The Marriage Supper Parable - A Cartoon with Sound Effects, Music, and Scripture - A Teaching of Jesus in Matthew 22

(See the PDF file here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-l2aOUz80mv-LIyzzPpySegRgZDMaDLT/view?usp=sharing .) The Marriage...

Showing posts with label bible study. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bible study. Show all posts

Friday, August 30, 2019

Why Do the Four Gospel Accounts Have Different Details About the Events Following Jesus Christ’s Resurrection?


Why Do the Four Gospel Accounts Have Different Details About the Events Following Jesus Christ’s Resurrection?



It may seem confusing when you read the four different Gospel accounts of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But, this article (with God’s help) hopefully should clear up that confusion. The events mentioned in the four Gospel accounts about Christ’s resurrection are not contradictory whatsoever because each writer had his own memory and perspective about the events. And, each picked up on details that other writers may have missed.

This article aims to present what happened chronologically from the time Mary Magdalene and her lady friends first reached the tomb of Jesus (after His resurrection) and up to the time Jesus Christ’s eleven disciples had been informed of the miraculous resurrection of the Lord Jesus. (Note: Judas Iscariot had killed himself at this time.) In the paragraphs below, we will give the account of what happened (with the help of God, for only He could discern fully how this happened).


(1.) Mary Magdalene and some other women (a woman named Salome and Mary the mother of James) came to the tomb of Jesus Christ on the first day of the week, early in the morning. (2.) They found the tomb empty of the body of Jesus. But, they saw two angelic beings. One angel did most of the talking.

Friday, March 22, 2019

NOTES on ISAIAH 55:1-4 (The cry of Jesus in Isaiah 55. Living Water that Satisfies the Soul)

NOTES on ISAIAH 55:1-4 

(The cry of Jesus in Isaiah 55. 

Living Water that Satisfies the Soul) 


Isaiah 55:1-4 

“[1] Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money ; come ye, buy, and eat ; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

[2] Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread ? and your labor for that which satisfieth not ? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

[3] Incline your ear, and come unto me : hear, and your soul shall live ; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

[4] Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.” [End quote]


Some Notes on the above passage from Isaiah 55 


 ➽ Verse 1 notes. Come to Jesus who gives the water of life freely. There is no price for His gift of the Holy Spirit, Who meets all our needs, both Spiritual and otherwise.


 ➽ Verse 2 notes. Why do people look to things which do not satisfy their souls and spirits? We need to diligently listen to and heed what Abba Father God says in His Word and to our spirits. Let us eat of what God gives us so that we will be filled with God and His goodness. In doing so, we will be satisfied. His goodness is an abundance. Let us delight (take great pleasure) in God’s Spirit, Who is abundant and life-giving. (Note: Fatness is abundance, in the King James Bible.) In John 7:37-39, Jesus said:

Friday, September 21, 2018

Jonah and the "Whale" (or Jonah and the Big Fish) - Illustrated (PART 2)




Jonah and the "Whale" (or Jonah and the Big Fish) - Illustrated (PART 2)


(See the PDF file here: 

This is the story of Jonah and the big fish, as told with cartoon pictures, sound effects, and hymn music. Jonah was called by God to warn the people of Nineveh that if they didn't repent from their sins, idolatry, and wickedness that God would have to judge them. God had already been calling out to them before He called Jonah to go. But, they were not listening to Him. So, God spoke to Jonah and told him to go to Nineveh to plead with the people to repent and to turn to the true and living God. 


But, Jonah had a problem. He had a grudge against the Assyrian people. Nineveh was the capital of Assyria and it was his enemy. The Assyrians had oppressed the people of Israel, and Jonah wanted nothing to do with God's will to plead with them and warn them. So, Jonah decided he would do his own thing and go the very opposite direction. He was heading for Tarshish in what is now modern-day Spain. Back then, it was a Phoenician coastal city.

