April 17, 2017

Due to several things that has just come up that needs my attention I'm going to cut back on the weekly Bible Study. When I do complete one I will post it. I hope by July 12, 2017 to be back on a weekly schedule.

It isn't anything but just being stretched to thin and unexpected expenses which has caused me to go back to work on a part time basis.

If you are new to my blog or not new check out the Archives. Matthew Chapter 24 and 25 along with Revelations are very interesting to study with the worldly events that are occurring now.

God Bless All!

4-5-2017 Vol. 14 Part 46 The Gospel of John (John 11:14-31)

To Print Out The Lesson Click On The Title Below.

4-5-2017Vol. 14 Part 46 The Gospel of John 

Proverbs 23:1-11

1  When you sit down to eat with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you;

2  And put a knife to your throat If you are a man given to appetite.

3  Do not desire his delicacies, For they are deceptive food.

4  Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease!

5  Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.

6  Do not eat the bread of a miser, Nor desire his delicacies;

7  For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. "Eat and drink!" he says to you, But his heart is not with you.

8  The morsel you have eaten, you will vomit up, And waste your pleasant words.

9  Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words.

10  Do not remove the ancient landmark, Nor enter the fields of the fatherless;

11  For their Redeemer is mighty; He will plead their cause against you.

Father God, help us to set aside our worldly things and focus on you and your Son Jesus at all times. Our flesh keeps us from doing this so we ask for a special measure of guidance through the Holy Spirit. In Jesus name we pray.  Amen!

Gospel of John 11:14-31NKJV

Last week’s lesson was about a messenger that came to Jesus with the news that Lazarus, a dear friend of Jesus was sick. Jesus response was that Lazarus sickness was not a sickness of death but to glorify God the Father and himself in performing a miracle of raising Lazarus from the grave. The lesson ended with a conversation between Jesus and His disciples. Jesus stated that Lazarus was sleeping meaning physical death, while the disciples took Jesus as meaning physically sleeping and resting. Let’s see how this conversation continues.

14  Then Jesus said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead.

Here Jesus comes right out and tells the disciple that Lazarus is physically dead. Jesus had to do this many times so that the disciples would understand what He was saying. Jesus spoke in metaphors and spiritually so often, it was difficult for the Apostles to understand what Jesus was saying. Many times Jesus had to put His words in simple terms so the Apostles could understand Him. I’m so glad that Jesus did explain Himself in the Bible so that we can understand also. The Apostles weren’t filled with the Holy Ghost while Jesus was with them, therefore they had a difficult time understanding Jesus, this also holds true for the unsaved of today. Without the Holy Spirit residing in ones heart to help a person understand the Bible, discouragement sets in and the Bible is set aside.

After the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciple at Pentecost, they were filled with wisdom and knowledge. The Sanhedrin was amazed at their teachings. Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.

15  And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him."

And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there; Why do you suppose Jesus made this statement? Well, if Jesus had been at the home of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, Lazarus probably wouldn’t have died, and if that happened, the miracle of Lazarus being raised from the dead probably wouldn’t have happened for the glory of God and Jesus. Lazarus died so that Jesus power over death (Jesus conquered spiritual death through obedience to His Father which led to a sinless life, therefore a perfect sacrifice for us to place our faith in.) could be shown to his disciples and others. The raising of Lazarus was an essential display of His power, and the resurrection from the dead is a crucial belief of the Christian faith.

That you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him; Not that the Apostles didn’t believe, but to strengthen their belief. The Syriac version reads, "let us go there"; to Bethany, where he lived, and died, and now lay interred (dead, laid to rest, grave, tomb).

16  Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with Him."

We know that Thomas was a doubter (John 20:25), but here we also learn that Thomas loved Jesus, had courage, and was willing to follow Jesus anywhere even to death. In previous verses we know that the disciples tried to talk Jesus out of going to Bethany, but were not successful. The disciples didn’t understand that Jesus purpose was to die for the redemption of mankind. The disciples were loyal, loved Jesus, and would follow Him where ever He went.

There are unknown dangers when doing God’s work, and sometimes the danger is physical death. How strong is your faith? Are you willing to die for Jesus?

