Words of Jesus Podcast

Seventy years of captivity was the Jews' punishment for ignoring the Sabbath commandment for 490 years. As a result, they overcorrected by building fences (traditions) to protect the Sabbath.  In reality, they made keeping the Sabbath onerous and complex.  Once a day of rest, it became an encyclopedia of dos and don’ts wielded with precision and penalties; all the while, the intent of the commandment was lost.  God knows we need a day off, a day of fellowship with Him, in order to meet the demands of life with justice, mercy and humility. Compare the tenants of your faith to the requirements of Jesus.  Jesus says His burden is light.  Is yours?***Chapter 39: Jesus Defends His Disciples for Eating with Unwashed Hands Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23Certain Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem came to Jesus, finding fault that his disciples ate bread with unwashed hands.             For, according to tradition long handed down, the Pharisees and Jews could not eat without first washing their hands. There were many other old laws concerning the washing of cups, pots, brass vessels, and tables.            The Pharisees and scribes asked Jesus:            “Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? They wash not their hands when they eat bread.”            Jesus replied:            “Well hath Isaiah prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, “This people honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.’ For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups; and many other such like things ye do. Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. For Moses said, ‘Honor thy father and thy mother,’ and ‘Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death.’ But ye say, ‘If a man shall say to his father or mother, “It is Corban,” that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.’ And ye suffer him no more to do aught for his father or mother; making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered; and many such like things do ye.”            Then Jesus called all the people to him and said:            “Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand. There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him. But the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.”            When Jesus retired from the people into the house, his disciples came to him and said:            “Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?”            Jesus replied:            “Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up. Let them alone. They be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.”            Then Peter, the disciple, said:            “Declare unto us this parable.”            Jesus...

The message of John the Baptist and of Jesus to the people and the church-leadership was "[Change]! Repent.” The Kingdom of God is at hand.  The Jews murmured at this because Jesus didn't fit their ideas.  This is also true in our generation.  Jesus instructed people to look for the anti-Christ, tribulation, persecution, death - and resurrection.  He did not speak of “a rapture escape” or of going-to-heaven-when-we-die.  Don’t take offense.  Repent. Change.***Ch. 38 - Jesus Speaks of the Bread of LifeJohn 6:22-71The next day the people on the shore he had left sought Jesus but could not find him. They knew that no boat had been there but the one his disciples had entered, and they knew Jesus had not entered it with them.            Many other boats came to the place where he fed the five thousand. Those on these ships, hearing that Jesus was gone, sailed to Capernaum, taking with them many from the shore who were also searching for Jesus.            They found Jesus teaching in a synagogue in Capernaum and they said to him:             “Master, when camest thou hither?”            Jesus answered them, saying:            “Verily, verily, I say unto you, ‘Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.’ Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you; for him hath God the Father sealed.”            They said to him:            “What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?”            Jesus replied:            “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.”            Then they asked him:            “What sign showest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? What dost thou work?Our fathers ate manna in the desert; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from Heaven to eat.’”            Jesus answered:            “Verily, verily, I say unto you, ‘Moses gave you not that bread from Heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from Heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from Heaven, and giveth life unto the world.’”            They said:            “Lord, evermore give us this bread.”             Jesus said:            “I am the bread of life. He that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you that ye also have seen me and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from Heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that everyone which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have...

Dedicate to becoming Christian. It takes time to build the character to stand. We must know and use the Scriptures as the foundation to test traditions. False doctrines must be discarded to hear the message of "The Word of God." The people of Israel missed John-the-Baptist [Elijah] and Christ because of traditionAs you go through this podcast series examine your Jesus, your Messiah, to determine if He is the Savior of the Scriptures. The anti-Christ is coming. It will take understanding to reject him. ***Ch. 38 - Jesus Speaks of the Bread of LifeJohn 6:22-71The next day the people on the shore he had left sought Jesus but could not find him. They knew that no boat had been there but the one his disciples had entered, and they knew Jesus had not entered it with them.            Many other boats came to the place where he fed the five thousand. Those on these ships, hearing that Jesus was gone, sailed to Capernaum, taking with them many from the shore who were also searching for Jesus.            They found Jesus teaching in a synagogue in Capernaum and they said to him:             “Master, when camest thou hither?”            Jesus answered them, saying:            “Verily, verily, I say unto you, ‘Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.’ Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you; for him hath God the Father sealed.”            They said to him:            “What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?”            Jesus replied:            “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.”            Then they asked him:            “What sign showest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? What dost thou work?Our fathers ate manna in the desert; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from Heaven to eat.’”            Jesus answered:            “Verily, verily, I say unto you, ‘Moses gave you not that bread from Heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from Heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from Heaven, and giveth life unto the world.’”            They said:            “Lord, evermore give us this bread.”             Jesus said:            “I am the bread of life. He that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you that ye also have seen me and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from Heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that everyone which seeth the Son, and...

Jesus did not come to make us prosperous. He came to make us into people of character who will not perish, come what may. Listen as Jesus parallels physical concepts with spiritual concepts. Though it's not written here the often heard cry recorded in the New Testament resounds, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." "...there is a friend sticks closer than a brother. " He wants to help. "And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children." Isaiah 54  ***Ch. 38 - Jesus Speaks of the Bread of LifeJohn 6:22-71The next day the people on the shore he had left sought Jesus but could not find him. They knew that no boat had been there but the one his disciples had entered, and they knew Jesus had not entered it with them.            Many other boats came to the place where he fed the five thousand. Those on these ships, hearing that Jesus was gone, sailed to Capernaum, taking with them many from the shore who were also searching for Jesus.            They found Jesus teaching in a synagogue in Capernaum and they said to him:             “Master, when camest thou hither?”            Jesus answered them, saying:            “Verily, verily, I say unto you, ‘Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.’ Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you; for him hath God the Father sealed.”            They said to him:            “What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?”            Jesus replied:            “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.”            Then they asked him:            “What sign showest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? What dost thou work?Our fathers ate manna in the desert; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from Heaven to eat.’”            Jesus answered:            “Verily, verily, I say unto you, ‘Moses gave you not that bread from Heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from Heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from Heaven, and giveth life unto the world.’”            They said:            “Lord, evermore give us this bread.”             Jesus said:            “I am the bread of life. He that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you that ye also have seen me and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from Heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the...

There is an amazing story in the Bible. Jesus, the Son of God, left his Father and came to interact with mankind. Faith is required to believe and to figuratively step out of the boat of convention. Movies, Sunday school, and traditions lend an inconvenient familiarity in thought to the story. Imagine if you can being in the boat with the disciples, being in the crowd on the shore or standing in the distance watching the scenes in the Scriptures - not knowing "the back of the book". Jesus came to reveal the Father and to teach us His ways. ***Ch . 37 - Jesus Walks On The SeaMatthew 14:24-33; Mark 6:47-52; John 6:16-21While Jesus was alone in the Mountain praying, his disciples entered a boat and started over the sea toward Capernaum. But the wind rose and lashed the sea into great waves and held up their progress.             About the fourth watch of the night Jesus came down to the shore, saw the boat, and walked upon the sea toward them.            When they saw him in the water, his disciples were troubled and said:            “It is a spirit.”            They cried out with fear.            Jesus heard them and said:            “Be of good cheer. It is I; be not afraid.”            Peter replied, saying:            “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.”            Jesus said:            “Come.”            Peter descended from the boat and walked toward Jesus on the water. When he saw that the waves were boisterous, he was afraid and began to sink. He cried out, saying:            “Lord, save me.”            Immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, caught Peter, and said to him:            “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”            When the two of them entered the boat, the wind ceased. All who were on board came and worshiped Jesus, saying:            “Of a truth thou art the Son of God.”

