Fri, Nov 28th - 12:26PM

Mark 1:29-39

 29: And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
   30: But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.
   31: And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.
   32: And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.
   33: And all the city was gathered together at the door.
   34: And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.
   35: And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
   36: And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.
   37: And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.
   38: And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.
   39: And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

Jesus healed many of the sick during his ministry here on earth.  But who did he heal?  Did he heal all of the sick of Israel?  No, he didn’t heal all of the sick.  Who was healed?  All that came to him in faith that he was the Son of God and had the power to heal them.  God could of reached down from Heaven and healed them all but he didn’t, he wanted them to come to Jesus in faith.  Many would argue that when Jesus died on the cross he saved the whole world automatically.  We all became saved before we were even born.  This is not true.  Salvation is available to all but just as Jesus healed all that came to him in faith he is willing to save all that come to him in faith that he is the Son of God and through him we have forgiveness of sin and are free from the coming wrath of God’s judgment on this unbelieving world.

Thu, Nov 27th - 11:56AM

Mark 1:21-28

 21: And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.
   22: And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
   23: And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,
   24: 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.
   25: And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.
   26: And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.
   27: And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
   28: And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.

The demon in verse 24 recognized who Jesus was even when so many of the Jewish people did not.  The demon also recognized the purpose of Christ on earth and by what authority he was operating under.  Christ came to destroy Satan’s hold on people and restore their relationship with God.  You better believe Satan and his demons know the game plan.  They know what is written in the Bible and they know what is in store for them.  Satan knows he is in a losing game but he won’t go down without a fight.  As the end draws near we know things will get a whole lot worse.  False teaching is on the rise.  Violence is on the rise.  You can see the signs of a dying world all around us.  We are to stand strong in the faith and continue the work of the Lord until it is all completed.

Wed, Nov 26th - 1:19PM

Mark 1:16-20

  16: Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
   17: And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.
   18: And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.
   19: And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.
   20: And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

Jesus calls his first disciples.  Who were these four men?  They were not scholars or religious leaders.  They were simple fishermen.  But Jesus didn’t look at the outward appearance or their position in life.  He looks at the heart.  He knew the hearts of these men.  They had some refining to do but Jesus knew these men had the heart to be the leaders of the church that was about to be established through him.  Does any of us have the heart to continue the tough work ahead?  The times are only going to get tougher as the end draws near.  It is going to take courageous Christians strong in the faith to continue to bring in the harvest while it is still day.

Tue, Nov 25th - 11:35PM

Mark 1:14,15

14: Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
   15: And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

What was the message that Jesus preached?  The time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand, repent, and believe the Gospel.  Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah.  The kingdom of God has come to all men through his death on the cross.  Repent, turn from darkness into the kingdom of God.  Believe the Gospel.  Pretty simple, repent, believe, come into the kingdom of God for Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah.

Mon, Nov 24th - 11:23AM

Mark 1:12,13

 12: And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.
   13: And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

This is the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness by Satan.  Many deny the existence of Satan even though he is mentioned throughout the Bible.  He is referred to in many ways in the Bible, the enemy, the accuser, the tempter, and the deceiver.  Satan’s greatest deception is convincing the world that he doesn’t exist.  Don’t be fooled there are two powers at work in the world.  The forces of God and the forces of darkness.  People don’t want to hear about Satan and evil because it is a tough thing to hear.  But don’t be fooled we are in a spiritual war between the forces of God and the forces of Satan.  There is no neutrals in this war.  You are either with God and if you aint you are with Satan.  It is a war with everything at stake. 

Sun, Nov 23rd - 11:39PM

Mark 1:9-11

 9: And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.
   10: And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:
   11: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Many question the importance of baptism, whether it is necessary, rather it is required for salvation.  Is baptism salvation?  No.  Baptism is a public confession of our salvation.  It is symbolic of us dying to our old selves and being made alive in Christ.  We are washing away our sins and being cleansed through him.  Should we be baptized?  Christ was baptized, the disciples were baptized, all new converts in the New Testament were baptized, so why shouldn’t we?

Sat, Nov 22nd - 12:45AM

Mark 1:1-8

 1: The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
   2: As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
   3: The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
   4: John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
   5: And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.
   6: And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;
   7: And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.
   8: I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

John was the messenger of Jesus.  What did he preach?  The baptism of repentance and the remission of sins.  They came to him confessing their sins and be baptized.  Why?  To come into a true relationship with the Father we must repent of our sins.  God is a holy God he can’t have a relationship with iniquity.  There are many that say we don’t have to repent because we are already saved.  Is this the example being taught in this verses?  No. They confessed their sins, they repented of their sins and then they were baptized.

