Who Was John the Baptist?

N.T. #688  "Who Was John the Baptist?"

Dec. 5, 2025 

John 1-Part 6 

LET IT GLOW

Who was John the Baptist? In chapter 1, this seemed to have been an important thing to know. 

What do we know about John the Baptist?

• We know his father was a priest, Zechariah, and mother Elisabeth whose lineage was of Aaron.
• We know he was a miracle child born to older parents.
• Angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah while praying with the good news of their having a son and to name him John. (Luke 1:6)
• John's purpose was to prepare the way for the Lord and to turn Israel back to their God.
• Zechariah's doubt was a punishment and a sign-speechless for 9 months until it was time to name the baby John.
• John was raised according to the Nazarite vow. 
• John was a cousin of the Lord Jesus. 
• There were no less than 16 quoted from the Old Testament prophesying the coming Messiah and His forerunner found in Luke. 
• John dressed in camel's hair and a leather girdle, similar to Elija's clothing. (2Kings 1:8 and Matthew 3:4) His food was locusts and wild honey, which was eaten by very poor people. He lived in the wilderness.
• People confessed their sins and were baptized by John.
• John was humble, telling of One to come who was greater than he was, whose sandals he was unworthy to unlatch, and who would baptize the people with the Holy Ghost and fire. (Matt. 3:11)

John must have created quite a stir among the Jewish people. He was on a mission from God and people were responding. John was baptizing repentant people in the Jordan River. 

LET IT GROW

The Sanhedrin sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem into the wilderness to find out who John the Baptist was. (John 1:19) Probably jealousy had them curious about such a popular man., wondering what his credentials were. Was John a false prophet? Actually, those guys were asking John who he thought he was.

• Was John the Christ? 
• Was John an incarnate of Elijah, who was taken up in a fiery chariot? 
• Was John a prophet? 
• John was not the Christ Messiah, not Elijah back from the dead, nor was he a prophet.
• I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said of the prophet Elijah. (Isaiah 40:3)
• John thought of himself not as important, not a prophet, not a remarkable worthy man of God, not even a man to be noticed. Yet he was all of those things. (Swindoll)

John was preparing them to recognize who Jesus was. The Messiah was present in their time.

The important thing to know is not who John was, but who Jesus is. Is He your Savior, your King, your Messiah?

LET IT GO

Help us stand for the truth, be uncompromising, live for Jesus, and point others to the Savior.

Grace

N.T.#687  "Grace"

Dec. 4, 2025 

John 1-Part 5 

LET IT GLOW

We all need grace. How do we obtain it? Read on, my friend.

In the rest of the chapter, Christ is proclaimed as the Messiah by several-John the Baptist, Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip, and Nathanael. We read about John the Baptist's ministry, which came before Jesus' ministry. Although, Jesus existed before John in eternity. (verse 15)

As believers, we receive grace for grace of Jesus. (verse 16) 

What does that mean?

• It is super abundance of grace toward us by God for mankind. 
• Salvation is the greatest gift and man's greatest need. 
• Grace is what God does for man, not what man does for God or himself.
• For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
• The Law was given by Moses, which reveals our sinful condition. However, the Law could not give us grace and truth. The Law could not transform the sinful heart.
• Grace and truth are not provided by the Law, but by Jesus Christ. 
• Grace was to forgive and pardon the sinner. 
• Truth was that which the sacrifices pointed to. These are only found in Jesus.

What amazing grace! When we receive the substitutionary atoning death of Christ on the cross, our sins are forgiven and eternal life is imparted. What we can't do for ourselves, God's grace supplies.

It is like waves crashing on the seashore. God's grace is inexhaustible supply of His goodness that continuously brings His favor to His people. 

[Resources: Liberty Bible Commentary; The Tony Evans Bible Commentary]

LET IT GROW

No man has seen God at any time; the Only Begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him. (verse 18)

What does this mean?

• God is a Spirit and cannot be seen by man. (1 Tim. 6:16)
• Christ revealed God to man. 
• Moses saw only the backside of God's glory.  No one can see God's face on this side of eternity and live. (Ex. 33:18-23)
• Jesus' life expressed the divine nature of God. Since Jesus is fully God, to know Jesus is to know God. 
• The only way to God is through the Son. (14:6)

Want to know God? Then come to Jesus.

LET IT GO

Jesus Messiah, name above all names, blessed Redeemer, Emmanuel.

The Ransom for sinners.

All our hope is in You, Jesus, Light of the World.

 

Grace

N.T.#686 "Grace"

Dec. 3, 2025

John 1-Part 4 

LET IT GLOW

When we believed in Jesus, called on His name, and received Him as our Lord and Savior, we became a child of God.  (verse 12) Then we are reborn spiritually, not on the basis of lineage or Jewish heritage, not of because of a carnal desire (flesh), not of our will or human in its origin. We have a changed heart-new attitudes, desires, and motives. How? It is a supernaturally of God. (verse 13)

LET IT GROW

How does John describe Jesus in verse 14?

• The Word was made flesh. Jesus became human, taking on a body.
• Jesus dwelt among us. Dwelt means to encamp or reside. Jesus was a fully divine nature and a fully human nature. He faced hunger, pain, temptation, grief, hardship, and rejection. 
• Those who saw Jesus beheld His glory, the Father, because Jesus is the only Begotten Son of God. Peter, James, and Joh saw Jesus transfigured before their eyes. 
• Jesus is full of grace and truth. John probably had in mind when God displayed His glory to Moses in Exodus 33-34. 

The attributes of God are: merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth. (Exodus 33:18, 19; 34:5-7)

Aren't we believers to have those same attributes?

In the Greek language, grace means gracious (divine influence up the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude; favor, acceptable, thank, gift.

Do we show grace, God's grace, to others?

LET IT GO

Fill us with Your grace and truth, Lord.

May we have a grateful heart, full of grace.

Thank You Jesus for Your grace toward us.

God's grace is greater than all our sin.

Do You Have the Light?

 N.T.#685 "Do You Have the Light?"

Dec. 2, 2025

John 1-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Who is Jesus to you? Do you have the Light of the world in you?

John makes a contrast of John the Baptist and Jesus. John was not the Logos/Word but was a human individual. John was sent from God, not God Himself. John was a witness to bear witness of the Light so people had a saving faith in the Light/Jesus. John was not the Light. (verses 6-8)

Jesus Christ was the true Light, genuine and real Light. He is the one who gives to every man the light of reason and conscience. The world rejected Jesus, did not acknowledge nor recognize Him as the son of God and the Messiah. The Jewish leaders would not receive Jesus as their King nor as the Messiah. (verses 9-11) (Liberty Bible Commentary)

Sin blinds people so that they do not know their own Creator. 

LET IT GROW

But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. (verse 12)

Receive means to accept for one's self. 

Believe means to place one's trust in.

Power means the right or authority to become the sons of God. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

Dear friend, have you received Jesus Christ as your Savior? Have you placed your trust in Him?

To receive Christ is like welcoming a guest into your home. We believe in Jesus as The Savior, son of God, The One who took our place as punishment for our sins. We ask Jesus to forgive our sins and become our Savior. We become born again-spiritually. His free gift is eternal life.

Praise God for calling you to this life-giving faith!

LET IT GO

Jesus, help us let go of our sinful ways, lack of faith and trust, and a life that does not please You.

Lord, please save the lost who needs You today.

We owe You all.

Help us reflect The Light and point others to You, Jesus.

Show us the way along the path of faith with Your Light.

Life and Light

N.T. #684 "Life and Light"

Dec. 1, 2025 

John 1-Part 2 

LET IT GLOW

Who is the Word? Jesus is the Word. If you missed the last post, be sure and read it. Many things are explained there.

Not only was the Word with God, but also the Word was God. (1:1) The Son of God was with the Father God, but not two distinct gods. The Son shares the divine nature. The Father, Son, and Spirit are co-equal members of the Trinity. Our one God exists in three co-equal persons. (Tony Evans Bible Commentary)

Remember, the purpose in John writing this Gospel is wo we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. (20:31)

In this chapter, John tells us about the Word in creation, after the fall, and the true Light/

• Since Jesus is the Word, we know that Jesus made all things and apart from Him not a single thing that exists came into being.  (verse 3) (William Hendriksen)
• God was not created, for He has always existed.
• In Jesus was life (zoe) and light  (phos/foce) means to shine or make manifest.(verse 4)
• Life is not from Him, or though Him, or by Him, but life is in Him/Jesus. 
• Life spoken of is not life in a physical sense but rather in a spiritual sense. Joh uses life 54 times in his gospel. His is the first epistle to refer to the spiritual realm.
• Jesus continues to shine as the Light in darkness., but the darkness (unbelief and sin of mankind, does not grasp or comprehend it. the hostility of darkness is unable to put out the Light in the spiritual sense. (verse 5)

When I lived in the old farmhouse, it was easy for me to walk around inside in the dark. I grew up there and lived there for many of my married years. However, when we stay in a motel, I need a light on so I can see how to walk around. As a believer, I always need the light of Jesus in my life so I know which way to walk. 

