whosoeverinhim – Page 13

November 26, 2024

changing it to FIT

Tuesday 112624

Don’t let me or my writings influence or scare you in any way, instead, allow me to be used as a vessel to open the Word, just a little bit, and hopefully, together we are going to read and study His Word, and let God teach us what He wants us to hear.

So, our study consists of two ground rules:

1^st we ONLY read and follow what is found in the Holy Bible.

2^nd we ONLY learn from a study by what effort we put into that study.

The verses we are going to study tonight:

Mark 9:30-31; Numbers 3:7; Deuteronomy 18:18; Isaiah 9:6; Genesis 12 :1-3,7; Hebrews 2:14-18; Romans 8:31; Philippians 4:13; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7; Ephesians 6:10-12.

So, let’s begin …

As I was studying, preparing this paper, I discovered a question that was proposed by an individual online … allow me to share it with you.

‘Why did Jesus speak of His death to the disciples if they didn’t understand it until after He was crucified?’

Mark 9

vs30 ‘…And from there they went out and began to go through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know about it…’

vs31 ‘…For He was teaching His disciples and telling them, The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed, He will rise three days later…’

vs32 ‘…But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask Him…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

The answer given online was that Jesus was speaking to His disciples, telling them prophesy of what was about to happen.

I, have personal feelings about this subject … I hope this will not turn some away from this study, but I must admit, common sense tells me the Israelites, from way back in the times of Moses, had a difficult time reading and gathering information or hearing what was being written down in the Old Testament.

I think a lot of their difficulty was the fact that they believed, as many do today, in changing the Word to fit around their own lives, rather than changing their lives to fit around the Word that God was telling them.

I’d begin, when the Israelite first hears of the coming of Jesus to save them.

Numbers 3:7 ‘…He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted…’ KJV (King James Version)

Numbers, the 4^th book of Moses.

Deuteronomy 18:18 ‘…I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him…’ KJV (King James Version)

This was known by every Israelite. They knew the message and they verbally passed the word down to their young.

Deuteronomy, the 5^th book written by Moses and passed down to his people.

Isaiah 9:6 ‘…For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace…’ KJV (King James Version)

Isaiah is said to have been written down between 740 to 700 BCE.

Of course, the Hebrew Bible of the Old Testament, was for many years, orated verbally to those in their household or tribe.

Some scholars believe the 1^st 5 books of the Pentateuch were written during the time of Moses, around the 13^th or the 15^th century BCE, while others argue that they were written much later, during the Babylonian exile in the 6th century BCE, or even as late as the 4th century BCE

The oldest surviving Hebrew Bible fragments are the Dead Sea Scrolls which date around 250 BCE.

The Old Testament has prophesied in many different places of the coming of Jesus.

As I was searching through the internet writing this study, I came across a site from James Madison University, actually having the 613 Jewish commandments (mitzvot in Hebrew), extracted from the Old Testament. Not only are the 613 commandments written out, the corresponding book and chapter from the Old Testament is given for each command.

The Jew living in the times of Jesus, followed what the Pharisees taught them. They lived obeying 613 rules that man had determined most important in their lives.

Maybe this is just one example of how I cannot believe that men would follow another human being when it was God that originally gave the 10 Commandments to Moses, for him to pass on to the Israelite people.

The Israelites chose to listen to what another man told them to believe instead of listening and following the message that God had already told them how to live.

God chose Abram because he believed what God was telling him.

Genesis 12

vs1 ‘…Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee…’

vs2 ‘…And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing…’

vs3 ‘…And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed…’ KJV (King James Version)

And Abram believed God.

vs7 ‘…And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him…’ KJV (King James Version)

Abram believed God.

What could have happened between Abram, his belief in God and the Israelites at the foot of the mountain with their leader, Moses?

What could have happened between us, mankind today in the 21^st century, with the Bible sitting right there next to us on a table, in a chair, on a bookstand, in a holder at church on Sunday morning, in the back window of our vehicles so others can see we have a Bible; what has happened that won’t allow us to open the covers and read what the Bible has written on the pages?

Why are so many afraid to read the Words of God?

Are our lives so messed up, that we have ALL just given up?

The main reason for any one of these questions has been known since Adam and Eve, way back in the garden. The reason so many have failed is because of the lying mouth of Satan.

But what is so unbelievable is that people today in the 21^st century, are too afraid to open the covers and examine the Word. Most of them are clueless that Satan has already been defeated. The Bible tells us he has been defeated since the cross but so many today are allowing him the strength to keep us away from attaining what Jesus has done and given to us.

Hebrew 2

vs14 ‘…So, those people who become God’s children are human. They have human bodies. Because of that, Jesus himself became human like us. In that way, when he died he was able to destroy the Devil. It is the Devil who has power over death…’

vs15 ‘…Before, we were like slaves all our lives because we were afraid of death. But now, Jesus’ death makes us free…’

vs16 ‘…It is clear that Jesus did not come to help the angels. He came to help people who are from Abraham’s family…’

vs17 ‘…Because of that, it was necessary for Jesus to become completely like us, his brothers and sisters. He had to become God’s servant on our behalf, like God’s most important priest. In that way, he could serve God well and be kind to us. He died as a sacrifice so that God could forgive us for our sins…’

vs18 ‘…While Jesus lived on earth, the Devil tried to make him do wrong things. This caused Jesus to have much pain and trouble. But because of that, he can now help us not to do wrong things…’ EASY (Easy English Bible)

Satan, the devil has been against us from our very beginning. In the devil’s mind, he needs us so that he can defeat God.

Romans 8:31 ‘…What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us…’ KJV (King James Version)

Our major problem is that we keep getting these messages whispered into our ears trying to let us know we have been defeated.

Philippians 4:13 ‘…I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me…’ KJV (King James Version)

Satan is not going to give up, he thinks he has won. He thinks he has defeated us.

1 Timothy 6:12 ‘…Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses…’ KJV (King James Version)

The time is coming when there will be no more time left for us to count on. When God determines that it is finished, IT WILL BE FINISHED.

2 Timothy 4:7 ‘…I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith…’ KJV (King James Version)

God knows Satan is going to tempt us throughout our everyday lives. He knows that we are going to need His help to assist us in defeating the enemy, the devil. This is the number one reason God gave us the protection of His armor.

Ephesians 6

vs10 ‘…Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might…’

vs11 ‘…Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil…’ KJV (King James Version)

We need to realize it’s not just another human being we’re trying to beat up.

It’s not another country we’re going to do battle with.

God has warned us and foretold who our enemy is. If we choose not to take His advice to protect ourselves, who are we going to be able to blame?

Ephesians 6:12 ‘…For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places…’ KJV (King James Version)

There is going to come a day when it is going to be too late for us to either defend ourselves or for us to prepare for what our future has planned for us.

God has already forewarned us. It is our responsibility to listen and protect ourselves from the evil that is present around us.

I love every one of you. God loves ALL of us, even more than we could ever imagine possible. Take the time to allow Him to come into your life and fulfill what He has given to you.

Open His Word every day of your lives and read of His Majesty.

Jesus, I pray that those ears and eyes, either listening or seeing this message today would be opened to the very fullest and allow Your love to come inside their lives and comfort them. Teach us Jesus. Protect us. We love You. Amen.

InHIM. ><)))o>

November 25, 2024

MYSTERY – 3

Monday 112524

So, our study consists of two ground rules:

1^st we ONLY read and follow what is found in the Holy Bible.

2^nd we ONLY learn from a study by what effort we put into that study.

The verses we are going to study tonight:

Colossians 1:26, :27, 2:2, 4:3; 2 Thessalonians 2:7; 1 Timothy 3:9, :16.

In my attempt to spread the Word, to the people in the 21^st century, I am posting a new lesson every morning.

I am posting my lessons on eleven (11) different sites.

On Facebook, I am:

Whosoever Inhim

Whosoever inhim Bible Study

Or, in a search engine, simply type:

lrabbe.wordpress.com

whosoeverinhim.weebly.com

lrabbe2024.wixsite.com/my-site-2

lrabbe2024.wixsite.com/whosoeverinhim

whosoeverinhim.blogspot.com

www.tumblr.com/whosoeversblog

whosoeverinhim.cw.center

inhim.webador.com

free-4140862.webador.com

So, tonight I think we will finish the last verses by the apostle Paul, using the word ‘MYSTERY.’