17  So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days.

It was a custom to bury the dead on the same day of death. Decomposition sets in by the fourth day therefore a stench would be present, Verse 39 verifies this fact.

Some of the Jews taught that the spirit of the deceased wandered about the sepulcher for three days, called days of weeping. They believed the spirit of the deceased, during these 3 days, was seeking an opportunity to return to the body, but on the fourth day decomposition sets in and at that point life was over.

18  Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away.

With Bethany being two miles away from Jerusalem it would be very easy for the news to travel that Jesus was there, and then the Jewish leaders could sent people to bring Jesus to them. So the disciples did have a reason to be greatly concerned for Jesus and their safety.

19  And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

With the word “many” being used, probably the family was of some wealth, position, and importance.

20  Now Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house.

Jesus didn’t go to Mary and Martha’s house probably due to the crowd of people there, so Jesus sent a messenger to the house and it appears that Martha received the message. From what we can tell Martha then proceeded to go to Jesus, and maybe without telling Mary. Someone had to also stay at the house to greet the guests.

21  Now Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.

This statement of Martha’s states two things; first she had faith in Jesus that He could have kept her brother alive. Second she limited Jesus power and what He could do. Jesus didn’t have to be present to keep Lazarus alive. The Centurion servant and the Nobleman’s son Jesus healed from afar.  Matthew 8:6-8; John 4:47-53

22  But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You."

This statement of Martha’s tells us that she still really doesn’t know who Jesus was; that He was God. Jesus didn’t have to ask God anything because He was God.

23  Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."

Here Jesus totally bewilders Martha. He is speaking of the miracle He was about to perform, while Martha was thinking the end of time he would rise from the dead. She is about to witness one of the greatest miracles Jesus performed.

24  Martha said to Him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."

Martha believed in the resurrection of the righteous at the end of time. She no doubt listened to Jesus teaching about it. What a glorious day that will be! Daniel 12:2, 13; John 6:39–40, 44, 54; John 12:48

25  Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

Jesus has power over life and death as well as power to forgive sins. This is because He is the Creator of life. He is life and can restore life. Whoever believes in Christ has a spiritual life that death cannot conquer or diminish in any way. When we realize His power and how wonderful His offer to us really is, how can we not commit our lives to Him? To those of us who believe, what wonderful assurance and certainty we have: "Since I live, you also will live".

26  And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"

And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die; What a great phrase to cling to. Any human being that lived or is living or will live on earth has a blessed hope of eternal life by believing in Jesus Christ and placing their faith in Jesus. What a promise Jesus has given us if we just reach out and take it. If our faith is in Jesus death, resurrection, and ascension to Heaven, eternal life is what the believer has to look forward to.

Do you believe this?; Do you believe?

27  She said to Him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world."

Just previously Martha was selling Jesus short of power stating if He had been present Lazarus wouldn’t have died, but here she states just exactly who Jesus is; the Messiah; the Son of God; that He was God; that He came to redeem mankind. Here we see the deep faith this woman had in Jesus.

28  And when she had said these things, she went her way and secretly called Mary her sister, saying, "The Teacher has come and is calling for you."

And when she had said these things, she went her way; We aren’t told here that Jesus told Martha to go get Mary, but the end of this verse indicates He did. He may have whispered it so bystanders wouldn’t hear Him. Based on the next phrase He may have even instructed Martha to send Mary discreetly so a crowd wouldn’t follow.

And secretly called Mary her sister, saying; Somehow Martha signaled Mary and gave her the message from Jesus secretly, maybe by hand signals or whispered it in her ear. This was done to avoid drawing attention that Jesus was present. If they knew Jesus had come, the Sanhedrin would be notified and the result would be conflict.

The Teacher has come and is calling for you; Teacher appears to have been the term He was known to the family.

29  As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly and came to Him.

Mary had an equal affection for Jesus just as her sister. This was shown here because she went to Jesus at once leaving the mourners. Being in Jesus presence gives more comfort than any humans can give.