Are you walking by faith and obedience in the Light today?

LET IT GROW

Jesus' life brings light to humankind. In His light, we see ourselves as we really are-sinners in need of a Savior. Jesus lights our path as believers so we can see how to live. 

Have we allowed the light of Christ to shine into our life?

When we let Jesus guide our life, we will never need to stumble in darkness. 

LET IT GO

Open our eyes so we can see our sins and turn from them. 

Be the light unto our path, Lord Jesus.

May we shine into a dark world so we honor You.

 

The Beginning and Not the Beginning

 N.T.#683 "The Beginning and Not the Beginning"

Nov. 28, 2025 

John 1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (verse 1)

LET IT GLOW

The main theme John uses in this book is-Jesus as the Son of God. John wrote his gospel so that we would know that the Son of Man is God in human flesh-completely human, yet no less God than when "in the beginning," He spoke the universe into existence. 

As we read through this book, we come to realize that John does not give us the genealogy nor childhood details of Jesus, no temptations of Jesus nor His transfiguration, no calling of His disciples after His resurrection and ascension from earth, and no parables. 

[Resource: Swindoll's New Testament Insights on John]

There are three key words John uses to substantiate his thesis:

• He uses 8 various signs/miracles to prove Jesus is deity.
• His desire is for us to believe/trust in Jesus as the Son of God. It is used some 98 times by John.
• As a result in believing in the person and work of Christ, John uses life so we may have everlasting and eternal life. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

John's purpose in writing this Gospel is that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name. (20:31)

Friend, do you believe this? Have you asked Jesus to be your Savior and Lord? (I ask this often because we have people reading these posts which are not believers.

LET IT GROW

Let's take a close look at the key verse above. What can we conclude from this verse?

• When time began, the Word already existed. 
• This unique name for Christ  (Word in the Greek language is logos.) (See 1:14 and Rev. 19:13)
• Only John the apostle uses it in this way 4 times.
• Christ as the Eternal Word is a revelation of God to man. (verse 1a)
• The Word (Christ) was face to face with God. (verse 1b)
• The Word was completely God. (verse 1c) It literally reads, "and God was the Word.

[Liberty Bible Commentary]

Summarizing this, we see that Jesus Christ is the Word, who was with God and who was God in the beginning of everything. The Father and son exist as one Supreme Being. The Word and God were together and they were the same being. 

It may take a while for all of this to sink into our minds because we live in time, space, and matter. Jesus and God do not. They have always been and always will be. We believe this by faith because humans have limitations.

LET IT GO

LORD, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.

Before the mountains were born

Or You gave birth to the earth and the world,

Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. 

Psalm 90:1-2)

Thanksgiving Day 2025

Thanksgiving Day 2025

 Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

I am so blessed to have you studying God's Word with me. I'm so thankful for so many things today-salvation is Jesus, our families, plus church family, a nation of freedom,  etc.

Bless the LORD, O my soul; 

And all that is within me, bless His holy name. (Ps. 103:1-2)

Tomorrow we will start chapter 1. Enjoy family and friends.

In His Name,

Linda

Who is Christ?

 N.T.#682 "Who is Christ?"

Nov. 26, 2025

Introduction to John-Part 2

Who is Christ to you?

I like the outline which Liberty Bible Commentary gives an outline for John's book. Not only did John describe who Christ is, but Christ Himself also did:

• The Word, (1:1-14)
• Christ as Savior, (3;1-36)
• Master-soul winner, (4:1-54)
• The Son of God, (5:1-47)
• Bread of Life, (6:1-71)
• Master Teacher, (7:1-53)
• Light of the World, (8:1-9, 41)
• The Good Shepherd, (10:1-42)
• The Resurrection and The Life, (11:1-57)
• The Messiah,(12:1-50)
• The Servant, (13:1-38)
• The Comforter, (14:1-31)
• The True Vine. (15:1-16:33)

Isn't it wonder how Jesus Christ is all those things to us? Whenever we need comfort, He is The Comforter. When we need His leading in our life, Christ is The Good Shepherd.

In addition to hose listed above, Jesus Christ claimed Himself as The Door. (10:7)

How do you get to know Jesus as any of those things?

But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. (1:12)

John recorded how John the Baptist described Jesus Christ: Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (1:29)

Who is Jesus to you, friend?

John

N.T.#681 "John"

Nov. 25, 2025

Introduction to John

The Gospel According to John was the first of the manuscripts to be found. John does not identify himself as its author, but the other Gospels identify John by name about 20 times. However, John does identify himself as the disciple "whom Jesus loved." 

What do we know about John?

• John and James, his older brother, were known as "the sons of Zebedee." Jesus gave them the name "Sons of Thunder." They were fishermen in their father's business. 
• John became one of the three inner circle, men closest to Jesus, along with Peter and James. John was an eyewitness to and participated in Jesus' earthly ministry. 
• He became a pillar in the Jerusalem church. John ministered with Peter until he went to Ephesus. 
• John wrote his Gospel about 50 years after he witnessed Jesus' earthly ministry. 
• He also wrote 1, 2, 3 John and Revelation.

What is the background and setting for this book?

• John supplied a large among of unique material not recorded in the other Gospels.
• He begins with Jesus' ministry in Galilee, skipping His birth.
• John does touch on the testimony of John the Baptist, though.
• John is the most theological of the Gospels. He taught on the Holy Spirit, who guided his writings as he remembered his eyewitnessing events.

What was John's purpose in writing this book?

John declared, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God" and have life in His name. (20:30-31)

What does John's writing focus on in this book?

• Three predominant words include "signs, believe, life." Believe is used about 100 times.
• Jesus is the Word, Messiah, and Son of God.
• Jesus brings the gift of salvation to mankind.
• People can accept or reject the offer.
• There are 7 "I AM" statements identifying Jesus as God and Messiah.
• There are at least eight miracles which John focuses on for us.

[Resource: The MacArthur Bible Commentary, Liberty Bible Commentary]

I pray God will bless you as we study His Word together. 

 

He is Alive!

N.T.#680 "He is Alive!"

Nov. 24, 2025

Summary of Luke-Part 12

In chapter 22, we read about the final night Christ:

• Judas set up the betrayal of Jesus with the priests and scribes.
• He spent it with His disciples. 
• He instituted the Lord's Supper.
• He washed the disciples' feet.
• He explained that the servant is the greatest.
• He prayed for Peter and told of his three-time denial of Christ.
• He wrestled with God's will for Jesus to die, then submitted.
• Jesus was mocked, slapped, and beaten in an effort to get Him to deny He is the Son of God.

The religious leaders did not declare Jesus to be the Son of God. How sad that they knew the prophecies of the Messiah coming, but when He was there, they would not admit it.

Who do you say Jesus is?

After His arrest, Jesus had 6 trials in chapter 23:

1. Annas, the former his priest
2. Caiaphas, the high priest and the Sanhedrin
3. Sanhedrin, ruling Jewish group
4. Pilate, governor of Judea
5. Herod Antipas, governor of Galilee
6. Pilate again, who declared Jesus not guilty, yet condemned Him to death.

Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb. On the third day, Jesus arose from the dead to live forever more. He appeared to many people, spoke to them, ate with them. One day Jesus will return to earth to get His believers and take us to heaven. What a great day that will be!

When Jesus ascended into heaven, what happened to those watching?

And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. (24:52)

Let us have great joy today, for we worship the Risen Savior and our King of kings, and believers' Lord of lords!

Thank you everyone for studying Luke with me. I hope you will continue to follow along as we jump into the Gospel of John.

Are You in an Impossible Situation?

 N.T.#679 "Are You in an Impossible Situation?"

Nov. 21, 2025 

Summary of Luke-Part 11

Again, what are some life lessons Jesus taught?

• Seek God's mercy. (18:13)
• Humble yourself. (verse 14)
• Bring children to Jesus. (verse 16)
• The things which are impossible with God. (verse 27)
• Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. (19:10)
• My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves. (verse 46)
• God is the God of the living. (verse38)
• Expect to be hated by people because we are a child of God. (21:17)
• Heaven and earth shall pass away but My Words shall not pass away. (verse 33)

Are you in an impossible situation? Pray and seek God's will. He can do the impossible.

*Thank you for your prayers for Colby. They set the two broken bones in his arm. He had an MRI of his leg. Haven't heart the outcome. He has a lot road to recovery, but God can do the impossible.

