Thu, Apr 29th - 10:30PM

Bible Study 30 April

Luke 15:11: And he said, A certain man had two sons:
   12: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
   13: And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
   14: And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
   15: And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
   16: And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
   17: And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
   18: I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
   19: And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
   20: And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
   21: And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
   22: But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
   23: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
   24: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
   25: Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
   26: And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
   27: And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
   28: And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
   29: And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
   30: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
   31: And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
   32: It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

To me this parable is a story of repentance.  Mankind has walked away from God and we all have to find our way home.  This man like so many try to pursue the pleasures of the world only to find it leads to heartache.  This man like so many of us it takes us hitting rock bottom to realize how much we need our Father.  This man just like most of us have to have our foolish, worldly rebellious spirit broken to realize we need our Father.  Just like this man we all have to make our way back to the Father in a truly repentive state of mind, heart, and spirit.  Just like always the Father is waiting for us to come home.  The father in this story didn’t go looking for his son to force him home.  Our Father isn’t going to try and force us home either but he is waiting patiently for us all to return to him.

Mon, Apr 26th - 11:40PM

Bible Study 27 April

Luke 13: 22: And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.
   23: Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,
   24: Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
   25: When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
   26: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.
   27: But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
   28: There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
   29: And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
   30: And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.
   31: The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee.
   32: And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.
   33: Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.
   34: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!
   35: Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

This is just one of many places where Jesus himself teaches on judgment and the consequences of not being saved.  So how can the Universalists and others who preach universal salvation and deny the coming judgment and the punishment afterwards, how can they justify their beliefs?  They can’t, not logically anyway.  They do by taking certain Bible verses out of context or rejecting the Bible outright.  Don’t be fooled by these people and their deception.  If you have not repented of your sins and accepted Christ as your Savior your destiny is hell.   It is so easy to avoid this.  Accept Christ as your savior and live the life Christ attended for us as spelled out in the Bible.  The Bible is our manual for living a life pleasing to God.  A life lived as a living sacrifice to him.  A life of service to him instead of our earthly selfish desires.

Mon, Apr 26th - 12:59AM

Bible Study 26 April

Luke 13: 1: There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
   2: And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
   3: I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
   4: Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
   5: I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
   6: He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
   7: Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
   8: And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
   9: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
   10: And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.
   11: And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.
   12: And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.
   13: And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
   14: And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.
   15: The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?
   16: And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?
   17: And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.
   18: Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?
   19: It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.
   20: And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?
   21: It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
   22: And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.

The Universalists will tell you it is not important to repent.  That is a lie.  Read the words of Jesus himself.  Repent or perish.  You cannot please God unless you turn from your old life of slavery to sin and turn to a life of serving God.  Israel is the fig tree in the story.  They refused to repent, turn to God and produce fruit, so God cut them down and replaced them with a people that would produce fruit.

Sat, Apr 24th - 11:54PM

Bible Study 25 April

Luke 12: 41: Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
   42: And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
   43: Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
   44: Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
   45: But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
   46: The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
   47: And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
   48: But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
   49: I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I if it be already kindled?
   50: But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
   51: Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
   52: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.
   53: The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
   54: And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.
   55: And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.
   56: Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?
   57: Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?
   58: When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.
   59: I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.

When people think of Jesus and peace they often have the wrong idea.  No where does the Bible ever promise world peace, as a matter of fact it talks of wars and rumors of wars.  The peace Jesus promised is peace of mind to the believer.  Peace of mind that no matter how tough the world gets he is with us.  No matter how tough of a life we live we as believers have a better one waiting for us.

Sat, Apr 24th - 12:59AM

Bible Study 24 April

Luke 12: ²²And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

 ²³The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.

 ²⁴Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

 ²⁵And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?

 ²⁶If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

 ²⁷Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

 ²⁸If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

 ²⁹And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

 ³⁰For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

 ³¹But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

 ³²Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

 ³³Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

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

 ³⁵Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;

 ³⁶And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.

 ³⁷Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

 ³⁸And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

 ³⁹And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.

 ⁴⁰Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

Where is your heart?  What your heart is set upon is where your focus is set upon.  Is it set upon sinful pleasure, greed, lust, material gain or is it set upon pleasing the Lord?  Where is your focus?

Thu, Apr 22nd - 11:33PM

Bible Study 23 April

Luke 12: ¹ Meanwhile, the crowds grew until thousands were milling about and stepping on each other. Jesus turned first to his disciples and warned them, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees—their hypocrisy. ² The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. ³ Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear!

 ⁴ “Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. ⁵ But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell.^[a] Yes, he’s the one to fear.

 ⁶ “What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins^[b]? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. ⁷ And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

 ⁸ “I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man^[c] will also acknowledge in the presence of God’s angels. ⁹ But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before God’s angels. ¹⁰ Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

 ¹¹ “And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, ¹² for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.”