Thu, Nov 20th - 1:41PM

Matthew 28:18-20

 18: And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
   19: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
   20: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen

This is the Great Commission.  Here we are directed to do two things.  To teach and baptize.  We are to teach those still living in darkness that there is a light out the darkness they are living in.  We are to baptize, to bring them into the true church of the living God.  Who was this commission directed at?  All believers.  Now that we know the truth we are to share the Gospel with the world.  We all have a part in the army of God.  There are no bench warmers in this team. 

Wed, Nov 19th - 11:23AM

Matthew 28:16,17

16: Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
   17: And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

We know Thomas had doubted but his doubts were put to rest by Jesus himself.  Verse 17 probably refers to the larger group of disciples.  Even though Jesus was appearing to them in the flesh some still had a hard time believing it was possible that Jesus had rose again.  They were thinking carnally not spiritually.  We as believers know all things are possible with God.  Even today among people who claim to be Christian there are some who don’t believe that Jesus rose from the dead.  They can’t understand the Jesus that claim to follow if they can’t believe Jesus rose again.  Jesus was the Son of God death had no power of him and because he rose again we know we shall also rise again and joined him in his kingdom in Heaven.  If Jesus didn’t rise again then our faith is in vain because that means Jesus wasn’t who he claimed to be but we know that isn’t the case because Jesus is the risen Son of God.

Tue, Nov 18th - 11:10AM

Matthew 28:11-15

 11: Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
   12: And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
   13: Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
   14: And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
   15: So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

The Jewish leaders had denied Jesus during his ministry, they had denied him when he performed miracles in front of their eyes, they had him crucified, he was buried and now God has raised him from the dead and still they refuse to accept him.  Instead of opening their eyes to the work of God their hearts remained harden to the truth and their iniquity deepen.  After God had raised him from the dead there could have been no denying who he was but the Jewish leaders were more concerned with losing their power than admitting the truth.  To admit to who Jesus was would mean the end of their hold on the religious establishment of the Jewish people because the sacrifice of Jesus put an end to the Old Testament laws and the priesthood.  How foolish there were to think they can stop the work of God.  In a few years the temple would be destroyed and the Jewish people scattered.  The will of God will come to pass and mankind is not going to stop God from performing his will.  No matter how powerful the atheist get in this country they are powerless to stop the will of God.

Mon, Nov 17th - 2:23PM

Matthew 28:9,10

 9: And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
   10: Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

Jesus appears to the women.  He tells the women to go and let his disciples to meet him.  They had abandoned him while he was dying on the cross but he is giving them a chance to repent by meeting him in Galilee.  The disciples had abandoned him there was no doubt in that but Jesus is showing his forgiveness if they are willing to return to him.  They all did and these disciples would spread the Gospel throughout the world and all would suffer for his name but they never left him again.  God is a God of forgiveness but we all must come to him in repentance for our sinful lives.  It is arrogance that some preach that God has to forgive us rather we come to him or not.  It is not only arrogance but ignorance with no Biblical truth.  The message throughout the Bible is that we are sinful creatures but we have a God that loves us and is willing to forgive us if we repent and turn to him.  But man don’t want to repent they want salvation on their terms without repentance or obedience to the word of God.

Sun, Nov 16th - 11:12AM

Matthew 28:1-8

 1: In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
   2: And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
   3: His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
   4: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
   5: And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
   6: He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
   7: And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
   8: And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

Jesus rises from the grave just as he said he would.  The fact that Jesus did rise from the grave is one of the tenants of the Christian faith.  There are many that claim to be Christian that deny the resurrection of Christ.  They just don’t believe it is physically possible.  Well it is not physically possible it is spiritually possible.  Jesus was the Son of God and death held no sway over him.  The fact that Jesus rose from the grave is proof that the elect of God might die physically but we never die spiritually.  And just as Jesus rose from the grave to spend eternity with the Father so shall all believers.  Paul said if Christ didn’t rise then our faith is in vain.  Well we don’t worship a dead great teacher, we worship a risen Savior.

Sat, Nov 15th - 1:46PM

Matthew 27:57-66

57: When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:
   58: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.
   59: And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
   60: And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
   61: And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.
   62: Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
   63: Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.
   64: Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
   65: Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.
   66: So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

Jesus is laid to rest in the tomb.  All had abandoned him itself for Joseph and the women and even them believed him to be dead for good.  As they mourned his death they all have seemed to forgotten he had promised to rise again.  As his followers mourned his death the Jewish leaders were still plotting.  Fearing his body might be stolen away they asked for guard to be kept over his tomb.  How foolish they were to think the grave could keep the Son of God.

Fri, Nov 14th - 11:50PM

Matthew 27:51-56

51: And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
   52: And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
   53: And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
   54: Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
   55: And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
   56: Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.

