Tue, Mar 30th - 11:56PM

Bible Study 31 MAR

Luke 2:21: And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
   22: And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
   23: (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
   24: And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
   25: And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
   26: And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
   27: And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
   28: Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
   29: Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
   30: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
   31: Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
   32: A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
   33: And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
   34: And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
   35: (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
   36: And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
   37: And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
   38: And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
   39: And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
   40: And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

God is not slack concerning his promises and he does not forget the faithful.  We really don’t know how old Simeon was but we assume he was very old.  He had been faithful to God throughout his life and still believed in his old age he would see the Messiah before he died because God had promised that he would see the Messiah before he died.  We do have a glimpse at Anna’s age and she is close to a hundred years old but she too remained faithful to God and God blessed her in her old age by allowing her to see Christ before she died.  God awards the faithful.  It might not be right away but he does not forget the faithful. 

Sun, Mar 28th - 9:39PM

Bible Study 29 MAR

 Luke 1:57: Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
   58: And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
   59: And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
   60: And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
   61: And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
   62: And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
   63: And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
   64: And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.
   65: And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.
   66: And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
   67: And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
   68: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
   69: And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
   70: As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
   71: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
   72: To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
   73: The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
   74: That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
   75: In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
   76: And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
   77: To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
   78: Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
   79: To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
   80: And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

God is not slack concerning his promises but we must remember he works on his time schedule not ours.  The first promise of a Messiah came in Genesis and almost 2000 years would past before this prophesy would come true.  Well almost 2000 years ago Jesus prophesied he would return and he will return.  We don’t know when, Jesus himself said he didn’t know when, that only the Father knew.  One thing we can be sure of is what God has promised he will make happen.  Jesus will return any day now to collect his church and to judge the world of its sin.  One other thing you can be sure of is that with each passing day we are one day closer to this prophesy from coming true. 

Sun, Mar 28th - 1:02AM

Bible Study 28 MAR

Luke 1: 39: And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
   40: And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
   41: And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
   42: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
   43: And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
   44: For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
   45: And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
   46: And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
   47: And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
   48: For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
   49: For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
   50: And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
   51: He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
   52: He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
   53: He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
   54: He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
   55: As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
   56: And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

Mary was blessed because she allowed herself to be an instrument of the Lord.  God blesses those that are faithful to his word and will for us.  That is not to say there won’t be hard times here on earth.  Mary would go through agony as she watched Jesus suffer on the cross.  But we all know God awards the faithful.  What is this award?  Eternity with him.

Sat, Mar 27th - 1:22AM

Bible Study 27 MAR

Luke 1:26: And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
   27: To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
   28: And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
   29: And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
   30: And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
   31: And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
   32: He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
   33: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
   34: Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
   35: And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
   36: And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
   37: For with God nothing shall be impossible.
   38: And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

The faith of Mary.  Do we truly appreciate the situation Mary found herself?  She risked being rejected by Joseph, and her family and further more she risked being stoned.   But Mary submitted to the will of God completely.  God spoke and she submitted to the will of God no matter the risk.  Are we willing, am I willing to be that faithful servant of Christ that submits wholly to the will of God for us?

Thu, Mar 25th - 11:29PM

Bible Study 26 MAR

 Luke 1:5: There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
   6: And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
   7: And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
   8: And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,
   9: According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
   10: And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.
   11: And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
   12: And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
   13: But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
   14: And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
   15: For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
   16: And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
   17: And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
   18: And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
   19: And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
   20: And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
   21: And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.
   22: And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
   23: And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.
   24: And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
   25: Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.

We don’t know how long Zacharias and Elisabeth had been praying for a child but it had to many, many years.  Couples in this day generally married in their late teens or early twenties and now they were considered too old for children.   Children were a sort of insurance policy.  It was the children who took care of their parents in their old age.  Zacharias and Elisabeth could face a difficult future if they had no one to take care of them when they became too old to care for themselves but thank God we have a loving God how cares about us and answers the prayers of the faithful.  How many years had Zacharias and Elisabeth been praying we don’t know but we know God answers prayers on his time schedule not ours.  Too many people try to make God out to be a magic genie that is just waiting in heaven to answer our every want in desire.  But God is much more than that.  He is a loving God that knows what is best for us and gives us what we need when we need it.  Anybody that has been a parent knows that children often ask for things that aint always in their best interest to have.  A truly loving parent knows when to say no.  If God doesn’t answer your prayers, it isn’t because he isn’t listening it could be God is waiting for the right moment or it could be he has other better things planned for you.  We just have to faithful and realize the almighty, all wise God is in control and submit to his will for us.

