Which Baptism is For You?

 N.T. #16 "Which Baptism is For You?"

Feb. 28, 2023

Matthew 3-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

Last fall, we planted two apple trees in our yard. If they produce apples, then we will keep them, but if not, then we will remove them from our yard. Mmm. I do like apples, apple pie, fired apples, and apple everything. Similarlly, John speaks of spiritual fruit.

That rebuke by John the Baptise must have stung the Jewish leaders, who imagined that divine wrath was reserved only for non-Jews. He called them vipers. That's pretty low down, right?  John told the Pharisees and Sadducees to bring forth fruits worthy of repentance. In other words, repent of sin, agree with God that we have sinned against Him and His Word. Then we are to turn from practicing those sins and and by faith turn to God. (1 Thessalonians 1:9) John demands to see fruits of repentance. Love for God and love for others, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faith, those are what he is speaking about-fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23)

In verse 9, Matthew mentions Abraham. He was the father of the Jewish nation, Israel. Those groups were trusting in their physical ancestry for salvation rather than their spiritual relationship to the father of faith. John was probably not a popular preacher in his day.

A lot is said in the New Testament about fruit bearing. A fruit tree is supposed to bear fruit. If it does not produce fruit, then an axe is laid to the root of the tree and it is gotten rid of, thrown into the fire and burnt up. Thus, the ones not producing spiritual fruit will be taken down and cast into the fire. 

Irreversible judgment is coming when Jesus returns to earth. 

LET IT GROW

In verse 11, John gives 3 types of baptism:

1. with water unto repentance; it symbolized cleansing of the heart.
2. with the Holy Spirit; all believer in Christ are Spirit-filled. (1 Cor. 12:13)
3. with fire; a baptism of judgment upon the unrepentant. (John MacArthur)

Baptism is an outward sign of what has happened in the hert-soul when one repents of sins and are saved. Eventually, everyone will either be filled with the Holy Spirit or by fire-judgment. Which will it be for you, dear one? How about your family and friends? 

LET IT GO

Lord Jesus, touch hearts through Your Word.

Please save the lost. 

Give us faith and love today for those who do not know You as Savior.

How Are We To Live?

N. T. #15 "How Are We To Live?"

Feb. 27, 2023

Matthew 3-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

How are we to live? Is it by the law of God, by faith and obedience, by love, by being good? 

John the Baptist had two purposes: to lead people to repent of their sin and to prepare them for Christ's coming. His message was four-fold:

1. Flee the wrath to come, which was coming upon only spectators. John 3:36 says, He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. 
2. Repent, which requires a change in conduct. Luke 7 tells us But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. Two kinds of people who often shut themselves off from God are persons of high estate (wealth and social standing), and people of religion (the self-righteous).
3. Heritage is of no value. It is of no value when we have religious family or friends. Salvation is an individual belief. 
4. Judgment is at hand. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12) (The Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible)

Friend, are you a believer in Jesus Christ? We all struggle in this life and face challenges daily. We all fail, but grace and mercy are available for us through repentance. Simply ask forgiveness of sin. 

LET IT GROW

Word got out about John baptizing folks in the Jordan River. People were curious, including the religious one-Pharisees and Sadducees. John confronted them for their wrong ways and philosophies. Boy, did they get an earful, too. Those guys wanted information, not transformation. They wanted their lives left alone. John's message was sobering. 

Who were those Pharisees and Sadducees?

• The Pharisees separated themselves from anything non-Jewish, carefully following the Old Testament laws and oral traditions handed down through the centuries. They were from all classes of people and legalistic, as well as hypocritical, ignoring the true intent of the law. The Pharisees were very influential in the synagogues. 
• The Sadducees believed the Pentateuch alone (Gen.-Deut.) to be God's Word. They were descended mainly from priestly nobility. They used their religion to advance their political position. The Sadducees profited from business in the Temple. This group denied the supernatural, resurrections of the dead, and the existence of angels. As the saying goes, they were sad, you see, because they did not believe in the resurrection. (Life Application Study Bible)

Together, those two groups made up the Jewish high council called the Sanhedrin. In a nutshell, the difference between the two groups were Pharisees were ritualists, separatists, and legalists; the Sadducees were rationalists, compromisers, and political opportunists. (John MacArthur)

Does any of this describe our religious ways of life? Jesus calls us to walk by faith, not by sight and to follow Him, not rules. Although, the Ten Commandments are to be a way of life for which we are striving. 

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for giving us a new way of life.

Your blood has washed away my sins, Jesus thank You. 

The Father's wrath completely satisfied, Jesus thank You.

Once Your enemy, now seated at Your table, Jesus thank You.

Such grace, mercy, and love, Jesus!

Oh, how I fall short. Please forgive me, Jesus.

Why be Baptized?

N. T. #14 "Why be Baptized?"

Feb. 24, 2023

Matthew 3-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Do you recall what was unique about John the Baptist? His clothing of camel's hair and a leather belt.

What did he eat? Locusts and wild honey was what John ate in wilderness. Locusts were allowed source of food for the poorest of people. (Lev. 11:22; verse 4)

Where did he preach? Not only in the wilderness, but also in Jerusalem, Judea, and the region around the Jordan River. (verse 5)

Did John have a successful ministry? Since he preached repentance, many confessed their sins and he baptized them in the Jordan River. (verse 6) Even Pharisees and Sadducees came to John's baptisms. (verse 7)

What a unique man. God used John in an unusual way. God raises up His servant, His witness, His prophet in His time. (verse 3) Will we let Him use us in an unusual way to spread the Gospel? Are we willing to leave our lifestyle and serve others? What a blessing it is! Don't miss out.

