tkbrownwriter – Page 7

Jesus Turns Water to Wine

John 2:11 — “This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.”

Scripture is from the Holy Bible — New King James Version (NKJV)

Notes on Scripture (below) by tkbrown

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Lesson Scripture — John 2:1-25

1 — “On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.”
2 — “Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.”
3 — “And they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, ‘They have no wine.'”
4 — “Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.'”
5 — “His mother said to the servants, ‘Whatever He says to you, do it.'”
6 — “Now there were set there six water pots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece.”
7 — “Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the water pots with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim.”
8 — “And He said to them, ‘Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.’ And they took it.”
9 — “When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom;”
10 — “And he said to him, ‘Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!'”
11 — “This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.”
12 — “After this He went down to Capernaum, He, His mother, His brothers, and His disciples; and they did not stay there many days.”
13 — “Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.”
14 — “And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business.”
15 — “When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables.”
16 — “And He said to those who sold doves, ‘Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!'”
17 — “Then His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.'”
18 — “So the Jews answered and said to Him, ‘What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?'”
19 — “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.'”
20 — “Then the Jews said, ‘It has taken forty-six years to build the temple, and will You raise it up in three days?'”
21 — “But He was speaking of the temple of His body.”
22 — “Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, ‘His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.”
23 — “Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did.”
24 — “But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men,”
25 — “and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.”

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Old Testament Prophecy Related to John 2:1-25

v 4 — 2 Samuel 16:10 — “But the king said, ‘What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? So, let him curse, because the Lord has said to him, ‘Curse David.’ Who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?'”

v13 — Deuteronomy 16:1-6

1 — “‘Observe the month of Abib, and keep the Passover to the Lord your God, for in the month of Abib the Lord your God brought you out of Egypt by night.'”
2 — “‘Therefore you shall sacrifice the Passover to the Lord your God, from the flock and the herd, in the place where the Lord chooses to put His name.'”
3 — “‘You shall eat no leavened bread with it; seven days you shall eat unleavened bread with it, that is, the bread of affliction (for you came out of the land of Egypt in haste), that you may remember the day in which you came out of the land of Egypt all the days of your life.'”
4 — “‘And no leaven shall be seen among you in all your territory for seven days, nor shall any of the meat which you sacrifice the first day at twilight remain overnight until morning.'”
5 — “‘You may not sacrifice the Passover within any of your gates which the Lord your God gives you;'”
6 — “‘but at the place where the Lord your God chooses to make His name abide, there you shall sacrifice the Passover at twilight, at the going down of the sun, at the time you came out of Egypt.'”

v14 — Malachi 3:1 — “‘Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple. Even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,’ says the Lord of hosts.'”

v17 — Psalms 69:9 — “Because zeal for Your house has eaten me up, and the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me.”

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New Testament Scripture Related to John 2:1-25

v 1 — Hebrews 13:4 — “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled, but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”

v 1 — John 4:46 — “So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum.”

v 1 — John 19:25 — “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.”

v 4 — John 19:26 — “When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son!'”

v 4 — John 7:6 — “Then Jesus said to them, ‘My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready.'”

v 4 — John 7:8 — “‘You go up to this feast, I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come.'”

v 4 — John 7:30 — “Therefore they sought to take Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come.”

v 4 — John 8:20 — “These words Jesus spoke in the treasury, as He taught in the temple; and no one laid his hands on Him, for His hour had not yet come.”

v 6 — Mark 7:3 — “For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders.”

v 9 — John 4:46 — “So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum.”

v11 — John 4:54 — “This again is the second sight Jesus did when he had come out of Judea unto Galilee.”

v11 — John 1:14 — “And the Word became flesh and dwealt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

v12 — Matthew 4:13-16

13 — “And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali,”
14 — “that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying;”
15 — “‘The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;'”
16 — “‘the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.'”

v12 — Matthew 12:46 — “While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him.”

v12 — Matthew 13:55 — “Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?”

v14 — Mark 11:15-18

15 — “So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves.”
16 — “And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple.”
17 — “Then He taught, saying to them, ‘Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you 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 were astonished at His teaching.”

v16 — Luke 2:49 — “And He said to them, ‘Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?'”

v18 — Matthew 12:38 — “Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, ‘Teacher, we want to see a sight from You.'”

v19 — Matthew 26:59-61

59 — “Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death,”
60 — “but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward”
61 — “and said, ‘This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.'”

v19 — Matthew 27:39, 40

39 — “And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads”
40 — “and saying, ‘You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”

v21 — I Corinthians 3:16 — “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”

v21 — I Corinthians 6:19 — “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?”

v22 — Luke 24:6-8

6 — “‘He is not here but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee,'”
7 — “‘saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.'”
8 — “And they remembered His words.”

v23 — Acts 2:22-24

22 — “‘Men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know–‘”
23 — “‘Him being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death;'”
24 — “‘whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.'”

v24 — Revelations 2:23 — “‘I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.'”

v25 — Matthew 9:4 — “But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, ‘Why do you think evil in your hearts?'”

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Notes on Scripture: by tkbrown

This lesson is found in the second chapter of the Gospel of John. This is a much more thorough account than seen in the other Gospels. So, I have chosen to center the lesson around this text and reveal the correlations to other scriptures in the Gospels. It is the first sign of Jesus power which would be revealed in a multitude of ways throughout His ministry here on earth.

It is interesting that Jesus’ mother, Mary, was the one who initiated His turning the water to wine at the wedding in Cana–the activation of God’s power being revealed through signs performed by Jesus. Although it was done quietly, His mother, His brothers, and His disciples were witnesses–along with the servants whom He directed. Thus, God’s power as a part of His ministry is revealed, and His disciples along with His family, believed He was–and is–the Son of God.

John, Chapter 2, verse 11 says: “This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.”

After departing Cana, Jesus, His family, and His disciples went to Capernaum where they stayed a few days then went to Jerusalem because the Passover of the Jews would be soon. Upon arrival, Jesus found the temple being used as a marketplace. Merchants and moneychangers were set-up with their wares. Jesus abhorred the sight of such activities in His Father’s house. He took cords and created whips with which He drove them from the temple, pouring the money out and overturning the tables. Apparently, His disciples were taken by surprise; but–finally–they remembered the scripture where it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.” This would not be the only time this occurred; deprecation of the temple was not tolerated by Jesus.

It might be some consolation to know, even God and Jesus are angered from time to time. Psalms 30, verses four and five say:

4 — “Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.”
5 — “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

In Ephesians 4:26, the apostle Paul quoted Psalms 4:4 when he said:

“‘Be angry and do not sin‘ do not let the sun go down on your wrath.”
Ephesians 4:26

“Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed and be still.”
Psalms 4:4

“Cease from anger and forsake wrath; do not fret–it only causes harm.”
Psalms 37:8

So, though Jesus was apparently angered by the activities being wrought about in the temple of the Lord, He addressed the problem and moved on to teaching those who were there. He did not dwell on His anger.

When those who were there asked Him to show a sign since He had addressed the marketplace in the temple in such a manner, He responded they would “destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” They thought He was referring to the temple building, but He was not. His reference was to the destruction of His body (the Lord’s temple) which would be crucified on the cross, and He would raise it from the dead three days hence. They did not understand what He said.

Jesus’ time in Jerusalem was well-received by the people during the feast of the Passover; “many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did,” John 2:23.

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Lesson One: Zacharias to Have Son
Lesson Two: Jesus Birth Foretold
Lesson Three: Zacharias’ Son, John, is Born
Lesson Four: Jesus is Born
Lesson Five: And Jesus Grew . . .
Lesson Six: John Begins His Ministry
Lesson Seven: Jesus is Introduced to the World
Lesson Eight: Jesus’ Ancestral Lineage
Lesson Nine: Jesus is Tempted by Satan
Lesson Ten: Jesus Begins His Ministry (Part 1)
Lesson Eleven: Jesus Begins His Ministry (Part 2) — Sermon on the Mount (Part 1)
Lesson Twelve: Jesus Begins His Ministry (Part 3) — Sermon on the Mount (Part 2)
Lesson Thirteen: Jesus Begins His Ministry (Part 4) — Sermon on the Mount (Part 3)
Lesson Fourteen: Jesus Begins His Ministry (Part 5) — Sermon on the Mount (Part 4 — Conclusion)
Lesson Fifteen: Jesus Turns Water to Wine — The Wedding at Cana

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Photo Above: by Hans @ pixabay.com

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Taking Some Time to Grieve

by tkbrown

I will be absent from my site for a few days. Two of my siblings have passed away in three weeks, and I am allowing myself some time to grieve. I will be back with everyone soon. Please continue to peruse my site, read posts you have not read before, don’t forget to “Like,]” and “Comment.” I look forward to reading your comments when I return.

