Legalism versus being holy

Pilate said to Jesus, "What is truth?" (John 18:38) Funny, Jesus said before that that, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no one can come to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) So if we can't receive truth, except by Jesus, and He is the Solid Rock, and all else is sinking sand, (Matthew 7) and He alone has these words of life; (John 6:68) then what are we doing by trying to receive truth through any other means? I was in a Bible study once, and no one there believed that the Bible was an authority of truth, everything was questionable. One thing I learned from that group is that there seemed to be no truth there, everyone believed differently than each other! This article is about the difference between being Holy and being legalistic. As a Christian we are supposed to know what sin is. By the power of the Holy Spirit we can. If we are not even sure what sin is, how can we be holy, or how can we even repent, turn away from sin, if we don't even know what sin is. If we are to be "Holy as He is holy" (1 Peter 1:16) then we must allow the Holy Spirit to teach us what being holy is. If we are raised in a strict home, that can be a holy place, or a place filled with legalism. Most people think that if a person is raised with a lot of standards, a lot of rules, like don't eat this, don't watch this, don't listen to these songs, don't dress in certain ways, most believe that would be a legalistic, or a strick house. Jesus was raised with such rules, as was Samson, Apostle Paul and John the Baptist. There is a big difference between holy and legalistic. "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free." (John 8:32) This is one way we can know if something is true, does it set us free. If you grow up in a holy house where there are high standards, if you leave that house and fulfill all your desires, do whatever you want, you may feel a measure of what you would call freedom. But has it really set you free, or has it bound you up? Has it broken relationships because you no longer have the same standards? Has it brought death to relationships, including your relationship to God? We are to be pure and holy as Jesus was pure and holy. (1 John 3) Of course the Bible is a main source of what is right and holy, but having a relationship with Jesus, and allowing the Holy Spirit to "teach us in all things" (John 14:26) is key in knowing what he wants for your life. Sin does two things: It separates us from God, and it hurts us, and possibly others around us. That's why God doesn't want us to sin, and that's why it's important to know what sin is. We have the Bible, and we have His Holy Spirit, which is the real convictor of sin. Without the Holy Spirit we actually can't know we're in sin. And without the Holy Spirit teaching us, the best we have is legalism. The worst way to try and have something holy is a mixture of both legalism and conviction of the Holy Spirit, and I think that's where a lot of us fail. To have a holy house, a holy church, something that is truly pure, it takes the constant presence and filling of the Holy spirit. It cannot be obtained by us, it can only be obtained, and maintained, by the power of the Holy Spirit. So if I am convicted that something is unholy, and teach my children this is unholy, and it isn't, that's majorly confusing and can be damaging to their relationship with God. If it is actually unholy, but our kids leave the house and don't think it's unholy, and then they fall into it, it will bind them up, and it can even cause them to rebel against God, and you, because they don't believe as the Holy Spirit convicted them to believe. If I get mad or impatient with my children, or people in general, then I know, even if it's a conviction of the Holy Spirit, that it is not the Holy Spirit that is implementing this thing I am trying to do by the flesh. We have to remember that it is God's "Kindness that leads us to repentance." (Romans 2:4) We must do all things in Love, and a good description of these things is in 1 Corinthians 13, starting with "love is patient and kind...takes into account no wrong." That's one of the hardest things for people to look past is if their parents, pastors or leaders get it wrong, and yet they are still expected to get it right! That's why there is a strictor judgement upon us who lead, because if we lead in sin, we will only produce death, not life, even if what we're saying is true. This is how we can tell if we are on the right track or not: Galatians 5: 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Why our police are being attacked

When a nation turns it's back on God, and it's laws no longer reflect the laws of God, God can no longer bless that nation. Then those who govern that nation become a laughing stock, and will be mocked and ridiculed. Luke 16:15b "For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God." God can't honor a nation whose laws don't protect the unborn. A nation whose laws reflected the laws of God, but no longer do; adultery was illegal, abortion was, homosexuality was, but now in many states none of these is illegal, and in some, these once illegal acts are now being celebrated. Also Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." We have left the wisdom of God, for our own wisdom. Listen to the Word of God: James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. This whole world is becoming sensual, and we are losing all peace, because we have rejected God and His wisdom, and we have sought our own. God can't bless where He has been rejected, because He isn't there to bless. There are many promises of God, this is one of the best for us as a nation: 2 Chronicles 7:14 "if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." Notice it says to not only pray, but to "turn from our wicked ways?" We have to do it God's way, we can't choose our own ways and expect God to bless it.

Man's religion won't save us, but God will!

God is stirring up things like crazy in the spiritual realm, and it's affecting the physical one too. This morning I saw another shooting star, almost daily I see these. As I was sitting in the shelter at a park, a manmade structure, I thought I heard sirens, 8 or more. Then I realized they were coyotes, a lot of them, and they were loud, really loud. I have seen more deceiving spirits than I ever have at work, even in the church. Basic truths are now being traded in for what is right in our own eyes. There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. (Proverbs 14:12) Instead of trusting in the Word of God, we are trusting in the words of man. The Word of God washes us and cleanses us; the word of man leads to death. The structure of man, many churches he has built, are places not of safety, but places filled with man's righteousness God calls filthy rags. Not salvation centers, but centers of the filth of man's wisdom, the carnal understanding of God's Word. Places where people are kept from faith in Christ. Instead of being led to the Cross, they are being kept from it. God is not happy with places that call themselves churches but are keeping people from Him. I spoke to a woman who was raised in a traditional church for over 100 years. As I shared the Gospel with her she stated "I have never thought about it that way" and "I have never gone that deep." Her childhood baptism didn't bring her to Christ. Her confirmation class didn't bring her to Christ. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to draw all men, but the Spirit of God is quenched as we protect our man made doctrines that keep people from Jesus. We must let go of the pride of self, the religion that is man made, and humble ourselves so that we can receive true religion, which is relationship with our God and Maker. "Father, forgive us, cleanse us with Your Words of life You alone have. Bring us to Your side, deliver us from evil, for Yours is the kingdom, the power, the glory forever and ever, in Jesus name, Amen."

How we should live.

What if the only thing I had to do was to sit at His feet and worship Him and let Him do everything? Luke 10:38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’[k] feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” 41 And Jesus[l] answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” So, let the Lord do everything? Realy? Like, every single thing? Yes. Let Him do the speaking, the leading the loving. And all we do is worship Him. Isn't that what He intends for us for all eternity? So let's start eternity now, let's start His plan now. His kingdom come, His will be done on earth as it is in heaven, right? Yes Lord we say, amen Lord. But now Lord You do it, Your kingdom, here now, as it is in heaven. Yes Lord Jesus. Amen. Jesus is Lord.

Caught!