Colossians 1:26 ‘…Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints…’ KJV (King James Version)

In vs26, the Apostle Paul introduces a mystery that involves the full citizenship of Gentiles alongside Israelites in the kingdom of God. The mystery is that Christ should grant Gentiles equal privileges under the Gospel as Jews, including dwelling in them to ensure their glory. Paul calls the word of God or the gospel a ‘mystery’ that has been revealed to God’s people after being kept secret for centuries. The mystery is that all people, regardless of whether they are Jew or Gentile, can be saved by accepting the salvation that Christ achieved on the cross.

Colossians 1:27 ‘…To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory…’ KJV (King James Version)

Vs27 says, ‘To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.’ The mystery in this verse is that Christ is in people, and because of this, they can look forward to sharing in God’s glory. This verse also describes Jesus as the image of God, the creator, the head of the church, and the savior of the world.

Colossians 2:2 ‘…That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ…’ KJV (King James Version)

In the Bible, vs2 states, ‘My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ.’

Colossians 4:3 ‘…Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds…’ KJV (King James Version)

In vs3, Paul asks God to open a door so he can declare the ‘mystery of Christ.’ The term ‘mystery’ (musterion) in the Bible usually refers to something that was previously hidden but has now been revealed. In this case, the mystery of Christ is the relationship between Christ and believers that has been revealed in a way that was not previously known. Paul identifies the mystery of Christ as:

Christ in you: The hope of glory

Christ Himself: God’s mystery

Christ’s relationship to believers: Revealed in a way that was not previously communicated.

2 Thessalonians 2:7 ‘…For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way…’ KJV (King James Version)

The King James Version translates the word as ‘iniquity,’ but the literal meaning of this word is lawlessness.

Here, in vs7, Paul describes lawlessness as a ‘mystery’ that is already at work. Lawlessness is present now, but it will culminate in the deeds of the man of lawlessness. This truth was hidden until God revealed it through Paul

1 Timothy 3:9 ‘…Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience…’ KJV (King James Version)

The ‘mystery of the faith’ includes things such as final atonement through Jesus’ death and resurrection (a truth not wholly unknown under the old covenant but dimly revealed in the shadows and types of the Mosaic law.

1 Timothy 3:16 ‘…And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory…’ KJV (King James Version)

Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith: Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory.

One word and it took three papers to complete a lesson.

Instead of us being in a rush to get the Bible read, I think it is important for us to study every word and to take our time so we will be able to hear what God wants us to hear.

There is no time limit other than we BELIEVE before time runs out. There is no one alive today that knows when the end will come upon us.’

Jesus taught us that we needed to be ready for when that day comes.

When I was a boy growing up, I was a cub scout. Our number ONE rule was that we were always prepared. This is the same lesson that we must learn from what the Bible tells us. If we fall asleep and we’re not ready, our future does not have a great promise.

I love every one of y’all. Jesus, He loves each one of us even more than I could ever think possible.

Continue in His Word and return your questions back to Him and allow Him to teach you in the way He wants you to know.

We are running a little short tonight which I guess makes up for those nights we’ve run long.

InHIM. ><)))o>

November 24, 2024

MYSTERY – 2

Sunday 112424

So, our study consists of two ground rules:

1^st we ONLY read and follow what is found in the Holy Bible.

2^nd we ONLY learn from a study by what effort we put into that study.

The verses we are going to study tonight:

1 Corinthians 2:1-16; Romans 11:25, 16:25; 1 Corinthians 2:7, 15:51, 15:44; Ephesians 1:9, 3:3, 4, 9, 5:32, 6:19.

So, let’s continue this study on the word Mystery.

In our lesson yesterday, we visited the five verses where the word ‘MYSTERY’ was used, but it was used by someone other than, the apostle Paul.

In this lesson, we will focus on those verses written by Paul using the word ‘MYSTERY.’

So, before we begin, let’s try and define what God is telling us through this word ‘MYSTERY.’

Here is the apostle Paul trying to define what we are being told:

1 Corinthians 2

vs1 ‘…Christian friends, I came to tell you God’s true message. I did not use clever words when I spoke to you. I did not try to make you think that I was very wise…’

vs2 ‘…While I was with you, I decided to teach you only about Jesus Christ. I taught you about his death on a cross. I wanted to forget everything else…’

vs3 ‘…I lived among you as someone who felt weak. I was very afraid…’

vs4 ‘…When I spoke to you and when I taught you God’s message, I did not use clever words. I did not want you to believe me because you thought I was wise. Instead, it was the power of God’s Holy Spirit that showed you that my message was true…’

vs5 ‘…As a result, you now believe because of God’s power. You do not believe because of human ideas…’

vs6 ‘…But we do speak about wise thoughts to those of you who know Christ very well. But those wise thoughts do not belong to this world. They are not the ideas that the rulers of this world think are important. Those rulers will not be powerful for long…’

vs7 ‘…No, the wise thoughts that we speak about belong to God. He has hidden them from people until now. But before God made the world, he decided to let us know these secrets. He wanted us to enjoy his glory…’

vs8 ‘…None of the rulers of this world understood God’s wise plan. If they had understood, they would not have killed Jesus on a cross. He is the Lord who rules heaven and earth…’

vs9 ‘…This is written in the Bible: Nobody ever saw or heard anything about this. Nobody ever thought that it could happen. But these are the things that God has prepared for his people who love him…’

vs10 ‘…But God has sent his Spirit to show these secrets to us. God’s Spirit looks carefully into everything. He even knows God’s secret thoughts…’

vs11 ‘…Only a person’s own spirit can know everything that is in his thoughts. And it is the same with God. Only God’s Spirit knows everything that is in God’s thoughts…’

vs12 ‘…We have received God’s own Spirit, not a spirit that belongs to this world. As a result, we can understand all the good things that God has given to us…’

vs13 ‘…Those are the things that we speak about. We do not use clever words to speak about human ideas. Instead, we speak the message that God’s Spirit has taught us. In that way, we explain a spiritual message to people who have God’s Spirit…’

vs14 ‘…If someone does not believe in God, they cannot accept the message that comes from God’s Spirit. They think that God’s message is silly. They cannot even understand those things. Only God’s Spirit can explain them to people…’

vs15 ‘…But we have God’s Spirit with us. So we can understand the true value of all things. But other people cannot truly understand us, who belong to God…’

vs16 ‘…As it says in the Bible: Nobody can know what the Lord God is thinking. Nobody can tell him what he should do. But we think about these things in the same way that Christ thinks.…’ EASY (Easy English Version)

This chapter is one of the better chapters I’ve read in the Bible, where God is trying to explain to each one of us, through the apostle Paul, what He has planned for us.

Once again, ALL it takes is for us to believe and have FAITH in Him and we will be able to understand His every word.

Beginning in Romans, it is explained how our eyes are being opened so we can begin to realize this mystery that has been kept quiet until now, which is being revealed to His church.

Romans 11:25 ‘…For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in…’ KJV (King James Version)

Vs25 discusses the mystery of Israel’s future and God’s plan for the Church. The verse states, ‘A partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.’ This verse is part of Paul’s discussion of God’s plan to restore and redeem Israel, which began in Romans 9 and 10. Paul explains that God has hardened some of the Israelites in their unbelief until enough Gentiles have come to Christ. However, this hardening is not permanent, and one day the fullness of the Gentiles will be complete, and God will deliver Israel.

Romans 16:25 ‘…Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began…’ KJV (King James Version)

In vs25, the ‘revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages’ refers to the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone, including the Gentiles. Paul describes this great truth as a mystery that was revealed by God when the time was right, and not something he or anyone else discovered

1 Corinthians 2:7 ‘…But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory…’ KJV (King James Version)

The wisdom of God in a mystery – the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which had been hidden from the foundation of the world, (the settling of the Jewish economy, as this phrase often means,) though appointed from the beginning to be revealed in the fulness of time

1 Corinthians 15:51 ‘…Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed…’ KJV (King James Version)

Vs51 talks about the mystery he has been revealing throughout chapter 15. In a word, this is ‘transformation.’ God will, in fact, transform the ‘natural’ bodies of the Christians into glorified, or ‘spiritual’ bodies (1 Corinthians 15:44) that will inherit God’s kingdom, after all.