Wed, Mar 24th - 11:45PM

Bible Study 25 MAR

Mark 16:14: Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
   15: And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
   16: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
   17: And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
   18: They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
   19: So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
   20: And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

These verses contain what is often called the “Great Commission.”  Jesus commands his Disciples and us to go out into the world and spread the Word of God.  We that have heard the Word of God and know the truth of God that God provided a Way for us to escape death and the slavery of sin have an obligation to tell the rest of the world this truth in Christ.  That Way is Jesus Christ.  He died for us on the cross that through his blood which was shed on the cross we can have the forgiveness of our sins and eternal life with the Father in heaven.

Mon, Mar 22nd - 11:34PM

Bible Study 23 MAR

Mark 15: 22: And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.
   23: And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.
   24: And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.
   25: And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.
   26: And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
   27: And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.
   28: And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.
   29: And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,
   30: Save thyself, and come down from the cross.
   31: Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.
   32: Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.
   33: And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.
   34: And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
   35: And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.
   36: And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.
   37: And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.
   38: And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.
   39: And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.
   40: There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;
   41: (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.

Jesus could have saved himself, but he endured this suffering because of his love for us. He could have chosen not to take the pain and humiliation and killed those who mocked him. But he suffered through it all because he loved even his enemies. We had a significant part in the drama that afternoon because our sins were on the cross, too. Jesus died on that cross for us, and the penalty for our sins was paid by his death. The only adequate response we can make is to confess our sins and gratefully accept the fact that Jesus paid for them so we wouldn’t have to. Don’t insult God with indifference toward the greatest act of genuine love in history.

  This paragraph was taken from the footnotes of my Study Bible but I think it summarizes it just right.  As Christ was dying for our sins he was being mocked by the very people he came to save.  The curtain of the temple was torn because Jesus with his death on the cross by being our eternal sin sacrifice removed all barriers between man and God.  The only barrier that remains is our stubborn prideful rebellion.

Sun, Mar 21st - 11:36PM

Bible Study 22 MAR

 Mark 15:1: And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.
   2: And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it.
   3: And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.
   4: And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.
   5: But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.
   6: Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.
   7: And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.
   8: And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
   9: But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?
   10: For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.
   11: But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.
   12: And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?
   13: And they cried out again, Crucify him.
   14: Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.
   15: And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.
   16: And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.
   17: And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,
   18: And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!
   19: And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.
   20: And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.
   21: And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.

Judas had betrayed him, Peter had denied knowing him.  All of the disciples had abandoned him.  The Jews lied on him.  The Romans mocked him, beat him, and crucified him.  Doesn’t this truly show the love of God?  For it is these very people and the rest of us that he died on the cross for so that through his blood which was shed on the cross we can have the forgiveness of our rebellion to him and through him experience eternal life instead of eternal death and separation from God.

Sun, Mar 21st - 12:59AM

Bible Study 21 MAR

 Mark 14: 53: And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.
   54: And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.
   55: And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.
   56: For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.
   57: And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,
   58: We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.
   59: But neither so did their witness agree together.
   60: And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
   61: But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?
   62: And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
   63: Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?
   64: Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.
   65: And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.
   66: And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:
   67: And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.
   68: But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.
   69: And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.
   70: And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.
   71: But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.
   72: And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.

Oh the arrogance of man.  Here was the Son of God standing trial before the very people he came to save.  He was about to give his life for these people and all they could think about was plotting his death.  Oh how arrogant.  If only they knew they soon would stand before Him to be judged.

Sat, Mar 20th - 2:00AM

Bible Study 20 MAR

Mark 14: 32: And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.
   33: And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;
   34: And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.
   35: And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.
   36: And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.
   37: And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?
   38: Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
   39: And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.
   40: And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.
   41: And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
   42: Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.
   43: And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
   44: And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.
   45: And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.
   46: And they laid their hands on him, and took him.
   47: And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
   48: And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?
   49: I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.
   50: And they all forsook him, and fled.
   51: And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:
   52: And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.

Jesus was about to face his most difficult task yet but he prayed God’s will be done not his.  Of course Jesus was going to do the Father’s will.  It was for this very purpose that he came to earth.  These verses were written for our benefit.  Notice Jesus was about to face a very brutal death but he prayed that God’s will be done while his disciples couldn’t stay awake with him.  May we always have the courage and faith to follow God’s will for us always.

Sun, Mar 14th - 11:22PM

Bible Study 15 MAR

 Mark 12: 1: And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.
   2: And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.
   3: And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty.
   4: And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled.
   5: And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some.
   6: Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son.
   7: But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.
   8: And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.
   9: What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.
   10: And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:
   11: This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
   12: And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.

