Print Page - Weekly Sermons by the moderators.

This will become a weekly thread. Each of us moderators will take turns posting a sermon each week. The next sermon with be up either Saturday, or Sunday morning.

The Devil Goes to Church Too

Every time Jesus met someone demon-possessed He kicked the demons out! This case is unusual because of where it took place - in the very house of God!

Why in the world would a man possessed by demons even be interested in going to the house of God??

Why would the devil want to go to church?? Because the devil has always been religious.

Satan and his demons are even rather orthodox in some of their beliefs. A. W. Tozer said, "The devil is a better theologian than any of us and is a devil still."

Of course it’s not just what you believe that matters.

James 2:18-19 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

The devil is monotheistic. He knows there’s only one God. Problem is, he doesn’t worship God. When he shows up at church it isn’t for true worship but rather for false worship.

Satan’s religion is false religion but it is religion nonetheless. He doesn’t even mind if we show up for worship - just as long as its false worship.

He loves to see folks go to church to talk about other worshipers. He loves to see us go to uplift our own goodness. He loves it when we are preoccupied with other things - like who hurt our feelings recently, and what so and so thinks about us. He loves to hear our critical comments about the worship leaders and the pastor’s preaching.

The devil loves it when we don’t put our hearts into praising God. He likes seeing us just going through the motions. He can stand anything but worship of God in spirit and in truth.
John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

The devil is opposed to Christianity but he isn’t opposed to churchianity.

The demons know who Jesus is. The one in the synagogue did. He believed in the Incarnation of Christ, that he was both God and man at the same time.

The demon clearly identified Christ’s humanity by calling Him "Jesus of Nazareth". But he also identified Christ’s deity by calling Him "the Holy One of God".
Mark 1:24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

The church must surely be on guard against false doctrine. But the danger we are sometimes less aware of is false worship. We must always guard against dead religion.

We cannot afford to become complacent and nonchalant about our worship of God! We should consistently re-evaluate why we worship and how we worship.

The Word says concerning dead worship by dead churches and believers:
2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

The devil goes to church because he’s looking for prey.

Notice how the plural pronouns indicate just how closely the demon was identified with the man through whom he was speaking.

Mark 1:24 What do you want with US Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?

This may not have been a case of multiple demon possession. It may have been an instance of one demon making his host a puppet. The "us" was the demon and his host.

Satan’s ultimate goal is to have control. He can possess those who don’t have the Holy Spirit within.

He can’t possess true Christ followers, but he does want to manipulate us and hinder our work for God and the growth of our faith.

Remember what Jesus said to Simon Peter?
Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

Simon thought he would be able to go through all the trials with Jesus without cracking. Though his faith didn’t fail completely, he miserably flunked a major test. He disavowed all knowledge of Jesus when Jesus was being falsely accused and beaten.

Peter was given another chance and he learned from his mistake, but we need to learn from it also. Satan is out to sift us.

That’s why Peter would later write in one of his letters to the churches this admonition:

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

If you think the devil doesn’t do some of his prowling in church you haven’t been around long. Satan even has control of the pulpits in some churches.

And what the Bible say in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15:

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

The devil goes to church because he’s seeking worship. The devil wants to be worshiped as if he were God.

Isaiah 14:12-14 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

Remember what the devil said to Jesus?
Matthew 4:9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

Satan worship will characterize the Great Tribulation.
Revelation 9:20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:

Satan will even resurrect the beast and kill everyone who doesn’t worship him.
Revelation 13:15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

Satan will be able to accomplish for a short while what he has longed for all along.

But until that day comes the true follower of Christ is involved in a struggle. Our great struggle is not with paying our bills or staying healthy. Our greatest struggle is a spiritual one.

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.

Forget the war on terror for now, even though Satan is behind it. Let’s focus on the spiritual war that exists to hinder the work of God.

Let’s not be so naive as to neglect the fact that we war with the devil even when we come to church!

With so much garbage out there today, we MUST read the Bible to understand, what He is telling us.

Bob

This coming Sunday is July 4th, and I know that many will be traveling or otherwise be out of pocket. So, I'm posting this early.
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Faith And Works

July 1, 2010

Romans 3:19-20 19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

God gave the Law to the Jews (Israel), and the Jews were a miserable failure in obeying God's Law. The Apostle Paul explains that all men are guilty before God, and the purpose for the Law is the knowledge of sin. Knowledge of sin and wrong-doing against God is the first step for a person in knowing their need for Salvation. No man can brag about his righteousness or holiness. The only Righteous and Holy man who ever walked the face of this earth was God made manifest in the flesh - Jesus Christ. All other men are sinners in need of a Lord and Saviour.

No man has ever been saved by obeying the Law in the Old Covenant or the New Covenant - before or after the Cross. Salvation has always been through faith in God - God's Grace - God's Love.

Romans 3:21-22 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Faith in Jesus Christ, who He was, and what He did on the Cross is accounted to us as Righteousness in God's Eyes. Our Heavenly Father sees those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ in and through Jesus Christ. In fact, faith in Jesus Christ is the only way for a man to be set free from the curse of sin and death. God was never pleased with the sacrifices for sin under the Law of Moses, but God is completely pleased with the Perfect Sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross. The contrast is great - almost as great as comparing our works to the Perfect Works of Jesus Christ. Paul explains in great detail that our works will never save us. In fact, God doesn't even recognize our good works unless they are done solely as a matter of love and gratitude for what Jesus Christ did for us. Bluntly, it's folly for a man to think that he can earn his way or work his way to heaven.

Romans 3:23-28 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Romans 3:23-28 puts everything in perspective for us and gives us a summary of the most important Truth we can learn and believe in this short life. How can ungodly sinners have peace with a Holy God? There is only one way, and it doesn't involve anything we can do to make ourselves acceptable. God bluntly declares that we are all sinners, and not one of us has any reason to boast about what we have done. The opposite is true - shame for what we have done - and realization that all we really deserve is punishment from a Holy and Just God. There must be punishment for disobeying God, and Jesus Christ took our punishment in His own Holy Body on the Cross - in our place.

Our Heavenly Father made a new covenant with man after Jesus Christ died on the Cross. First, we must know that Jesus arose from the dead, so our Saviour is alive. The Law of Faith spoken of by the Apostle Paul is belief in who Jesus Christ was and is - that He died on the Cross for us - that He arose from the dead on the third day - and that He wants to be our Lord and Saviour Forever. Our part is FAITH in Jesus Christ and accepting Him as Lord and Saviour over our lives. As we grow as Christians, we learn that our life is in His Life, so we have Life because He has Life. The Life we speak of is Eternal, and the inheritance we await is Heavenly. This short life is not all there is, and our real Citizenship is in Heaven.

Our "works" (good works) come last. We should want to do good works for God out of hearts of love and appreciation for what has been done for us. Yes, God does want for us to do good works, but only for the right reasons. We must never make the false assumption that we can earn or somehow deserve Salvation. Ephesians 2:8-10 says it best:

Ephesians 2:8-10 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Finally, we must submit ourselves to the righteousness of God and know that Faith in Him is our only righteousness.

Romans 10:3-4 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

Love In Christ,
A Laborer for the Lord

Jesus Christ - Very God - Lord - Saviour - Messiah - King - Part 1

The Birth (Manifestation In The Flesh) Of Jesus Christ

Matthew 1:18-25 (KJV) 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Luke 2:4-21 (KJV) 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen [it], they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard [it] wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [them] in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

The manifestation of Jesus Christ in the flesh was foretold in the Old Testament. He was Very God and is our Living Lord and Saviour Forever. Jesus Christ was and is God The Son, One of the Holy and Eternal Trinity. It was a humiliation for Him to take the form of a man and die on the Cross for our sins. He wasn't in the form of a flesh and blood man before His virgin birth, and He isn't in the form of a flesh and blood man now. As samples of fulfilled Bible Prophecy, see the following:

Bible Prophecy Foretelling The Birth Of Jesus Christ

Micah 5:2 (KJV) 2 But thou, Bethlehem 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.