The ruins of Nineveh are located at modern-day Mosul, Iraq. In ancient times, Nineveh was densely populated and prosperous. But, Jonah didn't want to see God reach the hearts of Jonah's enemies, so he found a ship headed for Tarshish and got aboard. While they were sailing in the Mediterranean, a great storm arose and threatened the safety of the people aboard the cargo ship. 

But, Jonah didn't care. He was fast asleep until someone awoke him. Watch the video to see what happened next.

The text for this video can be read here at this link: https://biblehub.com/kjv/jonah/1.htm .

To learn HOW TO BE SAVED through Jesus Christ, click here: https://exploringchristianity1.blogspot.com/p/salvation-through-jesus-christ_10.html .


_____________________________________________________________





Jonah and the "Whale" (or Jonah and the Big Fish) - Illustrated (PART 1)




Jonah and the "Whale" (or Jonah and the Big Fish) - Illustrated (PART 1)


(See the PDF file here: 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U_KgSKuhABiBXmy5vRgC_4ug5cg2583u/view?usp=sharing)

This is the story of Jonah and the big fish, as told with cartoon pictures, sound effects, and hymn music. Jonah was called by God to warn the people of Nineveh that if they didn't repent from their sins, idolatry, and wickedness that God would have to judge them. God had already been calling out to them before He called Jonah to go. But, they were not listening to Him. So, God spoke to Jonah and told him to go to Nineveh to plead with the people to repent and to turn to the true and living God. 


But, Jonah had a problem. He had a grudge against the Assyrian people. Nineveh was the capital of Assyria and it was his enemy. The Assyrians had oppressed the people of Israel, and Jonah wanted nothing to do with God's will to plead with them and warn them. So, Jonah decided he would do his own thing and go the very opposite direction. He was heading for Tarshish in what is now modern-day Spain. Back then, it was a Phoenician coastal city.

The ruins of Nineveh are located at modern-day Mosul, Iraq. In ancient times, Nineveh was densely populated and prosperous. But, Jonah didn't want to see God reach the hearts of Jonah's enemies, so he found a ship headed for Tarshish and got aboard. While they were sailing in the Mediterranean, a great storm arose and threatened the safety of the people aboard the cargo ship. 

But, Jonah didn't care. He was fast asleep until someone awoke him. Watch the video to see what happened next.

The text for this video can be read here at this link: https://biblehub.com/kjv/jonah/1.htm .

To learn HOW TO BE SAVED through Jesus Christ, click here: https://exploringchristianity1.blogspot.com/p/salvation-through-jesus-christ_10.html .





Monday, April 2, 2018

How Satan Is Like Joab in 2 Samuel 19 -- Applications from 2 Samuel 19 // FALSE ACCUSATION (David Weeps Over Absalom)


How Satan Is Like Joab in 2 Samuel 19 -- 
Applications from 2 Samuel 19

(King David weeps over Absalom.)
A short civil war erupted between men loyal to Absalom, a son of King David, and those loyal to his father. Absalom, using deceptive techniques, powerful public relations tricks, and charisma, drew many people in Israel into his goal of replacing King David with Absalom. David and many of his most loyal followers fled from Jerusalem and dwelt in the wilderness. 

Absalom sought counsel and then determined he would to fight against his father, and slay him. After King David crossed the Jordan river and entered a fortified city, Absalom, accompanied by thousands of armed men, crossed the river and attacked David's men in a forested region. 

The battle went poorly for Absalom and his men, and most of them were slaughtered or died due to falling into deep pits or chasms. Absalom, who had long hair, rode past an oak tree and his hair was ensnared in its branches. His mount, a mule, left him literally hanging. Joab, the captain of David's army, saw the king's son hanging in the tree and unable to escape. Ignoring David's orders not to kill Absalom, Joab brutally killed him in cold blood and Joab's armor bearers finished him off. It was not the first time Joab disregarded the king's wishes. 