1 Corinthians 15:44 ‘…What we bury in the ground is a human body. But the body that God raises up is a spiritual body. There is a human body that belongs to this earth. So there also has to be a spiritual body that belongs to heaven…’ EASY (Easy English Body)

Ephesians 1:9 ‘…Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself…’ KJV (King James Version)

In vs9, Paul says that the mystery of the administration of the fullness of times was revealed to him. Some say that this mystery is God’s will, which is the uniting of all things in heaven and earth under Christ. Others say that the mystery is Christ in you, and that the essence of the mystery is Jesus himself and his redemptive work on the cross.

Ephesians 3:3 ‘…How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; as I wrote afore in few words…’ KJV (King James Version)

Ephesians 3:4 ‘…Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ…’ KJV (King James Version)

In vss3–6, Paul reveals a mystery to the Ephesians that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs with the Jews in Christ through the Gospel. This is called a mystery because it was not known to humans in previous generations but was kept secret by God for a long time and is now being revealed. Paul’s message is framed in the context of addressing Judaizers who had been a problem for his ministry. He clarifies that Gentiles should be fellow heirs through the Gospel, or in Christ, not through circumcision or the Mosaic Law

Ephesians 3:9 ‘…And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ…’ KJV (King James Version)

In vs9, Paul writes of the ‘plan of the mystery hidden for ages.’ This mystery is the idea that Jews and Gentiles can both receive salvation through Jesus Christ. Paul calls this a mystery because it was revealed from God and was not known to others, including the men who wrote the Old Testament

Ephesians 5:32 ‘…This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church…’ KJV (King James Version)

In vs32, the term ‘mystery’ refers to the relationship between Christ and the church. Paul uses the word ‘mystery’ frequently in his letter to the Christians at Ephesus, and in this passage, he explains that the deepest meaning of marriage had been partially hidden until this point. Paul says that marriage is a metaphor or picture that stands for something more than a man and a woman becoming one flesh. It is meant to be a portrait of Christ’s covenant with his people, his commitment to the church.

Ephesians 6:19 ‘…And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel…’ KJV (King James Version)

In vs19, the apostle Paul asks the Ephesians church to pray for him to have the words to proclaim the Gospel, which he calls the ‘Mystery of the Gospel.’ The Greek word for ‘mystery’ in this verse is moos-TAY-ree-on, which means ‘something hidden, secret, unknown, or not obvious.’ Paul believed that the gospel was once hidden but has now been revealed by God, and that it is up to people to bring the message to others. Paul believed that through prayer, the Holy Spirit can give people the words to explain the Gospel.

Next lesson hopefully, we will finish this study on the word ‘MYSTERY.’

Continue reading the Word. The more we read His Words, the more we will be able know what is expected from us and what awaits us.

InHIM. ><)))o>

November 23, 2024

MYSTERY – 1

Saturday 112324

(I post this morning’s lesson in the hope that someone would read what I have written and that they would think for just a moment, what is it that they actually believe in. Remember, we MUST believe in Jesus Christ and that He died for our sins and that He was Resurrected from the tomb. InHIM)

So, our study consists of two ground rules:

1^st we ONLY read and follow what is found in the Holy Bible.

2^nd we ONLY learn from a study by what effort we put into that study.

The verses we are going to study tonight:

Matthew 7:13-14; Mark 4:11, 4:1, 9; Revelation 1:19 and 20, 10:7, 17:5; 2 Thessalonians 2:7; Revelation 17:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:17c.

This morning (some time ago), I posted an article on Facebook.

The most common sin committed against God has been mankind’s UNBELIEF in Him. Throughout history, ALL of history, from the Garden all the way through the 21st century, man has turned our backs on God, and we’ve determined that we were going to serve the god that we wanted to follow rather than the God we find inside the Bible. I invite you to a study where we are ONLY going to use what the Holy Bible tells us. The Word doesn’t give us an exact date as to when this world will end … I pray and hope that you are inspired enough to SEEK Him before that day, when it is finished. (07/12/2024)

Over the past few months, I am unsure how many different lessons I have spoken on UNBELIEF that can be seen throughout the span of time. It would be easier for us to name those individuals that have believed and followed the words God has spoken to us.

This is the reason the path is so narrow that Jesus speaks about in the Bible.

Matthew 7

vs13 ‘…Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat…’

vs14 ‘…Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it…’ KJV (King James Version)

Found in a newer version:

vs13 ‘…Go in through the narrow gate to get true life with God. There is a wide gate that is easy to go through. The wide path is easy to travel on. Many people find that wide gate, but it is the way to hell…’

vs14 ‘…It is difficult to go through the small gate. And it is difficult to walk on the narrow road. But when you do go that way, you will get true life. Not many people find that narrow gate…’ EASY (Easy English Bible)

We will find that narrow gate when we BELIEVE. When we believe in the God found in the Bible not the god, we choose to believe in. When we study His Word and we read and follow it to the letter, it will be on that day when we will find the narrow gate.

There are a few words used in the Bible that we should focus on before we make any decision how we are going to follow His teachings.

The first word we are going to focus on is the word: ‘MYSTERY.’

In the Strong’s Concordance, the word mystery is in twenty-two different verses so we will look at these verses.

Of the twenty-two times we find the word used, the apostle Paul uses the word all but five times. Mark uses it once and John four times, in the book of Revelation.

Mark 4:11 ‘…And He was saying to them, To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but to those who are outside, everything is done in parables…’ BLB (Berean Literal Bible)

John Mark wrote the Gospel of Mark. The son of Elijah and Mary Mark, John Mark became a follower of Jesus after witnessing the disciples’ teachings with John the Baptist. He served as a helper to the apostles and is portrayed as a young lad during Jesus’ life. The apostle Simon Peter influenced the gospel of Mark, at whose urging Mark decided to write it soon after Peter’s death in 67 CE.

In this verse from Mark, Jesus is teaching a crowd of people near the edge of Lake Galilee.

vs1 ‘…Again, Jesus began to teach people near the edge of Lake Galilee. A large crowd came together to listen to him. So he went and sat in a boat that was on the water. The crowd of people stayed on the shore…’ EASY (Easy English Bible)

Jesus began teaching the parable about the Sower.

vs9 ‘…And Jesus concluded, Listen, then, if you have ears…’ GNT (Good News Translation)

Jesus taught of God’s Kingdom or taken from the BLB (Berean Literal Bible), the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God, in Christianity is the spiritual realm over which God reigns as king, or the fulfillment on Earth of God’s will. The phrase occurs frequently in the New Testament, primarily used by Jesus Christ in the first three gospels. Jesus was teaching the Jews of the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophesies or promises. The teachings of Jesus, before He was crucified, buried, and rose again from the dead, were teachings different than GRACE. Grace was not known about until that day when Jesus confronts Saul on his way to Damascus.

What we read from the Bible can be defined as a mystery since the only one that knows for sure what is being taught is God Himself. If it were simple and clear, the word mystery would never have been used.

The word mystery is used four times by John in the book of Revelation.

Revelation 1:20, 10:7, 17:5 and :7.

The Book of Revelation communicates the future of the world. The author believes the followers of Christ will be rewarded with paradise, while the evil people of the world will be punished by a series of great disasters and destruction. Good will ultimately triumph and create a paradise for the followers of Christ.

Revelation, however, is split into three parts:

These different parts are split into groups of words, that show PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE tenses in the verse. A ‘tense’ is the verb that describes the action in a sentence. It also tells us when the action happens.

Revelation 1:19 ‘…Therefore write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

John was told to write the things he had seen, the things that are, and the things after these things.

The very next verse, Revelation 1:20 is the first verse John uses the word ‘mystery.’

Revelation 1:20 ‘…The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches…’ KJV (King James Version)

The mystery from Revelation 1 is the revealing of the church in the New Testament.

This church in the New Testament is you and me.

It is a forewarning or prophesy of God’s plans for the believers in Jesus Christ. God put on hold the ministry through the nation of Israel until the Tribulation and the 2^nd Coming of Jesus.