Isaiah 7:14 (KJV) 14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Bible Prophecy tells us that Jesus Christ will come in the clouds to catch up His Church and take them Home to Heaven. This is a separate and distinct event that should not be confused with the Second Coming of Christ to the earth. Jesus Christ does not come all the way down to the earth at the Rapture, but He does at His Second Coming. The Rapture is a joyous event in contrast with His Second Coming in Great and Holy Wrath.

The Rapture Of The Church Which Is The Body Of Christ

1 Corinthians 15:50-58 (KJV) 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory? 56 ?The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law. 57 But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Jesus Christ - Very God - Lord - Saviour - Messiah - King - Part 2

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (KJV) 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive [and] remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

It's important to note that Jesus Christ is already the King of Kings and has an Eternal Heavenly Kingdom. As Christians, we are already members of that Heavenly Kingdom, and the Holy Spirit of God lives in our hearts. Jesus Christ is also the anointed King of Israel. Israel rejected Him as her Messiah and King at His First Coming about 2,000 years ago. Regardless, God Promised Israel an Earthly Kingdom, and that Promise will be kept perfectly at the Second Coming of Christ. Israel will fear total annihilation near the end of the 7 Year Tribulation Period and cry out to God. God will hear the cries of Israel, and Jesus Christ will come with His Heavenly Hosts to rescue Israel. Israel will accept her King and Messiah this time, and Jesus Christ will rule over the earth from the Throne of David in Jerusalem. Jesus Christ will not be denied His Throne, and He will subject all things under His Feet.

Second Coming Of Christ - Messiah And King Of Israel

Isaiah 2:1-5 (KJV) 1 The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, [that] the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. 3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 5 O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.

Isaiah 9:1-7 (KJV) 1 Nevertheless the dimness [shall] not [be] such as [was] in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict [her by] the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. 2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. 3 Thou hast multiplied the nation, [and] not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, [and] as [men] rejoice when they divide the spoil. 4 For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. 5 For every battle of the warrior [is] with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but [this] shall be with burning [and] fuel of fire. 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. 7 Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

What Time Is It Now?

We are living in a time commonly called the Age of Grace or the Church Age. Bible Prophecy foretells a time for the reformation of Israel as a Nation, and that has already happened in 1948. Bible Prophecy tells us that Israel will be the center stage for the entire world near the end of this Age and the next. It already is. We are living in a time just before the Rapture of The Church Which is the Body of Christ and the start of the 7 Year Tribulation Period. The Tribulation Period will be a time of horror and bloodshed like the world has never known. You can read all about it in Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah, Revelation, and many other portions of the Holy Bible. Just as many Bible Prophecies have been fulfilled perfectly - future Bible Prophecies will be fulfilled perfectly at God's Appointed Time. Most people who study their Bibles believe that the time is growing near for these Prophecies to be fulfilled. It is not wise to spiritualize, make allegories of, or otherwise dismiss portions of the Bible that tell us what will happen in the future.

In conclusion, Jesus Christ is God. Many think of Him only in terms of his earthly ministry, but that was only 30 some years of His eternal existence. He was in the form of a man, but henceforth no more. As Christians, we should think of Jesus Christ now in His form of Glory and Majesty beyond human imagination - not as a flesh and blood man.

A Laborer for the Lord

MESSIANIC PROPHECY FULFILLED BY JESUS CHRIST - Part 1 of 4

Messianic = Pertaining to the Messiah - The Saviour - Jesus Christ - God The Son.

Prophecy = Details and events foretold before they happen, specifically in God's Word - the Holy Bible.

The below is impossible without the works of Almighty God. To get you started, Almighty God is a Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ - Also called The Word), and God the Holy Spirit - YET THE THREE ARE ONE. You will soon find out that Jesus Christ is also the Promised Messiah and Anointed King of Israel, and the living Lord and Saviour of all men who place their faith in Him as Lord over their lives. Jesus Christ is - in fact - God - the Creator - along with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. He was made manifest in the flesh in a most supernatural way - born of a virgin. This is a brief and is not intended to be an in-depth study. I'm hoping that you will use this material for your own study and find out who Jesus Christ really is - VERY GOD. Jesus Christ is Alive today, and He is NOT in the form of a man now. He was in the form of a man when He was crucified on the cross for the sins of mankind. He did die, but He was resurrected from the dead on the third day, and He ascended back to Heaven. This was the First Coming of Christ about 2,000 years ago. The Second Coming of Christ is in our near future.

Hundreds of details and events about the Messiah were foretold in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible. Not only were they foretold centuries before they happened - they were foretold by numerous writers - of various Books - over 1,000 years. These details and events are known as Messianic Bible Prophecy, and Jesus Christ did fulfill many of them - so many that there is no reason to doubt still future Messianic Prophecy that Jesus Christ will also fulfill. The probability that one Messianic Prophecy would be fulfilled is slim - much less hundreds. However, Messianic Prophecies are one type of proof that the Holy Bible is God's Word. It must be supernatural. Otherwise, it would be impossible for a group of men writing a book over centuries to foretell so many things that came to pass perfectly. The Holy Bible proves itself in many other ways, but the Messianic Prophecies are one of the most interesting ways.

Jesus Christ is the most written about person in the history of mankind, so He is obviously part of recorded history - much more than just in the Holy Bible. However, we don't give other books the amount of trust that we do the Holy Bible. No other book can be compared to it in terms of beauty, accuracy, and timeless information that applies today just as it did thousands of years ago. The Holy Bible was written by men who were inspired by God for what they wrote. There is no other possible explanation for such an accurate and flowing masterpiece written by many over a long period of time. There is agreement and proof from cover to cover because it is God's Word. Our future is also foretold in the Holy Bible, but the purpose here is to illustrate Messianic Prophecy that was fulfilled.

* Old Testament - Blue
** New Testament - Green

I want to start with two longer portions of Scripture from the Old Testament that describe the suffering and Glory of Christ. Psalms 22 and Isaiah 53 are amazing prophecies that mirror the Gospels. Make the comparisons yourself and try to count how many Messianic Prophecies were fulfilled by Jesus Christ in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. After the two longer portions of Scripture, additional Scripture will be given in Old Testament Book order. You do some study yourself and discover the significance. If you need some help, ask a stronger and more mature Christian. This is just a small sampling of fulfilled Bible Prophecy.

* Psalms 22:1-31 To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? 2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. 3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. 4 Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them. 5 They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded. 6 But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. 7 All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, 8 He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. 9 But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts. 10 I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly. 11 Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help. 12 Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round. 13 They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion. 14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. 15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. 16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. 17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. 18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. 19 But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me. 20 Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog. 21 Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns. 22 I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee. 23 Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel. 24 For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard. 25 My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him. 26 The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever. 27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee. 28 For the kingdom is the LORD'S: and he is the governor among the nations. 29 All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow before him: and none can keep alive his own soul. 30 A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation. 31 They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.

* Isaiah 53:1-12 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? 2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. 9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
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MESSIANIC PROPHECY FULFILLED BY JESUS CHRIST - Part 2 of 4

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* Genesis 12:1-3 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: 2 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: 3 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.

* Genesis 22:18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

** Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

** Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
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* Genesis 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

** Luke 3:23 And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,

** Luke 3:33 Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda,

** Hebrews 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
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* 2 Samuel 7:12-16 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. 13 He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. 14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: 15 But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. 16 And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.

** Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
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* Psalms 22:7-8 All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, 8 He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.

** Matthew 27:31 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.
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* Psalms 22:16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

** Matthew 27:31 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.
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* Psalms 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.

** Luke 22:3-4 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. 4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.

** John 13:18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
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* Psalms 16:10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

** Mark 16:6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.

** Acts 2:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
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* Psalms 22:18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.

** John 19:23-24 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. 24 They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.
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* Psalms 34:20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.

