jesus found him in the temple and said to him:            “Behold, thou art made whole.  Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.”             The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.

Over time disability or illness becomes a familiar routine. Expectations from family or others diminish. Perhaps charity or a SSI check comes to relieve the burdens of life. It's easy to blame circumstances, even God, for the condition in which we find ourselves. It should be obvious that wholeness is desired. However, the man who encounters Jesus will not be able to continue in life as usual. Things must change. Things will change. Jesus wants us in the Kingdom of God. ***Wilt Thou Be Made Whole (Part 2)CHAPTER 15:  JESUS HEALS A LAME MANIN JERUSALEM, by the sheep market, was the Pool of Bethesda.  Beside it lay a great multitude of invalids—the lame, blind, withered, and bedridden—all waiting for the moving of the water; because at certain times an angel went down into the pool and troubled the water.  Then, whoever was the first to enter the water after its troubling, was cured of whatever disease or infirmity he had.            Jesus, one day, walked beside the Pool of Bethesda and saw a man there who had been infirm and lame for thirty-eight years.  Realizing that he had been so long infirm, Jesus spoke to him, saying;             “Wilt thou be made whole?”            The lame man answered:            “Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool; but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.”            Jesus said to him:            “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.”            Immediately the man was healed.  He took up his bed and walked away.            This miracle came to pass on the Sabbath.  The Jews, therefore, stoppedthe man who had been cured, saying:             “It is the Sabbath day.  It is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.”            He answered:            “He that made me whole, the same said unto me, “Take up thy bed, and walk.”            The Jews asked him:            “What man is that which said unto thee, ‘Take up thy bed, and walk’?”             But he who had been healed did not know who his benefactor was, because Jesus had left to avoid the crowd in that place.            Later Jesus found him in the temple and said to him:            “Behold, thou art made whole.  Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.”             The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.

"The poor you will have with you always." There are many things that we do not understand. There are many things we don't need to understand. What is relevant to our lives will be revealed by the Spirit of God, if we live in a manner conducive to hearing instruction. Specifically, keep the ten commandments; take time every day to hear from God (meditation, silent prayer); and never, ever violate your conscience. Truth is revealed by the Spirit of God. Healing pools of water and lottery healing are not consistent with the actions and personality of YHVH. ***Wilt Thou Be Made Whole (Part 1)CHAPTER 15:  JESUS HEALS A LAME MANIN JERUSALEM, by the sheep market, was the Pool of Bethesda.  Beside it lay a great multitude of invalids—the lame, blind, withered, and bedridden—all waiting for the moving of the water; because at certain times an angel went down into the pool and troubled the water.  Then, whoever was the first to enter the water after its troubling, was cured of whatever disease or infirmity he had.            Jesus, one day, walked beside the Pool of Bethesda and saw a man there who had been infirm and lame for thirty-eight years.  Realizing that he had been so long infirm, Jesus spoke to him, saying;             “Wilt thou be made whole?”            The lame man answered:            “Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool; but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.”            Jesus said to him:            “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.”            Immediately the man was healed.  He took up his bed and walked away.            This miracle came to pass on the Sabbath.  The Jews, therefore, stoppedthe man who had been cured, saying:             “It is the Sabbath day.  It is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.”            He answered:            “He that made me whole, the same said unto me, “Take up thy bed, and walk.”            The Jews asked him:            “What man is that which said unto thee, ‘Take up thy bed, and walk’?”             But he who had been healed did not know who his benefactor was, because Jesus had left to avoid the crowd in that place.            Later Jesus found him in the temple and said to him:            “Behold, thou art made whole.  Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.”             The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.

"I'll pray about it." A quick phrase or action often used to relieve responsibility. The prayer makes the issue God's problem. Oh, boy. Can we be honest for a change? Fasting is to make us the person we need to be. We need guidance. Since John the Baptist, we are in a new and living way. New wine. New bottle. New covenant. Jesus brought the power [grace] to become a child of God. The new bottle is sound theology. Fantasy and dishonesty cannot contain the grace of God.***CHAPTER 14: JESUS EXPLAINS HIS ATTITUDE ON FASTING (PART 5) THE DISCIPLES of John the Baptist and of the Pharisees came to Jesus, troubled in theirhearts, asking:            “Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?”            “Jesus replied:            “Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?  But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.            “No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.  And no man putteth new wine into old bottles [skins]; else the new wine will burst the bottles [skins], and be spilled, and the bottles [skins] shall perish.  But new wine must be put into new bottles [skins]; and both are preserved.  No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new; for he saith, ‘The old is better’.” ***You will die in your sins - if you don't believe in me; - Jesus taught by example (not teacher/student); 1-2-3; - believe in me; - truth will set you free; son abides forever; fornication; tell you the truth, why do you not believe?; Before Abraham - I AM; immortality - Jesus only hath; first fruits of many brethern, - never see death; - dead, yet shall ye live; - die in sins if doesn't believe that I AM WHO I SAY I AM; never see death of soul, fear Him who can kill both body and soul; wages of sin is death; death is not equal to destruction 

CHAPTER 14:  JESUS EXPLAINS HIS ATTITUDE ON FASTING (PART 4)THE DISCIPLES of John the Baptist and of the Pharisees came to Jesus, troubled in theirhearts, asking:            “Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?”            “Jesus replied:            “Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?  But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.            “No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.  And no man putteth new wine into old bottles [skins]; else the new wine will burst the bottles [skins], and be spilled, and the bottles [skins] shall perish.  But new wine must be put into new bottles [skins]; and both are preserved.  No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new; for he saith, ‘The old is better’.” ***Light of the world; "Light of Life"; walk in darkness (stumble); Deny, Die, Follow; Follow Jesus - not walking in darkness; We show the light to the world by our lives; Scriptural witness - give an answer to the hope in us; if the world is not asking…no light is shinning (OH NO!); government rules for isreal in the Scriptures; Jews accused "record of yourself..."; 2 or 3 witnesses to establish a matter; Part of Israel; Sworn to truth already; no law against it (i.e. abortion) - doesn't make it right; Muslims, Jews, Christians - people of the book; - We ARE NOT PEOPLE OF THE BOOK

CHAPTER 14:  JESUS EXPLAINS HIS ATTITUDE ON FASTING (PART 3)THE DISCIPLES of John the Baptist and of the Pharisees came to Jesus, troubled in theirhearts, asking:            “Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?”            “Jesus replied:            “Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?  But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.            “No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.  And no man putteth new wine into old bottles [skins]; else the new wine will burst the bottles [skins], and be spilled, and the bottles [skins] shall perish.  But new wine must be put into new bottles [skins]; and both are preserved.  No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new; for he saith, ‘The old is better’.” ***Scriptures are written; Word of God is Jesus; - Who told you that?; verbal instructions from God (Jews added fences/laws); my hour is not yet come (not this, not right now); "where I go…" Jesus had confidence in the Father; LAST GREAT DAY; - water moving by bucket; Jesus says, "I'm over here...I have the water..."; Jesus spoke of the Spirit; "what we know..." is not always correct!; from Bethlehem (arguing a mute point) Galillee?; - "caught in the act" Moses says... - "What sayeth thou?"; JESUS ALWAYS OBEYED HIS FATHER - IN THE SPIRIT - NOT UNDER THE LAW; expected a conflict w/Moses - Jesus said, "I agree... He without sin - come on..."

