Author: Jim

Mercy

Noun – compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.

MERCY is found 208 times in the Old Testament and 22 times it refers to the Mercy Seat. Many references to God’s mercy is shown to individuals.

The Apostle Paul had much to say about the Mercy of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. He quoted the Old Testament several times.
Romans 9:15-16,18 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
Romans 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
Romans 11:30-32 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Romans 15:9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
Paul reminds Gentile believers that God’s mercy is extended to them,
2 Corinthians 4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
Galatians 6:16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Philippians 2:27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

⇛ continue reading Mercy Part 2
⇛ checkout List of Topics ⇛

Faith – Grace

Image result for faith seeking understanding

noun
complete trust or confidence in someone or something.

strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.

But a better definition is found in
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

And a complete reading of Chapter 11 demonstrates how God was pleased to accept mankind prior to the Cross; they showed their faith by their works.

A review of the word faith in the gospels proves interesting. In the Gospels several of the references are words of Christ and it speaks of “little faith”.
Matthew 6:30, 8:26, 14:31, 16:8, 17:17,20, 23:23, Mark 4:40, 9:19,
Luke 8:25, 9:41, 12:28,42, 16:10,11,12

But He did find those with Faith.
Matthew 8:10, 9:2,22,29, 15:28, Mark 2:5, 5:34, 10:52, Luke 5:20, 7:9,50, Luke 8:48, 17:19, 18:8,42, 22:32, John 20:27

And He taught about being faithful.
Matthew 24:25, 25:21,23, Mark 11:22 Luke 16:6, 19:17,

In the book of Acts “Faith” was used in reference to believing in the name of Jesus (as Messiah).
Acts 3:16, 6:5,7,8, 11:24, 13:8, 14:9,22,27, 15:9, 16:5,15, 20:21, 24:24, 26:18

The apostle Paul in his epistles gives the best understanding of Faith.
In Hebrews, as stated above, chapter 11 FAITH is best defined. Paul speaks of Faith 187 times in his epistles. Many times he used it in his greetings and oft times in his salutations.
Romans (34) 1 Corinthians (12) 2 Corinthians (6) Galatians (20) Ephesians (10) Philippians (4) Colossians (9) 1 Thessalonians (9) 2 Thessalonians (5) 1 Timothy (23) 2 Timothy (11) Titus (8) Philemon (2) Hebrews (34)

Before continuing the study of Faith, what does Grace have to do with it? Paul best answers that question.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Then without GRACE there is no salvation. However God extends His Grace:
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

James, Peter, John and Jude write to Jewish believers also speak of Faith giving many practical applications of Faith:
James (12) 1:3,6, 2:1,5,14,17,18,20,22,24,26,5:15
1 Peter (7) 1:5,7,9,21, 4:19,5:9,12
2 Peter (2) 1:1,5
1 John (2) 1:9, 5:4
3 John (1) 1:5
Jude (2) 1:3,20
Revelation (11) 1:5, 2:10,13,19, 3:14, 13:10, 14:12, 17:14, 19:11, 21:5, 22:6

These all need further study. Perhaps in another posting.
⇛ checkout List of Topics

Doctrine

Image result for doctrine

The word DOCTRINE is found:
49 times in the New Testament – 18 times in the Gospels and Acts
and 31 times in Paul’s Epistles

“A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a church, political party, or other group”.

False Doctrine
Matthew 15:9, Mark 7:7 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Matthew 16:12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. Astonished at His doctrine
Matthew 7:28, Mark 1:22, Luke 4:32 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
Matthew 22:33, Mark 11:18 And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.
His was a new doctrine
Mark 1:27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
John 7:16 Jesus answered them, …, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
He taught in a new way
Mark 12:38 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,
John 18:19 The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.
Mark 4:2 And he taught them many things by parables, and … in his doctrine,
His Doctrine:
Matthew 4:17 Jesus began to preach, …, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching … the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease …
Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted … for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

⇛ continue reading Doctrine Part 2
⇛ checkout List of Topics ⇛

Satan – A Real Being 2 Part 4

Revelation 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Revelation 2:13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
Revelation 2:24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
Revelation 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
                And at the end of the book he reports the final judgement of Satan.
Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Revelation 20:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
Revelation 20:7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
Revelation 20:10  And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