** John 19:32-36 Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: 34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. 35 And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. 36 For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.
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* Psalms 68:18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.

** Acts 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
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* Psalms 69:21 They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

** Matthew 27:34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.

** Luke 23:36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,

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* Psalms 110:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

** Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
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* Psalms 118:22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

** 1 Peter 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
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* Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

** Matthew 1:21-23 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
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* Isaiah 9:1 Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.

** Matthew 4:12-16 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee; 13 And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: 14 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, 15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; 16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
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MESSIANIC PROPHECY FULFILLED BY JESUS CHRIST - Part 3 of 4

* Isaiah 11:2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

** Matthew 3:16-17 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
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* Isaiah 35:5-6 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6 Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

** 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.
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* Isaiah 40:3-5 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: 5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

* Malachi 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

** Matthew 3:1-3 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
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* Isaiah 50:6 I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

** Matthew 27:30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
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* Isaiah 52:14 As many were astonished at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:

** Matthew 27:26 Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
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* Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

** John 1:10-11 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

** John 7:5 For neither did his brethren believe in him.

** John 7:48 Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?
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* Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

** Matthew 27:12-14 And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. 13 Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? 14 And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.
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* Isaiah 53:9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

** Matthew 27:57-60 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: 58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. 59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
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* Isaiah 53:12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

** Matthew 27:38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.

** Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
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* Isaiah 61:1 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;

** Luke 4:14-21 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. 15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. 16 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. 17 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, 18 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, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 20 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. 21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

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* Jeremiah 31:15 Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not.

** Matthew 2:16-18 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, 18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
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MESSIANIC PROPHECY FULFILLED BY JESUS CHRIST - Part 4 of 4

* Daniel 9:25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

** Matthew 21:4-11 All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. 6 And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, 7 And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. 8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. 9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. 10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? 11 And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

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* Hosea 11:1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.

** Matthew 2:14-15 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: 15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
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* Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem 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.

** Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

** Luke 2:4-7 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
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* Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

** Matthew 21:4-9 All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. 6 And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, 7 And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. 8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. 9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
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* Zechariah 11:12 And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.

** Matthew 26:14-15 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, 15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
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* Zechariah 12:10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

** John 19:34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

* Malachi 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

** Matthew 21:12-13 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, 13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

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Now read a special portion of Scripture that can be viewed as a summary of the teaching Jesus gave His followers between His resurrection from the dead and His ascension back to heaven:

** Luke 24:44-49 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

The power spoken of in Verse 49 above is the Holy Spirit of God. The coming of the Holy Spirit of God was also foretold - to list a few references: Isaiah 44:3, Ezekiel 36:27, Joel 2:28.

I compiled this material because I find it fascinating, and I want to use it in sharing the Gospel of the Grace of God. I'm sure that you'll be able to find much more that I didn't list here, but I hope this helps you also. I think that it's safe to say that trying to quantify the probability of all of these things happening would involve outrageously large numbers. So, let's just say that they did happen - and they had to happen at the supernatural direction of God Himself. Remember - there's MUCH MORE.

Love In Christ,
a laborer for the Lord

Meekness can equal strength

Meekness is so important that it is the third characteristic Jesus mentions in His foundational teaching, the Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" Matthew 5:5 God-authored, organized list of the characteristics of the perfect man. Others have made lists of outstanding virtues, but Jesus' list is unique in that He relates them to the Kingdom of God and in the depth and breadth of what He meant.

How can this be, though? Given how modern man considers those who are meek, His statement about meekness is almost incomprehensible. The world would word this, "Blessed are the strong, who can hold their own."

We do not stand alone in our perception of this word. The ancient Greeks did not rank it as a virtue either, except in a very narrow circumstance. At best, they used it as we use "condescension" today and by it referred entirely to men's external relations with other men. Jesus, while retaining its reference to men, lifted it from its narrow context and made it refer primarily to our relations with God. In his comments on Galatians 5:22, meekness is "the most untranslatable of words in the New Testament."

This does not mean the meek will take everything "lying down." Notice Moses, who as we have seen, was the meekest man of his time. He did not hesitate to order the execution of about three thousand of the idolaters who worshiped the Golden Calf while he was with God on the mountain Exodus 32:25-28. Against evil this meek man was as stern as steel. How a meek man reacts depends upon what he discerns God's will is for him within the circumstance. Because the meek man sets his mind on God's purpose and not his own comfort, ambition or reputation, he will offer implacable resistance to evil in defense of God yet react with patience, kindness and gentleness when others attack him.

Jesus set a clear example of this pattern of reaction too. He made a whip of rope, and with stern and vehement energy, overturned the tables and drove the livestock, their sellers and moneychangers from the Temple compound because they had turned God's house into a common bazaar by their sacrilege. With simple, forthright, firm instructive answers and incisive questions, He met the twisted, intellectual, carnal reasoning of the scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees. Yet as Matthew 12:19-20 reads; "He will not quarrel nor cry out, nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets. A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench."

A meek person will feel the wrong done against him and feel it bitterly. But because he is not thinking of himself, his meekness does not allow his spirit to give vent to a hateful, savage and vindictive anger that seeks to "get even." He will instead be full of pity for the damaged character, attitudes and blindness of the perpetrator. From the cross Jesus uttered, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do" Luke 23:34. This virtue is a strong bulwark against self-righteousness and intolerant and critical judgment of others. Yet neither does it excuse or condone sin. Rather, a meek person understands it more clearly, thus his judgment is tempered, avoiding reacting more harshly than is necessary.

Salvation

Some try to make Salvation a complex subject, but it's simple enough for a child to understand.

Romans 10:9-11 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Faith in Jesus Christ and His completed work on the Cross is the only way to be Saved. The good news of how to be Saved has been shared around the world, and millions are still accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. The message of Salvation is still the most powerful and precious news in the history of mankind.

Romans 10:17-18 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

Deep in the thoughts of man, all know there must be a Creator, so it's easy to believe the truth. The Holy Bible says that the Creator is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit - the Holy Three being One. The evidence for the reality of God is all around us. God the Son is Jesus Christ - and His life, crucifixion, and resurrection from the dead are historical facts. In fact, world time is set by His life and death (B.C., A.D.). Taking a look at God's Creation should help you begin to see the absolute truth of God. You should also know that the Holy Bible is God's Word.

Psalms 19:1-14 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, 5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. 6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. 12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. 13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Disobeying God is called sin, and sin always requires punishment or loss. Jesus Christ died on the Cross to take our punishment in His own Holy Body. He was the only one Holy enough to make a sacrifice for the sins of mankind. You've probably heard that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, and He was. He was very God made manifest in the flesh, and His birth was obviously supernatural - an act of God. He gave Himself willingly on the cross. Otherwise, no combination of powers in the universe could have subdued our Lord and Saviour. He did die in the presence of many witnesses. He was placed in a tomb, but He arose from the dead on the third day. Many witnesses saw Him and talked with Him before He ascended back to Heaven.

John 3:16-18 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. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Salvation is a gift that God offers to us, one that can't be earned or deserved. God offers us this gift because of His Grace and great love for us. "Grace" means undeserved or unmerited favor, and no man deserves Salvation.

Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

God does want us to do good works, especially in the love and care of others. However, our good works are not what saves us. Faith in Jesus Christ is the only thing that can save us.

John 14:6-7 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

Jesus Christ is telling Thomas in the above portion of Scripture that He is God - and He is. Some things about God are difficult to understand: 1) God has no beginning and no ending; 2) God is a Holy Trinity (Three - Yet One) - God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit; 3) The Holy Spirit of God enters the heart of a new believer at the moment of Salvation and seals the heart as a purchased possession of God; 4) You are an immortal being. This short life is not all there is. You will live for eternity in either Heaven or Hell. Where will you spend eternity? Thankfully, simple, childlike faith in Jesus Christ is all we need to be Saved.