If you have ever experienced the presence of our Lord you know this fact to be true. It is a feeling of total comfort, security, warmth, well being, etc. Words can’t describe the experience.

30  Now Jesus had not yet come into the town, but was in the place where Martha met Him.

Now Jesus had not yet come into the town; The town referred to here was Bethany.

But was in the place where Martha met Him; Jesus stopped here knowing the grave site was someplace near and by stopping there, He wouldn’t draw attention to Himself.

31  Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and comforting her, when they saw that Mary rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, "She is going to the tomb to weep there."

The first days of mourning among the Jews were observed with great seriousness and many ceremonies of grief. Not hearing what Martha said to her, but observed that she rose off her seat in great haste, and went out of the house at once they went after her to see what was happening or where she was going. It was customary to go to the grave several times in the first few days, therefore they thought that she went to weep. 

Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth,

visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.

All things were created through Him and for Him.

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you,

unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock https://www.facebook.com/bill.wiesbrock?ref=tn_tnmn

The Lighthouse Full Gospel Church

Sinners Prayer; Pray this, and if you believe it with your heart, Jesus will save you!

“Lord Jesus I know I am a sinner.  I confess my sins to you; I am sorry for my sins; I repent (Meaning, desiring to turn from a sinful lifestyle.) of all my sins, and I am asking for your forgiveness.  I believe that only you can forgive sin.  I commit my life to you and ask you to come into my heart, direct, and take charge of my life.  I believe that you died to set me free from my sinful lifestyle and you rose from the dead to give me eternal life, and right now you are seated at the Right Hand of God Almighty. I believe you are the Son of God; the only Way, the only Truth, the only Life, and my Savior.”  I believe this and have faith you will make a new person out of me, by sending the Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart and lead me in a new life. In Jesus name I pray Amen.” 

(John 3:16,17; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 John 5:11-14; 1:6-10) (Sin: Rom. 1:22-32; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-7)

3-22-2017 Vol. 14 Part 45 The Gospel of John (John 11:1-13)

To Print Out The Lesson Click On The Title Below.

3-22-2017 Vol. 14 Part 45 The Gospel of John

Proverbs 22:20-29

20  Have I not written to you excellent things Of counsels and knowledge,

21  That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, That you may answer words of truth To those who send to you?

22  Do not rob the poor because he is poor, Nor oppress the afflicted at the gate;

23  For the LORD will plead their cause, And plunder the soul of those who plunder them.

24  Make no friendship with an angry man, And with a furious man do not go,

25  Lest you learn his ways And set a snare for your soul.

26  Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge, One of those who is surety for debts;

27  If you have nothing with which to pay, Why should he take away your bed from under you?

28  Do not remove the ancient landmark Which your fathers have set.

29  Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.

Father God, we pray that our hearts be set in order to honor you and your Son Jesus on this soon arriving Resurrection Day that we will be celebrating. There is no greater expression of love than what You and Jesus did to redeem mankind. In Jesus name we pray.  Amen!

Gospel of John 11:1-13 NKJV

Today John tells us about the story of Lazarus being sick and dying. With this event we learn about faith, where is our faith; fear and worry, do we worry; love we have for friends, do we truly love our friend? It never ceases to amaze me the lessons that are taught in a simple story that surrounds Jesus. When a person really studies the verses small precious nuggets of how we are to live surfaces. Just like a miner picks out the nuggets of gold, we are to pick out the nuggets of the Bible to live by.

1   Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

Now a certain man was sick; This man Lazarus is not the Lazarus that is recorded in Luke Chapter 16. He died some time before this. There is not much said about this Lazarus, in fact the other Apostles did not even write about Lazarus being raised from the dead. It could be because the Jews had a desire to kill Lazarus because of him being resurrected, and because of that, Jesus had a great many more believers that the Sanhedrin abhorred. John 12:10-11 But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also,  11 because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.

Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha; The village of Bethany was located about two miles east of Jerusalem, close enough to put Jesus and the disciples in danger, but far enough away so as not to attract attention. This event took place about 3 months after the events of the last chapter, so it was approaching April and the Passover. Jesus spent a considerable amount of time with this family when He was in Judea. Simon the leper was also from Bethany; Matthew 26:6 And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper.