CHAPTER 14:  JESUS EXPLAINS HIS ATTITUDE ON FASTING (PART 2)THE DISCIPLES of John the Baptist and of the Pharisees came to Jesus, troubled in theirhearts, asking:            “Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?”            “Jesus replied:            “Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?  But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.            “No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.  And no man putteth new wine into old bottles [skins]; else the new wine will burst the bottles [skins], and be spilled, and the bottles [skins] shall perish.  But new wine must be put into new bottles [skins]; and both are preserved.  No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new; for he saith, ‘The old is better’.” *** Why Jesus did what he did; Learned? How? - not taught of man; Understanding? How?Spoke not as the Scribes; AUTHORITY! Jesus exuded the idea of authority (humble, meek - lived as an example of what I want for you); How? b/c "My doctrine is not mine…; doctrine of God who sent me; anyone who does HIS WILL shall know; we preach what is in our lives; Spirit teaches what we need to know; Religion & Education will not get our Character Upgraded;  seeking God's glory - great!; seeking personal glory - problem! unrighteousness; Moses? none of you keep the law; traditions/idioms stop the ears of the people; can't be Messiah b/c... "we expected something else"

CHAPTER 14:  JESUS EXPLAINS HIS ATTITUDE ON FASTINGTHE DISCIPLES of John the Baptist and of the Pharisees came to Jesus, troubled in theirhearts, asking:            “Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?”            “Jesus replied:            “Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?  But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.            “No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.  And no man putteth new wine into old bottles [skins]; else the new wine will burst the bottles [skins], and be spilled, and the bottles [skins] shall perish.  But new wine must be put into new bottles [skins]; and both are preserved.  No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new; for he saith, ‘The old is better’.” ***Word of God, Feast of Tabernacles, Spiritual Israel, Wrestle with God; STRIVE to BECOME ISRAEL; Ministry of Jesus was under the Old Testament; three time a year shall all thy males… COMMANDMENT; Jesus Led by the Spirit (live under the law - hear the Spirit); Calendar of YHVH; Disciples didn't believe yet (actually didn't understand Jesus' purposes; Jews were excommunicated when they followed Christ); "No man can take you out of my hand..." - not eternal security; Jesus assured the people - I'm your Shephard; synagogue (church) membership isn't a requirement; Faith is shown by Works;

***CHAPTER 13:  JESUS CALLS MATTHEW TO BE A DISCIPLEAFTER THE miraculous cure of the paralytic, Jesus left the house and, as he passed along, saw Matthew, known as Levi, the son of Alpheus, sitting in the customhouse-where he performed his duties as tax collector.  Jesus said to him:             “Follow me.”            Matthew arose and followed him.            Later Jesus sat down to a meal in Matthew’s house.  With him were his disciples and many tax collectors and sinners.            Pharisees and scribes who saw them eating together were surprised and said to the disciples:            “Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?”            Jesus, hearing them, said:            “They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.  I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

The fact of truth erases false doctrine. Like a wrong imagination about a place you have never been, once you have visited, facts replace the wrong ideas. “Do ye now believe?” asks Jesus.We must confront the words of Jesus with faith in his authority, knowing that Jesus is who he says he is. When Jesus spoke it was not an idle opinion or recitation.  Jesus spoke, in obedience to the Father, with the authority to bring to pass the words he was given to speak.  Truth makes us free.  Have courage to hold fast to that which is true; irrespective of what tradition or fallacy is in the way.  This leads to another red letter question from Jesus, “Wilt thou be made whole?”  We must be diligent to remove revealed false doctrines or more false doctrines will follow. ***Chapter 12 (Part 3) Jesus Heals A ParalyticSOON THEREAFTER Jesus was back at Capernaum.  Word spread that he was there and great multitudes came to be taught and to receive favors at his hands. One day, as he was teaching, there was brought to him a paralytic, carried by four men.  So great was the press of people, the bearers of the bed were unable to enter the doors of the house where Jesus was speaking.  Accordingly they climbed with their burden onto the roof, made a hole, and lowered the pallet and paralytic into the midst of the group around Jesus.  When he saw this display of faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man:  “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” When they heard this, the scribes and Pharisees who were present reasoned among themselves, saying: “Why does this man thus speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Jesus knowing their thoughts, said: “What reason ye in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Thy sins be forgiven thee’; or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’?  But, that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins,” – Turning to the paralytic, Jesus said: “Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine own house.” Immediately the man arose before the eyes of all who were there.  He picked up his pallet and departed to his own house, glorifying God. And the multitude who saw this miracle were amazed. They, too, glorified God and were filled with awe, saying: “We have seen strange things today.”

Are you looking for answers? A full mind, sometimes called a closed mind, is in no position to receive new information. This is true, even when the information is desired and sought after. To hear something new, we must loosen our tight-fisted grip on current opinions which are comfortable.  We realize the risk as new information may be contrary to traditional views.  This is the difficulty experienced by the Scribes and Pharisees in the Scripture.  We must strive to avoid the same pitfalls.  Do you believe what you believe in spite of evidence or even in the light of contrary evidence?  In this episode, Don discusses death and judgment. These subjects are so uncomfortable, that most people will not tolerate a sober conversation.  Friend, the consideration of death and judgment is for our benefit.  Don’t put it off.  ***Chapter 12 (Part 2) Jesus Heals A ParalyticSOON THEREAFTER Jesus was back at Capernaum.  Word spread that he was there and great multitudes came to be taught and to receive favors at his hands. One day, as he was teaching, there was brought to him a paralytic, carried by four men.  So great was the press of people, the bearers of the bed were unable to enter the doors of the house where Jesus was speaking.  Accordingly they climbed with their burden onto the roof, made a hole, and lowered the pallet and paralytic into the midst of the group around Jesus.  When he saw this display of faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man:  “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” When they heard this, the scribes and Pharisees who were present reasoned among themselves, saying: “Why does this man thus speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Jesus knowing their thoughts, said: “What reason ye in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Thy sins be forgiven thee’; or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’?  But, that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins,” – Turning to the paralytic, Jesus said: “Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine own house.” Immediately the man arose before the eyes of all who were there.  He picked up his pallet and departed to his own house, glorifying God. And the multitude who saw this miracle were amazed. They, too, glorified God and were filled with awe, saying: “We have seen strange things today.”

In this chapter, friends of the paralytic put forth radical effort to get help for their friend. Ignoring protocol, perceived guilt and physical obstacles, they went directly to Jesus for healing.  To their surprise Jesus addressed, the underlying concern, sin.  To this day we believe calamity has to be attached to something we did wrong.  “I don’t measure up to God’s standard.”  Even if we deserve bad things to happen to us, how does that help? We forget. Jesus didn’t come to condemn us. He came to save us.  “Who did sin, this man or his parents?” Jesus continually said, “It’s not like you think.”    According to the Scriptures, “All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean…” We must strive to reconcile with our God in spite of our circumstances.  ***Chapter 12 (Part 1) - Jesus Heals a ParalyticSOON THEREAFTER Jesus was back at Capernaum.  Word spread that he was there and great multitudes came to be taught and to receive favors at his hands. One day, as he was teaching, there was brought to him a paralytic, carried by four men.  So great was the press of people, the bearers of the bed were unable to enter the doors of the house where Jesus was speaking.  Accordingly they climbed with their burden onto the roof, made a hole, and lowered the pallet and paralytic into the midst of the group around Jesus.  When he saw this display of faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man:  “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” When they heard this, the scribes and Pharisees who were present reasoned among themselves, saying: “Why does this man thus speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Jesus knowing their thoughts, said: “What reason ye in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Thy sins be forgiven thee’; or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’?  But, that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins,” – Turning to the paralytic, Jesus said: “Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine own house.” Immediately the man arose before the eyes of all who were there.  He picked up his pallet and departed to his own house, glorifying God. And the multitude who saw this miracle were amazed. They, too, glorified God and were filled with awe, saying: “We have seen strange things today.”