"Lost" is what unbelievers are called. If you are "lost" and want more information about how to be Saved, please click the link below:

Are You Lost? (http://forums.christiansunite.com/index.php?topic=24879.0)

Love In Christ,
A Laborer for the Lord

Free will and hardening of hearts

God hardened Pharaoh's heart, not by making the decision for him, but by forcing him to make the decision in the first place. God said, "Let My people go!!" Pharaoh said "No" but had no reason to really have to decide. In other words, it wasn't a hard decision... until God began showing Pharaoh Who was Lord God. It's interesting. Each of the plagues took a direct stab at the heart of Egyptian theology. If their gods controlled these areas... what did it say when the God took control from them? You see, Pharaoh wasn't just forced to make a decision about the Israelis. He was forced to make a decision about whether or not he believed, and believed in God. God didn't decide for him. He just made him decide. Pharaoh's heart was already against God, God just made him chose to harden it more when faced with the reality of God.

Exodus 9:34 And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants.
Exodus 9:35 And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, neither would he let the children of Israel go; as the LORD had spoken by Moses.

While the argument can be made that God himself caused Pharaoh to sin, we know that cannot be the case.... God is not capable of SIN. The truth is that the he in verse 34 above is Pharaoh himself.

When Pharaoh asked for signs, he was not really seeking truth that Moses' God was a great God, he didn't believe it period and didn't expect miracles. But when he saw them, (the truth demonstrated) his heart became hard because of his mind was made up from the start. God will turn people over to their unbelief when they continually refuse Gods grace and truth over time. Their hearts harden because of their own unbelief to accept God. Not because God causes them to sin.

Are you really seeking truth, or are you blind because you don't want to accept what scripture plainly says? God has not caused Pharaoh blindness, his own lack of faith prevents him from seeing truth. God did not force Adam to sin either. He simply gave Adam free will so that he could choose whether to serve God or himself. Adam chose to believe that God had kept some truth from him, some knowledge of good and evil, in-spite of all the greatness around him in the garden. So lacking faith (that God had provided all for him) he chose to test God by disobedience and see for himself, thus falling into sin for his lack of faith in believing all that God had said.

Without free will, Man would indeed be forced by God to do Gods will. With free will, we can choose to freely accept God's truth which is plainly visible to us in the wonder of his creation, by faith alone! that God has provided a way for us to be free from our sin, through HIM. By continually refusing this truth when it is made known to man, his heart will become hardened, because of his OWN unbelief, much the same way Pharaohs heart became hardened.

Not sure this will help you with your debate, but that's the easiest way to explain it. If God truly wanted to control man, we would all be serving him already wouldn't we? So his argument begins to fall apart right there. Throwing free will into the mix, allows those truly seeking truth to see it and accept it by faith. Those not interested in truth MUST harden their own hearts in order to deny it when its staring them in the face without excuse. The only way you deny truth, when you KNOW its truth is to harden your heart.

We get pretty caught up in our own "free will." I think it is best to remember that we are only as free as God allows us. He allows us to chose to obey sometimes, as well as to disobey. But not always. Remember Abimelech? God told him that He didn't allow him to sin against God. Not much free will here. David asked God to keep him from his own presumptuous sins in the Psalms. No, not much free willing going on here either.

We must remember that we are a part of HIS eternal plan, that He works with, or without our cooperation. In the end, He sovereignty takes both our obedience and our disobedience and works through that to conform us into the image of His Son, all the while teaching us the blessings of obedience. But it's still His plan and His working of that plan.

Sometimes we the servants need to remember, "Who's the Boss!!"

The Roman Road

There is nothing more important to God than your soul...and there should be nothing more important to you than where that soul will spend eternity. In the scripture following, we will see just where we stand in the sight of God, and what we can do about our standing.

Romans 3:10 As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God
Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin: and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.
Romans5:8 But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans6:23 For the wages of sin is death: but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Revelations.3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

These verses establish our standing in the eyes of God... sinners, and the result... death. They also establish that we can be made right in standing in the eyes of God by accepting, believing, and confessing Jesus Christ as our atonement for sin, at which point we once again become alive, and can fellowship with God for eternity. We will be "translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light"

Jesus made us a promise in Revelations 3:20, by saying that if you hear His voice (the truth of these words), and will open the door of your heart to Him, He WILL come in to you, and save you. That is the only way.

Receive Him now, and begin a new life, as a new creature, destined to live forever in His presence, and with His peace and grace. If you are ready to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life, pray this prayer. Remember, if you don't believe it, if you don't mean it... you will not be saved. God knows your heart, and the intent of your heart is all that He is interested in.

"Father in heaven, I know and understand that I am a sinner. I was born in sin and condemned to suffer in hell for ever. Not because I am bad, or good, but because Adam and Eve sinned and we are born in sin. But you sent your son, Jesus, to this earth to overcome sin through his death on the cross, and because he had no sin. You promised that if I believe Jesus to be your only begotten son, that He was born of a virgin, conceived by your Holy Spirit, had no sin but gave us His life on the cross for my sins, and trust Him to be Lord and Savior of my life, then you would save me. I ask you to forgive me of all my sins and make me a new person. I ask you, Jesus, to come and live in my heart, to rule my life and set me free of all my old self. I place my trust in you. I will learn your ways and commit to live my life by your guidance. I accept your Holy Spirit as my daily guide, and as your seal upon my soul against the final day of judgement. I accept your word as full truth and make it my rule book. I commit to read and learn your word so that I may never falter or stumble. I thank you Jesus for hearing me, and coming in to me, and I thank you Father God for forgiving me through your son Jesus Christ. Thank you for saving me"

If you have prayed this prayer, or something like it, and believe with all your heart, then you are saved!! You have become a new person, walking in a new life, and with a glorious future!! It is important that you begin to read the Word of God, and to find other believers to fellowship with on a daily basis. We would like to know about it, so please drop us a line to let us know. Find a church home. Don't worry about where it might be, just start going. God will let you know where, and when, for He is in charge of placing us in the body of Christ, His Church. Make confession before men that you are a believer, that Jesus Christ is your savior, and your Lord. Jesus said "whosoever confesseth me before men, him will I confess before my Father which is in heaven, and whosever denieth me before men, him will I deny before my Father which is in heaven". There is no such thing as a "secret" disciple of Christ, and He is nothing to be ashamed of, or spoken of in whispers.

Welcome my brothers or sisters to the Kingdom

AMEN!!

By the way, it doesn't matter what Bible you use. I use KJV, but also other versions as well. For we know, His Word shall never fail.

Jesus Christ Is God - Part 1 of 5

God The Father, God The Son (Jesus Christ), and God The Holy Spirit are Almighty God - Yet ONE - A Triune God - The Holy Trinity. God Created man in His Image - a triune being: body, soul, and spirit. The Holy Trinity is a Bible Fact, and Jesus Christ being God is a Bible Fact. Jesus Christ was not just a man or a prophet, rather Very God made manifest in the flesh. Jesus Christ was not in the form of a man before His earthly ministry, and He's not in the form of a man now. Jesus Christ is ONE with God The Father and God The Holy Spirit.

I hope you will read and study the following portions of Scripture and see for yourself that Jesus Christ is God as an absolute Bible Fact. Many try to deny the deity of Jesus Christ, and I think this is primarily due to Jesus Christ being the only way to Salvation. Satan and the powers of darkness don't want you to recognize Jesus Christ as God, and they certainly don't want you to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.

I'll be listing a large number of comparisons between the King James Version and the Amplified Bible. The selected portions of Scripture are from friends, fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ, and my own studies. I hope you will study these portions of Scripture in your own Bible - in context with surrounding Scriptures. The portions of Scripture will be listed in the same order as they are in the Holy Bible. Pray before you begin and ask God to help you in understanding. Let the Scriptures speak for themselves.

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Genesis 49:10 KJV The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

Genesis 49:10 AMP The scepter or leadership shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until Shiloh [the Messiah, the Peaceful One] comes to Whom it belongs, and to Him shall be the obedience of the people. [Num. 24:17; Ps. 60:7.]

