Prophecy Fulfilled in Matthew's Gospel

Monday, December 20, 2010: Matthew 1:20 – 23 (NKJV)

But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Why are the names Immanuel and Jesus different? Man can never be in the direct presence of God, unless He was born as Jesus, a ‘Son of Man’.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010: Matthew 2:3 – 6 (NKJV)

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:

‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;

For out of you shall come a Ruler

Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”

Why was Herod and the people of Jerusalem troubled? The ‘people’ probably referred to the Chief priests and Scribes who saw a King as a threat to their tenuous hold on power under Rome.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010: Matthew 2:13 – 15 (NKJV)

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”

If Joseph could not afford much, how could he flee with Mary and the Child to Egypt on short notice? The gifts of the Magi may have financed the journey and stay in Egypt.

Thursday, December 23, 2010: Matthew 2:16 – 18 (NKJV)

Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.

Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying:

“A voice was heard in Ramah,

Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning,

Rachel weeping for her children,

Refusing to be comforted,

Because they are no more.”

Such terrible things don’t happen today, do they? Man’s inhumanity has not really changed.

Christmas Eve, December 24, 2010: Matthew 3:1 – 3 (NKJV)

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:

‘Prepare the way of the Lord;

Make His paths straight.’”

What does the phrase ‘at hand’ mean? The wait for Messiah was over.

More Prophecies of Christ's Birth.

Monday, December 13, 2010: Genesis 3:15 (NKJV)

And I will put enmity

Between you and the woman,

And between your seed and her Seed;

He shall bruise your head,

And you shall bruise His heel.”

What is the unusual prophecy? Seed of a woman. (Not a man!)

Tuesday, December 14, 2010: Genesis 21:12 (NKJV)

But God said to Abraham, “Do not let it be displeasing in your sight because of the lad or because of your bondwoman. Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac your seed shall be called.

What is the implication of this verse? Christian & Jew vs. Muslim contention.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010: Genesis 49:10 (NKJV)

The scepter shall not depart from Judah,

Nor a lawgiver from between his feet,

Until Shiloh comes;

And to Him shall be the obedience of the people.

Who is to be the ancestor of Christ? Judah.

Thursday, December 16, 2010: Daniel 9:25 (NKJV)

“Know therefore and understand,

That from the going forth of the command

To restore and build Jerusalem

Until Messiah the Prince,

There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks;

The street shall be built again, and the wall,

Even in troublesome times.

When was Christ to be born? Cyrus the Mede’s decree started the countdown.

Friday, December 17, 2010: Malachi 3:1 (NKJV)

“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.

Who is this messenger of prophecy? John the Baptist.

Prophecies of the Christ

Monday, December 6, 2010: Isaiah 7:14 (NKJV)

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

What is the three-in-one sign? Virgin conception, Son, ‘God with us.’

Tuesday, December 7, 2010: Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)

For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

What is the interval between the first and second line? About 33 years.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010: Micah 5:2 (NKJV)

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,

Yet out of you shall come forth to Me

The One to be Ruler in Israel,

Whose goings forth are from of old,

From everlasting.”

What is the depth of the prophecy? Everlasting God, born in Bethlehem.

Thursday, December 9, 2010: Hosea 11:1 (NKJV)

“When Israel was a child, I loved him,

And out of Egypt I called My son.

Isn’t Israel the son called out of Egypt? Prophecy has latent and hidden meanings: Jesus Christ is The Son of God. ἸΧΘΥΣ

Friday, December 10, 2010: Jeremiah 31:15 (NKJV)

Thus says the Lord:

“A voice was heard in Ramah,

Lamentation and bitter weeping,

Rachel weeping for her children,

Refusing to be comforted for her children,

Because they are no more.”

What was the basis of these last two prophecies? Herod desire to destroy Christ.

Manna in the New Testament

Monday, November 29, 2010: John 6:29 – 33 (NKJV)

Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”

Therefore they said to Him, “What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What work will You do? Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”

Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

What is the work that God wishes you to perform? Have faith in Jesus Christ, the life-giving Manna sent from heaven.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010: John 6:47 – 51 (NKJV)

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.”