Thank You for your understanding during this time. Blessings to all!

Kennedy Award of Excellence

Rules for the Kennedy Award of Excellence:

The recipient may thank the person who has nominated her/him.
The recipient should post a photo of the award logo on her/his blog in a post which fulfills the requirements of these award rules.
The recipient may nominate as many blogs for this award as she/he chooses (minimum five).
The recipient should answer the questions put forth by the person who nominated her/him.
The recipient should ask her/his nominees a series of questions.

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Questions asked of me by parneetsachdev@timelessmind.org:

What lessons did you learn from Corona?
- I have discovered a realm of living that is not always in our grasp. The virus seems to keep slipping from the grasp of scientists who have dedicated their lives to eradicating such threats to human health. It seems to have a life of its own. The mutations do not fit the vaccines being developed, and they may require separate vaccines to eradicate them–if that is even possible.
- My mother was born in 1918–the year the last truly indomitable virus appeared. She would occasionally relate the experiences her family discussed about those days. Now, we are experiencing a similar situation, but the world populations is much greater now than it was then. To me, this says we as humans do not always have control over what happens here on this earth. The only thing we can be certain about is where we will go after this life is over. I encourage people to examine this before time overtakes the possibility of changing it, if so desired.
What values drive you?
- I grew up in a family who embraced the ‘old school’ as values to govern our lives. I believe in God, Jesus, and living a life of honesty and integrity based on my belief in them. I believe in giving one and a half hours of work for one hour of pay. I believe in giving to those in need, whenever possible and in accepting others regardless of race, creed or orientation–while continuing to hold my values and beliefs without allowing them to be diminished.
Which is your favorite movie?
- My favorite move is “Ghost.”
Whom have you ever loved from your heart?
- I have different forms of love for different people–all of which come from my heart. For instance, I love my family with familial love. I loved my mate with an even more intense love. I love all people with agape love; this is a commandment of Christ. As a Christian, I am to love “even my enemies.” Therefore, I love all people from my heart–just with differing kinds of love based upon who they are and the role they play in my life. Currently, I would have to say, I love my children and grandchildren more than anyone else.
Your dreams in life?
- I dream of one day becoming a published author. I am currently working on books of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.

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My Nominees:

Shreya @ https://shreyavikram.com/
Vickie @ https://3amthoughtsmusings.com/
Jason @ https://jasonamuckley.com/
Stearley @ https://earthwalkingworld.wordpress.com/
Steve @ https://stevescountry.com/
Mizou @https://peblogs.com/
Halbarbera @ https://getthemysteriousblogger.com/
Beck @ https://heybeck.com/
Lance @ https://lancesheridan.com/

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Questions for My Nominees

If you could be a character in any book you have read, whom would it be and why?
What do you plan to do with your blogging in the next five years?
Do you build and manage your own webpage, or is this done for you by someone you pay or otherwise?
Do you try to encourage a multicultural readership and followers?
Do you try to utilize SEO to build your number of followers and readership?

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SUNSHINE BLOGGER AWARD

Special Thanks

Thank You so very much, darellphilip, for nominating me for this award. I appreciate your support of my blog posts. It means much to work in a mutually supportive environment with like minds. I believe that is what this award is about. By supporting each other we create a light that shines on those involved in this mutually supportive effort. The resulting “Sunshine” warms our hearts and soothes the soul. It is a blessing from God. Again, Thank You, darellphilip !

To those reading, if you have not visited his blog, you should go to https://darellphilip.wordpress.com/ and see what he has posted. He supports the work of others and consistently searches for more to include in this circle of ‘Sunshine.’ Check it out!

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Sunshine Blogger Award Rules:

Thank the person who nominated you and provide a link back to their blog.
Answer the 11 questions asked by the person who nominated you.
Nominate 11 people and ask them 11 new questions.
Notify the nominees by commenting on one of their posts.
List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award in your post.

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darellphilip’s Questions:

What are you thankful for right now and why?
- I am thankful for God’s love — the strength, clarity, love for others He instills in me; for my family — my children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins; for each person with whom I come into contact — face-to-face, in social media, and on this and other blog posts, I am truly blessed by each; for my ability to express myself in written form — both prose and poetry, for this blog page — it has helped me to expand my horizons with regard to who I am and the purposes for my writing ability, and I am thankful for the necessities of life which are provided in abundance.
Who inspires you?
- my fellow bloggers, other authors, other poets, journalists, academics, family, friends, the news. I often am inspired to pursue a new line of research or thought by the written or verbal expression of others.
Where is your favourite vacation spot?
- It varies, but typically the Ozarks in the heartland of the United States. It is where I grew up and I am enthralled with the lay of the land. I feel very close to nature and to God when I am there.
When did you first realize your love for blogging?
- About a year ago, I realized that I truly had the ability to write poetry and prose worthy of sharing with others here on my wordpress.com pages rather than saving all of it for future publication. It has actually helped me with my projects planned for traditional publication too.
Why does Black Lives Matter?
- For me, saying specifically–Black lives Matter–excludes all other races as negligible and unworthy of mattering. I believe one race is as important–and matters as much–as any other. I believe singling out one race is much more racist than most other racist statements because it excludes ALL other races. I believe God sees the color of our hearts, not the color of our skins, when He determines who is important and that persons of all races matter to Him. Thus, persons of all races must matter to me, not just one race; I believe my responsibility is determining what one projects from his / her heart and then promote those whose projections are aligned with those of Jesus Christ. The riots that are being presented as peaceful protests are harmful to others and to the property of others, as well as to the cause they are purported to support. Thus they are against God’s will, and–as such–I cannot condone them in any form. Peaceful Protests are never violent or demeaning to others. I appreciate you asking this question, because it allows me to say these things with purpose. They have been weighing heavily on my heart.
How many pets do you have?
- none — I have had pets in the past, right now it would cost more to properly care for a pet than I can manage.
What new skills have you acquired during lockdown?
- I have been able to take the time needed to improve on my health through nutrition research and finding new and better recipes to utilize in this endeavor. I have also been able to better visualize the end product in my poetry book(s), my novels, and my non-fiction endeavors.
Where does your inspiration to blog come from?
- It comes from many sources: from reading–the blogs of others, news articles online, journal articles, poetry, and even during sleep. Inspiration comes from all about me, from within me, and from a spiritual connection with God and His Son.
Who is most important to you in your life right now and why?
- God, my children, and my grandchildren because they are God given gifts. I will never receive a better gift than my children and my grandchildren.
Why should bloggers follow your blog?
- I try to reflect on events happening in our world as I write. I try to always write with honesty and integrity in a way which allows others to take what they like and leave the rest. I am honored to know others see enough value in my posts to want more people to see and read them too. These award nominations have humbled me much. All praise, I believe, goes to God and His Son, Jesus. I strive to live my life in a manner pleasing to them. Hopefully, the value of that will continue to be seen by others. Thank You for asking this question too. It has given me the opportunity to reflect upon what I do and why. Thank You for nominating me!
When will racism end?
- I fear–because evil roams the world seeking ways to destroy all efforts for peaceful existence–I fear it will not end until the Lord comes to call us home.

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My Nominees:

Tangie @ https://www.tangietwoods.blog
Blanca @ https://journeyinfindinggod414907732.wordpress.com/
ChallEngEr @ https://ministryin.wordpress.com/
Nomison @ https://artnomison.wordpress.com/
Sarah @ https://studywys.wordpress.com/about-myself/
Anju @ https://thinkbigcom529246297.wordpress.com/about/
Maurice @ https://soulrenewed.wordpress.com/
parneetsachdev @ https://timelessmind.org/
Maxine @ https://heavensreef.wordpress.com/
Terese @ https://teresebelme.com/
Saania @ https://saania2806.wordpress.com/

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My Questions for My Nominees:

What is your favorite color and why?
Who is your favorite author and why?
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
What is your favorite quote? Why?
In your education, what has had the most impact on you? Why?
What is your favorite course of study? Why?
Who influenced you to begin your blog? Why?
Do you implement your own writing style on your blog, or do you follow that of someone else? Why?
If you could correct one aspect of the world right now, what would it be and why?
Who do you look up to and why?
What, or who, is your greatest source of strength? Why?