Ye  have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit. (John 15:16)

LET IT GROW

In the Greek language, baptized (baptizo/bap-tid-zo) means to make whelmed (fully wet). 

John's baptism was with water; Jesus' baptism was in the Spirit and fire. Baptism is a symbol of what has occurred to the person who was saved. As a Baptist, I believe it is full emersion in the water, for a sinner dies to self, the old person dies, whenever saved. They are raised to new life in Jesus, filled with His Spirit.

If a believer in Jesus is saved, they will want to be obedient to their Savior and be baptized. Have you confessed your sins, believed in Jesus as Lord and Savior, and thus baptized? If not, friend, you should find a church which baptizes with full emersion. Although, baptism is not what gets one to heaven unless they are saved.

LET IT GO 

Make us an example to others, Jesus.

May they see by our actions what has taken place in our heart. 

Thank You that salvation is by faith, not works, bloodline.

Does it Matter How We Live?

N. T. #13 "Does it Matter How We Live?"

Feb. 23, 2023

Matthew 3-Part 2

The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said, "He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, Prepare the way for the LORD's coming! Clear the road for Him!" (verse 3)

LET IT GLOW

So picture this: a man dressed in a coat of camel's hair and a leather belt comes preaching repentance in your area, the wilderness. What would one think? Is he a crazy man? Is he a prophet sent by God? It would definitely cause me to take notice. Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. What a message!

John the Baptists had a special calling of God on his life. After all, he was the son of older parents and his father was a priest. He was raised up to prepare the way for the Lord Jesus, his cousin.. This was a different message than the priests gave-bring your offerings for sin into the Temple. What is different about this repentance message of John? 

In the Greek language, and as it is used in verse 2, repent means to think differently or afterwards; reconsider. 

What were the people to think differently about? They needed a change of mind and change of heart. We are all sinners in need of a Savior, Jews and Gentiles alike. Have you come to Jesus? Have you asked Him to forgive your sins and be your Savior?

LET IT GROW

Time passed and Jesus and John grew up. John the Baptist was fulfilling his purpose as he preached repentance. See Isaiah 40:3; Amos 4:12; Hosea 10:12; Joel 2:12-13; 2 Timothy 2:20-21.

We are inadequate in righteousness, so we need to repent of our sins. The present world is inadequate, so the Kingdom of Heaven is needed. Our way of life is inadequate, so we are to follow the way Jesus lived. All 4 Gospels relate this prophecy to the fulfillment in the life and ministry of John the Baptist. 

What are we to do?

• Be a voice telling others to repent of their sins, believe in Jesus Christ as Savior, and live for Him.
• Prepare the way of the Lord-get ready to face our God, and the coming of Holy Jesus.
• Make our paths straight, having a right relationship with God, for our King is coming.
• Isaiah 40:3 is the reference here. 
• Jesus will rule over the earth for a thousand years.
• His kingdom was at hand when Jesus reigns as King in our heart and life.

Confess sins; live for God. What a simple message. Are we practicing what we preach, declare, say? Is our walk the same as our talk, believer?

John's unusual lifestyle, odd wardrobe, and confrontational preaching was different for a believer. Could people discover what we believe by observing the way we live?

LET IT GO

Jesus, give us strength to stand for You and Your ways.

Thank You for salvation through faith in You.

Use us to share Your love, peace, and joy in this world.

It's Okay to be Different

N. T. #12 "It's Okay to be Different"

Feb. 22, 2023

Matthew 3

In those days came John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness of Judaea. (verse 1)

LET IT GLOW

I am sure some would describe me as different. I wear dresses to worship service and Bible study. I do not do it for show or to stand out, but God set me apart years ago to be different. I come into the presence of God in our church building as a woman, so I want to look like one. (This is not to criticize you if you do not dress the same as I do, but to share what I am to do. I follow my convictions.)

We read about the genealogy of Jesus, His divine birth, and the wise men's unexpected worship, then the danger He faced in early childhood. In this chapter, we will change to John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, and his ministry.

Who was John the Baptist?

• His parents were Elisabeth and Zacharias, a priest. (Luke 1:5-80)
• John's birth had been announced by the angel Gabriel to his father. 
• This child of promise was great in the sight of the Lord and would be filled with the Holy Spirit. (Luke 1:15)
• None was greater than this John. (Matt. 11:11)
• John's ministry was in the wilderness (the mountains west of the Dead Sea.) It was desert area, a beautiful orange.
• His appearance was rough, wearing a coat of camel's hair and a leather belt.
• He was presented as a prophet sent in the spirit of Elijah. 

Dare I say that John was a special preacher/evangelist? From his birth to his death, John was important in the kingdom work, preparing the way for Jesus.

Each of us has a special purpose for our life. Are we furthering the kingdom of God in our work and in our life?

LET IT GROW

 What can we learn from John the Baptist's life?

• God uses the wilderness (Quiet places) to prepare us for ministry. Quietness and meditation is essential. 
• Believers are never alone, no matter how secluded we are. God is there. He can manifest Himself wherever believers are. 
• The Gospel began in the wilderness, not in a synagogue or temple or church. 
• God has a special place of service for every believer. John's place was in the wilderness. Jesus' place was in the cities, synagogues, as will as the countryside. Wherever we are, believers should witness. (The Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible)

We may not be called to be preachers (men), but we can teach children and share the Good News of Jesus Christ is Savior and Messiah wherever.