The challenge for modern Christianity is to apply logic and consistency to our traditions. It requires bravery to examine established theological ideas and sacraments. However, to assure we worship the God of the Scriptures in accordance to the Son of God, this work is mandatory. Creeds, counsels and belief statements which require arbitrary obedience to the church over Christ creates a disconnect with the Scriptures. These false notions must be erased to make room for the doctrines Jesus came to reveal. ***Ch . 37 - Jesus Walks On The SeaMatthew 14:24-33; Mark 6:47-52; John 6:16-21While Jesus was alone in the Mountain praying, his disciples entered a boat and started over the sea toward Capernaum. But the wind rose and lashed the sea into great waves and held up their progress.             About the fourth watch of the night Jesus came down to the shore, saw the boat, and walked upon the sea toward them.            When they saw him in the water, his disciples were troubled and said:            “It is a spirit.”            They cried out with fear.            Jesus heard them and said:            “Be of good cheer. It is I; be not afraid.”            Peter replied, saying:            “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.”            Jesus said:            “Come.”            Peter descended from the boat and walked toward Jesus on the water. When he saw that the waves were boisterous, he was afraid and began to sink. He cried out, saying:            “Lord, save me.”            Immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, caught Peter, and said to him:            “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”            When the two of them entered the boat, the wind ceased. All who were on board came and worshiped Jesus, saying:            “Of a truth thou art the Son of God.”

It takes the revelation of the Spirit of God to understand the message of Jesus.  We tend to try and simplify; to segregate “church-life” from “real life.” This segregation leads to a lukewarm Christianity. Important matters are discussed and resolved when we spend time with one another. Proverbs 27:17“Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”***Ch. 36 - Jesus Feeds Five ThousandMatthew 14:13-23; Mark 6:30-46; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:5-15When the apostles, whom Jesus had sent forth to spread the word, returned, they told him all that they had done and taught.            Because so many people seeking Jesus were always coming to him and his disciples, giving them not even leisure to eat, Jesus said:            “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while.”            They went with Jesus privately by ship to a quiet and unpopulated place in the neighborhood of the city of Bethsaida.            The people saw them going. Many followed and others, who guessed their destination, ran afoot out of their cities and arrived before Jesus and the disciples. About five thousand men, besides women and children, came to the desolate place.            Jesus, seeing them, as sheep without a shepherd, had compassion on them, and he healed their sick and began to teach them many things.            When the day neared its end, the twelve apostles came to Jesus and said:  “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals; for we are here in a desert place.”           Jesus replied:            “They need not depart; give ye them to eat.”            Philip, the disciple, said:            “Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.”            Another disciple, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said:            “There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes. But what are they among so many?”            Jesus said:            “Bring them hither to me.”            Then he instructed his disciples to organize the crowd, saying:            “Make them sit down fifties in a company.”            Jesus took the five loaves and the two fishes, looked up to Heaven, and blessed them.He broke the bread and gave it and the fishes to his disciples to distribute among the multitude. Everyone ate and was filled.            When all had finished eating, Jesus said:            “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.”            Therefore they gathered the remaining fragments and, with what was left over, filled twelve baskets....

Preach the message of repentance. Evangelism should not be asking questions in an attempt to educate or proselytize. Rather be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies in you. The gospel message is simple, but not easy. Jesus said, "Many are called, few are chosen." ***Ch. 35 – JESUS COMMISSIONS, EMPOWERS, AND SENDS FORTH THE TWELVE DISCIPLESJESUS went about among cities, villages, and in the country, teaching in the synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing sicknesses, diseases, and infirmities among the people. When he saw the great multitudes who followed after him, he was moved with compassion; because he saw them faint, and observed that they were scattered, as sheep with no shepherd. To his disciples Jesus said: “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.” Jesus gave the power to his twelve disciples to cast out unclean spirits and heal all manner of sickness, disease, and infirmity. As the twelve went forth, Jesus instructed them, saying: “Go not into the way of the Gentiles. And into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.  And as ye go, preach, saying, ’The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.’  Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils. Freely ye have received, freely give.  Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves; for the workman is worthy of his meat.  And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. And when ye come into a house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.  Verily I say unto you, ‘It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city’.” “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men; for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak; for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child; and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake; but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another; for verily I say unto you, ‘Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.’ The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Fear them not therefore; for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light; and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your...

"Hear ye! Hear ye! The Kingdom of God is at hand."The message of Jesus was not popular with religious leaders; the same message preached by his disciples will not be popular either. Change is difficult. Listen closely to the instructions of Jesus. ***Ch. 35 – JESUS COMMISSIONS, EMPOWERS, AND SENDS FORTH THE TWELVE DISCIPLESJESUS went about among cities, villages, and in the country, teaching in the synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing sicknesses, diseases, and infirmities among the people. When he saw the great multitudes who followed after him, he was moved with compassion; because he saw them faint, and observed that they were scattered, as sheep with no shepherd. To his disciples Jesus said: “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.” Jesus gave the power to his twelve disciples to cast out unclean spirits and heal all manner of sickness, disease, and infirmity. As the twelve went forth, Jesus instructed them, saying: “Go not into the way of the Gentiles. And into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.  And as ye go, preach, saying, ’The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.’  Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils. Freely ye have received, freely give.  Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves; for the workman is worthy of his meat.  And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. And when ye come into a house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.  Verily I say unto you, ‘It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city’.” “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men; for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak; for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child; and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake; but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another; for verily I say unto you, ‘Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.’ The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Fear them not therefore; for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light; and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very

The Words of Jesus make demands for our perfection. We expect ranking in tournaments or levels in video games but we tend to apply a magical interpretation to Christianity which ignores the instructions given by Christ. The mystery of the Kingdom of God is revealed as we obey; we are forgiven as we forgive; we are saved as we repent (change). We expect challenges in life. We should expect challenges in the Kingdom of God.***Ch. 35 – JESUS COMMISSIONS, EMPOWERS, AND SENDS FORTH THE TWELVE DISCIPLESJESUS went about among cities, villages, and in the country, teaching in the synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing sicknesses, diseases, and infirmities among the people. When he saw the great multitudes who followed after him, he was moved with compassion; because he saw them faint, and observed that they were scattered, as sheep with no shepherd. To his disciples Jesus said: “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.” Jesus gave the power to his twelve disciples to cast out unclean spirits and heal all manner of sickness, disease, and infirmity. As the twelve went forth, Jesus instructed them, saying: “Go not into the way of the Gentiles. And into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.  And as ye go, preach, saying, ’The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.’  Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils. Freely ye have received, freely give.  Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves; for the workman is worthy of his meat.  And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. And when ye come into a house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.  Verily I say unto you, ‘It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city’.” “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men; for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak; for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child; and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake; but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another; for verily I say unto you, ‘Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.’ The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Fear them not therefore; for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light; and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear him which...

A change in direction happens in an instant; however, arriving at the destination you desire requires action. Daily action. It takes time to overcome the mess of living in error for years. Be patient. Keep the commandments. Never violate your conscience. Take time everyday to hear the voice of God. The discipline of change may be difficult, embrace it; knowing a relationship with God is worth every sacrifice you make. Lay down your life.  In the Scriptures Jesus says, “Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me.”***Ch 34. - JESUS HEALS A LONG-SUFFERING WOMANAS JESUS had passed along on his way to the house of Jairus, great crowds had thronged about him. Among the crowd was a woman who had suffered twelve years from a hemorrhage. Though she had spent all her money on physicians, none had cured her; instead, she had grown worse. She thought to herself: "If I may but touch his garment, I shall be healed." She pressed through the throng, came up behind Jesus and touched his garment. Immediately the flow of blood stopped, and she felt in her body that she was completely cured. Jesus turned and said: "Who touched me?" His disciples replied: "Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, 'Who touched me?'" But Jesus said: "Somebody hath touched me, for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me." The woman knew that her act had not gone unnoticed. She came trembling up to Jesus and fell down before him. She declared to him before all the people why she had touched his garment and how she had been healed immediately. Jesus said to her: "Daughter, be of good comfort. Thy faith hath made thee whole. Go in peace."***Scriptures:Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34; Luke 8:43-48

