Page 641
Page 642
Lk 5:5.
Page 643
Lk 5:6.
Lk 5:7.
Page 644
Lk 5:8.
Lk 5:9.
Lk 5:10.
Page 645
Mt 4:19 (pt 1), ref Mk 1:17 (pt 1).
Mk 1:17 (pt 2).
Mt 4:19 (pt 2),
Page 646
Page 647
Page 648
Lk 5:11 (pt 1).
Page 649
Mt 4:20 (pt 1), ref Mk 1:18 (pt 1).
Lk 5:11 (pt 2).
Mt 4:20 (pt 2), ref Mk 1:18 (pt 2), Lk 5:11 (pt 3).
Page 650
Page 651
Page 652
Mt 4:21 (pt 1).
Mk 1:19 (pt 1).
Mt 4:21 (pt 2), ref Mk 1:19 (pt 2).
Mt 4:21 (pt 3), ref Mk 1:19 (pt 3).
Mt 4:21 (pt 4).
Page 653
Mt 4:21 (pt 5), ref Mk 1:19 (pt 4).
Mk 1:19 (pt 5).
Mt 4:21 (pt 6), ref Mk 1:19 (pt 6).
Mt 4:21 (pt 7).
Mt 4:21 (pt 8), ref Mk 1:19 (pt 7).
Mt 4:21 (pt 9), ref Mk 1:20 (pt 1).
Mk 1:20 (pt 2).
Mt 4:21 (pt 10).
Mt 4:21 (pt 11), ref Mk 1:20 (pt 3).
Page 654
Mt 4:22 (pt 1), ref Mk 1:20 (pt 4).
Mt 4:22 (pt 2).
Mt 4:22 (pt 3), ref Mk 1:20 (pt 5).
Mt 4:22 (pt 4).
Mt 4:22 (pt 5), ref Mk 1:20 (pt 6)
Mk 1:20 (pt 7).
Mt 4:22 (pt 6).
Lk 4:31 (pt 1).
Mk 1:21 (pt 1).
Lk 4:31 (pt 2).
Page 655
Mk 1:21 (pt 2).
Mk 1:21 (pt 3), ref Lk 4:31 (pt 3).
Lk 4:31 (pt 4).
Mk 1:22 (pt 1).
Lk 4:32 (pt 2).
Mk 1:22 (pt 2).
Page 656
Page 657
Page 658
Page 659
Page 660
Page 661
Page 662
Page 663
Page 664
Page 665
Page 666
Page 667
Page 668
Page 669
Mk 1:23 (pt 1), ref Lk 4:33 (pt 1).
Mk 1:23 (pt 2), ref Lk 4:33 (pt 3).
Mk 1:23 (pt 3), ref Lk 4:33 (pt 2).
Page 670
Mk 1:23 (pt 4), ref Lk 4:33 (pt 5).
Lk 4:33 (pt 5).
Mk 1:23 (pt 5), ref Lk 4:33 (pt 6).
Lk 4:33 (pt 7).
Mk 1:23 (pt 7), ref Lk 4:33 (pt 8).
Lk 4:33 (pt 9).
Mk 1:23 (pt 6), ref Lk 4:33 (pt 10).
Lk 4:33 (pt 11).
Page 671
Mk 1:23 (pt 8).
Lk 4:33 (pt 12).
Mk 1:24 (pt 1), ref Lk 4:34 (pt 1).
Page 672
Lk 4:33 (pt 9).
Lk 4:34 (pt 2).
Mk 1:24 (pt 2), ref Lk 4:34 (pt 3).
Page 673
Page 674
Mk 1:25, ref Lk
4:35 (pt 1).
Mk 1:26 (pt 1), ref Lk 4:35 (pt 2).
Mk 1:26 (pt 2).
Lk 4:35 (pt 3).
Lk 4:35 (pt 3).
Mk 1:26 (pt 4), ref Lk 4:35 (pt 4).
Page 675
Lk 4:35 (pt 5).
Page 676
Mk 1:27 (pt 1), ref Lk 4:36 (pt 1).
Mk 1:27 (pt 2).
Lk 4:36 (pt 2).
Lk 4:36 (pt 2).
Mk 1:27 (pt 4), ref Lk 4:36 (pt 3).
Lk 4:36 (pt 4).
Mk 1:27 (pt 5).
Mk 1:27 (pt 6), ref Lk 4:46 (pt 5).
Mk 1:27 (pt 7), ref Lk 4:36 (pt 6).
Page 677
Mk 1:27 (pt 8).
Lk 4:36 (pt 7).
Mk 1:28 (pt 1), ref Lk 4:37 (pt 1).
Mk 1:28 (pt 2).
Mk 1:28 (pt 3), ref Lk 4:37 (pt 2).
Lk 4:37 (pt 3).
Mk 1:28 (pt 4).
Lk 4:38 (pt 1).
Page 678
Mk 1:29 (pt 1), ref Lk 4:38 (pt 2).
Mk 1:29 (pt 2).
Mk 1:29 (pt 3).
Mk 1:29 (pt 4), ref Lk 4:38 (pt 3).
Mk 1:29 (pt 5).
Mk 1:30 (pt 1), ref Lk 4:38 (pt 4).
Mk 1:30 (pt 2).
Lk 4:38 (pt 5).
Mk 1:30 (pt 3).
Mk 1:30 (pt 4), ref Lk 4:38 (pt 6).
Lk 4:38 (pt 7).
Mk 1:30 (pt 5), ref Lk 4:38 (pt 8).
Mt 8:14.
Page 679
Mk 1:30 (pt 6).
Lk 4:38 (pt 9).
Mk 1:31 (pt 1).
Lk 4:39 (pt 1).
Mt 8:15 (pt 1).
Mk 1:31 (pt 2).
Mt 8:15 (pt 2), ref Mk 1:31 (pt 3).
Mk 1:31 (pt 4).
Mt 8:15 (pt 3), ref Mk 1:31 (pt 5), Lk 4:39 (pt 2).
Mt 8:15 (pt 4).
Mt 8:15 (pt 5), ref Mk 1:31 (pt 6).
Mk 1:31 (pt 7).
Mt 8:15 (pt 6), ref Mk 1:31 (pt 8).
Page 680
Mk 1:32 (pt 1).
Lk 4:40 (pt 1).
Mt 8:16 (pt 1), ref
Mk 1:32 (pt 2).
Mt 8:16 (pt 2).
Mt 8:16 (pt 1), ref Mk 1:32 (pt 3).
Lk 4:40 (pt 2).
Mk 1:32 (pt 4).
Lk 4:40 (pt 3).
Mt 8:16 (pt 2), ref Lk 4:40 (pt 4).
Mk 1:32 (pt 5).
Mt 8:16 (pt 3), ref Mk 1:32 (pt 6),
Lk 4:40 (pt 5).
Lk 4:40 (pt 6).
Mt 8:16 (pt 4), ref Lk 4:40 (pt 7).
Mk 1:32 (pt 7).
Lk 4:40 (pt 8).
Lk 4:40 (pt 9).
|
(ON THE LAKE)
SIMON MAKES AN EXCUSE,
YET HE OBEYS
30 YEARS PLUS 10 MONTHS
AND SIMON ANSWERING SAID (TO) HIM, MASTER, WE HAVE (WORKED HARD) ALL THE NIGHT, AND HAVE (CAUGHT) NOTHING: NEVERTHELESS AT (YOUR) WORD I WILL LET DOWN THE NET.
AND WHEN THEY HAD (DONE THIS), THEY (CAUGHT) A GREAT MULTITUDE OF FISHES: AND THEIR NET (began to) BRAKE.
AND THEY (SIGNALED) (TO) THEIR PARTNERS, WHICH WERE IN THE OTHER (BOAT), THAT THEY SHOULD COME AND HELP THEM. AND THEY CAME, AND FILLED BOTH THE (BOATS), SO (full) THAT THEY BEGAN TO SINK
SIMON FELL DOWN AT JESUS' KNEES
30 YEARS PLUS 10 MONTHS
(But) WHEN SIMON PETER SAW IT, HE FELL DOWN AT JESUS’ KNEES, SAYING, (GET AWAY) FROM ME; FOR I AM A SINFUL MAN, O LORD.
FOR HE WAS ASTONISHED, AND ALL THAT WERE WITH HIM, AT THE (CATCH) OF THE FISHES WHICH THEY HAD TAKEN:
AND SO WAS ALSO JAMES, AND JOHN, THE SONS OF ZEBEDEE, WHICH WERE PARTNERS WITH SIMON. AND JESUS SAID (TO) SIMON, (DON’T BE AFRAID); FROM (NOW ON) (YOU) (WILL) CATCH MEN (alive!).
JESUS TELLS SIMON AND ANDREW TO
FOLLOW HIM
30 YEARS PLUS 10 MONTHS
AND HE (SAID) (TO) THEM, (Come) FOLLOW ME (or Come after Me), AND I WILL MAKE YOU
TO BECOME
FISHERS OF MEN.
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 649
(BESIDE THE LAKE OF GALILEE)
SIMON AND ANDREW FORSAKE
EVERYTHING
30 YEARS PLUS 10 MONTHS
AND WHEN THEY HAD BROUGHT THEIR (BOATS) TO LAND,
AND THEY STRAIGHTWAY (or immediately, or at once)
THEY FORSOOK ALL, AND
LEFT THEIR NETS, AND FOLLOWED (or went with) HIM.
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 652
JESUS SAW JAMES AND JOHN
30 YEARS PLUS 10 MONTHS
AND GOING ON
AND WHEN HE HAD GONE A LITTLE FURTHER
FROM (THERE),
HE SAW
OTHER TWO (BROTHERS),
JAMES THE SON OF ZEBEDEE, AND JOHN HIS BROTHER,
WHO ALSO WERE
IN A (BOAT)
WITH ZEBEDEE THEIR FATHER,
(REPAIRING) (or preparing) THEIR NETS
AND
(IMMEDIATELY) (or without delay) HE
(JESUS)
CALLED THEM.
AND THEY
IMMEDIATELY
LEFT
THE (BOAT) AND
THEIR FATHER,
ZEBEDEE IN THE (BOAT) WITH THE HIRED SERVANTS (or men), AND WENT AFTER HIM
AND FOLLOWED HIM
JESUS TO CAPERNAUM AND TAUGHT
30 YEARS PLUS 10+ MONTHS
AND (then He) CAME DOWN TO CAPERNAUM,
AND THEY WENT INTO CAPERNAUM;
A CITY (or town) OF GALILEE,
AND (IMMEDIATELY) ON THE SABBATH DAY (JESUS) ENTERED INTO THE SYNAGOGUE,
AND TAUGHT.
THEM (or made a practice of teaching them–JNT) ON THE SABBATH DAYS.
AND (THE PEOPLE) WERE ASTONISHED (or amazed) AT HIS DOCTRINE (or teaching) (or the way He taught-JNT):
FOR HIS WORD (or message) WAS WITH POWER (or had authority).
FOR HE TAUGHT THEM AS ONE THAT HAD AUTHORITY (Himself), AND NOT AS THE SCRIBES (or teachers of the Law–NIV).
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 669
UNCLEAN SPIRIT CAST OUT
30 YEARS PLUS 10 MONTHS
AND (just then)
THERE WAS
IN THEIR SYNAGOGUE
A MAN
WHICH (WAS
(possessed) WITH
A
SPIRIT;
OF
AN UNCLEAN
DEVIL (or demon, or demonic spirit),
AND HE CRIED OUT
AND (SHOUTED)
SAYING,
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 672
WITH A LOUD VOICE
(“Yaah!”)
LET US ALONE; WHAT HAVE WE TO DO WITH (YOU), THOU JESUS OF NAZARETH? (HAVE) (YOU) COME TO DESTROY US? I KNOW THEE WHO (YOU) (ARE), THE HOLY ONE OF GOD.
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 674
AND JESUS REBUKED HIM (the unclean spirit) (sternly), SAYING, (BE QUIET), AND COME OUT OF HIM.
AND WHEN THE
UNCLEAN SPIRIT
(or) DEVIL HAD THROWN (THE MAN) (down) IN THE (MIDDLE OF THE CROWD-JNT),
(and) HAD TORN (or shook) HIM (violently), AND CRIED WITH A LOUD VOICE (or shriek),
HE CAME OUT OF HIM.
(WITHOUT INJURING HIM).
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 676
AND THEY WERE ALL AMAZED, (SO THAT) THEY QUESTIONED (or debated, or asked) AMONG THEMSELVES, SAYING,
WHAT THING IS THIS?
WHAT A WORD IS THIS (or What kind of teaching is this?–JNT)!
WHAT NEW DOCTRINE (or teaching) IS THIS?
FOR WITH AUTHORITY
AND POWER
(HE EVEN GIVES ORDERS
[or COMMANDS]
THE UNCLEAN (or evil) SPIRITS,
AND THEY DO OBEY HIM.
AND THEY COME OUT.
AND
IMMEDIATELY
(THE NEWS ABOUT HIM–NASB) (WENT OUT)
INTO EVERY PLACE OF THE COUNTRY (or area) ROUND ABOUT (or every locality in the surrounding district–NASB).
EVERYWHERE) THROUGHOUT ALL THE REGION (SURROUNDING THE DISTRICT OF–NASB) GALILEE.
SIMON’S MOTHER–IN–LAW HEALED
30 YEARS PLUS 10 MONTHS
AND (JESUS) (LEFT) THE SYNAGOGUE,
AND
(IMMEDIATELY), WHEN THEY WERE COME OUT OF THE SYNAGOGUE,
THEY
ENTERED INTO THE HOUSE OF SIMON
AND ANDREW, WITH JAMES AND JOHN.
BUT SIMON’S (MOTHER–IN–LAW)
LAY (in bed)
WAS (SUFFERING)
(and)SICK
OF A
(HIGH)
FEVER,
AND WHEN JESUS WAS COME INTO PETER’S (HOME), HE SAW HIS (MOTHER–IN–LAW) (LYING IN BED), AND SICK OF A FEVER.
AND (IMMEDIATELY) THEY (SPOKE TO) HIM OF HER.
AND THEY (ASKED) HIM (to do something) FOR HER.
AND HE CAME
AND HE STOOD OVER HER, AND REBUKED THE FEVER;
AND HE TOUCHED HER HAND,
AND TOOK HER BY THE HAND, AND (HELPED) HER UP (onto her feet);
AND
IMMEDIATELY
THE FEVER LEFT HER
AND SHE (GOT UP),
AND
SHE
MINISTERED UNTO THEM (or waited on Him, or served them).
MANY HEALED
30 YEARS PLUS 10 MONTHS
AND
NOW
WHEN
THE
(EVENING) WAS COME,
WHEN THE SUN WAS SETTING,
(AFTER) THE SUN DID SET,
ALL
THEY
(THE PEOPLE)
BROUGHT
THEM
(TO) HIM
(TO) (JESUS) ALL
THAT HAD ANY SICK
WITH (VARIOUS) (kinds of) DISEASES
|
The children of God have overcome those that are of the world.
The children of God have overcome them that do not confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh,
them that speak of the world,
them that are not of God,
them that are not of the Spirit of Truth,
but are of the spirit of error
and are of the spirit of antichrist. Every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God.
There are seven churches listed in the Revelation. These represent the 7 time periods from the time of the apostles to this current time and up to the beginning of the Tribulation. However, there are elements of the last 4 also present in the Laodicean age, which ends the church ages with the “Come up hither,” of Rev 4:1. In every one, Jesus uses the WORD OVERCOMETH. God’s children are called to overcome as it is written.
Those that do not overcome because of a lack of faith, because the world overcomes them with all of its deceptions, false ways, pleasures, lusts, etc.; these that do not overcome because Satan makes them believe they are saved, when they are not because this is what their heart wants to believe–these shall not eat of the tree of life.
They shall not eat of the hidden manna,
and will not receive a white stone and a new name written.
They shall not be clothed in white raiment.
Those that do not overcome, they will not have Jesus confess their name before His Father and before His angels.
They will not be made a pillar in the temple of My God.
They shall not go no more out.
God’s name shall not be written on them,
nor the name of the city of God, New Jerusalem.
Jesus’ new name shall not be written on them.
Those that do not overcome and do not keep God's works to the end and do shrink back, they shall not receive power over the nations.
They shall not sit with Jesus in His throne,
and shall not inherit all things.
God will not be their God,
and they shall not be His son.
They shall be hurt by the second death. They shall have their name blotted out of the book of life.
Rev 2:7–HE THAT HATH AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH UNTO THE CHURCHES; TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH WILL I GIVE TO EAT OF THE TREE OF LIFE, WHICH IS IN THE MIDST OF THE PARADISE OF GOD.
Rev 2:11–HE THAT OVERCOMETH SHALL NOT BE HURT OF THE SECOND DEATH.
Rev 2:17–TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH WILL I GIVE TO EAT OF THE HIDDEN MANNA, AND WILL GIVE HIM A WHITE STONE, AND IN THE STONE A NEW NAME WRITTEN, WHICH NO MAN KNOWETH SAVING HE THAT RECEIVETH IT.
Rev 2:26–HE THAT OVERCOMETH, AND KEEPETH MY WORKS UNTO THE END, TO HIM WILL I GIVE POWER OVER THE NATIONS:
Rev 3:5–HE THAT OVERCOMETH, THE SAME SHALL BE CLOTHED IN WHITE RAIMENT; AND I WILL NOT BLOT OUT HIS NAME OUT OF THE BOOK OF LIFE, BUT I WILL CONFESS HIS NAME BEFORE MY FATHER, AND BEFORE HIS ANGELS.
Rev 3:12–HIM THAT OVERCOMETH WILL I MAKE A PILLAR IN THE TEMPLE OF MY GOD, AND HE SHALL GO NO MORE OUT: AND I WILL WRITE UPON HIM THE NAME OF MY GOD, AND THE NAME OF THE CITY OF MY GOD, WHICH IS NEW JERUSALEM, WHICH COMETH DOWN OUT OF HEAVEN FROM MY GOD: AND I WILL WRITE UPON HIM MY NEW NAME.
Rev 3:21–HIM THAT OVERCOMETH WILL I GRANT TO SIT WITH ME IN MY THRONE, EVEN AS I ALSO OVERCAME, AND AM SET DOWN WITH MY FATHER IN HIS THRONE.
Overcoming During the Tribulation
The Antichrist shall overcome the saints. All that will not take the mark, or the name of the Antichrist, or the number of his name (666) will not be able to buy or sell. All that will not worship the image of the Antichrist can expect to be beheaded. That is exactly what Satan wants to do now to all that follow God, but he is restrained as his time is not yet.