Because of their relationship with Jesus, this family was privileged to experience three things: 1) To sit at His Feet and hear Words of Life; 2) Lazarus would be raised from the dead; 3) To Anoint Jesus. Anyone can have this type of relationship with Jesus if they so desire.

2  It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.

This Mary is not the one in Luke 7:37, as some think, but Mary in John 12:3. Even though this anointing hasn’t taken place yet, John is diligent in pointing out which Mary this is, that is why he used the words “that Mary”. The anointing took place shortly before the Crucifixion, and after the event of Lazarus being raised from the dead.

3  Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, "Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick."

Mary and Martha knew the graveness of their brother’s illness and therefore turned to Jesus for the answer of healing. As we will see in the upcoming verses of this chapter, Mary and Martha had great faith; they knew who Jesus was; they knew the power He had; they knew if Jesus ask the Father anything it would be granted. They knew Jesus was the answer for healing, but what they didn’t consider was their brother being raised from 4 days of physical death.

How strong is your faith in Jesus, the living Word of God? Did, or do you have a New Year’s Resolution of fortifying your relationship with Jesus this year, if so how is it going?

4  When Jesus heard that, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it."

When Jesus heard that, He said, This sickness is not unto death; The Greek Text actually says, “he shall not fall prey to death,” which is the way it should have been translated.

Any trial a believer faces can ultimately bring glory to God because God can bring good out of any bad situation. When trouble comes, do you grumble, complain, and blame God, or do you see your problems as opportunities to honor him? Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

But for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it; Do you remember the blind man that Jesus healed in Chapter 9? His disciples asked the cause of the man’s blindness, the sins of the man or the sins of his parents. Jesus answered neither; John 9:3 Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.

Jesus performed such miracles to glorify God; to be obedient to God; and to show who He was, the Son of God to be glorified and make believers out of non-believers. Therefore Lazarus sickness and death was designed to furnish an opportunity to display the glory of God, and what life there is in Jesus Christ His Son, if one desires eternal life.

5  Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.

Jesus loved this family and often stayed with them when in or around Jerusalem. They loved and believed in Jesus and who He was. Their door was open to Jesus at all times and that is the state our heart should be in at all times.

6  So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was.

So, when He heard that he was sick; This messenger that delivered the news to Jesus had no idea that Lazarus was dead when he met up with Jesus, because he stated he was sick. Lazarus died sometime after the messenger left and it appears it was right after he left, for Lazarus to be in the grave four days by the time Jesus arrived.

He stayed two more days in the place where He was; When Jesus received word of Lazarus illness, He already knew Lazarus was dead and the sorrow of his sisters, but didn’t respond immediately because of the miracle that was to take place. The Holy Spirit directed Jesus to stay where He was for two more days. Had Jesus responded immediately and arrived just as Lazarus was placed in the grave, it would given many the thought of some type of deception of Lazarus being raised from the dead. They wouldn’t have believed that Lazarus had actually died.

God will supply all our needs, but not necessarily in the time frame and urgency we want. Sometimes we may even think God hasn’t heard us and isn’t or won’t answer our prayers, but all we need to do is wait patiently, for God’s timeframe is perfect for us and He knows best what we need. Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

7  Then after this He said to the disciples, "Let us go to Judea again."

After staying two days the Holy Spirit directed Jesus to go to Martha and Mary. Jesus was so obedient and in harmony with His Father’s will, it is beyond our comprehension. Everything Jesus did was according to instructions given Him by the Spirit of God. He was totally led and directed by the Spirit, which should be an example to us.

Jesus prayed all night long before choosing His disciples, He sought the will of God, which tells us the absolute necessity of a strong prayer life to hear and do the will of God in all aspects of our life Luke 6:12–13. Jesus prayed all night, have you? I haven’t, in fact after about an hour I struggle in prayer. I wonder what kind of relationship I would have with Jesus if I did pray all night????

Let us go to Judea “again” tells us not too much time had passed since they were in Jerusalem.