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

The Persecution of Israel and the Jews in the Middle Ages, in the 1940s, and Today




The Persecution of Israel and the Jews in the Middle Ages, 
in the 1940s, and Today


(Vandalized synagogue. Click for source.)
We are seeing today an increase of hatred against Jews and Israel. The vitriol is astounding. Pro-Nazi and pro-Hitler accounts are popping up all over social media and the number of "anti-Semitic" incidents, or instances of persecution against Jewish people, are increasing each year. 

This article is divided up into these following parts:


1. Introduction


2. Hatred of the Jews During the Middle Ages


3. Biblical Answers for an Accusation Against Jews


4. "Replacement Theology," a False Doctrine


5. God Makes a Promise to Abraham and His Sons


6. Persecution of the Jews in Nazi Germany


7. Persecution of Jews Today


8. Conclusion



1. Introduction


I am writing as a Gentile follower of Jesus Christ. Jesus taught that we ought to love our neighbor as ourselves. There is no teaching of Jesus or of the Bible that agrees with the persecution of Jews. Persecuting the Jews is actually the very opposite of what God calls us to do. God wants us to love and care for others.

(Vandalized synagogue. Click for source.)


In Mark 12:31, Jesus said: "[31] And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." Earlier, Jesus was saying to love God the Father with all the heart, soul, mind, and strength, teaching that this was the first commandment.  



Sunday, November 12, 2017

The Persecution of Jews Then and Now and the Rise of Hatred Against Israel

The Persecution of Jews Then and Now and the Rise of Hatred Against Israel


(Vandalized Jewish tombstones. Click for source.)
I am writing to you as a Gentile and as a believer in Jesus Christ, who is my personal Savior and Lord. This article will focus on some issues today that have had their roots in ancient beliefs, which, sadly, are popular among many people today, even though these beliefs are unbiblical and hateful toward Jewish people.
__________


In social media websites and all around the world is a phenomenon which has been accelerating over the last few years. It is the hatred for Israel and for Jewish people (who are descendants of Jacob, a grandson of Abraham). 

Monday, November 6, 2017

A Message for the Church in America - ( A word from God given on 11-6-17) (Prophecy / Seeking God)

Date: November 6, 2017

Dear brothers and sisters, we are living in the last days. God is moving mightily in the nations and in America, calling out to people to repent and seek Him before it is too late. Judgment is already beginning to strike this country. We have seen shootings, riots, devastating natural disasters more destructive than ever, and spiritual decline in a nation that once recognized God and Christianity as highly important. 

I was given a message from God to share with His people, the Church. I encourage you to seek God about it and see what He will show you. I believe that this message applies to me as much as it applies to any Christian. May God lead you into the truth in your daily walk with Him. 

If you are coming here as someone who wants to know God and who realizes you haven't yet made Jesus your all-in-all, please click on this link to read more.


______________________


Abba God said:

"My children, I love you very much. I want you all to know that very soon your country will be destroyed. I know this may be shocking to you, but I want you to know that if you seek Me and desire Me, I will lead you to places of safety where I will take care of you and provide for you. 

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Message from God. “Your Nation Shall Experience Fires, Destructions, Calamities, and Chaos." (Sept. 17, 2017)

(Click for source.)
Message from God. “Your Nation Shall Experience Fires, Destructions, Calamities, and Chaos."


Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,


We are going through trials and difficulties, such as the loss of jobs, family problems, work-related problems, financial problems, and other difficulties, but God will deliver us as we look to Him, and put Him first. This message from God will show us future events that shall happen soon, and shall affect us and all those in this country of America, and likely Canada too.

A Message from God. God’s Call to America and to His Church in These Last Days before Judgment Falls and America Is Destroyed (Sept. 17, 2017)

(See source)
God’s Call to America and to His Church in These Last Days before Judgment Falls and America Is Destroyed [A Message from God] (Sept. 17, 2017)


[This is the title God chose for this message.]

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,


God is calling out to us to seek Him, and get to know Him, and to do His best will during the short time left in earth’s history before the end of America and the coming of Christ (which happens at God’s appointed time).