Life Lessons

N.T.#678 "Life Lessons"

Nov. 20, 2025

Summary of Luke-Part 10

I counted 15 parables Jesus used to teach life lessons, found in chapters 14-18:

• There is a cost to following Jesus. (14:26-27) Jesus must be Lord over all, including family and self.
• There is joy in heaven over 1 sinner repenting. (15:7)
• We need to search for those who are lost to bring them to Christ, like a lost coin. (15:8-10)
• God the Father loves and waits of His children who stray and rebel, as the father loved the prodigal son. (15:12-32)
•  Christ wants us to be good stewards with money so we can aid others. (16:1-12)
• If you are faithful in least, you will be faithful in much. (16:10)
• You cannot serve both God and mammon (money). (16:13)
• the moral principles of the Law remain in force, as well as those in the New Testament. (16:17)
• Hell with its torments is real. (16:19-31)
• There is a great gulf fixed dividing heaven and hell; at one's death their destiny is sealed. (16:16)
• Don't offend one of God's children, lest you pay for it. (17:2)
• Faith prays in the will of God. (17:6)
• Give thanks as the one leper returned to thank Jesus for the healing. (17:15-19)
• Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. (17:33)

Which ones do you need to work on applying in your life today? 

Reassurances

 N.T.#677 "Reassurances"

Nov. 19, 2025

Summary of Luke-Part 9

In chapter 11, verses 2-4, we read the Lord's Prayer. What do we learn from it?

• We recognize God for who He is and glorify His name.
• We pray for His program and
• His will to be accomplished.
• The we ask for daily food,
• forgiveness of sins, and
• deliverance from sin and evil. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

Who is your father?

Then in verses 9-10, we hear Jesus tell us:

Ask, and it shall be given you,

Seek, and ye shall find,

Knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 

Our Heavenly Father desires to give us freely all things. One of the most precious gifts is naturally the Holy Spirit who abides with all believers today.

Blessed are they that hear the Word of God, and keep it. (verse 28)

But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. (12: 7)

Whosoever shall confess Me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God. (verse  8)

Seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. (verse 31)

What things? Food like the ravens, clothing like the lilies and grass, mercy, grace, faith, and love.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (verse 34)

There are more teachings of Jesus:

• Of whom much is given, much is required. (verse 48)
• Repent or parish (13:3,5)
• The last will be first and the first will be last. (13:30)
• Humble yourself and you will be exalted. (14:11)
• Seek the lost. (14: 23)
• Bear your cross and follow Jesus. (14:27)
• Forsake all. (verse 330

Only a Touch

 N.T.#676 "Only a Touch"

Nov. 18, 2025

Summary of Luke-Part 8

Jesus sure did a lot of healings and miracles in His short 3 1/2 years of ministry. MacArthur gives a list of God's healing through Jesus:

• Leper (5:12-13)
• Slave (7:2-10)
• Women (4:38-39; 8:2, 43-48; 13:10-13))
• Multitudes (4:40, 4;5:15;6:17-19; 7:118-22; 9:10-11)
• Demoniac (4:31; 8:26-39; 11:14)
• Paralyzed man (5:17-26)
• Little girl (840-56)
• A man (6:6-11; 14:1-4)
• A demonic boy (9:37-43)
• Blind men (18:35-43)
• A widow's son (7:11-17)
• Ten lepers (17:11-21)
• A man's ear (22:50-51)

The other 3 Gospels listed more healings than Luke did. What all of the victims could conclude was, "Jesus did it." Often the shared how great things God did unto them. (8:39) As with the woman with the issue of blood for 12 years, it only takes a touch of Jesus to heal. How strong is your faith?

On one occasion Jesus asked His disciples whom people say He was. (9:18) Then He asked Peter whom he said Jesus was. How did he answer? The Christ of God. (9:20)

Who do you say Jesus is? The Son of the Living God?

Then Jesus told the guys and us how to live: 

If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. (9:23)

Jesus' challenge to His disciples was faithfulness, denial of self, and daily sacrifice. If one cares not about this life in order to serve Christ, only then will he secure life eternal. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

This is our challenge for today and the rest of our life, Christian friend. 

When the Waves of Life Are About to Take Us Under

 N.T.#675 "When the Waves of Life Are About to Take Us Under"

Nov. 17, 2025

Summary of Luke-Part 7

My favorite Bible story happened whenever the storm rocked the disciple's boat and Jesus was asleep. they woke up Jesus because they were afraid of sinking. The Sea of Galilee is a notoriously unpredictable for storms suddenly coming up and making the waters rough for boats. Waves could get as high as 20 feet. Several of the disciples had been expert fishermen and knew how to handle a boat in such a situation. This time must have really frightened them.

What was the conversation between the desperate ones and the Sovereign One? (8:22-25)

• Master, Master, we perish. Then Jesus arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was calm. (verse 24)
• Where is your faith? Jesus asked His men., but they did not answer, confess it was lacking, or anything.
• What manner of man is this! For He comandeth even the winds and the water, and they obey Him. (verse 25)

No need to be scarred, guys, for the Creator of the wind and waves was with you, right there in the boat. He wasn't going to drown. Although, they didn't know Jesus' divine authority as yet. 

Are you caught in a storm of life today? It is easy to think God has lost control and that we are at the mercy of the winds of fate. In reality, God is sovereign. He controls the history of the world as well as our personal destinies. Just as Jesus calmed the waves, He can calm whatever storms we may face. (Life Application Study Bibe)

Sometimes it seems like the winds of doubt and troubles keep blowing, waves of troubles are about to take us under. The good news is the Savior is there right with us in the boat of life. Call out to Him for help. Rebuke them in Jesus' name so the waves cease.

*Friends, please pray for Colby, a teenage boy from our church who was hit by a car while riding his motorcycle. He is in serious condition, with 2 broken bones in his arm, a concussion, an eye socket bone broken. Doctors are keeping him out so the brain doesn't swell. This is the same family who lost a daughter as a semi hit her mother's car, a few years ago. 

Are You a Giver?

 N.T.#674 "Are You a Giver?"

Nov. 14, 2025

Summary of Luke-Part 6

Jesus had a lot to say about money. It is important in our everyday lives. In 6:38, He tells us to give and we will get it in return. An example of this occurred in our life the other day. We were heading to a doctor appointment when we had to stop at a red light. There we saw this man in ragged clothes begging on the street corner. My husband felt impressed to give some money to the needy man. For the first time, my husband handed me a bill to give him and I did. It shocked me, actually, for this was the first time he ever did this. Then the next week we had money given to us 300 times more than what he gave the beggar. It really impressed him how the Lord blessed his giving. Our cup was running over. (Maybe we should have given more.) When we experience one of God's promises, why should it surprise us? Are we giving joyfully?

Here are some summaries of teachings Jesus gave to us:

• Watch out for the logs in our own eyes before we try to get the splinter in someone else's eye. 
• We speak and act from the overflow of our heart. A good heart does good things; an evil heart does evil things. (6:45)
• A sick centurion's servant revealed the man's great faith when he told Jesus, "Just say the Word and it will be. (he will be healed)." (7:9)
• Both Solomon and Jesus gave us warnings about wine, women, and wealth. 
• When a widow's only son died, Jesus brought the guy back to life. (7:14) It had been 800 years since Israel had seen someone raised from the dead. Elisha did it in 2 Kings 4:14-37.
• When John the Baptist's faith wavered, he sent disciples to Jesus for reassurance. His answer to John was to consider what he had seen and heard, and how the sick was healed by Jesus. Jesus is the Messiah and faith in Him is our key to heaven. (7:22) 
• Then a woman with an alabaster box of oil washed Jesus' feet and dried them with her hair. (7:38)

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. 

Thy faith hath save thee; go in peace. (7:47-50)

It is God's grace which saves us, not acts of love or generosity. This woman's act showed her true faith, and Jesus honored her. (Life Application Study Bible)

How Are We to Live?

 N.T.#673 "How Are We to Live?"

Nov. 13, 2025 

Summary of Luke-Part 5

Here are a few of the Scriptures I highlighted in this book:

And the devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. (4:41a)

Nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. (5:3) 

Peter was fishing all night and caught nothing. However, when he obeyed Jesus and let down the nets, he caught so many fish that his boat could not hold them. Another boat came to help hold them all. As Peter recognized Christ's deity, he saw his sinfulness. 

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (6:32)

How are we to treat others? 

The King James version says it this way:

1. Love your enemies.
2. Do good to them which hate you.
3. Bless them that curse you.
4. Pray for them which despitefully use you.
5. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.
6. Give to every man that asketh of thee.
7. Of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.
8. And as ye would that men should do to you do ye also to them likewise. (6:27-31)

New Living Translation  tells it like this in 6:35-36):

1. Love your enemies!
2. Do good to them.
3. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid.
4. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for He is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.
5. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.