LET IT GO

How good it is to be different, set apart, from the wolrd for kingdom work.

Is there something we need to let go of so we can be a faithful servant?

Hometowns

N.T. #11 "Hometowns"

Feb. 21, 2023

Matthew 2-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

I am so thankful that I grew up in a small town. I could ride my bike to town and visit my friend and be safe. We could swim at the creek without being afraid of terrible things that could happen to me and my friends. We didn't even have a stoplight downtown back then. Although sin was still around, it was a good childhood.

There were 4 trips that Mary, Joseph, and Jesus made:

• The couple went to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born.
• They took Baby Jesus to Jerusalem for His presentation at the Temple. Then they returned to Bethlehem where the Magis visited.
• Josephe was warned in a dream of Herod and the family fled to Egypt for safety. 
• After a dream revealing Herod's death, they returned to Israel and settled in Nazareth.

What was significant about Nazareth?

It is an insignificant and obscure town 70 miles north of Jerusalem. In Hebrew, it means a branch or shoot. which corresponds with the prophecies found in Isaiah 11:2 and 53:2-3, Psalm 22:6. Jesus was given the term Nazarene because He grew up there and to fulfill prophecies.

 

This town was located near the crossroads of great caravan routes. So the people of Nazareth had an attitude of independence that many Jews despised. This is probably why Nathanael commented, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" (John 1:46)

Of course, we know the answer to that question is "yes." I always wondered why it was asked. Matthew paints the picture of Jesus as the true Messiah anointed by God through the prophets. He makes the point that Jesus, the Messiah, had unexpectedly humble beginnings as Micah 5:2 predicted.

[Reference: Life Application Study Bible, The MacArthur Bible Commentary]

Dear one, have you trusted in this humble Messiah as your Savior?

LET IT GROW

That region is where Jesus did a lot of His ministry, around the Sea of Galilee, then Jerusalem. Everything about Jesus was humble-his parents (Luke 2:24), His home (Matt. 2:11), and His hometown of Nazareth (John 1:46). Can you imagine Jesus standing and looking around at the hills surrounding His hometown? Those ere hills He created, too. He had the opportunity to observe the dealings of men and study nature. I wonder if Jesus wept over a world lost and needing to be found.

Today, Jesus draws people unto Him. When we draw near, He draws near. We find comfort, peace, and love as we draw close to His heart. 

LET IT GO

Grace, grace, God's grace, grace that is greater than all our sin.

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace. 

Directed Steps

N.T. #10 "Directed Steps" 

Feb. 20, 2023

Matthew 2-Part 5

But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. (verse 19). 

LET IT GLOW

We were gone 17 years from my hometown. My husband and I, with two small children, packed up our possessions and moved to a town in the southern part of our state. Both sets of grandparents were upset with us. We were following the Lord as He led us to go to college as we surrendered to the ministry. How wise the Lord was in leading us there. We learned to depend upon Him for all things. We learned how faithful God is. Had we stayed, we probably would not have been in ministry 43 years.

An important event happened, which I forgot about. When Jesus was 8 days old, His parents circumcised Jesus and naming him. They brought Jesus to the Jerusalem in order to present Him to the Lord. While there, they offered a sacrifice. Also, they met Simeon and Anna at the Temple. (Luke 2) The couple returned to Nazareth for a while. (Luke 2:39)

We left Joseph, Mary, and Jesus in Egypt. We do not know for sure how long they were there. Some say it was 6-7 years. Actually, I never thought about it until reading that. Apparently, it was not unusual for Jews to go to Egypt, for they had colonies in several major Egyptian cities. Some Jews had been banished from living in the land of Judah during the reign of Babylon there. (Jeremiah 43-44)

There is an interesting parallel between Israel going to Egypt and Jesus as a child going there. Then God led Israel out (Hosea 11:1) and God brought Jesus back. Both events show God working to save His people. (Life Application Study Bible)

Soon the gold would have run out, so I wonder if Joseph found work as a carpenter while in Egypt. However it was, isn't important. God provided for this set apart family for further kingdom work. How gracious is our God! 

LET IT GROW

Do we stop to consider the wailing and mourning going on in Bethlehem and along the coast when horrible Herod had the children 2 years and younger killed. (verse 16) He did not want a rival king growing up. He knew one was born in Bethlehem, according to the wise men. 

John MacArthur gives us some historical insight as to what happened in Israel:

• Herod's kingdom was divided 3 ways among his sons after his death.
• Archelaus ruled Judea, Samaria, and Idumea. He was brutal and ineffective so he was deposed by Rome after a short reign and replaced with a governor appointe by Rome. Pontius Pilate was the fifth governor of Judea. Herod Antipas, his brother, was the main Herod in the Gospel accounts. He was the one who had John the Baptist put to death. (chapter 14)
• Originally, Herod Antipas ruled Galilee and Perea. (Luke 3:1)
• The other son, Herod Philip II, ruled the regions north of Galilee. (Luke 3:1)
• It was in the fifteenth-year reign of these guys that John became a preacher and baptiser of repentance of people.

That seems to set the scene for us. You do know that Jesus and John the Baptist were cousins? God had this all planned out. I find it amazing. Do we realize that God directs our steps?

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and He delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with His hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor His seed begging bread.  