I hope I have shown clearly in past studies, but the Tribulation will not begin until after the church has been removed from this earth; this will be the RAPTURE of the church.

I truly believe the church, you and I, and ALL the BELIEVERS of the Word, will be removed before the next three uses of the word ‘mystery’ are used.

I have tried my best to define the last three verses where John uses the word ‘mystery.’

Revelation 10:7 ‘…But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets…’ KJV (King James Version)

A ‘mystery’ in the Biblical sense, is something that was not previously known, but is later revealed. A secret is never disclosed. When the angel declares that the ‘mystery of God should be finished,’ it means that the full disclosure of God has been finished, another words, ALL is complete … the end is here upon us.

Revelation 17:5 ‘…And upon her forehead was a name written, Mystery, Babylon The Great, The Mother Of Harlots And Abominations Of The Earth…’ KJV (King James Version)

In the Book of Revelation, the ‘Mother Of Harlots’ is a symbolic female figure called ‘Mystery, Babylon The Great.’ Her name is ‘MYSTERY.’ Not the mystery of godliness, that she dislikes and opposes, but rather the mystery of iniquity, which is the name the antichrist went by in the Apostle Paul’s time, when he was but in embryo.

2 Thessalonians 2:7 ‘…For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way…’ KJV (King James Version)

She’s described as being drunk on the blood of martyrs and saints, and is adorned with gold, precious stones, and pearls (Rev 17:6).

Revelation 17:7 ‘…And the angel said unto me, wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns…’ KJV (King James Version)

The angel is the same one who showed John a vision of a “great prostitute” in Revelation 17:1–6. This symbolic woman represents the religious aspect of Babylon, which is a metaphor for evil and the opposition to God’s rule by world powers. The beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries the woman is subordinate to her, unlike the Sea Beast, which is another beast with seven heads and ten horns.

Revelation is a difficult book to teach as well as to read and comprehend, but with that being said, we, ‘the church,’ you and I and ALL the believers found in this world, we will ALL be raptured to remain with Jesus ALWAYS.

1 Thessalonians 4:17c ‘…And thus we shall always be with the Lord…’ NKJV (New King James Version)

InHIM. ><)))o>

November 22, 2024

HOLD ON

Friday 112224

Ephesians 2:8-9 ‘…For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s GIFT, so that no one can boast about it…’ GNT (Good News Translation)

If we hear a message and we cannot find it in the Bible, we should not try and fit that message into our lifestyle since it is not God’s Message that we’re hearing. It’s probably nothing more than a man-made message that is trying to sound good and catch us off guard.

God’s Message will one day save us, but a man-made message has only a value to that person repeating it. That message will never be able to do anything for me, or for you.

The verses we are going to study tonight:

Romans 1:18-32; Leviticus 18:1-30; Ephesians 2:8.

In my attempt to spread the Word, to the people in the 21^st century, I am posting a new lesson every morning.

I am posting my lessons on eleven (11) different sites.

On Facebook, I am:

Whosoever Inhim

Whosoever inhim Bible Study

Or, in a search engine, simply type:

lrabbe.wordpress.com

whosoeverinhim.weebly.com

lrabbe2024.wixsite.com/my-site-2

lrabbe2024.wixsite.com/whosoeverinhim

whosoeverinhim.blogspot.com

www.tumblr.com/whosoeversblog

whosoeverinhim.cw.center

inhim.webador.com

free-4140862.webador.com

In this morning’s lesson, don’t allow yourself to be held down by what mankind considers godly, but rather just listen and read what God, in the past, considered very GODLY.

Don’t let what we face in this lifestyle, what we live in today in the 21^st century, go back with me and check out the honesty how God addressed the matter to those that believed His every word.

Today, we can hear memories, memories that are told by people of stories told to them by their parents and their grandparents. And others will repeat messages of what was said at church, or they’ll repeat what their pastor said.

Why is it that no one says what the Bible says? Why does no one tell us what the Word says?

Since I began this study, several years ago now, that has been my point, why does no one repeat what is in the Word?

I for years, have been saying how important it is for this world to begin reading their Bibles, but it seems as if it has been falling on deaf ears.

It is from inside the Word where we will find what church we should be visiting. It’s from inside the Word that we can fulfill our expectations that we take from this world that we live in.

Everything that is going on today is found inside the Word, everything.

Homosexuals, lesbians and aids; it’s all in there.

Romans 1

vs18 ‘…For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness…’

vs19 ‘…because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them…’

vs20 ‘…For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse…’

vs21 ‘…For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened…’

vs22 ‘…Claiming to be wise, they became fools…’

vs23 ‘…and they exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible mankind, of birds, four-footed animals, and crawling creatures…’

vs24 ‘…Therefore God gave them up to vile impurity in the lusts of their hearts, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them…’

vs25 ‘…For they exchanged the truth of God for falsehood and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen…’

vs26 ‘…For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged natural relations for that which is contrary to nature…’

vs27 ‘…and likewise the men, too, abandoned natural relations with women and burned in their desire toward one another, males with males committing shameful acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error…’

vs28 ‘…And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a depraved mind, to do those things that are not proper…’

vs29 ‘…people having been filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, and evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice; they are gossips…’

vs30 ‘…slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents…’

vs31 ‘…without understanding, untrustworthy, unfeeling, and unmerciful…’

vs32 ‘…and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

The Word says God knew what y’all were doing, but you didn’t praise and worship Him and He didn’t feel the need for you to be saved from your evil desires. You didn’t believe in Him, why should He save you?

This world is full of so much evil today in the 21^st century, we have filled it full of all our disgust and vile waste, it is a wonder we even have a God that keeps an eye out for us.

Families today are not families. Mom’s and dad’s leave their homes so they can make a living so they can live a life and most times that life is so far away from the presence of God. It’s not a ‘life,’ it’s nothing more than an existence.

Our families today have all become individuals. We’re no longer ONE unit inside a building, we’re four, five or more individuals inside a space.

Our lives today have become so complex. We’re told back in Leviticus (the ‘Law), how when we had sex with our spouse, there were things that could be done, and there were other things, that couldn’t be done. It was so spelled out for them.

Leviticus 18

vs1 ‘…The Lord told Moses…’

vs2 ‘…to say to the people of Israel, I am the Lord your God…’

vs3 ‘…Do not follow the practices of the people of Egypt, where you once lived, or of the people in the land of Canaan, where I am now taking you…’

vs4 ‘…Obey my laws and do what I command. I am the Lord your God…’

vs5 ‘…Follow the practices and the laws that I give you; you will save your life by doing so. I am the Lord…’

vs6 ‘…The Lord gave the following regulations. Do not have sexual intercourse with any of your relatives…’

vs7 ‘…Do not disgrace your father by having intercourse with your mother. You must not disgrace your own mother…’

vs8 ‘…Do not disgrace your father by having intercourse with any of his other wives…’

vs9 ‘…Do not have intercourse with your sister or your stepsister, whether or not she was brought up in the same house with you…’

vs10 ‘…Do not have intercourse with your granddaughter; that would be a disgrace to you…’

vs11 ‘…Do not have intercourse with a half-sister; she, too, is your sister…’

vs12-13 ‘…Do not have intercourse with an aunt, whether she is your father’s sister or your mother’s sister…’

vs14 ‘…Do not have intercourse with your uncle’s wife; she, too, is your aunt…’

vs15 ‘…Do not have intercourse with your daughter-in-law…’

vs16 ‘…or with your brother’s wife…’

vs17 ‘…Do not have intercourse with the daughter or granddaughter of a woman with whom you have had intercourse; they may be related to you, and that would be incest…’

vs18 ‘…Do not take your wife’s sister as one of your wives, as long as your wife is living…’

vs19 ‘…Do not have intercourse with a woman during her monthly period, because she is ritually unclean…’

vs20 ‘…Do not have intercourse with another man’s wife; that would make you ritually unclean…’

vs21 ‘…Do not hand over any of your children to be used in the worship of the god Molech, because that would bring disgrace on the name of God, the Lord…’

vs22 ‘…No man is to have sexual relations with another man; God hates that…’

vs23 ‘…No man or woman is to have sexual relations with an animal; that perversion makes you ritually unclean…’

vs24 ‘…Do not make yourselves unclean by any of these acts, for that is how the pagans made themselves unclean, those pagans who lived in the land before you and whom the Lord is driving out so that you can go in…’

vs25 ‘…Their actions made the land unclean, and so the Lord is punishing the land and making it reject the people who lived there…’

vs26-27 ‘…They did all these disgusting things and made the land unclean, but you must not do them. All of you, whether Israelites or foreigners living with you, must keep the Lord’s laws and commands…’

vs28 ‘…and then the land will not reject you, as it rejected the pagans who lived there before you…’

vs29 ‘…You know that whoever does any of these disgusting things will no longer be considered one of God’s people…’

vs30 ‘…And the Lord said, Obey the commands I give and do not follow the practices of the people who lived in the land before you, and do not make yourselves unclean by doing any of these things. I am the Lord your God…’ GNT (Good News Translation)

We cannot go to a beach today without seeing how much tinier the bathing suits have gotten in just ‘ONE’ year.