From these passages comes the Golden rule: Treat others like you want to be treated.

1Corinthians 13 gives us more instructions as how to live the Christian life. 

Overcoming Temptations

 N.T.#672  "Overcoming Temptations"

Nov. 12, 2025

Summary of Luke-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

Sometimes life can get to us, knock us down, but as believers, we have a Savior who went through it all, yet was without sin. He is ready and able to help us in our hour of temptation. 

After Jesus' baptism, He was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness for 40 days for praying and fasting. It was a spiritual preparation for His ministry ahead. Chapter 4 goes into detail as to how the devil tried to get Jesus' allegiance to him and not God, to sin so He would not be the perfect sacrifice, to separate His relationship with God. You will recall that the devil wanted to be as God, so he was thrown out of heaven. 

Three ways the devil tempted Jesus:

1. It was a personal temptation of food for the physical body. The devil challenged Jesus to turn the stones into bread (satisfy His hunger). Lust of the flesh, it is known as.
2. A power temptation was given as the devil tried to get Jesus to worship him and all the kingdoms of the world would belong to Jesus under the devil's reign. Lust of sight, this is called.
3. A pride temptation enticed Jesus to throw Himself off a pinnacle of the Temple, if He be the Son of God. Angels would rescue Him. Boastful pride of life is how this is referred to.

How did Jesus refute the devil in each case? He used Scriptures:

1. That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word of God. (verse 4)
2. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve. (verse 8)
3. Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. (verse 12)

Believers must be careful to not yield to the temptations around us to sin. There are so many things in this world to bait the hook for our fall and failure. We have to be careful what our eyes see, our heart considers priority, and pride doesn't take us down, separation us from God.

Jesus passed those tests, but Satan would not give up his trying. And so we must not give up trying to live the Christian life to please our Father God.

LET IT GROW

In verses 18-19, Jesus quotes Isaiah 61:1-2 describing His earthly ministry which was predicted:

• The Spirit anointed Jesus to preach the Gospel to the poor/afflicted.
• He sent Jesus to bind up the brokenhearted, healing souls.
• To set free the captives/ prisoners of oppression.
• To give sight to the blind.
• To set at liberty the that are bruised.
• To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord. 

The Messiah had to, the along waited Savior. Some would believe Jesus was this One, while others rejected Him.

What will you do with a man called Jesus?

LET IT GO

Turn your eyes upon Jesus.

He is the only way to heaven.

Are We About Your Father's Business?

 N.T.#671 "Are We About Your Father's Business?"

Nov. 11, 2025

Summary of Luke-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Do you know what business your Heavenly Father has for you to do? Jesus found out.

You will recall the event which occurred whenever Jesus was 12 years old. He was strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and grace of God was upon Him. (2:40) Mary and Joseph with Him had attended the Passover in Jerusalem and Jesus stayed behind. (2:43) After 3 days, Jesus was found in the Temple. 

Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house? (2:49, NLT) 

King James says, about my Father's business. 

Jesus' Father is none other than God. His divine identity and divine purpose on earth His parents did not understand. He was in the Temple with the experts of the Jewish law. Those guys were amazed at Jesus' words. Of course, Jesus would know about the Law of Moses. He made it. Of course, He knew about the Jewish laws. He knows everything. It was another 11 years before Jesus' ministry began. 

Are we teaching our children the Word of God?

LET IT GROW

As a man, Jesus went to the Jordan River to be baptized by John the Baptist. the people were being baptized after their repentance of their sins. Jesus had no sin, but His baptism was to fulfill all righteousness. (Matt. 3:15)

That was when God proclaimed, Thou art My beloved Son: in thee I am well pleased. (3:22)

This marked the beginning of Jesus' ministry. It also pictured for Christ a pledge of His future death, burial, and resurrection for the sin of the world. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

Jesus was 30 years old whenever He began His public ministry, as were the Levitical priests when they began their service. He preached, performed miracles, and prophesied about the future. He showed love and compassion while standing against the religious leaders stuck on the law. He overcame the temptations of Satan. This Messiah fulfilled the Old Testament predictions of One to come.

How is your faith, dear one? How are you walking? 

God has a purpose and plan for each of us. (Adriane Rogers)

Are we busy about our Father's business?

LET IT GO

Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look fully in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim. In the light of His glory and grace.

Thank You, Father, for Your glorious grace!

To You be the glory forever.

It Was the Right Time

N.T.#670 "It Was the Right Time"

Nov. 10, 2025

Summary of Luke-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Was Dr. Luke an apostle/among the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ? I wondered that. Apparently not, for Luke is not mentioned among them in chapter 6. He could have been among the 70 followers of Jesus. Luke was one of Paul's missionary companion. He was in the early church at Antioch. He was a Greek, not a Jew.

I like to review the highlight events and Scriptures after we finish studying a book. Keep in mind that 400 years passed without a word from heaven. Then, at the right time, God sent His messengers to earth. Boy, were they busy.

First, we read about the events surrounding the special birth of John the Baptist, who prepared the way of the Lord. John's older parents were both descendants of Aaron, the first high priest. Zacharias was serving in the Temple (1 week every 6 months) when Gabriel appeared to him with the good news of a son to be born to the barren couple. Because he doubted, Zac was speechless the entire time of Elisabeth's pregnancy. He couldn't share the most exciting news of their lives. 

Next, a teenager named Mary, engaged to Joseph the carpenter got a visit from Gabriel. (She was of the Aaronic descend by her mother and Davidic descend by her father.) He announced Mary was going to have a son, Jesus, because she was favored by God. The Jews were expecting a Messiah to come. How could this be since Mary was a virgin? The Holy Spirit was empowered of the Highest in order for this to happen. (1:35) Isaiah 7:14 foretold of the Messiah, Emmanuel to come.

For with God nothing shall be impossible. (1:37)

Mary surrendered to the Lord's will for her life. (1:38) Matthew 1 describes the reaction of Joseph and Gabriel's visit to him in a dream. then the married couple had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register for census and pay taxes. That was where the intended birth of Jesus was to take place. And in a lowly manger surrounded by animals, not a place one would think appropriate for a King to be born. Mary's on was called Jesus, according to 2:21. He is called Deliverer, the Anointed One, Messiah, Son of the Living God. Visited by shepherds and kings, this child had quite a future ahead. To me, these events never get old hearing and reading about them, even seeing it in church programs.

LET IT GROW

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. (2:52)

Jesus matured in 4 ways:

1. mentally (in wisdom)
2. physically (in stature)
3. spiritually (in favor with God)
4. socially (in favor with man).

By Jesus' example we can see the importance of us and children to mature in those areas.

now

What is our take-away today? Is your faith like Zacharias or Mary?

Are we growing spiritually in favor with God? Or is our faith growing stagnant?

LET IT GO

What a Wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord!

Friend, if you haven't surrendered to Jesus yet, do so now. 

 

Who Was Luke?

 N.T.#669 "Who Was Luke?"

Nov, 2025

Summary of Luke

LET IT GLOW

I recall memorizing the passages in Luke about the birth of Jesus in elementary. My classmates and I recited them at a Christmas program we had. I can still do it, mostly. If you haven't done so, give it a try. 

Well folks, we finally made it through the Gospel according to Luke. Many thanks for staying with me while we studied this book. I always like to look back at the book we have studies together and pull out some gold nuggets from it .

What do we know about the writer?

• Luke was a Gentile and the only Gentile to pen any books of Scripture. His name is Greek.
• Not only did Luke write this Gospel, but also the Book of Acts, which tells about the early church.
• Since Luke was a doctor, He gave more details of the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus. He gave us a deeper perspective of Jesus' healings. 
• Probably this book was written between A.D. 58-60, before the invasion of the Romans on Jerusalem in A.D. 64, for he does not mention this historical event.
• A running theme in Luke's Gospel is Jesus' compassion for Gentiles, Samaritans, women, children, tax collectors, sinners, and other outcasts in Israel.
• Other themes include human fear in the presence of God, forgiveness, joy, wonder at the mysteries of the role of the Holy Spirit, the temple in Jerusalem, and Jesus' prayers.
• Another theme emphasized is the relentless progression of Jesus toward the Cross, of which He did not deter, for His whole mission was to save sinners.
• Luke was one of Paul's closest companions and fellow laborers. (Col. 4:14)
• He was a tremendous historian, missionary, church planter, traveler, and writer, as well as being a physician.
• Luke was martyred at the age of 84 in the Greek city of Thebes. 

[References: The MacArthur Bible Commentary, Liberty Bible Commentary]

LET IT GROW

Luke reveals to us that God is not respecter of persons; He opened His heart to the needy through the kingdom ministry of His Son. The Son of Man who heals the sick, raises the dead, and calls the prodigal back is also the transcendent God who calls all people to Himself in salvation.