Parable of the Rich Fool

 ¹³ Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.”

 ¹⁴ Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” ¹⁵ Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”

 ¹⁶ Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. ¹⁷ He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ ¹⁸ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. ¹⁹ And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’

 ²⁰ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’

 ²¹ “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.  (NLT)

Life is not measured by how much you own.  You imagine such a statement in today’s society where we do measure someone by how much they own.  It is not just how much you own but how much you show it off.  It is all about the bling, the shiny rims, and the loud booming stereo.  Humility is a virtue lost on our society.  We worship sports and movie stars.  The people that get paid millions to play kids games and ignore the real heroes in our society.  The teachers, firemen, police, the preachers.  It is not about helping others but helping ourselves not matter how much our society plays lip service to such things the average person aint interested in serving others or for that matter serving God.  When a person does leave the pursuit of material gains behind he is often looked upon as some kind of oddball.  Well pretty soon, God willing, I am leaving my job behind and God willing letting God lead me where he wants me.

Wed, Apr 21st - 11:47PM

Bible Study 22 April

Luke 11: 37: And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.
   38: And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.
   39: And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.
   40: Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?
   41: But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.
   42: But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
   43: Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.
   44: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.
   45: Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also.
   46: And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.
   47: Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.
   48: Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres.
   49: Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:
   50: That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;
   51: From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.
   52: Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.
   53: And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things:
   54: Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.

God is not interested ritualistic half hearted worship.  He wants all of us.  He gave all for us.  Are we willing to give all to him?

Tue, Apr 20th - 11:39PM

Bible Study 21 April

 Luke 11:14: And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.
   15: But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.
   16: And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.
   17: But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.
   18: If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.
   19: And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.
   20: But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
   21: When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:
   22: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
   23: He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
   24: When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.
   25: And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.
   26: Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.
   27: And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.
   28: But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
   29: And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.
   30: For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.
   31: The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
   32: The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
   33: No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.
   34: The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.
   35: Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.
   36: If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.

Mankind is such funny creatures.  We know there is a God there in real denying it.  The whole idea of evolution is a manmade fantasy that has deceived millions.  The whole idea that life can start from nothing is crazy.  The Hebrews walked with God in the desert but they rebelled against him.  The Jews were God’s own people but they rebelled against him.  Jesus performed miracles before the Jews but they denied him and had him crucified.  God shows himself to mankind in some many ways but we deny he exists.  What is wrong with us?  How long we God control his patience with such a rebellious wicked generation?

Sat, Apr 17th - 12:37AM

Bible Study 17 April

Luke 9: 37: And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him.
   38: And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child.
   39: And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him.
   40: And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not.
   41: And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither.
   42: And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.
   43: And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples,
   44: Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.
   45: But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.
   46: Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.
   47: And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,
   48: And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.
   49: And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.
   50: And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.
   51: And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,
   52: And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.
   53: And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.
   54: And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?
   55: But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
   56: For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

As Jesus was preparing to go to Jerusalem to face his death his disciples were showing how worldly they still were by arguing who was the greatest, showing jealousy towards other servants of Christ, and showing hostility toward others.  They still had a lot of spiritual growth to do and so do most of us.  To be true disciples of Christ we have to put the world completely behind and focus our attention completely on Christ.

Thu, Apr 15th - 11:42PM

Bible Study 16 April

Luke 9; 18: And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?
   19: They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.
   20: He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.
   21: And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;
   22: Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.
   23: And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
   24: For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
   25: For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
   26: For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.
   27: But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.
   28: And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.
   29: And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.
   30: And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:
   31: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.
   32: But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.
   33: And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.
   34: While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.
   35: And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
   36: And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

Who do you say Christ is?  Do you believe he is the Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary, that he lived a sinless life, that he died on the cross for our sins that through his blood which was shed on the cross we can have the remission of our sins and eternal life through him?  Do you believe he is alive and returning someday?

Mon, Apr 12th - 11:41PM

Bible Study 13 April

Luke 8: ²² One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out. ²³ As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger.

 ²⁴ The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”

   When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. ²⁵ Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?”

   The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!”

Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Man

 ²⁶ So they arrived in the region of the Gerasenes,^[c] across the lake from Galilee. ²⁷ As Jesus was climbing out of the boat, a man who was possessed by demons came out to meet him. For a long time he had been homeless and naked, living in a cemetery outside the town.

 ²⁸ As soon as he saw Jesus, he shrieked and fell down in front of him. Then he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Please, I beg you, don’t torture me!” ²⁹ For Jesus had already commanded the evil^[d] spirit to come out of him. This spirit had often taken control of the man. Even when he was placed under guard and put in chains and shackles, he simply broke them and rushed out into the wilderness, completely under the demon’s power.