8  The disciples said to Him, "Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are You going there again?"

Jesus disciples were greatly concerned for His safety after His last visit there. There were so many enemies and dangers there, with little hope of doing much good, they feared for Jesus and probably their own lives, whereas where they were, they were among friends and doing good works.

This verse also displays the thinking of the human being. The disciples were concerned, but should they be, after all they were with Jesus? We aren’t to worry if we are a child of God and have our faith properly placed in the Cross of Christ. If we are a child of God by submitting our life to Jesus, we should act like children and depend on God for all things just like our children and grandchildren depend on us for their needs. Matthew 6:25 "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?

9  Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.

Jesus is using this verse and the next verse as an analogy of the faith we should have. He is also saying to His disciples that He is with them and not to worry.

Just as the sun provides light so we can see where we are walking to avoid stumbling over things here on Earth, Jesus is our Spiritual Light to guide us spiritually while we are here on Earth, so that one day when we leave this Earth we will be with Jesus in Heaven.

Life on Earth is all about realizing who we are, why we are here, that Jesus is the most important reason for us to live, and that we need to realize we are sinners and need Jesus in our life to survive now and forever. Many view life here on Earth as a party and that we should live it up and have fun, which ultimately is fun in sin.

10 But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him."

Have you ever walked around out in the woods at night without a flashlight? If you have you know you will stumble over vines, tangled weeds, sticks, logs, etc., but this isn’t what this verse is about. With the last phrase being, “because the light is not in him” it is referring to our spiritual life not physically walking around in the dark; walking in the light of Jesus; walking in Jesus shadow; conducting our life with the mentality of What Would Jesus Do. This is all about faith and what we have our faith in, Jesus, religion, or self. If we have our faith in anything other than the Cross we are lost spiritually. We will stumble spiritually in believing false teachers, preachers, doctrine, and religion. We need the light of Christ in us to discern the false and that is why the Bible is so important. We need to analyze everything with the Word of God.

11 These things He said, and after that He said to them, "Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up."

These things He said, and after that He said to them, "Our friend Lazarus sleeps; Here Jesus is speaking of physical death, but as the next verse tells us the disciples are thinking Lazarus is merely sleeping. Many times in Scripture the Holy Spirit uses the term “sleep” concerning physical death (Acts 7:60; I Corinthians 11:30; 15:18–20; I Thessalonians 4:13–17).

But I go that I may wake him up; Being in tune with His Father Jesus knew exactly what He was to do when He arrived at Bethany and that was to raise Lazarus from the dead.

12 Then His disciples said, "Lord, if he sleeps he will get well."

With this verse we know without a doubt that the disciples didn’t know what Jesus was talking about. Normally sleep will aid one to recover from an illness and the disciples thought Lazarus was merely resting in a physical peaceful sleep. In the back of their mind they were probably thinking if he is sleeping he will get better and there is no need to go to him and risk the dangers of the Sanhedrin.

13 However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep.

We are told here by John that Jesus was referring to Lazarus physical death. This also tells us of the disciple’s spiritual dullness. They interpreted Jesus carnally and not spiritually.

This lesson brings out the awareness of each of us to examine our spiritual position with Jesus in relation to worldly things. When was the last time you did a deep down spiritual examination of where your heart is? What does your actions and lips tell those around you??????

Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth,

visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.

All things were created through Him and for Him.

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you,

unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock https://www.facebook.com/bill.wiesbrock?ref=tn_tnmn

The Lighthouse Full Gospel Church

Sinners Prayer; Pray this, and if you believe it with your heart, Jesus will save you!

“Lord Jesus I know I am a sinner.  I confess my sins to you; I am sorry for my sins; I repent (Meaning, desiring to turn from a sinful lifestyle.) of all my sins, and I am asking for your forgiveness.  I believe that only you can forgive sin.  I commit my life to you and ask you to come into my heart, direct, and take charge of my life.  I believe that you died to set me free from my sinful lifestyle and you rose from the dead to give me eternal life, and right now you are seated at the Right Hand of God Almighty. I believe you are the Son of God; the only Way, the only Truth, the only Life, and my Savior.”  I believe this and have faith you will make a new person out of me, by sending the Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart and lead me in a new life. In Jesus name I pray Amen.” 