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Again, Thank You, darellphilp, for nominating me for this award! To those whom I nominated, I look forward to reading your responses. Please remember to link back to my site when you complete your post. Thank You!

Liebster Award (2)

Welcome to my acceptance of the Liebster Award nomination by Jofina Anna Reji. Thank you so very much for nominating me Jofina! To be nominated once is a huge honor, but to be nominated by someone else for a second recognition is amazing. Thank You so very much for bestowing this honor upon me for the writing I do on my blog.

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If you have not read any of Jofina’s posts on her blog, stop by and read! She writes honestly and from the heart! Her url is: https://dsgn4.wordpress.com/2020/07/21/liebster-award/. Stop by, enjoy a cup of coffee, and read! Let her know you were there and comment on her posts. She will ever be welcoming your presence. Thank You, Jofina!

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The Liebster Award is given to bloggers by other bloggers, https://bloggingfilter.com/liebster-award/. This blog post tells us “Liebster is German — it means ‘sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.’”

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Rules to the Liebster Blogger Award:

Thank the blogger who nominated you and give a link to their blog. Again, Jofina, Thank You for this highest of honors!
Answer the 11 questions given to you.
Nominate 11 other bloggers.
Ask your nominees 11 questions.
Notify your nominees once you’ve uploaded your post.

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Jofina’s Questions to me:

1. What special talent do you have?

I think listening would be my ‘special talent.’

2. When did you start blogging?

I tried to start several years ago, but I finally began to blog in earnest about a year or so ago.

3. One thing you learn from blogging?

In the beginning, I thought I had to make my blog into something specific. Over time, I learned that is not always the case. I learned the importance of, and have tried to let it develop over time rather than trying to force a particular format. This seems to be working well.

4. What is your profession?

By training, I am a counselor. I have a Master of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology. As an individual, I have developed many areas throughout my life. I have worked in varied positions and the combination has made me who I am today.

5. What are you thankful for?

I am thankful for each new day and all that each holds. These are blessings from God.

6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Five years from now, I will be a published author. I am currently working on one or more books of poetry. (I say, or more, because I am beginning to believe I need to separate them into related categories and publish smaller collections instead of one larger.) I am also working on an historical fiction novel. I have been researching it for about five years now. I knew what I needed to write from the beginning. However the plot and character arcs are finally falling into place in coherent linear from. So, while I still need to complete some more research, I have begun writing it, as well.

7. One of your favourite quote?

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13 — Holy Bible (NKJV)

8. Something new you wanna try?

I have a goal of learning some new languages. My research for the novel I am writing and for essays has required much of my time for the last several years. I am to the point now I am planning to begin those efforts again. To begin, I wish to learn Greek, Spanish and French.

9.What’s the thing you like most about yourself?

I am able to understand the varied nuances that form a unique individual within each person I meet. No two are alike. I do not expect them to be alike, and I do not strive to push my beliefs upon others. I accept each as the unique individual creation God has made.

10.What 3 words describe you the best?

Spiritual — Loving — Creative

11.One of your favourite film and why?

“Ghost” — because it presents a husband and wife who love and respect each other — even with the quirks.

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My Nominees:

Sobia @ https://blossomreads.com/about/.
Jayant Ahuja @ https://bejayant1729.wordpress.com/
shadawss @ https://www.shadawss.com/
Introverted Thoughts @ https://myrandomspecificthoughts.wordpress.com/
Somedatta @ https://somedattasengupta.wordpress.com/
Doris @ https://doriskoki.wordpress.com/
Kamya @ https://keepupwithkamya.wordpress.com/
Fatimah @ https://aprofoundcupoftea.wordpress.com/
Maxine @ https://heavensreef.wordpress.com/
Simran @ https://perseveroflife.wordpress.com/
Shruti @ https://musingsbyamedstudent.wordpress.com/

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My Questions to My Nominees:

What are the top three things you wish to accomplish with your blog posts?
If you could visit any time period, past – present – future, when would it be and why?
How do you see peer to peer awards, such as the Liebster Award, helping to move your efforts forward?
How does your writing enhance you as a person?
How much do you engage in social media?
How has the coronavirus impacted your interactions with others?
How does blogging enhance logical reasoning?
How important is a healthy lifestyle to you?
What three writers have had the most impact on your writing style?
What “color” best depicts you emotionally?
What “main character” would you most want to be?

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My heartfelt thanks to each of you!

Calendar Quindecims ~~ August 2020

~~ by tkbrown

Icicle memories. . . . long forgotten,
reappear to form a fave smoothie slush.
Hmmm. What flavor is your preference, then?
Mango-Peach is mine, fruit fresh from the bush.
Temperatures rising -- higher, higher:
Will relief ne'er wind itself down a spell?
A dip in the pool would be fun favor
but for the numbers of spiking unwell.
Back to school for children has been the rule
'ere COVID-19 called, gave us a stutter.
Now, Christmas may visit 'ere back to school
gets off the ground midst inclement weather.
"The Best Laid Plans . . ." John made to go awry
with choice visiting far beyond the sky.
We here on earth are afraid to ask, "Why?"

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Photo above by: Alexander Mils @ Unsplash.com.

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Jesus Begins His Ministry — Part 5

Scripture is from the Holy Bible — New King James Version (KNJV)

Notes on Scripture (below) by tkbrown

“Sermon on the Mount,” conclusion

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Lesson Scripture — Matthew 7:1-29

1 — “‘Judge not, that you be not judged.'”

2 — “‘For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.'”

3 — “‘And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?'”

4 — “‘Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’, and look, a plank is in your own eye?'”

5 — “‘Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.'”

6 — “‘Do not give what is holy to the dogs nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.'”

7 — “‘Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.'”

8 — “‘For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.'”

9 — “‘Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?'”

10 — “‘Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?'”

11 — “‘If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!'”

12 — “‘Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.'”

13 — “‘Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.'”

14 — “‘Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.'”

15 — “‘Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.'”

16 — “‘You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles?'”

17 — “‘Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.'”

18 — “‘A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.'”

19 — “‘Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.'”

20 — “‘Therefore by their fruits you will know them.'”

21 — “‘Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.'”

22 — “‘Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?'”

23 — “‘And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'”

24 — “‘Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock;'”

25 — “‘and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.'”

26 — “‘But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand;'”

27 — “‘and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.'”

28 — “And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching.”

29 — “for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”

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Lesson Scripture — Luke 6:37-49

37 — “‘Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.'”

38 — “‘Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.'”

39 — “‘And He spoke a parable to them: ‘Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch?'”

40 — “‘A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.'”

41 — “‘And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye?'”

42 — “‘Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye.'”

43 — “‘For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.'”

44 — “‘For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush.'”

45 — “‘A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.'”

46 — “‘But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?'”

47 — “‘Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like:'”

48 — “‘He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.'”

49 — “‘But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.'”

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Old Testament Prophecy Related to Matthew 7:1-29

v 6 — Proverbs 9:7, 8

7 — “He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, and he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself.”
8 — “Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.”

v 8 — Proverbs 8:17 — “I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me.” (Below, I am going back to verse twelve to clarify this discourse for you.)

12 — “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence and find out knowledge and discretion.”
13 — “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil’ pride and arrogance and the evil way, and the perverse mouth I hate.”
14 — “Counsel is mine and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.”
15 — “By me kings reign and rulers decree justice.”
16 — “By me princes rule, and nobles, all the judges of the earth.”

v11 — Genesis 6:5 — “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

v11 — Genesis 8:21 — “And the Lord smelled a soothing aroma. Then the Lord said in His heart, ‘I will never again curse the ground for man’s sake, although the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done.”

v15 — Jeremiah 23:15, 16

15 — “Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts concerning the prophets: ‘Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall; for from the prophets of Jerusalem profaneness has gone out into all the land.'”
16 — “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the Lord.'”

v15 — Micah 3:5 — “Then they will cry to the Lord, but He will not hear them; He will even hide His face from them at that time because they have been evil in their deeds.”

v22 — Numbers 24:1-7

1 — “Now when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not go, as at other times, to seek to use sorcery, but he set his face toward the wilderness.”
2 — “And Balaam raised his eyes and saw Israel encamped according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came upon him.”
3 — “Then he took up his oracle and said: ‘The utterance of Balaam the son of Beor, the utterance of the man whose eyes are opened,”
4 — “‘the utterance of him who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, who falls down, with eyes wide open;'”
5 — “‘How lovely are your tents, O Jacob! Your dwellings, O Israel!'”
6 — “‘Like valleys that stretch out, like gardens by the riverside, like aloes planted by the Lord, like cedars beside the waters,'”
7 — “‘He shall pour water from his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters. His king shall be higher than a gag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.'”

v23 — Psalms 5:5 — “The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity.”

v23 — Psalms 6:8 — “Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity for the Lord will receive my prayer.”