     (Psalm 37:23-25)

The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. (Ps. 37:31)

Wait on the LORD, and keep His way, and He shall exalt thee to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. (Ps. 37:34)

Are we willing to go? Are we seeking God's place for our service? Blessing await us when we get where God has us to serve Him.

LET IT GO 

Help us to hold onto things lightly so when You require them, it is easy to let go. 

May we love You, God, with all our heart today.

Moving Again

 N. T. #9 "Moving Again"

Feb. 17, 2023

Matthew 2-Part 

LET IT GLOW

Moving has been a hard thing for me to do. I suppose it is due to my never moving for the first 18 years of my life. Since I got married, we have moved more times than I have fingers and toes to count on. Sometimes I would think. "Moving Again?" But the advantage is having friends in various towns and churches. That is the blessing. 

When we read through this chapter, we find prophecies fulfilled:

• Jesus' birth-Micah 5:2
• His exile in Egypt-Hosea 11:1
• The children slain-Jeremiah 31:15
• His residence in Nazareth-Isaiah 11:1.

God caused Herod to desire his people to be counted in a census, thus Mary and Joseph were of the lineage of David and they had to travel to Bethlehem. (Apparently, they stayed there some 6-7 years.) While there, probably 2 years later, some wise men come bringing gifts to the Christ child and worshiped Him as the Messiah. God warned those wise men in a dream to depart a different way home, not going by Jerusalem and telling Herod where He was living. (Herod would have killed Jesus had the wise men not obeyed.)

God can use even the unbelievers to accomplish His purposes. Are we believers in Jesus as Savior willing to go where He leads?

LET IT GROW

What happens next?

• Joseph has a dream in which the angel of the Lord appeared.
• Joseph was told to take Mary and Jesus and flee to Egypt.
• Joseph was told to stay there until he was told to return.
• Herod was going to search for Jesus to kill Him. (verse 13)

How did Joseph react? Did he (or Mary) grumble and mumble? Did Joseph (or Mary) question or doubt the message? No, They obeyed the Lord. Mary and Joseph were obedient servants of God. We don't read about Mary questioning her husband, do we? Joseph took them by night to Egypt. They remained in a foreign land until Herod died. 

This was done so the prophecy of Hosea was fulfilled, Out of Egypt have I called My Son. 

Jesus was protected from a wicked king, Herod. Herod slaughtered children 2 years old and younger. He did not want a rival for his throne. But Herod did not know that Jesus did not come the first time to earth to be an earthly king. He wanted to rule in believer's hearts. The second coming of Christ is when He comes to rule as King for a thousand years.

God had it all planned out. His servants followed His leading. It takes us trusting in God and His Word for us to experience His working in our life. Obedience is better than sacrifice.

Here are some verses to help reassure us to obey Him:

Psalm 37:5; 115:11; Proverbs 3:5; Isaiah 26:4; Mark 11:22

LET IT GO

Give us a listening ear and an obedient heart, Jesus.

Strengthen us as we suffer for You.

Keep us faithful whenever we are persecuted for being a Christian.

How faithful You have been throughout all my years.

Help us walk by faith, not by sight.

Another Way

N. T. #8 "Another Way"

Feb. 16, 2023

Matthew 2-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

What are you searching for, friend? Is it peace, love, help-they can be found in Jesus Christ. Is your way failing? Jesus can provide you another way. Seek Him first.

The wise men went on a long journey, curious about the bright star, a supernatural sign that led them to Jerusalem. They inquired of this extraordinary sighting and faithful search led them to Herod, king of the Roman Empire. After speaking to him, the wise men traveled 6 miles south to Bethlehem. There they came to Mary's house where they found Jesus, Messiah and Savior, then fell down and worshiped Him. 

What did they do next? They gave Jesus gifts of:

• gold, which was a gift for royalty (Jesus is King);
• frankincense, a gift for deity;
• myrrh, a spice used to anoint a dead body (Christ would die on the cross.)

What is significant about this event? Those gifts provided money for Joseph and Mary to take Jesus to Egypt, where He was safe from Herod who made a decree to kill all male babies age 2 and under. God provided.

Deuteronomy 4:29 says, But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find Him, if thou seek Him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

Seek ye the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. (Is. 55:6)

And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart. (Jer. 29:13)

LET IT GROW 

Where did the wise men go after such an amazing event? They headed back home. Why did they go a different way that was not through Jerusalem?

And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. (verse 12)

They went God's way as He directed and He protected them.  He does that when we put our trust in God, not mankind.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)

God can provide another way for us when our way fails.

LET IT GO

Lord Jesus, You are The Way.

Forgive us when we fail to go Your way, but go our way.

Inconvenienced, But Joyful

O. T. #7 "Inconvenienced, But Joyful"

Feb. 15, 2023

Matthew 2-Part 2

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. (verse 10)

LET IT GLOW

What do we have to rejoice about today? Look at what the wise men had to rejoice about. The star that led them to Jerusalem led them to Bethlehem. They rejoiced because they saw that special star again. 

Let's look at what those words mean in the Greek language.

Rejoiced means happy, be glad.

Exceeding means very greatly, high degree.

Great means mighty, strong, big.

Joy means cheerfulness, gladness, greatly.

Can we put this together? The wise men, when they saw the special star again, were mighty glad they saw it again. They were filled with very great joy. Maybe they were dancing around their camels, ready to get going again, following the bright star.

About 6 years ago I was this joyful. Our granddaughter was one of the 13 who were saved during our week of Vacation Bible School. Need I say, it was exceeding great joy. 