Rev 13:7–8–AND IT WAS GIVEN UNTO HIM (the Antichrist) TO MAKE WAR WITH THE SAINTS, AND TO OVERCOME THEM: AND POWER WAS GIVEN HIM OVER ALL KINDREDS, AND TONGUES, AND NATIONS. AND ALL THAT DWELL UPON THE EARTH SHALL WORSHIP HIM, WHOSE NAMES ARE NOT WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE OF THE LAMB SLAIN FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD.
he Antichrist and Satan do overcome many of the saints during the Tribulation and kill them; yet, in reality the saints overcome them as it is written:
Rev 12:11–AND THEY (the saints) OVERCAME HIM (the devil which deceives the whole world) BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB, AND BY THE WORD OF THEIR TESTIMONY; AND THEY LOVED NOT THEIR LIVES UNTO THE DEATH. Most saints can expect to be severely tortured and then killed, but the saints then go to be with Jesus, because to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord–ref 2 Cor 5:8.
Overcoming Near the End of the Tribulation
The Antichrist shall overcome the two witnesses of God and kill them, but they shall rise after three days.
Rev 11:7–8–AND WHEN THEY (the two witnesses) SHALL HAVE FINISHED THEIR TESTIMONY, THE BEAST THAT ASCENDETH OUT OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT SHALL MAKE WAR AGAINST THEM, AND SHALL OVERCOME THEM, AND KILL THEM. AND THEIR DEAD BODIES SHALL LIE IN THE STREET OF THE GREAT CITY, WHICH SPIRITUALLY IS CALLED SODOM AND EGYPT, WHERE ALSO OUR LORD WAS CRUCIFIED.
Jesus Shall Overcome Them When He Returns Immediately After the Tribulation
Rev 17:12,13–AND THE TEN HORNS WHICH THOU SAWEST ARE TEN KINGS, WHICH HAVE RECEIVED NO KINGDOM AS YET; BUT RECEIVE POWER AS KINGS ONE HOUR WITH THE BEAST (or Antichrist). THESE HAVE ONE MIND, AND SHALL GIVE THEIR POWER AND STRENGTH UNTO THE BEAST (or Antichrist).
Rev 17:14–THESE (the 10 kings and Antichrist) SHALL MAKE WAR WITH THE LAMB (which is Jesus), AND THE LAMB SHALL OVERCOME THEM: FOR HE IS LORD OF LORDS, AND KING OF KINGS: AND THEY THAT ARE WITH HIM (the saints) ARE CALLED, AND CHOSEN, AND FAITHFUL.
Overcoming: The Final Conclusion of the Whole Matter
You cannot serve yourself, this world, your own self–interests, sin, and also serve God. For whoever or whatever you follow–that is your master. Whatever overcomes you, you are its servant.
Ro 3:3–4–FOR WHAT IF SOME DID NOT BELIEVE? SHALL THEIR UNBELIEF MAKE THE FAITH OF GOD WITHOUT EFFECT? GOD FORBID: YEA, LET GOD BE TRUE, BUT EVERY MAN A LIAR; AS IT IS WRITTEN, THAT THOU MIGHTEST BE JUSTIFIED IN THY SAYINGS, AND MIGHTEST OVERCOME WHEN THOU ART JUDGED.
Rev 21:7–HE THAT OVERCOMETH SHALL INHERIT ALL THINGS; AND I WILL BE HIS GOD, AND HE SHALL BE MY SON.
The verses continue–
Lk 5:5. AND SIMON ANSWERING
SAID (TO) HIM,
MASTER. It has been said the WORD “Master” means much more than just a teacher. It can carry with it the meaning of a commanding general. Jesus is our Teacher, our Commanding General, our Lord, our King.
WE HAVE (WORKED HARD)
ALL THE NIGHT,
AND HAVE (CAUGHT) NOTHING. Now Simon Peter does what many of us do. As Jesus asks him to do something, he makes an excuse. Satan put doubts in his mind as to the validity of the request. Satan put in his mind that it was useless to obey Jesus because he had already worked hard all night and caught no fish. Perhaps some people standing by also reinforced his wrong thinking by saying to Simon, “To try again is a waist of time. Go back to mending your nets”.
Peter had been fishing all the night, which is the best time to catch fish. It was now day, not the best time to fish.
Peter had already been with Jesus previously. He had been with Jesus when the water was turned into wine. He had been with Jesus when some of the events happened regarding the Samaritan woman at the well.
Peter then he does what we all need to do. He obeyed God. So Simon Peter said:
NEVERTHELESS AT (YOUR) WORD
I WILL LET DOWN THE NET. Peter probably thought in his heart that nothing would happen. But he obeyed.
When you give your life to Jesus, that means–you give–your life–to Jesus. He obeyed. Consider what might have been the consequences if he had not obeyed. He obeyed Jesus’ first 3 requests but what if he refused to obey any more? It might well have been the end for Simon. But, He took another step forward and obeyed again. This struggle between doubt and trust goes on inside all born again Christians.
Note when Jesus made the first 3 requests, Simon Peter made no excuse. He obeyed. But when Jesus made request 4 and 5, he made an excuse, but then obeyed. Is this you?
At God’s WORD, you are to obey and let down your net.
As we follow Jesus, many obstacles will confront us. Will we run away and give up, or will we keep our eyes on Jesus and trust in Him?
Man’s ability had netted no fish that night. However, all things are possible through Christ–
Lk 5:6. AND WHEN THEY HAD (DONE THIS),
THEY (CAUGHT) A GREAT MULTITUDE OF FISHES.
Simon Peter kept obeying Jesus and the results was overwhelming. As you obey Jesus, and patiently wait on the Lord, God’s WORD shall accomplish that which He pleases and it shall prosper regarding the thing He sends it–ref Isa 55:11. But then as in many cases, the unexpected may happen.
;AND THEIR NET (began to) BRAKE. Despite all the preparations in holding a revival, sometimes the rains come. Sometimes things just don’t seem to go as planned. Guest speakers don’t show up. Airplanes are delayed. Sometimes the road may be blocked. Sometimes vehicles with the equipment break down, or the equipment breaks down. Sometimes the news–media speaks against what God has called us to do. Sometimes we run out of money, and don’t know where to turn. But God’s children are to patiently wait upon the Lord for an answer. As Simon Peter obeyed, they caught a great multitude of fishes, but then their nets began to break. As their nets were beginning to break, so was Peter. Some hardness in Peter was breaking as this was happening.
Regarding the great catch of fish, it is written Mt 19:26–WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.
About 32 months later Peter would denied Jesus 3 times.
Then after the resurrection of Jesus, in Jn 21:6 Jesus told the disciples to cast their net in and they caught a great multitude of fishes, but this time their net did not begin to break. Peter never again denied the Lord.
As each of us go forth to do the Work God has given us to do, we may not see the results that we had hoped to see, yet when we get to the judgment we may find that the our net began to break for a specific reason. The verses continue–
Lk 5:7. AND THEY (SIGNALED) (TO) THEIR PARTNERS,
WHICH WERE IN THE OTHER (BOAT). Note two boats are mentioned in Mt 5:2. They signaled–
THAT THEY SHOULD COME AND HELP THEM.
AND THEY CAME,
AND FILLED BOTH THE (BOATS),
SO (full)
THAT THEY BEGAN TO SINK. The fish can represent souls. Two boats can represent both Jews and Gentiles. We are reminded of the Scripture that the harvest is great, but the labourers are few–ref Lk 10:2.
The nets began to break. Both boats began to sink. There is a great harvest of souls. The unexpected can also happen.
Lk 5:8. (But) WHEN SIMON PETER SAW IT,
HE FELL DOWN AT JESUS’ KNEES, SAYING. The huge catch of fish was a miracle that Peter had not even began to expect. He said–
(GET AWAY) FROM ME;
FOR I AM A SINFUL MAN, O LORD. Just how much Peter understood at this time who Jesus really was, is unknown. His usage of the WORD “Lord” indicates that Peter knew that a prophet of the living God, was at hand. It broke him and humbled him. When Adam sinned, he hid from God. Peter broke and confessed that he was a sinful man, and he wanted to get away from the Lord. He was ashamed. The huge catch pointed to Christ’s deity. In contrast, it exposed Peter’s sinfulness. Have you ever reached this point in your life? Have you ever broke as Peter did and cried out to God because you are a sinful person?
The huge catch also pointed to Peter’s future.
It is not uncommon, when a person goes into intentional sin, if he sees his preacher walking in a store, he may change his direction so he can avoid the minister. Darkness often tries to avoid the light, for the light exposes the secret things of the darkness. Darkness feels uncomfortable around the light. The closer a person is to the light, the more he can see the dirt.
Regretfully, most people are not very close to the light and they do not see much dirt.
Many people cannot look at themselves and say, “I am a sinful man”. They consider themselves a good person. They do not repent, for the see nothing to repent of. The Scriptures tell us, IF WE SAY THAT WE HAVE NO SIN, WE DECEIVE OUTSELVES, AND THE TRUTH IS NOT IN US. IF WE SAY THAT WE HAVE NOT SINNED, WE MAKE HIM A LIAR, AND HIS WORD IS NOT IN US–1 Jn 1:8,10. Neither the truth, or God’s WORD, or Jesus is in such people. They are not saved. Neither can they be saved. A person that does not think they are sick, has no need of a doctor. A person that does not see themselves as a sinner, has no need of Jesus.
The verses continue–
Lk 5:9. FOR HE WAS ASTONISHED,
AND ALL THAT WERE WITH HIM,
AT THE (CATCH)
OF THE FISHES
WHICH THEY HAD TAKEN. A horrible night of fishing was followed by a great miracle from the Lord. This also shows to all of us that as we follow Jesus, the Lord will take care of or enable us to take care of the other things that need to be dealt with. Yes, there will be very difficult times, but Jesus will be with us.
The miracle that had just happened with the fishes was apparent not only to Peter but to all that were with him as well as those in the other boats. It proved to him that Jesus was indeed sent from God.
Jesus had told Simon Peter in verse 4 to launch out into the deep for a catch or draught. Peter had made an excuse, but then went forth at the Word of Jesus. The catch was so great that two boats could barely contain all the fish.
As all born-again followers of Christ knows–there are many days that fishing for souls nets nothing. Discouragement can often set in. But then, unexpectedly, a great catch can take place. There are missionaries that have ministered God’s WORD in difficult places for years, and have not seen a harvest come in. Yet, in the midst of wanting to give up, God tells us to be faithful, no matter what. Some have tried to minister God’s WORD in Moslem countries. The end result can be terrifying. Yet God calls us to be faithful even unto death-ref Rev 2:10. Just how far are you willing to follow Jesus? Jesus sacrificed His life for you. Are you willing to sacrifice your life for Him?
Lk 5:10. AND SO WAS ALSO JAMES,
AND JOHN,
THE SONS OF ZEBEDEE,
WHICH WERE PARTNERS
WITH SIMON. Note, it did not say that James and John were with Peter in the boat, but rather they were astonished at the catch of the fishes. It appears that these two were still mending nets (ref Mt 4:21).
The miracle of the catch was so great, that none could deny it. It may have been the greatest catch that any of them had ever experienced in their lifetime. This miracle was so enormous that it convinced those that were involved that Jesus was sent from God.
AND JESUS SAID (TO) SIMON,
(DON’T BE AFRAID). The first Words that Jesus speaks to Peter was: “Don’t be afraid”.
This is the first time that Jesus used these Words as recorded in the New Testament. However, an angel had used them several times previously in the New Testament.
It is not uncommon that when a person considers making a commitment to Jesus Christ, fear comes on him. Satan often puts in a person’s thoughts, “You can do it later. You are not ready now. You need time to clean up your act.” You have this or that you need to do first. When a person may go to witness, fear may come on him. When a person gets ready to get baptized by full immersion, after believing on Jesus Christ, fear may come on him.
A person cannot clean up their own act. Only Jesus can do this. Only by the power of God, do we have the power to overcome. Jesus continued–
FROM (NOW ON)
(YOU) (WILL) CATCH MEN (alive!). Jesus prophesied that Simon Peter would be fishing for and catching men. When a person leaves all to follow Jesus, all sorts of fears come on him. How will I support my family? What will happen? My job needs me. My family needs me. Where will I live?
Unconverted religious folk that call themselves “Christian” have no idea what it means to follow Christ. These are just words that have fallen on their deaf ears.
There is no greater calling, than the calling to follow Jesus, to walk in His footsteps, to walk the same road that Jesus walked.
Would it be better to be the king of a country now and perish later, or to be called of God now to follow Him, and inherit eternal life later?
Mt 4:19 (pt 1), ref Mk 1:17 (pt 1). AND HE (SAID) (TO) THEM. Note the WORD “them” is plural. It appears he is talking to both Peter and Andrew which is Peter's brother-ref Mt 4:18, Mk 1:29, Jn 1:40. Jesus said–
(Come)
FOLLOW ME (or Come after Me). Thus far Simon Peter had obeyed every request given to him by Jesus. He had taken the boat out from the shore so Jesus could teach. He had taken the boat out to the deep where they caught fish. Now the hardest command of all comes forth from Jesus. FOLLOW ME. In other words, leave your job, leave your friends, leave your family, your father, your wife, forsake everything, come and follow me and learn of me as a disciple. Depend on me for everything. Then Jesus tells him what the consequences will be of doing this. Jesus said–
AND I WILL MAKE YOU–
Mk 1:17 (pt 2). TO BECOME
Mt 4:19 (pt 2), ref Mk 1:17 (pt 3). FISHERS OF MEN. Note, It was Jesus that would make them to become fishers of men. They were not fishers of men yet. They were sinful men who trusted in their own selves. They had much to learn about God first. They needed to learn humility, obedience, and trusting in Jesus. They needed to be equipped for what would lie ahead. Jesus came to call sinners to repentance. Learning about Jesus, going forth to evangelize, and feeding His lambs and sheep was the main mission of the apostles. It is a slow process of growing and going through many situations. It is a slow process of learning to trust in Jesus and Jesus alone. Is this your main mission?
Before one can teach about Jesus, he needs to learn of Jesus.
Before one can teach about spiritual warfare, he needs to learn about spiritual warfare.
Note, that Jesus had used fishing to set up the request that he would give Simon Peter. Peter’s job was used as a basis for the miracle. Now it becomes one of the things that Peter was to give up. In the same manner Jesus used the water at the well to set up his conversation with the Samaritan woman which changed her life.
Is Jesus saying to you the same WORDs as He said to Peter: Go forth, follow me, be a fisher of men, and don’t be afraid? Jesus will provide, not necessarily according to your desires, but yes, according to your needs, and according to His WORD. Your desires are to become those of your Master. Jesus is to be your Master–ref Mt 23:8. There is no greater calling in the universe than to follow and serve Jesus full time.
These, that Jesus called were ordinary types of people. They were not die-hard religious people. It seems that real religious folk are seldom called, but the humble that admit they sin, and know that they have a need to have their sins forgiven, and are willing to repent, these are called. God chooses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise–1 Cor 1:27. Not many wise or highly educated men, not many mighty or noble men are called–ref 1 Cor 1:26. Note, it didn’t say chosen, but called. First a person must be called, then after chosen. Not many wise and noble men even get called, and how few of those that get called are even chosen? And how hard it is for the rich, who trust in their riches to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus did not go to the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Herodians, the scribes, or the lawyers to choose His apostles. He did not go to the religious establishment.
Zebedee, John and James’ father was about to lose them. They along with Peter and Andrew, were about to quite their job and go and follow Jesus. No 14 days advance warning.
It cannot be emphasized enough, from the moment a person says yes to Jesus, He NEEDS to start spending much time in God’s WORD. Minutes a day is not much time. Turn off the TV, the radio, the computer. Put aside the newspaper, the magazines, and books. Put aside distractions and hobbies. Begin to obey God. Learn of Jesus. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the WORD of truth–2 Tim 2:15.
Study as it is the last chance you will have. The first day, the first week, the first month, the first few years will lay your foundation in God’s Word. If you are building a new building, but you only work on it 30 minutes a day, that is not good. But if you work on it hours a day, this is much better. Most people never develop into a spiritually minded child of God, which is needful. Excuses do not draw you closer to God. It begins on day one. Study. Read, read, read God’s WORD–all of it.
The disciples of Jesus learned to trust in Him for all things as they followed Him. They needed to learn to deny themselves, pick up their cross and follow Him. They needed to learn that Jesus was to be the center of their life. He is God. But then He died. But after He was crucified, and rose from the dead, He continued to watch over them, and guide them. For the rest of their earthly lives, Jesus provided for them just as He did when he was physically with them.
Have you learned to trust in Jesus the way His disciples did? If you follow Jesus and obey His Word now, He will provide for you today, just as He did for them. Some preachers today teach to trust in Jesus. However, few teach that one also needs to learn obedience through the things which they will suffer–note Heb 5:8.
FOLLOW ME, TEMPTATIONS, FALLING
Hear the Word of God.
Mt 16:24-THEN SAID JESUS…IF ANY MAN WILL COME AFTER ME, LET HIM DENY HIMSELF, AND TAKE UP HIS CROSS, AND FOLLOW ME.
Lk 14:33–SO LIKEWISE, WHOSOEVER HE BE OF YOU THAT FORSAKETH NOT ALL THAT HE HATH, HE CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE.
Jn 12:26–IF ANY MAN SERVE ME, LET HIM FOLLOW ME; AND WHERE I AM, THERE SHALL ALSO MY SERVANT BE: IF ANY MAN SERVE ME, HIM WILL MY FATHER HONOUR.
Jn 10:27–MY SHEEP HEAR MY VOICE, AND I KNOW THEM, AND THEY FOLLOW ME:
Lk 5:11–AND WHEN THEY HAD BROUGHT THEIR SHIPS TO LAND, THEY FORSOOK ALL, AND FOLLOWED HIM.
Throughout history, the command to forsake all, pick up your cross and FOLLOW JESUS has been given to many. However, many say no to God’s calling, while others resist or hesitate, and others make excuses. They do not want to obey God and give up their personal dreams, hopes, friends, jobs, possessions, even everything, and begin a brand new life. While others do begin this new journey, but afterward turn back as did Demas–ref 2 Tim 4:10; probably no one that began to follow Jesus, who later turned aside, believed they would perish.