As I sit in the court administration building, the sun shining, I stand guilty. I am asking for leniency, grace, mercy, something the law may not allow. Even though the sun shines outside, still in the heart of man darkness lurks. On my left a man was caught drunk while driving. In front of me a teen waits with his parents not knowing what his outcome will be. Will the judge show leniency? Well to finish this story, my traffic ticket was not forgiven, but they lessened it. Instead of a 65 in a 55, it's a 60 in a 55. So, the law was lenient, a little! Christ is merciful, graceful, a LOT!

U2 Songs of Innocence lyrics

Lyrics for new U2 album. Music is one part lyrics, 2 parts music & spirit. When David played before King Saul, and the demons fled because of it, it was because of a Spirit that was inhabiting the songs. That same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you. So if you are singing, writing, playing in that same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, then the same thing that happened when David played, demons fleeing, can happen in your music. If you chose to play in your flesh, it will conflict with the Holy Spirit of God, and if the Spirit dwells in you, then that Spirit, the very Spirit of God in you, will bear witness, testify, that the same Spirit is at work in the music. If there is not the fruit of the Spirit; Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self control, then it may be of a different spirit. If we are not listening to Holy Spirit filled music, then we cannot expect that the peace of God will inhabit it. 1 Samuel 16: 23 And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him. John 3:6 Jesus said, That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him So we see according to scripture, if we don't have faith, don't know Christ, even if we are doing the right thing, singing the right words, unless it is born of the Spirit, it cannot please God. If the Spirit of God lives in you, then you will be able to tell. If the music draws you closer to Christ, fills your mind with the things of God, it may be very well something the Sprit of God has given someone. If not, it may not be. Track 1 on Songs of Innocence Rock Genius The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone) U2 Produced By: Danger Mouse, Paul Epworth & Ryan Tedder [Verse 1] I was chasing down the days of fear Chasing down a dream before it disappeared I was aching to be somewhere near Your voice was all I heard I was shaking from a storm in me Haunted by the spectres that we had to see Yeah, I wanted to be the melody Above the noise, above the hurt [Pre-Chorus] I was young Not dumb Just wishing to be blinded By you Brand new And we were pilgrims on our way [Chorus] I woke up at the moment when the miracle occurred Heard a song that made some sense out of the world Everything I ever lost, now has been returned The most beautiful sound I'd ever heard [Verse 2] We got language so we can't communicate Religion so I can love and hate Music so I can exaggerate my pain, and give it a name [Bridge] We can hear you We can hear you We can hear you [Chorus] I woke up at the moment when the miracle had come I get so many things I don't deserve All the stolen voices will some day be returned The most beautiful sound I ever heard [Outro] Your voices will be heard Your voices will be heard Every Breaking Wave LYRICS U2 Produced By: Danger Mouse & Ryan Tedder Every Breaking Wave [Verse 1] Every breaking wave on the shore Tells the next one there'll be one more Every gambler knows that to lose It's what you're really there for Summer I was fearless Now I speak into an answer phone Like every falling leaf on the breeze Winter wouldn't leave it alone, alone [Chorus] If you go? If you go your way and I go mine Are we so? Are we so helpless against the tide? Baby every dog on the street Knows that we're in love with defeat Are we ready to be swept off our feet And start chasing Every breaking wave [Verse 2] Every sailor knows that the sea Is a friend made enemy Every shipwrecked soul, knows what it is To live without intimacy I thought I heard the captain's voice It's hard to listen while you preach Like every broken wave on the shore This is as far as I could reach [Chorus] [Bridge] The sea knows where are the rocks And drowning is no sin You know where my heart is The same place that yours has been We know that we fear to win And so we end before we begin Before we begin [Chorus] This song is about long distance relationships and how we all are on our own journeys at the mercy of the world. California (There Is No End To Love) LYRICS U2 Produced By: Danger Mouse, Declan Gaffney & Paul Epworth California (There Is No End To Love) [Intro x4] Bar-Bar-Barbara, Santa Barbara Bar-Bar-Barbara, Santa Barbara Bar-Bar-Barbara, Santa Barbara Bar-Bar-Barbara, Santa Barbara [Verse 1] California, then we fell into the shining sea The weight that drags your heart down Well that's what took me where I need to be Which is here Out on Zuma Watching you cry like a baby California, at the dawn you thought would never come But it did Like it always does [Chorus 1] All I know And all I need to know is there no end to love [Verse 2] I didn't call you Words can scare a thought away Everyone’s a star in our town It’s just your light gets dimmer if you have to stay In your bedroom In a mirror Watching yourself cry like a baby California, blood orange sunset brings you to your knees I've seen for myself There's no end to grief That's how I know [Chorus 2] That's how I know And why I need to know that there is no end to love All I know and all I need to know is there is no end to love [Guitar Solo] [Chorus 3] All I know And all I need to know is there is no end to love We come and go Stolen days you don't give back Stolen days are just enough This song is inspired by U2’s first trip to California, and mirrors other American-location-named U2 songs likeNew York and the much-derided Miami Song for Someone Produced By: Danger Mouse & Flood [Verse 1] You got a face not spoiled by beauty I have some scars from where I've been You've got eyes that can see right through me You're not afraid of anything they've seen [Pre-Chorus 1] I was told that I would feel Nothing the first time I don't know how these cuts heal But in you I found a rhyme [Chorus 1] If there is a light you can't always see And there is a world we can't always be If there is a dark that we shouldn't doubt And there is a light, don't let it go out And this is a song, song for someone This is a song, song for someone [Verse 2] You let me in to a conversation A conversation only we could make You breaking and enter my imagination Whatever's in there it's yours to take [Pre-Chorus 2] I was told that I would feel Nothing the first time You were slow to heal But this could be the night [Chorus 2] If there is a light you can't always see And there is a world we can't always be If there is a dark within and without And there is a light, don't let it go out And this is a song, song for someone This is a song, song for someone [Outro] And I'm a long long way from your hill or cavalry And I'm a long way from where I was and where I need to be If there is a light you can't always see And there is a world we can't always be If there is a kiss I stole from your mouth And there is a light, don't let it go out Iris (Hold Me Close) Produced By: Paul Epworth & Ryan Tedder [Verse 1] The star That gives us light Has been gone a while But it's not an illusion The ache In my heart Is so much a part of who I am Something in your eyes Took a thousand years to get here Something in your eyes Took a thousand years, a thousand years [Chorus] Hold me close, hold me close and don't let me go Hold me close like I'm someone that you might know Hold me close the darkness just lets us see Who we are I've got your life inside of me Iris... Iris... [Verse 2] Once we are born, we begin to forget The very reason we came But you I'm sure I've met Long before the night the stars went out We're meeting up again [Chorus] Hold me close, hold me close and don't let me go Hold me close like I'm someone that you might know Hold me close, the darkness just lets us see Who we are I've got your life inside of me Iris... Iris... [Bridge] The stars are bright but they do know The universe is beautiful but cold You took me by the hand I thought that I was leading you But it was you made me your man Machine I dream Where you are Iris standing in the hall She tells me I can do it all Iris wakes to nightmares Don't fear the world it isn't there Iris playing on the strand She buries the boy beneath the sand Iris says that I will be the death of her It was not me Iris... Iris... Free yourself, to be yourself if only you could see