Luke shows through the genealogy and birth of Jesus that He has the right to claim the title of Son of David, the Messiah and King. Jesus used the Word of God to open people's minds and hearts to who He is. [The Tony Evans Bible Commentary]

What a beautiful account of the life of Jesus Luke gives us.  Luke does not end his writing with sadness over the death of Jesus. We can read of His appearances to people and His promise of sending the Holy Spirit. [Life Application Study Bible]

Let me leave you with this verse today: For with God nothing shall be impossible. (verse 1:37)

Whatever is going on in your life today (and mine), keep praying and reading God's Word. It never fails. Our Living Savior can do the impossible. He arose from the dead, didn't He?

I will pull out some Scriptures that are significant to me which we studies and some life lessons, too. So stay with me for the next couple of days as we review.

LET IT GO

Help us let go of the burdens and problems in our life and world, and lay them at the feet of Jesus.

Grow our faith stronger and firm. 

May You be honored, glorified, and praised, Lord Jesus, Savior, Messiah, Son of God.

Please bless those who study the Scriptures with me.

What Kind of Witness Are We?

 N.T.#668 "What Kind of Witness Are We?"

 Nov. 6, 2025 

Luke 24-Part 7 

LET IT GLOW

When we moved away from our families, came to visit, then left for home, it was a time of sadness for being separated from them, but also joyous as we looked forward to the Lord using us in kingdom work. I understand now that our daughter and her children live so far away. Mixed emotions seem to prevail. I wonder if it was the same for the disciples of Jesus. 

Jesus commanded His disciples to stay in Jerusalem and wait for what His Father had promised-the Holy spirit, so that they would be empowered from on high. (verse 49)

Waiting is very difficult for me. How about you? Things seem to go through my mind-good scenarios, bad ones. My imagination seems to run wild at times. What ifs pop up. So I have to cling to the faithfulness of God. He is in control. Wait for His timing not mine. so many Psalms speak about waiting on the Lord. David surely had to learn how to do that. It was about a 15 year wait before David became king of Israel.

LET IT GROW

Previously, Jesus assured His followers they had a message the world needs to hear. (verse 47) Repentance and then remission of sins found in faith in Jesus as Savior was their message to share with the world. And so it is for us..

And ye are witnesses of these things. (verse 48)

Witnesses , in Greek, means martyr.

The Holy Spirit is sent with power by God Himself. It was to be the beginning of gospel outreach in Jerusalem. (verse 47)

Jesus led His followers toward Bethany, high upon a hill east of Jerusalem, just a couple of miles. There, Jesus' beloved city could be seen. His next visit to earth will be standing on the Mount of Olives. (Zech. 14:4)

There, Jesus lifted up His hands and blessed them. (verse 50) It was a benediction, a blessing, and they got to see the ascension of Jesus, carried into heaven. I wonder if angels did it, lifting the Son of God to the right hand of the Father onto His deserved throne on the right.

Wow! What a sight and experience they never forgot!

The followers returned to Jerusalem as commanded. How did they do it? With great joy! This hopeless people now had hope; broken people had purpose; the abandoned people had experienced the presence of God. 

And were continually in the Temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.  (verse 53)

Worship, joy, praise-that's where our faith in the Risen Lord Jesus Christ should lead us. (Tony Evans)

LET IT GO

Are our days filled with great joy? If not, then meet with Jesus. 

Praise and bless the Most High God!

Thank You Jesus You are always with us.

Use us to be Your witnesses.

What kind of witness are you and I for the Lord?

Behind Locked Doors

N.T.#667 "Behind Locked Doors"

Nov. 5, 2025

Luke 24-Part 6 

LET IT GLOW

While the rest of the city continued to celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread and carrying on life as usual, a group of Jesus' closest followers were gathered behind closed doors, in the upper room. As they gathered, they found encouragement and safety, hope instead of fear as they heard of Jesus' appearances. Folks were sharing their experiences (two on the road to Emmaus). 

Days had elapsed between verses 43 and 44. Jesus and His followers traveled to Galilee and back before He returned to heaven. (Matt. 28:16) In Acts, Luke makes it clear that Jesus spent 40 days with His disciples between His resurrection and ascension. (Life Application Study Bible)

What happened next?

• Suddenly and miraculously, Jesus appeared in their midst, greeting them with Peace be unto you. (verse 36) 
• Obviously, Peter had been the only apostle to have previously encountered Jesus. 
• What were the others reaction? Terror as they viewed the resurrected Lord Jesus. (verse 37) Had they seen a ghost?  (I think we all would have been scared out of our wits had we not seen Jesus enter through the door but suddenly was there.)
• Jesus encouraged the believers to touch Hin and see that He had flesh and bones. (verses 38-39)
• He showed them His hands and feet with nail scars. (verse 40)
• The shocked people believed not for joy and wonder. (verse 41)
• Jesus ate a piece of broiled fish and some honeycomb to prove He had a resurrected body. (verses 41-43)

The doors were closed and locked. (John 20:19) Were the people standing there with wide eyes and mouths open? 

LET IT GROW

Jesus expounded how the Old Testament pointed to the Messiah, His sufferings, and His resurrection all predicted. (verses 44-46)

Jesus opened the people's minds so they understood the Scriptures. 

The apostles were to preach of repentance and forgiveness of sins to the Jews and to all nations. 

These were witnesses of such things. In order to carry out the task, they would be endued with power from on high-the Holy Spirit. (verse 49)

LET IT GO

Help us carry on the Great Commission, Lord Jesus.

We are Your witnesses of Your salvation in our lives.

To You be glory, honor, and praise forever!

The Resurrected Jesus

 N.T.#665 "The Resurrected Jesus"

Nov. 4, 2025 

Luke 24-Part 5

And their eyes were opened, and they knew Him; and He vanished out of their sight. (verse 31)

 LET IT GLOW

Do you have some doubts concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ? Read on to find out to whom He appeared as proof.

Until we see Jesus for whom He really is-crucified Savior, Risen Lord, Messiah, Son of God-we will not come to Him. Until we see ourselves as who we are, sinners in need of a Savior, we won't repent. Our soul is in need for forgiveness of our sins. Only Jesus can do that. We simply admit we are sinners, believe Jesus died in our place taking our punishment for our sins, and is risen, sitting at the right hand of God the Heavenly Father. Have you done so, friend? Are we sharing the Good News with others?

Do you know what those two people who walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus did after eating with Jesus and seeing His nail scarred hands? They rose up from the table, returned to Jerusalem (7-8 miles), and found the 11 disciples and others gathered together. (verse 33) They related to the folks what had happened to them.

Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. (verse 34)

Peter and John had seen the empty tomb. The Lord may have presented Himself to Peter, but there is no recording of such and he did not mention it.

LET IT GROW

MacArthur gives us 10 instances where Jesus appeared between the Resurrection and Ascension:

1. Mary Magdalene at the tomb (Mark 16:9)
2. to the women on the road (Matt. 28:9-10)
3. the two on the road to Emmaus (verses 13-32)
4. to Peter (verse 34)
5. to 10 of the 11 disciples (verses 36-43)
6. to the 11 with Thomas present 8 days later (John 20:26-31)
7. to 7 of the disciples by the shore of the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-25)
8. to more than 500 disciples probably o the mountain in Galilee (1 Cor. 15:6)
9. to James (1 Cor. 15:7)
10. to the apostles when He ascended into heaven. (Acts 1:3-11)

After His ascension, Jesus appeared to Paul. (1 Cor. 15:8) The next time He appears it will be in glory as He comes in the clouds to get His children.

Is the Truth in Front of Us?

N.T.#664 "Is the Truth in Front of Us?"

Nov. 3, 2025 

Luke 24-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

As the two people walked on the road to Emmaus, Jesus walked with them, listening to them recount the events which took place in Jerusalem. We previously ended at verse 23, when the angel told the women Jesus was alive. The women ran to tell the disciples what they had experienced, but they were not believed. Peter and John ran to the tomb to find it empty. 

Jesus was unknown to the two walkers at this point. They were blind to the facts of the Resurrection as they were to the face of Jesus. They called Jesus a prophet who did powerful miracles and a might teach. 

So, Jesus began to speak to them:

• He called them fools, slow of heart to believe all that the prophets had spoken. (verse 25) The Messiah would come and suffer prior to His exaltation as King. (Ps. 22 and Isaiah 53)
• Jesus told the two travelers about the writings of Moses and prophets concerning Himself. (verse 27)
• He stayed with the two since night was falling. Jesus took the bread and blessed it. (verse 30)
• Did they see His ail prints in His hands resulting in who He was?
• He opened their eyes and they recognized Jesus. Then He disappeared. (verse 31)

Their hearts had been burning when Jesus explained the Scriptures to them and the truth of God's Word had transformed their discouraged hearts. The One they couldn't find was walking beside them. (Tony Evans)

What a trip! What a meal!