Excerpted Scriptures formulated into "if, then" statements can hide the message Jesus came to reveal. It's the story of the gospel. We are privileged to have the testimonies of others in the Bible.  We can read the stories of those who succeeded in their walk of faith and of others.  We are called to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. We can say we believe and we are Christians; however, what we truly believe is revealed by what we do. ***Ch 34. - JESUS HEALS A LONG-SUFFERING WOMANAS JESUS had passed along on his way to the house of Jairus, great crowds had thronged about him. Among the crowd was a woman who had suffered twelve years from a hemorrhage. Though she had spent all her money on physicians, none had cured her; instead, she had grown worse. She thought to herself: "If I may but touch his garment, I shall be healed." She pressed through the throng, came up behind Jesus and touched his garment. Immediately the flow of blood stopped, and she felt in her body that she was completely cured. Jesus turned and said: "Who touched me?" His disciples replied: "Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, 'Who touched me?'" But Jesus said: "Somebody hath touched me, for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me." The woman knew that her act had not gone unnoticed. She came trembling up to Jesus and fell down before him. She declared to him before all the people why she had touched his garment and how she had been healed immediately. Jesus said to her: "Daughter, be of good comfort. Thy faith hath made thee whole. Go in peace."***Scriptures:Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34; Luke 8:[email protected]

Jesus is not like us. We must take caution to mold our lives after Jesus; not mold Jesus after us. Examine the mind of Christ through his words and actions. Prophets were given for the time when communication with God was limited. Jesus instructed, "Keep my commandments and my Father and I will teach you from the inside." No hierarchy in the Kingdom of God.***Ch. 33 - JESUS RAISES JAIRUS' DAUGHTERJAIRUS, a ruler of the synagogue, came and threw himself at Jesus' feet. He besought his aid, saying: "My little daughter, who is about twelve years old, lieth at the point of death. I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live." Jesus went with him, followed by many people. While on their was a person came to Jairus, saying: "Thy daughter is dead. Trouble not the Master." Jesus heard the message and said to Jairus: "Fear not; believe only, and she shall be made whole." When they arrived at the house, Jesus permitted none to enter with him except Peter, James, John, and the parents of the child. In the house many were weeping and wailing. Jesus said: "Why make ye this ado, and weep? The damsel is not dead, but sleepeth." They laughed at him scornfully, knowing that the girl was dead. Jesus put them all out. Jesus took the hand of the girl and said: "Maid, arise." Straightway the girl arose. The parents were astonished. Jesus instructed them to give the maiden something to eat, and he ordered them to tell no one what had happened. But his fame spread throughout the land. ***Scriptures:Ch. 33 Matthew 9:18, 19, 23-26; Mark 5:22-24, 35-43; Luke 8:41, 42, 49-56

Tradition is not truth. Examine "Who told you that." Historical Jesus, Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Son of God, "All-knowing, all-powerful, all-present" - Is that true? Our job as Christians is not to evangelize through education and/or declarative statements. Jesus says, "My church is built on revelation." Our witness is our life. We must strive to meet the expectations of Jesus. Our hands are His hands in the earth. Be honest. Be faithful. ***Ch. 32 - JESUS HEALS A GADARENEJESUS AND HIS disciples came to the other side of the Sea of Galilee to the country of the Gadarenes. As soon as Jesus was on the shore a man came to meet him, one who had been possessed of devils for a long time. He wore no clothes, and abode in no house, but in the tombs. No one could bind this man, not even with chains. It had often been tried, but he had broken the chains. No man could tame him. He spent his time both night and day in the mountains and tombs --crying loudly, and madly cutting himself with stones. When he saw Jesus he ran and fell down before him, and in a loud voice said: "What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not." Jesus spoke, saying: "Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit." Then, to the man, Jesus said: "What is thy name?" The man answered: "My name is Legion; for we are many." And he asked Jesus not to send them out of the country. Near by a large herd of swine was feeding. The unclean spirits beseeched Jesus, saying: "Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them." Jesus gave them permission; the unclean spirits entered the swine; and the entire herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea and drowned. The herdsmen fled and told what they had seen. Many came to see Jesus and found the demoniac, clothed and in his right mind, sitting at the feet of Jesus. Those who had seen Jesus drive the unclean spirits from the man told the latest arrivals how the man had been cleansed and made sane. The Gadarenes were afraid and asked Jesus to leave their country. He started to enter his boat, when the man who had been cleansed of the unclean spirits asked to go with him. Jesus would not permit it, but said to the man, "Go hove to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee." He who was healed departed and told in Decapolis the great things Jesus had done for him. All men marveled.***Scriptures: Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1; Luke 8:26-39

The reward of no effort is atrophy.  This is true physically, mentally and spiritually.  The result of effort in exercise is strength; in relationships is sustainability; and in obedience is regeneration.  We must strive to achieve the promises offered by God. The opportunity is not something we can earn but our effort is required to bring the promises to completion. Actions and inaction bring consequences. Jesus asked this question, "Why do you call me LORD and not do what I say?" Jesus did his part to open the door; we must do our part by entering in. Spiritual victories in daily life require change.***Ch. 32 - JESUS HEALS A GADARENEJESUS AND HIS disciples came to the other side of the Sea of Galilee to the country of the Gadarenes. As soon as Jesus was on the shore a man came to meet him, one who had been possessed of devils for a long time. He wore no clothes, and abode in no house, but in the tombs. No one could bind this man, not even with chains. It had often been tried, but he had broken the chains. No man could tame him. He spent his time both night and day in the mountains and tombs --crying loudly, and madly cutting himself with stones. When he saw Jesus he ran and fell down before him, and in a loud voice said: "What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not." Jesus spoke, saying: "Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit." Then, to the man, Jesus said: "What is thy name?" The man answered: "My name is Legion; for we are many." And he asked Jesus not to send them out of the country. Near by a large herd of swine was feeding. The unclean spirits beseeched Jesus, saying: "Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them." Jesus gave them permission; the unclean spirits entered the swine; and the entire herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea and drowned. The herdsmen fled and told what they had seen. Many came to see Jesus and found the demoniac, clothed and in his right mind, sitting at the feet of Jesus. Those who had seen Jesus drive the unclean spirits from the man told the latest arrivals how the man had been cleansed and made sane. The Gadarenes were afraid and asked Jesus to leave their country. He started to enter his boat, when the man who had been cleansed of the unclean spirits asked to go with him. Jesus would not permit it, but said to the man, "Go hove to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee." He who was healed departed and told in Decapolis the great things Jesus had done for him. All men marveled.***Scriptures: Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1; Luke 8:26-39

Revelation 14 - "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." The Spirit of God has not ceased to speak to His people since the Voice of God walked with Adam in the Garden of Eden. The Scriptures record some of these conversations. God spoke to the people through Moses, through the Prophets, and through His Son (the Word made flesh). Jesus continued this communication to our day with the instruction, "Keep my commandments and the Father and I will come inside and lead and guide you - from the inside." Do you have faith?***Ch. 31 - JESUS STILLS THE STORMONE DAY Jesus said to his disciples: "Let us go over unto the other side of the lake." They launched forth in a ship and other little ships sailed with them. There arose a great storm which lashed the waves and beat them so so high that they broke over the ship. The boat rapidly filled with water while Jesus slept on a pillow in the stern. As they were in great peril, his disciples wakened Jesus, saying: "Lord, save us! We perish!" Jesus arose, saying: "Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?" Then Jesus rebuked the winds and said to the sea: "Peace, be still." The wind ceased and the sea grew calm. Jesus said to his disciples: "Why are ye fearful? Have ye not yet faith?" The disciples were afraid and wondering. They said to one another: "What manner of man is is this? For he commands even the winds and the sea, and they obey him.***Scriptures: Matthew 8:18, 23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25

Jesus came to reveal His Father, not to replace Him; and to restore communication to an internal, individual matter. No longer would a physical temple or a Levitical priesthood be required for people to meet with God. The plan of Jesus was to put his commandments into our heart.  Our obedience (keeping the commandments) opens communication with the Spirit of God. Man is where the Spirit of God desires to reside.  Jesus Christ, our High Priest, always obeyed His Father – we should do the same. ***Ch. 30 - Jesus Teaches the Kingdom in ParablesA NET (Matt 13:47-53)            Jesus likened the kingdom of Heaven to a net, saying:             “Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind—which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world. The angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire.  There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”            Then Jesus said:            “Have ye understood all these things?”            The people answered:            “Yes, Lord.”            Jesus said to them:            “Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of Heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.”