(John 3:16,17; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 John 5:11-14; 1:6-10) (Sin: Rom. 1:22-32; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-7)

3-15-2017 Vol. 14 Part 44 The Gospel of John (John 10:33-42)

To Print Out The Lesson Click On The Title Below.

3-15-2017 Vol. 14 Part 44 The Gospel of John

Proverbs 22:10-19

10  Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; Yes, strife and reproach will cease.

11  He who loves purity of heart And has grace on his lips, The king will be his friend.

12  The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, But He overthrows the words of the faithless.

13  The lazy man says, "There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!"

14  The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; He who is abhorred by the LORD will fall there.

15  Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him.

16  He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches, And he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty.

17  Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your heart to my knowledge;

18  For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; Let them all be fixed upon your lips,

19  So that your trust may be in the LORD; I have instructed you today, even you.

Father God, we pray that our hearts be set in order to honor you and your Son Jesus on this soon arriving Resurrection Day that we will be celebrating. There is no greater expression of love than what You and Jesus did to redeem mankind. In Jesus name we pray.  Amen!

Gospel of John 10:33-42 NKJV

If you remember last week we left off with Jesus saying this, “I and My Father are one”, which infuriated the Jews and they picked up rocks to stone Jesus because what Jesus said was considered blasphemy to claim one being equal to God. Death by stoning was the punishment for anyone claiming to be equal to God. Leviticus 24:14-16 Verse 32 last week left off with this question of Jesus, “For which of those works do you stone Me?” I made the statement last week why did Jesus ask this question, He surely knew why they took up rocks to stone Him. As we will see in this week’s lesson that others of the OT claimed to be god but were not stoned to death, so knowing this, and if the Pharisees knew what Scripture stated they would know this also, so Jesus asked what good work had He done that He deserved death by stoning. Jesus is about to throw back in their faces OT Scripture and deflate their ego.

33  The Jews answered Him, saying, "For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God."

The Jews answered Him, saying, "For a good work we do not stone You; Basically these Jews were stating here that they held no value in the good works of Jesus. All that Jesus had done, that proclaimed He was from God and had the power of God to perform such magnificent miracles, meant nothing.

But for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God; These leaders were upset because they considered Jesus as a mere man and He was claiming God as His Father; that He and His Father were one in nature and essence, and therefore He must be God. But this was no blasphemy, the real truth. There is no contradiction between Jesus being man, and being God; Jesus is truly God and really man. But He is not a mere man as the Jews suggested, but is truly God and man. He is both God and man in one person, the divine and human nature being united in Him, which they couldn’t understand.

Others have taken upon themselves the name and title of God such as Hiram king of Tyre, of whom they say, "he made himself God"; the same they say of Nebuchadnezzar. The modern Jews still adhere to the same charge against Jesus as their ancestors did, and express it in the same manner saying, “that He was a man and also claimed Himself to be equal to God”.

34  Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your law, 'I SAID, "YOU ARE GODS" '?

This verse would be better understood if it was stated like this; Jesus replied, "It is written in your own Scriptures that God said to certain leaders of the people, 'I say, you are gods!'

This answer Jesus gives points out that in Psalm 82 God calls man a god and therefore they shouldn’t object to His use of the word god even though He was man. This is why Jesus asks what works they were going to stone Him for. In Exodus 7:1; Exodus 4:16 God also called Moses a god to Aaron and Pharaoh.

Psalms 82:1-8 A Psalm of Asaph. God stands in the congregation of the mighty; He judges among the gods.  2 How long will you judge unjustly, And show partiality to the wicked?  3 Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy.  4 Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked.  5 They do not know, nor do they understand; They walk about in darkness; All the foundations of the earth are unstable.  6 I said, "You are gods, And all of you are children of the Most High.  7 But you shall die like men, And fall like one of the princes."  8 Arise, O God, judge the earth; For You shall inherit all nations.

Exodus 4:15-16 Now you shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth. And I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and I will teach you what you shall do.  16 So he shall be your spokesman to the people. And he himself shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be to him as God.