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Isaiah 2:2-3 KJV And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. 3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Isaiah 2:2-3 AMP It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be [firmly] established as the highest of the mountains and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow to it. 3 And many people shall come and say, Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that He may teach us His ways and that we may walk in His paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the law and instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

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Isaiah 7:13-14 KJV And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:13-14 AMP And [Isaiah] said, Hear then, O house of David! Is it a small thing for you to weary and try the patience of men, but will you weary and try the patience of my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [ God with us]. [Isa. 9:6; Jer. 31:22; Mic. 5:3-5; Matt. 1:22, 23.]

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Isaiah 9:6 KJV For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 AMP For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace. [Isa. 25:1; 40:9-11; Matt. 28:18; Luke 2:11.]

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Isaiah 25:1-3 KJV O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. 2 For thou hast made of a city an heap; of a defenced city a ruin: a palace of strangers to be no city; it shall never be built. 3 Therefore shall the strong people glorify thee, the city of the terrible nations shall fear thee.

Isaiah 25:1-3 AMP O LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things, even purposes planned of old [and fulfilled] in faithfulness and truth. 2 For You have made a city a heap, a fortified city a ruin, a palace of aliens without a city [is no more a city]; it will never be rebuilt. 3 Therefore [many] a strong people will glorify You, [many] a city of terrible and ruthless nations will [reverently] fear You.

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Isaiah 40:2-5 KJV Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins. 3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: 5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

Isaiah 40:2-5 AMP Speak tenderly to the heart of Jerusalem, and cry to her that her time of service and her warfare are ended, that [her punishment is accepted and] her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received [punishment] from the Lord's hand double for all her sins. 3 A voice of one who cries: Prepare in the wilderness the way of the Lord [clear away the obstacles]; make straight and smooth in the desert a highway for our God! [Mark 1:3.] 4 Every valley shall be lifted and filled up, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the crooked and uneven shall be made straight and level, and the rough places a plain. 5 And the glory (majesty and splendor) of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it. [Luke 3:5, 6.]

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Isaiah 40:9-11 KJV O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! 10 Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. 11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Isaiah 40:9-11 AMP O you who bring good tidings to Zion, get up to the high mountain. O you who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with strength, lift it up, be not afraid; say to the cities of Judah, Behold your God! [Acts 10:36; Rom. 10:15.] 10 Behold, the Lord God will come with might, and His arm will rule for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him. [Rev. 22:7, 12.] 11 He will feed His flock like a shepherd: He will gather the lambs in His arm, He will carry them in His bosom and will gently lead those that have their young.

Jesus Christ Is God - Part 2 of 5

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Isaiah 43:11-15 KJV I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. 12 I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God. 13 Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it? 14 Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships. 15 I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King.

Isaiah 43:11-15 AMP I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me there is no Savior. 12 I have declared [the future] and have saved [the nation in times of danger], and I have shown [that I am God]--when there was no strange and alien god among you; therefore you are My witnesses, says the Lord, that I am God. 13 Yes, from the time of the first existence of day and from this day forth I am He; and there is no one who can deliver out of My hand. I will work, and who can hinder or reverse it? 14 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: For your sake I have sent [one] to Babylon, and I will bring down all of them as fugitives, [with] all their nobles, even the Chaldeans, into the ships over which they rejoiced. 15 I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.

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Isaiah 44:6 KJV Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

Isaiah 44:6 AMP Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: I am the First and I am the Last; besides Me there is no God. [Rev. 1:17; 2:8; 22:13.]

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Micah 5:2-5 KJV But thou, Bethlehem 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. 3 Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel. 4 And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth. 5 And this man shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men.

Micah 5:2-5 AMP But you, Bethlehem Ephratah, you are little to be among the clans of Judah; [yet] out of you shall One come forth for Me Who is to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth have been from of old, from ancient days (eternity). [ Gen. 49:10; Matt. 2:5-12; John 7:42.] 3 Therefore shall He give them up until the time that she who travails has brought forth; then what is left of His brethren shall return to the children of Israel. 4 And He shall stand and feed His flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God; and they shall dwell [secure], for then shall He be great [even] to the ends of the earth. [Ps. 72:8; Isa. 40:11; Zech. 9:10; Luke 1:32, 33.] 5 And this [One] shall be our peace. When the Assyrian comes into our land and treads upon our soil and in our palaces, then will we raise against him seven shepherds and eight princes among men. [Isa. 9:6; Eph. 2:14.]

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Matthew 1:23 KJV Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Matthew 1:23 AMP Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel--which, when translated, means, God with us. [Isa. 7:14.]

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Matthew 28:18-19 KJV And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Matthew 28:18-19 AMP Jesus approached and, breaking the silence, said to them, All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

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Luke 1:30-33 KJV And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Luke 1:30-33 AMP And the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace (free, spontaneous, absolute favor and loving-kindness) with God. 31 And listen! You will become pregnant and will give birth to a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great (eminent) and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His forefather David, 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob throughout the ages; and of His reign there will be no end. [Isa. 9:6, 7; Dan. 2:44.]

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Luke 2:11 KJV For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11 AMP For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord! [Mic. 5:2.]

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Luke 7:16 KJV And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

Luke 7:16 AMP Profound and reverent fear seized them all, and they began to recognize God and praise and give thanks, saying, A great Prophet has appeared among us! And God has visited His people [in order to help and care for and provide for them]!

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John 1:1 KJV In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:1 AMP IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. [Isa. 9:6.]

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John 1:3 KJV All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

John 1:3 AMP All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being.

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John 1:10 KJV He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

John 1:10 AMP He came into the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him [did not know Him].

Jesus Christ Is God - Part 3 of 5

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John 1:14 KJV And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 1:14 AMP And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth. [Isa. 40:5.]

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John 1:18 KJV No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

John 1:18 AMP No man has ever seen God at any time; the only unique Son, or the only begotten God, Who is in the bosom [in the intimate presence] of the Father, He has declared Him [ He has revealed Him and brought Him out where He can be seen; He has interpreted Him and He has made Him known]. [Prov. 8:30.]

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John 5:18 KJV Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

John 5:18 AMP This made the Jews more determined than ever to kill Him [to do away with Him]; because He not only was breaking (weakening, violating) the Sabbath, but He actually was speaking of God as being [in a special sense] His own Father, making Himself equal [putting Himself on a level] with God.

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John 8:58 KJV Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

John 8:58 AMP Jesus replied, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, before Abraham was born, I AM. [Exod. 3:14.]

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John 10:30 KJV I and my Father are one.

John 10:30 AMP I and the Father are One.

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John 10:33 KJV The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

John 10:33 AMP The Jews replied, We are not going to stone You for a good act, but for blasphemy, because You, a mere Man, make Yourself [out to be] God.

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John 12:41 KJV These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.

John 12:41 AMP Isaiah said this because he saw His glory and spoke of Him. [Isa. 6:9, 10.]

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John 14:9 KJV Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?

John 14:9 AMP Jesus replied, Have I been with all of you for so long a time, and do you not recognize and know Me yet, Philip? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say then, Show us the Father?

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John 17:5 KJV And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

John 17:5 AMP And now, Father, glorify Me along with Yourself and restore Me to such majesty and honor in Your presence as I had with You before the world existed.

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John 17:10 KJV And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.

John 17:10 AMP All [things that are] Mine are Yours, and all [things that are] Yours belong to Me; and I am glorified in (through) them. [They have done Me honor; in them My glory is achieved.]

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John 20:28 KJV And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

John 20:28 AMP Thomas answered Him, My Lord and my God!

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Acts 10:36 KJV The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

Acts 10:36 AMP You know the contents of the message which He sent to Israel, announcing the good news (Gospel) of peace by Jesus Christ, Who is Lord of all--

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Acts 20:28 KJV Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Acts 20:28 AMP Take care and be on guard for yourselves and the whole flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you bishops and guardians, to shepherd (tend and feed and guide) the church of the Lord or of God which He obtained for Himself [buying it and saving it for Himself] with His own blood.