⇛ checkout List of Topics ⇛

What about Satan and the Origin of Evil? | Answers in Genesis

Satan – A Real Being 2 Part 3

              Peter knows the power of Satan, how he can influence people to sin. (remember Luke 22:31)
Acts 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
                The Lord saves and commissions Saul (later Paul) on the road to Damascus and tells him of the power of Satan.
Acts 26:16-18 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
                Paul’s Teachings concerning Satan. Part of Paul’s commission. Satan has devices and is not a red skinned, horned, tailed imp carrying a pitchfork.
2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Paul knew of the interference of Satan with carnal believers.
1 Corinthians 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
1 Corinthians 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.
                Paul experienced the interference of Satan personally.
2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
1 Thessalonians 2:18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
2 Thessalonians 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
1 Timothy 1:20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
1 Timothy 5:15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.
                Paul knew the end of Satan and comforted the believers.
Romans 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.                The Apostle John writing in the Revelation, quoting the risen Lord Jesus Christ in his warnings to the Churches (Jewish assemblies):

⇛ continue reading Satan – A Real Being 2 Part 4
⇛ checkout List of Topics ⇛

Satan – A Real Being 2 Part 2

           The final mention of Satan in the Old Testament is in Zechariah. (Joshua is probably a reference to the Lord Jesus in His walk on Earth).
Zechariah 3:1-2 And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?
            In the Gospels the Lord Jesus is confronted and tested by Satan all during His ministry. He later teaches about Satan.
Matthew 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Mark 1:13 And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.
Luke 4:8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Matthew 12:26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?
Mark 3:23 And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?
Mark 3:26 And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.
Matthew 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
Mark 4:15 And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.
Mark 8:33 But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.
Luke 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

Who is our Enemy? - Lesson 4 in Explorers series 1

                (See Dispensations – Charts / SATAN – Names and Chart)
Luke 11:18 If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.
Luke 13:16 And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?
Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
John 13:27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.
Luke 22:3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

⇛ continue reading Satan – A Real Being 2 Part 3
⇛ checkout List of Topics ⇛

Satan – A Real Being Part 5

The Apostle John writing in the Revelation, quoting the risen Lord Jesus Christ in his warnings to the Churches (Jewish assemblies):

Revelation 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Revelation 2:13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
Revelation 2:24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
Revelation 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

And at the end of the book he reports the final judgement of Satan.

Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Revelation 20:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
Revelation 20:7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
Revelation 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

⇛ checkout List of Topics ⇛

Satan – A Real Being Part 4

Paul’s Teachings concerning Satan. Part of Paul’s commission. Satan has devices and is not a red skinned, horned, tailed imp carrying a pitchfork.

2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

Image result for satan the angel of light

Paul knew of the interference of Satan with carnal believers.

1 Corinthians 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
1 Corinthians 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

Paul experienced the interference of Satan personally.

2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
1 Thessalonians 2:18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
2 Thessalonians 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
1 Timothy 1:20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
1 Timothy 5:15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.

Paul knew the end of Satan and comforted the believers.

⇛ continue reading Satan – A Real Being Part 5
⇛ checkout List of Topics ⇛

Satan – A Real Being Part 3

(See Dispensations – Charts / SATAN – Names and Chart)

Luke 11:18 If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.
Luke 13:16 And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?
Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

John 13:27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.
Luke 22:3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

Peter knows the power of Satan, how he can influence people to sin. (remember Luke 22:31)

Acts 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

The Lord saves and commissions Saul (later Paul) on the road to Damascus and tells him of the power of Satan.

Acts 26:16-18 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

⇛ continue reading Satan – A Real Being Part 4
⇛ checkout List of Topics ⇛

Satan – A Real Being Part 2

As the story continues, it looks like Satan gets the best of Job. Yes, Job suffered a lot but reading of the final chapter shows how God reward faith. The next mention of Satan is in Psalms. It deals with the life of a wicked man. (vs 7-8 refer to Judas)

Psalm 109:6 Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.

The final mention of Satan in the Old Testament is in Zechariah. (Joshua is probably a reference to the Lord Jesus in His walk on Earth).

Zechariah 3:1-2 And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?

In the Gospels the Lord Jesus is confronted and tested by Satan all during His ministry. He later teaches about Satan.

Matthew 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Mark 1:13 And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.
Luke 4:8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Image result for matthew 4:10

Matthew 12:26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?
Mark 3:23 And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?
Mark 3:26 And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.

Matthew 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Mark 4:15 And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.
Mark 8:33 But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

Luke 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

⇛ continue reading Satan – A Real Being Part 3
⇛ checkout List of Topics ⇛