yourself Free yourself, to be yourself if only you could see... Volcano LYRICS U2 Produced By: Declan Gaffney [Verse 1] The world is spinning fast tonight You can hurt yourself tryin to hold on To what you used to be I’m so glad the past is all gone? [pre-Chorus] Been out in the wild Been out in the night Been out of your mind Do you live here or is this a vacation? [Chorus] Volcano, you don’t wanna, you don’t wanna know Volcano Something in you wants to blow Volcano You don’t wanna, you don’t wanna know [Verse 2] Your eyes were like landing lights They used to be the clearest blue Now you don’t see so well The future’s gonna land on you [Pre-Chorus] Been out in the wild Been out in the night Been out of your mind Do you live here or is this a vacation? [Chorus] Volcano, you don’t wanna, you don’t wanna know Volcano Something in you wants to blow Volcano You don’t wanna, you don’t wanna know You’re on a piece of ground above a volcano [Verse 3] You were alone Now you’re not alone You were alone But now YOU ARE ROCK N ROLL YOU AND I ARE ROCK N ROLL YOU ARE ROCK N ROLL YOU AND I ARE ROCK N ROLL [Chorus] Volcano, you don’t wanna, you don’t wanna know Volcano Something in you wants to blow Volcano You don’t wanna, you don’t wanna know You’re on a piece of ground above a volcano Raised by Wolves Raised by Wolves LYRICS U2 Produced By: Danger Mouse & Declan Gaffney [Verse 1: Bono] Face down on a broken street There’s a man in the corner in a pool of misery I’m in white van as red sea covers the ground Metal crash I can’t tell what it is But I take a look and now I’m sorry I did 5:30 on a Friday night 33 good people cut down I don’t believe anymore I don’t believe anymore [Verse 2: Bono] Face down on a pillow of shame There are some girls with a needle trying to spell my Name My body’s not a canvas My body’s now a toilet wall I don’t believe anymore I don’t believe anymore Raised by wolves Stronger than fear Raised by wolves We were raised by wolves Raised by wolves Stronger than fear If I open my eyes You disappear [Verse 3: Bono] Boy sees his father crushed under the weight Of a cross in a passion where the passion is hate Blue mink Ford, I’m gonna detonate in your den Blood in the house Blood in the street The worst things in the world are justified by belief I don’t believe anymore I don’t believe anymore Raised by wolves Stronger than fear Raised by wolves We were raised by wolves Raised by wolves Stronger than fear If I open my eyes You disappear This song appeared on U2’s surprise album Songs of Innocence. It was released on September 9th 2014. It talks about growing up in a tough part of town, with the effects of ‘The Troubles’ all around. Cedarwood Road Produced By: Danger Mouse & Paul Epworth [Verse 1: Bono] I was running down the road The fear was all I knew I was looking for a soul that’s real Then I ran into you And that cherry blossom tree Was a gateway to the sun And friendship, once it’s won It’s won... it’s one [Hook] Northside just across the river to the Southside That’s a long way here All the green and all the gold The hurt you hide, The joy you hold The foolish pride That gets you out the door Up on Cedarwood Road, On Cedarwood Road [Verse 2: Bono] Sleepwalking down the road Not waking from these dreams ‘Cause it’s never dead it’s still my head It was a warzone in my teens I’m still standing on that street Still need an enemy The worst ones I can’t see You can... you can [Hook] Northside just across the river to the Southside That’s a long way here All the green and all the gold The hurt you hide and the joy you hold The foolish pride that sends you back for more Up on Cedarwood Road, on Cedarwood Road [Verse 3: Bono] If the door is open it isn’t theft You can’t return to where you’ve never left Blossoms falling from a tree they cover you and cover me Symbols clashing, bibles smashing Paint the world you need to see Sometimes fear is the only place that we can call our home Cedarwood Road A HEART THAT IS BROKEN IS A HEART THAT IS OPEN Sleep Like a Baby Tonight LYRICS U2 Produced By: Danger Mouse [Verse 1] Morning, your toast, your tea and sugar Read about the politician's lover Go through the day like knife through butter Why don't you You dress in the colors of forgiveness Your eyes as red as Christmas Purple robes are folded on the kitchen chair [Chorus] You're gonna sleep like a baby tonight In your dreams, everything is alright Tomorrow dawns like someone else's suicide You're gonna sleep like a baby tonight [Verse 2] Dreams It's a dirty business, dreaming Where there is silence and not screaming Where there's no daylight, there's no healing [Chorus] You're gonna sleep like a baby tonight In your dreams, everything is alright Tomorrow dawns like a suicide But you're gonna sleep like a baby tonight [Bridge] Hope is where the door is When the church is where the war is Where no one can feel no one else's pain [Chorus] You're gonna sleep like a baby tonight In your dreams, everything is alright Tomorrow dawns like a suicide But you're gonna sleep like a baby tonight Sleep like a baby tonight Like a bird, your dreams take flight Like St Francis covered in light You're gonna sleep like a baby tonight Edit the description to add: • Historical context: what album the song's on, how popular it was • An explanation of the song's overall story (example: "In this song, Kurt breaks down a day at his grandparents' house") • The song's instrumentation and sound This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now LYRICS U2 Produced By: Danger Mouse [Bono] For Joe Strummer [Chorus] Soldier soldier We signed our lives away Complete surrender The only weapon we know Soldier soldier We knew the world would never be the same Soldier this is where you can reach me now [Verse 1] We come from an ancient place Beyond what we can see We’ve come to colonise your night And steal your poetry Old man knows that I never listen So how could I have something to say Old man knows how to cheat ambition You don’t lose if you don’t play 1, 2, 3, 4, was enough [Chorus] Soldier soldier We signed our lives away Complete surrender The only weapon we know Soldier soldier We knew the world would never be the same Soldier this is where you can reach me now [Verse 2] On a double decker bus Into College Square If you won’t let us in your world Your world just isn’t there Old man says that we never listen We shout about what we don’t know We’re taking the path of most resistance The only way for us to go Hup, 2, 3, 4, was enough [Chorus] Soldier soldier We signed our lives away Complete surrender The only weapon we know Soldier soldier We knew the world will never be the same Soldier this is where you can reach me now [Outro] This is the site This is the season This is where you can reach me now This is the time This is the number This is where you can reach me now The song is dedicated to Joe Strummer, lead singer and co-founder of The Clash, another early influence for U2, especially in how they approached political matters in their music. The Troubles The Troubles LYRICS U2 Produced By: Danger Mouse [Chorus / Intro] Somebody stepped inside your soul Somebody stepped inside your soul Little by little they robbed and stole Till someone else was in control [Verse 1] You think it’s easier To put your finger on the trouble When the trouble is you And you think it’s easier To know your own tricks Well it’s the hardest thing you’ll ever do I have a will for survival So you can hurt me and then hurt me some more I can live with denial But you’re not my troubles anymore [Chorus] Somebody stepped inside your soul Somebody stepped inside your soul Little by little they robbed and stole Till somebody else was in control Somebody stepped inside your soul Somebody stepped inside your soul Little by little they robbed and stole Till someone else was in control [Verse 2] You think it’s easier To give up on the trouble If the trouble is destroying you You think it’s easier But before you threw me a rope It was the one thing I could hold on to I have a will for survival So you can hurt me then hurt me some more I can live with denial But you’re not my troubles anymore [Chorus x2] Somebody stepped inside your soul Somebody stepped inside your soul Little by little they robbed and stole Till somebody else was in control [Verse 3] God knows it’s not easy Taking on the shape of someone else’s pain God now you can see me I’m naked and I’m not afraid My body’s sacred and I’m not ashamed [Chorus] Somebody stepped inside your soul Somebody stepped inside your soul Little by little they robbed and stole Till somebody else was in control Somebody stepped inside your soul Somebody stepped inside your soul Little by little they robbed and stole Till someone else was in control