What did Christ declare Himself to be? The bread of life: this is the sacrifice of His flesh on the cross.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010: John 6:57 – 58 (NKJV)

As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.”

What word here characterizes the Father? Living, for in Him is life, everlasting life.

Thursday, December 2, 2010: Hebrews 9:2 – 4 (NKJV)

For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary; and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All, which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant;

What happened to the manna in the Ark? This pot of manna never decayed.

Friday, December 3, 2010: Revelation 2:17 (NKJV)

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”’

What is the hidden manna? Jesus Christ, our eternal life, is the hidden manna.

Revelation, not Revelations.

Monday, November 21, 2010: Revelation 1:1 – 2 (NKJV)

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw.

Who revealed what (Let us be sure) to whom? This is Jesus Christ’s Revelation, given to Him by God, to show His servants (us) what is to come.

Tuesday, November 22, 2010: Revelation 1:3 (NKJV)

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.

What does ‘keeping the written words’ mean? This is not law that we follow, but words to read and understand as the Holy Spirit imparts wisdom to us. Even hearing the words brings God’s blessings.

Wednesday, November 23, 2010: Revelation 1:4 – 5a (NKJV)

John, to the seven churches which are in Asia:

Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.

Who imparts grace and peace? The triune God: the Eternal Father, the Holy Spirit (referred to here as sevenfold) and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving, November 24, 2010: Revelation 1:5b – 7 (NKJV)

To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

What has Christ done and what will He do? He loved us, washed away our sins in His blood and has made us a kingdom of priests (alternate translation) to God. And there is a promise of His return with every soul watching.

Friday, November 25, 2010: Revelation 1:17 – 18 (NKJV)

And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

What is the surprise in the statement? We mortals say, “I shouldn’t be alive!” He, the ever-living One, says “and was dead!” He tasted death for us that we might live for evermore.

Writing & Tradition

Monday, November 15, 2010: John 21:18 – 19 (NKJV)

Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”

What commission did the apostle Peter receive from Jesus Christ? (Feed My sheep) Follow me in death.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010: John 21:20 – 22 (NKJV)

Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?”

Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”

Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”

Is a commission of Jesus Christ for only one man? Yes, and a private one at that. John was not Peter’s business.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010: John 21:23 – 24 (NKJV)

Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?”

This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.

What did some hear when Jesus Christ answered Peter about John? Some disciples heard that John would not die.

Thursday, November 18, 2010: 2 Peter 1:13 – 18 (NKJV)

Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.

For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.

What was Peter telling believers in his letter? He was reiterating Jesus Christ’s prophecy and feeding the sheep.

Friday, November 19, 2010: 2 Peter 1:19 – 21 (NKJV)

And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

What statement is Peter making? Peter states that the word of prophecy confirmed by its fulfillment is sure.

What happened at Christ's death?

Monday, November 8, 2010: Isaiah 53:10 (NKJV)

Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him;

He has put Him to grief.

When You make His soul an offering for sin,

He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days,

And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.

What about Christ was to be the offering for sin? The prophet Isaiah declares that God would make Christ’s soul the sin offering.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010: Isaiah 53:12 (NKJV)

Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great,

And He shall divide the spoil with the strong,

Because He poured out His soul unto death,

And He was numbered with the transgressors,

And He bore the sin of many,

And made intercession for the transgressors.

What do the words of Christ on the cross, “Father forgive them, they know not what they do” have in common with this Prophecy? They are the fulfillment of the prophecy: Christ poured out His soul willingly and asked god to forgive those who were crucifying Him.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010: Psalm 16:10 (NKJV)

For You will not leave my soul in Sheol,

Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.

What are the differences in these two lines? The first is a prophecy about Christ’s soul; the second, about His body or flesh. His soul was temporarily in Hades and His body was neither corrupted nor defiled.

Thursday, November 11, 2010: Acts 2:30 – 32 (NKJV)

Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.

What point does Peter make on the day of Pentecost? Peter points out the fulfilled prophecy that Christ rose from the dead.