Jesus went about all Galilee demonstrating his authority, his mission and his ministry. It was the expectation of Jesus that the religious leaders would recognize him by revelation or by faith because of the works he did. In this chapter, Jesus instructed the healed leper to show himself to the priests and tell no one. However, rather than keep silent, the leper told everyone what happened to him. The objective of Jesus was to win the priests. The leper's press release caused crowds to form around Jesus and hinder the ministry planned for the area. Additionally, the increase in popularity created envy in the church leadership. Do you know what Jesus said? Do you know what Jesus did? Do you know what Jesus said to do? ***Chapter 11: Jesus Heals A Leper (Part 2)WHILE JESUS was in one of the cities, a leper came to him. The diseased man knelt before him and besought his aid, saying:"If thouwilt, thou canst make me clean."Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand and touched the leper, saying:"I will; be thou clean."Immediately upon the words and the compassionate touch the leprosy left the man.Jesus then instructed:"See thou say nothing to any man. But go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them."But the man did not control his tongue. He spoke widely of the event and the fame of Jesus spread so greatly that he could no longer openly enter the city. He remained outside and multitudes came to him from every direction. ***Matthew 8:2-4; Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-16

Attacking or discrediting the validity of the Scriptures, does not remove the internal knowledge in every man of "the right thing to do". Nevertheless, understanding brings responsibility, so we seek to obtain evidence, to postpone the verdict; leaving the jury out, so to speak. When it comes to Jesus we know there is a cost to believing in him. Jesus did not operate his ministry with modern evangelistic practice or accepted modern marketing practices. Jesus searched for men to whom he had been revealed by the Father. Remember when Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do men say that I am?" It was a test. "Who do you say that I am?" Peter blurted, "Thou art the Christ, the son of the living God." Jesus did not commend the yeshiva or Sunday school class curriculum. Jesus declared plainly, "Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." "...Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ...” Instructions were given to the healed leper to provide evidence to the temple priests. Jesus' was seeking those to whom he had been revealed. Healing lepers, blind men and other miracles was an anticipated evidence of Messiah. Sadly, the leaders rejected Jesus as Messiah. The echoes of "We will not have this man reign over us" resound to this day. ***Chapter 11: JESUS HEALS A LEPER (Part 1)WHILE JESUS was in one of the cities, a leper came to him. The diseased man knelt before him and besought his aid, saying:"If thouwilt, thou canst make me clean."Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand and touched the leper, saying:"I will; be thou clean."Immediately upon the words and the compassionate touch the leprosy left the man.Jesus then instructed:"See thou say nothing to any man. But go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them."But the man did not control his tongue. He spoke widely of the event and the fame of Jesus spread so greatly that he could no longer openly enter the city. He remained outside and multitudes came to him from every direction. ***Matthew 8:2-4; Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-16

Can you imagine Jesus with short hair, no beard and blue jeans? Or must he wear a robe and carry a lamb? We have filters that preclude revelation and understanding from God. Our wrong expectations create disappointment and hinder our understanding.  Are you angry with God for a false pulpit promise? Jesus delineated a life of persecution and difficulty for His followers – not popularity and prosperity.  He spoke of suffering and life beyond this life, not unending healing for the elderly.  When you experience the gospel through a daily walk with Jesus you will encounter things that are contrary to modern ideas of evangelism, marketing and Christianity. A striking example in this chapter is when Jesus understands that “all men seek after him”; he responds by saying “let’s go to another town;” (not get a bigger stadium).  His work was complete.  Jesus is not an ATM machine to serve us. It is our job to work out our salvation in fear and trembling, in so doing we will show the world the hope that is in us. The book referenced in this episode is“The Art of Clear Thinking” by Rudolf Flesch.  ***Chapter 10: Jesus Heals an Insane Man (Part 2)ON A SABBATH Jesus went into the synagogue at Capernaum and taught the congregation. His listeners were surprised because he taught as one with authority of others.One of the men present had an unclean spirit. He cried out saying:"Let us alone. What have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come todestroy us? I know these who thou art, 'the Holy One of God.'"Jesus rebuked the devil in the man, saying:"Hold thy peace, and come out of him."The unclean spirit thereupon cried out with a loud voice. It tormented the man, causing himto writhe greatly; but it came out of him. All who were present were astonishedand said among themselves:"What thing is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority commandeth he eventhe unclean spirits, and they do obey him."And the fame of Jesus spread abroad, all about the region of Galilee.Later Jesus went to a solitary place to pray. Great numbers came seeking him. When hisdisciples found him, they said:"All men seek for thee."Jesus replied: "Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, for therefore came Iforth."And Jesus preached in the synagogues throughout Galilee and cast out devils. ***

When we give God the traditional attributes of omniscience, omnipresence and omnipotence it is easy to arrive at the conclusion of predestination and a sense of finality that is contrary to the story told in the Scriptures.  There is much to be gained by removing the knowledge of the end of the story of Jesus’ life when we study the gospels.  Let's forgo the thought that everything happened just as God knew it would. Instead let us walk with Jesus as he discovers mankind, how men think and what it is like to live in a human body.  Scriptures record in Philippians, “[Christ Jesus] made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:”  It is proper to study the life of Jesus as an example of how we are to live.  See how many times it is recorded that Jesus went apart to be alone and listen to the Father.  Imagine, if you can, a God who lives with us every day and who provides revelation and instruction.  Jesus said it this way, if you keep my commandments, the Father and I will lead and guide you from the inside.  (Not guide us from the pulpit, nor guide us from the Scriptures, but guide us from the inside.)  Our actions (our obedience), is vital to open the lines of communication with our God.    Here’s the Scriptures: “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14"...one is your [Teacher], even Christ.” Matt. 23***Chapter 10: Jesus Heals an Insane Man (Part 1)ON A SABBATH Jesus went into the synagogue at Capernaum and taught the congregation. His listeners were surprised because he taught as one with authority of others.One of the men present had an unclean spirit. He cried out saying:"Let us alone. What have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us? I know these who thou art, 'the Holy One of God.'"Jesus rebuked the devil in the man, saying: "Hold thy peace, and come out of him."The unclean spirit thereupon cried out with a loud voice. It tormented the man, causing him to writhe greatly; but it came out of him. All who were present were astonished and said among themselves:"What thing is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him."And the fame of Jesus spread abroad, all about the region of Galilee.Later Jesus went to a solitary place to pray. Great numbers came seeking him. When his disciples found him, they said:"All men seek for thee."Jesus replied: "Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, for therefore came I forth."And Jesus preached in the synagogues throughout Galilee and cast out devils.

Can you love a God who knows everything, who can do anything, and yet does nothing? Not many can when the struggles of life inevitably come. The fact is, "Good and bad things happen to all men." Modern Christianity has redefined God's attributes by traditions and which creates irrational resentment toward the God who loves us. Don't reject God because of wrong expectations. One day our loved ones will die. Remember, in this life you will have trouble, it's not a result of the lack of God's love or ability. Trials are for our perfection. Don't you feel better that God walks with us daily? Go to the Scriptures and seek out what is true about our God and his intentions toward us. ***Chapter 9: Jesus Heals the Nobleman's Son (Part 2) Jesus returned to Cana in Galilee, the place where he had made the water into wine at the marriage feast.  Hearing that Jesus had come back to Galilee from Judea, a nobleman, whose son was sick to the point of death in Capernaum, went to meet him.  He besought Jesus to heal his son. To the nobleman Jesus said: “Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.” The nobleman replied: “Sir, come down ere my child die.” Jesus responded: “Go thy way; thy son liveth.” The man believed the promise Jesus had made to him and started toward home.  While still on his way he was met, the following day, by his servants, who said: “Thy son liveth.” The nobleman inquired as to the hour his son began to amend and his servantsreplied: “Yesterday at the seventh hour [1 o’clock] the fever left him. So, the father knew that it was at the same hour Jesus had told him his sonlived.  Accordingly, he believed as did all others in his house.