 ³⁰ Jesus demanded, “What is your name?”

   “Legion,” he replied, for he was filled with many demons. ³¹ The demons kept begging Jesus not to send them into the bottomless pit.^[e]

 ³² There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby, and the demons begged him to let them enter into the pigs.

   So Jesus gave them permission. ³³ Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned.

 ³⁴ When the herdsmen saw it, they fled to the nearby town and the surrounding countryside, spreading the news as they ran. ³⁵ People rushed out to see what had happened. A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been freed from the demons. He was sitting at Jesus’ feet, fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. ³⁶ Then those who had seen what happened told the others how the demon-possessed man had been healed. ³⁷ And all the people in the region of the Gerasenes begged Jesus to go away and leave them alone, for a great wave of fear swept over them.

   So Jesus returned to the boat and left, crossing back to the other side of the lake. ³⁸ The man who had been freed from the demons begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him home, saying, ³⁹ “No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.” So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him.

The disciples asked who is the man?  They still did not yet understand who he truly was.  But the demons knew who he was and what power contained.  So many today don’t truly know the Jesus they claim to follow or preach.  Jesus is not some new age emerging hippie love guru.  He is the Son of the Almighty Father born of the Virgin Mary, he lived a sinless life, he died on the cross as an everlasting sin sacrifice for us and he is coming back someday to claim his church.  Will you be a part of the church or is your lot the lake of fire?

Sun, Apr 11th - 11:56PM

Bible Study 12 April

Luke 8: 4: And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:
   5: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
   6: And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.
   7: And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.
   8: And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
   9: And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?
   10: And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
   11: Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
   12: Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
   13: They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
   14: And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
   15: But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
   16: No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.
   17: For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
   18: Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
   19: Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.
   20: And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.
   21: And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

Path” people, like many of the religious leaders, refused to believe God’s message. “Rock” people, like many in the crowds who followed Jesus, believed his message but never got around to doing anything about it. “Thorn patch” people, overcome by worries and the lure of materialism, left no room in their lives for God. “Good soil” people, in contrast to all the other groups, followed Jesus no matter what the cost. Which type of soil are you?

Applying God’s Word helps us grow. This is a principle of growth in physical, mental, and spiritual life. For example, a muscle, when exercised, will grow stronger, but an unused muscle will grow weak and flabby. If you are not growing stronger, you are growing weaker; it is impossible for you to stand still. How are you using what God has taught you?

Both of these paragraphs were taken from the footnotes of my Bible Study.  They both spoke to what I feeling today so I decided to share them.

Sun, Apr 11th - 1:26AM

Bible Study 11 April

Luke 7: 36: And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.
   37: And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
   38: And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
   39: Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
   40: And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.
   41: There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.
   42: And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
   43: Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
   44: And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
   45: Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
   46: My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
   47: 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.
   48: And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
   49: And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?
   50: And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

I teach the teenage Sunday school class at my church and I have a great bunch of kids but they are kids that have grown up in Christian homes with Christian parents and associate mainly with other Christian kids and if I have one complaint about them it is that they really take church for granted.  These kids have been going to church since they were young so to them church has come sort of routine.  I often tell them about Christians in other countries and what they go through just to be able to worship God.  And I tell them about my own personnel story.  I am one of those that have been forgiven much.  Sometimes the best way to see how great God is to look up at him from rock bottom.

Wed, Apr 7th - 11:16PM

Bible Study 08 April

^{Luke 6:12}And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

 ¹³And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

 ¹⁴Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

 ¹⁵Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,

 ¹⁶And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.

 ¹⁷And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;

 ¹⁸And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.

 ¹⁹And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.

 ²⁰And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

 ²¹Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.

 ²²Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

 ²³Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

 ²⁴But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.

 ²⁵Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.

 ²⁶Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

 ²⁷But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

 ²⁸Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

 ²⁹And 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.

 ³⁰Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.

 ³¹And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

 ³²For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.

 ³³And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

 ³⁴And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

 ³⁵But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

 ³⁶Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

What kind of people does God call to serve him?  If you look throughout the Bible you will see different people from different background.  But one thing is true of all of them they loved God, they were humble and they had the heart to serve others.  Aint that what being a servant of Christ about?  Forsaking ourselves to serve and love others.

Tue, Apr 6th - 11:59PM

Bible Study 07 April

^{Luke 5:27} Later, as Jesus left the town, he saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. ²⁸ So Levi got up, left everything, and followed him.

 ²⁹ Later, Levi held a banquet in his home with Jesus as the guest of honor. Many of Levi’s fellow tax collectors and other guests also ate with them. ³⁰ But the Pharisees and their teachers of religious law complained bitterly to Jesus’ disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with such scum?^e]">[e]”

 ³¹ Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. ³² I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.”