Just lately I had a cancerous spot dug out of my face. I rejoice that it only took one time to get it all. 

LET IT GROW

As the wise men continued on their journey, they found where Mary, Joseph, and the Christ child were living. When they entered the house, they fell down and worshiped the Messiah. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 

True worship can't be contained. Having traveled for 2 years those astrologers were excited. They had seen the manifestation of God's glory in the heavens and the True King. They wanted to see Him badly, didn't they? What an inconvenience it was for the wise men.

How much are we willing to be inconvenienced in order to worship the King of kings-Jesus?

Are we willing to give our all to carry out His will in our life?

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for giving Your all for us sinners.

You left heaven to walk among men who treated You badly, yet You loved them.

Help us to love the unlovely.

May we be inconvenienced so others come to salvation in Jesus and find His love. 

Shiny Things

N. T. #6 "Shiny Things"

Feb. 14, 2023

Matthew 2

Saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship. (verse 2)

LET IT GLOW

Happy Valentines Day everyone! I hope today you feel loved. Know that God loves you with an everlasting love. 

Last night when we got home from church, I noticed the stars shining in the sky. It had been a while since this occurred in our area. What a reassurance that God is still in control. Today we study about some men who followed an extraordinary star.

Chances are that most of have heard the Christmas story since children. Here are some important details which Matthew mentions:

• Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea.
• This happened during the reign of Herod, king of the Roman Empire. 
• Then there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem to worship his King of the Jews. (verse 1)
• Herod became troubled about this and all of Jerusalem with him. (verse 3)
• Herod gathered the Jewish chief priests and scribes and demanded them to tell him where Christ was to be born.(verse 4)
• Their answer was Bethlehem told in the verse found in Isaiah 9:6; He was to become Governor.

You know how one came learn something new when rereading Scriptuers? I am one today. all my years I have though the wise men came from the area of Egypt, following the star east. Not so. The wise men came from the Babylonian area FROM the east, not going to the east. 

Why did the wise men follow the star? They went to worship the Messiah.

Worship, in the Greek language, means prostrate oneself in homage.

It is unlikely that this star could only have been a natural phenomenon since it led the wise men to Jerusalem and later Bethlehem. The child born in Bethlehem, where the star was, was Mighty God in the form of man. His government shall never end.

And we know the wise men brought Jesus gifts which were significant. What a plan! Lowly shepherds worshiped Jesus and wise men did too.

Folks, we are wise when we worship only Jesus as Savior.

LET IT GROW

After asking what time the star appeared, Herod sent the wise men to Bethlehem. It was probably 2 years earlier, making Jesus probably that age. (That is why he made a decree to kill children at Bethlehem from 2 years of age and under.)

Herod told the wise men to send him word so he could come and worship the child. Right! He was intending to kill Jesus, not worship Him. We know they did not do that and departed a different way. (verse 12)

Sometimes we need discernment from the Lord as to which way to go.  

LET IT GO

Help us let go of shiny material things and turn to You, the Light of the World.

May we grow wise as we study Your Word.

Thank You, God, that You pay attention to the small things in our life.

Pondering

N. T. #5 "Pondering"

Feb. 13, 2023

Matthew 1-Part 5

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. (v. 18)

LET IT GLOW

Do you recall special events in your life? Now that I am older, I do often. I remember when I got saved, when I got married, when our 2 children were born. even the events leading up to the death of our parents. Yet, I like to think on the good times long ago. Mary spent a lifetime pondering on the events of her life, too. 

Previously, we learned about the ancestry of Joseph, who was Jesus' adopted father. Legally, Jesus was a descendant of King David of Israel. However, we know that the first coming of Jesus to earth was not for Him to establish an earthly kingdom but was Him to rule in the hearts of people.

 Now, moving onto verse 18, we read of the events leading up to His birth. It was on this wise (in this way; this manner)::

• Mary, the mother of Jesus, was espoused (engaged) to Joseph.
• Mary was a virtuous woman, and a virgin. (Isaiah 7:14)
• Before they came together to consummate their vows and the marriage took place, Mary was with child of the Holy Ghost.
• The engagement of Mary and Joseph was a legal contract as binding as marriage. (Tony Evans)
• When Joseph found out Mary was pregnant, and he knew it wasn't his child, this just (righteous) man decided to divorce Mary privately, so he did not make a public spectacle of her. (verse 19)

Mary's future and her baby's future was in Joseph's hands. She knew how special her child was, but Joseph did not yet. As a woman, I tend to consider her side of this event. How embarrassing it must have been for her. Although, Mary was a chosen one for this event. God knew she could handle it. Although she went away to her cousin Elizabeth's house for a while. Mary kept these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19)

Pondered means to consider. 

Mary considered all the events of her life, and that of Jesus, all her life, I think. When this and that happened to her Son, I think Mary recalled details and when the Holy Spirit came to her. She had that reassurance of who Jesus was. Even though this verse appears after Jesus' birth and the shepherds came to visit, as a woman, I often think of previous events in my life. (Especially since I am older.)

Upon what events do you ponder?

 

LET IT GROW

Matthew considers Joseph's side here. The woman he loved and was about to marry came up pregnant. He knew it was not his child. She must have been unfaithful to him. He didn't want THAT  kind of wife. He decided to break off the engagement and divorce Mary privately. 

Then something spectacular happened. The angel of the Lord, who was Christ Himself (Christophany), appeared to Joseph in a dream. (verse 20) What was the message to Joseph?