Friday, November 12, 2010: Luke 23:45 – 47 (NKJV)

Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’” Having said this, He breathed His last.

So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous Man!”

Lastly, what happened to Christ at His death? His Spirit was in the hands of the Father, His Soul went to Hades and His battered but incorruptible Body went into the tomb.

Spirit Of Truth & Spirit Of Error

Monday, November 1, 2010: 1 John 4:1 (NKJV)

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Why are we to test spirits? This world has many false prophets who speak as lead by the spirit of error. We will (not might) encounter them.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010: 1 John 4:2 – 3 (NKJV)

By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

What is the true test for the spirit of truth? ‘Jesus Christ, Son of God, was made flesh’ is the test statement. You either hear it or ask if that is what the speaker believes. Listen for the answer: yes is sufficient; long-winded explanation is false.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010: 1 John 4:4 – 5 (NKJV)

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them.

What is the secret of overcoming? Jesus Christ has done it all: His victory is ours.

Thursday, November 4, 2010: 1 John 4:6 (NKJV)

We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

Will a false prophet ever listen to you? No, such a one is only interested in changing your belief into the wrong path. He will never listen or agree.

Friday, November 5, 2010: 1 John 5:4 – 5 (NKJV)

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

What finally overcomes the world? Our faith that leads to salvation is the same that allows us to lead victorious lives.

Restore

Monday, October 25, 2010: Psalm 51:12 (NKJV)

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,

And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

What circumstances was David in when he wrote these verses? He had committed both adultery and murder. He was restored to God, nevertheless.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010: Job 33:26 (NKJV)

He shall pray to God, and He will delight in him,

He shall see His face with joy,

For He restores to man His righteousness.

The book of Job is the oldest book in the Bible. Does it show that Job knew that it is not man but God who restores the sin-broken relationship? Yes, both sins and sin are cleansed.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010: Psalm 23:3 (NKJV)

He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

Why is man restored? God is the shepherd who cares for His sheep.

Thursday, October 28, 2010: Ezekiel 33:14 – 16 (NKJV)

Again, when I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ if he turns from his sin and does what is lawful and right, if the wicked restores the pledge, gives back what he has stolen, and walks in the statutes of life without committing iniquity, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of his sins which he has committed shall be remembered against him; he has done what is lawful and right; he shall surely live.

What is the advice to a wicked person? Turn from sin (repent) and restore what you stole and walk in the statutes of life. (Love God and neighbor)

Friday, October 29, 2010: Galatians 6:1 (NKJV)

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

What is the final aim of every spiritual man? Gently restoring a sinful soul to a relationship with God.

Fell on their Faces

Monday, October 18, 2010: Genesis 17:1 – 5 (NKJV)

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.

Does fear characterize Abram (Abraham) when God spoke to him? Yes, a reverential fear mingled with faith. After all, he is 99 years old and God promises him many children!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010: Leviticus 9:22 – 24 (NKJV)

Then Aaron lifted his hand toward the people, blessed them, and came down from offering the sin offering, the burnt offering, and peace offerings. And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of meeting, and came out and blessed the people. Then the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people, and fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces.

Does the word awesome come to mind here? Yes, it does. Just the glory of the Lord was sufficient. When fire consumed the sacrifice the people reacted in awe.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010: Joshua 5:13 – 15 (NKJV)

And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, “Are You for us or for our adversaries?” So He said, “No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.”

And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, “What does my Lord say to His servant?” Then the Commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.” And Joshua did so.

Does worship allowed reveal the nature of the Commander? Yes, this was God the Son in a preincarnate appearance and Joshua worshipped with His acceptance.

Thursday, October 21, 2010: Judges 13:17 – 20 (NKJV)

Then Manoah said to the Angel of the Lord, “What is Your name, that when Your words come to pass we may honor You?” And the Angel of the Lord said to him, “Why do you ask My name, seeing it is wonderful?”

So Manoah took the young goat with the grain offering, and offered it upon the rock to the Lord. And He did a wondrous thing while Manoah and his wife looked on—it happened as the flame went up toward heaven from the altar—the Angel of the Lord ascended in the flame of the altar! When Manoah and his wife saw this, they fell on their faces to the ground.