Starry sky; God verses man

I looked up this morning on my walk with God and saw one of the prettiest starry sky's I've seen in what seems like days or weeks. Then in comparison I saw a satellite, and then another! (Possibly the space station) When I prayed later I was reminded of the difference between what God makes and what man is capable of. The starry host, and a couple of tiny devices that can do some pretty cool things. The comparison is stunning, in His ability versus ours. And we ever doubt Him? He is a God of order. And if He can watch over all of that, surely He can watch over our little lives. "But our problems seem so big!" Not compared to how big He is! Look at your life or problems and compare them like the tiny little satellites compared to the gigantic universe, because that's how God looks at it! Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Waiting...

When I was in the Army, in basic training, it was the first time I ever remember running two miles or more...and on many days it was more! This morning my wife had a dream that she was running the Red Jacket Trail from Rapidan to Mankato, and she was carrying this serving tray, and it was making it harder for her to run, it was really hard at first. Then she put the tray down it became easier for her to run. We are being presented with an opportunity to re-open our feeding center in Mankato possibly even this week or next. I am supposed to get a call today about it. Whenever I was required in the Army to hold something as I ran, even something light, it seemed to be the heaviest burden in the world. Anything added to Jesus is too much. Anything added to His Word will always be wrong, even if it seems to be true. I need God's Word. "Lord, let us receive Your words of life today, You're the only One who has them, and You freely give them. I will not add anything to Your Words, and I will take nothing away from them, in Jesus name. Amen." Isaiah 40:31 31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

The 4th Quarter

Jesus is coming back in the camp. Why is this world becoming so crazy, and everything seems to be becoming more and more evil? Because maybe the Lord is cleansing it before He comes back. If that's true, He has to cleanse it. This is todays study, for Days of Praise: July 31, 2014 Without the Camp “And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount.” (Exodus 19:17) This is the first of more than 30 references to events that took place outside the camp of the Israelites in the wilderness under Moses. In this first mention, it was “without the camp” that God first met with His people and gave them the Ten Commandments. The first temporary tabernacle was also “pitched . . . without the camp” (Exodus 33:7). However, when the regular tabernacle was established, it was placed in the midst of the camp, and the camp was considered holy before the Lord. “For the LORD thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp . . . therefore shall thy camp be holy” (Deuteronomy 23:14). Accordingly, anything unclean was commanded to be banned from the camp (vv. 10-13), including even “the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp” (Hebrews 13:11). Sad to say, however, the camp and the sanctuary did not remain holy, and God, in judgment, finally had to remove it from its place. Before its final removal, however, He whose blood had been foreshadowed by all the sacrifices did come personally to His people “to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself” (Hebrews 9:26). This sacrifice, however, could no longer be offered in the defiled sanctuary. “Wherefore Jesus also . . . suffered without the gate” (Hebrews 13:12). Now again, as in the beginning, God must meet with His loved ones personally, outside the camp. The organized “camps” of religion generally treat His disciples as misfits, and so, like outcasts, they must seek Him outside the camp. “Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach” (v. 13). HMM So if Jesus is coming back, soon, then He has to cleanse His camp, and He is asking all Christians to do the same; no more compromise. No more idols. No more almost good enough. No more 99.9%. No, He is demanding all. Hot or cold, sinner or Saint. Don't get me wrong, that's what He's always called for, but now it has to happen, there's no more time left, this is the 4th quarter, the final; this, is, it. The last time He said it is finished, He had accomplished all He needed to on the Cross. Now He is going to say it is finished and the new heavens and new earth will be established. I've always heard people talk about, "What would you do if you knew this was the last day on this earth? How would you live?" Would you go out and party, or go out and save, redeem. Didn't Jesus say, "Redeem the time for the days are evil." Ephesians 5: 15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. So if this is it, if we have one last generation left before His return, how should we live? Matthew 24:33 33 so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. The word “recognize” used in Matthew 24:33 in the original Greek is in the imperative mode which means it is a command! We are commanded by Jesus to know when His return is near.Romans 13:11-14 11 Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. 12The night is almost gone, and the day is near Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. 14But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. 1 John 2:28 28 Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9 1 Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. 3 While they are saying, "Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; 5 for you are all sons of light and sons of day We are not of night nor of darkness; 6so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. 7 For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. 8 But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ I believe Jesus is speaking of the time we are living in right now: Matthew 24:32-35 & Mark 13:28-31 (Both recorded the same) Luke 21:29-33 32(28) Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; 33(29) so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. 34(30) Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. 29 Then He told them a parable: Behold the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. The question that arises when speaking of the fig tree is not what is the fig tree. That point is clear. Virtually every theologian will agree that in the Bible, Israel is referred to as the fig tree. (Hosea 9:10; Joel 1:6-8, 12; Luke 13:6-9; Jeremiah 24; Jeremiah 29:16-19). When Jesus is talking about the fig tree in the Olivet Discourse, he is referencing Jeremiah 24:1-10. The question that comes up is the fact that in the Gospel of Luke, it is recorded as “Behold the fig tree, and all the trees” where as in Matthew and Mark it is recorded as “Now learn a parable of the fig tree”. This too isn’t really of much debate. There is no difference between the two. The fig tree is Israel and all the trees are the men of Israel (Judges 9:8-20). Matthew and Mark were saying that Jesus said behold Israel while Luke recorded that he said Behold Israel and the men of Israel. For further clarification, the fig tree is a symbol used in Scripture which always refers to the nation of Israel. Figs were used by Jehovah Himself as a symbol for Israel in a parable recorded in Jeremiah 24:1-2. The Lord then explains that the good figs represent those of Israel whom He would return to the land of their fathers and the bad figs were those of Israel whom He would destroy (Jeremiah 24:4-10). Trees, when used as a symbol, refer to the men of Israel. The symbol of trees representing the men of Israel can be seen in a parable told by Jotham to the men of Shechem as recorded in Judges 9:7-15 of the Old Testament. The trees Jotham referred to, that had once gone forth to anoint a king over themselves were the men of Israel as recorded in Judges 8:22. (Luke 21:25-26) "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken” Chuck Smith (Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa)- "We look at the deteriorating moral values in our nation—the divorce rate, abortion, pornography, drug addiction and child abuse. We witness what has transpired in the homosexual community. We are shocked at the violent crimes, the drive-by shootings and the terrorism that plagues our world. What is the world coming to? Is the end near? What will be the signs of Jesus’ coming and the end of the world? This was the very same question Jesus’ disciples asked. Jesus’ answer to them and to us is found in Matthew 24:37-39: As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that [Noah] entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. Genesis 6:5 tells us what was going on in the days of Noah. “God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” As we look at our world today, we see the parallel—the movie industry corrupting our values, television defiling our homes, children’s video games teaching violence—all these are polluting people’s minds until the thoughts and the imagination of man’s heart is continually evil. We read in Genesis 6:11 that “the earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.” Pick up the newspaper and you will see the hostility that fills the earth. Our nation’s morality has sunk to the place where Ruth Graham once said, “If God doesn’t judge America, He will need to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah!" (Thanks to http://www.arewelivinginthelastdays.com/article/generation/generation.htm for all the source material, pasted here on 7/31/14) We are living in the last days, but it is up to God to decide the day & hour, we cannot know that, only the season. Many scoffers will look at this and say something to the effect of, "Ah, "they've" been saying that for centuries, where's the promise of His return." But He's coming back still. Please, look at this as a personal warning; live your life in such a way that is pleasing to the Lord. Live by the Spirit, in the Spirit, and not in the flesh. Chose life, and live for Christ. God bless you and save you, in Jesus name, Amen. The day before I wrote this, this appeared: July 29, 2014 Two more giant holes have formed in the remote region of Siberia, which makes a total of three holes mysteriously appearing in the last few weeks. One of the new holes appeared on the route that reindeer herders are known to travel, making this a dangerous place for them and their herd. According to Yahoo Finance on July 29, locals in Siberia just happened to witness the hole opening up and while there are two conflicting stories reported, both sound rather mysterious and somewhat bizarre. One group of locals said they saw smoke coming out of the ground before the crater developed and then there was a bright flash. Another group reports a “celestial body fell, which created the crater. The first hole that was discovered last week was the biggest of all three. That one was about 100-feet across and 300-feet deep. While the other holes are close to the same depth as the first hole, the second revealed crater was about 50-feet across. The third was only 15-feet across. The Washington Post suggests that with the news filled with downed planes lately, not too many are paying attention to the craters forming in Siberia. Now that three have suddenly appeared, it may be time for attention to be drawn towards detecting just how the holes were formed. The size of the hole isn’t where the danger lies for people herding in that area, it’s the depth. It is the smallest of the three craters that lies on the route that the reindeer herders travel. The two larger holes are in the same area, which is called “the end of the world.” The area is dubbed this because it is such a remote location on the Yamal Peninsula. The third hole is on the Taymyr Peninsula, which is just as desolate a location as the location of the first two craters. A permafrost expert from Russia, Marina Leibman, believes that at least the first hole was caused by the release of methane gas under the permafrost. The permafrost consists of ice, water and soil and when the methane gas released it exploded through the surface of the ground. She said that within a few years, the craters most likely will become a lake, as that is how lakes are formed on the frozen tundra of Siberia. At the bottom of the first hole, icy water is already rising from below, so this expert may be right! (Source: http://www.examiner.com/article/siberia-craters-3-mystery-holes-open-up-locals-report-smoke-and-bright-flash?cid=sm-facebook-073014-9.00pm-SiberiaNewHoles)