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New Testament Scriptures Related to Matthew 7:1-29

v 1 — Romans 14:3 — “Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.”

v 2 — Luke 6:38 — “‘Give and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.'”

v 3 — Luke 6:41 — “‘And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye?'”

v 7 — Mark 11:24 — “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God?'”

v 9 — Luke 11:11 — “‘If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish?'”

v12 — Luke 6:31 — “‘And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.'”

v12 — Galatians 5:14 — “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'”

v13 — Luke 13:24 — “‘Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for man, I say to you, will seek and will not be able.'”

v16 — Matthew 7:20 — “‘Therefore by their fruits you will know them.'”

v16, 17 — Matthew 12:33 — “‘Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit.'”

v16 — Luke 6:43 — “‘For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.'”

v19 — John 15:2 — “‘Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.'”

v19 — John 15:6 — “‘If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.'”

v21 — Luke 6:46 — “‘But why do you call Me Lord Lord, and not do the things which I say?'”

v21 — Romans 2:12-16

12 — “For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law.”
13 — “(for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified;”
14 — “for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these although not having the law, are a law to themselves.”
15 — “who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them)”
16 — “in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.”

v23 — II Timothy 2:19 — “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal; ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.'”

v24 — Luke 47-49

47 — “Whoever comes to Me , and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like.'”
48 — “He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation of the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.'”
49 — “But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.'”

v28 — Matthew 13:54 — “When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, ‘Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works?'”

v29 — John 7:46 — “The officers answered, ‘No man ever spoke like this Man!'”

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Old Testament Prophecy Related to Luke 6:37-49

v38 — Proverbs 19:17 — “He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.”

v38 — Proverbs 28:27 — “He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses.”

v38 — Psalm 79:11, 12

11 — “Let the groaning of the prisoner come before You; according to the greatness of Your power preserve those who are appointed to die;'”
12 — “‘and return to our neighbors sevenfold into their bosom their reproach with which they have reproached You, O Lord.'”

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New Testament Scripture Related to Luke 6:37-49

v37 — Matthew 7:1-5

1 — “‘Judge not, that you be not judged.'”
2 — “‘For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.'”
3 — “‘And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?'”
4 — “Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye;’ and look a plank is in your own eye?'”
5 — “‘Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.'”

v37 — Matthew 18:21-35

21 — “Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?'”
22 — “Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.'”
23 — “‘Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.'”
24 — “‘And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.'”
25 — “‘But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made.'”
26 — “‘The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.'”
27 –“‘Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.'”
28 — ‘”But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!'”
29 — “‘So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me; and I will pay you all.'”
30 — “‘And he would not but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.'”
31 — “‘So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved and came and told their master all that had been done.'”
32 — “‘Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me.'”
33 — “‘Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant just as I had pity on you?'”
34 — “‘And his master was angry and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.'”
35 — “‘So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.'”

v38 — James 2:13 — “For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

v39 — Matthew 15:12-14

12 — “Then His disciples came and said to Him, ‘Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?'”
13 — “But He answered and said, ‘ Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted.'”
14 — “Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.'”

v39 — Matthew 23:16 — “Woe to you blind guides who say, “Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obliged to perform it.'”

v40 — John 13:16 — “Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.'”

v40 — John 15:20-23

20 — “‘Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.'”
21 — “‘But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.'”
22 — “‘If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.'”
23 — “‘He who hates Me hates My Father also.'”

v41 — Matthew 7:3 — “‘And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?'”

v43 — Matthew 7:16-18

16 — “‘You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles?'”
17 — “‘Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.'”
18 — “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.”

v43 — Matthew 18:20 — “‘For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.'”

v44 — Matthew 12:33 — “‘Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit.'”

v45 — Matthew 12:34, 35

34 — “‘Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.'”
35 — “‘A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.'”

v47 — James 1:22-25

22 — “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
23 — “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;”
24 — “for he observes himself, goes away and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.”
25 — “But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”

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Notes on Scripture: by tkbrown

As Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount, He addresses several behaviors and attributes which differentiate His true followers from those who are not His followers. He stresses the importance of both hearing and doing what He said. The tendency of some to skip ‘doing” in favor of a way more appealing to the masses is warned against. He taught of the difficulties in adhering to a life which keeps us on the narrow road with entry at the narrow gate. Since He was persecuted while here on earth — and since then — He assures us we will be persecuted, too, for His name’s sake. He reminds us, however, in the end those who persecute my followers have their reward right here on earth. Our reward will be eternal life in heaven with Him and with God.

Discussing judgment of others, Jesus clearly states we are not granted the right, as His followers, to judge the behavior of others — whether or not it is pleasing to God. With whatever judgment we judge, we shall be judged. By whatever law we judge, we will be judged by the same law. With whatever measure we judge, we will be judged by the same measure. If we judge others harshly, we will be judged harshly in return. This includes self-righteous criticism of others; we are not to view ourselves as ‘better followers of Christ than others.’ We are to seek God’s righteousness in ourselves, but we are not to look at the behaviors of others to discern whether or not they possess God’s righteousness. It is important to remember, “When I am pointing a finger at someone else, I have three fingers pointing back at me.”

If we are a good follower of Jesus, we will lead good followers to Jesus. If we follow Jesus as we are taught in the Holy Bible, we will bring others to Christ as well. Others will want to know what we have and how to get it. Does the fig tree have to put forth effort to reproduce and bear figs on its branches? If the gardener tends the tree properly, and if it is planted in good soil, it has no choice but to bear good fruit. If the gardener does not tend the tree properly, or if it is planted in poor soil, it may bear no fruit at all. If it does bear fruit, it will likely be withered, small, or deformed — not good fruit. When this is the case, the tree will be up-rooted and thrown into the fire.

“Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”
John 15:2 — Holy Bible (NKJV)

The persecution and other methods of trying our faith make us stronger as Christians. Via Christ-like compassion, which promotes the agape form of love for others, we are more prone to help others and to forgive them when we are wronged.

Oftentimes, we see someone engaging in a behavior that we deem to be sinful. Is it our responsibility to try to stop that behavior? If we do try to assist change in the other person, we must first look at our own life and clean all sin from it. Is it possible to say we are without sin? No, it is not.

“If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and the word is not in us.”
I John 1:10 — Holy Bible (NKJV)

When we have removed sin (the plank) from our life, only then are we to point out and attempt to assist in the removal of sin (the speck) from the lives of others. Even then, it is much easier to lead and assist by example.

If someone has need, we are to give freely — without expectation of return. If someone asks us for help, we are to give that help to the extent possible. Jesus uses the example of a child asking a parent for bread or for a fish. Would the parent give his/her child a stone or a snake instead of bread or a fish? No, the child would be given what he/she requested. He explains that it is the same when His followers ask of God. If we ask, we will receive; if we seek, we will find; if we knock, it will be opened. By this, He is saying, if we ask for God to help us grow as Christ’s follower, we will grow. If we seek God’s righteousness, we will become more like God. If we knock, the door to God’s way will be opened to us. God already knows our physical needs. Thus, there is no need to ask for those — though most of us do. When we are making requests of God, it is important we remember to thank Him for all Blessings bestowed upon us. It is also important to believe He will hear our requests and provide.

As noted above, if we choose the straight and narrow way, we will have difficulty staying on that path. Many who set out upon it, falter and fall by the wayside. He said the road is crowded, and many will not be allowed in. Many will say to Him, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name; did we not cast out demons in Your name; have we not performed many wonderful deeds in your name?” He said, because they have not obeyed His commandments, He will say, “Depart from Me. I never knew you!” Many will prefer to follow a path which seems right to them, not the path Jesus specified in the Scriptures. We cannot “do it our way and get to heaven.”

He cautioned against listening to the wolves in sheep’s clothing — those who teach false doctrine. Those who make it seem easy to meet the requirements set forth in the New Testament. This goes back to the concept we have seen often and will see much more as we continue our studies:

“Study to show thyself approved a workman unto God that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.”
II Timothy 2:15 — Holy Bible — King James Version (KJV)

If we study for ourselves and verify in the scriptures, everything taught by others, we can know in our hearts whether or not we have been presented a false doctrine.