We cannot watch television or go to a movie today, without blatant nudity portrayed everywhere on the screen.

Language today, filthy outright obscenities. There are some shows today where it seems actors and actresses swear, just to swear and use disgusting words, WHY?

It is as if the respect that was once shown to God, has turned into what today considers the norm; ‘how much disrespect can we show God today.’

This world is quickly coming to an end. God’s ‘church age’ is quickly crumbling before our very own eyes. Don’t allow yourself to be caught up in the destruction that is occurring ALL around us.

Stand FIRM. Arm yourself with the layers of Armor that God has given us that will prevent the evil to get inside our minds and into our lives.

The most defensive and the ONLY offensive piece of Armor that God has given us is His Word, our Holy Bibles.

Keep them open ALL day and continuously study what we have been told is going to happen and prepare yourself for the future in front of us.

Keep your eyes always looking at the promise that God has given us.

My favorite verse in the Bible:

Ephesians 2:8 ‘…For by GRACE are ye saved through FAITH; and that not of yourselves: it is the GIFT of God…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

God loves us and He has already promised us more than what we truly deserve. Hold on a little while longer.

I love all of y’all.

InHIM. ><)))o>

November 21, 2024

the Godhead – Father, Son and Holy Spirit

Thursday 112124

It is because of the Word that we BELIEVE that God, really loves us. As we study this Word that God has given us, if we hear a message and that message can’t be backed up by Scripture found in the Bible, we are going to leave that message alone and not go back to it again.

Our focus is going to be centered on Scripture, the Word that God has given us to follow and to learn from. It has to be understood that the only way we are truly going to learn from this Word and put it into our lives, is individually, each one of us MUST accept and apply what we read and hear into action through and around us.

The verses we’re going to use tonight, is:

2 Timothy 4:3; Genesis 1:1, 2:4; Exodus 3:14; John 8:58; Colossians 2:8-9, 1:13-17; John 14:16-17; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 John 4:1, 4:11; John 3:16; 1 John 4:12.

I used to go to church every Sunday. I couldn’t wait to get inside the doors of that building. With handshakes, hugs and prayers before we even began our service, God was emanating in our presence.

But there came the day when Satan got his foot inside that door. His evilness was hunting down souls that would allow his way in and confuse the Words that were given to us.

I left that church because of a false teaching that was spreading rampant through the seats stating that ‘Jesus was not God.’

I planned, wrote and read sermons that I had prepared from Scripture, trying to show how the Word stated the case, but it was like talking to the floor.

The day came when I could no longer put up with the false teachings that were going on inside the walls of that building.

The senior pastor from that church, unbelievably sat in the back listening to the controversy that was happening inside the building, until that moment finally climaxed when I could no longer remain any longer.

I left and to this day, have never returned. It was on that day when I realized the evil that has occurred in ‘man’s churches’ throughout this land that we live in.

Since that day, I have not attended a Sunday service, anywhere. I have a Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday service every day from around 7:00-7:30 am to 11:00-12:00 noon. Everyday. Sometimes longer and somedays a little shorter.

I write lessons taken from the Bible of what ‘GOD’ has told us that He wants for us to and NOT to do.

Just because you heard something Sunday morning at a church you visited, if that message cannot be found in the Word, or backed up by what is written in the Word, it is simply ‘mankind’s message’ to God’s people.

It is nothing more than the ‘tickling of ears’ or ‘itching ears’ spoken about in 2 Timothy.

2 Timothy 4:3 ‘…For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

Tonight’s lesson, we’re going to thumb through the Bible and make a mental note of ALL the times the Godhead (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) are mentioned inside Scripture. I want to focus on all of the different ‘names’ used to identify God.

Put your seatbelts on and let’s begin.

Let’s begin in Genesis 1:1.

‘…In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

‘God’ mentioned in vs1, taken from the original Hebrew Bible is found to be ‘Elohim.’ The plural form of God.

‘…Bereshit bara Elohim et hashamayim ve’et ha’aretz…’ (Hebrew transliteration)

The word elohim or ‘elohiym (ʼĕlôhîym) is a grammatically plural noun for ‘gods’ or ‘deities’ or various other words in Biblical Hebrew.

Just take a look at Genesis 1, all but five (5) of the thirty-one verses, use the word ‘God/Elohim.’ (all but vs. 13, 15, 19, 23 and 30).

In Genesis 2:4, instead of the Bible using the word God/Elohim, now the words ‘LORD God’ = YHWH (Yahweh) = the Jehovah God, is used.

God tells Moses, go to pharaoh and free my enslaved people and Moses replies ‘who am I’ that I should go to Pharoh, and who am I going to say has sent me:

Exodus 3:14 ‘…And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

Instead of the Bible using the word God/Elohim, the words ‘LORD God’ = YHWH (Yahweh) = the Jehovah God now God identifies Himself as = the I AM God.

John 8:58 ‘…Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

Instead of the Bible using the word God/Elohim, the words ‘LORD God’ = YHWH (Yahweh) = the Jehovah God now God identifies Himself as = the I AM God identifies as Jesus Christ = Son of God.

Colossians 2

vs8 ‘…Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ…’

vs9 ‘…For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

the Godhead – Elohim/God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Colossians 1

vs13 ‘…Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son…’

vs14 ‘…In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins…’

vs15 ‘…Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature…’

vs16 ‘…For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him…’

vs17 ‘…And he is before all things, and by him all things consist…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

I am trying to show the many different times, ways and descriptions of God in the Bible.

John 14

vs16 ‘…And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever…’

vs17 ‘…even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

Notice how Jesus tells us the Father is going to give us ‘another Comforter’ and the letter is ‘CAPITALIZED’ another word, the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 3:16 ‘…Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

We are being told about the Holy Spirit.

I began with a plural God called Elohim.

I went to a LORD God identified as the Jehovah God.

He went then to the I AM God and then He went by Jesus, the Son of God.

The Image of the Invisible God.

The reason why ALL things were created and the Creator of ALL things.

We are warned in 1 John 4:1 ‘…Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

We are warned of false teachers. Teachers of their message that they have gone out into this world.

These teachers are so evident today in the 21^st century.

I began this study because of these false teachers that I was confronted with.

Blatant lies that unfortunately too many souls found themselves hung up inside their evil traps.

This is God’s Word that He has given to ALL of us. It’s not meant just for the pastors to read so they can preach their sermons, it’s meant for ALL of us to read and study so we can go to church and know if we’re being lied to.

It’s to strengthen us so that we can know when something isn’t right.

1 John 4:11 ‘…Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

The above verse is very close to the verse that John wrote in his gospel.

John 3:16 ‘…For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

Now Scripture does not contradict itself. When there is a writing and it seems like it is contradicting, we should spend some extra time on that verse since something else is being shown to us besides a simple contradiction.

1John 4:12 ‘…No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

Well obviously, first off, a lot of men have seen ‘God.’

In Genesis 3 when God was looking for Adam and Eve so they could walk in the garden of Eden in the cool of the day.

Adam and Eve must’ve seen God.

In Genesis 18, Abraham killed a fattened calf and ate with the three visitors: God (Jesus) and two angels.

Abraham must’ve seen God.

The entire time Jesus walked this earth, from childhood, through his ministry, the crucifixion and resurrection; people must’ve seen God.