• Joseph was called by his name and told to not be afraid to take Mary as his wife.. 
• The child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 
• She will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus., for he will save his people from their sins.(verse 21)
• All this occurred to fulfill the Lord's message through His prophet.  (verse 22)
• Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means "God is with us." (verse 23, NLT)

When Joseph woke up, he did as he was told anc took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus. (verses 24-25)

What a story! Although, it was not just a story, but actually happened. What an event after God had been silent for 400 years.

LET IT GO

What do we need to let go of today?

Is it unbelief? Is it the past? Is it unforgiveness?

Thank You Jesus for leaving heaven to come as a baby, to grow up with teasing of Your background, and loving us sinners.

Names

 N.T. #4 "Names"

Feb. 10, 2023

Matthew 1-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

When we were expecting our children, I looked in books to see what the meaning of their names were. Both had the same root word and meaning-"crowned one." They are so special to us, even though sometimes we did want to crown them all right. but we love them and God loves them. Names were significant during the Bible times. Read on to learn what "Jesus" means.

As we continue reading about the genealogy of Jesus through Joseph, His adopted father, we realize that Matthew skipped over Ahaziah, Athaliah, Joash, Amaziah, and Uzziah. Perhaps this shorthand was in order to divide them into 3 divisions of 14 each, with theocracy, monarchy, and hierarchy. 

And then there is Joseph, the husband of Mary mentioned last. It does not say that Joseph begat Jesus. Jesus was born to Mary, not Joseph. This is significant in that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit. It was the power of God, not man. Jesus was God-Man, fully God and fully man.

This one of the foundations of our belief. Do you believe it?

LET IT GROW

What names are used in reference to Jesus?

• Jesus (Jeshua) is called the Christ. (verse 16)
• The Hebrew Jeshua means the Lord is Salvation. 
• Christos (Greek) means Annointed One and is the exact equivalent of the Hebrew word Messiah. 
• Son of David is a title used in the Gospels for Messiah. (22:42)
• Son of Abraham takes Jesus' royal lineage all the way back to Israel's inception in the Abrahamic covenant. (Gen. 12:1-3)

So Jesus' name is of significance. He is the Annointed One of God, the Messiah Himself.

I marvel at this plan that God our Father and Jesus our Savior planned out before the creation of everything. The thing is, Jesus came for sin-sick sinners to make us well. It was in the fulness of time that Jesus came to earth, not to be born in a palace, but in a stinky stable. Not of royalty, although He was, but as an ordinary person, and a baby to boot. 

Does it really matter who our ancestors are? No, we all come to Jesus at the foot of the cross, and by faith.

LET IT GO

Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

We bow down and worship You.

Thank You Jesus for loving us Gentiles.

Overcomer

N. T. #3"Overcomer"

Feb. 9, 2023

Matthew 1-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

We should not skip over this chapter, for the genealogy of Jesus shows He is heir to the throne of David, King of Israel. When Jerusalem fell to the Roman empire in 70 A.D., the Jewish genealogical records were destroyed. It is good that Matthew and Luke recorded it. Joseph was only Jesus' adoptive father, not biological father, for the Holy Spirit caused the conception, a miracle. (Joseph was a descendant of Jeconiah according to 1:11, who was told he would not sit on the throne of David in Jeremiah 22. He was taken to Babylon.) So it was through Mary's lineage that Jesus has the right to be on the throne as King of Israel. (David's son Nathan)

Abraham-God made covenants with him and is the father of faith for the Jews and us Gentiles.

Jacob-Fathered the 12 tribes of Israel, coming through Judah (Judas) his son the lineage continued.

4 questionable women showed the grace of God, being listed:

1. Thamar-mother of twins (Phares and Zara), daughter in law of Judah who played the harlot with Judah (Gen. 38) 
2. Rahab-mother of Boaz, wife of Salmon (helped Israel's spies escape and alive) (Known as a Gentile harlet) (Joshua 2)
3. Ruth-great-grandmother of David (a Moabite)
4. Bathsheba-mother of Solomon and adulteress wife of Uriah and David (2Sam. 11-12)

We see the mixed heritage of Jesus. The reputations of those women are not good.  It shows the grace of God.

LET IT GROW

so right there written in Jesus' background is a seducer and adultress, a prostitute, a foreigner whose nation was hated by the Jews, and a deliberate sinner with a king. Doesn't look good, does it. Yet who doesn't have those sorts in their family? And then God's mercy comes and changes hearts and lives. Sins are forgiven and it flows from the throne of the Holy God to the Loving Savior, down us those who desire it, need it, and want it; and it reaches us.

LET IT GO

May Your love still flow to us, through us to the unlikely.

Glory to God forever!

show us what we need to let go of so we can let You go in us.

Family History

N.T. #2 "Family History"

Feb. 8, 2023

Matthew 1-Part 2 

Has your family researched your family history? My sister and mom did on her side of my family. They found out that my great-grandmother was a full-blooded Cherokee Indian. Her tribe branched off north into Missouri, so we are not considered part of the tribe in Oklahoma. She was adopted by a doctor and his wife. I am proud of my heritage. Mom did not speak about her much. she was a remarkable woman, became postmaster in her town. Yet that doesn't matter in the scope of things. What does matter is that I asked Jesus to save me when I was 16. I believe Jesus is God's Son, my Savior, Interceder, and Redeemer. Do you know him, friend? 