Do you believe Jesus is who He said He is? 

LET IT GROW

Jesus is the Son of God, sitting now at the right hand of the Father, crowned with honor and glory. He had to endure great suffering to get there. 

We like to read about the promises and blessings of the Bible, but we avoid those passages that talk about trials and pain. We can't have one without the other. We must be willing to accept the total package. (Tony Evans)

The purpose of the written Word is always to lead us to an experience with the Living Word. 

Sometimes the Truth is right by us, in front of us, there with us. We need Jesus to open our eyes so we can find it.

LET IT GO

Open our spiritual eyes so we can see the Truth, Lord Jesus.

Who is Walking Beside You?

N.T.#663 "Who is Walking Beside You?"

Oct. 31, 2025 

Luke 24-Part 3 

LET IT GLOW

Ever felt like you were walking alone in this weary world? Is your heart broken and your dreams shattered? You are not alone.

He tried to make sense of it all. Initially, the disciples disbelieved the women's testimony. Yet, it prompted Peter and John to run to the tomb if it was true.  Was Jesus alive and not in the tomb? John outran Peter and arrived first, looked inside but didn't go in.  Peter had to see for himself. Sure enough, Peter saw nothing there except the linen cloths that had wrapped Jesus' body. The headband was folded and lying in a separate place from the rest of the grave clothes. It was obvious that Jesus' body had not been stolen. John believed. Jesus' teachings about His resurrection began to dawn on them. Their sight now turned to faith as they realized Christ had risen again from the dead. (John 20:3-8)

 What were the reactions at the empty tomb?

• The women trembled and were amazed at what took place at the tomb. (Mark 16:8) 
• The women departed quickly with fear and great joy.(Matt. 28:8)
• Mary was weeping when Jesus appeared to her. (John 20:13) You can read their conversation found in the same passage.

What is your reaction that the tomb of Jesus' was empty on the third day? Belief or disbelief?

LET IT GROW

What happened next that Luke records I consider funny.

• Jesus joins two people walking on the road to the village of Emmaus. It was located 7-8 miles northwest of Jerusalem. It could have taken 2-3 hours to walk that distance. 
• It is possible that the two people were Cleopas and his wife Mary. We usually consider the two were men. The two were discussing the current events. 
• They did not know it was Jesus whom they encountered. Some say it was their unbelief that prevented them from recognizing him.
• He asked what occurred to cause the two to be sad. (verse 17)
• Cleopas asked Jesus if he were a stranger and did not know what had happened in Jerusalem.(verse 18)
• The chief priests and rulers delivered Jeus to be crucified. Jesus of Nazareth was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people. (verse 19-20)
• Cleopas went on to say they had trusted/hoped Jesus was the one to redeem Israel from the Roman rule and set the free.; besides all this, today is the third day since these things were done. (verse 21)
• Certain women were astonished when they found not his body; they saw angles who told them He was alive.(verse 23)

People had put all of their eggs in the Jesus basket. But their dreams had been destroyed; their hearts had been broken. Those two didn't know where Jesus was. Here they were complaining to the very man they were looking for! He was walking along side them all along. (Tony Evans)

Friend, do you feel Jesus has left you? Take heart, for He is there, only a prayer away. Talk to Jesus. He listens to our troubles, confusion, broken heart, and shattered dreams.

He is the One who can heal you.

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus that You walk and talk with us along our life's journey.

Heal our broken hearts and shattered dreams.

To You be the glory forever and ever.

Run and Tell

 N.T.#662 "Run and Tell"

Oct. 30, 2025 

Luke 24-Part2

LET IT GLOW

For whom are you running the race off life? Is it yourself or for Jesus? Today we find out who ran to tell the Good News.

Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? The women had come to Jesus' tomb to finish wrapping up Jesus in burial spices while they were wrapped up in sorrow, love, and no hope themselves. 

Matthew 28 tells us more details as to what the angel inside the tomb said to the women:

Go quickly , and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead: and, behold, He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see Him: lo, I have told you. (verse 7)

The women left quickly with fear and great joy. Mary Magdalene left immediately to tell Peter and John, apparently. They met Jesus, held His feet, and worshipped Him. (verse 9) Jesus also told the women the same message as the angel. The guards observed what happened, told the chief priests, took a bribe to say Jesus' body was stolen away during the night while they slept. This is a common saying among the Jews even today. 

Friend, what do you say happened to Jesus? Do you believe He arose from the dead? Keep in mind, the Scriptures are inspired by God.

LET IT GROW

Who were among the group of ladies that went to the tomb early that Sunday morning, the first day of the week? Luke tells us it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and other women. (verse 10)

How did the disciples take the startling news of Jesus was risen from the dead? They didn't believe the women and thought it was idle tales they were telling. Yet, Peter and John ran to the sepulchre. (verse 4)

Let's leave them for now. Tomorrow we will discover what they found or didn't find.

Is all of this Truth to you or just idle words?

There is no other way into heaven, dear one, but by believing in Jesus as God's Son, the Savior and Messiah. 

Run to Jesus, then run and tell others about His saving grace, gift of eternal life.

LET IT GO

Help us lay aside to weights that weigh us down so we can run the race of a Christian life for Your glory, Jesus.

No doubt About it, Jesus is Risen!

 N.T.#661 "No Doubt About it, Jesus is Risen!"

 Oct. 29, 2025 

Luke 24 

LET IT GLOW

We have read about the reactions to Jesus' death by the soldier, righteous member of the Sanhedrin, and mixed group at the cross. Now we will see the reactions to the empty tomb by a small group of women and by the 11 disciples. 

Picture the scene in verse 1: It was the first day of the week. The Passover festivities had ended. It was very early in the morning. Probably there was no business in the streets as the women made their way toward the tomb, coming from different directions, but with a mission. They were bringing spices with which to wrap the dead body of the Messiah. They didn't know it was unnecessary. They loved their Lord and someone needed to finish taking care of them. Isn't that like women? Although they were mourning, too, they had to do it. Love conquered. I wonder if the women left the spices behind at the empty tomb, leaving them to waste away unused.

What happened next?

1. Matthew tells us an earthquake happened and an angel of the Lord rolled away the stone from in front of the tomb where they had laid Jesus' dead body. The angel sat upon the stone. Can you see the shock on the women's faces when they discovered this? I imagine they stopped dead in their tracks, so to speak. J.V. McGee said, "The stone was not rolled away to let the Lord Jesus out but to let them in."
2. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. (verse 2) I would have been scared to go in with an angel sitting there, but not these women on a mission. The grave clothes were left on the stone just as the body would have lain there, yet no body was there.
3. The women were much perplexed, (to be in nonplussed-at loss as to what to say, think, or do; to be in doubt.)
4. There was an angel, a young man, sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment. (Mark 16:5)
5. The angel spoke of Jesus' promises: Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: He is risen; He is not here: behold the place where they laid Him. (Mark 16:6)

Did you catch what the angel told the women? They were in the right place, at the right time, for the right purpose. He identified the tomb being where Jesus was laid. He was identified as a Nazarene, because there could have been more men named Jesus. Also, it was clear why Jesus' body was not there-He had risen from the dead. Jesus had told His followers that would happen. 

What an experience for those women! 

LET IT GROW

Luke tells us the angel asked the women, Why seek ye the living among the dead? (Luke 24:5)

Why look for someone who was alive at a tomb? People often look for God among the dead. They study the Bible as a historical document and go to church as a memorial service. 

God had done the raising of Jesus from the dead. He is alive! He lives in the hearts of believers and is the head of the church. We can see Him working around us and through us. We serve a Risen Savior!

LET IT GO

Let go of any doubts, fears, suspicion. 

Take the Bible as Truth.

Believe in your heart that God raised Jesus Christ from the dead and is sitting on His right hand in glory right now, interceding for you. 

Our God is an Awesome God!

He reigns from heaven above with wisdom, power, and love.

Our God is an Awesome God!

This Isn't the End

N.T.#660 "This Isn't the End"

Oct. 28, 2025

Luke 23-Part 9

LET IT GLOW 

Anyone feel like you are in a dark tomb right now? Is life too heavy? Burdens wearing you down? Do you seem to be alone down there? Jesus knows how you feel.

What was to come of Jesus' body after He died? He had a mother, unbelieving brothers at that time, a few followers and disciples at 33 years of age. The crowd went home in deep sorrow. Their hope was gone.

Except, one called Joseph of Arimathea. Who was this man?