Jesus had many followers. Then He preached, HE THAT EATETH MY FLESH, AND DRINKETH MY BLOOD, DWELLETH IN ME, AND I IN HIM–Jn 6:56. FROM THAT TIME MANY OF HIS DISCIPLES WENT BACK, AND WALKED NO MORE WITH HIM. Jesus indicated of those that did this that they believed not–ref Jn 6:64.
THEN SAID JESUS UNTO THE TWELVE, “WILL YE ALSO GO AWAY?” THEN SIMON PETER ANSWERED HIM, LORD, TO WHOM SHALL WE GO? THOU HAST THE WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE. AND WE BELIEVE AND ARE SURE THAT THOU ART THAT CHRIST, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD. Yet as time went on Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, turned back and betrayed Him to the wicked. He had personally seen Jesus raise the dead and heal many sick. He has seen and heard the wicked religious leaders come against Jesus. Yet, in the end, he turned aside and betrayed Jesus to some of those very same people. Judas stood with them, as he led a great multitude with swords and staves from the chief priests and elders of the people. Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. Little did he ever dream, at the time he did this, that shortly after he would commit suicide, then perish to hell and would become the most famous traitor and betrayer in the history of the world. Little did Judas, who once walked with Jesus, and those that arrested Jesus, and those that judged Him shortly thereafter, ever imagine that their eternity would be in the lake of fire. Little do the multitudes today, that try to hinder and stop the followers of Jesus, ever imagine that what they do to the followers of Jesus, they actually do to Jesus. For in as much as they do such things to His children, they do it to Jesus.
Regarding a person following Jesus in full–time service, Satan has many, many devices, schemes, distractions, and temptations to use to make them turn aside and take another direction.
After God delivered His people from the horrible bondage of Egypt, through many miracles, many later turned back in their hearts to Egypt–ref Acts 7:39.
Over and over, Paul and other writers of the Bible warned those that believed on Jesus and followed Him, do not turn back, beware lest you fall, take heed, examine yourself.
As a person follows Jesus, Satan has many ways to deceive us, even many obstacles, and roadblocks to put in our path. A person's marriage may fall apart as the other spouse hates the Gospel. A person may lose their children. As a person follows Jesus, many may think he is crazy or beside himself. A person may lose all his unsaved friends. He can expect to be mocked and laughed at. Some might even try to have him put in an insane asylum. Some find it difficult to give up their own unsaved friends, so they turn back and justify themselves. Some may find that when God calls them to witness to their unsaved relatives or past friends, they become scared or are ashamed of Christ–ref Mk 8:38. They may find that they are scared or ashamed to pray over their food in public. And if a person does pray over his food in public, some may complain.
People may threaten a Christian with jail or threaten their lives or their loved ones lives. You may be about to preach, but then get sick. You may be on your way to a revival, but then an automobile accident happens, and you become injured. Our children may become sick or get in trouble. Our children may hate us and lie against us because of the Gospel. It is written, Mt 10:34–38–THINK NOT THAT I AM COME TO SEND PEACE ON EARTH: I CAME NOT TO SEND PEACE, BUT A SWORD. FOR I AM COME TO SET A MAN AT VARIANCE AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND THE DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND THE DAUGHTER–IN–LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER–IN–LAW. AND A MAN’S FOES SHALL BE THEY OF HIS OWN HOUSEHOLD. HE THAT LOVETH FATHER OR MOTHER MORE THAN ME IS NOT WORTHY OF ME: AND HE THAT LOVETH SON OR DAUGHTER MORE THAN ME IS NOT WORTHY OF ME. AND HE THAT TAKETH NOT HIS CROSS, AND FOLLOWETH AFTER ME, IS NOT WORTHY OF ME. Lk 12:52–53–FOR FROM HENCEFORTH THERE SHALL BE FIVE IN ONE HOUSE DIVIDED, THREE AGAINST TWO, AND TWO AGAINST THREE. THE FATHER SHALL BE DIVIDED AGAINST THE SON, AND THE SON AGAINST THE FATHER; THE MOTHER AGAINST THE DAUGHTER, AND THE DAUGHTER AGAINST THE MOTHER; THE MOTHER–IN–LAW AGAINST HER DAUGHTER–IN–LAW, AND THE DAUGHTER–IN–LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER–IN–LAW. So when these things happen to some Christians, those who are weak in the faith begin to compromise, so they can get along. Compromise leads to hell. Being like a wave is not pleasing to God. A Hindu, who claims he is now a Christian, may remove the dot from his forehead when he goes to a Christian church, but then put it back when he goes home. Such a person is a lukewarm or nominal Christian. These perish. Is this the kind of a so–called Christian that you are???
We may be ready to depart on a missionary trip, but then a loved one has a heart attack. What would you do? Moslems, Hindus, governments, the police, or others may try to kill you as you spread the Gospel in their countries. A church may invite you to preach, but if you preach the Gospel as Jesus and the Apostles did, the minister or board of directors of the church may speak against you and ask you to leave and not help you in any way with transportation, food or a place to stay. You may go to a town to preach, but not one person in that whole town will show up or listen. Then you may be put in jail for not getting a permit to teach. Ministers and Christians are very ignorant of Satan’s schemes in this lukewarm, compromise generation. You may try to teach the truth that God created all things or may try to display the Ten Commandments, only to discover that the schools, the colleges, the local officials, the police, the government, the courts, even the whole world is against you. You may be falsely accused of the most ungodly things you could imagine by intelligent, influential people in high places, or by mentally disturbed children. You may try to bring your children up in a godly way, only to find your children could be taken away from you. You may be in a foreign country and thrown in jail in deplorable conditions, as you preach the Gospel; and there is no one to help or no one seems to care. You may be kidnapped by terrorists, tortured, and then killed for preaching the Gospel. You may have your property confiscated because of false accusations, if your light so shines before men for Jesus.
Satan uses the things of this world that we love to try stop or hinder us. Satan tempts us. He uses our loved ones, our emotions, our doubts, our compassions, our fears, our past rejections, and our hurts. He uses the cares of this life, the lusts of our flesh and of other things, our desire for love or sex, our curiosity, our desires for pleasures, and the deceitfulness of riches. We become concerned for friends, our relatives, or other things, so we turn aside and go back. We begin to want money for this or that, and our trust in God becomes like a wave. We need to learn patience, but we become impatient. We begin again to want a better life, more things, more comforts. Satan puts in our mind that there is no hope as situations get worse and worse.
People repent and begin to follow Jesus, but when the going gets difficult, many turn back. Their faith fails.
Some become tempted and turn away when Satan uses what appears to be another, better calling of God in a difficult time.
We begin to doubt that Jesus will meet all our needs including a place to live as well as food and clothing. We forget that Jesus had no place where to lay his head–ref Mt 8:20. So we turn back, yet when a person turns back, darkness begins to come on that person, so he does not understand he is falling. That darkness can become so thick, that a person can betray those who were once his brothers in Christ or even kill a servant of God and think that they are doing God service–ref Jn 16:2.
When God calls a person to serve Him, when Jesus calls a person to full–time service, it is a call of love. It is the greatest call upon a person that exists. It is a call of obedience. It is a call of sacrifice, but, above all, it is a call of testing one’s faith or trust in God. It will involve going through many temptations, hardships, and could even result in prison or the death of a cross. A person's trust in Jesus will be tested over and over to prove whether it is genuine. But, in the end, there are many rewards and eternal life with Jesus.
If a person refuses to follow and serve Jesus now, in accordance with the way God calls them, neither will he be with Jesus for eternity.
Collectively, churches have millions and millions of people worldwide that listen to God–s Word, but when the Judgment comes, they will perish. Indeed, many are called, but few are chosen. There are many priests, preachers, and rabbi that are, or will be, in hell awaiting the final Judgment at the Great White Throne. They sit in the churches. The sing in the choirs. They serve their church. They look like good people. They teach Sunday school. They do missionary work. They evangelize on the radio or TV. Yet they have never been born-again. They have never truly repented, picked up their cross, and followed Jesus in accordance with the Scriptures. Yet many do become converted and do begin to follow Jesus, but afterward, in the time of temptation, fall away–ref Lk 8:13. Are you one of them?
The verses continue–
Lk 5:11 (pt 1). AND WHEN THEY HAD BROUGHT THEIR (BOATS)
TO LAND,
Mt 4:20 (pt 1), ref Mk 1:18 (pt 1). AND THEY STRAIGHTWAY (or immediately, or at once)
Lk 5:11 (pt 2). THEY(Simon and Andrew)
FORSOOK ALL, AND. Preaching on forsaking all for Jesus in this lukewarm age has all but disappeared. Much of the preaching now is centered on Jesus becoming our servant, and following us, rather than we repenting, forsaking all and following Jesus. Many radio and television evangelists, many church preachers, and others are now preaching another Gospel and another Jesus, and the people of this generation love to have it so–ref Gal 1:6, 2 Cor 11:4, Jere 5:31. Those that Jesus had called–
Mt 4:20 (pt 2), ref Mk 1:18 (pt 2), Lk 5:11 (pt 3). LEFT THEIR NETS, AND FOLLOWED (or went with) HIM. When a person really believes in Jesus as the Bible teaches, it changes their life.
Did Peter, and the others, when they came to shore, stay and unload the fish? Did they immediately go to a market place and try to sell the fish? Did they begin to repair their nets? No. Their focus had changed. Their first concern now was to follow and obey Christ.
Did they go to the bank to get some money? Did they go home to get their clothes and an extra pair of shoes? Did they go and buy a donkey or camel to ride on? Did they go home to say good buy to those at home? No.
They left their job, their friends, their family, everything–ref Phili 3:7,8. Their father Zebedee had hired servants and Peter also had a house–ref Mk 1:20, Mt 8:14. Thus he did not appear to be a poor man, with nothing to forsake.
One that leaves all for Christ, loses nothing, and gains everything. For what is a person profited if he shall gain the whole world, but lose his own soul? The highest calling a person can have is the call to follow Jesus.
Following Jesus is not a job. It is not even an occupation. As it is written, it is a call of God himself. Many are called. Some do not respond and others hesitate. Only a few respond and are faithful to the end. Thus, only a few are chosen. The laborers are few.
Then there are many counterfeits, the accusers. They are called, but not by God. They are Satan’s messangers who look like they are of God, but they are not–ref 2 Cor 11:14,15.
For those called of God, the organized church in the days of Jesus were some of his worst enemies (ie Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees, Scribes, and lawyers). It is not different today. As the son of the bond woman persecuted the son of the free woman, so in like manner the counterfeit clergy today sometimes persecutes the real born again clergy called of God.
Those called of God has Godly love. Those called of the devil do not.
Jesus told his disciples, let the Pharisees, the blind leaders of the blind alone–ref Mt 15:12–14.
Once a person forsakes all for Jesus, there is to be no turning back. It is written:
2 Pe 2:20–FOR IF AFTER THEY HAVE ESCAPED THE POLLUTIONS OF THE WORLD THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST, THEY ARE AGAIN ENTANGLED THEREIN, AND OVERCOME, THE LATTER END IS WORSE WITH THEM THAN THE BEGINNING.
Gal 5:1–STAND FAST THEREFORE IN THE LIBERTY WHEREWITH CHRIST HATH MADE US FREE, AND BE NOT ENTANGLED AGAIN WITH THE YOKE OF BONDAGE.
2 Tim 2:4–NO MAN THAT WARRETH ENTANGLETH HIMSELF WITH THE AFFAIRS OF THIS LIFE; THAT HE MAY PLEASE HIM WHO HATH CHOSEN HIM TO BE A SOLDIER.
When one compares the smooth talking, psychologically, feel good, self–centered preaching done by “some” of the most popular teachers on television, and in some of the most popular churches, and crusades, any spiritually–minded, born again person can see that there is no fear of God before their eyes–ref Ro 3:18. There is no trembling at God’s WORD–ref Isa 66:5. There is no trembling in God’s presence Jere 5:22, Isa 64:2.
What is being taught to the lukewarm church of today, that will not be raptured, is another Gospel. It is another God that they follow. It is a “feel good” and “self–help” watered down Gospel, and the people love to have it so. The people’s itching ears no longer craves the true Gospel of fear God, and tremble at His Word. They no longer want a Gospel of sacrifice, forsaking everything, being persecuted, and picking up their cross and following Jesus. They no longer want to be told that they are to obey God’s Word.
The Gospel of today is no longer a Gospel that drives people to their knees in repentance. It is no longer a Gospel that forces people to look at themselves as Peter did, and cry out, “I AM A SINFUL MAN, O LORD”. It is no longer a Gospel that causes a person to cry out and say to God, Mk 10:47–“JESUS, THOU SON OF DAVID, HAVE MERCY ON ME. Mt 15:22–HAVE MERCY ON ME, O LORD.”
Stop, and try to look at your church honestly, in comparison to God’s WORD. Does it seem like a good, comfortable church where everyone shakes hands and fells about themselves, and sin, God’s wrath, repentance, fearing God, God’s judgments, and the signs of the times are seldom mentioned?
It is so sad, and frightening. The rapture of God’s people is very close. However, most professing Christians do not even believe it is about to happen. Even more sad, many people that go to a “so called“ Christian church do not even know what a rapture is. And they could not even give you the date of the most important Biblical prophetical event in the latter days. It is May 14, 1948. Do you know what happened on this date?
Are you willing to follow Christ, right now, no matter what the price? Are you willing to let God’s Word reign over you, rather than you reigning over yourself?
Following Jesus means suffering, persecutions, hardships, the loss of many friends and relatives. It can mean jail and being killed for some. There is a price to be paid in a world that denies God’s existence, denies the Bible’s infallibility, promotes sinful lifestyles, and many people in high places despises and hates the God of the Bible and His commandments–ref Jn 15:20,21,25.
FOLLOW JESUS. FORSAKE ALL. DON’T LOOK BACK
SPIRITUAL WARFARE–SATAN’S TRAPS
THINKING ABOUT THE PAST
Jesus called those He wanted to follow Him at a most inconvenient time. They had just caught many fish. They had much work to do. They were right in the middle of their job. So when Jesus called them, did they make excuses? No.
Those Jesus had called obeyed and immediately followed Him. Simon Peter had been attending to his nets just a short time before. But now he leaves his work and responsibilities. He leaves his nets. He leaves the fish. He leaves all his plans, his hopes, his security, his comforts, his possessions. He leaves all his obligations and family. He leaves his mother and probably his wife. He leaves his friends. There is no record that he returned home and packed a suitcase and gathered up all the things he might need. He leaves all to follow Jesus. He does not know how he will survive. He does not know where he is going. He does not have any idea of what lies ahead. He simply believed the WORDs that Jesus had spoken to him, and it changed his life on this earth and for eternity. It ultimately also changed the lives of many for eternity, as he became a fisher of men. Peter would later be ridiculed, mocked, and so fearful for his life that he would deny Jesus. He would be known throughout history as one that denied Christ, but he repented. He was later put in jail and beaten–ref Acts 5:40. He went through many persecutions and reportedly died for Christ.
Ask Peter now, who is with Jesus in heaven, if it was the right thing to do, and he would not even have the slightest hesitation. His answer would be–absolutely yes.
How has God’s WORD changed you? Have you heard God’s call to forsake all? Have you forsaken all to follow Jesus? Did you forsake all at one time, but then turn back?
When you truthfully and firmly plant your feet on God’s WORD with an honest heart, there is no excuse or problem that can keep you from following Jesus.
Yes, there will be unsaved people and lukewarm Christians that will give you ungodly counsel. But it is written, Pv 18:5–IT IS NOT GOOD TO ACCEPT THE PERSON OF THE WICKED, TO OVERTHROW THE RIGHTEOUS IN JUDGMENT.
Did you ever consider, when you are tempted, to sit down first and write out the verses that are both for and against your thoughts and for and against following the straight gate and the narrow way that you have been called to follow?
A person may be tempted to buy something. So he may say to himself, “What type shall I buy?” This is a wrong question to ask. What you should ask yourself is this, “Does God want me to buy anything at this time?” Although what you want to buy might seemingly fill some possible desire or need at this moment, is it a trap to put you into some kind of bondage later on? Can I pay cash, or do I have to go into the bondage of debt?–ref Pv 22:7. God forbid, how short–sighted Christians can be when tempted by the devil. So many look at “now” rather than the whole picture, including God's WORD and eternity. A true follower of Jesus is not to do his own will, but God’s will. Should Peter have bought a new boat when Jesus was calling him to follow Him? Of course not. You might have a thought to buy a house or a car, but God–in His plan, wants you to go overseas to be a missionary for many years. Buying a house or car at the wrong time could hinder God’s calling on your life.
You might say, “Well my church never preaches this way.” To this, it may be said, it is one thing to call Jesus your Master–ref Mk 9:5. It is another thing to let Jesus be your Master and let Him reign over you. Many claim they belong to Christ, but they themselves are still the center of their own universe. Jesus is not the center of their conversation, thoughts and actions. Jesus is not in their heart, night and day. Yet many deceive themselves into thinking that He is. Some follow a Jesus they create in their own thoughts. Some follow a certain denomination. Some do many good works, and the good works they do are what they follow. They just do not understand the full significance of letting God’s WORD, even Jesus Christ, reign over them. They do not understand that Jesus is to be their life. Some just do their own thing.
There are many that talk to people about Jesus, but in their thoughts is wrong thinking and in their heart is all sorts of unrepentance. With their mouth they reflect love, but the fruits of the Spirit are lacking in their life.
Many have lingering hurts, tragic experiences, or fears from their childhood. These hurts may be from their parents, a sibling, a friend, a school teacher, from someone they were dating, from a person in authority, or even clergy. It might be something that happened at home, at school, in a vehicle, or while playing. It may be false accusations, an accident, sexual abuse, or rejection. It may be the loss of a loved one or a pet. It could be growing up in a household with angry parents that constantly ridiculed them, accused them or treated them badly while treating their brother or sister with lots of love. When they think on these things, bitterness, anger, fears, unforgiveness, or other emotions flare up in their heart. Then they come to Christ. As things happen that may trigger these memories, they begin to project these bitter feelings on others, perhaps toward some brethren in Christ, their spouse, their minister that watches for their soul, or even toward God–ref 2 Thes 3:7; Heb 13:7. They may wrongly blame their minister or brothers in Christ for things that happen to them.