 TITLE

Although Matthew is not mentioned until chapter 9, he is the writer of this Gospel. His name means gift of the Lord." 

AUTHOR

Matthew was one of the 12 apostles, where he called himself a publican, which is a "tax collector" (10:3)

BACKGROUND

Matthew wrote this Gospel after the ascension of Jesus, but before A.D.70. It was during Nero's reign, who executed Paul and Peter in 64-68 A.D. Nero blamed the great fire in Rome on Christians and tortured thousands in 64 A.D. The Jews revolted against the Romans; Jerusalem was captured and destroyed in 70 A.D. (Only one wall survived and still stands today, where the Jews pray at the "Wailing Wall.")

PURPOSE

To show that Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior, and King prophesied by the Hebrew prophets, is Matthew's purpose of writing. Matthew quotes the O.T. about 93 times. 

All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, saying... (This is written 16 times by Matthew.

Matthew first traced the genealogy of Jesus on Joseph's side of the Jewish family. However, Joseph was only the legal father of Jesus. It was the miraculous conception of Christ by the Holy Ghost, part of the  Trinity. We will read about it later in this chapter.

It is by faith that we believe the Word of God is true. What matters is that I've got Jesus and heaven waiting for me.

 N.T.#1

Feb. 7, 2023

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am come not to destroy, but to fulfill. (Matthew 5:17)

Matthew 1

Welcome to the study on the New Testament ya'll. So I was digging through my old notebooks and discovered that the first post on this site was May 17, 2010. Can you believe it it took almost 13 years to study through the Bible together? So I am starting over the N.T. because when I updated my computer, some of the earlier studies were erased.

LET IT GLOW

Besides, the Old Testament is not complete without the New Testament, right? Jesus came to fulfill it, not change it. 

Fulfill in the Greek language, means finish; satisfy; accomplish; preach.

Read our key verse above. Jesus said why He came to earth-to satisfy and accomplish His Word, purpose; to finish what the Law started.

Keep in mind that it had been 400 years of God's silence to the Jews, His chosen people. Heaven seemed to be closed to the Jews. They scattered because of the various empires. But under the Roman rule, the Jews were allowed to practice their own religion and oversee their own affairs. The Jews worshiped under the high priest's guidance, the Sanhedrin rules. Paul enlightens us in his letter to the Galatians (4:4-6):

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons, And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into the hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

Matthew quotes more than 66 times from the O.T. prophets, showing how Christ fulfills all those promises.

Do we keep our promises?

LET IT GROW

Why does Matthew begin with the genealogy of Jesus Christ?

• The people of Israel were waiting for the Messiah to come and be their king. Matthew begins by showing how Jesus is the descendant of David, to establish who He is and His background. (legal heir to the throne) verse 1-2
• It encourages believers scattered abroad. (verse 2)
• It symbolizes God's glorious mercy. (verses 3-6)
• It shows that God's grace is not inherited; it is given as He will. (verses 7-10)
• It emphasizes the power of God to keep His promises. (verses 11-16)
• It symbolizes generations of spiritual history. (verse 17)

[Resources: The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible; Life Application Study Bible]

LET IT GO

Thank You, God, for keeping Your Word for us to study.

How precious it is to be able to read about Your plans and how they were carried out/

Thank You for having plans for Your children, believers in Jesus.

You've got this. If anyone can see us through our trials, You can.

You are bigger than our sorrows and troubles.

Glory to God in the highest!

 

O. T. #2371

Feb. 6, 2023

Summary of O. T.  

As we finish up the study of the Old Testament, we can find Jesus there. Who is Jesus in the Old Testament?

Song of Solomon-The Beautiful Bridegroom

Isaiah-Lord of Hosts/Everlasting/The Suffering Servant Who is Coming

Jeremiah-Cleanser/Righteousness

Lamentations-The Weeping Prophet

Ezekiel-Ever-Present/The Wonderful Four Faced Man

Daniel-Fourth Man in the Fiery Furnace/Shutter of Lions' Mouths

Hosea-Husbandman

Joel-Plague/ Alarm

Amos-Plumb Line/ Our Shepherd

Obadiah-Possessor/ Warner

Jonah-A Great Fins/Preacher

Micah-The Coming King

Nahum-Destroyer of Evil Ones/Quaker Light Ahead

Zephaniah-Peace

Haggai-Restorer

Zechariah-Comforter-Prophet

Malachi-Messenger/Faithful/Lord

Isn't it amazing that our God planned it all out before the creation of everything? He does not change, He is merciful, yet He gave Israel the opp0ortunities to repent of their sins, idolatry specifically. As a loving Father, He disciplined His children when they rebelled. As a Father, God has His rules and we must follow them. 

Jesus loved us so much that He left heaven to become like us and offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice for us sinners. Faith in Him is all it takes to be one of His. What a plan! It is Jesus that we need, our Savior and Messiah, in order to get to heaven when we die. 

Sooo friend, have you asked Jesus to be your Savior, to forgive your sins, and be your LORD?

Thank You, Jesus, for You have been good to me! You are my breath, my beat of my heart, my life, my Peace, my joy. 

Thank you, dear friends for studying the Old Testament with me. It is good to know I am not alone. We have many visitors throughout the world, maybe curious ones, hungry ones for love, seekers of filling the void in their soul. It is my prayer and hope that they found it by reading the Scriptures here.

Well, this is not the end, but I am going into the New Testament next. Be sure to join me. Let's walk through the Gospels with the Disciples and join Paul on his missionary journeys and his letters to churches, take a peek into the last days.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, make His face shine upon you. I look forward to meeting you in heaven one day as we worship Jesus together!