• He was from a community, Arimathea, about 20 miles northwest of Jerusalem. He was waiting for the kingdom of God to come. Joseph was a secret disciple/follower of Jesus.
• He was a member of the Sanhedrin, a brave believer in Christ as Messiah. He didn't agree with the decision and actions of the council.
• He was a good and just man.(verse 50)
• Evidently, Joseph was a wealthy man and had a tomb built for his own family, so it was unused.
• He took a risk and asked Pilate for the body of Jesus to bury. (verse 52)
• He was joined by Nicodemus, who came to Jesus by night, to wrap the Messiah's body with spices in long sheets of linen cloth.(John 19:38-40, NLT)
• The two men brought 75 pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes. (John 19:41)
• They had to hurry with the preparation, for the Sabbath Saturday was coming.(verse 54)
• The two laid Jesus' body in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, where no one had been laid before. (verse 53)
• They rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre and departed. (verse 60)

It was done, over, finished, so they thought. 

LET IT GROW

The Pharisees and chief priests went to Pilate because they thought Jesus' followers would steal His body and say He was risen. Jesus had told people that after 3 days, He would rise from the dead. They didn't want any of that to happen, so they asked for a stone, sealed, in front of the tomb and guards to protect it. So it was.

We can read about the Suffering Savior in Isaiah 53. 

The women followers did not have time to prepare Jesus' body for burial, because the sun was setting soon. They returned home to prepare the spices. Little did they know that the spices were not necessary for the Savior was going to rise out of the tomb and to life! The tomb isn't the end.

LET IT GO

Father, fix it for us, for we can't.

Heal our hurting hearts.

Word of God speak, pouring down like rain.

May we rest in Your holiness.

What Happened to Jesus While on the Cross?

 N.T.#659 "What Happened to Jesus While on the Cross?"

Oct. 27, 2025 

Luke 23-Part 8 

LET IT GLOW

It is a difficult thing to make preparations for a funeral and to bury a loved one. I wonder if all hope was gone for the followers of Jesus when they saw Him crucified.

Luke left out some details wo what occurred:

• John19 tells us that women stood by the cross of Jesus-His mother Mary, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene; Mark 15 tells us there was also Mary the mother of James and Salome;
• Jesus hung naked on the cross because 4 soldiers gambled for His clothes. (
• Jesus told John to take care of His mother; 
• Jesus said He thirst; they put vinegar/wine in His mouth.
• Darkness was over all the eat for three hours-noon to 3 pm; (Luke 23:44)
• The thick veil of the Temple was torn top to bottom into two pieces so we have access to God directly through Jesus our High Priest. (verse 45) This veil separated the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant lay, and the Holy Place.
• Mark tells us Jesus cried out at the ninth hour, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani. This meant My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me? (Mark 27:46; Ps. 22:1)
• The earth quaked; graves of believers were opened and appeared to many. (Matt. 27:52-53)
• Jesus cried with a loud voice, Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit. (verse 46)
• John 20:30 tells us Jesus said, It is finished; and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost (His Spirit to God).
• The soldier pierced Jesus' side and blood with water came forth; they did not break His legs, for He was already dead. This fulfilled the prophecy of Ps. 34:20 and Zech 12:10) John 20:32-36

God's wrath was poured out on His Son during this time of darkness. He became the Atoning Christ, shedding His blood as the Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world. Jesus yielded His life voluntarily surrendering His life for the sake of others. This is not just another story. It truly happened as we read the Truth of God's Word.

Have you yielded your soul to Jesus?

LET IT GROW

Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly, this was the Son of God. (Matt. 27:54)

Luke tells us in 23:47 that the centurion glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

 Who do you say Jesus is?

We can't leave Jesus on the cross. Joseph of Arimathaea, and a Sanhedrin, a brave believer in Christ, went to Pilate to  and begged for Jesus' body. He, along with Nicodemus, wrapped Jesus' body, using a few spices for burial and laid Him in a sepulchre in the rock.

I imagined the Pharisees and Sanhedrin thought they finally got rid of Jesus, but not so.

LET IT GO

When death comes, we have to let go of everything.

Are you ready to meet the Lord of lords and King of kings-Jesus Christ?

Only Belief in Jesus Gets us to Heaven

 N.T.#658  "Only Belief in Jesus Gets us to Heaven"

Oct. 24, 2025 

Luke 23-Part 7 

LET IT GLOW

Do you want to go to heaven after you die? Learn how today.

We left three men hanging on their cross. Both criminals were mocking Christ along with the crowd. They were two thieves, one on the right and one on the left sides of Jesus. (Matthew 37:28) Maybe they were robbers and cohorts of Barabbas. 

As time wore on, one of the thieves' conscience was smitten, and he repented. When the impenitent thief resumed his mocking (verse 39), this thief rebuked the other and refused to participate again. 

What took place while the 3 were on their cross?

• Rebukingly, the repentant one asked if the other feared God. After all, they had the same condemnation as Christ. Death was coming soon. (Apparently not)
• The two were justly receiving what they deserved, but Christ did not. (verse 41)
• One called Jesus Lord and asked for mercy and divine grace. 
• Christ graciously affirmed the man's salvation. (verse 43)
• That day the believer would be with Christ in paradise. [Eden (a place of future happiness)]. The word paradise is only used two others places in the New Testament-2 Cor. 12:4 and Revelation 2:7.
• In all three uses, it speaks of heaven. (MacArthur)

That very day a thief who was not fit to live on earth, went to live with Jesus. Here was a dying sinner praying to a dying Savior, who would live forever. Jesus died to purchase the forgiveness of sins for us. (verse 34)

Are you ready to meet Holy God?

 LET IT GROW

The dying thief had more faith than the rest of Jesus' followers put together. Most of the disciples had gone into hiding. By all appearances, the kingdom of Jesus' was finished. But not so. Our Redeemer lives!

Salvation comes when we put our faith alone in Christ alone. This man is in paradise with Jesus, awaiting his future bodily resurrection. (Tony Evans)

No works, no religion, not church attendance, only faith in Jesus gets us to heaven.

LET IT GO

Only Jesus paid the price for me.

Only His blood could set me free.

Nobody else could open heaven's door.

Just Jesus and nothing more.

Which thief are you like-the mocker or the believer?

Who is Your King?

N.T.#657 "Who is Your King?"

Oct. 23, 2025 

Luke 23-Part 6 

LET IT GLOW

Who is your king? Is it you, your family, your job, or Jesus? Whom do you serve, love, and give?

One on the left and one on the right. Jesus was in the midst, One who knew no sin, crucified between two criminals. (John 19:18) Jesus came to open the door of divine forgiveness for all who would receive Him,  He pleaded for mercy for His executioners, for they didn't know what they were doing-killing the Messiah, the Savior, the Creator of them, the One who held their eternal life in His hands. They did not believe this. As sinners mocked Him our Savior interceded for them so that they might repent and be saved.

How could a dead Savior succumbing to death, became our death, our King crucified, yet we know the rest of the story. Jesus didn't stay cold in the tomb. He arose on the third day, just as He had said He would! Halleluiah!

What did those Roman soldiers do? 

• They derided (scorned) Jesus, the rulers, people, and soldiers. (verse 35a)
• He saved others; let him save himself, if he be the Christ, the chosen of God. (verse 35b)
• They mocked Jesus.
• They offered Him vinegar, wine mingled with myrrh, to lessen the torture. (Mark 15:23)
• And saying, If thou be king of the Jews, save thyself. (verse 37)
• They gambled for Jesus clothes. (Psalm 22:18; Mark 15:24)

Truly, the soldiers did not understand who they were speaking to on that day. Jesus was God's Son, all powerful, all knowing, and ever present. 

Is Jesus your King? Are you seeking His direction for your life?

LET IT GROW

And a superscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. (verse 38)

These 3 languages were:

1. the universal tongues;
2. the official language of the Roman Empire;
3. the official speech of the Jews. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

Greek was the language of intelligence, of education, of literature, and of science. Latin was the language of law and order, of military and of government. Hebrew was the language of religion. When Christ returns to set up His Kingdom, He will e the political ruler, the educational ruler, and the spiritual ruler of this universe. How accurate the superscription was! (J.V. McGee)

Pilate had commanded this to be placed on the cross. Ironically, the very thing they mocked was true. They hung the King of the Jews and King of all creation. He is now seated on the throne and judges people if they are believers in Him or not. That day, King Jesus was stripped and executed in public, but He had not lost His Kingdom as it looked like He had. His death and resurrection would prove that!

Jesus is King of the Jews, Gentiles, and all of the universe! Friend, do you believe this?

LET IT GO

My Jesus, my Savior, Lord there is none like you!

Praise and glory and honor to our King! 