Why does this happen? Who is behind it all? Satan is, but they don’t recognize it because they choose to hang on to the bitter memories. They have opened the door for Satan to attack them in their thoughts, because they have not repented of looking back as God has clearly commanded them to do in His WORD. Their love for their brethren is not as it ought to be according to God’s WORD. Their heart is not repentant. It is not right. If they obey God’s WORD and truly love and forgive their brethren, as Christ loves and forgives them, they should not have an occasion to fall. Consider, if you had amnesia, regarding all your past hurts, you could not transfer those hurtful thoughts toward your brethren in Christ. When you put on Christ, you put off and forget those things that are behind as God commands. For it is written, Phili 3:13–BRETHREN,…THIS ONE THING I DO, FORGETTING THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE BEHIND, AND REACHING FORTH UNTO THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE BEFORE. If you do not obey these commands of God, don…t blame others. Blame yourself, then repent and let God's love fill your heart.
When Jesus tells us to forsake everything, this is exactly what He means. Be obedient. Don’t look back. Don’t think and dwell on your past hurts in your childhood. Forgive and forget, as God did for you. If you have the Spirit of God, you have the power to do this through faith, if you are willing. Many have spiritually died, because they have not obeyed these commands. When you are born–again, you put off the old and put on the new. You are to have the mind of Christ, not the mind of an unbeliever. Your thoughts are to be centered on Jesus, not the past. Jesus tells you clearly, Phili 1:21–NO MAN, HAVING PUT HIS HAND TO THE PLOUGH, AND LOOKING BACK, IS FIT FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD. The children of Israel thought about the good things in Egypt when the going got difficult. IN THEIR HEARTS (they) TURNED BACK AGAIN INTO EGYPT–Acts 7:39. They wanted to go their own way. Lk 17:32–Remember Lot’s wife? Heb 10:38–NOW THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH: BUT IF ANY MAN DRAW BACK, MY SOUL SHALL HAVE NO PLEASURE IN HIM.
God tells us in Isa 26:3–THOU WILT KEEP HIM IN PERFECT PEACE, WHOSE MIND IS STAYED ON THEE: BECAUSE HE TRUSTETH IN THEE. If your mind is on your past, how can your mind be stayed on Jesus? How can you have perfect peace?
Do you become easily offended? Those that truly love God, His WORD, His law, as they ought, NOTHING SHALL OFFEND THEM–ref Ps 119:165. Discipleship, which includes correction, is normal and is expected for those that are born again. Pv 15:31–HE WHO HEEDS LIFE–GIVING CORRECTION WILL BE AT HOME IN THE COMPANY OF THE WISE–JNT.
You might say, “Who can bear such hard teaching?” The answer is–all that love God and follow Jesus can.
TO LIVE IS CHRIST AND TO DIE IS GAIN–Phili 1:21.
CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER OF JESUS TO THIS TIME (10 months into His ministry)
CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER OF HIS DISCIPLES TO THIS TIME(10 months into His ministry)
In Jn 1:35–Andrew and John began to follow Jesus. This was app. 62 days after Jesus was baptized. Note page 204.
Then Simon (Peter) joined them.
Then Philip joined them
Then Nathanael joined them
They went to Cana where Jesus turned the water into wine.
Then they went to Capernaum–ref Jn 2:12. This was about 2 ½ months after was baptized.
Then they went to Jerusalem. Jesus’ disciples are mentioned as being with him.
Then they went into Judea. Again His disciples are mentioned.
Then to Sychar where Jesus talked with the woman at the well.
His disciples are also mentioned there.
Jesus talked to His disciples about the fields are ready to harvest. He told them I sent you to reap.
Then He went to Cana where the nobleman came whose son was sick at Capernaum. If His disciples were with him at this time is not known. This was about 8 months after Jesus was baptized.
It is assumed that sometime after he left either Sychar or Cana His disciples departed from Him and returned to Capernaum and went back to fishing.
Then He went on to Nazareth where the people tried to kill Him, His disciples are not mentioned as being with Him when that happened.
Then Jesus went down to Capernaum which brings us up to this present time of about 10 months after He had been baptized.
Now, Jesus brings forth the words: don’t be afraid, and to follow Him and He would make him to become fishers of men.
From this time on to the time Jesus was crucified, they followed Him.
The verses continue–
Mt 4:21 (pt 1). AND GOING ON
Mk 1:19 (pt 1). AND WHEN HE HAD GONE
A LITTLE FURTHER.
Mt 4:21 (pt 2), ref Mk 1:19 (pt 2). FROM (THERE). Jesus had just been at the sea of Galilee in the area of Capernaum. Then when he traveled a little further beside the lake–
Mt 4:21 (pt 3), ref Mk 1:19 (pt 3). HE SAW
Mt 4:21 (pt 4). OTHER TWO (BROTHERS). Since Simon and Andrew had already forsaken all, they were probably both with Jesus as he went on.
Some that Jesus called were brothers.
Mt 4:18–Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, ref Mt 10:2. The father of Peter and Andrew never appears to be mentioned.
Mt 4:21–James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, ref Mt 10:3
Lk 6:16–Judas (Jude) the brother of James, ref Acts 1:13, Acts 1:13, Jude 1:1
There was also James the son of Alphaeus–ref Mt 10:3.
James, the brother of John was reportedly the first apostle to be killed–ref Acts 12:2.
Later there was also James, the Lord’s brother. It is written–But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother–Gal 1:19.
Jesus saw other two brothers–
Mt 4:21 (pt 5), ref Mk 1:19 (pt 4). JAMES THE SON OF ZEBEDEE,
AND JOHN HIS BROTHER. James, the Son of Zebedee never seems to be mentioned in Scripture separate from John, his brother. It is possible that James and John were cousins of Jesus. Note the following Scriptures concerning this subject:
Mt 27:55,56 AND MANY WOMEN WERE THERE BEHOLDING AFAR OFF, WHICH FOLLOWED JESUS FROM GALILEE, MINISTERING UNTO HIM: AMONG WHICH WAS MARY MAGDALENE, AND MARY THE MOTHER OF JAMES AND JOSES, AND THE MOTHER OF ZEBEDEE’S CHILDREN.
Mk 15:40-THERE WERE ALSO WOMEN LOOKING ON AFAR OFF: AMONG WHOM WAS MARY MAGDALENE, AND MARY THE MOTHER OF JAMES THE LESS AND OF JOSES, AND SALOME.
Jn 19:25–NOW THERE STOOD BY THE CROSS OF JESUS HIS MOTHER, AND HIS MOTHER’S SISTER (which could be the Mary–the mother of James and Joses), MARY THE WIFE OF CLEOPHAS, AND MARY MAGDALENE.
It is noted that James is first here, but it is John that that was mentioned as the beloved disciple–ref Jn 13:23, and it is John that authored the Gospel of John; 1, 2, and 3rd John, and the Revelation. It is believed that John outlived all the other apostles his brother James. He may have been the only one that was not martyred.
The verses continue–
Mk 1:19 (pt 5). WHO ALSO WERE
Mt 4:21 (pt 6), ref Mk 1:19 (pt 6). IN A (BOAT)
Mt 4:21 (pt 7). WITH ZEBEDEE THEIR FATHER,
Mt 4:21 (pt 8), ref Mk 1:19 (pt 7). (REPAIRING) (or preparing) THEIR NETS. It appears that James and John had stayed behind and repaired nets while Peter and Andrew went out fishing at Jesus’ command.
Mt 4:21 (pt 9), ref Mk 1:20 (pt 1). AND
Mk 1:20 (pt 2). (IMMEDIATELY) (or without delay) HE
Mt 4:21 (pt 10). (JESUS)
Mt 4:21 (pt 11), ref Mk 1:20 (pt 3). CALLED THEM. Since they were both with their father repairing their nets, it appears that Jesus calling them caught them by surprise–
Mt 4:22 (pt 1), ref Mk 1:20 (pt 4). AND THEY
Mt 4:22 (pt 2). IMMEDIATELY
Mt 4:22 (pt 3), ref Mk 1:20 (pt 5). LEFT
Mt 4:22 (pt 4). THE (BOAT) AND
Mt 4:22 (pt 5), ref Mk 1:20 (pt 6). THEIR FATHER,
Mk 1:20 (pt 7). ZEBEDEE
IN THE (BOAT)
WITH THE HIRED SERVANTS (or men). The fact that Zebedee had hired servants indicates he may have been a prosperous person of some importance. James and John left their boat and father–
AND WENT AFTER HIM.
Mt 4:22 (pt 6). AND FOLLOWED HIM. It is unknown if they had been in the second boat and had witnessed the miracle of the fishes. Note, they left: 1–their boat or occupation. 2–Their father. 3–The hired servants. They went after Jesus. If Jesus has called you, have you followed Him as they did, or have you made excuses that are convenient to your situation and delayed? Often time the WORD delay turn into never, but the dishonest heart seldom can admit this.
They recognized that Jesus was from God. Thus, immediately they followed Him. All that recognize in their heart who Jesus really is, if they love God as the Scriptures state they should, they should indeed immediately leave all and follow Him
Lk 4:31 (pt 1). AND (then He) CAME DOWN
TO CAPERNAUM. Jesus had settled in Capernaum some time earlier, which is on the edge of the sea of Galilee. This is the area in which many of his disciples came from. Then Jesus had been walking beside the sea of Galilee where the previous events had taken place.
It appears that after the disciples left all to follow Jesus, they went out of the immediate area which was beside the sea of Galilee. Then they came back. The words “Came down” indicates that He had been in some place either north or west or southwest of Capernaum. The sea of Galillee is on the east side of Capernaum. On the west, north, and east side of the sea of Galilee are hills or mountains. Directly south of the sea of Galilee, the waters flow in a southern direction by way of the Jordan river and then end up in the dead sea.
Most people from Capernaum rejected the message He preached. Yet, they did not try to kill Him as the people of Nazareth did.
Thus they came down to Capernaum from some place of a higher elevation–
Mk 1:21 (pt 1). AND THEY WENT
INTO CAPERNAUM;
Lk 4:31 (pt 2). A CITY (or town) OF GALILEE,<
Mk 1:21 (pt 2). AND (IMMEDIATELY)
ON THE SABBATH DAY
(JESUS) ENTERED
INTO THE SYNAGOGUE. One or more days had gone by since Jesus called His disciples to follow Him, as they would not have been fishing on the Sabbath day.
A Jewish house of worship which would often have facilities for religious instruction. A place to gather together. This term does not appear in the Old Testament, but is used in the New Testament about 43 times. It has been stated that Synagogues date back to the times of Nebuchadnezzar after the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem (app 586 B.C.).
As a person might tour Israel, there is the remains of a synagogue in the ruins of Capernaum, near the sea of Galilee. It was indicated to us that the remains are those from a synagogue that was built about 100 to 200 years after Jesus taught, but that it may have been built on top of the remains of the synagogue that Jesus may have taught in.
The verses continue–
Mk 1:21 (pt 3), ref Lk 4:31 (pt 3). AND TAUGHT.
Lk 4:31 (pt 4). THEM (or made a practice of teaching them-JNT)
ON THE SABBATH DAYS. Note the WORD days is plural, as more than one.
Mk 1:22 (pt 1). AND (THE PEOPLE)
WERE ASTONISHED (or amazed)
AT HIS DOCTRINE (or teaching) (or the way He taught–JNT)
Lk 4:32 (pt 2). FOR HIS WORD (or message)
WAS WITH POWER (or had authority).
Mk 1:22 (pt 2). FOR HE TAUGHT THEM
AS ONE THAT HAD AUTHORITY (Himself). Note three WORDs used here: doctrine, power, and authority. These three WORDs do not describe the teaching in most churches today, neither did they in the days of Jesus. The teaching of Jesus was GOD’S PURE AND ACTUAL WORD. Jesus’ name is THE WORD OF GOD–ref Rev 19:13. The verse continues–
AND NOT
AS THE SCRIBES (or teachers of the Law–NIV). What Jesus taught is not indicated. The Scribes taught much tradition. The word tradition/traditions, as referring to the teachings of that day appears app. 13 times in the New Testament. Often times these traditions were not in line with the Word of God. It is much the same today.
Christ taught in such a manner that it showed He knew the mind of God, and He was ordained to use it. He taught in such a manner that the Word of God was quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and was a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart–ref Heb 4:12. He taught in such a manner that some people would become offended and even violent–ref Jn 5:18, while others might be humbled and convicted of their sin–ref Jn 8:9. He taught in such a manner that the unrepentant understood that He was talking about them–ref Mk 12:12. Then He proved what He was saying was true by doing miracles that no person could do-ref Mt 9:6.
Much of the teaching in the modern day “so called” Christian churches is “another Gospel” Ministers take a few verses, which sets a subject, then combines it with all types of unbiblical stories, denominational traditions, their own ideas, some writings from other people and other books, and sometimes mix in philosophy, psychology, and ceremonies. “Feel good about yourself” preaching draws people. It is another Gospel and another Jesus–ref 2 Cor 11:4; Gal 1:6.
The condition of the United States, as well as the world reflects the anemic teaching coming forth from the pulpits, on the radio, television, on the Internet, and in books. God’s Word calls it lukewarm. The lukewarm shall be spit out–ref Rev 3:16.
God’s Word convicts people. It drives the sinner to his knees with tears. It brings people to repentance. It creates within a person a thirst for God, if their heart is good soil. It shows them love and gives them hope. The fear of God is also lacking in most preaching today.
The teaching of Jesus was different from that of the teachers of the law. It is the same today. Most teachers of God’s word, use little of God’s Word, or they teach about it, rather than teaching God’s Word itself. God’s Word is meant to be aimed directly at every person’s heart that hears it. Many will use a verse or two of God’s Word, then use worldly illustrations to illustrate certain points they are trying to make. God’s Word should be used with God’s Word. God’s Word explains God’s Word. Stories from God’s Word should be used to make the points a person wishes to convey about God’s Word. It is a sad, sad thing, that with very little exception, a person could go to every church service in their church all the days of their life, and never hear the entire Bible taught. The problems start with Bible colleges, and continues in the churches.
God’s Word is not meant to be used in such a fashion as saying that God told Matthew this or that and it has no meaning to you. It is meant to be presented as God speaking to “you” directly. As it is written in Heb 4:12–FOR THE WORD OF GOD IS QUICK, AND POWERFUL, AND SHARPER THAN ANY TWOEDGED SWORD, PIERCING EVEN TO THE DIVIDING ASUNDER OF SOUL AND SPIRIT, AND OF THE JOINTS AND MARROW, AND IS A DISCERNER OF THE THOUGHTS AND INTENTS OF THE HEART.
In addition, Jesus performed great miracles which testified to the power and authority of God’s Word which was being presented.
The Word that Jesus spoke should have produced faith in the people, but most of their hearts were far from Him. Their hearts were centered in themselves, and in the world, not in following Jesus. And many that did seek or follow Jesus, followed him for the wrong reasons–ref Jn 6:26.
TEACHING OR PREACHING USING THEATRICS AND FOOLISHNESS
Much of today’s preaching consists of theatrics. Joke telling and foolishness are sometimes used. Lots of worldly stories are sometimes used. Some gasp for breath as they teach and may stomp their feet. Many use “feel good” teaching. Some use “prosperity” teaching. Others use a “self exaltion” type of teaching. Some preachers seem to be better entertainers than those in Hollywood.
But where is the preaching that drives a person to their knees in brokenness and humbleness, and in godly sorrow for their sins. Where is the preaching that brings forth tears from people as they repent? Where is the crying and joy in people over one sinner that repents. Lk 15:10–Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. Where is the crying over the lukewarm teaching that comes forth from many.
Many are being led astray through unbiblical teaching. Indeed, the teachers say what the people want to hear, and the people love to have it this way.
Few there be that teach as Jesus or the apostles did.
Jesus taught God’s Word. He is the Word. There is a major difference between teaching about God’s Word as opposed to teaching God’s Word. There is a big difference between telling worldly stories that seem to relate to God’s Word as opposed to using God’s Word that relates to God’s Word. If God’s Word needs an example to illustrate it, then use God’s Word itself, not stories about oneself. Don’t use, “Let me tell you a story about someone I met” when wishing to give an example regarding God’s Word. God’s Word explains God’s Word. Some preacher might say, “That would mean I would have to study God’s Word much more than I do”. Exactly! When teaching, try using these words, “It is written.” Then use the written Word of God. For all Christians, in preaching, in witnessing, in everyday conversations, use God’s Word. To follow Jesus is to follow and obey His Word.
A person’s faith cannot stand on people’s stories about themselves. A person’s faith can only be built on reading and hearing God’s PURE WORD, as it is written: Ro 10:17–SO THEN FAITH COMETH BY HEARING, AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD. God’s Word Heb 4:12–IS QUICK, AND POWERFUL, AND SHARPER THAN ANY TWOEDGED SWORD, PIERCING EVEN TO THE DIVIDING ASUNDER OF SOUL AND SPIRIT, AND OF THE JOINTS AND MARROW, AND IS A DISCERNER OF THE THOUGHTS AND INTENTS OF THE HEART.
Jesus used the Word as it is to be used. He used it to correct people. He used it to instruct people. He covered everything from hell to prophecy. His authority was from God the Father. The scribe’s authority was from the chief priests and rabbis.
The subject of who gave Jesus His authority to say and do what He did was challenged by the chief priests and elders.
Mt 21:23–27–AND WHEN HE WAS COME INTO THE TEMPLE, THE CHIEF PRIESTS AND THE ELDERS OF THE PEOPLE CAME UNTO HIM AS HE WAS TEACHING, AND SAID, BY WHAT AUTHORITY DOEST THOU THESE THINGS? AND WHO GAVE THEE THIS AUTHORITY? AND JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO THEM, I ALSO WILL ASK YOU ONE THING, WHICH IF YE TELL ME, I IN LIKE WISE WILL TELL YOU BY WHAT AUTHORITY I DO THESE THINGS. THE BAPTISM OF JOHN, WHENCE WAS IT? FROM HEAVEN, OR OF MEN? AND THEY REASONED WITH THEMSELVES, SAYING, IF WE SHALL SAY, FROM HEAVEN; HE WILL SAY UNTO US, WHY DID YE NOT THEN BELIEVE HIM? BUT IF WE SHALL SAY, OF MEN; WE FEAR THE PEOPLE; FOR ALL HOLD JOHN AS A PROPHET. AND THEY ANSWERED JESUS, AND SAID, WE CANNOT TELL. AND HE SAID UNTO THEM, NEITHER TELL I YOU BY WHAT AUTHORITY I DO THESE THINGS.
However, Jesus address the subject of His authority in John’s Gospel.