God's grace

God's power, it's unlike ours in that it has no limits, no wearing out, and it's not at all dependant upon any others. Terrible storm last night. Torrential rain, high winds, basement flooded when the sump pump failed. We had an 8 gallon, 4 hp shop vac someone had just given us, what a blessing. But it was taking forever! Then I walked over to the sump, lifted it up, set it back down, and it worked! After an hour of "shop-vaccing" I felt we had gotten no where, but after seconds of the right tool for the job was turned back on, all the water was gone. The power of God verses our own power and strength is a lot like that. Except a lot more! I was going to wear out, literally. My strength was waning big time. Then God showed up, yes, in the form of a working sump pump. As I was sitting here this morning I was thinking about how much we need God's provision for our family, how much we need His power and strength, versus our own. As I was saying this to my wife, she pulled out a power cord she had just found, and was looking for. The power of God, that's what we need, and we prayed for that together, for our family and for our ministry. God uses little things like lost power cords and properly working sump pumps to remind us of His strength, His power. Without it, we are like a shop vac trying to clean out the ocean. During the storm God had me praying, intensely. Normally I just enjoy the beauty of a storm, this was different. I found out later there was much damage in many places. But my prayer was a reminder, we are in a storm, a storm that is claiming souls, and we need to be praying Church, and we need your prayers to do the work we are trying to do. As I was hauling bucket load after bucket load, up and down the stairs, that was my prayer, that we, The Church, would pray more, and more people praying, for our work. Our work of evangelism, our work of taking people to God who need a major cleansing, that only Christ can provide. Please Church, pray, intently, as if lives depend on it, because they do, everyday. After the storm, the next morning, I walked around, and there was debris everywhere. It reminded me of the state of people's hearts, and it made me sad. I remembered after the storm, the night before, I had watched a story about WWII, and Hitler and his men. They have video of them walking and laughing, carrying on as if they hadn't committed some of the greatest atrocities in all of history, and I asked how, why? Sin was the Lord's response. People are not a good judge of their own hearts, they can't see how evil they've become. As I looked at the wreckage from the storm, and remembered the carnage of Hitler and crew, I was reminded of what sin does to people, and how horrible it is. God has given me compassion for them, for the lost. They need Jesus, just like I need Him so badly. He wants us to be clean, just like that shower I took after my basement workout, dead things floating around in the water I was in, that shower never felt so good. And so His grace will feel even better as the graceless world gets to feel His grace for the very first time. They are reaching, and we need to be giving. "Lord help us. help us to give all we can, and receive all You have. It will always be enough, Your grace always is." In grace, Tim

My hope for the Dakota nation.