1 John 4:12 must be saying something different than just saying ‘God.’

Again, we know from 1 Colossians, they seen the Son, the image of the invisible God so 1 John 4:12, must be speaking of the other two parts of the Godhead which no one has seen.

vs13 ‘…Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son…’

vs14 ‘…In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins…’

vs15 ‘…Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature…’

I hope I have shown the Godhead, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I hope I have shown what I tried teaching years ago when I stopped going to ‘man’s church.’

Keep your Bibles always open. Keep yourself studying His Word.

I love y’all.

InHIM. ><)))o>

November 20, 2024

the 10 commandments

Wednesday 112024

So, as we work through our study, we MUST remember the two ground rules:

1^st we’re only going to read and follow the words that we can find in the Holy Bible that are meant for us today.

2^nd we’re only going to take away from this study, what we put into it. We need to open our Bible and read it every day. We need to teach ourselves what is the truth and arm ourselves against all the lies that we are confronted with every day.

Here are the verses we will be using in tonight’s study:

Galatians 3:19-29, 5:1, 13-15; John 13:34-35; Ephesians 1:7; John 3:16.

So, let’s begin …

Many today, non-Jewish people (Gentile’s), teach the 10 Commandments to their younger children.

I grew up in a family that believed the 10 commandments were meant for us to obey. The church we attended when I was a child believed in them, and even the school that I attended believed in obeying the 10 commandments.

Later in my life, many of the churches that I’ve attended all believed in the 10 commandments and how we were to obey them.

Courthouses throughout this country, if they haven’t been taken down yet, mostly all have a tablet, made of wood, with the 10 commandments painted on the front of the tablet. During the early years in the new millennium, younger individuals protested that the 10 commandments were forced into their vision. To me, what was so funny was that the 10 commandments were never meant for us to follow.

Once again, man used his own influence and pushed those beliefs onto others around them.

The 10 commandments were given to Moses, to be given to the nation of Israel (Jews), for THEM to obey and follow.

I’m not trying to scare anyone; I’m just reading what the Bible portrays to us. So, as I’m reading this morning, I came across a chapter in the Bible that is titled …

The purpose of God’s Law

Galatians 3

vs19 ‘…So we could ask: Why did God give his Law to his people after his promise to Abraham? He gave his Law to show them which things are wrong. It would have authority until Abraham’s special descendant would come. That was the descendant that God had promised to bless. God used angels to give his Law to his people. It was Moses who received the Law from God, and Moses then took it to God’s people…’

vs20 ‘…But God himself gave his promise to Abraham. It was not necessary to have somebody in between, like Moses…’

vs21 ‘…So should we say that God’s Law works against God’s promises? No, certainly that is not true! It is not possible for the rules of any law to give us life with God. If that could happen, then God would have accepted us as right if we obeyed those rules…’

vs22 ‘…But the Bible says that sin has power over everyone. People can not get free. This means that we can only receive what God has promised when we trust Jesus Christ. God gives his promise to those who believe…’

vs23 ‘…But before God showed us the way of faith, the Law had authority over us. God’s Law kept us safe, until God showed us that we must believe in Christ…’

vs24 ‘…In that way, God’s Law was like our guide. It kept us safe until Christ came. Then God could accept us as right because we trusted Christ…’

vs25 ‘…But now that the way of faith in Christ has come, we do not need God’s Law to keep us safe any longer…’

vs26 ‘…All of you are God’s children because you believe in Christ Jesus…’

vs27 ‘…They baptized you as believers in Christ. That means that you have put on Christ, like someone who puts on new clothes…’

vs28 ‘…It does not matter whether you are a Jew or a Gentile. It does not matter whether you are a slave or a free person. It does not matter whether you are a man or a woman. You all belong together because you all belong to Christ Jesus…’

vs29 ‘…And if you belong to Christ, then you are descendants of Abraham. Because of that, you will receive all the good things that God promised to Abraham…’ EASY (Easy English Bible)

The Law, the 10 commandments, were never meant for a Gentile to obey. How many churches teach that today in their Sunday service? Probably, I’d guess there’d be none … maybe .01%; if any.

The Law, the 10 commandments, are no longer needed since God gave us the permanent sacrifice of Jesus Christ, His Son.

This next comment goes along with the previous question … How many churches teach that in their Sunday service? Probably, I’d guess, none … maybe .01% if any.

So, let’s begin our walk in this study with the realization that there are subjects that have been taught over the years that never should have left the mouth of the speaker that was orating the falsehoods.

Galatians 5:1 ‘…Christ has made us free so that we can be really free! So be strong and do not turn back. Do not let yourselves become slaves to the Jewish rules again…’ EASY (Easy English Bible)

Can it be any clearer?

Galatians 5

vs13 ‘…My Christian friends, God has chosen you to serve him as free people. But you are still weak and human. So you are not free to do anything that you might want to do. Instead, you must serve one another, because you love each other…’

vs14 ‘…One rule brings together all the rules in God’s Law. That one rule says: Love other people as much as you love yourself…’

vs15 ‘…So you must not live like wild animals. Wild animals fight and they eat each other. If you live like that, be very careful! You may destroy one another completely…’ EASY (Easy English Bible)

Do you remember when Jesus walked this earth, remember the ‘NEW’ commandment that He gave us?

John 13

vs34 ‘…And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another…’

vs35 ‘…If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples…’ GNT (Good News Translation)

The Bible can be a difficult book to read and understand. But if we allow God to speak through the words written in the Bible, He will make His voice known to us. All we have to do is listen to Him speaking and follow His will. He is God. He is the Almighty. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the First and Last.

Our problem, in fact the problem that began with the Israelites and have been passed down from generation, after generation, we, man, we MUST read and listen to the words that we have given.

We need to stop and listen to the words that God has given us. Rather than us voicing how the Word is impossible and a fake, none of that matters.

The only thing that matters, the only thing that REALLY matters for our future, is that God gave us the GIFT of GRACE and it is going to be from this GRACE that we will have the opportunity to live our lives into Eternity.

Here are several different versions, showing the same verse.

Ephesians 1:7 ‘…In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace…’ KJV (King James Version)

Ephesians 1:7 ‘…By whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins, according to his rich grace…’ GNV (1599 Geneva Bible)

Ephesians 1:7 ‘…In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings, according to the riches of His grace…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Ephesians 1:7 ‘…In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace…’ NIV (New International Version)

It is this GRACE, this free simple GIFT given to us by God that is going to allow ALL of us to get Everlasting Life.

The ONLY thing is that we MUST believe.

We must believe what?

Here is the most widely known verse in the Bible; in the same versions as those used earlier; KJV, GNV, NASB and NIV.

John 3:16 ‘…For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life…’ KJV (King James Version)

John 3:16 ‘…For God so loveth the world, that he hath given his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life…’ GNV (1599 Geneva Bible)

John 3:16 ‘…For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

John 3:16 ‘…For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life…’ NIV (New International Version)

This verse was written to the Jews. Can you identify what is missing from this one, very well-known verse?

What is missing is that part of the Gospel that the apostle Paul gave us:

I am paraphrasing here: Jesus Died, was buried and He rose again.

Believe in Jesus Christ. Believe in Him. Believe that Jesus Died for you. Believe that He was buried for you. Believe that God raised Him from the dead for you. BELIEVE. Read the Bible for yourself and learn of the promises He has planned out for you.

I love ALL of you. But, most importantly, God loves ALL of you even more.

InHIM. ><)))o>

November 19, 2024

the Kingdom message – THE GOSPEL

Tuesday 111924

We need to realize that for centuries, the human people have been lied to, there are those that want us to stay away from the true Message that God has given us.

We, as BELIEVERS in Jesus Christ, we have got to have FAITH and believe in what we read from the Scripture that we’ve been given by God.

Today’s churches, I call them ‘man’s church,’ they have only one focus and that is to preach the word that they want you to hear. They don’t want you to look into a Bible and learn what has been written because if they were to teach you the Word, you would be able to see their lies. They instead want to keep you unlearned in what the Word really says.

We, in this Bible study, we are going to do things a little differently. We’re ONLY going to follow what we find that pertains to us, written in the Word. We realize that it’s only from our own effort in studying His Word, that’s going to let us take anything away from this study and use it in our lives with those that we love.