Effort is required to obtain the salvation we seek. We should expect opposition. Our obligation is to dispense with false doctrines to make room for the doctrine of Jesus Christ. The exercise of power [grace] that makes the Christian super-human in this world should not give us a false notion that we are righteous enough to receive such power, or even loved enough to receive the privilege, but we should see it as our duty to exercise it. Our obedience opens the communication of daily instruction. In this way, we work hand-in-hand with our God on His redemption plan. ***Ch. 30 - Jesus Teaches the Kingdom in ParablesTHE COSTLY PEARL (Matt. 13:45, 46)            Jesus told another parable to teach his listeners what the kingdom of Heaven is. He said:            “Again, he kingdom of Heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls—who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, as bought it.”A NET (Matt 13:47-53)            Jesus likened the kingdom of Heaven to a net, saying:             “Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind—which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world. The angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire.  There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”            Then Jesus said:            “Have ye understood all these things?”            The people answered:            “Yes, Lord.”            Jesus said to them:            “Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of Heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.”

The barrier in communication is not linguistic, Jesus spoke the languages of His day. The barrier is our ability to understand. We are handicapped by our sins, the sins of society, and the corruption in modern Christianity. The good news is the way is still open, understanding still obtainable, communication still possible. ***Ch. 30 - Jesus Teaches the Kingdom in ParablesA MUSTARD SEED (Matt. 13:31, 32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18, 19)            Then Jesus, speaking another parable, likened the kingdom of God to a mustard seed that grows from a small grain into a large plant:            “Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth. But when it is sown, it growth up, and becometh greater than all hers, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.” LEAVEN (Matt. 13:33; Luke 13:20, 21)            Then Jesus compared the kingdom of Heaven with leaven, saying:             “The kingdom of Heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.”THE HIDDEN TREASURE (Matt. 13:44)            Jesus spoke another parable, likening the kingdom of Heaven to a hidden treasure.  He said:             “Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field-which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.”THE COSTLY PEARL (Matt. 13:45, 46)            Jesus told another parable to teach his listeners what the kingdom of Heaven is. He said:            “Again, he kingdom of Heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls—who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, as bought it.”A NET (Matt 13:47-53)            Jesus likened the kingdom of Heaven to a net, saying:             “Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind—which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world. The angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire.  There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”            Then Jesus said:            “Have ye understood all these things?”            The people answered:            “Yes, Lord.”            Jesus said to them:            “Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of Heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.”

The goal is to reinforce Christianity with the wisdom and words of Jesus. Examine His life, His friends, and His relationship with His father as recorded in the four gospels of the Scriptures. These written accounts are a gift from God; called to the remembrance of the apostles. Here's what Jesus said, "...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. He that loveth me not keeps not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe." John 14***Ch. 30 - Jesus Teaches the Kingdom in ParablesTHE SEED (Mark 4:36-29)            Jesus spoke another parable, saying:             “So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.  For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.  But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.”A MUSTARD SEED (Matt. 13:31, 32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18, 19)            Then Jesus, speaking another parable, likened the kingdom of God to a mustard seed that grows from a small grain into a large plant:            “Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth. But when it is sown, it growth up, and becometh greater than all hers, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.” LEAVEN (Matt. 13:33; Luke 13:20, 21)            Then Jesus compared the kingdom of Heaven with leaven, saying:             “The kingdom of Heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.”THE HIDDEN TREASURE (Matt. 13:44)            Jesus spoke another parable, likening the kingdom of Heaven to a hidden treasure.  He said:             “Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field-which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.”THE COSTLY PEARL (Matt. 13:45, 46)            Jesus told another parable to teach his listeners what the kingdom of Heaven is. He...

It is our privilege and responsibility to participate in our salvation. We must provide the environment which allows the seed of Christ to grow to maturity. Being born again is not instant. The forgiveness we receive must be reciprocated in all our relationships. The exercise of keeping the commandments lets God know we are serious about going His way. Taking time to listen every day builds the discipline we need to be servants to our Lord. We are not entering the democracy of God. We are entering a kingdom. We have a Lord, if we obey him.*** Ch. 30 - Jesus Teaches the Kingdom in ParablesTHE SEED (Mark 4:36-29)            Jesus spoke another parable, saying:             “So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.  For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.  But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.”A MUSTARD SEED (Matt. 13:31, 32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18, 19)            Then Jesus, speaking another parable, likened the kingdom of God to a mustard seed that grows from a small grain into a large plant:            “Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth. But when it is sown, it growth up, and becometh greater than all hers, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.” LEAVEN (Matt. 13:33; Luke 13:20, 21)            Then Jesus compared the kingdom of Heaven with leaven, saying:             “The kingdom of Heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.”THE HIDDEN TREASURE (Matt. 13:44)            Jesus spoke another parable, likening the kingdom of Heaven to a hidden treasure.  He said:             “Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field-which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.”THE COSTLY PEARL (Matt. 13:45, 46)            Jesus told another parable to teach his listeners what the kingdom of Heaven is. He said:            “Again, he kingdom of Heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls—who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, as bought it.”A NET (Matt 13:47-53)            Jesus likened the kingdom of Heaven to a net, saying:             “Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind—which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world. The angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,...

Jesus did not come to condemn the world; the world was already condemned. He came to save us; however, our effort is required. Faith, obedience and trust are required. God will not prove Himself to us. Obedience and trust are the evidence of faith. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. ***Ch. 30 - Jesus Teaches the Kingdom in ParablesTHE SEED (Mark 4:36-29)            Jesus spoke another parable, saying:             “So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.  For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.  But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.”A MUSTARD SEED (Matt. 13:31, 32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18, 19)            Then Jesus, speaking another parable, likened the kingdom of God to a mustard seed that grows from a small grain into a large plant:            “Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth. But when it is sown, it growth up, and becometh greater than all hers, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.” LEAVEN (Matt. 13:33; Luke 13:20, 21)            Then Jesus compared the kingdom of Heaven with leaven, saying:             “The kingdom of Heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.”THE HIDDEN TREASURE (Matt. 13:44)            Jesus spoke another parable, likening the kingdom of Heaven to a hidden treasure.  He said:             “Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field-which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.”THE COSTLY PEARL (Matt. 13:45, 46)            Jesus told another parable to teach his listeners what the kingdom of Heaven is. He said:            “Again, he kingdom of Heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls—who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, as bought it.”A NET (Matt 13:47-53)            Jesus likened the kingdom of Heaven to a net, saying:             “Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind—which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world. The angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire.  There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”            Then Jesus...

We don't know what we don't know. At least we should know there are things we don't know. To have the instruction of the Spirit of God, we are required to keep the commandments, to never violate our conscience, and to take time every day in meditation to hear. "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."***Ch. 30 - Jesus Teaches the Kingdom in ParablesTHE TARES (WEEDS)  (Matt. 13:24-30; 36-43)THEN JESUS told another parable, saying:            “The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field. But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, ‘Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?’ He said unto them, ‘An enemy hath done this.’ The servants said unto him, ‘Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?’ But he said, ‘Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”            Later on, after the multitude had been sent away and Jesus had gone into the house, his disciples came to him, saying:            “Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.”            Jesus answered them, saying:            “He that soweth the good seed is the Son of many. The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one.  The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.  As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so shall it be in the end of the world.  The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire. There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.  Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.”THE SEED (Mark 4:36-29)            Jesus spoke another parable, saying:             “So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.  For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.  But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.”A MUSTARD SEED (Matt. 13:31, 32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18, 19)            Then Jesus, speaking another parable, likened the kingdom of God to a mustard seed that grows from a small grain into a large plant:            “Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth. But when it is sown, it growth up, and becometh greater than all hers, and shooteth out great...