Forgiveness

 N.T.#656 "Forgiveness"

Oct. 22, 2025 

Luke 23-Part 5 

LET IT GLOW

Friend, have you received forgiveness of your sins? Jesus loves us so much that He provided a way so we can be forgiven.

As they led the beaten Jesus uphill through the city gate, up to Golgotha, people were following, and women were lamenting Him. It was like a funeral procession. 

What did Jesus say to the crowd of mourners?

• The Savior told them to not weep for Him, but weep for themselves and their children. (verse 28)
• Judgment is coming for the nation of Israel for rejecting the Messiah.  
• During the Tribulation, it would be better to have no children so mothers would not see them suffer. (verse 29)
• He quotes Hosea 10:8, describing the terrible day when people would prefer a horrendous death to divine judgment. (verse 30)
• Those who conspired against the Christ would have judgment fall upon them. Like dry wood burns and green wood does not, Their consequences were going to be severe. (verse 31)

Rejecting the glorious gift of salvation is the worse thing one can do. Judgment awaits them, then hell for eternity.  On the other hand, asking Jesus to be your Savior and repenting of sin, provides an indescribable glorious forever time in heaven. 

Where will you spend eternity?

LET IT GROW

We read about the first 3 hours of the crucifixion of Jesus in verses 33b-43. In verse 34, Jesus prays, 

Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. 

Here was Jesus in excruciating pain and He intercedes for His executioners before the Father God. 

MacArthur puts it this way:

Jesus' tormentors were both Jews and Romans. (Acts 7:60) They didn't deserve forgiveness. They were blind to the light of divine truth, For had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory. (1 Cor. 2:8)

Some of the fruit of this prayer would be in the salvation of thousands in Jerusalem at Pentecost. (Acts 2:41)

The imperfect tense of the verb "was saying" suggests He prayed throughout the process. (Swindoll)

As Christ and the martyr Stephen, we must be so controlled by the Spirit that in our darkest hour we will be able to speak these words and mean them. (Falwell)

LET IT GO

Jesus paid it all.

All to Him I owe.

Sin had left a crimson stain.

He washed it white as snow.

O, what a Savior!

 

Enduring Pain

N.T.#655 "Enduring Pain"

Oct. 21, 2025 

Luke 23-Part 4 

LET IT GLOW

What has been the most painful thing you have endured? Today we read about the pain Jesus endured, not because He deserved it, but because He was sinless. 

And so the mockery begins. Matthew 27 tells more details of what Jesus went through:

• After the 6 trials Jesus endured, Pilate released Barabas, the murderer, thief, and treasonous prisoner for free. (verse 26). 
• Pilate had Jesus scourged (to whip; lash as a public punishment). (verse 26)
• The Roman soldiers replace Jesus' clothes with a scarlet robe.(verse 28)
• They placed a crown of thorns on His head.
• They put a reed in His right hand. 
• Then the soldiers bowed the knee before Jesus and hailed Jesus as King of the Jews.  
• They spit on Jesus.
• Then they took His reed and smote (repeated blows) Him on the head. (verse 30) This would have dug into the scalp, causing bleeding.
• After that, the soldiers mocked the Messiah.
• They took the robe off and replaced Jesus clothing on Him.
• He was led to be crucified. (verse 31)
• As they brought Jesus out of the courtyard, He would have been too weak to carry His cross. They compelled Simon of Cyrene to bear His cross. (verse 32)

John describes the robe as being purple that a king would wear. The reed was a royal staff which drove the thorny crown deeper into the skull of Jesus. 

What harsh treatment Jesus went through! At any moment, He could have called thousands of angels to kill those soldiers, but He didn't. What a Savior!

LET IT GROW

When they led Jesus away from Jerusalem, the cruelty could have lasted several hours. It was a Roman custom, apparently, that a prisoner be beat with a flagrum, a long leather whip with bis of sheep bone braided into it. (Swindoll)

After all of that, Jesus could not have managed to carry His cross, horizontal wooden piece, up the hill to the crucifixion. Simon, a Cyrenian, was compelled to carry Jesus' cross to Golgotha, a place of a skull.  Cyrene was a Roman province in North Africa where many Jews lived. His sons, Alexander and Rufus, later became well-known Christians. (Mark 15:21) (Falwell)

Since it was uphill all the way for Jesus to walk, it would have been a very hard way. Such love Jesus showed for us sinners. No wonder He sweat drops of blood as He prayed in the Garden. Jesus knew what was ahead of Him.

LET IT GO

O what a Savior! Isn't He wonderful!

Who is Jesus to You?

N.T.#654 "Who is Jesus to You?"

Oct. 20, 2025 

Luke 23-Part 3 

LET IT GLOW

Who is Jesus to you? One day we will all stand before Him. does He know us as a faithful follower or one who despises Him? 

So far Jesus had these fake trials:

1. Annas, a former Jewish priest
2. Caiaphas current high priest
3. Sanhedrin
4. Pilate, governor of Judea
5. Herod Antipas, governor of Galilee

Now the sixth and last trial sent Jesus back to Pilate. Again, Pilate found no guilt in Jesus. He offered to punish (for a purpose of teaching a lesson or improve behavior) Jesus before releasing Him. However, the angry mob demanded His death. Probably, Pilate didn't want to risk his political career by allowing a riot. 

(verses 15-16)

The crowd wanted to do away with Jesus. Hm, that was impossible! Jesus is, was, and always will be. They wanted Jesus crucified. (verse 21) Not just to die, but experience such a painful death on the cross.  He is perfect, sinless, forgiving, loving, etc. Isn't it crazy that they didn't want Him around? 

A third time Pilate asked what evil Jesus had done. He found no faut in Jesus, much less reason to crucify Him. (verse 22)

Who do you say Jesus is? Who is Jesus to you? 

LET IT GROW

The crowd wanted Barabas released. Here was a man who committed murder, thief, and treason. They wanted him freed back into the streets. (This was a custom during the feast.) Pilate gave in to the crowd. Jealousy and anger drove the people. Barabas was freed and Jesus was crucified. Jesus loved people so much that He did not put up a fight. He knew His purpose was to be the sacrificial Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world. 

Other Gospels make it clear that Jesus had endured a brutal beating and scourging by this point. (Matt. 27; Mark 15; John 19)

... he delivered Jesus to their will. (verse 25)

What is your will? Do you love Jesus and want to serve Him? Or do you want to do away with Him?

LET IT GO

Only Jesus paid the price for me. Only His love can set me free. Nobody else can open heaven's door-just Jesus and nothing more.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.

Guilty or Not Guilty

 N.T.#653  "Guilty or Not Guilty?"

Oct. 17, 2025 

Luke 23-Part 2 

LET IT GLOW

The violation of the Mosaic Law carried no weight with the Roman government. Jesus was accused of treason, which was utterly absurd. Peter found a gold coin in a fish's mouth to pay for the taxes. He is the Christ, King of the Jews, and Son of God. that was no lie or blasphemy. Pilate said that Jesus had committed no crime for which He could be charged. He wasn't leading a revolution, either. Jesus did not rebel against authority. So Pilate wanted to get off the hook and sent Jesus to Herod. After all, Jesus was from Galilee and under Herod's jurisdiction. Conveniently, Herod was in Jerusalem. (J.V. McGee)

What do we know about this Herod?

• This was Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great and tetrarch who ruled over Galilee. (verse 7)
• This was the guy who put John the Baptist in prison and later beheaded him. 
• Herod was concerned about Jesus yet had not had a chance to meet him face-to-face. Pilate gave him that chance.
• Herod was exceeding glad to see Jesus. (verse 8a) 
• He hoped to see Jesus perform some miracle. 
• He asked Jesus questions, but Jesus did not answer. This was trial #5. 
• During this trial, the chief priests and scribes vehemently (mightly, fiercely) accused Jesus. (verse 10)
• Herod and his men mocked Jesus by dressing Him in bright clothing like a false king and sent Him back to Pilate. (verse 11)

Jesus kept His mouth shut during this trial. It would have done no good had He spoken up.

There are times we just need to be still and let God handle the accusations. Most of the time His revenge for us is worse than we could have thought of to do.

LET IT GROW

What is ironic about this situation is Pilate and Herod were enemies before this, but now the circumstances brought them together. 

When Herod sent Jesus back to Pilate, his verdict was "not guilty." So far, the Jewish religious leaders had not accomplished getting Jesus condemned to death. We know Jesus had committed no sin. Herod threw Pilate's problem back in his face. 

Was Jesus guilty or not guilty of those accusations?

They made fun of King Jesus, who is actually King of the Jews and believers. There was one day that they had to stand before Jesus and confess He is their LORD. (Isaiah 45:23; Romans 14:11)

If we went on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict us?

LET IT GO

consider our words and actions. One day we will all give an account for them. 

We all need forgiveness and grace and mercy.