Exodus 7:1 So the LORD said to Moses: "See, I have made you as God to Pharaoh, and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet.

You are gods; this was said of magistrates on account of the dignity and honor of their office, and it shows that the Hebrew word translated “god,” אלהים  ̀^elohiym, in that place might be applied to man. Such the use of the word is rare.

If God called the Israelite leaders gods because of their revelation of God and His will, how could it be blasphemy for Jesus to call Himself the Son of God? Jesus was rebuking the religious leaders, because he is the Son of God in a unique, unparalleled relationship of oneness with the Father.

35  If He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken),

Rewording this verse it would read; “And you know that the Scriptures cannot be altered. So those people, who received God's message, were called 'gods'.”

The authority of the Scripture is final; it cannot be set aside. The meaning is, “If Scripture uses the word “god” אלהים  ̀^elohiym as applied to magistrates, it settles the question that it is right to apply the term to those in office and authority. If applied to them, it may be applied to others in similar offices. Therefore it cannot be blasphemy to use this word, as applicable, to a person more exalted than magistrates.” Scriptures cannot be altered; the Bible is a clear statement of truth. If we accept Christ as Lord, we must also accept His testimony to the Bible as God's Word.

36  do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, 'You are blaspheming,' because I said, 'I am the Son of God'?

What this verse is actually saying is this: “Why do you call it blasphemy when I say, 'I am the Son of God'? After all, the Father sanctified Me, set Me apart, and sent Me into the world. I’m not blaspheming you are!”

The word “sanctify” to us means to make holy; but this is not its meaning here, for the Son of God was always holy. The original word means to set apart from common to sacred use; to devote to a sacred purpose and to designate or consecrate to a holy office. God has consecrated or appointed His Son to be His Messenger or Messiah to mankind just as God consecrated Moses to be a messenger to Aaron and the Pharaoh. See Exodus 28:41; Exodus 29:1, Exodus 29:44; Leviticus 8:30.

“I am the Son of God”, This the Jews evidently understood as saying that He was equal with God, which He is, but that isn’t what Jesus was saying. This expression He had often applied to Himself. The meaning of this position may be expressed: “You charge me with blasphemy. The foundation of that charge is the use of the name God, or the Son of God, applied to myself; yet that same term is applied in the Scriptures to magistrates. The use of it here shows that it is right to apply it to those who sustain important offices. You Jews should not attempt to find a charge of blasphemy on the application of the word which is in your own Scriptures and applied to magistrates.

37  If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me;

Here Jesus is telling these Leaders to judge Him on the basis of the Miracles He has performed, in effect, telling them that everything He did, God commanded Him to do.

Jesus is saying that if He was speaking words only, that would be one thing, but He is backing up these words and claims with astounding miracles and that should be proof enough, as to what He is saying, and Who He is.

The Jews of Jesus’ day, even the most esteemed religious leaders, were so mixed up in their theology that was brought about by their acute self-righteousness, that they understood little of what the Word said regarding God’s Plan of Redemption, and the manner in which He would carry it out.

They did not understand Jesus calling God His Own unique Personal Father. They did not even believe that the Messiah would be Deity, but merely, as stated, a reincarnated Prophet of old, or a charismatic individual.

38  but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him."

But if I do; This is referring to Jesus carrying out the mighty miracles of God. Works that are so great only by the Power of God they could be done, therefore proclaiming the identity of Jesus.

Though you do not believe Me, believe the works; These Jewish Leaders were without excuse, there was no reason they should not have believed Jesus, especially considering the things He said, the power with which He spoke, and the miracles He performed, even to the raising of the dead. The fruit of God was present in all that Jesus did.

That you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him; This phrase further explains verse 30, “I and My Father are One.”

39  Therefore they sought again to seize Him, but He escaped out of their hand.

This was the seventh time an attempted was made to seize Jesus, but again was unsuccessful. How did Jesus escape each time, we aren’t told. It could be by withdrawing from them in some private way; by open force of Jesus exerting His power, and obliging them on every side to fall back, and give way to him; by rendering himself invisible to them; by causing their arms and legs to be immobile; or by other means. However this happen the power of the Holy Spirit was present, because His time had not yet come, and He had other work to do before he suffered and died.