What did Manoah and his wife see that made them fall on their faces? They had seen, in picture, God’s salvation in the sacrifice of His Son and they fell to worship.

Friday, October 22, 2010: Revelation 1:17 – 18 (NKJV)

And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

Does ‘struck dumb’ a description of what happened to John? Yes, but it was more than that: Before the glorified Lord Jesus he fell and was even afraid to breathe! What should our position be before God?

The First and the Last

Monday, October 11, 2010: Exodus 20:2 – 3 (NKJV)

“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.

What does ‘no other gods before Me’ imply? God’s Son could be the same as God or His equal. (Not before but equal)

Tuesday, October 12, 2010: Isaiah 44:6 (NKJV)

“Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel,

And his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts:

‘I am the First and I am the Last;

Besides Me there is no God.

What does ‘And his Redeemer’ imply? The King and his Redeemer are both one. Together they form the First and the Last.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010: 1 Corinthians 15:45 (NKJV)

And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

What is the difference between the first and the last Adam? The first was born a man; the last makes man born of the Spirit.

Thursday, October 14, 2010: Revelation 1:11 (NKJV)

saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

Who declares Himself to be the First and the Last? The glorified Lord Jesus Christ who appears to John in a Spirit led vision.

Friday, October 15, 2010: Revelation 1:17 – 18 (NKJV)

And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

What is God’s plan of salvation? The First and the Last, the immortal, suffered death and rose from the dead for us who believe.

Self Sufficient

Monday, October 4, 2010: Philippians 4:11 – 13 (NKJV)

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Do we need to know how to be abased and to abound? This is the secret ingredient in living the contented life of believers that those of us in the USA are missing or have little knowledge of.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010: 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NKJV)

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

Does God’s grace provide us with material comforts? God’s grace gives us the ability to be self sufficient in what we have while super-abounding in every godly work.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010: Philippians 4:11 (NKJV)

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content

What kind of learning is needed for our contentment? This learning comes in taking each day that God gives us and thanking Him for it and our present condition instead of sending up laments in prayer.

Thursday, October 7, 2010: 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Does such boasting mean that you proclaim what you do in spite of this handicap or weakness? It means that you do show how God has worked in the problem to bring you closer to Him.

Friday, October 8, 2010: Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV)

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Are these scriptures speaking about a childish “Mine!” attitude? It is surprising how many of us have such an attitude with the most trivial of our possessions! Better would be the view that God has given me all and it is in His power to remove any or all things.

Jeremiah Prophecies about the New Covenant

Monday, September 27, 2010: Jeremiah 31:21 – 22 (NKJV)

“Set up signposts, Make landmarks;

Set your heart toward the highway, The way in which you went.

Turn back, O virgin of Israel, Turn back to these your cities.

How long will you gad about, O you backsliding daughter?

For the Lord has created a new thing in the earth— A woman shall encompass a man.”

What does ‘created a new thing on earth’ imply? Just what it says: Christ was born to a virgin.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010: Jeremiah 31:31 – 32 (NKJV)

“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the Lord.

When the Bible says that a day is coming, is this now about the past or future? Coupled with the previous verses in the same chapter, Jesus Christ would state, “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many. (Mark 14:24). But Israel has not yet accepted it as a nation.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010: Exodus 20:1 – 3 (NKJV)

And God spoke all these words, saying: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.

Deuteronomy 4:12 – 13 (NKJV)

And the Lord spoke to you out of the midst of the fire. You heard the sound of the words, but saw no form; you only heard a voice. So He declared to you His covenant which He commanded you to perform, the Ten Commandments; and He wrote them on two tablets of stone.

What was the old covenant that Israel and Judah broke? The Ten Commandments.

Thursday, September 30, 2010: Jeremiah 31:33 – 34 (NKJV)

But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”

Why will the people of Israel and Judah Know God? God will have forgiven their iniquity and will remember their sins no more. This implies belief in Jesus Christ.

Friday, October 1, 2010: Matthew 22:36 – 40 (NKJV)

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Can a person love one he/she doesn’t know and has never met? No.

