I asked God to take away my pain. God said, No. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up. I askedGod to make my handicapped child whole. God said, No. Her spirit was whole, her body is only temporary. I asked God to grant me patience. God said, No. Patience is a by-product of tribulations; it isn’t granted, it is learned. I asked God to give me happiness. God said, No. I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you. I asked God to spare me pain. God said, No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me. I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, No. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful. I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, No. I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things. I asked God to help me love others, as much as he loves me. God said, Ahhhh, you’re starting to understand.
“To the world you might be one person, But to one person you just might be the world.“
Read 2 Tim0thy 1:3-18 New Year – What will it bring? Predictions are being made. Newspapers, magazines, Radio, TV all making predictions … an advertisement …for an amount of money will predict what is going to happen to you. What does the Bible have to say about this… James 4:13-16 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. Examples: Genesis 11:4And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. Luke12:18 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. What does Tomorrow bring? Only God knows. Proverbs 27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. But what about all these Astrologers?Ecclesiastes 10:14A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him? What Will the New Year bring? Look at 2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. What Wonderful, Beautiful Promise … And as most of God’s promises, it contains a condition — WHICH I HAVE COMMITTED! Why do people not know they are saved? Not committed! (They worry, Fret, Fear, Go to fortune Tellers, Read their Horoscopes, Astrology charts). 2 Timothy 2:19Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
A celestial figure frequently referenced in the Bible. In Christian, Jewish, and Islamic literature, the cherubim are angelic winged beings with human, animal, or birdlike attributes who serve as throne bearers of God: Created by God. Exodus 25:19 (Exodus 37:8) And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof. 2 Samuel 22:11 And he (the Lord) rode upon a cherub, and did fly: and he was seen upon the wings of the wind. Also see Psalm 18:10 1 Kings 6:22-27 And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the house: also the whole altar that was by the oracle he overlaid with gold. And within the oracle he made two cherubims of olive tree, each ten cubits high. And five cubits was the one wing of the cherub, and five cubits the other wing of the cherub: from the uttermost part of the one wing unto the uttermost part of the other were ten cubits. And the other cherub was ten cubits: both the cherubims were of one measure and one size. The height of the one cherub was ten cubits, and so was it of the other cherub. And he set the cherubims within the inner house: and they stretched forth the wings of the cherubims, so that the wing of the one touched the one wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall; and their wings touched one another in the midst of the house. 2 Chronicles 3:11-12 Ezra 2:59 And these were they which went up from Telmelah, Telharsa, Cherub, Addan, and Immer: but they could not shew their father’s house, and their seed, whether they were of Israel: Nehemiah 7:61 And these were they which went up also from Telmelah, Telharesha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer: but they could not shew their father’s house, nor their seed, whether they were of Israel. Ezekiel 9:3 And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer’s inkhorn by his side; Ezekiel 10:2 And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and said, Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and scatter them over the city. And he went in in my sight. Ezekiel 10:4 Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD’s glory. Ezekiel 10:7 And one cherub stretched forth his hand from between the cherubims unto the fire that was between the cherubims, and took thereof, and put it into the hands of him that was clothed with linen: who took it, and went out. Ezekiel 10:9 And when I looked, behold the four wheels by the cherubims, one wheel by one cherub, and another wheel by another cherub: and the appearance of the wheels was as the colour of a beryl stone. Ezekiel 10:14 And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of a cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle. Ezekiel 28:14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Ezekiel 28:16 By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Ezekiel 41:18 And it was made with cherubims and palm trees, so that a palm tree was between a cherub and a cherub; and every cherub had two faces.
The Magi were wise men, probably Jews The Magi were like the Prophet Daniel The Magi were most likely believers in Yahweh and the Coming Messiah The Magi believed God spoke in Dreams They came from a country in the East There might have been more than 3 Wise Men Herod feared and respected the Magi The Magi were not at the Birth of Jesus, they came to the house (up to 2 years later) The gifts gave Joseph and Mary money to flee to Egypt In the 3rd Century, is When the Magi Were Considered Kings Only the Gospel of Matthew Mentions the Magi Some of the Scripture the MAGI could have based their trip on: Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Jeremiah 23:5 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Psalm 72:10-11 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him. Numbers 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
The Garden of Eden. In various religious traditions, the Edenic or heavenly abode of righteous souls after death. According to some forms of Christian belief, an intermediate resting place for righteous souls awaiting the Resurrection.
The First mention is to the Malefactor (A wrongdoer or evildoer) on the cross next to Christ. He acknowledged that Christ was God. Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. Luke 23:43And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Second time was by the Apostle Paul, describing an experience (probably his). 2 Corinthians 12:4How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
And then by the Risen Christ to the assembly at Ephesus: Revelation 2:7He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
Paradise awaits all who believe in the DEATH, BURIAL and RESURECTION of the Lord, and confess that HE is GOD.
Gospels – The lord Jesus offers Kingdom of God to the Jews as promised to Abram. The end of the Old Testament.
Acts transition from Jews to Gentiles. Apostles continue the Kingdom message then Saul gets saved and is renamed Paul, goes to Jews first then to Gentiles.