Who is Jesus in the O. T.?

O. T. #2370 "Who is Jesus in the O. T.?"

Feb. 3, 2023

Summary of O. T.

How do we close our study of the Old Testament books? So I thought how appropriate is would be to describe how Jesus is in each book:

Genesis-Creator?Almight God/Provider

Exodus-Sancitifier/Healer/Passover Lamb

Leviticus-High Priest

Numbers-Cloud and Pillar/Leader

Deuteronomy-Refuge

Joshua-Conquerer/Scarlet Thread

Judges-Peace/Judge

Ruth-Kinsman Redeemer

1st &2nd Samuel-Trusted Prophet

1st & 2nd Kings-Reigning King

Ezra-Faithful Scribe/Repairer

Nehemiah-Builder/Redeemer of the Broken

Esther-Grace

Job-Living Redeemer

Psalm-Good Shepherd/Our Praise-Wisdom

Proverbs & Ecclesiates-Wisdom

As we look back over those books, do we see that Jesus is everything we need and what we need. He is a Living Savior, who does not leave us believers and followers of Him.             In the 40 + years of ministry, we have experiencd Jesus in those ways. He has been my breath of life and beat of my heart.

Your love never fails, never gives up, never runs out on me, Jesus. In death and life, I am confiden by Your great love. Nothing can seperate me from Your love, Jesus. Your love is never ending and never failing, Your love.

Dear friend, do you believe Jesus is the Son of God, sent to take our place for payment of our sins. Such love. 

John 5:24 says, ...He that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation: but is passed from death unto life.

 

Is Your Name in the Book?

O. T. #2368 "Is Your Name in the Book?"

Feb. 2, 2023

Summary of Malachi 

Whenever I get a new book, I like to write my name in the front. That way people will know to whom it belongs. Has God written your name in The Book as one of His children?

Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon His name. (3:16)

The remnant repented of their sins, for they were talking to each other about God. God needs no written record to keep before Him the thoughts and deeds of His people. The book was a constant reminder of who is His and are in proper relationship with Him. (Ps. 56:8; Dan. 7:10; 12:1)

Reading Psalm 56 again I find that God puts our tears into a bottle and in His book, God is for us, when we put our trust in God, we are not afraid what man can do unto us. According to Daniel 7, we will all stand before God and the judgment is set, and the books will be opened. Are we ready?

In the end, when books are opened, (Rev 20) 4 groups of people will appear: Those who names that are written in the Book of Life, the resurrected from the gravc, the church believers and saints during the rapture, saints who lost life in the Tribulation. (Swindoll)

Will you be with us, dear friend? Have you asked Jesus to be your Savior and to forgive your sins? 

Did you notice it was those who thought (regard, value, esteem, hold, think) upon God's name and feared Him had their name written in that book? (3:16) So let's continue to sing praise to the name of Jesus, esteeming Him highly, sharing with others how great our God is.

But unto you that fear My name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings, and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. (4:2)

What a day that will be, when the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, comes back to earth to reign as King!! He will have healing in His wings and joyful blessings to boot. We can only thank God for sending Jesus to become our curse, to take our punishment for our sins, to Redeem us so we can spend eternity in heaven with Him. 

It's amazing grace that You love us like You do! Lord, give us strength to remain faithful and serving You. Your mercies are new every morning. May we spark our brothers and sisters on in the Truth. Forgive us when we fail You. In Jesus precious name, amen.

What is God Like?

 O. T. #2368 "What is God Like?"

Feb. 1, 2023

Summary of Malachi

How faithful our God is! Just look around and see what God has given you. Not just the physical things, but His Word, Holy Spirit, and salvation. Although salvation is free to us, it came at a high price for Jesus-it required His very life.

When we finish a book of the Bible, I like to go back and notice the verses which are highlighted:

I have loved you, saith the LORD. (1:2)

How reassuring for us thousands of years later, to find comfort that our God loves us, no matter what. Oh how He loves us! Ain't nobody love me like Jesus.

For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same My name shall be great among the Gentiles... (1:11)

How great is our Jehovah, Savior, Redeemer!

...for I am a great King, saith the LORD of Hosts, and My name is dreadful among the heathen. 

Dreadful appears in 1:14 and 2:14, means to fear; to revere; reverence. Do we honor our King with our words?

For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that He hateth putting away...(3:16) 

Putting away refers to divorce. It destroys the family. If our spiritual relationship with God is correct, he will never have marital problems. However, sometimes the other spouse does not regard God's ways and laws.

We weary the LORD when we say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and He delighteth in them. (2:17)

One is coming (Jesus Christ) who will right all wrongs. Injustice and evil exist in our society, but we are to remain faithful followers of Jesus and His Word.

For I am the LORD, I change not;...(3:6)

There is none like Jesus! Our God is greater, stronger, higher, healer, awesome in power, our God! It is is security for us to know that our God does not change, neither does His Word. If our God is for us, who can stand against us?

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the LORD of Hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (3:10)

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. (1 Cor. 9:6-7)

Do we stop and acknowledge how giving our God is? We have food, clothing, warm house, family and friends, a church, breath, beating heart, etc. All those things are provided by a giving and loving God. How thankful we should be. He provided a way for us to be with Him eternally through Jesus. It doesn't get any better! So do we show our love for God by tithing our money? Are we trusting Him to provide when we give?