Several miraculous signs follows the Death of Jesus.  One of these is the temple veil being torn.  With the death of Jesus on the cross a new covenant and a new temple was established.  The new covenant established salvation for all through the blood of Christ which were shed for our sins.  The temple was established in each and every believer.  No longer was a animal sacrificed by a high priest for our sins.  Jesus became both our sacrifice and high priest.  Jesus sits at the right hand of God to make intercession for every believer.  It is through Jesus that we have access to God.  This gives us a personal relationship with the Father through Christ.  This is why Jesus is the only way to the Father, don’t be deceived by anyone that teaches anything different.  No other so called god or prophet or spiritual guru has made the sacrifice for you to gain access to the Father.  Verses 52 and 53 describes Old Testament saints rising from the dead.  A sign that through the death of Christ we have life and a sign of things to come.

Thu, Nov 13th - 1:24PM

Matthew 27:45-50

 45: Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
   46: And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
   47: Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.
   48: And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.
   49: The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.
   50: Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

Here we see the final hours of Jesus on the cross.  In verse 46 Jesus cries out why have thou forsaken me.  Had God forsaken him?  No but God did have to draw away his protection from him as Christ bore our sins upon himself as he dies for us on the cross.  He was bearing the sins of the whole world upon himself.

Wed, Nov 12th - 2:12PM

Matthew 27:34-44

 34: They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.
   35: And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
   36: And sitting down they watched him there;
   37: And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
   38: Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.
   39: And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
   40: And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
   41: Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
   42: He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.
   43: He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.
   44: The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

Jesus is crucified and as he is dying the insults continue.  The people had no idea they were crucifying their Savior for they had rejected him.  Many today don’t understand why Jesus had to die on the cross and what exactly he saved us from.  We are creatures of sin.  We are born into sin.  The only way we can become free of this sin is through the salvation of Christ.  He became the sacrifice for us that we might gain redemption through his blood spilled on the cross.  For without this redemption we face the judgment of God for our sins.  And don’t be fool this judgment is a very real thing.  Many will say there is no eternal punishment of God.  Don’t be fooled.  If there is no judgment of God then what did Jesus save us from?  There would have been no need for Christ to become a sacrifice for us.

Tue, Nov 11th - 7:35PM

Matthew 27:29-33

29: And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
   30: And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
   31: And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.
   32: And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.
   33: And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,

After they had beaten Jesus they mocked him as a king.  If only they knew they were mocking the King of Kings.  Jesus is still mocked today by people who don’t understand who they are mocking.  They mocked Jesus so why should we not expect anything different.  It is one thing to be mocked by non-believers but what is worse is people that claim to be believers but yet don’t understand the sacrifice  that he made for all of us that we might have a relationship with God.

Mon, Nov 10th - 5:31PM

Matthew 27:26-28

26: Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
   27: Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.
   28: And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.

Jesus is beaten and mocked.  You can read how Isaiah prophesied about this in chapter 53 of Isaiah. 

Isaiah 53: 5: But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
   6: All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
   7: He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

He suffered this for us that we might obtain salvation through his sacrifice.  Has anybody else done this for you, Buddha, Muhammad?  Many believe there are many paths to salvation.  This can’t be true because only Christ the Son of God died for your sins.

Sun, Nov 9th - 2:50PM

Matthew 27:11-23

  11: And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.
   12: And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.
   13: Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?
   14: And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.
   15: Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.
   16: And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.
   17: Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
   18: For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.
   19: When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
   20: But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
   21: The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
   22: Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.
   23: And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.

The people were given a choice between Jesus the Son of God and their Savior or Barabbas a criminal.  They choose Barabbas.  The chief priests had him killed out of spite and convinced the people to go with them.  Pilate bowed to the pressure of the people despite the warning of his wife and they all doomed themselves to the judgment of God.  The Jewish nation had once again rejected God and had killed another messenger of God.  God would once again render judgment on Israel.  In AD 70 the Romans destroyed the Jewish temple and scattered the Jewish people throughout the Roman Empire.  The Jewish nation ceased to exist until 1948 when the nation of Israel was reborn.  There are two paths set before us all.  We can choose the path of God or go against God and suffer the consequences.  The people of Israel went against God by rejecting the savior and suffered the consequences of their choice.

Sat, Nov 8th - 1:40PM

Matthew 27:1-10

1: When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:
   2: And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
   3: Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
   4: Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
   5: And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
   6: And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
   7: And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.
   8: Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.
   9: Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;
   10: And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.

All of the disciples had betrayed Jesus in one way or the other.  Peter had denied him, the others had abandoned him and Judas had sold him out.  The other disciples all repented of their sins and became leaders in the new church and spread the Gospel throughout the world.  All of them except John were martyred for the Gospel.  But once again Judas missed the mark.  Instead of confessing his sin to God he confessed to the high priests who could care less because they were guilty themselves.  Instead of asking forgiveness he took his life.  Judas had missed the point of the message of Jesus all along, that all have sinned but through Jesus we have forgiveness of our sins if we confess our sins and repent of them.  Sadly to many people today still miss the mark.  Through Jesus we have salvation if we confess our sins, repent of them and accept Jesus into our hearts.  There are some that preach that salvation comes with repentance.  This is pure arrogance.  They refuse to admit they are sinful creatures and that they anything to repent of.