Jn 5:26–27–FOR AS THE FATHER HATH LIFE IN HIMSELF; SO HATH HE GIVEN TO THE SON TO HAVE LIFE IN HIMSELF; AND HATH GIVEN HIM AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE JUDGMENT ALSO, BECAUSE HE IS THE SON OF MAN.
It is also written:
Mk 1:27–AND THEY WERE ALL AMAZED, INSOMUCH THAT THEY QUESTIONED AMONG THEMSELVES, SAYING, WHAT THING IS THIS? WHAT NEW DOCTRINE IS THIS? FOR WITH AUTHORITY COMMANDETH HE EVEN THE UNCLEAN SPIRITS, AND THEY DO OBEY HIM.
AUTHORITY OF GOD’S SERVANTS
Mk 13:34–FOR THE SON OF MAN IS AS A MAN TAKING A FAR JOURNEY, WHO LEFT HIS HOUSE, AND GAVE AUTHORITY TO HIS SERVANTS, AND TO EVERY MAN HIS WORK, AND COMMANDED THE PORTER TO WATCH.
2 Cor 10:8–FOR THOUGH I SHOULD BOAST SOMEWHAT MORE OF OUR AUTHORITY, WHICH THE LORD HATH GIVEN US FOR EDIFICATION, AND NOT FOR YOUR DESTRUCTION, I SHOULD NOT BE ASHAMED:
Titus 2:15–THESE THINGS SPEAK, AND EXHORT, AND REBUKE WITH ALL AUTHORITY. LET NO MAN DESPISE THEE.
THE WORD
TODAY’S PREACHING
OBEDIENCE
FALSE WAYS
CURSING
OBEY GOD
MUST READING
The world does not want to hear God’s pure Word. The born–again Christian does.
The world does not want correction. The born–again person does.
The world does not want to hear about sin, judgment, God’s anger and wrath, hell, the second death, the lake of fire, sufferings, persecutions, Satan, Satan’s devices and traps, temptations, the Revelation, Bible prophecy, being born again, denying self, forsaking everything, following Jesus, conforming to Jesus, and fearing God.
The people of the world do not want to hear that they are rejected by God unless they repent and follow God in God’s way.
The world likes to hear about God’s mercy, God’s love, God’s healing power, and how He wants all to prosper and be in health.
Worldly stories do not convict men of sin. God’s Word does.
Worldly stories does not cause a person to shake. God’s Word sometimes does.
Worldly stories seldom scare people. God’s Word can scare people into repentance.
Worldly stories do not help a person grow spiritually. God–s Word can.
Worldly stories do not build faith. God’s Word can.
Worldly stories cannot heal depression, rejection, and hurts. God’s Word can.
Worldly godless chatter and vain babblings, or Words of vanity such as many preachers use, will increase unto more ungodliness. Those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Their Word will eat as doth a canker-ref 2 Tim 2:16-18. But God’s pure Word can lead to godliness.
Worldly doctrine, such as many teach today and was taught by the Pharisees, is like leaven. It spreads and leads people to eternal destruction. But God’s doctrine, which few will endure, leads to God.
God’s Word shows us that we ought not to speak THE WordS WHICH MAN’S WISDOM TEACHETH (or worldly stories)–1 Cor 2:13,14.
God’s Word shows us we should use God’s Word to explain God’s Word, as it is written in 1 Cor 2:13,14–COMPARING SPIRITUAL THINGS WITH SPIRITUAL.
Christians can get along with their sinful neighbors, if they become more like them.
The sorrow of the world leads to hell. Godly sorrow can work in you to repentance unto salvation.
The world and its people are full of various cancers called anger, sin, selfishness, rejection, rebellion, stubbornness, the love of money, lusts, the cares of this world, and the love for pleasures. Only a few are filled with God’s Spirit and peace.
The world and some of its philosophies speak of love and tolerance, but the same people that expound these things may hate a neighbor that lives nearby.
The world wants abortions, but woe to that person that destroys a turtle egg.
The people that talk of love without Christ live in a delusion, as they can’t get along with the person that lives nearby.
People running for public office talk of how much better things will be when they are elected; however, for those that notice, things get worse and worse just as the Bible tells us it will be.
The world will listen to worldly stories. It does not want to hear God’s Word including the Ten Commandments.
The world seems to love sin. It does not want to repent.
The world will listen to and tolerate the teachings about various religions, gods, ideas, and sinful life styles, but woe to that person that tries to teach about Jesus, or the Word of God, or sin, or prays in the name of Jesus Christ in a school. This they will not tolerate because it is truth. Yet they are so blind they see nothing wrong with this.
Did you ever hear anyone curse the name of false gods? Probably not. But people do curse the name of Jesus Christ and the God of heaven. Why is this? It is because He is alive and he shall indeed judge the world.
Atheists curse the name of God, yet they say He doesn’t exist. Did you ever hear anyone curse the name of the devil?
Most people of the world believe that when they die, they will go to a better place, but the place they actually go to is called hell.
People are not afraid to make fun of and joke about the God of heaven, Jesus Christ, and born again Christians. But they are afraid to do so regarding some other religions as they could get in big trouble, could get fired from their job, or even be killed.
The world thinks only bad people perish and those that do good things go to heaven. Yet, bad people that repent go to heaven, because they are broken for their sin and have trusted in God as their only hope.
Many people think they will go to heaven, but when you ask them what heaven is, they know very little.
If a person is asked what qualifies them to go to heaven, the answers that usually come back are contrary to God’s Word.
The world is in darkness, but it is sure it is in the light. Oh, how great that darkness is.
The world has all kinds of lying thoughts in their mind from the devil, but it believes there is no devil, and the devil loves to have it this way.
Then there are religions or religious fanatics that want to kill anyone that believes differently than they do. “Kill the infidel,” they may say. We may ask, “Who is the infidel?” The answer is–it may even be people of the same religion, but who follow a different form of that religion. It may be people of the same religion, but who follow a different cleric. It leads one to wonder–do these people think the only way they can have peace is if they are the only ones left alive on the earth?
There are religions of tolerance, of hate, of love, of self–enlightenment, and of self–sacrifice. There are atheists, agnostics, and every confusion under the sun. But the end result is that they all perish to the very same place for eternity.
Satan is the author of lies and confusion. God is the author of peace, eternal salvation, and the finisher of our faith–ref 1 Cor 14:33; Heb 5:9; Heb 12:2.
The so–called Christian churches of today teach what people’s evil hearts and ears want to hear, and the people love to have it this way–ref 1 Tim 4:3; Rev 3:14–22. Their reward will be great. It is the Great White Throne Judgment and the second death.
Therefore, most preachers teach lots of worldly stories with very little Scripture. Some add lots of jokes. They make Christianity a lot of fun. Others teach about the Bible, or teach nice things from God’s Word that do not make people feel bad. However, God’s preachers, that understand God’s Word and that are obedient to God’s Word as they ought to be, teach God’s pure Word with little worldly stories. They teach to fear God and of His love. They teach about heaven and hell. They teach about sin and repentance. They teach the Revelation and Bible prophecy.
The world seems to love all sorts of foolishness mixed with the preaching. Yet God’s Word tells us even THE THOUGHT OF FOOLISHNESS IS SIN–Pv 24:9.
Today’s churches teach much as the blind teachers did in the days of Jesus. They do not teach as Jesus and the apostles did. The world loves to have it this way. The world wants the teachers to say what their evil heart and deceived ears desire to hear. “Preach nice things, the world may say”. “Don’t preach things that can scare me like sin, judgment, hell, and the return of Jesus.” “Don’t preach that I need to study and obey God’s Word. I just don’t have time, but I love God.”
Yet God’s Word tells us clearly in Jn 14:15–IF YE LOVE ME KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS.
God is the author of eternal salvation only to those that OBEY HIM–ref Heb 5:9.
THE WINDS AND THE SEAS OBEY HIM–Mt 8:27.
THE UNCLEAN SPIRITS…OBEY HIM–Mk 1:27.
THE EVERLASTING KINGDOM, AND ALL DOMINIONS (in the future) SHALL…OBEY HIM-Dan 7:27.
God gives the HOLY GHOST…TO THEM THAT OBEY HIM–ref Acts 5:32.
Jesus BECAME THE AUTHOR OF ETERNAL SALVATION UNTO ALL THEM THAT OBEY HIM–Heb 5:9.
Ja 2:19–THOU BELIEVEST THAT THERE IS ONE GOD; THOU DOEST WELL: THE DEVILS ALSO BELIEVE, AND TREMBLE.
FEAR THE LORD AND DEPART FROM EVIL–Pv 3:7. Obey God.
HEAR THE Word OF THE LORD.
THE WORD OF GOD
THE BIBLE
Heb 4:12–THE WORD OF GOD IS QUICK, AND POWERFUL, AND SHARPER THAN ANY TWO–EDGED SWORD, PIERCING EVEN TO THE DIVIDING ASUNDER OF SOUL AND SPIRIT, AND OF THE JOINTS AND MARROW, AND IS A DISCERNER OF THE THOUGHTS AND INTENTS OF THE HEART.
Pv 30:5–EVERY WORD OF GOD IS PURE. The words of other “so-called” bibles and religions have no real lasting eternal effect. Their words are not quick and powerful. Their words are not sharper than any two–edged sword. Their words do not pierce. Their words are not a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Their words are not PURE and TRUE. Their words are not the WORD OF GOD. Their words do not convict men of sin. Their words do not cause some people to tremble. Their words do not build true Biblical faith.
This is why the words of all sorts of religions are not fought against as the words of the Bible are. God’s Word will judge every person. The words of the other “so-called“ bibles and religions will not.
Since the time of Jesus, and even before, people have fought against God’s Word. People have spent days, months, years, and even a lifetime trying to prove some part of the Bible is untrue or vise–versa. This I know. I was one of them. Throughout history, not one thing in the Bible has ever been proven wrong. An almost limitless amount of historical research from excavations have been compared with God’s Word. Time and time again, the Bible has been found to be factual. Never, not once, has the Bible been found to be untrue. As it is written: LET GOD BE TRUE, AND EVERY MAN A LIAR–Ro 3:4.
Throughout history, there have been those that have tried to eradicate the Bible, hinder God’s Word, mock God’s Word, fight against God’s Word, and lie about and against God’s Word. Some have said there were contradictions in the Bible. Others have made emotional and unvalidated statements about the writers of the Bible. Some have torn Bibles apart, burned Bibles, and worse. The Bible is hated by many. Among those who claim to love it, how much is it cherished? In this generation, it seems by relatively few.
Still others have made up all manner of lies about Jesus to discredit Him. They said He was of the devil, He was a drunkard, He was married and had children, had sex with certain women or men, never rose from the dead, never was crucified, and many other outlandish and blasphemous allegations. If the world has done these things to the Master of the house (Jesus), how much more shall they do them to a member of His household–ref Mt 10:25.
Millions of Christians have been unjustly laughed at, persecuted, ridiculed, mocked, falsely accused, beaten, thrown in prison, tortured, starved, gone through unspeakable pain, and then slowly, painfully killed for their faith in Jesus Christ. Yet despite the efforts throughout history of many people, organizations, and governments to destroy all Bibles and their owners, and to stamp out the Bible and true Christianity, it has not succeeded.
Many true born again Christians have had to go into hiding just to be able to assemble together to worship.
They have been persecuted by relatives, employers, schools, colleges, the news media, their neighbors, the police, lawyers, and the government, just to mention some. They have been fired from their jobs, been blacklisted, and been made the scum of the earth, yet they are loved by God.
The spread of the Gospel has been hindered but not stopped. Even during the soon coming Tribulation when Antichrist shall rule, the Word of God will not be completely stopped. Millions of people, who believe the Bible, will die for their faith in Jesus Christ by being beheaded. Yet, as the time of the end nears, there will be a period when NO MAN CAN WORK. There will be a famine of hearing the Word. When Jesus returns, the Scriptures ask us: will HE FIND FAITH ON THE EARTH?–Lk 18:8. Even then there will be an elect of both Jews and Gentiles that will survive and be protected by God.
When God’s Word comes forth: some believe, others think about it, others doubt, and others refused to believe. Upon hearing God’s Word, some people cover their ears, while others scream, shake, and trembled. Some get angry. Some have ripped their clothes, or have loudly yelled out and tried to cause disturbances, so others were distracted and could not hear. Some have caused riots, called the police, or brought lawsuits to try to stop God’s Word from going forth. A few have been convicted of their sins, fallen down, cried and repented.
God’s Word is fought against by many, because it is indeed THE WORD OF GOD. God is alive! Jesus is alive! God’s Word is alive, and it will judge every person. This is a fact. This is the Law. Heb 9:27–IT IS APPOINTED UNTO MEN ONCE TO DIE, BUT AFTER THIS THE JUDGMENT. Rev 20:15–AND WHOSOEVER WAS NOT FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE WAS CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE.
Do you ever hear anyone curse the names of false prophets or gods? When a person curses they often use the name of Jesus or God. Why would they do this, if He does not exist? Why don’t people curse the names of other gods?
It is because the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of the Bible, is alive! He is the Creator of all things. He is God. He and He alone is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last. He is ALL IN ALL.
All those past critics of the Gospel are now dead. They now know they were wrong. Still today there are those that follow in their ungodly footsteps, but in like manner, they will also perish, unless they repent. But He that doeth the will of God shall abide forever.
Where does this leave you?
2 Tim 2:9–THE WORD OF GOD IS NOT BOUND, yet it does not seem to be bound and stored up in most people’s hearts.
It is a tragedy that people in their churches know far more about their preacher and his family, his relatives, his adventures, his past, and what he plans for the future, etc., than they do about Jesus and the WORD of God.
It is a tragedy that people know how to call on other people to pray for them, but they themselves know little about God’s conditions to get their prayers answered.
It is a tragedy that many people have little understanding how to pray. They have little knowledge about humbleness, faith, obedience, and the love that is needed.
It is a tragedy that people know far more about the plans their church and various television ministries have, than they know about what God’s plan is from Daniel and the Revelation.
It is a tragedy that people can discern the weather from how the sky looks, but they cannot discern the signs of the times–ref Mt 16:3.
It is a tragedy that people in churches know far more about various books some preachers teach from, than they do about the book entitled THE BIBLE.
It is a tragedy that many people read more books about Christian people, than they read the Bible itself.
It is a tragedy that people spend far more time reading the newspaper than they do God’s WORD.
It is a tragedy that people spend far more time listening to the news on the radio, on television or viewing it on the Internet, than they do reading about the news of today and tomorrow from the Bible.
It a tragedy that people talk far more about all manner of worldly things, than they do about God’s Word and saving souls.
It is a tragedy that multitudes of people become enthusiastic and deeply involved in certain causes or issues or the politics of this world. Some follow certain candidates. They try to get people to vote for them. They have forgotten the God of heaven, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Who shall reign and rule after Armageddon. In many cases, they publicize and serve people that hate God, while they refuse to publicize and serve their Creator. Then they go to church on Sunday and sing hymns about God, whom they say they love.
It is a tragedy that people claim they are a Christian, but in works they deny Him.
It is a tragedy that people have such a shallow understanding of God’s Word that they are drowning.
It is a tragedy that people allow the pressures of this world to choke God’s Word, so they perish.
It is a tragedy that when a person dies, clergy all over the world will tell those attending the funeral that the deceased is now in heaven, when the person is actually in hell being tormented in the flame. The clergy say things to please the people, but they do not please God.
It is a tragedy that the world does not understand this Scripture: Gal 1:10–FOR DO I NOW…SEEK TO PLEASE MEN? FOR IF I YET PLEASED MEN, I SHOULD NOT BE THE SERVANT OF CHRIST.
It is a tragedy that people who claim they are Christ’s, don’t understand the Scriptures of self–denial and forsaking everything, etc. True born–again Christians are Christ–centered not self–centered. Most human beings are very self–centered.
It is a tragedy that these things are so—and where does that leave you?
GOD’S ADVICE AND COMMANDS REGARDING HIS WORD
GOD’S WORD WORKS IN YOU
CARNAL CHRISTIANS
SIGNS OF A CARNAL CHRISTIAN
EXAMPLES OF WHO IS UNSAVED, WHO IS A WORLDLY CHRISTIAN, AND WHO IS A SPIRITUAL CHRISTIAN
1–Are you unsaved and know you are unsaved? Very few do.
2–Are you unsaved, but deceived into believing you are saved? Most are this way.
3–Are you a worldly Christian? Of those that are born again, this fits most of them.
4–Are you a spiritual Christian? In this lukewarm, latter day generation, it is rare to find true, spiritual Christians.
1 Cor 3:1–3–AND I, BRETHREN, COULD NOT SPEAK UNTO YOU AS UNTO SPIRITUAL, BUT AS UNTO CARNAL (or worldly), EVEN AS UNTO BABES IN CHRIST. I HAVE FED YOU WITH MILK (the basics of God’s Word), AND NOT WITH MEAT (which is perfection): FOR HITHERTO YE WERE NOT ABLE TO BEAR IT, NEITHER YET NOW ARE YE ABLE. FOR YE ARE YET CARNAL (or worldly): FOR WHEREAS THERE IS AMONG YOU ENVYING, AND STRIFE, AND DIVISIONS, ARE YE NOT CARNAL (or worldly), AND WALK AS MEN?
Note: envying, strife, and divisions are all signs that a person is either not saved, or is carnal, or lukewarm at best. Such people do not fear God as they ought. Such people are at least, somewhat self–centered, and may even be somewhat prideful. Such people might serve God, but neither their attitude or their mind is of Christ as it ought to be.