Jesus concluded the Sermon on the Mount with an example of two people hearing his sayings. He said those who hear his sayings and do them are like a person building a home and setting it upon a foundation set upon solid rock. Jesus is that rock. That house is in no danger of being destroyed when the floods come. It will stand. There may need to be repairs, but the house itself will stand. The other person hearing His sayings and doing them not is likened unto the person whose house is built upon the sand with no foundation beneath it. When the floods come, that house will fall and be washed away.

Therefore, as we continue with the studies of Jesus Ministry, I continue to emphasize the importance of studying these lessons yourself. Do not just take my word for it. What I say in these notes should be verified in the scriptures. This is the only way you can form-up that foundation for a solid support to your house in heaven. Study the scriptures until you know them front to back. Even then, it is important to continue with your daily study and with verifying the things you are taught. When this is a regular part of your spiritual growth, it will become easier because eventually, you know almost instantaneously whether or not the doctrine being presented is true. As you continue going to the scriptures in the Holy Bible and studying, it will be necessary for you to begin teaching others.

I pray these lessons are a blessing to you in the learning of Christ’s teachings while He lived here on earth and the teachings of His apostles following His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension back to heaven. May God Bless and Keep you until the next lesson when we will see Jesus Continuing His Ministry here on earth.

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Lesson One -- Zacharias to Have Son . . .
Lesson Two -- Scripture: Jesus Birth Foretold . . .
Lesson Three -- Scripture: Zacharias' Son, John, is Born . . .
Lesson Four -- Scripture: Jesus is Born . . .
Lesson Five -- Scripture: And Jesus Grew . . .
Lesson Six -- Scripture: John Begins His Ministry . . .
Lesson Seven -- Scripture: Jesus is Introduced to the World . . .
Lesson Eight -- Scripture: Jesus' Ancestral Lineage
Lesson Nine -- Scripture: Jesus is Tempted by Satan
Lesson Ten -- Scripture: Jesus Begins His Ministry (Part I)
Lesson Eleven -- Scripture: Jesus Begins His Ministry (Part 2) -- Sermon on the Mount (Part I)
Lesson Twelve -- Scripture: Jesus Begins His Ministry (Part 3) -- Sermon on the Mount (Part 2)
Lesson Thirteen -- Scripture: Jesus Begins His Ministry (Part 4) -- Sermon on the Mount (Part 3)
Lesson Fourteen -- Scripture: Jesus Begins His Ministry (Part 5) -- Sermon on the Mount (Part 4) -- (Conclusion)

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Photo above by: kieutruongphoto @ pixabay.com.

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Jesus Begins His Ministry — Part 4

Scripture is from the Holy Bible — New King James Version (NKJV)

Notes on Scripture (below) by tkbrown

“Sermon on the Mount”

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Lesson Scripture — Matthew 6:1-34

1 — “‘Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.'”

2 — “‘Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.'”

3 — “‘But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,'”

4 — “‘that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.'”

5 — “‘And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.'”

6 — “‘But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.'”

7 — “‘And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.'”

8 — “‘Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.'”

9 — “‘In this manner, therefore, pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.'”

10 — “‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.'”

11 — “‘Give us this day our daily bread.'”

12 — “‘And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.'”

13 — “‘And do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.'”

14 — “‘For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.'”

15 — “‘But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.'”

16 — “‘Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.'”

17 — “‘But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,'”

18 — “‘so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.'”

19 — “‘Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;'”

20 — “‘but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.'”

21 — “‘For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.'”

22 — “‘That lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.'”

23 — “‘But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!'”

24 — “‘No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.'”

25 — “‘Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?'”

26 — “‘Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?'”

27 — “‘Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?'”

28 — “‘So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow, they neither toil nor spin;'”

29 — “‘and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.'”

30 — “‘Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?'”

31 — “‘Therefore do not worry saying: What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or What shall we wear?'”

32 — “‘For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.'”

33 — “‘But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.'”

34 — “‘Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.'”

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Lesson Scripture — Luke 18:1-14

1 — “Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,”

2 — “saying, ‘There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man.'”

3 — “‘Now there was a widow in that city, and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.'”

4 — “‘And he would not for a while, but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man,'”

5 — “‘yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continued coming she weary me.'”

6 — “‘Then the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unjust judge said,'”

7 — “‘And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?'”

8 — “‘I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?'”

9 — “Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others.”

10 — “‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.'”

11 — “‘The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men–extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.'”

12 — “‘I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.'”

13 — “‘And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God be merciful to me a sinner!'”

14 — “‘I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.'”

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Lesson Scripture — John 1:4-9

4 — “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”

5 — “And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”

6 — “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John”

7 — “This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.”

8 — “He was not that Light but was sent to bear witness of that Light.”

9 — “That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.”

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Old Testament Prophecy Related to Matthew 6:1-34

v 2 — 2 Kings 4:32, 33

32 — “When Elisha came into the house, there was the child lying dead on his bed.”

33 — “He went in therefore, shut the door behind the two of them, and prayed to the Lord.”

v 7 — Ecclesiastes 5:2 — “Do not be rash with your mouth and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore, let your words be few.”

v 7 — 1 Kings 18:25, 26

25 — “Now Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, ‘Choose one bull for yourselves and prepare it first, for you are many, and call on the name of your god, but put no fire under it.'”

26 — “So they took the bull which was given them, and they prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even till noon, saying, ‘O Baal, hear us!’ But there was no voice, no one answered. Then they leaped about the altar which they had made.”

v 9 — Malachi 1:11 — “‘For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down, My name shall be great among the Gentiles; in every place incense shall be offered to My name. And a pure offering, for My name shall be great among the nations,’ says the Lord of hosts.”

v10 — Psalms 103:20 — “Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word.”

v11 — Proverbs 30:8 — “Remove falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches–feed me with the food allotted to me;”

v16 — Isaiah 58:3-7

3 — “‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and You have not seen? Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice? In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure, and exploit all your laborers.'”

4 — “‘Indeed you fast for strife and debate and to strike with the fist of wickedness. You will not fast as you do this day, to make your voice heard on high.'”

5 — “‘Is it a fast that I have chosen, a day for man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Would you call this a fast and an acceptable day to the Lord?'”

6 — “‘Is this not the fast that I have chosen; to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?'”

7 __ “‘Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh?'”

v17 — Ruth 3:3 — “‘Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.'”

v19 — Proverbs 23:4 — “Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease!”

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New Testament Scriptures Related to Matthew 6:1-34

v 2 — Romans 12:6-8

6 — “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them; if prophecy, let us prophecy in proportion to our faith,”

7 — “or ministry, let us use it in our ministering, he who teaches, in teaching;”

8 — “he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives with liberality, he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”

v 4 — Luke 14:12-14

12 — “Then He also said to him who invited Him, ‘When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid.'”

13 — “‘But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind.'”

14 — “‘And you will be blessed because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid in the resurrection of the just.'”

v 8 — Romans 8:26, 27

26 — “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

27 — “Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

v 9 — Luke 11:2-4

2 — “So He said to them, ‘When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.'”

3 — “‘Give us day by day our daily bread.'”

4 — “‘And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.'”

v 9 — Matthew 5:9 — “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

v 9 — Matthew 5:16 — “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

v10 — Matthew 26:42 — “Again a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, ‘O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.'”

v12 — Matthew 18:21-35

21 — “Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?'”

22 — “Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.'”

23 — “‘Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.'”

24 — “‘And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.'”

25 — “‘But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made.'”

26 — “‘The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.'”

27 — “‘Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.'”

28 — “‘But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!'”

29 — “‘So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.'”

30 — “‘And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.'”

31 — “‘So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done.'”

32 — “‘Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me.'”

33 — “‘Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?'”

34 — “‘And his master was angry and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.'”

35 — “‘So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.'”

v13 — 2 Peter 2:9 — “then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment.”

v13 — John 17:9 — “‘I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom you have given Me, for they are Yours.'”

v13 — John 17:15 — “‘I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.'”

v13 — John 17:20, 21

20 — “‘I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;'”

21 — “‘that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.'”

v14 — Mark 11:25 — “‘And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive your trespasses.'”

v15 — Matthew 18:35 — “‘So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart does not forgive his brother his trespasses.'”

v22 — Luke 11:34-36

34 — “‘The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness.'”

35 — “‘Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness.'”

36 — “‘If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole body will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light.'”

v24 — Luke 16:9 — “‘And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home.'”

v24 — Luke 16:11 — “‘Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?'”

v24 — Luke 16:13 — “‘No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.'”

v24 — Galatians 1:10 — “For do I now persuade men or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.”

v25 — Luke 12:22-23

22 — “‘Then He said to His disciples, ‘Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on.'”