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Romans 9:5 KJV Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

Romans 9:5 AMP To them belong the patriarchs, and as far as His natural descent was concerned, from them is the Christ, Who is exalted and supreme over all, God, blessed forever! Amen (so let it be).

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2 Corinthians 4:4 KJV In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

2 Corinthians 4:4 AMP For the god of this world has blinded the unbelievers' minds [that they should not discern the truth], preventing them from seeing the illuminating light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ (the Messiah), Who is the Image and Likeness of God.

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Colossians 1:14-17 KJV In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 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: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Colossians 1:14-17 AMP In Whom we have our redemption through His blood, [which means] the forgiveness of our sins. 15 [Now] He is the exact likeness of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible]; He is the Firstborn of all creation. 16 For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him. 17 And He Himself existed before all things, and in Him all things consist (cohere, are held together). [Prov. 8:22-31.]

Jesus Christ Is God - Part 4 of 5

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Ephesians 3:9 KJV 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:

Ephesians 3:9 AMP Also to enlighten all men and make plain to them what is the plan [regarding the Gentiles and providing for the salvation of all men] of the mystery kept hidden through the ages and concealed until now in [the mind of] God Who created all things by Christ Jesus.

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Philippians 2:5-11 KJV Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:5-11 AMP Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:] 6 Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained, 7 But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being. 8 And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross! 9 Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, 10 That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 And every tongue [frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

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Colossians 2:9 KJV For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

Colossians 2:9 AMP For in Him the whole fullness of Deity (the Godhead) continues to dwell in bodily form [giving complete expression of the divine nature].

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1 Timothy 1:1-2 KJV Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; 2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Timothy 1:1-2 AMP PAUL, AN apostle (special messenger) of Christ Jesus by appointment and command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus (the Messiah), our Hope, 2 To Timothy, my true son in the faith: Grace (spiritual blessing and favor), mercy, and [heart] peace [be yours] from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

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1 Timothy 3:16 KJV 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.

1 Timothy 3:16 AMP And great and important and weighty, we confess, is the hidden truth (the mystic secret) of godliness. He [ God] was made visible in human flesh, justified and vindicated in the [ Holy] Spirit, was seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, [and] taken up in glory.

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1 Timothy 6:14-15 KJV That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

1 Timothy 6:14-15 AMP To keep all His precepts unsullied and flawless, irreproachable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Anointed One), 15 Which [appearing] will be shown forth in His own proper time by the blessed, only Sovereign (Ruler), the King of kings and the Lord of lords,

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Titus 2:13-14 KJV Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Titus 2:13-14 AMP Awaiting and looking for the [fulfillment, the realization of our] blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One), 14 Who gave Himself on our behalf that He might redeem us (purchase our freedom) from all iniquity and purify for Himself a people [to be peculiarly His own, people who are] eager and enthusiastic about [living a life that is good and filled with] beneficial deeds. [Deut. 14:2; Ps. 130:8; Ezek. 37:23.]

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Hebrews 1:1-3 KJV God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Hebrews 1:1-3 AMP IN MANY separate revelations [each of which set forth a portion of the Truth] and in different ways God spoke of old to [our] forefathers in and by the prophets, 2 [But] in the last of these days He has spoken to us in [the person of a] Son, Whom He appointed Heir and lawful Owner of all things, also by and through Whom He created the worlds and the reaches of space and the ages of time [ He made, produced, built, operated, and arranged them in order]. 3 He is the sole expression of the glory of God [the Light-being, the out-raying or radiance of the divine], and He is the perfect imprint and very image of [ God's] nature, upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power. When He had by offering Himself accomplished our cleansing of sins and riddance of guilt, He sat down at the right hand of the divine Majesty on high,

Jesus Christ Is God - Part 5 of 5

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Hebrews 1:8-12 KJV But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. 10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: 11 They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; 12 And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.

Hebrews 1:8-12 AMP But as to the Son, He says to Him, Your throne, O God, is forever and ever (to the ages of the ages), and the scepter of Your kingdom is a scepter of absolute righteousness (of justice and straightforwardness). 9 You have loved righteousness [You have delighted in integrity, virtue, and uprightness in purpose, thought, and action] and You have hated lawlessness (injustice and iniquity). Therefore God, [even] Your God (Godhead), has anointed You with the oil of exultant joy and gladness above and beyond Your companions. [Ps. 45:6, 7.] 10 And [further], You, Lord, did lay the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the works of Your hands. 11 They will perish, but You remain and continue permanently; they will all grow old and wear out like a garment. 12 Like a mantle [thrown about one's self] You will roll them up, and they will be changed and replaced by others. But You remain the same, and Your years will never end nor come to failure. [Ps. 102:25-27.]

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Hebrews 3:1-4 KJV Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; 2 Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. 3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. 4 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.

Hebrews 3:1-4 AMP SO THEN, brethren, consecrated and set apart for God, who share in the heavenly calling, [thoughtfully and attentively] consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest Whom we confessed [as ours when we embraced the Christian faith]. 2 [See how] faithful He was to Him Who appointed Him [Apostle and High Priest], as Moses was also faithful in the whole house [of God]. [Num. 12:7.] 3 Yet Jesus has been considered worthy of much greater honor and glory than Moses, just as the builder of a house has more honor than the house [itself]. 4 For [of course] every house is built and furnished by someone, but the Builder of all things and the Furnisher [of the entire equipment of all things] is God.

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2 Peter 1:1-3 KJV Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

2 Peter 1:1-3 AMP SIMON PETER, a servant and apostle (special messenger) of Jesus Christ, to those who have received (obtained an equal privilege of) like precious faith with ourselves in and through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2 May grace (God's favor) and peace (which is perfect well-being, all necessary good, all spiritual prosperity, and freedom from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts) be multiplied to you in [the full, personal, precise, and correct] knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3 For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).

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1 John 5:7-8 KJV For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

1 John 5:7-8 AMP So there are three witnesses in heaven: the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit, and these three are One; 8 and there are three witnesses on the earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree [are in unison; their testimony coincides].

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1 John 5:20 KJV And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

1 John 5:20 AMP And we [have seen and] know [positively] that the Son of God has [actually] come to this world and has given us understanding and insight [progressively] to perceive (recognize) and come to know better and more clearly Him Who is true; and we are in Him Who is true--in His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah). This [Man] is the true God and Life eternal.

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Revelation 17:14 KJV These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

Revelation 17:14 AMP They will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will triumph over them; for He is Lord of lords and King of kings--and those with Him and on His side are chosen and called [elected] and loyal and faithful followers. [Dan. 2:47.]

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Revelation 19:13-16 KJV 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Revelation 19:13-16 AMP 13 He is dressed in a robe dyed by dipping in blood, and the title by which He is called is The Word of God. 14 And the troops of heaven, clothed in fine linen, dazzling and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 From His mouth goes forth a sharp sword with which He can smite (afflict, strike) the nations; and He will shepherd and control them with a staff (scepter, rod) of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath and indignation of God the All-Ruler (the Almighty, the Omnipotent). [Ps. 2:9.] 16 And on His garment (robe) and on His thigh He has a name (title) inscribed, KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. [Deut. 10:17; Dan. 2:47.]

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Revelation 22:12-13 KJV 12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

Revelation 22:12-13 AMP 12 Behold, I am coming soon, and I shall bring My wages and rewards with Me, to repay and render to each one just what his own actions and his own work merit. [Isa. 40:10; Jer. 17:10.] 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last (the Before all and the End of all). [Isa. 44:6; 48:12.]

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On The Path Of The Roman Road

There is nothing more important to God than your soul...... and there should be nothing more important to you than where that soul will spend eternity. In the scripture following, we will see just where we stand in the sight of God, and what we can do about our standing.

Romans 3:10 As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin: and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.