Specialization in the post industrial age leads to excessive trust on professionals. We feel insecure in our abilities, so we look to others to form our opinions and support our decisions. Christians, however, have a more sure word of prophesy (more sure than tradition or observation). Interested? You should be. The Bible is a gift to modern man, subject to a sovereign God, which should be read in context, not in extracted sound bites that tickle our ears. Let the recorded witnesses encourage you; let the Son of God teach you. A giant step toward equity. ***Chapter 9: Jesus Heals the Nobleman's Son (Part 1) Jesus returned to Cana in Galilee, the place where he had made the water into wine at the marriage feast.  Hearing that Jesus had come back to Galilee from Judea, a nobleman, whose son was sick to the point of death in Capernaum, went to meet him.  He besought Jesus to heal his son. To the nobleman Jesus said: “Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.” The nobleman replied: “Sir, come down ere my child die.” Jesus responded: “Go thy way; thy son liveth.” The man believed the promise Jesus had made to him and started toward home.  While still on his way he was met, the following day, by his servants, who said: “Thy son liveth.” The nobleman inquired as to the hour his son began to amend and his servantsreplied: “Yesterday at the seventh hour [1 o’clock] the fever left him. So, the father knew that it was at the same hour Jesus had told him his sonlived.  Accordingly, he believed as did all others in his house. ***

Are you familiar with the celebrations Jesus kept? You can be. Read Leviticus 23 read the descriptions of the Feasts of the LORD. You’ll discover there is no need to re-write pagan celebrations to rejoice with our families and our God. However, since Moses did not use the Gregorian calendar, the dates need to be deciphered to determine proper times and dates.  Interested? Think Red Ink Ministries will send you a free DVD (no ads, no strings, no begging) for your study.  E-mail [email protected] to request “The Creators’ Calendar”.  Let’s celebrate the Yah-way! Holidays we can keep – in Spirit and Truth.  ***Chapter 8 (Part 4)RETURNING to Galilee after a trip to Judea, Jesus came, about noon, to the outskirts of the city of  Sychar in Samaria near Jacob’s well, situated on the parcel of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. To her Jesus said: “Give me to drink.” The woman responded: “How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria?The Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus replied: “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, ‘Give me to drink,’ thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.” Not understanding, the woman replied: “Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?” Jesus answered: “Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”  The woman said:  “Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.” Jesus saith unto her, “Go, call thy husband, and come hither.” The woman answered saying: “I have no husband.”  Jesus said: “Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.” The astonished woman replied: “I perceive that thou art a prophet.  Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.” Jesus replied: “Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.  Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”  Marveling at his words, the woman said: “I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.” Jesus replied: “I that speak unto thee am he.” The disciples returned and marvelled that Jesus was talking with the woman: yet no man questioned him as to his reason. The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and said to the men: “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” The men left the city and approached Jesus as his disciples were asking him to eat.Jesus answered: “I have meat to eat that ye know not of.” The disciples asked one another: “Hath any man brought him ought to eat?”But Jesus answered: “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye,...

The Scriptures are important to me.  However, my primary focus is on the red-ink (words spoken by Jesus). When the Son of God comes to earth – we should know what he said.  We should ask what did Jesus say, what did Jesus do, and what did Jesus say to do.When a rabbi, a prophet, comes to town, the question on their minds, “Where are we supposed to keep the Feasts?”  Many Christians have unknowingly replaced the Feasts of the LORD with pagan rituals, beginning with the Sabbath.  Jesus came to change things; to get religion out of the way of our relationship to God and man. It is no longer a matter of geography or denomination. Jesus said, "...Worship in Spirit and Truth!" ***Chapter 8 (Part 3)RETURNING to Galilee after a trip to Judea, Jesus came, about noon, to the outskirts of the city of  Sychar in Samaria near Jacob’s well, situated on the parcel of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. To her Jesus said: “Give me to drink.” The woman responded: “How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria?The Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus replied: “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, ‘Give me to drink,’ thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.” Not understanding, the woman replied: “Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?” Jesus answered: “Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”  The woman said:  “Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.” Jesus saith unto her, “Go, call thy husband, and come hither.” The woman answered saying: “I have no husband.”  Jesus said: “Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.” The astonished woman replied: “I perceive that thou art a prophet.  Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.” Jesus replied: “Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.  Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”  Marveling at his words, the woman said: “I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.” Jesus replied: “I that speak unto thee am he.” The disciples returned and marvelled that Jesus was talking with the woman: yet no man questioned him as to his reason. The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and said to the men: “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” The men left the city and approached Jesus as his disciples were asking him to eat.Jesus answered: “I have meat to eat that ye know not of.” The disciples asked one another: “Hath any man brought him ought to eat?”But Jesus answered: “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye,...

There was a long history of division between the Samaritans and the Jews.  To the surprise of the disciples (and the religious leaders), Jesus loved people and ministered to people who were not Jews. Conversion to Judaism was not a requirement.  Continuing the conversation with the Samaritan woman, Jesus asked her to go get her husband.  This is awkward.  Then, Jesus reveals that He knows this woman has a reputation problem. Still (and, as we shall soon see to the chagrin of the religious leaders) Jesus continues to discuss the theological question she asked.   Let’s talk about sex. Can you be accidentally married-in-the-eyes of God by having sex?  What is fornication? Adultery?  Experience can make us jaded in relationships. In another place, Jesus says, the law allowed divorce because the people had hard-hearts.  In this story, Jesus mentions only the misrepresentation of virginity (i.e. fornication) as the only cause for divorce. Adultery? Actually, adultery should be forgiven. We’ll resume here next time.***Chapter 8 (Part 2)RETURNING to Galilee after a trip to Judea, Jesus came, about noon, to the outskirts of the city of  Sychar in Samaria near Jacob’s well, situated on the parcel of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. To her Jesus said: “Give me to drink.” The woman responded: “How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria?The Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus replied: “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, ‘Give me to drink,’ thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.” Not understanding, the woman replied: “Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?” Jesus answered: “Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”  The woman said:  “Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.” Jesus saith unto her, “Go, call thy husband, and come hither.” The woman answered saying: “I have no husband.”  Jesus said: “Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.” The astonished woman replied: “I perceive that thou art a prophet.  Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.” Jesus replied: “Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.  Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”  Marveling at his words, the woman said: “I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.” Jesus replied: “I that speak unto thee am he.” The disciples returned and marvelled that Jesus was talking with the woman: yet no man questioned him as to his reason. The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and said to the men: “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the...