I spoke this May 18th 2014 at the Dakota Peace Celebration in Mankato MN, where 38 Dakota's were hung. We are one blood, one nation. Adam and Eve were God's first creation. One blood. Then Noah, eight souls on the ark, one family, one blood. It is important that we realize, we are all of one blood, we are one nation. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:12-17 NIV) 13 Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.” Exodus 33:13 May 18, 2014 The Way and the Glory “Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.” (Exodus 33:13) “Moses the man of God” (Deuteronomy 33:1) was surely one of the greatest men who ever lived. He was the leader of a great nation, he received the tablets of the law from God. It was said that “there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face” (Deuteronomy 34:10). Yet, “the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3). It was such a man as this who made two remarkable requests of God. The first was, as above: “Show me now Your way.” The second, just a moment later, was: “Show me Your glory” (Exodus 33:18). These were not selfish requests. Moses desired the way of the Lord on behalf of his people. God answered this request with the gracious promise: “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14). But then he also asked to see the glory of God. So God placed Moses “in a clift of the rock,” covering him with His hand as His glory passed by, allowing him to see the remnants of His glory, as it were (Exodus 33:22-23), since he could not have endured any more. With such a vision of God’s glory, Moses was then able to lead the Israelite multitude for 40 years in a terrible wilderness, transforming them from a mob of slaves into God’s chosen nation, ready to bring God’s Word, and God’s Son, into the world. We also can see His way and His glory. Jesus said: “I am the way” (John 14:6). Then He prayed: “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory” (John 17:24). Interesting, this was yesterday’s message, and would have fit perfectly with Emmitt Eastman! May 17, 2014 Running to Christ “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” (Proverbs 18:10) When one realizes that he is lost and that only Christ can save him, he should not delay a moment but come immediately to Christ. There are, in fact, several men in the New Testament who actually ran to Him. There was the man possessed with a whole legion of demons. “But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him” (Mark 5:6), and Jesus set him free. Then there was a young man who wanted to learn of Christ. When he found that Jesus was going away, he came “running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17). Unfortunately, his sincerity failed when he realized the cost. Zeal without sacrifice is dead, as is faith without works. There was another wealthy man who was willing to pay the price. “And [Zacchaeus] ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way” (Luke 19:4). The conversion of Zacchaeus was genuine, and he demonstrated it by a changed and sacrificial life. In Christ’s suffering on the cross, He spoke of His awful thirst, and an unknown observer “ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink” (Mark 15:36). Christ will not forget this expression of concern and sympathy. After His burial, Mary Magdalene came back to tell Peter and John that the tomb was open. “So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. . . . and he saw, and believed” (John 20:4-8). All who hasten wholeheartedly to Christ, sincerely seeking to know and serve Him, will find salvation in His name, for “the name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” HMM

No more tickling ears

I believe we are living in a time when teaching the truth isn't good enough, apart from being filled with the Spirit. If you are a teacher, pastor, leader, we need to be filled with God's Spirit in order to be far away from this promise: "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." (2 Tim 4:3) I believe we have seen the last generation that has come, and is going on now, that could simply teach without power. (Luke 24:14) "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." If we are trying to do this, to live, or to teach in Christ, we must receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit that was promised. You must no longer teach in your own power and strength. You must be clothed in His power and authority, and not your own anymore. The world does not need more of us, it needs more of Christ. Beware Christian leaders, beware of the seduction of your own abilities. They at best are failing.

Waiting on The Lord: No Compromise, and staying in the fear of the Lord

From my facebook post today: I feel like I am being asked to join a circus, complete with a merry-go-round. (My wife had a vision of this this morning as we prayed!) I am being asked to consider some things, so could still use prayer. From "The Great House of God", (Lucado), Just like we need forgiveness other people do too. There comes a time in every relationship where it can be damaging to seek justice, and settling the score only starts a fire. There comes a time when the best thing you can do is accept your brother and offer him the same grace you've been given. (My paraphrase) I have given up the right to choose what is best for me, I have given that choice to the Lord, who always knows better anyhow. Don't forget, "You alone are wise, oh Lord." Like · · Share Tim Stromer A friend just showed up yesterday after work, exactly where I was helping out, and he said, "I really felt like God was telling me to come here, and now I know why." He had no idea I would be there. Yet another friend felt strongly he was supposed to call me and counseled me, and prayed over me. Man it's sweet to have Godly friends! Another friend sent me this last night:April 29 Listening with Purpose 1 Samuel 3:1-10 Yesterday we learned about hearing the Word with eagerness and attentiveness. Now, let’s think about approaching the Bible purposefully, expectantly, and prayerfully. Christians study the Scriptures not just individually but also corporately to learn more about God and His ways. Underlying this simple concept is a big challenge. To gather biblical knowledge with purpose means determining in our heart to obey what we hear (Ps. 119:33). And to do so expectantly means we believe that the Lord is going to speak specifically to us (Ps. 25:4). Sermons, Sunday school lessons, and quiet times on our own are all things to be anticipated. God uses these to build us up, strengthen us, or offer us comfort—He certainly makes listening to Him worthwhile. And obedience is the only proper response to this kind of personal attention. Approaching the reading of Scripture prayerfully prepares our hearts to listen well and ushers in an attitude of purpose and expectancy. Today’s passage tells the story of young Samuel’s first encounter with God. The priest Eli gives the boy valuable advice—that when the Lord calls, he should say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (v. 9). Pray those simple words with conviction before you open your Bible, and you will hear God more clearly. If you want to experience God working in your life, come to Scripture with a prayerful, expectant, purpose-filled attitude. The mourner will be comforted. The weary will gain strength. Those convicted of their sin will repent and know peace. All will sense joy. Recognize what a gift God’s Word is. 12 mins · Like Tim Stromer Also from my daily study today: May 1, 2014 Waiting “Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?” (Mark 13:4) Whether things are going well or not, we must not be misled into a false sense of security. The disciples were looking at the beautiful and serene temple and grounds, but Christ predicted unprecedented destruction. “There shall not be left one stone upon another” (v. 2). Nor should we allow ourselves to be deceived by false prophets (vv. 5-6). Scripture gives ample information to allow us to identify and shun these “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” But to our shame, false teachings permeate our churches and television airwaves. Furthermore, when natural calamities and world turmoil cascade in on us (vv. 7-8), we must not be frozen with fear. These things must come (v. 7). Persecution must come also (vv. 9-12). We must not allow ourselves to be intimidated in our witness or tripped up by bitterness. Instead, we must “endure” and remain loyal to Him (v. 13). We must be at work to spread the gospel to all nations (v. 10) in spite of the opposition. And, “take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is” (v. 33). Let us commit ourselves to the attitude of heart and life He commanded. 4 mins · Like Tim Stromer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6X71sXagUY This came to mind as well. Man I LOVE the Lord, He is SO kind! Thank You Lord, I will wait.