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

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

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Revelations 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

These verses establish our standing in the eyes of God........ sinners, and the result....... death. They also establish that we can be made right in standing in the eyes of God by accepting, believing, and confessing Jesus Christ as our atonement for sin, at which point we once again become alive, and can fellowship with God for eternity. We will be "translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light"

Jesus made us a promise in Revelations 3:20, by saying that if you hear His voice, and will open the door of your heart to Him, He WILL come in to you, and save you. That is the only way, there is no other way to heaven but by Jesus.

Receive Him now, and begin a new life, as a new creature, destined to live forever in His presence, and with His peace and grace. If you are ready to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life, pray this prayer. Remember, if you don't believe it, if you don't mean it........ you will not be saved. God knows your heart.

If you agree, please pray;
Lord Jesus, I am a sinner not worthy of your Love. Lord Jesus, I believe that you died on the cross for me and I ask you to come into my heart as my Lord and Saviour. Lord Jesus, I ask forgiveness for my sins and ask to follow you as the Lord of my life. In the name of my Lord, Jesus Christ, I pray.
Amen.

If you have prayed this prayer, and believe with all your heart, then you ARE saved! You have become a new person, walking in a new life, and with a glorious future! It is important that you begin to read the Word of God, and to find other believers to fellowship with on a daily basis. We would like to know about it, so please drop us a line to let us know. Find a church home. Don't worry about where it might be, just start going. God will let you know where, and when, for He is in charge of placing us in the body of Christ, His Church. Make confession before men that you are a believer, that Jesus Christ is your savior, and your Lord. Jesus said "whosoever confesseth me before men, him will I confess before my Father which is in heaven, and whosever denieth me before men, him will I deny before my Father which is in heaven". There is no such thing as a "secret" disciple of Christ, and He is nothing to be ashamed of, or spoken of in whispers.

Welcome my brothers or sisters to the Kingdom of God!!

Worthy And Godly Advice

Philippians 4:4 KJV Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

We have all kinds of troubles and trials in this short life, but we are vastly different from those who have no hope. As Christians, we have Christ as the Lord over our lives and spiritual riches beyond human imagination. We will always have reasons to rejoice in the Lord, regardless of how bad our temporary, earthly circumstances are. We should guard against ingratitude to God for all that He has given us and remember that all good things come from Him. Rejoicing in the Lord helps us to keep this short life in the proper perspective. We are the children of the Most High - children of hope and promise. Let us show our thanks and gratitude to God by always rejoicing in the Lord. He is with us every step of the way, so this is a Christian Joy that should not be dependent on our temporary and current circumstances. In other words, we shouldn't be rejoicing in the Lord only during good times.

Philippians 4:5 KJV Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

Being kind, gentle, and reasonable with others is one way of showing Christian love. "The Lord is at hand" has been understood in more than one way. The Lord is Coming soon, but He is already with us and sees all that we do. How we treat others should be pleasing to the Lord.

Philippians 4:6 KJV Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

"Careful" should actually be translated as anxious - things we worry and frett about. It's not realistic to say that Christians are never anxious and don't worry about things, but we have better things to do than let trials and troubles consume us. We have a Heavenly Father who loves us and cares about our needs - however small or large. The Apostle Paul is saying here that everything should be a matter of prayer, and all of our prayers should involve thanksgiving. This is part of our daily fellowship with God. Prayer should not be reserved for just the bad times, rather all times. God knows our condition and needs, but He wants to hear it from us - His children. We would not subject an earthly father to silence, so how much greater should the concern be when talking about our Heavenly Father.

Philippians 4:7 KJV And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

This is the benefit of living a life according to Philippians 4:4-6. We can have a peace and rest that can't be obtained in any other way. This peace is obviously from God, and it gets greater as our focus on Him becomes greater. This doesn't hint that Christians won't have trials and troubles, but we can certainly have a different way of dealing with them. It's really about having God as the core and head over our lives and trusting Him in all things.

A Laborer for the Lord

A Mansion In Heaven Waiting For You

An angel was giving a tour of Heaven to three ministers and a lawyer. They drove down the streets of gold beside the river of life and right up to the throne of God. Next, the angel took them around to see their mansions (in a celestial golf cart, of course). Each of the ministers were astounded and elated as they drove by each of their mansions. Then, they went over to the lawyer’s heavenly real estate. It was the grandest of all mansions. It was so large and ornate that the preacher’s mansions were like outhouses in comparison. All three of the ministers started to protest this great injustice. “We have served the Lord faithfully for many years making great sacrifices in time and money. And now look at the great mansion the lawyer gets compared to our reward.” The angel explained, “I know. But you have to understand, preachers showing up in Heaven is a daily event around here. However, this is the first time we ever got a lawyer up here.”

Countless jokes have been made about mansions in Heaven. There are also a few songs about it as well. Many a congregation has sung Eugene Bartlett‘s hymn "Victory in Jesus" In fact, I have even sung this song.:

I heard about a mansion He has built for me in glory,
And I heard about the streets of gold beyond the crystal sea.
About the angels singing and the old redemption story,
And some sweet day I'll sing up there the song of victory.

There is a Biblical rationality for singing, joking and hoping about mansions in Heaven. In the King James translation of John 14:2, it says: “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”

Now, to be honest with ourselves, when you were growing up you may have envisioned in heaven a palatial house with crystal chandeliers, grand staircases, lots of ornate columns outlining a stately porch and inside more rooms than you knew what to do with. Well, that is what I saw in my mind’s eye until I went off to college and was informed that a better concept was that of rooms or dwelling places instead of mansions. At first, my materialistic notions were a bit dissatisfied.

Just think about it, how do you get many mansions inside of a house? The use of “mansions” gives an impression of a grand, spacious house of our own inside of the Father’s House. I have seen mansions by themselves on a lot, but cannot conceive of how you put a mansion inside of a house as is rendered in the King James Version: “In my Father's house are many mansions:...” (John 14:2). Do you see the point? John is not talking about large stately manors built inside of a house or even in lots along the streets of gold.

Mone (mon-ay); Word Origin: Greek, Noun Feminine, Strong # 3438 1) a staying, abiding, dwelling, abode 2) to make an (one's) abode.” (Strong’s Greek/Hebrew Lexicon)

Many of the newer translations do not use “many mansions,” but “many rooms” or “many dwelling places”

“In my Father’s house are many rooms...” (English Standard Version)
“many rooms;” (New International Version)
“many rooms” (Revised Standard Version)
“many dwelling places.” (New American Bible)
“ many resting_places.” (Weymouth’s N.T.)
“ many rooms” (International Standard Version)
“rooms enough” (BBE: Bible in Basic English)
“many rooms” (Montgomery Translation)
“many rooms” (Goodspeed Translation)
“many rooms” (Contemporary English Version)
“many dwelling places” (New American Standard Version)

Well, then, why is it that the earlier translations of the Greek Bible into English used the term “mansion”? Did they have a misunderstanding or materialistic view of Heaven? Did they not know the proper way to translated mone? Or were they just trying to confuse everyone with a mistranslation? Absolutely not! At the time of these various translations the use of “mansions” was most appropriate.

The fact is, words change their meanings over time!! They can also have several meanings at the same time. The English word for “mansion” has been used to mean: 1) a large house or dwelling place; 2) the main abode of a lord, a manor house, such as a governor’s mansion; 3) “Any structure or building serving as a place in which to live or lodge, as a house, a tent, etc.”(Oxford English Dictionary); 4) a residence provided for a clergyman; 5) a large residential building divided into apartments; 6) a stopping location on a trek (“Herod..in three days time marched seven mansions”Josephus Jewish Antiq. XVI. ix. §2); 7) in the plural it can refer to apartments in a large house or other building, such as, the numerous chambers in Noah’s Ark.

Mansion,’ the older translation, has led to very unfortunate misunderstandings. At the time of William Tyndale and the King James Version ‘mansion’ also, like mone, meant a dwelling place or stopping place. It could also be used of the physical dwelling place or of the manor house of a lord, but these seem to be secondary to the earlier uses as in the Greek. Now, however, we understand a mansion as being limited to a physical dwelling and having specific socioeconomic implications”.