Subscribe, review, and share this podcast to keep diversity on the web. Jesus went to great lengths to remove barriers. The people of the Scripture had the same concerns we hear today. Who has the authority? Rather than build a relationship with mankind which requires "an expert" to establish protocol, to make hierarchies, to require a priest; Jesus came to implement one-on-one relationships. Jesus operated outside the barriers of prejudice, of tradition and of location. "Worship in Spirit and Truth." "Pray in your closet." "Be watered and fed on the inside." "How can these things be?" Jesus used physical principles to convey spiritual truths. He revealed mysteries (not based on race or gender) to those who were willing to look past the obvious and to make changes in their lives. "One is your teacher, even Christ." There are prerequisites. Keep the commandments. Never violate your conscience. And take time every day to hear the voice of God. The kingdom of God is within us! ***Chapter 8 (Part 1)RETURNING to Galilee after a trip to Judea, Jesus came, about noon, to the outskirts of the city of  Sychar in Samaria near Jacob’s well, situated on the parcel of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. To her Jesus said: “Give me to drink.” The woman responded: “How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria?The Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus replied: “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, ‘Give me to drink,’ thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.” Not understanding, the woman replied: “Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?” Jesus answered: “Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”  The woman said:  “Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.” Jesus saith unto her, “Go, call thy husband, and come hither.” The woman answered saying: “I have no husband.”  Jesus said: “Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.” The astonished woman replied: “I perceive that thou art a prophet.  Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.” Jesus replied: “Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.  Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”  Marveling at his words, the woman said: “I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.” Jesus replied: “I that speak unto thee am he.” The disciples returned and marvelled that Jesus was talking with the woman: yet no man questioned him as to his reason. The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and said to the men: “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” The men left the city and approached Jesus as his disciples were asking him to...

If what you believe is not true, do you want to know it? Grandpa (or your widow) is not in heaven watching your every move. We [Christendom] made it up. Jesus said, "...no man has ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven even the son of man..." The law cannot justify us. Belief in Christ saves us... not a feeling, or a strong feeling; it's an acceptance of the authority of Jesus - so much so that we do what he said. Jesus said if we keep the commandments, we will hear the Word of God from the inside and be changed through obedience (regeneration). Everyone will give an account of their life actions one day. If you do the truth, when your day before the judge, you'll say, "Bring it on." Judgment does not equal condemnation. Judge yourself daily. Make corrections. Do the truth. "Think red ink!" ***Chapter 7: (Part 4) JESUS' WORDS TO NICODEMUSOne night a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, came to Jesus and said: "Master, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him." Jesus answered: "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 'Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Perplexed by the answer, Nicodemus asked: "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus replied: "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'. That which is born of flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, 'Ye must be born again.' The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth. So is everyone that is born of the Spirit.'" Nicodemus asked: "How can these things be?" Jesus answered: "Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 'We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.' If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to Heaven, but he that came down from Heaven, even the Son of man which is in Heaven. "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. "He that believeth on him is not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."

Jesus said, “I testify of that which I know…” “I speak of the secrets of the kingdom of God.” “I do miracles.” “I always obey my Father.” “Why do you not believe me?”  The church leadership was threatened by the authority of Jesus.  Jesus did not study in the yeshivas and did not minister the way the Pharisees anticipated Messiah would minister, i.e. within their established traditions and hierarchy.  Yet, his relationship to YHVH God was undeniable.  In like manner, when we are born of the Spirit people will not understand what we are doing, where we are going, or how we are guided.  Compromise, not syncretism via Constantine, has removed persecution from Christians. ***Chapter 7: (Part 3) JESUS' WORDS TO NICODEMUSOne night a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, came to Jesus and said: "Master, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him." Jesus answered: "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 'Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Perplexed by the answer, Nicodemus asked: "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus replied: "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'. That which is born of flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, 'Ye must be born again.' The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth. So is everyone that is born of the Spirit.'" Nicodemus asked: "How can these things be?" Jesus answered: "Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 'We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.' If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to Heaven, but he that came down from Heaven, even the Son of man which is in Heaven. "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. "He that believeth on him is not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."

Today’s slogan ideology is too narrow to cover the revelation Jesus came to convey. We think we know, so we are not listening! Have you read the Scriptures where Jesus tries to describe the Kingdom of Heaven using our language? It was difficult. It is recorded once that Jesus asked, and then answered, “Why do you not understand my sayings? Even because you cannot hear my words.”  We need more than ears to get this message! Good news! If we keep the Commandments, Jesus and the Spirit of God, will help us - from the inside.    ***Chapter 7: (Part 2) JESUS' WORDS TO NICODEMUSOne night a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, came to Jesus and said: "Master, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him." Jesus answered: "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 'Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Perplexed by the answer, Nicodemus asked: "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus replied: "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'. That which is born of flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, 'Ye must be born again.' The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth. So is everyone that is born of the Spirit.'" Nicodemus asked: "How can these things be?" Jesus answered: "Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 'We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.' If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to Heaven, but he that came down from Heaven, even the Son of man which is in Heaven. "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. "He that believeth on him is not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."

This podcast refers to the, “The Words of Jesus” book, as recorded in the Authorized, King James Version of the Holy Bible. Arranged and chronicled by Gilbert James Brett; Edited by Melbourne I. Feltman, PhD; Comprising the words of Jesus with authoritative adaptations of the Bible text of which they are a part; Consolidated Book Publishers, 153 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago; Copyright 1943 – the John A. Dickson Publishing Co. For your reference and convenience, each podcast episode will include the chapter text from the book which is referenced in the specific episode.  It is useful to recall that in the days Jesus ministered in the flesh, the Scriptures were not readily available to the general public; indeed literacy was not a common attribute.  Scriptures were copied with diligence by the Essenes.  The Scriptures were read in the Synagogues.The abundance of Bibles in our day has diminished the value placed on the Scriptures.  The record of the gospel and its wide availability came at a great cost. Check out the end of the lives of those involved in this endeavor.  Most were martyred for their trouble.  We should consider why they were willing to pay such a price to make the Scriptures available for us today.  They are a gift from God.  *** Chapter 7: JESUS' WORDS TO NICODEMUSOne night a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, came to Jesus and said: "Master, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him." Jesus answered: "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 'Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Perplexed by the answer, Nicodemus asked: "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus replied: "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'. That which is born of flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, 'Ye must be born again.' The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth. So is everyone that is born of the Spirit.'" Nicodemus asked: "How can these things be?" Jesus answered: "Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 'We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.' If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to Heaven, but he that came down from Heaven, even the Son of man which is in Heaven. "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. "He that believeth on him is not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."

Christianity works. Don't discard Jesus' words. It is tempting to take a message from out of context to find justification for our actions. "Jesus drank wine...so I can..." Follow your conscience. Jesus instructed us to keep the commandments; so that - the Spirit of God can lead and guide us. The story of the Gospel should be read (and applied) in context. Jesus, not the Bible, will be our judge - one day.***Chapter 7: Jesus Changes Water To Wine (Part 2)Jesus unexpected response; transfer responsibility of His mother to his brother - water turned to wine. It was a big day. Jesus and his disciples - also Mary, his mother-were guests at a wedding in Cana of Galilee after he had gathered the first of his disciples. When it was time to serve wine to the wedding guests, Mary said to Jesus: "They have no wine." Jesus replied: "Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come." Mary said to the servants: "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it." Designating the six water pots of stone, Jesus said to the servants: "Fill the waterpots with water." When they were filled, Jesus instructed the servants: "Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast." When it was carried to the ruler of the feast, it was fine wine. The disciples, seeing this manifestation of the glory of Jesus, believed on him.

Jesus unexpected response; transfer responsibility of His mother to his brother - water turned to wine. It was a big day. Jesus and his disciples - also Mary, his mother-were guests at a wedding in Cana of Galilee after he had gathered the first of his disciples. When it was time to serve wine to the wedding guests, Mary said to Jesus: "They have no wine." Jesus replied: "Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come." Mary said to the servants: "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it." Designating the six water pots of stone, Jesus said to the servants: "Fill the waterpots with water." When they were filled, Jesus instructed the servants: "Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast." When it was carried to the ruler of the feast, it was fine wine. The disciples, seeing this manifestation of the glory of Jesus, believed on him.