Romans to PhilemonApostle Paul’s messages to believers on Godly living
Hebrews to 3 Johnwritten to Jews and will probably be prominent during the Tribulation.
Revelation a recap from Rapture (chapter 4) through Tribulation, 2nd coming, Millennium, Final wars, and Great White Throne final judgement and then Eternity.
2 Corinthians 2:9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
Remember to read and STUDY the Word: 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 1 Thessalonians 4:11And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
God’s People, the Jews were told: Psalm 119:6Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. Isaiah 5:7 For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. And Joel wrote about a coming time: Joel 2:26 And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed. Paul told Believer’s: Romans 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. Romans 9:33As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Romans 10:11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Peter and John to Believing Jews: 1 Peter 4:16Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 1 John 2:28And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. Paul reminds Believer’s: 2 Corinthians 6:16-18And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
As a Believer YOU are the Temple of the Living God.
Acts 1:2Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
Romans 16:13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
1 Corinthians 1:27-28 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
2 Corinthians 8:19And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
2 Timothy 2:4No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
YES, you have been Chosen by God! Are you serving?
Luke 23:32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. Malefactor: One who has committed a crime; a criminal. A wrongdoer or evildoer. An evil doer; one who commits a crime; one subject to public prosecution and punishment; a criminal. Luke 23:39-43And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. One malefactor rebuked Christ. The other acknowledged that Christ was God. One went to Paradise, the other went to Hell (See Luke 16:22-23And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.)
A Promise of Paradise to all that believe that Christ died, was buried and rose again and profess that HE is GOD (Romans 10:9-13).
QUESTIONS How many books in BIBLE? 66 (OT – 39 NT – 27) What divides OT from NT? Birth/Death/Resurrection/Ascension of Christ? Giving of the HS? Who wrote most of NT? Luke Who wrote most NT Books? Paul (14) How many Books were authored by JOHN? (5) Gospel, I II III John Revelation. How many Books were authored by Peter? (2) I & II Peter How many books were authored by Luke? (2) Gospel & Acts How many Books were authored by Timothy and Titus? (0) How can we trust the BIBLE to be the Word of God? What do you believe about Jesus? Is He the Son of GOD? God in Flesh? The Old Testament as we have it today, written on Scrolls, was CANONIZED at the time Jesus started his life on earth. He quoted it, He authenticated it. JOHN 5:46-47,7:21-23. WE CAN TRUST THE OLD TESTAMENT…..Because we can trust the Lord Jesus. BUT what about the New Testament….. It was written after Jesus returned to Heaven. MATTHEW was written about 37 AD by Matthew, one of the original Apostles (Matthew 10:3). He was an eye witness to all the events he recorded. The book was widely circulated in his time and could have been refuted by others who also saw the events. We can trust Matthew. JOHN Another original Apostle (Matthew 10:2) written about 85 AD. The beloved disciple (John 13:23), perhaps the youngest of them all. Later a Pillar in the Church (Galatians 2:9), an EYEWITNESS to it all. I JOHN (same) authored by John 90 AD II JOHN (same) authored by John 90 AD III JOHN (same) authored by John 90 AD REVELATION (same) authored by John 96 AD We can trust John. JAMES was written about 60 AD by James, not an Apostle (Matthew 10:3), but a half brother of the Lord Jesus. (Matthew 13:55, Galatians 1:9). (Mark 6:3) Surely, we can trust James. JUDE was written about 66 AD, and again not an Apostle but a brother of James (ie. a half brother of the Lord Jesus (Mark 6:3). Surely, we trust Jude I PETER was written about 60 AD, an original Apostle (Matthew 10:2) one of the very inter circle (Mark 9:1-8) always seeking to be the best he could be for the Lord, which caused him some problems. As one studies the life of Peter in the Gospels and Acts, can we not trust this eye witness to report true words? II PETER (same) written about 66 AD Surely, we trust Peter ROMANS THRU PHILEMON Authored by Paul from 54 to 65 AD as he traveled on his Missionary Journeys. Apostle to the Gentiles (Galatians 1:10-24) his epistles were certified by Peter (II Peter 3:15). Paul gives us Church Doctrine! We can trust Paul’s writings. MARK was not an Apostle (Acts 12:12). His book was penned about 57 AD. Why Should we trust him? He was a missionary with Paul and Barnabus (Acts 13:13/15:38). Commended by Paul (2 Timothy 4:11) and a Friend of Peter (I Peter 5:13). We can trust Mark. LUKE was not an Apostle He was a physician (Colossians 4:14), a missionary (Acts 16:10) a friend of Paul’s who traveled with him. We can trust the Doctor. (2 Timothy 4:11, Philomen 24) ACTS (same) written by Luke about 65 AD . HEBREWS …… PAUL to Jewish Believers, probably his first epistle. This book stands alone on its own authority.
SUMMARY…We can Trust the Old Testament because the Lord Jesus (God in Flesh) verified its accuracy. We can trust the New Testament because its authors were either Eye Witness’ to the events or were alive when the other books were written and could have negated them as false.