23 — “‘Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.'”

v26 – Luke 12:24 — “‘Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn, and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds?'”

v33 — I Timothy 4:8 — “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”

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Old Testament Prophecy Related to Luke 18:1-14

v11 — Psalm 135:2 — “You who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.”

v11 — Isaiah 1:15 — “When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood.”

v11 — Isaiah 55:2 — “Yet they seek Me daily, and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and did not forsake the ordinance of their God. They ask of Me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching God.”

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New Testament Scripture Related to Luke 18:1-14

v 1 — Luke 11:5-10

5 — “And He said to them, ‘Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves.'”

6 — “‘for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him.'”

7 — “‘and he will answer from within and say, Do not trouble me, the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed, I cannot rise and give to you?'”

8 — “‘I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs.'”

9 — “‘So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.'”

10 — “‘For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks, finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.'”

v 5 — Luke 11:8 — “‘I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is is friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs.'”

v 7 — Revelation 6:10 — “And they cried with a loud voice saying, ‘How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?'”

v 8 — Hebrews 10:37 — “For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry.'”

v 9 — Luke 10:29 — “But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?'”

v14 — Luke 14:11 — “‘For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.'”

v 9 — Luke 16:15 — “And He said to them, “‘You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.'”

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Old Testament Prophecy Related to John 1:4-9

v 8 — Isaiah 9:2 — “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.”

v 8, 9 — Isaiah 49:6 — “Indeed He says, ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.'”

v11 — Isaiah 53:3 — “He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.”

v14 — Isaiah 40:5 — “‘The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.'”

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New Testament Scripture Related to John 1:4-9

v 4 — I John 5:11 — “And this is the testimony; that God has given us eternal life; and this life is in His Son.”

v 4 — John 8:12 — “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world, He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.'”

v 4 — John 9:5 — “‘As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.'”

v 4 — John 12:46 — “‘While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.’ These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them.'”

v 5 — John 3:19 — “‘And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.'”

v 6 — Matthew 3:1-17

1 — “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea.”

2 — “and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!'”

3 — “‘For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying, ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness prepares the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.'”

4 — “Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.”

5 — “Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him”

6 — “and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.”

7 — “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, ‘Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”

8 — “Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,'”

9 __ “‘and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.'”

10 — “‘And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.'”

11 — “‘I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.'”

12 — “‘His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.'”

13 — “Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.”

14 — “And John tried to prevent Him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”

15 — “But Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.‘ Then he allowed Him.”

16 — “When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.”

17 — “And suddenly a voice came from heaven saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'”

v 7 — John 3:25-36

25 — “Then there arose a dispute between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purification.”

26 — “And they came to John and said to him, ‘Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified–behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!'”

27 — “John answered and said, ‘A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.'”

28 — “‘You yourselves hear me witness that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.'”

29 — “‘He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore, this joy of mine is fulfilled.'”

30 — “‘He must increase, but I must decrease.'”

31 — “‘He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.'”

32 — “‘And when He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony.'”

33 — “‘He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true.'”

34 — “‘For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure.'”

35 — “‘The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand.'”

36 — “‘He who believes in the Son has everlasting life, and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.'”

v 7 — John 5:33-35

33 — “‘You have sent to John, and he has born witness to the truth.'”

34 — “Yet I do not receive testimony from man, but I say these things that you may be saved.'”

35 — “‘He was the burning and shifting lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light.'”

v 7 — John 3:16 — “‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.'”

v10 — Hebrews 1:1-3

1 — “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,”

2 — “has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, who He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;”

3 — “who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”

v11 — Luke 19:14 — “‘But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us.'”

v12 — Galatians 3:26 — “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”

v13 — I Peter 1:22-25

22 — “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart.”

23 — “having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.”

24 — “because: ‘All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away.'”

25 — “‘But the word of the Lord endures forever.’ Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.”

v14 — Galatians 4:4, 5

4 — “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,”

5 — “to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”

v14 — Hebrews 2:11, 12

11 — “For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,”

12 — “saying: ‘I will declare Your name to My brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.'”

v14 — John 8:32 — “‘And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.'”

v14 — John 14:6 — “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'”

v14 — John 18:37 — “Pilate therefore said to Him, ‘Are You a king then?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.'”

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Notes on Scripture: by tkbrown

During Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount,” He instructed us to lay up our treasures in heaven rather than here on earth. When we do for others who have need, as Christians we are laying up treasures in heaven. However, these charitable deeds for others are to be done in secret. They are not to be discussed with others. Jesus said we should not even let our left hand know what the right is doing that “your Father who sees in secret may reward you openly.”

When we pray, we should not pray in vain repetitions. God knows our needs even before we ask of Him; so, there is no need to repeat the same thing day in and day out. Say what is pressing at the time. Sometimes we may be able to utter no more than, “Help me,” which is sufficient because Jesus Christ is our High Priest. As such, He mediates for us with the Holy Spirit, making intercession to clarify those things for which we can find no utterance.

When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, He prayed and exemplary prayer. Today, we know this prayer as “The Lord’s Prayer.” These are some specifics to remember, if you choose to use this as your prayer:

We are taught to not make vain repetitions in our prayers. Thus, even this prayer should not become a vain repetition. It is to be used as a guide for our prayers, not as a replacement for them.
This prayer was taught the disciples prior to Christ’s crucifixion and death. In this prayer, Jesus refers to the kingdom as yet to come. We must remember His kingdom was established before Christ’s ascension into heaven. So, today we would pray regarding an existing kingdom.
The Lord’s Prayer focuses on generalities rather than specifics. This indicates that prayers for specifics are not typically necessary.
Jesus told us not to worry about our food, our body or what to wear. God provides for the birds of the air without them having to put up in store. If He provides for the birds of the air, will He not provide for us too?
The lilies of the field are beautiful. Jesus said even Solomon was not arrayed as one of those. If God arrays them so beautifully, will he not provide for us too?
In I Thessalonians 5:16-18, the apostle Paul told them to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks.” Thus, even when things are not going good, we should rejoice and thank God for helping us to learn from what we are going through, asking that he help us through trials and tribulations that we might be stronger after they are over. That we are told to pray without ceasing indicates that we should utter our requests as the need arises. Praying throughout the day keeps one much more in tune with our need for God to help us through each day.

Jesus said, if we choose to fast as part of our spiritual routine, we should not let others know we do so. He fasted many times–sometimes at great length–during His life here on earth. In Matthew Chapter 6, He said when we fast we should not present as fasting to others. We are not to go around with a sad, downtrodden countenance when we fast. We should get up, comb our hair, wash our face and go about our business as if nothing is different from any other day. It is an individual choice as to the need for fasting. However, if we choose to fast, we are not to tell others verbally, via body language or through their observation of our countenance. Fasting is a communion with God and Christ. It is never to be discussed with anyone. Fasting can greatly enrich our relationship with God if properly engaged.

Christ told the multitudes listening to His Sermon on the Mount that we are not to be concerned with building up treasures here on earth, but rather to concentrate on building up treasures in heaven by seeking to become more Godlike. As we seek Him and His righteousness, we are presented situations to make us stronger as Christians. Part of this involves doing for others who are in need here on earth. If we do this, He will see that we have what we need (i.e., food, clothing, a roof over our head). We are not to worry about what we will eat, wear or where we will lay our head. God will provide. Worrying will not add anything to our stature physically or spiritually. The more we do for others who have need, the closer we grow to God. Jesus said we are not to worry about tomorrow. This day will have sufficient trials of its own without worry about tomorrow being added to it. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you,” (Matthew 6:33).

As Christians, we are to let our lights shine before men that they may know by our actions and countenance that there is something different about us. The peace and serenity we portray should make others want to know what we have. He said our light will shine from our eyes as a beacon to others. If we do not have this light, then “how great is our darkness.”

As Jesus said, “No man can serve two masters. We cannot serve both God and Satan. We cannot be lukewarm in our service to God. In Revelation 3:15 and 16, Jesus says, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”

Finally, forgive others when they do you wrong because it is the right thing to do, and so the Father in heaven will forgive you the things you do wrong. In order to have an eternal home in heaven, we must hold no malice in our hearts toward others — even those who have wronged us.