Evangelism offers, “For God so loved the world…” and omits the verse where Jesus said, “…the world is condemned already.” We have reduced the concept of love to an emotional offer for an environment of comfort; absent correction and discipline.   Society cries, “Why would a good God send people to hell.”  He doesn’t. He just lets us go. Jesus came to a burning world to offer a way to redemption.  When we choose our way, our rights, our power, we implement our will – which, amazingly God honors above His own will.  God doesn’t get His will. Many called and loved people will not be saved from destruction.  “Will you be made whole?” It hurts a little to be reproved.   ***Jesus Calls Four Disciples (Part 3)JESUS stood on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, teaching the word of God to those who pressed abut him.           He entered one of two ships that were standing by the lake and requested Simon, called Peter, whose boat it was to thrust out a little from the land. Simon did so, and Jesus taught the assembled crowd from the boat.           When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon:           “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nest for a draught.”Simon replied:           “Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing. Nevertheless, at thy word, I will let down the net.”           They did so and caught a great multitude of fished, so many that their net was broken. They beckoned to Simon’s partners, James and John, sons of Zebedee, who came and helped them. They filled both ships so full that the ships began to sink.           When Simon saw the great catch of fished, he knelt at Jesus’ knees, saying:           “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”           For he and all who were with him were astonished at the amount of fish that they had taken.           Then Jesus said to the fishermen:            “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”           When they had brought their ships to the land, Simon and his brother Andrew followed after Jesus. Also James and John, the sons of Zebedee, left their ship and their father and followed Jesus. (The gospel of John omits the Temptation scene and seems to place the calling of the first disciples nearer to the time of Jesus’ baptism that do the other three writers. John mentions Philip and Nathanael, instead and James and John. Nathanael asks the well-known question, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?”)***CHAPTER 5 SCRIPTURES (KJV):MATTHEW 4:18-22And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John

Are you called of God? If you desire to go His way, start immediately, but don’t expect instant perfection.  Recognition of the difference between us and God is the catalyst for change. Peter said it this way, “I am a sinful man.”  How do we reach the salvation we desire? It’s in the gospel, though continually overlooked - the law is our schoolmaster.  (Paraphrased) Jesus said, “Keep my commandments, the big ten, and Dad and I will lead and guide you from-the-inside! We demonstrate faith by our works of obedience.  That’s step one.  Instantaneous salvation is a false doctrine. Don’t miss the perfection Jesus has in mind for you.  ***Jesus Calls Four Disciples (Part 2)JESUS stood on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, teaching the word of God to those who pressed abut him.           He entered one of two ships that were standing by the lake and requested Simon, called Peter, whose boat it was to thrust out a little from the land. Simon did so, and Jesus taught the assembled crowd from the boat.           When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon:           “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nest for a draught.”Simon replied:           “Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing. Nevertheless, at thy word, I will let down the net.”           They did so and caught a great multitude of fished, so many that their net was broken. They beckoned to Simon’s partners, James and John, sons of Zebedee, who came and helped them. They filled both ships so full that the ships began to sink.           When Simon saw the great catch of fished, he knelt at Jesus’ knees, saying:           “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”           For he and all who were with him were astonished at the amount of fish that they had taken.           Then Jesus said to the fishermen:            “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”           When they had brought their ships to the land, Simon and his brother Andrew followed after Jesus. Also James and John, the sons of Zebedee, left their ship and their father and followed Jesus. (The gospel of John omits the Temptation scene and seems to place the calling of the first disciples nearer to the time of Jesus’ baptism that do the other three writers. John mentions Philip and Nathanael, instead and James and John. Nathanael asks the well-known question, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?”)*** ***CHAPTER 5 SCRIPTURES (KJV):MATTHEW 4:18-22And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the...

Jesus called his disciples, as fishermen, but he did not intend them to stay fishermen (not as they had been). It is not our righteousness that compels a call to "follow me". Our relationship with Jesus may not lead to a new occupation, but it will require a change. Jesus makes demands on his disciples and on us today. We are compelled to "do justice" to "love mercy" and to "walk humbly with our God". God tolerates our sin against him. Our disrespect. Our rebellion. Our violation of the commandments which outline what He expects of us. However, He does not and will not tolerate our treating each other badly.  ***Jesus Calls Four Disciples (Part 1)JESUS stood on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, teaching the word of God to those who pressed abut him.           He entered one of two ships that were standing by the lake and requested Simon, called Peter, whose boat it was to thrust out a little from the land. Simon did so, and Jesus taught the assembled crowd from the boat.           When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon:           “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nest for a draught.”Simon replied:           “Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing. Nevertheless, at thy word, I will let down the net.”           They did so and caught a great multitude of fished, so many that their net was broken. They beckoned to Simon’s partners, James and John, sons of Zebedee, who came and helped them. They filled both ships so full that the ships began to sink.           When Simon saw the great catch of fished, he knelt at Jesus’ knees, saying:           “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”           For he and all who were with him were astonished at the amount of fish that they had taken.           Then Jesus said to the fishermen:            “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”           When they had brought their ships to the land, Simon and his brother Andrew followed after Jesus. Also James and John, the sons of Zebedee, left their ship and their father and followed Jesus. (The gospel of John omits the Temptation scene and seems to place the calling of the first disciples nearer to the time of Jesus’ baptism that do the other three writers. John mentions Philip and Nathanael, instead and James and John. Nathanael asks the well-known question, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?”) ***CHAPTER 5 SCRIPTURES (KJV):MATTHEW 4:18-22And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he...

Jesus brought the Kingdom of Heaven to the earth; the status quo having been found to be insufficient to change the hearts of men. Just as the men in the synagogue that day, our reaction to Jesus is based on our expectations, our faith, and our understanding. Jesus mission was not (as many expected) to free Israel from the Romans, nor to confirm the hierarchy of the temple priests; Jesus came to show us His Father.  Some people received him with fear, some with hope, and some with anger.  Jesus was not motivated by emotion, need or His own desire. He always obeyed His Father.***Jesus and His Message Rejected at Nazareth (Part 6)HEARING that John had been cast into prison, Jesus returned to Galilee. He began to preach the gospel of God in the synagogues, saying:        "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent ye, and believe the gospel.”           His fame was spread through all the regions round about.        Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been reared, and went to the synagogue on the Sabbath, as was his custom. He stood up and read from the book of the prophet Isaiah, were it was written:         “’The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised; to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.’”           All eyes fastened on him as he began to preach, saying:           “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.”           Many of those present were bewildered, and others were awe-inspired. They questioned among themselves.           “Is this Joseph’s son?”           Others hearing him were astonished. They said:    “From whence hath this man these things? And what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Judas, and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?           And they were offended at him.           Jesus continued, saying:           “Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, ‘Physician, heal thyself. Whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.’ But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when then Heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land. But unto none of them was Elijah sent, save unto Sarepta, a city Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. And many the lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.”                When they had heard these things, those in the

Dogma builds brick walls which complicate the gospel. Jesus brought a simple story, "God wants his man back." Jesus' mission was to obey the Father, to bring a path to righteousness to a condemned human race, not to end to Roman persecution. Jesus did not come to do miracles on-demand. Jesus said, in effect, "I'm going to disappoint you." It's not like you think. "A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign..." Familiarity was a problem. The people of the day did not expect someone they knew to be a prophet or the Son of God. Jesus was despised because they knew him and where he was from. "Physician heal thyself." Jesus operated in meekness. He had the power and knowledge to overcome, but, he lived in obedience to His Father. ***Jesus and His Message Rejected at Nazareth (Part 5)HEARING that John had been cast into prison, Jesus returned to Galilee. He began to preach the gospel of God in the synagogues, saying:            “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent ye, and believe the gospel.”His fame was spread through all the regions round about.            Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been reared, and went to the synagogue on the Sabbath, as was his custom. He stood up and read from the book of the prophet Isaiah, were it was written:           “’The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised; to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.’”           All eyes fastened on him as he began to preach, saying:           “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.”       Many of those present were bewildered, and others were awe-inspired. They questioned among themselves.        “Is this Joseph’s son?”        Others hearing him were astonished. They said:       “From whence hath this man these things? And what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Judas, and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?           And they were offended at him.           Jesus continued, saying:           “Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, ‘Physician, heal thyself. Whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.’ But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when then Heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land. But unto none of them was Elijah sent, save unto Sarepta, a city Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. And many the lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the