1 Thes 2:13–The WORD of God…effectually worketh also in you that believe. The amount, and how effectively the Word works in a person is according to His mercy and a person’s heart. Some have a wayside heart, others a stony heart, yet others a thorny heart, or some other type of heart, and a very few have a good and honest heart. Those with a good heart, some will bear fruit some 30 fold, some 60, and some an hundred. One might ask, “How is it that some bear different amounts of fruit. How is it that some fall away?” It is written, 1 Thes 2:13–the WORD of God…effectually worketh also in you that believe. Some have eyes that have closed. Others have a huge bolder in their eye, while others only something small in their eye. Yet a very few have a clear eye and a pure heart. Some, their ears are stuffed up with all sorts of worldly junk. Some, their thoughts are consumed with sex. Some their television or possessions are their god. Some, their ears are dull of hearing. A few will study God’s Word diligently and often with a childlike attitude ready to examine themselves and receive correction, while others will study a bit here and a bit there. Their excuse box is full of things to say. Just a few will totally deny themselves and pick up their cross and follow Jesus immediately, while others resist to various degrees. Some are burdened down with the cares of this life. Others are consumed with the lusts of their flesh or lusts of other things or personal desires. Some want the better things of this live and follow after pleasures and comfort. Pride and self–centeredness are many people’s god. They don’t understand that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. They are the center of their own universe. Jesus and conforming to the Word of God is not the focus of their life. Others are consumed with getting ahead in this world and money. They want to be somebody important. They have or want connections in high places, rather than connections with the Most High God. The thought of selling all they have, giving the money to the poor, and picking up their cross and following Jesus is just not on their menu. They don’t believe that kind of teaching is for today. They want a nice car, a big house, and the better things of this world. They love the praise of people. Some are very impatient. They might say, “I need patience, and I need it right now.” There are many gods in people’s lives of which we have already mentioned some. Other gods in a person’s life can include one’s possessions, their family, their job, their desires, their university, some sport, some hobby, or their habits (drugs, smoking, alcohol, sex). They would never consider forsaking everything for Jesus. The love of their life is anything but Jesus. Do you tithe and give offerings to a born–again church that preaches God’s Word faithfully and follows Jesus? Do you give to the poor, especially of the household of faith? So where does all these things leave you?
Most people have no faith, while those that are saved are usually people of little faith. They have difficulty casting all their cares upon God by faith. They do not resist the devil as they ought. Many cannot comprehend that He careth for you–ref 1 Pe 5:7. There is lots of room for people’s families in their lives, but little room for God. A very few accept God’s Word immediately and totally believe, while others will argue against God’s Word or strive about words or dates or other things related to God and His Word. Just a few want Godly correction, while most others do not. Some are terrified when problems, persecutions, sickness, jail, or even death comes because they follow Jesus. Many of these will fall away. A few will stand fast in the faith, trusting in God no matter what besets them.
God will give His servants various talents, such as 10 talents, others 5, and others 1. Some will do nothing with what He gives them. They will not serve and obey Him. They may use the blessings of God to prosper in this world. They perish. Others will multiply what He gives them a small amount. Others may multiply what He gives them many times But beware. BE SOBER, BE VIGILANT; BECAUSE YOUR ADVERSARY THE DEVIL, AS A ROARING LION, WALKETH ABOUT, SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR: WHOM RESIST STEDFAST IN THE FAITH, KNOWING THAT THE SAME AFFLICTIONS ARE ACCOMPLISHED IN YOUR BRETHREN THAT ARE IN THE WORLD–1 Pe 5:8,9.
And further beware, for the adversary has many, many ministers and deceitful workers which “look like” they are of God, while few are the ministers of God. 2 Cor 11:13–15–FOR SUCH ARE FALSE APOSTLES, DECEITFUL WORKERS, TRANSFORMING THEMSELVES INTO THE APOSTLES OF CHRIST. AND NO MARVEL; FOR SATAN HIMSELF IS TRANSFORMED INTO AN ANGEL OF LIGHT. THEREFORE IT IS NO GREAT THING IF HIS MINISTERS ALSO BE TRANSFORMED AS THE MINISTERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS; WHOSE END SHALL BE ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS.
Picture God’s Word coming forth. As it goes into a person’s ears, or eyes, it proceeds into a person’s heart. As it proceeds through a person’s heart, it gets filtered. If the person’s heart is good, honest, and pure, the Word will not undergo much change. It will not become greatly distorted. It will not become greatly discolored. However, if a person loves this present world or some of the things that are in the world; in other words if they love the creation more than the Creator, or if they are full of personal desires and plans, full of themselves, and pride or desires for the better things of this life, or they have much worries, bitterness, fears, rejection, hurts, anger, unforgiveness, etc., it can affect how the person’s heart reacts to God’s Word. Those that humble themselves and do not resist God’s Word can find that It can purify even a doubleminded heart. Those that study God’s Word much and make no excuses, who love correction, love God, obey His commandments, fear God, and love the brethren, no matter what, and hate every evil and false way, can find that they can grow steadily, while others grow much more slowly, and yet others do not grow at all–and ultimately many do fall away and forget what manner of person they were.
As you read or hear these words, examine yourself. Which description best fits you? Can you be honest with yourself in this matter???????
IN THE BEGINNING: THE WORD. THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH.
JESUS CHRIST IS COME IN THE FLESH
Jn 1:1–In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with God, and the WORD was God.
Rev 19:13–His name is called The WORD OF GOD.
Jn 1:14–And the WORD was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. Note, the WORD (which is Jesus) was made flesh. Then 1 Jn tells us the following.
1 Jn 4:2–3–Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
2 Jn 1:7–For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Note it did not say to ask them if they believe Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. It said clearly if they confess Jesus Christ is come in the flesh they are of God and if they do not they are. Does your minister confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh? Do you?
1 Jn 1:1–That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the WORD of life. The WORD was from the beginning. Born again Christians have heard God’s WORD, have seen God’s WORD, have looked upon God’s WORD, and have handled God’s WORD which is life.
1 Jn 2:14–The WORD of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. How do we overcome Satan? It is by faith. Where does faith come from? It is through God’s WORD.
Rev 3:10-Because thou hast kept the WORD of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Those that keep God’s Word will be kept from the tribulation (the hour of temptation).
Acts 8:14–Samaria…received the WORD of God. Have you?
THE SAVED. THESE ARE SPIRITUAL CHRISTIANS: THE WORD
THE SAVED, BUT NOT SPIRITUALLY MINDED
THE UNSAVED, NOT SPIRITUALLY MINDED
Mt 8:8–The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the WORD only, and my servant shall be healed.
Mt 15:22–28–And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. The words that the woman spoke acknowledged that she believed Jesus was the one that should come that Israel had been waiting for. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. At this point most people would have been discouraged and left. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. Jesus says words that would discourage most people. Then He calls her a dog. But did she run away? No. And she said, Truth, Lord. She acknowledges that what He said to her was right. There appeared to be no pride in this woman, only humility. She said: Yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. She was a person of great faith. This was a spiritual Christian. Are you also likeminded as she was?
There were two types of Christians portrayed in these verses. One was a person of great faith. But then there were the disciples who advised Him to send her away. In many other verses some of His disciples, or other people advised Jesus wrongly. (It did not say His apostles in these verses). In Mk 10:46 Blind Bartimaeus cried after Jesus. Many people told him to hold his peace (or shut up). They advised him wrong. Godly counsel from spiritually minded elders is sometimes needed, but beware of advice from those that are not spiritual Christians who may give you advice. Beware of advice from anyone that would not be in line with the whole counsel of God (the Bible).
Another such case is Mk 5:22–23, 35–37. Jairus, a ruler of a synagogue, has a daughter that was nearly dead. He besought Jesus to come and heal her. Then someone came and told Jairus that his daughter was dead–why troublest…the Master any further. They appeared to be telling Jairus to give up. There words to him were not words of faith. Jesus countered what they said by saying–Be not afraid, only believe.
Godly counsel from spiritually minded elders is sometimes needful, but beware of advice from those that are not spiritual Christians who may give you advice. Beware of advice from anyone that would not be in line with the whole counsel of God (the Bible).
COMMANDS. PREACH GOD’S WORD
Mk 2:2–And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the WORD unto them. Preach God’s WORD, not a collection of stories and jokes.
Mk 4:14–The sower soweth the WORD, not a bunch of worldly stories, and jokes.
Acts 8:4–They…went every where preaching the WORD, not a bunch of stories and things from other books,
Acts 8:25–They,…preached the WORD of the Lord, not a bunch of stories and other things.
Ro 10:8–The WORD is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the WORD of faith, which we preach.
There are many Scriptures relating to this subject. Only a few have been presented
2 Tim 4:2–PREACH THE WORD; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
2 Tim 4:3,4–For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear (NIV). That time is the latter days. That time is now. So it is written, and so it has come to pass. This is the lukewarm church of today. This is the church that is asleep. This is the church that is in the site of God, wretched, miserable, poor, BLIND, and NAKED. This is the church that thinks they are going to heaven, but is NAKED and not clothed with white clothing. This is the church that thinks Jesus is on the inside, when actually He is on the outside, knocking at the door, wanting to come in; but the door of the deceived peoples’ heart is shut–only a few will anoint their eyes with eyesalve so they can see and understand and repent. Most confidentially wander in the darkness of their church and of their heart, rather than in the truth and light of Jesus. They can not be corrected, neither by man or by the Word, nor by chastisement, as the darkness has blinded their eyes; and that darkness is great. They have turned away their ears from the truth and have turned unto fables, worldly wisdom, stories, and all manner of jokes, fun, and entertainment. The lukewarm, confident church of today loves to have it this way.
Those whose hearts are not right, do not want correction. Some, whose hearts are gone astray, consider correction as condemnation and rejection when in reality it is love. Their deceived heart is as a wrecked car that refuses to be repaired. The Lord corrects or chastens those He loves–ref Heb 12:5–8.
Phili 1:14–Speak the WORD without fear.
WORD IS TRUTH
GOD’S WORD IS TRUTH
SPIRIT IS TRUTH
ANOINTING IS TRUTH
Jn 18:38-Pilate asked the question, What is truth?
The answer to that is that God is the God of truth. Jesus is truth. God’s Word is truth. Scripture is truth. The Gospel is truth. His law is truth. His commandments are truth. His counsels are truth. His works are truth. truth came by Jesus Christ. The truth is in Jesus. God’s Spirit is truth. The anointing is truth.
1Thes 2:13–Ye received the WORD of God…as it is in truth, the WORD of God.
Deut 32:4–God of truth
Ps 31:5–LORD God of truth.
Ps 119:142–Thy law is the truth.
Ps 119:151–Thy commandments are truth.
Isa 25:1–Thy counsels…are…truth.
Isa 65:16-The God of truth
Dan 4:37–The King of heaven, all whose works are truth
Dan 10:21–The scripture of truth
Isa 25:1–Thy counsels…are…truth.
Jn 1:14–The WORD…full of…truth.
Jn 1:17–truth came by Jesus Christ.
Jn 14:6–Jesus saith,…,I am…the truth
Jn 14:17–The Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive.
Jn 15:26–The Comforter…the Spirit of truth
Jn 16:13–The Spirit of truth,…will guide you into all truth
Jn 17:17–Thy WORD is truth.
2 Cor 6:7–By the WORD of truth.
2 Cor 11:10–The truth of Christ is in me
Gal 2:5–The truth of the gospel
Gal 2:14–The truth of the gospel
Eph 1:13–The WORD of truth, the gospel
Eph 4:21–The truth is in Jesus:
Col 1:50–The WORD of the truth of the gospel;
2 Tim 2:15–Tightly dividing the WORD of truth.
Ja 1:18–(He begot) us with the WORD of truth
1 Jn 2:27–The…anointing…is truth, and is no lie
1 Jn 4:6–…Hereby know we the Spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
1 Jn 5:6–The Spirit is truth.
COMMANDS: DON’T HANDLE THE WORD DECEITFULLY
2 Cor 4:2–But have renounced…dishonesty,…craftiness,…handling the WORD of God deceitfully.
Acts 13:44–The next…day came almost the whole city together to hear the WORD of God.
Commands: Study the WORD
2 Tim 2:15–Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the WORD of truth.
COMMANDS: REMEMBER THE WORD
Remember the Word. You can’t remember God’s Word, if you don’t hear it or don’t study it–and in most churches there is little of God’s Word preached with Biblical understanding. There is little preached on the Revelation, on Daniel, on Bible prophecy. There is little preached on heaven, hell, the judgments, obedience, denying self, and many like subjects. And something the Bible teaches clearly, very clearly is not understood by the deceived. Water baptism is by being buried in the water–full immersion in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Water baptism is of no meaning when done to an infant–ref Mk 16:16, Ro 6:4; Col 2:12, and about 97 other Scriptures. A person must believe in the Jesus Christ of the Bible first (Jesus Christ is come in the flesh), and must repent. Then the Bible commands that water baptism by full immersion follows. There are also many deceived clergy and people that have a false belief that our works save us. It is written: Eph 2:8,9–For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. There are many churches throughout the world that use the name “Christian,” but there are few, very few that have Christ on the inside. It is likewise the same for many people. They claim they belong to Christ, but actually He is on the outside knocking on the door of their heart to let Him in. But their ears are deaf to His knocking. Their eyes are closed to recognizing that He is on the outside. They are void of understanding, because the darkness has blinded their eyes. Are you going after the things of this world, or after Christ??????? Are you conforming to this world, or conforming to Christ??????? Do you see yourself as God see you?
Where are you really at spiritually? (ref Mal 4:4; Mk 8:17,18; Lk 24>6; Jn 15:20; Acts 20:31; 2 Thes 2:5; 2 Tim 2:8; Jude 1:17; Rev 3:3–remember God’s Word)
COMMANDS: REMEMBERED THE WORD
Luke 22:61–And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the WORD of the Lord.
James 1:22–But be ye doers of the WORD, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
COMMANDS: WORD DWELL IN YOU
Col 3:16–Let the WORD of Christ dwell in you richly.
BORN–AGAIN CHRISTIANS AND THE WORD
Can expect to go through persecutions, and some will even be killed for their faith in Jesus Christ.
Rev 20:4–I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the WORD of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
The WORD shall not pass away.
Ro 10:17–So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the WORD of God. Faith comes from God’s WORD. Faith does not come by worldly stories, or stories about other Christians, but only by the actual WORD of God. God cannot lie. His WORD is the only rock that a person can build and stand on that will never fail.
THE WORD SHALL NOT PASS AWAY
Lk 21:33–Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my WORDS shall not pass away.
Mt 5:18–For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Mt 13:19–When any one heareth the WORD of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. this is he which received seed (or the WORD) by the way side.
These fall away because they have no root.
Lk 8:13–They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the WORD with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
Jn 12:48–He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my WORDS, hath one that judgeth him: the WORD that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
1 Cor 2:14–But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him (or to him they are nonsense): neither can he know them (or he is unable to grasp them), because they are spiritually discerned (or because they are evaluated through the Spirit–JNT).
Heb 4:2–For unto us was the gospel preached,…but the WORD preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith.
Summarizing–People fall away from Jesus, from understanding God’s Word because they have no root. When they are tempted they fall. In some way, they reject God’s Word. The Word of God becomes nonsense to them. Their correct Biblical understanding of God’s Word is lacking. God’s Word does them no good because it is not mixed with faith which works by love for God and the brethren.
Gal 5:6–9–For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. A little disobedience can destroy you as it grows and grows like a cancer,
THE UNSAVED: THE WORD
MEEK
OBEDIENT IN ALL THINGS
1 Pe 2:8–And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the WORD, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. Jesus is the Stone of stumbling. Jesus is the Rock of offense. Jesus is the Word. Many people stumble at Jesus. Many people stumble at God's Word. They refuse to let God’s Word reign over them. They refuse to obey God’s Word. They refuse to humble themselves before their Creator. They are not meek. Some even curse His name. It is written: THE MEEK…SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH–ref Mt 5:5. Jesus said of himself–I AM MEEK–ref Mt 11:29. God’s Word tells us in 1 Pe 3:1–6–WIVES, BE IN SUBJECTION TO YOUR OWN HUSBANDS. Then it goes on to say: WHILE THEY (your husbands) BEHOLD YOUR CHASTE CONVERSATION COUPLED WITH FEAR (or that THEY WILL BE WON OVER BY YOUR CONDUCT, WITHOUT YOUR SAYING ANYTHING, AS THEY SEE YOUR RESPECTFUL AND PURE BEHAVIOR–NIV). A Godly wife’s attitude should be THE INNER CHARACTER OF YOUR HEART–JNT…EVEN THE ORNAMENT OF A MEEK (or gentle) AND QUIET SPIRIT, WHICH IS IN THE SIGHT OF GOD OF GREAT PRICE (or value). FOR AFTER THIS MANNER IN THE OLD TIME THE HOLY WOMEN ALSO, WHO TRUSTED IN GOD, ADORNED THEMSELVES, BEING IN SUBJECTION (or submit) UNTO THEIR OWN HUSBANDS: EVEN AS SARA OBEYED ABRAHAM, CALLING HIM LORD (or honoring him as her lord–JNT): (YOU ARE HER DAUGHTERS IF YOU DO WHAT IS RIGHT AND DO NOT SUCCUMB TO FEAR–JNT)
What does it mean to have a meek and quiet spirit? The dictionary says the following regarding the word MEEK. Humbly patient. Overly submissive, tame, gentle, kind, soft, mild, docile.
Is a servant of God to be obedient in just some things, or all things? Is their attitude to be Christ–like in some ways or in all ways. Hear God’s Word.
2 Cor 2:9–FOR TO THIS END ALSO DID I WRITE, THAT I MIGHT KNOW THE PROOF OF YOU, WHETHER YE BE OBEDIENT IN ALL THINGS.
2 Cor 6:4–BUT IN ALL THINGS APPROVING OURSELVES AS THE MINISTERS OF GOD. This includes even in times of distress.
2 Cor 7:11–IN ALL THINGS YE HAVE APPROVED YOURSELVES.
2 Cor 7:16–I HAVE CONFIDENCE IN YOU IN ALL THINGS.
Eph 4:15–God would have us to–GROW UP INTO HIM IN ALL THINGS, WHICH IS THE HEAD, EVEN CHRIST.
Col 3:20–CHILDREN, OBEY YOUR PARENTS IN ALL THINGS: FOR THIS IS WELL PLEASING UNTO THE LORD. As you would hope your children would be obedient to you in all things, so your heavenly Father hopes you to be obedient to Him in all things
Col 3:22–SERVANTS, OBEY IN ALL THINGS YOUR MASTERS ACCORDING TO THE FLESH; NOT WITH EYE–SERVICE, AS MENPLEASERS; BUT IN SINGLENESS OF HEART, FEARING GOD:
1 Tim 3:11–WIVES BE…FAITHFUL IN ALL THINGS.
Titus 2:7–IN ALL THINGS SHEWING THYSELF A PATTERN OF GOOD WORKS:
Titus 2:9–Servants are to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again (or talking back–JNT). To argue with God about how, when, or where He wants you to do things, is not pleasing to God. For a woman to argue with her husband, in the same manner, is not pleasing to her husband or to God.
Titus 2:10–As servants, all of us are to DEMONSTRATE COMPLETE FAITHFULNESS ALWAYS–NIV, IN ALL THINGS.