Fri, Nov 7th - 4:00PM

Matthew 26:69-75

69: Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.
   70: But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.
   71: And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.
   72: And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.
   73: And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.
   74: Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
   75: And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

Peter had followed Christ to see what was going to happen but soon found himself in a bad situation.  He had been recognized as a follower of Christ and became fearful he himself might be arrested.  Peter just as Jesus had told denied him three times.  Once Peter heard the rooster crow he realized his sin and went out wept bitterly.  Peter would make amends for his denial.  He would become the leader of the church and face persecution for Christ several times and eventually give his life for the Gospel.  Being a Christian you can expect trials and persecution.  Throughout the ages Christians have gave their life for the Gospel.  Here in the West Christians often don’t face physical persecution but we can expect to be mocked and ridiculed.  But in other parts of the world physical persecution of Christians is a very real thing.  Being a Christian in such places as the Middle East, India, the Sudan can cost you your life.  But this brave people don’t fall to the pressures but stand strong for the Lord.  If they can face death for the Gospel I’m sure Christians in the West can stand a few insults for the Gospel.

Thu, Nov 6th - 10:55PM

Matthew 26:57-68

57: And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
   58: But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
   59: Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;
   60: But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,
   61: And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
   62: And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
   63: But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
   64: Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
   65: Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
   66: What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.
   67: Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,
   68: Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?

Jesus is brought before the Sanhedrin to be tried for blasphemy.  They of course had no real evidence to try him with.  Even the false witnesses can’t get their story straight.  But Jesus confirms two important things in verse 64.  First that he is the Son of God and second that he shall return.

Tue, Nov 4th - 10:15PM

Matthew 26:47-56

47: And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.
   48: Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
   49: And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
   50: And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
   51: And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.
   52: Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
   53: Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
   54: But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
   55: In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
   56: But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

In verses 53,54 and 56 Jesus confirms who he is and why he came to earth.  In verse 53 he confirms he is the Son of God.  In verses 54 and 56 he confirms his purpose.  He came to fulfill the prophecies of the prophets.  The prophecies that God would send a Messiah that would bring redemption not only to the Jews but the whole world through his death as a sacrifice for our sins.  Now that he has died for our sins we only have to repent of our sins and receive him as a savior.  Jesus has already warned what awaits those who refuses his gift of salvation.

Mon, Nov 3rd - 10:24PM

Matthew 26:36-46

36: Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
   37: And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
   38: Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
   39: And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
   40: And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
   41: Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
   42: He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
   43: And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.
   44: And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
   45: Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
   46: Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.

There has been some debate over these verses on rather or not Jesus was praying to get out of what laid ahead.  That isn’t true.  Jesus came to the earth to die for our sins.  Jesus was about to be separated from his Father.  Jesus had to suffer this separation to accomplish the task set before him.  This separation was almost to much to bear.  But he said God’s will be done not his.  Compare this to the disciples who had fell asleep and not kept vigil with Jesus.  They had gave into the weakened flesh.  As Jesus had said the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.  What’s the answer pray that you don’t fall into temptation.  Temptation wins when we ignore the spirit and give into the flesh.  As Jesus said God’s will be done not ours.

Sun, Nov 2nd - 3:13PM

Matthew 26:31-35

 31: Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
   32: But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
   33: Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
   34: Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
   35: Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

Here we catch Peter making another prideful boast.  Instead of taking what Jesus just said as warning he makes a boast that he will never fall away.  Judas has betrayed Jesus and of his followers are about to abandon him.  Judas handled the guilt of his act by taking his life but Peter and the rest repented of their act and became the bearers of the good news throughout the world.  Even the strongest of Christians have their weaknesses.  There will be times that we fall short but we have to remember we have a God that is a God of forgiveness and forgives of our shortcomings when we repent of our sins.

Sat, Nov 1st - 3:53PM

Matthew 26:26-30

 26: And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
   27: And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
   28: For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
   29: But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.
   30: And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

In verse 28 Jesus establishes his new covenant, established in his blood which was shed on the cross.  The old testament was a covenant between Israel and God but Jesus came and died to establish a new covenant with all believers.  This is the very basis of the Christian belief, that Jesus died for our sins that we may have forgiveness of sins and through this forgiveness we might have a relationship with God.  This right here destroys the validity of universalism because no other person has died for our sins.  Not Buddha, or Muhammad, or any Hindu god.  So this whole notion that there are different paths for different people is utter falsehood.