If what you believe is not true, do you want to know it? We have established conventional wisdom and answers that may not coincide with the responses of Jesus. Hold your beliefs in an open hand. The Spirit of God may reveal surprising details that will change our opinions. Commit to a longer-view when judging a present condition. Some circumstances are within our ability to change. Some things will require the intervention of God. The removal of our enemies will be difficult for us. Trust Him. ***Ch. 30 - Jesus Teaches the Kingdom in ParablesTHE TARES (WEEDS)  Matt. 13:24-30; 36-43THEN JESUS told another parable, saying:            “The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field. But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, ‘Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?’ He said unto them, ‘An enemy hath done this.’ The servants said unto him, ‘Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?’ But he said, ‘Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”            Later on, after the multitude had been sent away and Jesus had gone into the house, his disciples came to him, saying:            “Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.”            Jesus answered them, saying:            “He that soweth the good seed is the Son of many. The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one.  The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.  As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so shall it be in the end of the world.  The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire. There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.  Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.”THE SEED (Mark 4:36-29)            Jesus spoke another parable, saying:             “So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.  For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.  But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.”A MUSTARD SEED (Matt. 13:31, 32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18, 19)            Then Jesus, speaking another parable, likened the kingdom of God to a mustard seed that grows from a small grain into a large plant:            “Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is...

"...Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given." Things have not always been the way they are now. The world was created good. Bad things happen, expect it. Don't look for someone to blame. Some actions are required to open the doors of communication: 1) Keep the 10 Commandments.2) Never violate your conscience. 3) Spend 20 minutes in silence every day to hear from God. ***Ch. 30 - Jesus Teaches the Kingdom in ParablesThe Tares (Weeds)  (Matt. 13:24-30; 36-43)THEN JESUS told another parable, saying:            “The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field. But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, ‘Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?’ He said unto them, ‘An enemy hath done this.’ The servants said unto him, ‘Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?’ But he said, ‘Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”            Later on, after the multitude had been sent away and Jesus had gone into the house, his disciples came to him, saying:            “Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.”            Jesus answered them, saying:            “He that soweth the good seed is the Son of many. The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one.  The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.  As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so shall it be in the end of the world.  The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire. There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.  Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.”THE SEED (Mark 4:36-29)            Jesus spoke another parable, saying:             “So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.  For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.  But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.”A MUSTARD SEED (Matt. 13:31, 32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18, 19)            Then Jesus, speaking another parable, likened the kingdom of God to a mustard seed that grows from a small grain into a large plant:            “Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what comparison shall...

Jesus came to heal the rift between God and man. However, much of modern Christianity is based in paganism and tradition. When it comes to Christianity, the Scriptures often reveal a different view of God. For example, consider how many times this occurs when you read the Bible, Jesus says, "don't". We do. Jesus says "do". We don't. It is worthwhile to examine our actions and beliefs in the light of Scripture. ***Ch. 30 - Jesus Teaches the Kingdom in ParablesThe Tares (Weeds)  Matt. 13:24-30; 36-43THEN JESUS told another parable, saying:            “The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field. But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, ‘Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?’ He said unto them, ‘An enemy hath done this.’ The servants said unto him, ‘Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?’ But he said, ‘Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”            Later on, after the multitude had been sent away and Jesus had gone into the house, his disciples came to him, saying:            “Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.”            Jesus answered them, saying:            “He that soweth the good seed is the Son of many. The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one.  The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.  As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so shall it be in the end of the world.  The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire. There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.  Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.”THE SEED (Mark 4:36-29)            Jesus spoke another parable, saying:             “So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.  For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.  But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.”A MUSTARD SEED (Matt. 13:31, 32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18, 19)            Then Jesus, speaking another parable, likened the kingdom of God to a mustard seed that grows from a small grain into a large plant:            “Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth. But when it is sown,

One and done attitudes have harmed personal development and perfection. We do not inherit the characteristics of Christ via osmosis or via church attendance. Nor is there any instantaneous occurrence, other than the change from pursuing our way to going God's way (repentance). Our salvation and our perfection take place over time. We are required to participate in this process through obedience. Keep the commandments; never violate your conscience and take time every day to hear the voice of God. Our walk with God is accomplished by revelation, not education. The Scriptures contain valuable insights and lessons; not to memorize, but to encourage us and provide witnesses of other relationships with God. ***Ch. 30 - Jesus Teaches the Kingdom in ParablesThe Tares (Weeds)  Matt. 13:24-30; 36-43THEN JESUS told another parable, saying:            “The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field. But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, ‘Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?’ He said unto them, ‘An enemy hath done this.’ The servants said unto him, ‘Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?’ But he said, ‘Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”            Later on, after the multitude had been sent away and Jesus had gone into the house, his disciples came to him, saying:            “Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.”            Jesus answered them, saying:            “He that soweth the good seed is the Son of many. The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one.  The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.  As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so shall it be in the end of the world.  The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire. There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.  Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.”THE SEED (Mark 4:36-29)            Jesus spoke another parable, saying:             “So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.  For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.  But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.”A MUSTARD SEED (Matt. 13:31, 32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18, 19)            Then Jesus, speaking another parable, likened the kingdom of God to a mustard seed that grows from a...

"What you hear..." is to be considered, especially when you begin your Christian walk. But, there is another harbinger to be considered as well, "Take heed how you hear." How-we-hear is a mystery. One is our teacher, even Christ. Christians are given a new way to understand, to know beyond the words that are written or spoken (led and guided by the Spirit of God). ***Ch. 29: AND JESUS ADDED:            “Take heed what ye hear. With what measure ye mete, it shall me be measured to you; and unto you that hear shall more be given.  For he that hath, to him shall be given; and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.”***Scriptures:Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-25; Luke 8:4-18

Are you better off today than you were last week? Last month? Last year? You should be. Obedience to the Word of God always makes us better. Don't limit your self-evaluation to financial gains. There are many gifts (self-control, patience, forgiveness, etc.) that lead to a better life and success - come what may. Strive to enter into the narrow gate. Remember, our walk toward salvation is a process. There is no way to stay in the same place. We get better or we get worse. Every gift has a responsibility attached. If we receive revelations or understandings about the Word of God that we ignore, they will be taken from us. We should not expect to learn everything we need to know from what is written in the Scriptures. “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written." John 21***Ch. 29: AND JESUS ADDED -             “Take heed what ye hear. With what measure ye mete, it shall me be measured to you; and unto you that hear shall more be given.  For he that hath, to him shall be given; and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.”***Scriptures:Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-25; Luke 8:4-18

If what you believe is not true, do you want to know it? We have been sold a bill-of-goods when it comes to the requirements of residency in the Kingdom of Heaven. Every man and woman will be judged based on what they did - according to the will and way of God. We must strive, indeed, we must earn, our place in the Kingdom. Not everyone is called.***Ch. 29: JESUS TELLS A PARABLE OF A SOWERTHE SAME DAY that his mother and brothers had come to see him, Jesus want down by the seaside.  Great multitudes came to hear and see him.  Jesus sat in a boat and spoke to the crowd on the shore, saying:             “Behold, a sower went forth to sow.  And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the fowls came and devoured them up. Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth; and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth.  And when the sun was up, they were schorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.  And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them.  But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.  Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.”            When they were alone, his disciples asked Jesus:            “Why speakest thou to them in parables?”            Jesus replied:            “Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven, but to them it is not given.  For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance; but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.  Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.  And them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which saith, “By hearing ye shall not hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive.  For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest as any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.  But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you that many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.            “Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower: When anyone heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the wayside. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it.  Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while; for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.  He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”             Jesus also said:            “Is a candle brought to be put...