If a minister sends money to a person and specifies it is to be used in a certain way, obedience is expected. If the person accepts the money with conditions, then he or she is to use it as specified. If a person is sent money to buy a grain machine, but uses it rather to feed the poor, he is a disobedient servant. Who can trust him? If a person will not be faithful in something small, neither will he be faithful in something big.
If a person is given money to buy a certain paint brush, but them sees a cheaper one and buys it instead, he is a disobedient servant. He may justify himself by saying he was just trying to save money. He is still a disobedient servant. Who can trust him?
If a person is told to call someone by their employer, or even husband, but argues about it and decides to go to their house instead, even if worked out all right, he is a disobedient servant.
God’s desire is you be obedient with a right attitude in all things
Little do the disobedient understand that the thoughts they often have to disobey some command from someone over them are thoughts from the devil. God wants us to be obedient in all things, not arguing, or answering back, or causing strife, or causing grief to the person that asked them to do this or that.
Servants, obey your employers with a right attitude. Wives, obey your husbands with a right attitude. God’s children are to obey Him and do it with a right attitude. All disobedience, no matter how much a person justifies it, will be judged as disobedience.
If a husband tells their wife, or an employer tells their employee to do such and such at 3 o'clock, but they do it at 5 o'clock, that is a disobedient wife or a disobedient employee. How can they be trusted in all things?
If a member of a congregation is told to do this first, and this second, but they rather choose to do the second things first, and the first thing second because it seems more convenient, they are a disobedient servant. If a member of a congregation does the first things only partially, and then goes on to the second, he is a disobedient servant.
Saul disobeyed Samuel for it seemed like the right thing to do at the time. Samuel then told him 1 Sam 15:23–REBELLION IS AS THE SIN OF WITCHCRAFT, AND STUBBORNNESS IS AS INIQUITY AND IDOLATRY. BECAUSE THOU HAST REJECTED THE WORD OF THE LORD, HE HATH ALSO REJECTED THEE FROM BEING KING. When you are told by God, or your employer, minister, elder, husband, or parent to do this or that, in such and such a way–obey. Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child–Pv 22:15
How hard it is for servants, and wives to understand this teaching. How hard it is for most to understand this teaching. When the judgment comes, who will reign over thousands or who will reign over tens. Those obedient in all things will reign over thousands. The disobedient that justify themselves and do things their own way rather than the way they were told, will find they will not be able to make excuses before God at the judgment.
Ro 6:16–KNOW YE NOT, THAT TO WHOM YE YIELD YOURSELVES SERVANTS TO OBEY, HIS SERVANTS YE ARE TO WHOM YE OBEY; WHETHER OF SIN UNTO DEATH, OR OF OBEDIENCE UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS?
Acts 5:29–PETER…SAID, WE OUGHT TO OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN. We ought to obey God’s word
1 Sam 15:22–HATH THE LORD AS GREAT DELIGHT IN BURNT OFFERINGS AND SACRIFICES, AS IN OBEYING THE VOICE OF THE LORD? BEHOLD, TO OBEY IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE, AND TO HEARKEN THAN THE FAT OF RAMS.
The next time someone gives you money to buy this or that, do as you were told, or give the money back.
The next time you are told to go here first and here second, obey. Jesus might send His disciples out and tell them go here first and here second, obey. Yet some of you that are disobedient, hearing or reading this would probably go to the second place first and justify it by saying, the second place was closer and I saved time and gas by disobeying. Little do such people understand their obedience is being tested.
And if a wife is told by her husband do to such and such, and she chooses to do it another way, she is disobedient. If her husband told her wrong, but she obeyed, she will be found to be an obedient wife. But if she disobeyed her husband, even thought he told her wrong, she will still be found to be a disobedient servant.
An exception to this is if her husband told her to do something which is contrary to God’s Word.
Don’t put off to tomorrow that which God told you to do today. Do not let the works of the unsaved come before the works of God. Do not serve two masters. Do not serve God and the world.
He that hath ears to hear, let them hear.
Some people have no knowledge of God’s Word, and when they might have an opportunity to learn about God from the Bible, they turn a deaf ear and close their eyes. They are very deceived.
Some people’s knowledge of God’s Word is nothing more than what they hear from misled people and misled preachers that use God’s Word wrongfully. They are very deceived.
Some people have a superficial knowledge of God’s Word, but they are stubborn and rebellious and refuse to submit to it. They are deceived.
Some people have read and heard God’s Word, but again they refuse to let God’s Word reign over them. They are rebellious and stubborn and want their own way. They are deceived.
Some people go to church. They read God’s Word. They sing in the choir. They help out at the church. They may even knock on some doors to witness. Yet they will not obey God’s Word the way God tells them to do. They, may seemingly, serve God, but they are not converted. They are not childlike to Godly correction. They are not born–again. The inner transformation that is needed of putting off the old man and putting on the new has never happened to them. They may be preachers. They may be missionaries. They may be denominational presidents. On the outside they may look holy, but inside they are not. They may be Bible school teachers, yet they are deceived.
Such are those that stumble at the Word.
BORN AGAIN AND FAITH: THE WORD
Through good times and bad, our trust is in Jesus. Through sunny days and rainy days, our trust is in Jesus. Through sickness and in health, our trust is in Jesus. Through laughing and crying, our trust is in Jesus. Though all people love me, or all people hate me, yet will I trust in Jesus. Through joyful times and through horrible persecutions, our trust is in Jesus. Through times of feeling great and through very painful times, our trust is in Jesus. Through life and through death, our trust is in Jesus. Though the Antichrist would painfully mutilate me, leave me lying in a pool of blood, and then cut off my head while I gazed up at the falling blade—yet will I never forsake Jesus. I will trust in Him and Him alone.
1 Pe 2:2–3–As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the WORD, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. God’s Word can help a person to grow. Man’s wisdom presented in worldly stories does not.
Consider carefully. The pure milk of the Word can enable a person to grow. Pure milk helps a baby grow. But if you mix one percent of milk with 99 percent of water, what would happen to your baby? You can expect it to get sick and die. It needs pure milk, not 99% water, and 1% milk.
That is what is being fed to people in today’s churches all over the world. The preacher might preach a verse of Scripture, and then use all sorts of worldly stories to illustrate a certain point he is trying to make. In nearly every church in the land, even if a person would go to every service in their lifetime, they would never even hear one–fourth of the Bible actually read or taught. If he would listen to every radio or television program possible for a lifetime, in most cases, he would never hear the entire Bible read or taught. There is a famine of hearing God’s Word preached in the churches. There is a famine of hearing about God’s judgments, hell and the lake of fire. There is a famine of God’s Word regarding in the churches about going through trials, hardships, persecutions, sacrifice, self–denial, and Bible prophecy. God’s Word says it best. Rev 3:14–22–This lukewarm church of today is wretched. It is blind. It is miserable, poor, and naked. It is not a church that is overcoming. It is not a church that can be corrected. It is not a church that will repent. It is a church that will be spit out. It’s people will perish unless they become as little children and receive Godly correction, be zealous and repent. So it is written, and so it is. HE THAT HATH AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH UNTO THE CHURCHES.
The verses continue–
Mk 1:23 (pt 1), ref Lk 4:33 (pt 1). AND (just then)
Mk 1:23 (pt 2), ref Lk 4:33 (pt 3). THERE WAS
Mk 1:23 (pt 3), ref Lk 4:33 (pt 2). IN THEIR SYNAGOGUE
Mk 1:23 (pt 4), ref Lk 4:33 (pt 5). A MAN
Lk 4:33 (pt 5). WHICH (WAS)
Mk 1:23 (pt 5), ref Lk 4:33 (pt 6). (possessed) WITH
Lk 4:33 (pt 7). A
Mk 1:23 (pt 7), ref Lk 4:33 (pt 8). SPIRIT.
Lk 4:33 (pt 9). OF
Mk 1:23 (pt 6), ref Lk 4:33 (pt 10). AN UNCLEAN. The term “unclean” or “impure” are sometimes used interchangeably. We may also say, “morally impure” The unclean–
Lk 4:33 (pt 11). DEVIL (or demon, or demonic spirit). The word unclean spirit, spirits, devil appears app. 21 times in the New Testament, and once in the Old Testament. This term is also used in connection with Satan, the antichrist, and the false prophet and the demonic realm–ref Rev 16:13.
“Unclean” devil denotes that the spirit had lost all purity. It was doing things that were in direct opposition to God. Its nature was in contrary to holiness and to God. As a poison that would be mixed in a food made it deadly, so in the same way such a spirit poisons could poison a person.
Then, as today, all sorts of people go to church. Some are saved, but most are not. Some go to church and as a result get saved through faith in Jesus Christ. Most sit in the services year after year, and sing songs, hear the teaching, give their money, and may even do some work in the church. They appear godly on the outside, but inside they are spiritually dead. They never become spiritually minded. They never, by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil–ref Heb 5:14, and they never grow to having a need of the meat of the Word “perfection”. They never come to the knowledge of the truth. They have a form of understanding with their head, but their life has never been transformed. They have never become a humbled, childlike, born again child of God. Jesus (God’s Word) is not the center of their universe. They may have gone to an altar. They may have said a sinner’s prayer. They may have been baptized, but they would not allow Jesus to reign over and change their life.
In many cases, they became distracted and fell away as a result of persecutions, trials, the cares of this life, the lusts of the flesh and other things, the love of pleasures, the better things of this life, loving this world, or the deceitfulness of riches.
DEMONS, DEVILS, UNCLEAN SPIRITS, SATAN
(Note an in depth study regarding Spirit, spirits, etc–pg 422–448)
The Scriptures show us that both unsaved children, men and women can be possessed with a demonic spirit, however, the Scriptures seem to mention men more often than women–ref Mt 15:22, 17:18. Also a person can be possessed with just one demonic spirit or a multitude.
The words unclean devil, spirit and demon can denote the same thing. (Note, there are some Bible scholars which believe these unclean spirits are fallen angels. However in view of Jude 1:6, it is believed this is not the case. It is written, AND THE ANGELS WHICH KEPT NOT THEIR FIRST ESTATE, BUT LEFT THEIR OWN HABITATION, HE HATH RESERVED IN EVERLASTING CHAINS UNDER DARKNESS UNTO THE JUDGMENT OF THE GREAT DAY). The Scriptures do indicate that the devil has angels as it is written: Mt 25:41–EVERLASTING FIRE, PREPARED FOR THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS. The Scriptures also show us that the devil can put horrible and wicked things into a person's heart, and can oppress them–ref Jn 13:2; Acts 10:38. He can deceive the whole world–ref Rev 12:9, 20:10.
The Bible also tells us that the father of an unsaved person is the devil, but the Father of a child of God is God Himself–ref Jn 8:44. Those that practice willful sin are the children of the devil–ref 1 Jn 3:7–10. Which are you?
The verse continues–
Mk 1:23 (pt 8). AND HE CRIED OUT
Lk 4:33 (pt 12). AND (SHOUTED)
Mk 1:24 (pt 1), ref Lk 4:34 (pt 1). SAYING. Note that the demonic spirit can speak through the person whose body he occupies. Unclean spirits are very emotional beings just as human beings are.
The devil and his demonic realm oppose God. They opposed Jesus from the beginning of His ministry to the end. They oppose all who follow Jesus. They oppose what is right.
SATAN’S TACTICS
BEWARE
WILLINGLY IGNORANT
DECEIVED
As it is written–Acts 13:10–…YOU ARE A CHILD OF THE DEVIL AND AN ENEMY OF EVERYTHING THAT IS RIGHT! YOU ARE FULL OF ALL KINDS OF DECEIT AND TRICKERY (or mischief). WILL YOU NEVER STOP PERVERTING THE RIGHT WAYS OF THE LORD?–NIV. 1 Pe 5:8–BE SELF–CONTROLLED AND ALERT. YOUR ENEMY THE DEVIL PROWLS AROUND LIKE A ROARING LION LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO DEVOUR.
Man is willingly ignorant of the battle that is going on inside them. It is a battle between God and Satan that happens inside of every person. We hear and read the Word of God. But our thoughts are filled with thoughts from the demonic realm. There are times when we may feel like we are being torn apart.
There are multitudes of choices we need to make every day. These choices are whether to do the will of God, or to do the will of Satan. Satan is very good at making man believe he is doing the will of God, when, in fact, he is doing the will of Satan. As it is written: Satan, which deceiveth the whole world–Rev 12:9, and indeed the world does not know it.
Do you serve God sometimes, but serve self–interests most of the time? You are doing the will of Satan. Such a person is usually either unsaved or is lukewarm. The lukewarm perish.
Who is your true family? Is it those that follow God according to His Word, or is it your earthly family? Where is your heart? Whom do you love the most? Do you love God above all? Most people’s heart and love is with their earthly family–their children, their relatives, their self–interests. Such a person is usually not saved at all or is lukewarm. The lukewarm perish. Do you love all the children of God as Jesus does? If you do not, then you are very open to being easily deceived by the demonic realm.
Is your conversation most of the time centered in the things of this world or the things of Christ? Most people, their conversation is centered most of the time in the things of this world. Such a person is usually not saved at all or is lukewarm. The lukewarm perish.
You might be under circumstances which makes it difficult to follow Jesus as you ought. So you make a choice to go with the flow, rather than to fight the good fight which comes as a result of faith and obedience to God’s Word. It is better to live under the worst conditions on this earth now and be in the will of God, than to live in luxury now and be out of the will of God. The hard and fearful choice is to obey God. The easy choice is to obey your self–interests and the world. Conformity to the world is not faith. Sunday morning Christianity is no Christianity at all. Making excuses is not Christianity. Such people are not usually saved at all or are lukewarm. The lukewarm are spit out. They perish–ref Rev 3:16.
If you are in a situation that seems to force you to serve the world, rather than God and His Word, and you know what you should do to follow Jesus as you ought, then–do it.
Do not be as the servant that received one talent but hid it, and after made an excuse of “I was afraid”–ref Mt 25:25.
Do not be as those that wouldn’t do God’s will and after justified themselves with their wonderful works–ref Mt 7:22.
Do not be as those that made excuses for not coming to the Lord’s great supper, because they had to attend to earthly business or get married–ref Lk 14:18–20.
Do not be as those whose hearts were overcome with the cares of this life, so that the day of the Rapture came, and they were left behind–ref Lk 21:24.
Do not be as those that were snared because they sought riches–ref 1 Tim 6:9.
These perished.
It is written: Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not–Mal 3:18.
Woe to those that oppose themselves, who will not receive instruction given in meekness from a servant of the Lord, so that the Lord might give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who took them captive–ref 2 Tim 2:24–26.
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man–Lk 21:36. Give diligence to make your calling and election sure…–2 Pe 1:10.
Several Scriptures indicate that the degree to which you love God (this includes His Word) with all your heart and the brethren, is equal to the degree to which you will never fall.
The unsaved (which may be your mother, father, relatives or close acquaintances) think it is strange that you do not follow their way of thinking–ref 1 Pe 4:4. They do not understand the things that be of God, even though they think they do and sometimes pretend that they do. All of us who are now saved did not understand the things that be of God at one time. The unsaved are children of the devil, but they do not know this. They lay a snare for your soul (most times not even knowing this). The saved person’s protection against Satan’s attacks from this direction is to not fellowship with the unbelievers. Failure to obey this command of God is to leave yourself open to being deceived. Many have fallen and perished, as they refuse to hear and obey God’s commands.
If you don’t know what to do in your situation, then seek Godly counsel from a spiritual elder or minister who is not ignorant of Satan’s devices, who is not lukewarm. Don’t seek Godly counsel from your best friend who will probably tell you what your deceived ears want to hear. Seek Godly counsel with your mind and heart fully prepared to repent and change to obeying the Gospel, no matter what the earthly cost or outcome. Fear God, repent, love the brethren, and obey the Gospel. Eternity lies ahead. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord—no matter what the earthly outcome. Will you do the same?
The verses continue. The devil shouted saying–
Lk 4:33 (pt 9). WITH A LOUD VOICE. Often times, demons would cry out with loud voices. As mentioned previously, they seemed very emotional.
Lk 4:34 (pt 2). (“Yaah!”)
Mk 1:24 (pt 2), ref Lk 4:34 (pt 3). LET US ALONE. Note the word “us” indicating that there was more than one. Demonic spirits are afraid of Jesus. Unlike many human beings that refuse to admit that God exists, and that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, the unclean spirits know that God exists. They know who Jesus is. They know Jesus is the holy one of God. They know He has the power to destroy them. They are afraid of God. They are in agony when in the presence of God.
But foolish people can be Lk 24:25–SLOW OF HEART TO BELIEVE ALL THAT THE PROPHETS HAVE SPOKEN: Ps 14:1–THE FOOL HATH SAID IN HIS HEART, THERE IS NO GOD. THEY ARE CORRUPT, THEY HAVE DONE ABOMINABLE WORKS, THERE IS NONE THAT DOETH GOOD. Pv 18:2–A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
God tells His people, Pv 18:5–IT IS NOT GOOD TO ACCEPT THE PERSON OF THE WICKED, TO OVERTHROW THE RIGHTEOUS IN JUDGMENT.
NOTE, the Word of God can cause a demonic spirit to become very agitated and emotional. However, the lukewarm, watered down, unbiblical presentation of God’s Word that comes forth in most churches today, does not seem to bother sinners. God’s Word, if it is taught as Jesus and the apostles did, should drive some people to their knees in repentance. Does this happen in your church?
A devil does not want to be around someone holy. Neither do some people want to be around someone that has repented. These very words are what some people say when someone brings them God’s Word. They may say, “Get away from me. I don’t want to hear it. Let us alone”. You don’t understand me and my circumstances. They get uptight. It is almost as if someone is putting thoughts into their minds and hearts as to what to say. A person that does not believe in the name of the only begotten Son of God is condemned already by God's Word. Thus when Jesus, Who is Light, comes; the devils, and the unbeliever love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil. The light exposes their evil deeds as a bright light exposes dirt in clothing–note Jn 3:18–22.
Many in this world are openly hostile to born again Christians whose light is burning brightly.
Many churches have many people who come to church on Sunday. They say they love God. On the outside they appear as nice people. They sing Christian songs. They listen to dead, lukewarm, or unconvicting preaching. They sing in the choir. The support some missionaries. They help the church building program. They give money to charities. They are moral people. But they may not tithe.
When they leave church, they go out and smoke. They drink. God is no longer in their hourly thoughts. They occasionally lie and swear. They hide adulterous thoughts in their heart over some man or woman. They are not hungry for God’s Word as a newborn babe is hungry for good milk.