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Lesson One -- Scripture: Zacharias to Have Son . . .
Lesson Two -- Scripture: Jesus Birth Foretold . . .
Lesson Three - - Scripture: Zacharias' Son, John, is Born . . .
Lesson Four - - Scripture: Jesus is Born . . .
Lesson Five -- Scripture: And Jesus Grew . . .
Lesson Six -- Scripture: John Begins His Ministry . . .
Lesson Seven -- Scripture: Jesus is Introduced to the World . . .
Lesson Eight -- Scripture: Jesus' Ancestral Lineage
Lesson Nine -- Scripture: Jesus is Tempted By Satan
Lesson Ten -- Scripture: Jesus begins His Ministry (Part 1)
Lesson Eleven -- Scripture: Jesus Begins His Ministry (Part 2) -- Sermon on the Mount (Part 1)
Lesson Twelve -- Scripture: Jesus Begins His Ministry (Part 3) -- Sermon on the Mount (Part 2)
Lesson Thirteen -- Scripture: Jesus Begins His Ministry (Part 4) -- Sermon on the Mount (Part 3)
Lesson Fourteen -- Scripture: Jesus Begins His Ministry (Part 5) -- Sermon on the Mount (Part 4)

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Photo above by: kieutruongphoto @ pixabay.com.

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The Breath of Life

by tkbrown

"God formed man from the dust of the earth
and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.
Then man became a living being."
  ~~ Genesis 2:7 -- Holy Bible

When God breathed life into Adam, he began
a chain reaction which is still going on today.
Every breath taken began with breath from that One
and provides fuel to give every action its sway.

In so many ways, our breathing determines our life.
The more natural and rhythmic our breath,
the more alert is the tune to our sources of strife.
Life is breathed into our veins as they exhale death.

Inhale, and rejuvenating energy flows through
each and every cell via oxygen in the blood
which carries back to the lungs a toxic brew,
exhaled to gather another life-giving flood.

Peace and serenity can be felt in fingertips,
down to the toes as focused breathing slows--
relaxing thought, exhaling tension 'tween our lips,
calming response to life's external throes.

Speeding the process with controls in place
can ease intense pain or fuel an activity burst.
Smooth, rhythmic breathing can set the pace
whether it is focused and slow, or heated and fast.

Meditation, relaxation, tantric energy or Lamaze--
all are breathworks for a cause of report--
whether for yoga, Taoism, or some healthy exercise,
'tis a breath of fresh air--of a Godly sort.

~~~~~~~~~~

Photo Above by: Aaron Burden on Unsplash.com.

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Jesus Begins His Ministry – Part 3

Scripture is from the Holy Bible — New King James Version (NKJV)

Notes on Scripture (below) by tkbrown

“Sermon on the Mount“

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Lesson Scripture — Matthew 5:21-48

21 — “‘You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.””

22 — “‘But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Ra ca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.'”

23 — “‘Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,'”

24 — “‘leave your gift there before the altar and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.'”

25 — “‘Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.'”

26 — “‘Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there ’til you have paid the last penny.'”

27 — “‘You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.'”

28 — “‘But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.'”

29 — “‘If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you, for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell,'”

30 — “‘And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for you whole body to be cast into hell.'”

31 — “‘Furthermore it has been said whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.'”

32 — “‘But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.'”

33 — “‘Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.'”

34 — “‘But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne,'”

35 — “‘nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.'”

36 — “‘Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black.'”

37 — “‘But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.'”

38 — “‘You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'”

39 — “‘But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.'”

40 — “‘If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.'”

41 — “‘And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.'”

42 — “‘Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.'”

43 — “‘You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.‘”

44 — “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.'”

45 — “‘that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes the sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.'”

46 — “‘For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?'”

47 — “‘And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?'”

48 — “‘Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.'”

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Lesson Scripture, cont. — Mark 3:13-16

Mark’s Presentation of Jesus’ Disciple / Apostle Selection

13 — “And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him.”

14 — “Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach,”

15 — “and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons:”

16 — “Simon, to whom He gave the name Peter,”

17 — “James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He gave the name Boanerges, that is, ‘Sons of Thunder’;”

18 — “Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thadaeus, Simon the Cananite,”

19 — “and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. And they went into a house.”

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Lesson Scripture, cont. — Luke 6:24-36

“Sermon on the Mount,”

24 — “‘But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.'”

25 — “‘Woe to you who are full, for you shall hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.'”

26 — “‘Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets.'”

27 — “‘But I say to you who hear; love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.'”

28 — “‘bless those who curse you and pray for those who spitefully use you.'”

29 — “‘To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either.'”

30 — “‘Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back.'”

31 — “‘And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.'”

32 — “‘But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.'”

33 — “‘And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.'”

34 — “‘And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back.‘”

35 — “‘But love your enemies, do good and lend, hoping for nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.'”

36 — “‘Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.'”

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Old Testament Prophecy Related to Matthew 5:21-48

v21 — Exodus 20:13 — “You shall not murder.”

v21 — Deuteronomy 5:17 — “You shall not murder.”

v24 — Job 42:8 — “Now therefore, take for yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, go to My servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and My servant Job shall pray for you. For I will accept him, lest I deal with you according to your folly, because you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has.”

v25 — Isaiah 55:6 — “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.”

v27 — Exodus 20:14 — “You shall not commit adultery.”

v27 — Deuteronomy 5:18 — “You shall not commit adultery.”

v28 — Proverbs 6:23-26

23 — “For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of life,”

24 — “to keep you from the evil woman, from the flattering tongue of a seductress.”

25 — “Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, nor let her allure you with her eyelids,”

26 — “For by means of a harlot a man is reduced to a crust of bread; and an adulteress will prey upon his precious life.”

v31 — Deuteronomy 24:1-4

1 — “When a man takes a wife and marries her, and it happens that she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some uncleanness in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, puts it in her hand, and sends her out of his house,”

2 — “when she has departed from his house, and goes and becomes another man’s wife,”

3 — “if the latter husband detests her and writes her a certificate of divorce, puts it in her hand, and sends her out of his house, or if the latter husband dies who took her as his wife,”

4 — “then her former husband who divorced her must not take her back to be his wife after she has been defiled, for that is an abomination before the Lord, and you shall not bring sin on the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance.”

v33 — Leviticus 19:12 — “‘And you shall not swear by My name falsely, nor shall you profane the name of your God; I am the Lord.'”

v33 — Deuteronomy 23:23 — “That which has gone from your lips you shall keep and perform, for you voluntarily vowed to the Lord your God what you have promised with your mouth.”

v34 — Isaiah 66:1 — “Thus says the Lord: ‘Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build me? And where is the place of My rest?'”

v35 — Psalm 48:2 — “Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.”

v38 — Exodus 21:23-25

23 — “But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life.”

24 — “eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,”

25 — “burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.”

v38 — Leviticus 24:19, 20

19 — “If a man causes disfigurement of his neighbor, as he has done, so shall it be done to him–“

20 — “fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, as he has caused disfigurement of a man so shall it be done to him.”

v38 — Deuteronomy 19:21 — “Your eye shall not pity; life shall be for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.”

v39 — Isaiah 50:6 — “I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide my face from shame and spitting.”

v43 — Leviticus 19:18 — “You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”

v43 — Deuteronomy 23:3-6

3 — “An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter the assembly of the Lord; even to the tenth generation none of his descendants shall enter the assembly of the Lord forever,”

4 — “because they did not meet you with bread and water on the road when you came out of Egypt, and because they hired against you Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse you.”

v45 — “Job 25:3 — “Is there any number to His armies? Upon whom does His light not rise?”

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New Testament Scriptures Related to Matthew 5:21-48

v22 — John 3:15 — “‘that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.'”

v22 — James 2:20 — “But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?”

v22 — James 3:6 — “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature, and it is set on fire by hell.”

v23 — Matthew 8:4 — “And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their region.”

v25 — Luke 12:58, 59

58 — “‘When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison.'”

59 — “‘I tell you, you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite.'”

v29 — Mark 9:43 — “‘If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched–‘”

v29 — Colossians 3:5 — “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth; fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”

v32 — Luke 16:18 — “‘Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery.'”

v33 — Matthew 23:16 — “‘Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing, but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obliged to perform it.'”

v34 — James 5:12 — “But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes,” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.”

v37 — Colossians 4:6 — “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

v39 — Luke 6:29 — “‘To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either.'”

v42 — Luke 6:30-34

30 — “‘Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back.'”

31 — “‘And just as you want ment to do to you, you also doe to them likewise.'”

32 — “‘But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.'”

33 — “‘And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.'”

34 — “‘And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back.'”

v44 — Luke 6:27 — “‘But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.'”

v44 — Romans 12:20 — “Therefore ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink, for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.'”

v46 — Luke 6:32 — “‘But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.'”

v48 — Colossians 1:28 — “Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”

v48 — Colossians 4:12 — “Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you always laboring fervently for your prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.”

v48 — Ephesians 5:1 — “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.”

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New Testament Scripture Related to Mark 3:13-16

v13 — Luke 9:1 — “Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.”

v16 — John 1:42 — “And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, ‘You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas‘ (which is translated, A Stone).”

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Old Testament Prophecy Related to Luke 6:24-36

v25 — Isaiah 65:13, 14

13 — “Therefore thus says the Lord God: Behold, My servants shall eat, but you shall be hungry: behold, My servants shall rejoice, but you shall be ashamed;”

14 — “behold, My servants shall sing for joy of heart, but you shall cry for sorrow of heart, and wail for grief of spirit.”

v25 — Proverbs 14:13 — “Even in laughter the heart may sorrow, and the end of mirth may be grief.”

v30 — Deuteronomy 15:7, 8

7 — “If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the gates in your land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother,”

8 — “but you shall open your hand wide to him and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs.”

v35 — Psalm 37:25, 26

25 — “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.”

26 — “He is ever merciful, and lends, and his descendants are blessed.”

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New Testament Scripture Related to Luke 6:24-36

v24 — James 5:1-6

1 — “Come now, you rich, weep and howl, for your miseries that are coming upon you!”

2 — “Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten.”

3 — “Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days.”

4 –“Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.”

5 — “You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury, you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter.”

6 — “You have condemned, you have murdered the just, he does not resist you.”

v24 — Luke 12:21 — “‘So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.'”

v24 — Luke 16:25 — “‘But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted and you are tormented.'”

v25 — James 4:9 — “Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.”

v26 — John 15:19 — “‘If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.'”

v27 — Romans 12:20 — “Therefore ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.'”

v28 — Romans 12:14 — “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”

v29 — Matthew 5:39-42

39 — “‘But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.'”

40 — “‘If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.'”

41 — “‘And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.'”

42 — “‘Give to him who asks from you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.'”

v29 — I Corinthians 6:7 — “Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated?”

v31 — Matthew 7:12 — “‘Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.'”

v32 — Matthew 5:46 — “For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?'”

v34 — Matthew 5:42 — “‘Give to him who asks from you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.'”

v35 — Romans 13:10 — “Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.”

v35 — Hebrews 13:16 — “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”

v35 — Matthew 5:46 — “For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?'”

v36 — Matthew 5:48 — “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.'”