He desires us to follow His guidance, and He promises to bless us greatly if we do. The blessings that God gives us are primarily spiritual, and then emotional, and then physical (such as food, clothing, etc.). To receive these blessings we need to be humble, and trusting in God, and obeying what He shows us to do (Matthew 6:33, Psalm 37:3).


Friday, June 30, 2017

Expounding 2 Timothy 3:8-9 — False Teachers Exposed



Expounding 2 Timothy 3:8-9 — False Teachers Exposed [Print Document]

2 Timothy 3:8-9
“[8] Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. [9] But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.”

In this article we are going to expound and discuss 2 Timothy 3:8-9. We will look at how the sorcerers of Egypt, who withstood Moses, are no different than false teachers who resist the truth. We shall see how God will have to deal with them and with those who follow them.


Jannes and Jambres

Let’s start with Jannes and Jambres, two of the sorcerers in Pharaoh’s court. (Note: The Old Testament doesn’t mention them by name, but the Jews knew who they were.)

Exodus 7:10-12
“[10] And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. [11] Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. [12] For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.”

These sorcerers decided to copy what God did through Moses and Aaron. But, God’s ways are higher than the devil’s, and the serpents of the sorcerers were eaten by the serpent that God had made from a stick. Jannes and Jambres were among these sorcerers and they used satanic power to mimic God. But, God showed His power is greater than the devil by having the serpent eat up the other serpents.

The devil and his servants mimic God, but they distort the truth. They hold a Bible in their hands and teach from it, but they twist the scripture to fit into their own unbiblical and ungodly belief system. They say, “God bless you” with their mouths, but they do not truly care about your soul or where you will end up after you die. They look good on the outside, but they are full of iniquity on the inside, in their hearts. Jesus said this about such people:

Matthew 23:27
“[27] Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. [28] Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.”

Friday, June 23, 2017

Daniel Chapter 6 — The Lion’s Den Expounded (Daniel in the Lion’s Den)



Daniel Chapter 6 — The Lion’s Den Expounded (Daniel in the Lion’s Den) [Print Document]


In the book of Daniel, chapter 6, we read the true story of a man who left all for the sake of God. There is no mention that Daniel ever was married or had children (and of course, there is nothing wrong with marriage). We know he loved God and served God faithfully. Because of this and because King Darius favored Daniel to appoint him to be over all the realm of Babylon, the presidents (saraks or high-level officials) of Babylon despised Daniel and wanted to have him killed.

They requested that Darius sign a law that would prohibit anyone in Babylon from asking a request of any god or man (except for Darius) for a period of 30 days (Dan. 6:7). By doing this, these wicked men thought that they could have Daniel killed, since they knew he faithfully prayed to and sought God. With pride in his heart, the king signed the law, which promised death by lions to anyone who would break this law. But, Darius had been ignorant of the true intentions of these wicked officials. Let’s see what happened next.

Daniel 6:10-11
“[10] Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. [11] Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.”

When the matter was brought to the king’s attention, Darius was grieved because he knew he could not change or alter the law of the Medes and the Persians. He urgently sought some legal way to release Daniel from going to the lion’s den (Daniel 6:14). But, he found none. Reluctantly, after the presidents urged Darius to maintain the law, Darius ordered Daniel to be thrown into the lion’s den. He told Daniel these words…

Daniel 6:16-20
“[16] Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. 17. And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. 18. Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.

19. Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. 20. And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?”


The King Visits Daniel

Monday, June 19, 2017

The Wisdom of God Versus the Wisdom of the World (James 1:5 Expounded)


The Wisdom of God Versus the Wisdom of the World (James 1:5 Expounded) [Print Document]

James 1:5 — “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

There are two types of wisdom that God speaks of in His Word, the Bible: (1) the wisdom of the world and the devil; and (2) the wisdom of God. The wisdom of the devil is the main factor controlling the wisdom of the world because the devil is the leader (“god”) of this world.  2 Corinthians 4:4 says: “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

The Greek word for “god” is theos, which can apply to God Himself, but it also applies to false gods and even magistrates (a civil official). So, Satan, in essence, is called the magistrate or ruler of this world. With his demonic “wisdom,” the devil has blinded the minds of people who do not believe the truth, which is found in the Bible.