So, “mansion” as used in the King James Version does not mean a large, stately house as we use it today, but it meant a dwelling place. In Britain, about 1607, when the translation was made the term “mansions” (plural) could mean “an apartment house.” Thus, again in the Father’s house (oikos) are many dwelling places or rooms or apartments.

John also uses mone in verse 23: “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” Perhaps, this is the real spiritual meaning behind the use of the term. God is always wishing to provide a means for His children to be near or close to Him. This is why He had the Israelites build the Tabernacle. “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them” Exodus 25:8. This is why we are the Church of Christ. “In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” Ephesians 2:22. And in this verse we are the mone or “dwelling place” of the Father and the Son while on earth, but one day we will be in God’s house with many dwelling places for all of God’s family. In Heaven, the Father just doesn’t want you to live down the street. He wants you to live across the hall, as close to Him as possible.

Part 4 of 100 Things That Are Free To Us By CHRIST

76. "RAISED --------------- EPHESIANS 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

77. RECONCILED ----------- ROMANS 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

78. REDEEMED ------------ GALATIANS 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

79. REGENERATION ------------ TITUS 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

80. RENEWED ------------ 2 CORINTHIANS 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

81. RESURRECTED --------- ROMANS 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

82. RICH ---------- 2 CORINTHIANS 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. 2 CORINTHIANS 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

83. RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST ------- 1 CORINTHIANS 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: & 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. & ROMANS 5:19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

84. RISEN ---------- COLOSSIANS 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. & COLOSSIANS 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

85. ROOTED ------------ EPHESIANS 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, & COLOSSIANS 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

86. SAINT ---------- ROMANS 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 CORINTHIANS 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

87. SANCTIFIED ---------- I CORINTHIANS 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

88. SAVED --------------------- EPHESIANS 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

89. SEALED ------------- EPHESIANS 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

90. SEATED ---------- EPHESIANS 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

91. SOLDIERS ------------- 2 TIMOTHY 2:3-4 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

92. SONS -------------- ROMANS 8: 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

93. STEWARDS ---------- 1 CORINTHIANS 4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

94. TRANSLATED ---------- COLOSSIANS 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

95. TRIUMPH ---------- 2 CORINTHIANS 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

96. VICTORIOUS ---------- 1 CORINTHIANS 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

97. VOCATION --------- EPHESIANS 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

98. WASHED ----------- 1 CORINTHIANS 6:11 1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

99. WISDOM ----------- 1 CORINTHIANS 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

100. WORKMANSHIP ------------- EPHESIANS 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Part 3 of 100 Things That Are Free To Us By CHRIST

51. HOLY ------------------- COLOSSIANS 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

52. HUSBANDRY --------------- 1 CORINTHIANS 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

53. IN CHRIST ---------------- ROMANS 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

54. INHERITANCE -------------- EPHESIANS 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

55. INSTRUCTED ----------------- PHILIPPIANS 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

56. INTERCESSION --------------- ROMANS 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. ROMANS 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

57. FITLY JOINED TOGETHER -------------- EPHESIANS 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

58. JUSTIFIED ------------ ROMANS 3:24

59. KNOWN OF GOD ------------ GALATIANS 4:9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

60. LOVED ------------ EPHESIANS 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

61. MADE MEET------------- COLOSSIANS 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

62. MEMBERS --------------- EPHESIANS 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. EPHESIANS 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

63. MESSENGERS -------------- 2 CORINTHIANS 8:23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.

64. MIGHTY ----------- 2 CORINTHIANS 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) COLOSSIANS 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

65. MINISTERS ------------- 2 CORINTHIANS 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 2 CORINTHIANS 6:4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

66. NEW CREATURES ------------- 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

67. PARTAKERS ----------- EPHESIANS 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 1 TIMOTHY 6:2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

68. PEACE --------- ROMANS 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

69. PLANTED TOGETHER --------- ROMANS 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

70. POWER WORKING IN US -------------- EPHESIANS 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

71. PREDESTINATED --------- EPHESIANS 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, & EPHESIANS 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

72. PREPARED UNTO GLORY ------------- ROMANS 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,

73. PRESERVED ------------ 2 TIMOTHY 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

74. PURCHASED POSSESSION ------------ EPHESIANS 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

75. "QUICKENED -------------- EPHESIANS 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;

Part 2 of 100 Things That Are Free To Us By CHRIST

26. COVERED ------------------- ROMANS 4:7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

27. CONFIRMED ------------------- 1 CORINTHIANS 1:7-8 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: 8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

28. CLEANSED ------------------- EPHESIANS 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

29. CREATED ------------------- EPHESIANS 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

30. CONQUERORS ------------------- ROMANS 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

31. CROWNED ------------------- 2 TIMOTHY 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

32. DAUGHTERS ------------------- 2 CORINTHIANS 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

33. DECLARED ------------------- 2 CORINTHIANS 3:3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

34. DELIVERED ---------------- 2 CORINTHIANS 1: 10 2 Corinthians 1:10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;

35. ELECT OF GOD ---------------- COLOSSIANS 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering & TITUS 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

36. ENRICHED ----------------- 1 CORINTHIANS 1: 5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;

37. ESTEEMED ------------ PHILIPPIANS 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

38. ETERNAL ---------------- TITUS 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

39. FAMILY ------------------- EPHESIANS 3:14-15 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

40. FELLOWHEIRS ------------- EPHESIANS 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

41. FELLOWCITIZENS ----------- EPHESIANS 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

42. FELLOWLABOURERS ------------ PHILIPPIANS 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

43. FELLOWSERVANT --------------- COLOSSIANS 4:7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

44. FELLOWSOLDIERS ---------------- PHILIPPIANS 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

45. FORGIVEN ------------------ COLOSSIANS 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

46. FREEMAN ------------------ 1 CORINTHIANS 7:22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.

47. FURNISHED ----------------- 2 TIMOTHY 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

48. GLORIFIED --------------- ROMANS 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

49. HABITATION --------------- EPHESIANS 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

50. HEIRS ---------------------- ROMANS 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

100 Things That Are Free To Us By CHRIST

1. ACCEPTED ------------------- EPHESIANS 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

2. ALIVE WITH CHRIST ------------------- COLOSSIANS 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

3. ASCENDED ------------------- EPHESIANS 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

4. ADOPTED ------------------- GALATIANS 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

5. AMBASSADORS ------------------- 2 CORINTHIANS 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

6. ACCESS ------------------- EPHESIANS 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. & ROMANS 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

7. ALL THINGS ------------------- I TIMOTHY 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

8. ANOINTED US ------------------- 2 CORINTHIANS 1:21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;

9. APPREHENDED ------------------- PHILIPPIANS 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

10. APPOINTED ------------------- 1 THESSALONIANS 3:3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

11. ATONEMENT ------------------- ROMANS 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

12. AUTHORITY ------------------- TITUS 2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

13. ASSURANCE ------------------- 1 THESSALONIANS 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

14. ABUNDANCE OF GRACE, ------------------- ROMANS 5:17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

15. BAPTIZED ------------------- CORINTHIANS 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

16. BLESSED ------------------- EPHESIANS 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

17. BURIED ------------------- COLOSSIANS 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead

18. BELOVED ------------------- ROMANS 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

19. BUILDED TOGETHER ------------------- EPHESIANS 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

20. CALLED ------------------- ROMANS 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

21. CHOSEN ------------------- EPHESIANS 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

22. CIRCUMCISION ------------------- COLOSSIANS 2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

23. COMPLETE ------------------- COLOSSIANS 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

24. CONFORMED ------------------- ROMANS 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

25. CRUCIFIED ------------------- GALATIANS 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

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Theology => Bible Study => Topic started by: Shammu on June 26, 2010, 05:38:27 PM