Do you realize you are a sinner.  Do you know that you need to repent?  Paul says we are all sinners worthy of death.  But thank God Jesus provided the Way for us to escape death by his sacrifice on the cross for our sins.  We just need to remember the ABCs of salvation.

A. Admit you are a sinner.
"There is no one righteous, not even one ... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:10,23. (See Romans 5:8; 6:23.)

Ask God's forgiveness.
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Romans 10:13

B. Believe in Jesus
(put your trust in Him) as your only hope of salvation.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (See John 14:6.)

Become a child of God by receiving Christ.
"To all who receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12 (See Revelation 3:20.)

C. Confess that Jesus is your Lord.
"If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9 (See verse 10.)

Tue, Apr 6th - 12:01AM

Bible Study 06 April

Luke 5:12: And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
   13: And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.
   14: And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
   15: But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.
   16: And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
   17: And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.
   18: And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him.
   19: And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.
   20: And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.
   21: And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?
   22: But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?
   23: Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk?
   24: But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.
   25: And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.
   26: And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.

Faith is such a funny thing.  I guess that is why it is called faith.  I am in the middle of making some tough life choices.  I really believe it is time for a career change but we all know this isn’t really a good time to be looking for a new job at the moment but I really believe this is the right thing to do for many reasons.  I really want to do the will of God in my life and I really want to serve God.  I have prayed about this several times asking is the right thing to do.  There has been no voice from heaven or any obvious signs just a pulling at my heart that this is the right decision.  I have to take that leap of faith knowing God watches over the faithful. 

Mon, Apr 5th - 1:19AM

Bible Study 05 April

Luke 4: 31: And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.
   32: And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.
   33: And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,
   34: Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.
   35: And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.
   36: And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.
   37: And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.
   38: And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.
   39: And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.
   40: Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.
   41: And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.
   42: And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them.
   43: And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.
   44: And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.

Luke 5: 1: And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
   2: And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
   3: And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.
   4: Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
   5: And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
   6: And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.
   7: And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
   8: When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
   9: For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:
   10: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
   11: And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,  To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

We worship an almighty God, all things submit to the will of God.  Mankind, nature, demons, even death.  Nothing can stand in the way of our almighty God.  What do we have to fear when we worship such almighty God that cares for each and every one of his children.  We might go through tough times but we are always under the watchful eye of our Savior and we know our true reward is heaven because we know our Father awards his faithful children who submit to his will for their lives.

Sun, Apr 4th - 1:26AM

Bible Study 04 April

Luke 4:14: And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.
   15: And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.
   16: And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
   17: And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,
   18: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
   19: To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
   20: And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.
   21: And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
   22: And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?
   23: And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.
   24: And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.
   25: But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;
   26: But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.
   27: And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
   28: And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,
   29: And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.
   30: But he passing through the midst of them went his way,

    The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

In these verses Jesus proclaims his ministry in his hometown among people who knew him and immediately rejected his proclamation because they could not get past the fact that in their eyes he was the son of Joseph and Mary, a mere carpenter’s son.   He was rejected by the very people he came to save.  Sadly so many still reject his message and continue to live in the bondage of sin.  Now it is up to each and every believer to pick up the message of Jesus and proclaim it to this lost and broken world.

Sat, Apr 3rd - 1:09AM

Bible Study 03 April

Luke 4:1: And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
   2: Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.
   3: And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.
   4: And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
   5: And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
   6: And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
   7: If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.
   8: And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
   9: And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence:
   10: For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee:
   11: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
   12: And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
   13: And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

There is a saying that everyone has their price.  Is that true?  Do we all have our price?  Is there something that Satan could offer us that we would want to give up our salvation, our eternal life for?  Could we really give up everything for the things of this world?  I might not have been at rock bottom but there has been a time of my life where I could at least see rock bottom from where I was at and I pray to God I never go back to that state.  I have lived on the wild side and I know it aint what is cracked up to be and once again I pray that I never go back to that place.  I thank God for where I am at now and for what he has in store for me.  I know he has even greater things in store for me.  And I just pray that I have the faith and strength, the foresight, the will to follow where he leads me.  I give my life to him.

Fri, Apr 2nd - 1:16AM

Bible Study 02 April

Luke 3:15: And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;
   16: John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
   17: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.
   18: And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.
   19: But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,
   20: Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.
   21: Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
   22: And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

The faith of John.  You imagine having the faith of John.  To give up everything for the Gospel.  He gave up worldly comforts, he was not afraid to preach against the powerful, he was willing and did give his life for God, he dedicated his life fully to God.  Don’t you wish you had that much faith, I do.  I wish I truly had the faith of John to give up everything for God.  To give myself totally for God.