Jesus came to save the nation of Israel. Sadly, Israel rejected Jesus. Things were forever changed. Faith is now required of everyone. Jesus came to save the world (Israel); His own people rejected him. However, to those who received HIM - gave He grace (power to become) a son of God. If they say I'm in a secret place (I'm not there). Those who are of me hear my voice. Remember the Scriptures, "Let them hear... unto you it is given." The first Parable: Sower sows the Word. Disobedience to the commandments blocks understanding. Make a change today! Exodus 20:1-17 (Ten Commandments)1 And God spake all these words, saying,2 I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.7 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.9 Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.13 Thou shalt not kill.14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.15 Thou shalt not steal.16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's.***Ch. 29: JESUS ALSO SAID:             “Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? And not to be set on a candlestick? For there is nothing his, which shall not be manifested; neither was anything kept secret, but that it should come abroad.  If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.”            AND JESUS ADDED:            “Take heed what ye hear. With what measure ye mete, it shall me be measured to you; and unto you that hear shall more be given.  For he that hath, to him shall be given; and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.”***Scriptures:Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-25; Luke 8:4-18

Jesus came in humility and meekness to be received of His people. Jesus always obeyed His Father and earned God's approval. Jesus yielded to become a suffering servant to provide a way of reconciliation for mankind. This sacrifice, this service, did not make our Savior Jesus or our King Jesus into our beck-and-call God. God is sovereign. We must strive individually for our perfection. "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him..." 2 Chronicles 16:9 ***Ch. 29: JESUS ALSO SAID:            “Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? And not to be set on a candlestick? For there is nothing his, which shall not be manifested; neither was anything kept secret, but that it should come abroad.  If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.”            And Jesus added:            “Take heed what ye hear. With what measure ye mete, it shall me be measured to you; and unto you that hear shall more be given.  For he that hath, to him shall be given; and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.”***Scriptures:Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-25; Luke 8:4-18

Mysteries have been hidden since the foundation of the world for the edification and understanding of those who have ears-to-hear. Surface principles have been taken from the Bible and applied to modern Christianity in a way not intended by God. The desire for knowledge, the desire to teach, the desire for hierarchy have supplanted the principal outlined in the gospel. Specifically, "One is your teacher, even Christ." Jesus taught in parables to facilitate revelation by God to the hearts of men. "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God..."***Ch. 29: JESUS TELLS A PARABLE OF A SOWERTHE SAME DAY that his mother and brothers had come to see him, Jesus want down by the seaside.  Great multitudes came to hear and see him.  Jesus sat in a boat and spoke to the crowd on the shore, saying:             “Behold, a sower went forth to sow.  And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the fowls came and devoured them up. Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth; and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth.  And when the sun was up, they were schorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.  And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them.  But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.  Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.”            When they were alone, his disciples asked Jesus:            “Why speakest thou to them in parables?”            Jesus replied:            “Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven, but to them it is not given.  For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance; but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.  Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.  And them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which saith, “By hearing ye shall not hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive.  For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest as any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.  But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you that many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.            “Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower: When anyone heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the wayside. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it.  Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while; for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.  He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some a hundredfold, some...

Jesus did not teach universalism. Jesus said, "Many are called, few are chosen." While teaching the disciples the first parable, Jesus reveals foundational understanding required to become part of the Kingdom of God.  God hides things from people who are not called – blessed are ye who hear.  The implementation of God's will has been turned over to His people. God’s will is done when God's people do it. Strive to enter in.  The kingdom of God contains both judgment and reward.***Ch. 29: JESUS TELLS A PARABLE OF A SOWERTHE SAME DAY that his mother and brothers had come to see him, Jesus want down by the seaside.  Great multitudes came to hear and see him.  Jesus sat in a boat and spoke to the crowd on the shore, saying:             “Behold, a sower went forth to sow.  And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the fowls came and devoured them up. Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth; and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth.  And when the sun was up, they were schorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.  And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them.  But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.  Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.”            When they were alone, his disciples asked Jesus:            “Why speakest thou to them in parables?”            Jesus replied:            “Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven, but to them it is not given.  For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance; but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.  Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.  And them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which saith, “By hearing ye shall not hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive.  For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest as any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.  But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you that many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.            “Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower: When anyone heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the wayside. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it.  Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while; for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.  He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”...

Who is my mother?  "Whosoever does the will of my Father is my brother, my sister and my mother.” Being born again is a process.  There is conception (a seed is planted), then, gestation and finally birth. Strive to be a vessel for duplication of Christ. This mystery has been hidden since the foundation of the world. How far along are you in the process? Look at your works. Works are the measure of our faith. What we believe, we do. "Hear and Do" equals building your house on the rock. It always comes back to faith and works.  Think Red Ink!***Ch. 28: JESUS’ MOTHER AND BROTHERS COME TO SEE HIMWHILE JESUS was talking to the people, his mother and brothers came to the house but were unable to enter because of the large crowds which thronged about it.            A messenger came to Jesus, saying:            “Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.”            But Jesus replied to the messenger:            “Who is my mother?  And who are my brethren?”            Then Jesus stretched his hand in the direction of his disciples and said:            “Behold my mother and my brethren!For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in Heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.”***If you were family, you would hear and do; Hear the word of God is my mother - womb - a place to develop (pregnancy), seed of Christ, Abraham, Abraham's seed, not all who say, "Lord, Lord…" works are required; seed remains -does not sin, born again; do the right thing every time; daily life is what we are judged on; born-again, salvation, seed of Christ, miscarriage, environment not hostile, ***Scriptures:  Matthew 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 5:19-21

Here's your sign. The last sign. "Three days and three nights" Don't let the instructions of tradition and dogma rob you of the sign given by Messiah. Syncretism has hidden this sign. Our job is to worship in Spirit and Truth. Offer: Reconciling the Resurrection DVD - Free.***Ch. 27: JESUS REFUSES TO GIVE A SIGN OF HIS AUTHORITYCERTAIN of the scribes and Pharisees came to Jesus and said:            “Master, we would see a sign of thee.”            Jesus answered:            “An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah.  For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the shale’s belly, so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.  The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and, behold, a greater than Jonah is here.  The queen of the south shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it; for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.  When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.  Then he saith, ‘I will return into my house from whence I came out’; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.  Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.”

"When the Messiah comes will He do more works than this man?" In order to mature in the faith, we must discern the thoughts and intents of our hearts. How can we? By simply listening to what we say (our hearts leak through our mouths). Conversion takes time. Hear what you say and make changes. Those unable to hear and unwilling to obey create doubt by making accusations. The undeniable signs of healing where remarkably discredited. The crowds believed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God. ***CHAPTER 26: JESUS HEALS A DUMB AND BLIND MAN A MAN both dumb and blind was healed when he was brought before Jesus.            Those who saw this miracle were amazed and said:            “Is not this the son of David?”            But when the scribes from Jerusalem and the Pharisees heard of it, they said:            “This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub, the prince of devils.”            Jesus knew their thoughts and responded:            “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand. And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself. How shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.  Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? And then he will spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? And then he will spoil his house. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.             “Wherefore I say unto you, ‘All manner of sin and blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men; but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.  And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him’ but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.’ Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt; for the tree is known by his fruit.  O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.  A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things; and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.  For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” ***Scriptures: Matthew 12:22-37; Mark 3:20-30; Luke 11:14-36

Jesus, our Redeemer, came to minister to small and great with the same love and unerring truth. John 3:17-18, "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."&nbsp;Offer: "The Red Letter Questions" by Don C. Harris. Email [email protected] to request a free "The Red Letter Questions" audio book on cd or you can purchase a print book online.***Ch. 25 - JESUS ANOINTEDJesus accepted an invitation to go to the home of a Pharisee for a meal.&nbsp; While Jesus sat eating, a sinful woman of the city came to the house, bringing an alabaster box of ointment. (The gospel of John identifies the woman who anointed Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair as Mary, the sister of Martha.&nbsp; Evidently the story was known in two versions, and the two writers had heard the same story but about different individuals.) She stood weeping and washed his feet with her tears, dried them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment. When the Pharisee saw what the woman was doing, he thought to himself;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him; for she is a sinner.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jesus said to the Pharisee:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Pharisee replied:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Master, say on.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jesus said:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Simon answered, saying: “I&nbsp; suppose that he to whom he forgave most.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jesus replied:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Thou hast rightly judged.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jesus turned toward the woman, saying to Simon:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Seest thou this woman?&nbsp;I entered unto thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet; but she hath washed my feed with tears and wiped them with the hairs of her head.&nbsp; Thou gavest me no kiss; but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.&nbsp; My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.&nbsp;Wherefore I say unto thee, ‘Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little’.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; To the woman Jesus said:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Thy sins are forgiven.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Those who sat at the feast thought to themselves:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Who is this that forgiveth sins also?”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jesus said to the woman:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.”<p...