On the inside they hate the light. They hate Jesus, but they cannot admit this. They are sometimes bitter, angry, and covetous. When they get angry, they curse God’s name. Can a person curse God’s name and also love Him? Absolutely not. They are spiritually dead.
The verse continues as the devils say–
WHAT HAVE WE
TO DO WITH (YOU). Note, the verse uses the term an unclean spirit, but when the devil spoke he used the words US and WE. There was more than one. In addition, he was speaking for all the demons.
There are two kingdoms. One is the kingdom of God. The other is the demonic kingdom. These two kingdoms are opposed to each other. They have nothing in common. The demons recognize this. How is it that you may not recognize this?
The devil continues by saying–
THOU JESUS OF NAZARETH? This is another name for Jesus. Demons always recognized Jesus immediately.
This is the first time in the chronological order of Scriptures that an spirit had used the term Jesus of Nazareth. The verse continues–
(HAVE) (YOU) COME TO DESTROY US? Again, the devil uses the word “US”. About 15 months after this, when Jesus was in the country of the Gergesenes, he allowed the devils to go into a heard of swine. The devils said to Jesus in Mt 8:29, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us BEFORE THE TIME? Jesus had the power to torment and destroy the devils and they knew it. They also know there is an appointed time coming when they will be tormented. How terrible it is that the demons know this, but man in all of his “so called” intellect does not know this. The verse continues–
I KNOW THEE
WHO (YOU) (ARE),
THE HOLY ONE OF GOD. We are reminded of God’s Word which says: Ja 2:19–THOU BELIEVEST THAT THERE IS ONE GOD; THOU DOEST WELL: THE DEVILS ALSO BELIEVE, AND TREMBLE. Mk 1:34–AND HE HEALED MANY THAT WERE SICK OF DIVERS DISEASES, AND CAST OUT MANY DEVILS; AND SUFFERED NOT THE DEVILS TO SPEAK, BECAUSE THEY KNEW HIM.
The devils know Jesus. They acknowledge that Jesus is of God. They acknowledge that Jesus is Holy, sinless and is deity. They are afraid of Him. Yet the people of Nazareth would not admit these things. Neither will the world of today admit this. Neither does the world fear God, or even believe in Him. There is no fear of God before the eyes of people in this wicked and sinful generation. The world has no understanding of unclean spirits. When a person is possessed by a demonic spirit, they give may give him some pills, or put him in an insane assylem.
Do you acknowledge that Jesus is of God. Do you acknowledge that He is holy, sinless and is deity? Do you fear God?
These truths most of Israel did not acknowledge, neither does the world that He made acknowledge this.
There is no harmony between light and darkness. There is no joining of the spirits of darkness with the Spirit of Light. They are not in agreement. They are opposed to each other.
2 Cor 6:14–17–BE YE NOT UNEQUALLY YOKED TOGETHER WITH UNBELIEVERS: FOR WHAT FELLOWSHIP HATH RIGHTEOUSNESS WITH UNRIGHTEOUSNESS? AND WHAT COMMUNION HATH LIGHT WITH DARKNESS? AND WHAT CONCORD HATH CHRIST WITH BELIAL? OR WHAT PART HATH HE THAT BELIEVETH WITH AN INFIDEL? AND WHAT AGREEMENT HATH THE TEMPLE OF GOD WITH IDOLS? FOR YE ARE THE TEMPLE OF THE LIVING GOD; AS GOD HATH SAID, I WILL DWELL IN THEM, AND WALK IN THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. WHEREFORE COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM, AND BE YE SEPARATE, SAITH THE LORD, AND TOUCH NOT THE UNCLEAN THING; AND I WILL RECEIVE YOU,
Jesus did not want the people to know who He was at this time. About 24 months later, Peter had said in Mk 8:29–THOU ART THE CHRIST. Jesus also told his disciples THAT THEY SHOULD TELL NO MAN OF HIM.
“THE HOLY ONE OF GOD” is another name for Jesus.
The verses continue–
Mk 1:25, ref Lk 4:35 (pt 1). AND JESUS
REBUKED HIM (the unclean spirit) (sternly), SAYING,
(BE QUIET). Some have suggested the best way to put this is that Jesus told the unclean spirit to “shut up”. The unclean spirit wanted to speak, but Jesus has the power to silence it by just speaking the Word. The unclean spirit could not resist the power of Jesus.
There is no harmony between darkness and light. There is no reconcilation for the demonic spirits. Jesus said–
AND COME OUT OF HIM. It is noted that the man with the unclean spirit was in the synagogue. It has been suggested that Jesus did not want any demon saying anything about Him or identifying Him, as it could cause some to believe he had a devil himself or was in somehow in league with them.
GOD’S WORD.
POWER OF GOD’S WORD
The Word of God has power. Jesus spoke the Word, and people were healed. Demons came out of people. Fig trees could dry up and die. The dead could come back to life.
Jesus spoke the Word. He commanded and the angels, His hosts, the sun, the moon, the stars, the heavens of heavens, the waters above the heavens were created–ref Ps 148:1–5.
The verse continues–
Mk 1:26 (pt 1), ref Lk 4:35 (pt 2). AND WHEN THE
Mk 1:26 (pt 2). UNCLEAN SPIRIT
Lk 4:35 (pt 3). (or) DEVIL HAD THROWN (THE MAN) (down)
IN THE (MIDDLE OF THE CROWD–JNT),
Mk 1:26 (pt 3). (and) HAD TORN (or shook) HIM (violently),
AND CRIED WITH A LOUD VOICE (or shriek),
Mk 1:26 (pt 4), ref Lk 4:35 (pt 4). HE CAME OUT OF HIM.
4 things are mentioned.
1–The unclean spirit threw the man down.
2–It shook him violently.
3–It cried with a loud voice.
4– It came out of the man.
Why did the spirit throw the man down and shake him violently?
Four reasons have been suggested.
1–A power which we do not understand tore the spirit loose from the man.
2–The spirit was angry and filled with rage.
3–The spirit wanted to show how powerful he still was.
4–The spirit was terrified and left as fast as was possible–
Lk 4:35 (pt 5). (WITHOUT INJURING HIM). Note, the power the demons had over the man. He could talk through him. He could throw the man down. He could tear the man violently. Yet, they could not prevail against or resist the power of the Words that Jesus spoke. Jesus’ power was so great, that they could not even speak and tell Who He was.
Despite the man being thrown down, and tore violently, yet he did not hurt the man.
We are reminded of God’s Word which says: Lk 10:17–18–AND THE SEVENTY RETURNED AGAIN WITH JOY, SAYING, LORD, EVEN THE DEVILS ARE SUBJECT UNTO US THROUGH THY NAME. AND HE SAID UNTO THEM, I BEHELD SATAN AS LIGHTNING FALL FROM HEAVEN.
Jesus and those that are born again have power over demonic spirits.
The spirits recognize Jesus
They knew who He was.
They are afraid of Jesus.
The spirits are subject to Jesus and to born again believers through the name of Jesus.
They can command the unclean spirits with authority
They can command the unclean spirits with power.
Note the following: A demon, or many demons can occupy a person at the same time.
They spoke.
They communicated.
They were intelligent.
They had fears.
They can be destroyed.
They can be tormented.
They wanted nothing to do with Jesus.
The can be commanded to be silent
They can be commanded to come out of a person.
They can be commanded to keep silent.
They can be cast out.
They can throw a person.
They can torment a person
They can be tormented
In other Scriptures, they can make a person do harm to themselves.
They can give a person super–human strength.
A person that has a demon might foam at the mouth.
Demons can go into animals.
People that have a demon can become violent.
There are many different kinds of demons.
Some are more evil or more powerful than others.
They have names.
They want to occupy people.
One demon can go and fetch others which are more evil and invite them to occupy a person with him.
However, if a person has the Holy Spirit, a demonic spirit can not enter in.
Mt 12:43–45; Lk 11:24–26–When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse (than the first)
What kind of force is it that causes a demon to obey? What kind of power is it that can move mountains, calm the wind, and the sea. What kind of power is it that can cause a fig tree to quickly dry up. What power is it than can raise the dead, and heal any type of disease? What force is it that heals a person that is miles away and causes demons to come out that are also miles away? And what power is it that will destroy the armies of the world and their super weapons in 24 hours when Jesus returns? What power is it that can create the universe with the spoken Word? In the beginning there was God. The created universe came after. Indeed, we should fear God, and those that walk up–rightly do fear God. Now we see through a glass darkly.
And what demonic power is there that can cause a person to look at the heavens which declare the glory of God and declare His righteousness, and yet they say…there is no God. Those that do not confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh–this is the spirit of antichrist.
But the day is coming when the born again Christians will all be with Jesus. Then we shall understand.
The verses continue–
Mk 1:27 (pt 1), ref Lk 4:36 (pt 1). AND THEY WERE ALL AMAZED,
(SO THAT) THEY QUESTIONED (or debated, or asked)
AMONG THEMSELVES, SAYING,
Mk 1:27 (pt 2). WHAT THING
IS THIS?
Lk 4:36 (pt 2). WHAT A WORD IS THIS (or What kind of teaching is this?–JNT)!
Mk 1:27 (pt 3). WHAT NEW DOCTRINE (or teaching)
IS THIS? They questioned among themselves with 3 questions.
What the people had just seen, startled them. They had not seen such authority or power or doctrine coming forth from the religious leaders.
The verses continue–
Mk 1:27 (pt 4), ref Lk 4:36 (pt 3). FOR WITH AUTHORITY
Lk 4:36 (pt 4). AND POWER
Mk 1:27 (pt 5). (HE EVEN GIVES ORDERS
Mk 1:27 (pt 6), ref Lk 4:46 (pt 5). [or COMMANDS])
Mk 1:27 (pt 7), ref Lk 4:36 (pt 6). THE UNCLEAN (or evil) SPIRITS. Note, that the people have enough spiritual in–site as to understand that there was #1–a spirit realm and 2–that there were spirits, and 3–that there were types of spirits. In this case they identified the spirits as “unclean”.
The verses continue–
Mk 1:27 (pt 8). AND THEY DO OBEY HIM. Note the word “authority”. Jesus had absolute authority. He is Lord. He is deity. He is God.
Lk 4:36 (pt 7). AND THEY COME OUT. No one questioned the miracle they had seen. No one seem to doubt at all. The people were simply astonished at what they had both seen and heard.
Even though the people could not see the unclean spirits, they recognized what was happening. Yet the people of the age that we are now living in, are so spiritually ignorant, that they would have no understanding of what was happening even if they would have been present. It seems the more technically advanced we become, the more ignorant we become toward the Word of God, and the more sin abounds.
The complete and total authority Jesus had over demons and even the forces of nature, all demonstrate, testify, and prove that Jesus is God Who came to this earth in human form.
He demonstrated his overwhelming love for people, yet most people's hearts were so evil, that they rejected His love. It is the same today.
Mk 1:28 (pt 1), ref Lk 4:37 (pt 1). AND
Mk 1:28 (pt 2). IMMEDIATELY
Mk 1:28 (pt 3), ref Lk 4:37 (pt 2). (THE NEWS ABOUT HIM–NASB) (WENT OUT
Lk 4:37 (pt 3). INTO EVERY PLACE
OF THE COUNTRY (or area)
ROUND ABOUT (or every locality in the surrounding district–NASB). The people that witnessed what Jesus had done were so taken with what had transpired, that “immediately” the news spread–
Mk 1:28 (pt 4). EVERYWHERE)
THROUGHOUT ALL THE REGION (SURROUNDING THE DISTRICT OF–NASB) GALILEE. The casting out of the unclean spirit left such an enormous impression on the people that there should have been little doubt that this was the long awaited Messiah.
First Jesus preached the Word. How many received His Word and repented is not stated, but indications are that not many repented.
Then Jesus performed a miracle of casting out the unclean spirits. The people were astonished.
As a result the news of what He had said and did spread all over that area. We are reminded that Jesus said about 12 months later: Mt 11:23–24–AND THOU, CAPERNAUM, WHICH ART EXALTED UNTO HEAVEN, SHALT BE BROUGHT DOWN TO HELL: FOR IF THE MIGHTY WORKS, WHICH HAVE BEEN DONE IN THEE, HAD BEEN DONE IN SODOM, IT WOULD HAVE REMAINED UNTIL THIS DAY. BUT I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT IT SHALL BE MORE TOLERABLE FOR THE LAND OF SODOM IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT, THAN FOR THEE–Mt 11:23,24, ref Lk 10:13–15.
Lk 4:38 (pt 1). AND (JESUS)
(LEFT) THE SYNAGOGUE,
Mk 1:29 (pt 1), ref Lk 4:38 (pt 2). AND
Mk 1:29 (pt 2). (IMMEDIATELY),
WHEN THEY WERE COME OUT OF THE SYNAGOGUE,
Mk 1:29 (pt 3). THEY
Mk 1:29 (pt 4), ref Lk 4:38 (pt 3). ENTERED INTO THE HOUSE
OF SIMON. In Mk 2:1, 3:20, 9:33, and 10:10 the word house is used that Jesus entered into. It appears to have been in Capernaum. It appears that this may have be come the headquarters of Jesus.
Mk 1:29 (pt 5). AND ANDREW. Note the words: “the house of Simon and Andrew”. They were both originally from Bethsaida–note Jn 1:44. Jesus entered into the house of Simon and Andrew–
WITH JAMES
AND JOHN. This is the area that Jesus may have spent more time than any other. He did not appear to spend a lot of time in his home town of Nazareth where He had been rejected and they had tried to kill him. The verses continue–
Mk 1:30 (pt 1), ref Lk 4:38 (pt 4). BUT SIMON’S (MOTHER–IN–LAW). Note, Simon Peter had a mother in law. Thus, Simon appears to have been married. Peter’s wife is never mentioned by name. When Simon Peter left all to follow Jesus he left his family, and entrusted them to the Lord. It appears his wife was alive. Note 1 Cor 9:5–Don’t we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas? (NIV). It appears that his wife may have been with them on some journeys. Other writings have indicated that Peter’s wife may have been martyred at some later date.
Mk 1:30 (pt 2). LAY (in bed)
Lk 4:38 (pt 5). WAS (SUFFERING)
Mk 1:30 (pt 3). (and) SICK
Mk 1:30 (pt 4), ref Lk 4:38 (pt 6). OF A
Lk 4:38 (pt 7). (HIGH)
Mk 1:30 (pt 5), ref Lk 4:38 (pt 8). FEVER. Only Luke, the physician reports that the fever was a high fever. The verses continue–
Mt 8:14. AND WHEN JESUS
WAS COME INTO PETER’S (HOME),
HE SAW HIS (MOTHER–IN–LAW)
(LYING IN BED),
AND SICK OF A FEVER.) It may be that Peter's mother in law's husband was deceased because she appears to have been living with them.
The fact that she laid in bed and did not get up because of the high fever indicates that it was very serious, perhaps life threatening. The verses continue–
Mk 1:30 (pt 6). AND (IMMEDIATELY)
THEY (SPOKE TO) HIM
OF HER.
Lk 4:38 (pt 9). AND THEY (ASKED) HIM
(to do something) FOR HER.
Mk 1:31 (pt 1). AND HE CAME
Lk 4:39 (pt 1). AND HE STOOD
OVER HER,
AND REBUKED
THE FEVER. The same words are used regarding Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and rebuked the fever–
Mt 8:15 (pt 1). AND HE TOUCHED HER HAND,
Mk 1:31 (pt 2). AND TOOK HER BY THE HAND,
AND (HELPED) HER UP (onto her feet). Note the gentleness and compassion of Jesus. He touched her hand. He took her by the hand. He helped her up.
Mt 8:15 (pt 2), ref Mk 1:31 (pt 3). AND
Mk 1:31 (pt 4). IMMEDIATELY
Mt 8:15 (pt 3), ref Mk 1:31 (pt 5), Lk 4:39 (pt 2). THE FEVER
LEFT HER. Note the power of God. One moment the woman was very sick. The next moment she was well. No period of slow recovery. No resting after her illness–
Mt 8:15 (pt 4). AND SHE (GOT UP). Note, that she did not get up when Jesus entered into the house. Undoubtedly because she was too sick. The verse continues–
Mt 8:15 (pt 5), ref Mk 1:31 (pt 6). AND
Mk 1:31 (pt 7). SHE
Mt 8:15 (pt 6), ref Mk 1:31 (pt 8). MINISTERED UNTO THEM (or waited on Him, or served them). As soon as Jesus healed her, she seems to have gained her full strength as she began serving them. She did not seem to have any side effects.
As Jesus healed Peter's mother in law and she ministered to them, so in like manner when the millennium reign of Jesus comes, He will heal Israel and Israel will serve Him.
The Roman church, does greatly err which forbids priests to marry. This is contrary to the very apostle from which they pretend to receive their authority and deceive many.
Note the miracles.
Jesus had power to turn the water to wine.
Jesus had power to be able to tell the Samaritan woman all things that ever that she did.
Jesus had the power to escaped a lynch mob in Nazareth.
Jesus had power in connection with the huge catch of fish.
Then Jesus had power over the demons in Capernaum.
Then Jesus had power over sickness.
We are reminded of the following Scripture which comes later in Jesus' ministry:
Jn 12:37–But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
MANY HEALED
30 YEARS PLUS 10 MONTHS
Mk 1:32 (pt 1) AND
Lk 4:40 (pt 1) NOW
Mt 8:16 (pt 1), ref Mk 1:32 (pt 2) WHEN
Mt 8:16 (pt 2) THE
Mt 8:16 (pt 1), ref Mk 1:32 (pt 3) (EVENING) WAS COME,
Lk 4:40 (pt 2) WHEN THE SUN WAS SETTING,
Mk 1:32 (pt 4) (AFTER) THE SUN DID SET,
Lk 4:40 (pt 3) ALL
Mt 8:16 (pt 2), ref Lk 4:40 (pt 4) THEY
Mk 1:32 (pt 5) (THE PEOPLE)
Mt 8:16 (pt 3), ref Mk 1:32 (pt 6), Lk 4:40 (pt 5). BROUGHT
Lk 4:40 (pt 6) THEM
Mt 8:16 (pt 4), ref Lk 4:40 (pt 7) (TO) HIM
Mk 1:32 (pt 7) (TO) (JESUS) ALL
Lk 4:40 (pt 8) THAT HAD ANY SICK
Lk 4:40 (pt 9) WITH (VARIOUS) (kinds of) DISEASES
(dd)
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