How to play anointed music

Anointed means to "smear." (As in oil, but also, as in His Spirit, all over you) A person is first given gifts, even if they don't use those gifts for God, He gives them anyway, "Without repentance." Then when He calls someone to use a particular gift for Him, He then anoints that person to use that gift for Him, and then His Spirit flows through that person, which is where we Christians can "bear witness" with God's Spirit that indeed the Spirit of God is flowing through this "Chosen vessel of Mine." King David had a "Heart after God" and often times we see God filling David's mouth with praise. His prolific songwriting, or song receiving, is made evident to us through the Psalms, many of whom were penned by David as he worshiped God as a shepherd boy. Often times we tend to confuse talent with anointing, or God's call on someones life. Elvis started out singing hymns in his mom's church, and his mom loved that. Elvis rebelled against God and except for a few of his Gospel records, we still feel God's anointing, but often times we feel his giftings more. One of my personal favorites is Phil Keaggy. When, in his own words, he was trying to be "a little Beatle," he and his friends grew tired of it, and then as Buck Herring told me with Phil's release of True Believer, he was "Back worshiping God." (Though I would say Find Me in These Fields, Phil's and my favorite of the Beatlesque releases, was definitely closer to the worship category.) Phil was made to worship the Lord, and anytime he strays from that, God's anointing is felt a little less than when he worships God through his voice and guitar. Keith Green could not feel God's anointing on his records unless he played them "live" in the studio, recording both vocal tracks & piano at the same time. He was just trying to be obedient to what The Spirit was telling him to do, that was the hallmark of Keith's life. We were made to worship God with our voices and instruments, this is what makes Jesus music full of Jesus. Operating in God's anointing is different for each of us because it requires us to be obedient to what He has called us to do. Maybe instead of an entertainer Elvis was supposed to be a worship leader in the first mega church! How do we hear God's voice, and then produce music for Jesus? First, commit your life to Christ, and pray a prayer of committing your life to Him, something like: "Jesus, I admit that I have sinned, I have done wrong things, and I ask You to forgive me. I believe You died and rose again and that Your blood washed away my sins. I now commit to following You, serving and loving You, and I will live for You all the rest of my life, in Jesus Name, Amen." Once you've committed your life to Christ, then we pray that He would fill you with His Holy Spirit, in Jesus name. Once He's filled you, you now can receive His words of life that He alone has, and He can produce in you His Jesus words, His Jesus Music, His life giving gifts that He has given you, and longed for you to use them for Him, for His purpose, for His glory! Once you have been filled with His Holy Spirit, then you need to discern what His call is for your life. If it is to use your musical gifts for Him, then pray about how He would have you progress in fulfilling His will for your life, because remember, it's not about you, it's all about Him. As He fulfills His purpose in you, everything you do to the glory of God, He will use. You may spend the rest of your days singing songs of life to just your children. You may go on the road and work really hard and never get that record deal, but you may lead thousands to Christ. Or like David starting out, maybe your audience will be a bunch of sheep on a hill somewhere.

Tree's without fruit

Today's lesson is about bad fruit, and trees that can't produce good fruit. If we reject the Word of God, or put man's words above God's Word, then it's end is a spiral death with no hope. I was just with a group of men who do not believe the Word is true, accurate, or that the events like the death and resurrection of Jesus is even true. Before I met with them I was reminded of the scripture when Jesus sent out the disciples two by two, "Shake the dust off your feet..." if they don't receive you. (Matthew 10:14) One of the men I met with even quoted that scripture after our meeting, as if it was a good thing they were doing, rejecting the Word. They forget the verse after: 14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city! So I left. The funny thing is, not only did their beliefs not match what the Word says, even their own book of doctrine doesn't! So what is their foundation? Matthew 7:24 “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.” And it's fall was great...I don't want my friends to fail, get hurt, or leave Christ, or His word, because I know what can happen if they don't repent. I loved them too much not to say something. "Lord, please heal us, save us, deliver us from our own minds, deliver us from satan and his deceptive power. Let us think the thoughts of God, for His thoughts are powerful, right and good. They alone can set the captives free. Your Word oh Lord, Your Word alone. In Jesus name, amen." Study thanks to ICR & their daily "Days of Praise" April 25, 2014 Fruitless Trees “Woe to them! . . . trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots.” (Jude 1:11-12) Many illustrations in Scripture compare the responsibility of trees to bear fruit and the responsibility of Christians to produce righteousness. The reason for the frequent comparisons is that “a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit” (Luke 6:43). It is easy to tell what kind a tree is because “every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes” (Luke 6:44). Jude is making the point, however, that there are “trees” planted amidst the orchard of God’s Kingdom churches that have withering “fruit” or have already been rooted up as worthless, fruitless, and twice-dead. These trees have absolutely no place among the healthy trees. At best they scar and mar the beauty of the orchard, and at worst they spread their decay and rot throughout it. Another very important point is that trees that have withered or cannot produce good fruit are not salvageable. All of nature demonstrates and reinforces the eternal principle that “every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit” (Matthew 7:17). Such dead, fruitless trees are to be “hewn down, and cast into the fire” (Matthew 3:10). The common thread in all of these several pictures by Jude is the damage that can be done by ungodly “tares” among the wheat (Matthew 13:24-30), fig trees that should be providing nourishment but do not (Luke 13:6-9), and plants that are choked by “cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches” (Mark 4:19). All of these can spread the “leaven” through the whole “lump” and undermine the work of God (Galatians 5:9). HMM III A few scriptures since this was written: “[They are] raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame.” (Jude 1:13) “But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt” (Isaiah 57:20). Paul warned the Corinthian church about those who dealt with “hidden things of dishonesty,” were “walking in craftiness,” or were “handling the word of God deceitfully.” In vivid contrast, Paul and his co-laborers openly displayed “the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God” (2 Corinthians 4:2). Like Jude, Paul forecasts only destruction for these kinds of people. They brag “in their shame” and have their mind set on “earthly things” (Philippians 3:19). “Foaming” at the mouth is frequently connected with demonic oppression in Scripture (Mark 9:17-18; Luke 9:39; etc.). Medically, the symptom is seldom positive. Perhaps Jude is offering a glimpse of the devilish source of such “raging” and raising a further alarm. As I read that last line, written in today's "Daily Praise" for ICR, I was astonished that one of the men who I met with actually did this everytime he got upset. He foamed at the mouth, and would get livid about evolution, and other anti God statements. He was the one that would not allow me to pray for the three men I was meeting with. So glad God has power over the enemy, and it's His wisdom I choose to trust in, in Jesus name, Amen.

Waterless clouds and broken cisterns.