The true work of God is totally different than anything else in the world. Men may disagree politically, socially, economically, or philosophically, and those disagreements at times may become heated; but nothing can come close to the animosity or even hatred which accompanies those who are unsaved and religious minded, and don’t know Jesus. Regrettably, that makes up the majority of the world causing much of the bloodshed in this world.

40  And He went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John was baptizing at first, and there He stayed.

And He went away again beyond the Jordan; This was probably to the Jericho area. There Jesus spent some time teaching and healing, how long we aren’t told. This all took place about three months before the Crucifixion.

To the place where John was baptizing at first, and there He stayed; It is believed the Jericho area of the Jordan River is where Jesus was baptized by John. There Andrew and Peter, and probably John, Philip, and Bartholomew, were drawn to Him. John had a special memory of this area because it is where he heard and met Jesus.

41  Then many came to Him and said, "John performed no sign, but all the things that John spoke about this Man were true."

Then many came to Him; The phrase “many came to Him” signifies that Jesus was accepted in this area. They were receptive of His teachings and works. This area was totally the opposite of Jerusalem. In Jerusalem Jesus was battling against the spiritual world of religion.

And said, "John performed no sign, but all the things that John spoke about this Man were true”; It had been quite some time since Jesus was in this area last, maybe since He was Baptized by John which would have been around 3 years prior. The people of this area had fond memories of John and remembered what John had said about the coming Messiah.

These people who had been baptized of John came to Jesus and believed upon Him. John had said that Jesus was “mightier” than he; that He was the Son of God; the Baptizer with the Holy Spirit and with Fire; the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world (Luke 3:16; John 1:29). All of these things were still embedded in their minds along with hearing about all of the miracles Jesus had been performing. They accepted Jesus as their Lord and Saviour by hearing, mostly.

42  And many believed in Him there.

Through the doctrine Jesus preached, the miracles He performed, and by comparing these things with what John the Baptist said of Him, they believed!

Where are we in our beliefs? Do we believe without seeing miracles or are we like Thomas and have to place our fingers in the nail holes and into Jesus side to believe. Do we believe in Jesus or a Religious Denomination for Salvation? Do we believe with our heart or our mind? If a person gets no conviction of wrong doing when they use God’s name as an adjective or adverb; cussing; using the F word; lying; gossiping; stealing from work (using copy machine without permission for personal things, standing around gabbing, cheating on timecard, etc.); then they probably aren’t saved. There are many lists of sin is the Bible that tell us that those who practice these will spend eternity in Hell. (Galatians 5:15, Galatians 5:19-21, Galatians 5:26; Ephesians 4:31-32; James 3:14-16, James 4:1-5; 1Peter 2:1; 2Peter  2:18; Jude 1:16) Romans 1:28-32 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;  29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,  30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,  31  undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;  32  who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth,

visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.

All things were created through Him and for Him.

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you,

unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock https://www.facebook.com/bill.wiesbrock?ref=tn_tnmn

The Lighthouse Full Gospel Church

Sinners Prayer; Pray this, and if you believe it with your heart, Jesus will save you!

“Lord Jesus I know I am a sinner.  I confess my sins to you; I am sorry for my sins; I repent (Meaning, desiring to turn from a sinful lifestyle.) of all my sins, and I am asking for your forgiveness.  I believe that only you can forgive sin.  I commit my life to you and ask you to come into my heart, direct, and take charge of my life.  I believe that you died to set me free from my sinful lifestyle and you rose from the dead to give me eternal life, and right now you are seated at the Right Hand of God Almighty. I believe you are the Son of God; the only Way, the only Truth, the only Life, and my Savior.”  I believe this and have faith you will make a new person out of me, by sending the Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart and lead me in a new life. In Jesus name I pray Amen.” 

(John 3:16,17; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 John 5:11-14; 1:6-10) (Sin: Rom. 1:22-32; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-7)