I hope I haven’t lost anyone yet.

The verses we are going to study tonight:

1 John 5:1; Daniel 2:44; 2 Samuel 7:12-13; Daniel 7:13-14; Micah 5:2; Matthew 6:33; Luke 17:20-21; John 18:36; Matthew 19:28, 15:24; Luke 4:16-20; Isaiah 6:1-2a, :2b; Romans 15:8; Galatians 2:9; Romans 2:12-16.

This is the Kingdom message:

1 john 5:1 ‘…Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and everyone that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

All through the OT the Kingdom was preached as prophecy.

Definition of prophecy is a prediction.

So, the entire OT is a prediction of God’s Kingdom.

Daniel 2:44 ‘…And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

2 Samuel 7

vs12 ‘…And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom…’

vs13 ‘…He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom forever…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

Daniel 7

vs13 ‘…I saw in the night visions, and behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him…’

vs14 ‘…And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

Micah 5:2 ‘…But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah,
though thou be little among the thousands of Judah,
yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

Throughout Jesus’ earthly ministry, He made remarks of this coming Kingdom.

Matthew 6:33 (this is Jesus talking) ‘…But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

Luke 17

vs20 (this is Jesus talking) ‘…And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation…’

vs21 ‘…neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you …’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

John 18:36 (this is Jesus talking) ‘…Jesus answered, my kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

The kingdom of God is a major theme in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The word ‘kingdom’ appears 126 times in the gospels.

The apostles, the small epistles of Peter, James, John, Jude and the book of Revelation all teach of this same prophecy, of the Kingdom.

The Kingdom was a promise to the Jewish people of what God was going to give them in their future.

After Jesus was crucified, buried and rose again, the remaining apostles still preached the kingdom because they did not know anything other than the kingdom.

Matthew 19:28 ‘…And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

Jesus knew about the ‘Age of Grace,’ He didn’t teach the apostles because he didn’t come to preach the words of Grace. He came for the Jewish nation; He came for the House of Israel.

Matthew 15:24 ‘…But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

He came because the Jews had been promised the kingdom since the OT, it was prophecy. He did let us know the Kingdom wasn’t going to happen immediately, except He didn’t clearly inform the people back in His day about this important detail.

Luke 4

vs16 ‘…And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day and stood up for to read…’

vs17 ‘…And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written…’

vs18 ‘…The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised…’

vs19 ‘…to preach the acceptable year of the Lord…’

vs20 ‘…And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him …’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

Jesus reads a portion of Isaiah which predicts the arrival of the Messiah: The Promised One. Very deliberately, Jesus recites the predictions about proclaiming good news and liberation.

Isaiah 6

vs1 (Jesus is reading) ‘…The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek;
he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound…’

vs2a ‘…to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

This is what Jesus didn’t read from vs2:

vs2b ‘…and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all that mourn…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

Jesus stopped short of reading about the vengeance found in the Tribulation.

The reason He did this is because Jesus knew about the ‘Age of Grace’ that we are presently living in today in the 21^st century, however, His disciples, His followers and all of those people that day, inside the synagogue, they had no idea that there was a period of ‘GRACE’ that was about to interrupt the timeline.

We read from the writings in Paul:

Romans 15:8 ‘…Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers …’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

The ‘circumcision’ is referring to the Jewish people.

The apostle Paul was selected by Jesus after He had been resurrected, that he would teach the Gentile nation about Himself and Grace.

It wasn’t until the conference in Jerusalem between the apostles and Paul when Paul’s message was verified by the earlier apostles, however, these men had no intention spreading a message they knew nothing about.

Galatians 2:9 ‘…and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

The original remaining apostles decided that they would remain teaching the Jewish people of the gospel of the kingdom, that they knew about because Jesus had taught them during His earthly ministry, and the apostle Paul and Cornelius would go towards the Gentile nation and teach the Gospel of Grace that Jesus gave ONLY to him.

Paul taught the message that Jesus had given him to teach the Gentiles.

Romans 2

vs12 ‘…For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law…’

vs13 ‘…for not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified…’

vs14 ‘…For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves…’

vs15 ‘…which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another…’

vs16 ‘…in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

Keep your Bibles opened and study His Word as much as you can. It is the ONLY thing that we have been shown that will save us.

I love ALL of y’all.

InHIM. ><)))o>

November 18, 2024

good news -vs- the GOSPEL

Monday 111824

A Bible study is just that, a study of what has been written in the Bible. Word preached at church, should be found inside the covers of the Word. If it’s not found inside the Word, there is no value with what is being taught.

It is nothing more than a message from man, a man that is unable to save us from Everlasting Torment and destruction. Let’s only follow what we find written in His Word.

Let’s also realize, it’s only from what we’ve read in the Word and applying that into our lives that will allow us to get anything out of this study.

The verses we are going to study tonight:

Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 14:26-31; 2 Samuel 7:12-17; Matthew 9:35; Mark 1:14; Luke 4:43; John 3:5; Acts 8:12; Luke 18:31-34; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; acts 20:24; Ephesians 2:8; Romans 3:23-24; Titus 21:1-14; Ephesians 1:7; 2 Corinthians 12:9.

A major debate among many, even today in the 21^st century, is the question asking if there is more than ONE gospel found in the Holy Bible, and if there is, how can that be.

The word ‘gospel’ comes from the Greek word euangelion, which means ‘good news.’ In the Old Testament, the word ‘gospel’ was used to announce a good message.

Abraham received a ‘gospel,’ back in the OT about the good news God had promised to the Israelites.

Genesis 12

vs1 ‘…Now the Lord had said unto Abram, get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee…’

vs2 ‘…and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing…’

vs3 ‘…and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

Moses received a ‘gospel,’ back when he was told about the freeing of the Jewish nation through the exodus by God.

Exodus 14

vs26 ‘…And the Lord said unto Moses, stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen…’

vs27 ‘…And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea…’

vs28 ‘…And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them…’

vs29 ‘…But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left…’

vs30 ‘…Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the seashore…’

vs31 ‘…And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses …’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

David received a ‘gospel,’ back in his days when God promised him that one day he would become a king.

2 Samuel 7

vs12 ‘…And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom…’

vs13 ‘…He shall build a house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom forever…’

vs14 ‘…I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men…’

vs15 ‘…but my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee…’

vs16 ‘…And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established forever…’

vs17 ‘…According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

Gospel of the Kingdom

The gospel of the Kingdom is a message about Jesus’ work to save sinners and the beginning of a new creation. The gospel of the kingdom also describes the kingdom of God as a place of peace and righteousness.

Matthew 9:35 ‘…And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

Mark 1:14 ‘…Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

Luke 4:43 ‘…And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

John 3:5 ‘…Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

Acts 8:12 ‘…But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

None of these earlier occurrences of ‘gospels,’ had anything to do with God’s Grace and His forgiveness of their sins. These men from earlier times had no idea of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.

How can I make that statement and be assured that I am not lying? I can make that statement because ‘the Holy Bible’ tells me that.

Luke 18

vs31 ‘…Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished…’

vs32 ‘…For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on…’

vs33 ‘…and they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again…’

vs34 ‘…And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

These men couldn’t speak about the death, burial and resurrection because they didn’t understand what it meant for Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. This world was unknowing about this message until Jesus told the apostle Paul.

Paul was told the message, and it is the ONLY Gospel that will save us today.

Gospel of Grace

1 Corinthians 15

vs1 ‘…Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand…’

vs2 ‘…by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain…’

vs3 ‘…For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures…’

vs4 ‘…and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures …’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

Acts 20:24 ‘…But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the Grace of God…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

My favorite verse in the Bible comes into play as soon as the word ‘GRACE’ is brought up.

Ephesians 2:8 ‘…For by GRACE are ye saved through FAITH; and that not of yourselves: it is the GIFT of God…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

It has been through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, that we have been given the GIFT of Grace by God Himself.

Romans 3

vs23 ‘…for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God…’

vs24 ‘…being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

Titus 2

vs11 ‘…For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men…’

vs12 ‘…teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world…’

vs13 ‘…looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ…’

vs14 ‘…who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

Ephesians 1:7 ‘…in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

2 Corinthians 12:9 ‘…And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

We are saved today because God wanted it that way.