The Carnal Mind and the Devil


This demonic “wisdom” is what Satan promotes to people through Hollywood movies, religions, philosophy, the arts, science (which is really made of man’s hypothesis and theories), psychology, and through many other systems of belief about the world in which we live. This “wisdom” is foolishness to God. Paul (by the Holy Spirit) wrote these words:

[1 Corinthians 3:18-21]
“[18] Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. [19] For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. [20] And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. [21] Therefore let no man glory in men.”

The world has wisdom, but it is foolishness with God. With all due respect, we can even say that the wisdom of doctors, and psychiatrists, and medical professionals is foolishness with God. How so? If the beliefs of a doctor or psychiatrist is not in agreement with God’s Word, the Bible, his (or her) advice to instruction to you is foolishness with God (if it contradicts God’s Word). For, example, a doctor tells a patient that he only has a month to live. According to the wisdom of the natural world, the patient has a serious form of cancer that “cannot be cured.” But, what does God’s Word say?


The Reason We can Be Healed

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Expounding the Meaning of Deuteronomy 10:8 (PART 3 of 3)


Expounding the Meaning of Deuteronomy 10:8 (PART 3 of 3) [Print Document]

This is the third part of a short series on expounding the meaning of Deuteronomy 10:8. There is a lot of depth in this verse that Abba Father God put on my heart to read.

In part 1 of this series, we looked at how bearing the Ark of the Covenant means that we are bearing God’s holy Word (which is based on the Ten Commandments) in our heart. We do this by meditating on God’s Word and by delighting in it (Psalm 1:2). In part 2, we learned how one ministers to God. We discussed what ministering to God is, and what it isn't. And, we learned that it is about fellowship with Abba Father God (Galatians 4:6-7), and not just doing works.

In this part (part 3), we will discuss and expound on what it means to “... bless in his name, unto this day.”

Deuteronomy 10:8, says: “At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.”


How to Bless in God’s Name


God separated us from the world so that we may “...bless in his name, unto this day.” What does this mean, though? God showed me that blessing in His Name includes praising God, giving Him glory, and speaking blessings over people with the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Let’s look first at praising God. What does praising God look like? King David gave us an example of praising God and giving God the glory in Psalm 103.

Psalm 103:1-5

“[1] Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

[2] Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: [3] Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; [4] Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; [5] Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.”

David is speaking of what Abba God had done for him (and also for us). He is thanking God for His mercy and goodness. When we go through a difficult time (and I need to be reminded of this), we need to look to the holy Scripture for inspiration. David praised God even when he was going through difficulty, but after he first gave his troubles to God.



Praising God Even in the Difficulties


We we go through difficulties, we find it hard to praise God for what He will do or for what He already has done for us. It is often hard to thank Him when times get tough. But, David wrote that we ought to cast our burdens on God because God cares for us and will sustain us. In the beginning of Psalm 55, David wrote:

[Psalm 55:4-5]
“[4] My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. [5] Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me.”

After describing how a former friend betrayed him, David writes:

[Psalm 55:22]
“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”

Casting our burdens on God is just talking to our loving Abba Father God about our problems and giving them into His caring hands. 1 Peter 5:6-7 says: “[6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: [7] Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
 
Once we have done that, we are more free inside to give God praise for what He will do and for what He has already done for us. This honors and pleases Him. But, don’t let this become a legalistic system of performing for God’s love. Abba God loves us with everlasting love (Jeremiah 33:3). Now, since God loves us so much, we “... ought also to love one another.”

1 John 4:11-12
“[11] Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. [12] No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.”


Blessing Other People Honors God.