“This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” The suspense of prophesy is so enticing that tangible fulfillment is difficult to accept. Messiah is here! Jesus clearly claimed to fulfill the prophesy of Isaiah.&nbsp; Hallelujah!&nbsp; Right? Wait, no so fast.&nbsp; The candidate must be examined.&nbsp; Scriptures become secularized with tradition, causing the leading experts to miss Messiah. “If what you believe is not true, do you want to know it?”***Jesus and His Message Rejected at Nazareth (Part 4)HEARING that John had been cast into prison, Jesus returned to Galilee. He began to preach the gospel of God in the synagogues, saying: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent ye, and believe the gospel.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His fame was spread through all the regions round about. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been reared, and went to the synagogue on the Sabbath, as was his custom. He stood up and read from the book of the prophet Isaiah, were it was written:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“’The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised; to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.’”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All eyes fastened on him as he began to preach, saying:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Many of those present were bewildered, and others were awe-inspired. They questioned among themselves.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Is this Joseph’s son?”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Others hearing him were astonished. They said:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“From whence hath this man these things? And what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Judas, and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And they were offended at him.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus continued, saying:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, ‘Physician, heal thyself. Whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.’ But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when then Heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land. But unto none of them was Elijah sent, save unto Sarepta, a city Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. And many the lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<p...

The synagogue was the place where the Torah was read to the people. Everyone did not have a Bible. John's life was almost over and the ministry of Christ stepped-up, "...the time is fulfilled..." The thoughts of Jesus can only be imagined as he wondered how his message would be received. The anointing of the Spirit of God was evident and overwhelming. Repentance. The Kingdom of God brought change. The message was welcomed to those in need; and rejected by those in power.This is a big day. The tension in the room was palpable. The truth spoken was overwhelming. Jesus, in the flesh, "...never a man spake like this man." ***Jesus and His Message Rejected at Nazareth (Part 3)HEARING that John had been cast into prison, Jesus returned to Galilee. He began to preach the gospel of God in the synagogues, saying: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent ye, and believe the gospel.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His fame was spread through all the regions round about. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been reared, and went to the synagogue on the Sabbath, as was his custom. He stood up and read from the book of the prophet Isaiah, were it was written:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“’The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised; to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.’”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All eyes fastened on him as he began to preach, saying:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Many of those present were bewildered, and others were awe-inspired. They questioned among themselves.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Is this Joseph’s son?”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Others hearing him were astonished. They said:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“From whence hath this man these things? And what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Judas, and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And they were offended at him.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus continued, saying:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, ‘Physician, heal thyself. Whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.’ But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when then Heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land. But unto none of them was Elijah sent, save unto Sarepta, a city Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. And many the lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<p

Are you hungry for clarity? Are you anxious because you think you might-not-know what you need-to-know to be saved; to please God? Don't be afraid. Relax. God does not require that we know all truth. Our desire, as Christians is to hear "well done", not "well-believed", or well-educated; simply, "well done." Christians can live by Spirit, and keep the commandments, and not be under the law. How? The Commandments reveal who God wants us to be! ***Jesus and His Message Rejected at Nazareth (Part 2)HEARING that John had been cast into prison, Jesus returned to Galilee. He began to preach the gospel of God in the synagogues, saying: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent ye, and believe the gospel.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His fame was spread through all the regions round about. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been reared, and went to the synagogue on the Sabbath, as was his custom. He stood up and read from the book of the prophet Isaiah, were it was written:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“’The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised; to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.’”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All eyes fastened on him as he began to preach, saying:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Many of those present were bewildered, and others were awe-inspired. They questioned among themselves.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Is this Joseph’s son?”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Others hearing him were astonished. They said:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“From whence hath this man these things? And what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Judas, and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And they were offended at him.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus continued, saying:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, ‘Physician, heal thyself. Whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.’ But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when then Heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land. But unto none of them was Elijah sent, save unto Sarepta, a city Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. And many the lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When they had heard these things, those in the synagogue were filled with resentment. They

The gospel of Jesus brought is grace; the power to become a son of God."If you will, you can keep the commandments, and to act faithfully is a matter of your own choice." Sirach 15:15“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said,&nbsp;Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:” ... John 17:1-26 ***Chapter 4: JESUS AND HIS MESSAGE REJECTED AT NAZARETH (Part 1)HEARING that John had been cast into prison, Jesus returned to Galilee. He began to preach the gospel of God in the synagogues, saying: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent ye, and believe the gospel.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His fame was spread through all the regions round about. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been reared, and went to the synagogue on the Sabbath, as was his custom. He stood up and read from the book of the prophet Isaiah, were it was written:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“’The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised; to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.’”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All eyes fastened on him as he began to preach, saying:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Many of those present were bewildered, and others were awe-inspired. They questioned among themselves.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Is this Joseph’s son?”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Others hearing him were astonished. They said:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“From whence hath this man these things? And what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Judas, and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And they were offended at him.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus continued, saying:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, ‘Physician, heal thyself. Whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.’ But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when then Heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land. But unto none of them was Elijah sent, save unto Sarepta, a city Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. And many the lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When they had heard these things, those in the synagogue were filled with resentment. They rose up in a body to thrust Jesus out of...

A lamb was killed to provide a temporary covering for Adam and Eve and God began sending Prophets to convey His plan of redemption to men. The Prophets were rejected and killed. At Mt. Sinai, the spoken Word of God was killing the hearers. Finally, God said, "I'll send my Son. Jesus did not have a script to follow. The offer by Satan was a temptation to Jesus. ***The Temptation of Jesus (Part 6)IMMEDIATELY after he had been baptized the Spirit of God led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted of Satan. After fasting for forty days and nights he was hungry.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Satan came to him, saying:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus replied:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.’”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then Satan took him into the holy city and thence to a pinnacle of the temple and said:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“If thou aret the Son of God, sast thyself down; for it is written, ‘He shall give his angels charge concerning thee; and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.’”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus replied:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“It is written again, ‘Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.’”&nbsp;Then Satan took Jesus to the top of a high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, saying:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus repulsed Satan with these words:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Get thee hense, Satan; for it is written, “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.’”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The temptation overcome, angels came and ministered unto him.***CHAPTER 3 SCRIPTURES (KJV):MATTHEW 4:1-11Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 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.Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.Again, the devil taketh him up into...