There is nothing extra that we can do that would give us a little bit more ‘pull’ or an advantage.

We are promised ‘LIFE’ because God wants it that way.

Keep your Bibles open and continue in your study of the Word. We will never know too much of what God has promised us.

I love you ALL. Always remember, that Jesus loves ALL of us even that much more.

There will be the day when Jesus will teach us all what the word LOVE, really means.

November 17, 2024

GIFT of GRACE

Sunday 111724

So, as we work through our study, we MUST remember the two ground rules:

1^st we’re only going to read and follow the words that we can find in the Holy Bible that are meant for us today.

Here are the verses we will be using in tonight’s study:

Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:20-21; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Ephesians 4:7; Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Luke 8:16-18; Matthew 25:14-30; Ephesians 6:11-18.

So, let’s begin …

In today’s study, let’s remain in this Gift of Grace that God has given us.

Ephesians 2

vs8 ‘…For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God…’

vs9 ‘…not by works, so that no one can boast…’ NIV (New International Version)

Romans 5

vs20 ‘…God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant…’

vs21 ‘…So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord…’ NLT (New Living Translation)

2 Corinthians 12

vs9 ‘…But he replied, My gift of undeserved grace is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak. So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am…’

vs10 ‘…Yes, I am glad to be weak or insulted or mistreated or to have troubles and sufferings, if it is for Christ. Because when I am weak, I am strong…’ CEV (Contemporary English Version)

Ephesians 4:7 ‘…But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ…’ KJV (King James Version)

Romans 12

vs6 ‘…So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us. If our gift is to speak God’s message, we should do it according to the faith that we have…’

vs7 ‘…if it is to serve, we should serve; if it is to teach, we should teach…’

vs8 ‘…if it is to encourage others, we should do so. Whoever shares with others should do it generously; whoever has authority should work hard; whoever shows kindness to others should do it cheerfully…’ GNT (Good News Translation)

1 Corinthians 15:10 ‘…But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been in vain. In fact, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God with me…’ NET (New English Translation)

God’s GRACE has been freely given to us all … not for us to just keep hidden away. God gave us His GRACE to free us but more than just that, it is because of this GRACE that we are to go out and GIVE to others. We are to be bold and speak about what we have been given. We are to be brave enough not to worry what others may think because we KNOW that God is the ONLY one that matters.

Luke 8

vs16 ‘…Jesus then said, People do not light a lamp and then cover it. They do not put the lamp under a pot or under a bed. Instead, they put it in a high place. Then other people that come into the room can see the light from the lamp…’

vs17 ‘…God hides some things now. But there will be a time when people will see them. God keeps some things secret now. But there will be a time when people will understand those things clearly…’

vs18 ‘…So you should think carefully about what you hear. The person who has received some things will receive more. But some other people have nothing. They think that they have a little bit. But they will lose even that…’ EASY (Easy English Bible)

There is so much in these three little verses …

In vs16 more than anything, we are being told to share what we have been given. Be proud of the fact that God wanted to give us His gift because He wants us to be with Him after we leave this life we are living.

Just think, why would anyone light a lamp and then cover it with a basket? Not letting any of the light be seen by anyone. It wouldn’t make any sense, would it?

God gave us a GIFT and we should be proud of that gift and let this entire world see it and our proudness in our gift.

In vs17, we are shown a hint that there are secrets that God has kept from us. This gift was a secret of His. God knew, that before the earth was even made, He knew, He was going to give us this gift. It has also been shown to us that there may possibly be other secrets we will find out in the future. There is no one that knows for sure these things except for God Himself.

And then finally vs18, the parable of the master and his servant comes to mind.

Matthew 25

vs14 ‘…At that time the Kingdom of heaven will be like this. Once there was a man who was about to leave home on a trip; he called his servants and put them in charge of his property…’

vs15 ‘…He gave to each one according to his ability: to one he gave five thousand gold coins, to another he gave two thousand, and to another he gave one thousand. Then he left on his trip…’

vs16 ‘…The servant who had received five thousand coins went at once and invested his money and earned another five thousand…’

vs17 ‘…In the same way the servant who had received two thousand coins earned another two thousand…’

vs18 ‘…But the servant who had received one thousand coins went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money…’

vs19 ‘…After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them…’

vs20 ‘…The servant who had received five thousand coins came in and handed over the other five thousand. You gave me five thousand coins, sir, he said. Look! Here are another five thousand that I have earned…’

vs21 ‘…Well done, you good and faithful servant! said his master. You have been faithful in managing small amounts, so I will put you in charge of large amounts. Come on in and share my happiness…’

vs22 ‘…Then the servant who had been given two thousand coins came in and said, You gave me two thousand coins, sir. Look! Here are another two thousand that I have earned…’

vs23 ‘…Well done, you good and faithful servant! said his master. You have been faithful in managing small amounts, so I will put you in charge of large amounts. Come on in and share my happiness…’

vs24 ‘…Then the servant who had received one thousand coins came in and said, Sir, I know you are a hard man; you reap harvests where you did not plant, and you gather crops where you did not scatter seed…’

vs25 ‘…I was afraid, so I went off and hid your money in the ground. Look! Here is what belongs to you…’

vs26 ‘…You bad and lazy servant! his master said. You knew, did you, that I reap harvests where I did not plant, and gather crops where I did not scatter seed…’

vs27 ‘…Well, then, you should have deposited my money in the bank, and I would have received it all back with interest when I returned…’

vs28 ‘…Now, take the money away from him and give it to the one who has ten thousand coins…’

vs29 ‘…For to every person who has something, even more will be given, and he will have more than enough; but the person who has nothing, even the little that he has will be taken away from him…’

vs30 ‘…As for this useless servant—throw him outside in the darkness; there he will cry and gnash his teeth…’ GNT (Good News Translation)

Does this story sound harsh to you? This parable is told to us by Jesus. It is a ‘view’ of the kingdom. We have been given a gift by God, the gift of GRACE and it should be through this gift that we may be able to attain more. It all matters what we do with this free gift that we have been given.

Are we going to bury our heads in the sand or are we going to go out and shout at the top of our lungs to those around us and let them see this gift and work hard so we might be able to get more in the future?

Many in this world today are too easily influenced by the temptations this world flashes in front of them. Life today in the 21^st century is hard. I can only imagine life in Jesus’ time, I bet life was very, very hard.

All we can do is keep our eyes and our ears open and keep our focus on Jesus. Share the joy that we have been given with others and prevent ourselves from being drawn into the evil that the world spews out daily from all angles.

This battle can be won, we need the knowledge to know that we, as human beings, are unable to defeat our enemies alone in this battle; it’s not you and me against them. It is our faith and trust in Jesus Christ that has already defeated our enemies and it is through His power that we will remain safe.

In Ephesians 6, beginning in verse 11 we learn about the armor that God has supplied us with so we will be able to defeat the enemy that hoovers daily around us.

Ephesians 6

vs11 ‘…Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil’s evil tricks…’

vs12 ‘…For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age…’

vs13 ‘…So put on God’s armor now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy’s attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground…’

vs14 ‘…So stand ready, with truth as a belt tight around your waist, with righteousness as your breastplate…’

vs15 ‘…and as your shoes the readiness to announce the Good News of peace…’

vs16 ‘…At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One…’

vs17 ‘…And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the Spirit gives you…’

vs18 ‘…Do all this in prayer, asking for God’s help. Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God’s people…’ GNT (Good News Translation)

Every piece of that armor is defensive except for ‘the SWORD (the Word of God).’ It is that one piece of armor that God gave us, that we will be able to defeat that which comes up against us. The more we know about what the Word has for us to know, the more we will be able to defeat that which confronts us.

Study your Bibles.

As I have said many, many times …

… you are only going to get out of this study what you put into it. The more you read His Word, the more you return your voice and pray to Jesus; is the power that you are going to need in this battle.

Always remember vs12 of Ephesians 6

vs12 ‘…For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age…’

The devil is real, and he is constantly lurking in every corner wanting to defeat us. Keep God on your side and walk with the assuredness, knowing that we are protected.

I love you all. Jesus loves ALL of us even more.

InHIM. ><)))o>