Profane

Monday, September 20, 2010: Leviticus 16:1 – 2 (NKJV)

Now the Lord spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered profane fire before the Lord, and died; and the Lord said to Moses: “Tell Aaron your brother not to come at just any time into the Holy Place inside the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark, lest he die; for I will appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.

Can God be approached by any way of man’s choosing? If it is God and not someone else, the answer is NO! God is holy and can only be approached by those who have their sins forgiven by faith.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010: Leviticus 19:12 (NKJV)

And you shall not swear by My name falsely, nor shall you profane the name of your God: I am the Lord.

Is swearing on God the same as profaning the name of God? No, it is not. Swearing falsely on God’s name is wrong and so is using God’s name in vain. (As an expression of surprise.)

Wednesday, September 22, 2010: Matthew 12:3 – 5 (NKJV)

But He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God and ate the showbread which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are blameless?

Who can break the Sabbath and not be guilty? Sabbath was instituted in Exodus with manna, which rotted daily except on Friday night. Food stayed fresh without work for Saturday. Not working for food is the reinforcing bar that the foundation of faith is built on.

Thursday, September 23, 2010: 1 Timothy 4:7 – 8 (NKJV)

But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 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.

What are profane and old wives’ fables? These could be traditions that have no value towards a godly life, which has eternal and temporal rewards.

Friday, September 24, 2010: Hebrews 12:14 – 16 (NKJV)

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.

What is the implication of a believer selling his birthright? If you are born from above, yours can be a life of faith. Some squander this opportunity by becoming bitter based on ego and a slight inflicted by someone in their Church. Such people stay from fellowship that can edify and fall into spiritual ruin.

Resurrection & Rapture

Monday, September 13, 2010: 1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 14 (NKJV)

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.

Why does Paul refer to ‘the word of the Lord’? Paul was not taught by man but God. These statements are the Word of God to Paul. He did not want the believers to be ignorant that the dead in Christ would rise first and then we who are alive in Christ would follow.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010: 1 Thessalonians 4:15 – 17 (NKJV)

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

Is this a universal resurrection? No, it is for believers only. They shall rise to meet Him in the clouds, otherwise known as the first heaven.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010: 1 Corinthians 15:51 – 53 (NKJV)

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

What happens at the last trumpet? The dead in Christ are raised incorruptible and we who are alive are changed to incorruption next.

Thursday, September 16, 2010: 1 Corinthians 15:54 – 57 (NKJV)

So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

“O Death, where is your sting?

O Hades, where is your victory?”

The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Is death defeated at this point? It is swallowed up in victory: the victor is Christ Himself.

Friday, September 17, 2010: Matthew 24:36 – 39 (NKJV)

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.

What is the implication of ‘My Father only’? This resurrection and rapture cannot occur after the tribulation: people will know that this lasts seven years.

God's Family Tree

Tuesday, September 7, 2010: Jeremiah 23:5 – 8 (NKJV)

“Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord,

“That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness;

A King shall reign and prosper,

And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.

In His days Judah will be saved,

And Israel will dwell safely;

Now this is His name by which He will be called:

THE Lord OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

What were some characteristics of the Branch? He was to be David’s descendant, a King, righteous, Lord our righteousness.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010: Psalm 80:15 – 17 (NKJV)

And the vineyard which Your right hand has planted,

And the branch that You made strong for Yourself.

It is burned with fire, it is cut down;

They perish at the rebuke of Your countenance.

Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand,

Upon the son of man whom You made strong for Yourself.

What were some characteristics of the Branch? Branch was from God’s vineyard, made strong by God, burned with fire and cut down, the right hand Man of God, the Son of man!

Thursday, September 9, 2010: Isaiah 11:1 – 2 (NKJV)

There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse,

And a Branch shall grow out of his roots.

The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him,

The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,

The Spirit of counsel and might,

The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.

What was strange about this Family Tree of God? The Branch would grow from the root.

Friday, September 10, 2010: Revelation 22:16 (NKJV)

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”

Who is the branch? Jesus Christ Himself.