Just because God cannot lie, it does not follow that Satan cannot tell the truth. Jesus said, "It is written..." Satan also said, "It is written..." When Adam obeyed (worshiped) Satan things changed. The dirt which Adam was made, no longer belonged to God. It was going to take some work to right things. Immediately, so the error did not become eternal, God removed the Tree of Life and sent Adam and Eve from their home. Banished. ***The Temptation of Jesus (Part 5)IMMEDIATELY after he had been baptized the Spirit of God led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted of Satan. After fasting for forty days and nights he was hungry.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Satan came to him, saying:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus replied:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.’”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then Satan took him into the holy city and thence to a pinnacle of the temple and said:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“If thou aret the Son of God, sast thyself down; for it is written, ‘He shall give his angels charge concerning thee; and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.’”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus replied:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“It is written again, ‘Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.’”&nbsp;Then Satan took Jesus to the top of a high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, saying:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus repulsed Satan with these words:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Get thee hense, Satan; for it is written, “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.’”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The temptation overcome, angels came and ministered unto him.***CHAPTER 3 SCRIPTURES (KJV):MATTHEW 4:1-11Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 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.Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy

Jesus, Son of God, came to earth - as a man. This is born out in the Scriptures. It would be of no comfort or encouragement for us to know that God could overcome temptations. But, Jesus as a man, walking out the process of becoming a "Son of God" shows how we, 'following Jesus', can achieve the same result. ***The Temptation of Jesus (Part 4)IMMEDIATELY after he had been baptized the Spirit of God led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted of Satan. After fasting for forty days and nights he was hungry.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Satan came to him, saying:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus replied:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.’”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then Satan took him into the holy city and thence to a pinnacle of the temple and said:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“If thou art the Son of God, sast thyself down; for it is written, ‘He shall give his angels charge concerning thee; and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.’”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus replied:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“It is written again, ‘Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.’”&nbsp;Then Satan took Jesus to the top of a high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, saying:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus repulsed Satan with these words:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Get thee hense, Satan; for it is written, “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.’”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The temptation overcome, angels came and ministered unto him.***CHAPTER 3 SCRIPTURES (KJV):MATTHEW 4:1-11Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 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.Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the...

Many question the wisdom of God and surmise God's error in making the forbidden 'Tree of Knowledge' and the 'Tree of Life' within the reach of Adam and Eve. The false doctrine of 'God knows everything' creates resentment. The Voice of God in the garden "looking for Adam" shows He did not know what happened. Adam says, "we were naked". God says, "Who told you that?" Read the account in Genesis.***The Temptation of Jesus (Part 3)IMMEDIATELY after he had been baptized the Spirit of God led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted of Satan. After fasting for forty days and nights he was hungry.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Satan came to him, saying:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus replied:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.’”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then Satan took him into the holy city and thence to a pinnacle of the temple and said:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“If thou aret the Son of God, sast thyself down; for it is written, ‘He shall give his angels charge concerning thee; and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.’”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus replied:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“It is written again, ‘Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.’”&nbsp;Then Satan took Jesus to the top of a high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, saying:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus repulsed Satan with these words:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Get thee hense, Satan; for it is written, “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.’”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The temptation overcome, angels came and ministered unto him.***CHAPTER 3 SCRIPTURES (KJV):MATTHEW 4:1-11Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 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.Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.Again,

As soon as a commitment is made to be Christian, temptation comes to steal the seed that is planted. We should expect difficulty and persecution in this life. Rejoice, the success of Jesus as a man in the earth, shows the ability we also have to over-come; in spite of adversity.***Related Material: The Parable Paradox - Watch here: https://iamreadytoknow.thinkredink.org***The Temptation of Jesus (Part 2)IMMEDIATELY after he had been baptized the Spirit of God led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted of Satan. After fasting for forty days and nights he was hungry.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Satan came to him, saying:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus replied:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.’”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then Satan took him into the holy city and thence to a pinnacle of the temple and said:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“If thou art the Son of God, cast thyself down; for it is written, ‘He shall give his angels charge concerning thee; and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.’”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus replied:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“It is written again, ‘Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.’”&nbsp;Then Satan took Jesus to the top of a high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, saying:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus repulsed Satan with these words:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Get thee hense, Satan; for it is written, “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.’”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The temptation overcome, angels came and ministered unto him.***CHAPTER 3 SCRIPTURES (KJV):MATTHEW 4:1-11Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 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.Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot...

In the Garden of Eden, Eve succumbed to the temptation of Satan to be "like god" through the act of disobeying the one commandment they had been given. This temptation occurred on three levels; the lust of the eye (the fruit looked good), the lust of the flesh (the fruit was good for food), and the pride of life (ego) (a tree to be desired to make one wise). Our Savior was tempted in these same areas as He began his ministry in the earth.***The Temptation of Jesus (Part 1)IMMEDIATELY after he had been baptized the Spirit of God led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted of Satan. After fasting for forty days and nights he was hungry.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Satan came to him, saying:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus replied:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.’”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then Satan took him into the holy city and thence to a pinnacle of the temple and said:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“If thou aret the Son of God, sast thyself down; for it is written, ‘He shall give his angels charge concerning thee; and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.’”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus replied:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“It is written again, ‘Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.’”&nbsp;Then Satan took Jesus to the top of a high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, saying:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus repulsed Satan with these words:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Get thee hense, Satan; for it is written, “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.’”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The temptation overcome, angels came and ministered unto him.***CHAPTER 3 SCRIPTURES (KJV):MATTHEW 4:1-11Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 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.Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.<p...

Baptism is a common and contentious religious practice. Scripture is relatively quiet regarding method. But, is it essential, yes? One baptism; the baptism in the Spirit. In our day, Christians tack "in Jesus name" verbiage at the end of every prayer. Does saying it make it so? The ministry of Jesus introduces a new element, baptism in the Spirit, Jesus enters the waters, lays down his life and rises from the water ready to begin his ministry. Over and over the Scriptures convey the actions of Jesus being the result of "obeying His Father." We must also enter into a life of obedience to obtain baptism in the [nature of Jesus Christ] Spirit.***The Baptism of Jesus by John (Part 4)WHEN JESUS was thirty years of age, John the Baptist was preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.&nbsp;The people of Judea and Jerusalem went to him and were baptized in the waters of the Jordan River.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From Nazareth Jesus went to John to be baptized. John hesitated, saying:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus replied:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Suffer it to be so now, for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.” So John baptized Him and straightway as Jesus went out of the water the Heavens were opened to him. He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting upon him.&nbsp;He heard a voice from Heaven, saying,: “THOU ART MY BELOVED SON; IN THEE I AM WELL PLEASED.”***Related Material: "What is sin?... Sin, Salvation &amp; Law"Request your free copy at www.thinkredink.com or you can send an email to [email protected]. ***CHAPTER 2 SCRIPTURES (KJV)MATTHEW 3:13-17Then 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. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.MARK 1:9-11And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.LUKE 3:21, 22Now 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. JOHN 1:29-34 (NOT REFERENCED IN THE PUBLISHED BOOK)The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred...

Modern evangelism preaches "instantaneous salvation" and "Jesus loves you just as you are." This was not the message of John. As he baptized in the river of Jordan, religious men came to see this prophet and to be baptized. John rejected them, calling them out as vipers. He admonished them to obtain fruit, to show their repentance by works. One must begin their walk with Messiah "just as we are"... but, immediately the changes begin. Jesus came to make dead men live! John did not expect Jesus to be on the riverbank that day.*** The Baptism of Jesus by John (Part 3)WHEN JESUS was thirty years of age, John the Baptist was preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.&nbsp;The people of Judea and Jerusalem went to him and were baptized in the waters of the Jordan River.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From Nazareth Jesus went to John to be baptized. John hesitated, saying:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jesus replied:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Suffer it to be so now, for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.”&nbsp; So John baptized Him and straightway as Jesus went out of the water the Heavens were opened to him. He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting upon him.&nbsp;He heard a voice from Heaven, saying,: “THOU ART MY BELOVED SON; IN THEE I AM WELL PLEASED.”***CHAPTER 2 SCRIPTURES (KJV)MATTHEW 3:13-17Then 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. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.MARK 1:9-11And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.LUKE 3:21, 22Now 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. &nbsp;JOHN 1:29-34 (NOT REFERENCED IN THE PUBLISHED BOOK)The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said...