"Have the mind of Christ." But, how? Jesus said, if you keep my commandments the Father and I will move in and lead and guide you from the inside. The Father and the Son; it's a package deal. Salvation is a process. Knowing the Bible is not enough to hear guidance from God. Jesus said, "My burden is light." ***Ch. 24 - JESUS INVITES ALL MEN TO GODJesus explained to the multitude how they could reach the Father through the Son, saying: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.&nbsp; Even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.&nbsp; All things are delivered unto me of my Father, and no man knoweth the Son but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.&nbsp; Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.&nbsp;For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”***Scriptures: Matthew 11:25-30

...old things shall pass away. Sounds like heaven, right? Trouble is we are not in sync with our God. We like the 'old things', i.e. the temple (church), the priesthood (pastors), our traditions (holidays), and our status (birthright or contract salvation). Repentance requires us to change; to follow God's heart (not our own selfish desires).&nbsp; It’s the only way to enter the Kingdom of God. It's "what we know" that gets in the way of communication. In theory, everyone wants change for the better. The trouble is we are quite comfortable with the way things are.&nbsp; Assume what you know is incorrect. Chances are it is. Make a clean slate for the Spirit of God to teach. &nbsp;***Ch. 23: JESUS SPEAKS OF JOHN THE BAPTISTWHEN THE messages of John the Baptist had left, Jesus said to the multitude concerning the Baptizer:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously appareled, and live delicately, are in kings’ courts. But what went ye out to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, ‘And much more than a prophet.’ This is he, of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare the way before thee.’ For I say unto you, ‘Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.’”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The publicans and people who had been baptized by John glorified God because of Jesus’ words of tribute to John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected his words against themselves, being not baptized by John. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jesus continued speaking:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? And to what are they like? They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, ‘We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept’.&nbsp; For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and ye say, ‘He hath a devil’. The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, ‘Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! But wisdom is justified of all her children.”***Scriptures:Matthew 11:7-19; Luke 7:24-35

Jesus was not a sissy in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus understood what we often do not, that being that things were not going according to the plan. God expected Jesus to be received as King the people of Israel. &nbsp;Put aside flannel-graph theology. God lives with us and makes decisions every day! "God never changes!" you cry out. Of course not, God has always had the ability to change-His-mind! Read the book. It's in there.***Chapter 22: Jesus Answers John the Baptist Regarding His IdentityJOHN THE BAPTIST was in prison, but he heard about the works of Jesus. He called two of his disciples and told them to go to Jesus and ask: "Art thou he that should come? Or look we for another?" They found Jesus and said to him: "John Baptist has sent us unto thee, saying, 'Art thou he that should come? Or look we for another?" While the two disciples of John were with him Jesus healed many who were inform, many who were suffering with plagues, and others who were filled with evil spirits; also, to many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus said unto the disciples: "Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me."***

The Scriptures contain conflicting ideas about the coming of Messiah; one version says Messiah will come and be the King of Israel; the opposing version is that the Messiah will come meek and lowly riding on a donkey. Why this conflict? Why did the people of Israel miss the identity of the greatest prophet and the Messiah?Why did Jesus call John the Baptist the greatest prophet born of a woman? Why was Jesus rejected by the people of Israel? "...God said, ‘Surely they'll reverence my Son." What happened? The wickedness of mankind surprises God. &nbsp;***Chapter 22: Jesus Answers John the Baptist Regarding His IdentityJOHN THE BAPTIST was in prison, but he heard about the works of Jesus. He called two of his disciples and told them to go to Jesus and ask: "Art thou he that should come? Or look we for another?" They found Jesus and said to him: "John Baptist has sent us unto thee, saying, 'Art thou he that should come? Or look we for another?" While the two disciples of John were with him Jesus healed many who were inform, many who were suffering with plagues, and others who were filled with evil spirits; also, to many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus said unto the disciples: "Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me."***

The Sermon on the Mount is loaded with "heavenly things" - concepts beyond the imaginations of selfish, earthy men. Pearls of wisdom. Secrets to a good life. Don't move on too quickly. The Scriptures never mention a judgment day based on beliefs; Jesus cares what we do. Actions matter. Our relationship to our fellowman is VERY important to God; He says, "how you treat them, is how you treat me." ***Chapter 19: The Sermon on the Mount...Judge not and you will not be judged: condemn not, and you will not be condemned: forgive, and you will be forgiven. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged: and with what measure you mete, it will be measured to you again. And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? And why do you behold the speck that is in your brother's eye, but consider not the beam that is in your own eye? Or how wilt you say to your brother, Brother, let me pull the speck out of your eye; and perceive not the beam in your own eye? You hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of your own eye; and then will you see clearly to pull the speck out of your brother's eye. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened unto you: For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it will be opened. Give, and it will be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you mete withal it will be measured to you again. What man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Therefore all things whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do even so to them Likewise: for this is the law and the prophets. Enter in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in there. Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord: but every one that is perfect will be as his master. For every tree is known by his own fruit. You will know them by their fruits. Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit; neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Do men gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits you will know them. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Why do you call me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things that I say? Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, will enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? And in your name have cast out devils? And in your name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity. Therefore whoever comes to me, and hears my sayings, and does them, I will shew you who he is like, I will...

In the Old Testament Scriptures (Torah and the Prophets) God proved himself faithful to the people of earth through miraculous events. Then, final proof - He sent His Son! The wisdom of Jesus and the miracles he performed proved to the religious leaders and the people that he was "that prophet" (the son of man and son of God), who was promised for the redemption of the people. Jesus lamented the rejection of the people. Now, faith is required. God is not in the proving-business. Jesus said, "Learn [from] me. Obey the ten commandments. Then, the Father and I will move in and lead you - from the inside." ***Chapter 19: The Sermon on the Mount...Be therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Be therefore perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect. Take heed that you do not your charity before men, to be seen of them: otherwise you have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when you do your charity, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when you do alms, let not your left hand know what your right hand does: That your alms may be in secret: and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, you will not be as the hypocrites are for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But you, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. But when you pray use not vain recitations, as the heathen do: for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking. Be not therefore like unto them: for your Father knows what things you need, before you ask him. After this manner therefore pray: Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us our daily bread, day by day. And forgive us our sin debts, for we also forgive everyone indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Moreover when you fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face That you appear not unto men to fast, but unto your Father which is in secret: and your Father, which sees in secret, will reward you openly. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust corrupts, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust corrupts, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore your eye were single, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye be evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will put on. Is not the life more than food, and the body than clothes? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your...

The Kingdom of God is a mystery until you become a part of the Kingdom of God. Jesus teaches us the keys. Pray in secret. Forgive everyone. Fast in secret. The open reward of obedience is observed as a "lucky life." Not a life of wealth but having the ability to face whatever comes your way without perishing. It's a good life. ***Chapter 19: The Sermon on the Mount...And when you pray, you will not be as the hypocrites are for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But you, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. But when you pray use not vain recitations, as the heathen do: for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking. Be not therefore like unto them: for your Father knows what things you need, before you ask him. After this manner therefore pray: Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us our daily bread, day by day. And forgive us our sin debts, for we also forgive everyone indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Moreover when you fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face That you appear not unto men to fast, but unto your Father which is in secret: and your Father, which sees in secret, will reward you openly. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust corrupts, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust corrupts, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore your eye were single, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye be evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will put on. Is not the life more than food, and the body than clothes? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one inch unto his stature? And why take thought for clothes? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What will we eat? Or, What will we drink? Or, With what will we be clothed? (For after all these things do the nations seek) for your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for tomorrow: for tomorrow will take thought for the...