In this parable, the man who planted the vineyard is God; the vineyard is the nation Israel; the tenant farmers are Israel’s religious leaders; the servants are the prophets and priests who remained faithful to God; the son is Jesus; and the others are the Gentiles. By telling this story, Jesus exposed the religious leaders’ plot to kill him and warned that their sins would be punished.  The nation of Israel had a long history of rebellion to God even though he had chosen them to be his people.  Man is a rebellious creation.  Mankind knows there is God even if he refuses to admit.  We don’t want to submit to the will of God.  Even for those who claim to be followers of God submitting wholly to the will of God goes against our sinful, rebellious nature.  We will never completely know God until we submit to his will.

Sun, Mar 14th - 1:33AM

Bible Study 14 MAR

Mark 11: 1: And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,
   2: And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him.
   3: And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.
   4: And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.
   5: And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt?
   6: And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.
   7: And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.
   8: And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.
   9: And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:
   10: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.
   11: And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.
   12: And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:
   13: And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.
   14: And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.
   15: And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;
   16: And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.
   17: And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.
   18: And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.
   19: And when even was come, he went out of the city.
   20: And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
   21: And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
   22: And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
   23: For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
   24: Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
   25: And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
   26: But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

The Jews had defiled the Temple of God by turning it into a place of business.  The Temple had become a place of business instead a place of profit.  Paul said we are the temple of God.  How many of us have polluted the Temple of God.  I am not talking physically but spiritually.  How many of us pollute our souls with the things of the world.  I have a very demanding job that requires me to work long hours.  I often find myself neglecting my Bible study and it shows. By the end of the week I am spiritually starved and have to feed myself spiritually with prayer and Bible study.  I can tell the difference in my spiritual well being when I neglect my time with God.

Mon, Mar 8th - 12:54AM

Bible Study 08 MAR

Mark 8: 27: And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?
   28: And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.
   29: And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.
   30: And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.
   31: And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
   32: And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.
   33: But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.
   34: And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
   35: For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
   36: For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
   37: Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
   38: Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Mark 9:  1: And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.
   2: And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.
   3: And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.
   4: And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.
   5: And Peter answered and said to 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.
   6: For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.
   7: And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
   8: And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.
   9: And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.
   10: And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.
   11: And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?
   12: And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.
   13: But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.

Who do you say Jesus is?  I say he is the Son of God born of a virgin, he lived a sinless life, he died on the cross for our sins that through his death we may have the forgiveness of our sins, he rose again on the third day and he is coming again someday and will retrieve his church and judge this world of its sin and it is only through him by accepting him as your Savior that you will see heaven.   He is not some kind of guru, he was more than just a great teacher, he is more than a historical figure, and he is the very Son of God.

Sun, Mar 7th - 12:37AM

Mark 8:10-26

Mark 8:10: And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha.
   11: And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.
   12: And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.
   13: And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.
   14: Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf.
   15: And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.
   16: And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.
   17: And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?
   18: Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?
   19: When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve.
   20: And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.
   21: And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?
   22: And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.
   23: And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
   24: And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.
   25: After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.
   26: And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.

The Jews demanded a sign from Jesus even though he had healed the sick and cast out demons in front of them.  No matter what they would not believe Jesus because they had harden their hearts to the truth.  They knew the truth but refused to accept it.  Today many still demand proof of God.  Well the proof of God is all around us in the things he has created.  They know the truth but refuse to accept the truth.  Mankind is still living in the rebellion that Eve brought into the world in the garden. 

Sat, Mar 6th - 1:07AM

Bible Study 06 MAR

Mark 7:24: And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid.
   25: For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet:
   26: The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.
   27: But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.
   28: And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs.
   29: And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.
   30: And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.
   31: And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.
   32: And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.
   33: And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;
   34: And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.
   35: And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.
   36: And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it;
   37: And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

Mark 8:1: In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them,
   2: I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:
   3: And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.
   4: And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?
   5: And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.
   6: And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people.
   7: And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them.
   8: So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets.
   9: And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.

We don’t always understand the ways of the Lord.  We don’t know exactly why Jesus healed this man in such a manner.  Jesus could have just produced food for the four thousand.  We don’t always understand why God does the things he does.  We just have to be faithful and believe that God is in control and that all things happens according to his will for us.

Thu, Mar 4th - 11:31PM

Bible Study 05 MAR

Mark 7:1: Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.
   2: And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.
   3: For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
   4: And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.
   5: Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
   6: He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
   7: Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
   8: For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
   9: And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
   10: For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
   11: But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.
   12: And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;
   13: Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
   14: And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:
   15: There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
   16: If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
   17: And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.
   18: And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;
   19: Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
   20: And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
   21: For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
   22: Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
   23: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

The Pharisees thought that following rituals and observing traditions would make them close to God when in reality this is what drove them from God.  Their rituals and traditions became more important than truly serving God with their hearts.  The Bible says those who worship God must do so in spirit and in truth.  You will never find God in observing God through a ritualistic style of worship.  God wants your whole heart and soul.