~~~~~~~~~~

Notes on Scripture: by tkbrown

The Sermon on the Mount provides a guideline, rulebook, blueprint for living the Christian life. Jesus frequently refers to working toward the goal of being ‘perfect’ like God the Father. God treasures righteousness above all else. He knows, and Jesus knew, it is impossible for mankind to achieve perfection. The word ‘perfect’ in the New Testament can be translated to the English word ‘mature’ for better understanding of what is expected. There is not one of us without sin, but maturity — exhibiting behavior free of sin — should always be our goal. We will never achieve ‘complete maturity’ in all areas, but we should always be working on overcoming our sinful nature. Here, I attempt to summarize Jesus’ message in the scriptures above. As always, be sure to check behind me and verify that I have summarized it correctly. Your salvation and eternal home in heaven depends upon it.

— We begin this lesson continuing with Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount.” The beginning segment in Matthew Chapter Five, versus 21 through 24 addresses the commandment, “Thou shall not kill.” Jesus takes this even further. He said cursing your brother puts you in danger of judgment and calling your sibling a fool puts you in danger of hell itself. He cautions those who have anything against a sibling — or if a sibling has anything against you — it is damnation to your soul if you partake of the Lord’s Supper. When this is the case, one should leave the worship service to go make things right with the sibling. Only when you have atoned or attempted to resolve the rift can you partake of the Holy Sacraments. This approach to differences between brethren can — and should — also be applied to relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

— His instruction then addresses the case of an problem with an adversary. You should not disagree or debate the concern. If this is done, the foe may file charges and imprison you. Then, freedom will not be regained until the other has received payment for all the courts say you owe. Sometimes the courts allow you to remain free in order to do this very thing. The court record imprisons one in the community at large until the debt is paid. This would be when the courts require a period of parole and/or house arrest.

— The question of divorce was as prevalent during the time of Jesus’ life on earth as it is today. Addressing this, Jesus said if one ‘looks at another with lust in the heart,’ adultery is being committed. If a divorce is secured for any reason other than adultery, He said the one seeking the divorce causes the other to commit adultery, and anyone marrying the person who is divorced for reasons other than adultery is committing adultery.

— Then, He cautions about the tendency to repeatedly commit the same offense. “If any part of your body causes you to sin, it is better to cut it off and live without it rather than face damnation in the judgment because of that sin.”

— Old School teachings tell us to never swear, and to never take God’s name in vain. Rather, we should make oaths of affirmation to God. Jesus said we are not to swear at all: neither by God, by heaven, by the earth, by Jerusalem, nor even by our own head — “because we are not truthfully able to change one hair on our head to white or black.” His command is for us to see that our “Yes” means “Yes,” and our “No” means “No.”

The form of discipline put forth under the Hebrew Law in the Old Testament was “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” This was the guidelines in the Law given to Moses on Mount Sinai. This is the way the Hebrew Nation dealt with infractions causing harm against other people. Jesus said if someone slaps us, we are to turn the other cheek so the person can slap that one too. If someone asks for our jacket, give our clothing also. If someone asks us to go with them one mile, go two. In other words, if someone has need and asks for our help, we are to give it without expectation of a return.

— The Laws under which Jesus grew to maturity said, “love your neighbor, hate your enemy.” Jesus said we are to love our enemies too. We are to bless those who curse us, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who persecute and spitefully use you. He said it is nothing for us to love those who love us and do good to those who do good to us. The true test of our devotion to God is for us to extend that love to those who set about harming us as well. This is God’s way. He sends blessings to the evil and to the good, to the just and the unjust–and we are to work toward the goal of doing the same.

— In Mark Chapter Three verses 13 through 19, Jesus appoints The Twelve as Apostles and bestowed upon them power over demons and illness. Thus, we see He begins training them for the ministry they will continue after His Ascension back to heaven.

Related Scriptures in the Book of Luke are a bit scattered throughout the book rather than grouped together as they are in Matthew and Mark. Therefore, I have referenced them in the ‘Related Scriptures’ section above.

If you ever have questions about any of the information presented, please feel free to ask or comment in the section below the ‘Like’ button. I appreciate you reading the lessons. Please continue to come back. Your feedback means much to me. Blessings upon all! May God meet your daily needs and ‘pat you on the back’ after you have successfully cleared a hurdle in life.

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Lesson One -- Scripture: Zacharias to Have Son . . .
Lesson Two -- Scripture: Jesus Birth Foretold . . .
Lesson Three -- Scripture: Zacharias' Son, John, is Born . . .
Lesson Four -- Scripture: Jesus is Born . . .
Lesson Five -- Scripture: And Jesus Grew . . .
Lesson Six -- Scripture: John Begins His Ministry . . .
Lesson Seven -- Scripture: Jesus is Introduced to the World . . .
Lesson Eight -- Scripture: Jesus' Ancestral Lineage
Lesson Nine -- Scripture: Jesus is Tempted by Satan
Lesson Ten -- Scripture: Jesus Begins His Ministry (Part I)
Lesson Eleven -- Scripture: Jesus Begins His Ministry -- Sermon on the Mount -- Part 1
Lesson Twelve -- Scripture: Jesus Begins His Ministry -- Sermon on the Mount -- Part 2
Lesson Thirteen -- Scripture: Jesus Begins His Ministry -- Sermon on the Mount -- Part 3

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Photo above by: kieutruongphoto @pixabay.com.

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Tag: tkbrownwriter

Taking Some Time to Grieve

by tkbrown

Kennedy Award of Excellence

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SUNSHINE BLOGGER AWARD

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Liebster Award (2)

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Jofina’s Questions to me:

1. What special talent do you have?

2. When did you start blogging?

3. One thing you learn from blogging?

4. What is your profession?

5. What are you thankful for?

6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

7. One of your favourite quote?

8. Something new you wanna try?

9.What’s the thing you like most about yourself?

10.What 3 words describe you the best?

11.One of your favourite film and why?

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Calendar Quindecims ~~ August 2020

~~ by tkbrown

The Breath of Life

by tkbrown