If we pray for others to hear we have our reward (speaking to those listening); prayer with leaven considers "what people think", pray in secret, Father knows what you need; we don't know what we need, one thing to ask for daily revelations; daily read, The Lord's Prayer (Instructions for the disciples); Lord's Prayer in John 17, God in heaven, not omnipresent; name = nature (our understanding of who God is); God's name/nature is not to be tampered with; Don't ask for things not in God's nature; Baptism of death; Fruit of baptism (not instant) death of me - life in Christ; endure to the end.***Chapter 19: The Sermon on the Mount...And when you pray, you will not be as the hypocrites are for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But you, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. But when you pray use not vain recitations, as the heathen do: for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking. Be not therefore like unto them: for your Father knows what things you need, before you ask him. After this manner therefore pray: Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us our daily bread, day by day. And forgive us our sin debts, for we also forgive everyone indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Moreover when you fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face That you appear not unto men to fast, but unto your Father which is in secret: and your Father, which sees in secret, will reward you openly. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust corrupts, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust corrupts, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore your eye were single, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye be evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will put on. Is not the life more than food, and the body than clothes? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one inch unto his stature? And why take thought for clothes? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What will we eat? Or, What will we drink? Or, With what will we be clothed? (For after all these things do the nations seek)

Jesus did not come to start a new religion.&nbsp; He came to gave personal instruction to save the world - house by house. &nbsp;The ways of the Kingdom of God are contrary to established practices. Listen to the instruction, "Give in secret.&nbsp; Pray in secret. &nbsp;Do what you do for good.&nbsp; Avoid the pleasure of acknowledgment." It is tempting to receive glory for giving or for praying. (Shhhhhhh….) In quietness, examine your ability to meet the needs of those around you. &nbsp;Receive personal instruction to save the world - house by house. “Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one cometh into the house of the LORD: and the priests that kept the door put therein all the money&nbsp;that was&nbsp;brought into the house of the LORD.” 2 Kings***Chapter 19: The Sermon on the Mount...Give to every man that asks of you, and from him that would borrow of you, turn not away. And of him that takes away your goods ask them not again. You have heard that it has been said, You will love your neighbor, and hate your enemy. But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That you may be the children of your Father who is in heaven: for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love them which love you, what reward have you, what thank have you? Do not even the publicans the same, for sinners also love those that love them? And if you salute your brethren only, if you do good to them which do good to you, what thank have you, what do you more than others? Do not even the publicans and sinners so? If you lend to them of whom you hope to receive, what thank have you? For sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again and your reward will be great, and you will be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Be therefore perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect. Take heed that you do not your charity before men, to be seen of them: otherwise you have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when you do your charity, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when you do alms, let not your left hand know what your right hand does: That your alms may be in secret: and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, you will not be as the hypocrites are for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But you, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. But when you pray use not vain recitations, as the heathen do: for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking. Be not therefore like unto them: for your Father knows what things you need, before you ask him. After this manner therefore pray: Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us our daily bread, day by day. And forgive us our sin debts, for we also forgive everyone indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:...

By what authority will you relinquish inherited ideas or traditions?&nbsp; We are partial to the “truth we already believe” but, at any price? We have been trained to have faith in our truth.&nbsp; Jesus wants us to have truth as the foundation of our faith.&nbsp; If what you believe is not true, do you want to know it? Jesus came to make corrections to our understanding. Let’s do things HIS way! “Think Red Ink” – What did Jesus say?"You have heard of old…but, I say…"&nbsp; Do you know that you don't know? Prefer the authority of Jesus over the Bible! "Turn the other cheek." Obedience; willing to die or willing to kill? We must hold all things in an open hand. It is our job to loose. Jesus suffered wrongfully. Bless them that curse; so that YOU CAN BE CHILDREN OF GOD. When I do good to my enemy I prove my regeneration. - STRIVE! Christians are EXPECTED to do more than others.***Chapter 19: The Sermon on the Mount... You have heard that it has been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That you repay not evil: but whoever will smite you on your right cheek, turn to him and offer the other also. And if any man will sue you at the law, and take away your coat forbid him not, let him have your shirt also. And whoever will compel you to go a mile, go with him two miles. Give to every man that asks of you, and from him that would borrow of you, turn not away. And of him that takes away your goods ask them not again. You have heard that it has been said, You will love your neighbor, and hate your enemy. But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That you may be the children of your Father who is in heaven: for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love them which love you, what reward have you, what thank have you? Do not even the publicans the same, for sinners also love those that love them? And if you salute your brethren only, if you do good to them which do good to you, what thank have you, what do you more than others? Do not even the publicans and sinners so? If you lend to them of whom you hope to receive, what thank have you? For sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again and your reward will be great, and you will be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Be therefore perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect. Take heed that you do not your charity before men, to be seen of them: otherwise you have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when you do your charity, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when you do alms, let not your left hand know what your right hand does: That your alms may be in secret: and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, you will not be as the hypocrites are for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But you, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. But when you pray use not vain recitations, as the heathen do: for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking. Be not therefore like unto them: for your Father knows what things you need, before you ask him. After this manner therefore pray: Our Father who is in heaven,...

Jesus gave practical instruction. There are sins against ourselves that lead to difficulties in our lives. Jesus wanted to show us physical ways to avoid violation of the commandments. Regeneration - not by will; or will-power.&nbsp; Good works are required. Jesus brought the ability to regenerate (GRACE). Communication is key to a relationship with our God. We must let our (yes, be yes, and our no, be no) without the necessity of superlatives. Say what you mean, mean what you say; Don't lie. "...all else proceeds from evil..." "Help us develop character for a good life."***Chapter 19: The Sermon on the Mount. . . Again, you have heard that it was said to them of old time, You will not perjure yourself, but will perform unto the Lord your oaths: But I say unto you, swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither will you swear by your head, because you can not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these comes from evil. You have heard that it has been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That you repay not evil: but whoever will smite you on your right cheek, turn to him and offer the other also. And if any man will sue you at the law, and take away your coat forbid him not, let him have your shirt also. And whoever will compel you to go a mile, go with him two miles. Give to every man that asks of you, and from him that would borrow of you, turn not away. And of him that takes away your goods ask them not again. You have heard that it has been said, You will love your neighbor, and hate your enemy. But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That you may be the children of your Father who is in heaven: for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love them which love you, what reward have you, what thank have you? Do not even the publicans the same, for sinners also love those that love them? And if you salute your brethren only, if you do good to them which do good to you, what thank have you, what do you more than others? Do not even the publicans and sinners so? If you lend to them of whom you hope to receive, what thank have you? For sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again and your reward will be great, and you will be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Be therefore perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect. Take heed that you do not your charity before men, to be seen of them: otherwise you have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when you do your charity, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when you do alms, let not your left hand know what your right hand does: That your alms may be in secret: and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, you will not be as the hypocrites are for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But you, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. But when you pray use not vain recitations, as the heathen do: for they think that they will be heard for...

There are many problems that are uncomfortable to discuss, as a result, they are often avoided. Jesus did not back-down from embarrassing topics. Jesus opened the commandments, examined the hearts of men (and women) and gave advice and instructions to achieve a good life. It is not possible to find a way to "sin and get-by". There are always consequences for our actions and behaviors. ***Chapter 19: The Sermon on the Mount...You have heard that it was said to them of old time, You will not commit adultery: But I say unto you, that whoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if your right eye offend you, pluck it out, and cast it from you: for it is profitable for you that one of your members should perish, and not that your whole body should be cast into hell. And if your right hand offend you, cut it off, and cast it from you: for it is profitable for you that one of your members should perish, and not that your whole body should be cast into hell. It has been said, Whoever will put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorce: But I say unto you that whoever will put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causes her to commit adultery: and whoever will marry her that is divorced commits adultery. Again, you have heard that it was said to them of old time, You will not perjure yourself, but will perform unto the Lord your oaths: But I say unto you, swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither will you swear by your head, because you can not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these comes from evil. You have heard that it has been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That you repay not evil: but whoever will smite you on your right cheek, turn to him and offer the other also. And if any man will sue you at the law, and take away your coat forbid him not, let him have your shirt also. And whoever will compel you to go a mile, go with him two miles. Give to every man that asks of you, and from him that would borrow of you, turn not away. And of him that takes away your goods ask them not again. You have heard that it has been said, You will love your neighbor, and hate your enemy. But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That you may be the children of your Father who is in heaven: for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love them which love you, what reward have you, what thank have you? Do not even the publicans the same, for sinners also love those that love them? And if you salute your brethren only, if you do good to them which do good to you, what thank have you, what do you more than others? Do not even the publicans and sinners so? If you lend to them of whom you hope to receive, what thank have you? For sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again and your reward will be great, and you will be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Be therefore perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect. Take heed that you do not your charity before men, to be seen of them: otherwise you have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when you do your charity, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But