There are men among us, people who teach lies, who have rebelled against God's truth, and who now are offended when people speak the truth. They teach that the bible is not the Word of God, that it was written by men, and it is fallible. I have even been with a group of "christian men" who do not believe in the literal death and resurrection of Christ, and forgiveness through Christ's blood. I am even being called to answer for my beliefs on this, even today. I have heard many times that the Cross of Christ offends, but this is the first time I have been confronted with it by "christians." I am reminded of Christ facing His accusers, or Luther standing before his catholic brethren. People that teach that the Word of God is not true, are broken cisterns, that hold no water. Jeremiah 2:13 “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water. They are clouds without water. Jude 1: 12 These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; 13 raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. Paul warned Titus about many “unruly and vain talkers and deceivers” who must be stopped so that “good men” would become “sound in the faith” (Titus 1:8-13). Thus, Jude compares those who hinder “the faith” to those who appear to represent godly pursuits and character but are empty of the refreshing and guiding power of the Holy Spirit and void of biblical wisdom and insight. They are “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14) and “serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:18). (The last few paragraphs were from my daily bible study, from this morning. The broken cistern concept came from an ICR mag that came in the mail yesterday, that I felt led to read last night. The Lord is confirming His word, even before I speak.) But I have prayed for this men, these "waterless clouds" and " broken cisterns" that the Holy Spirit would teach them, and that the truth would set them free, and that I, if I get the opportunity, would through kindness and love speak to them, for it is God's kindness that lead me to repentance, and it's only His kindness that can do it again for us all. Pray for me, that I would love these men, that I like Christ, would even be willing to lay my life down for them.

US Dakota War and us

My friend, Elden Lawrence, just wrote his newest book on the U.S./Dakota war. The book is titled: Stepping off the Keelboat: An Inside Look at the U.S.? Dakota War. His great grandfather, Lorenzo, saved white people, and after delivering them to Ft. Ridgely he said to them, "Now I have brought you prisoners all safe where you will live; and thank God He has helped me do it. And you too must be greatful to God. Remember when you were fleeing for your lives, in your hiding places you could all pray to God every morning, and He heard you, and I am glad. So now as long as you live you must remember that, and worship God." After Jesus died and rose again, He commissioned His followers with this: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” 19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.[c] (Mark 16) Lorenzo was a hero, rescuing many whites even at the risk of his own life, and he commissioned them to follow God. I hope and pray they did. Jesus not only saved us, but He gave up His life in so doing. I pray that we would live out His words above, and love and serve Him with all we have.

God's way

In pride we can't take over God's plan. Korah and 250 men of valor tried to do this with Moses. (Numbers 16) They claimed to be just as holy as Moses. Then God was angry with them. He challenged them with their interpretation of God's word, and the men lost. The ground opened up, swallowed them alive into the pit, and the ground closed up after them. This all happened on the eve of God's people being delivered into the Promised Land. It's just like the enemy to come in at the very wrong time, but that's what he does. We cannot fulfilled God's plan for our lives by our flesh, it is only by God's designed authority that we can enter into the promised land. Jude 1:5 But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day; 7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. 8 Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries. 9 Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” 10 But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves. 11 Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. Apostates Depraved and Doomed 12 These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about[c] by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; 13 raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. 14 Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, 15 to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.” Apostates Predicted 16 These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. 17 But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: 18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. 19 These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit. Maintain Your Life with God 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Then we can enter into God's promises: Isaiah 62: God's promises for you and I from Isaiah 62: 62 For Zion’s sake I will not hold My peace, And for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, Until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, And her salvation as a lamp that burns. 2 The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, And all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, Which the mouth of the Lord will name. 3 You shall also be a crown of glory In the hand of the Lord, And a royal diadem In the hand of your God. 4 You shall no longer be termed Forsaken, Nor shall your land any more be termed Desolate; But you shall be called Hephzibah, (My delight is in her) and your land Beulah; (Married) For the Lord delights in you, And your land shall be married. 5 For as a young man marries a virgin, So shall your sons marry you; And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, So shall your God rejoice over you. 6 I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; They shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent, 7 And give Him no rest till He establishes And till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth. 8 The Lord has sworn by His right hand And by the arm of His strength: “Surely I will no longer give your grain As food for your enemies; And the sons of the foreigner shall not drink your new wine, For which you have labored. 9 But those who have gathered it shall eat it, And praise the Lord; Those who have brought it together shall drink it in My holy courts.” 10 Go through, Go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; Build up, Build up the highway! Take out the stones, Lift up a banner for the peoples! 11 Indeed the Lord has proclaimed To the end of the world: “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Surely your salvation is coming; Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him.’” 12 And they shall call them The Holy People, The Redeemed of the Lord; And you shall be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken. God's way. Lord not my will be done, but Your will be done in Jesus name, Amen.

The true story of Noah.

Noah was a type of Christ, or messiah. A type of Jesus to come. The Bible even says Noah was a perfect man. Now read his true story. Genesis 5:32-10:1 New King James Version (NKJV) 32 And Noah was five hundred years old, and Noah begot Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 6 Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, 2 that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose. 3 And the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not strive[a] with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.” 4 There were giants on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown. 5 Then the Lord[b] 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. 6 And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7 So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Noah Pleases God 9 This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God. 10 And Noah begot three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. The Ark Prepared 13 And God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth. 14 Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch. 15 And this is how you shall make it: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. 16 You shall make a window for the ark, and you shall finish it to a cubit from above; and set the door of the ark in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third decks. 17 And behold, I Myself am bringing floodwaters on the earth, to destroy from under heaven all flesh in which is the breath of life; everything that is on the earth shall die. 18 But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark—you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. 19 And of every living thing of all flesh you shall bring two of every sort into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female. 20 Of the birds after their kind, of animals after their kind, and of every creeping thing of the earth after its kind, two of every kind will come to you to keep them alive. 21 And you shall take for yourself of all food that is eaten, and you shall gather it to yourself; and it shall be food for you and for them.” 22 Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did. The Great Flood 7 Then the Lord said to Noah, “Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation. 2 You shall take with you seven each of every clean animal, a male and his female; two each of animals that are unclean, a male and his female; 3 also seven each of birds of the air, male and female, to keep the species alive on the face of all the earth. 4 For after seven more days I will cause it to rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and I will destroy from the face of the earth all living things that I have made.” 5 And Noah did according to all that the Lord commanded him. 6 Noah was six hundred years old when the floodwaters were on the earth. 7 So Noah, with his sons, his wife, and his sons’ wives, went into the ark because of the waters of the flood. 8 Of clean animals, of animals that are unclean, of birds, and of everything that creeps on the earth, 9 two by two they went into the ark to Noah, male and female, as God had commanded Noah. 10 And it came to pass after seven days that the waters of the flood were on the earth. 11 In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. 12 And the rain was on the earth forty days and forty nights. 13 On the very same day Noah and Noah’s sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and Noah’s wife and the three wives of his sons with them, entered the ark— 14 they and every beast after its kind, all cattle after their kind, every creeping thing that creeps on the earth after its kind, and every bird after its kind, every bird of every sort. 15 And they went into the ark to Noah, two by two, of all flesh in which is the breath of life. 16 So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the Lord shut him in. 17 Now the flood was on the earth forty days. The waters increased and lifted up the ark, and it rose high above the earth. 18 The waters prevailed and greatly increased on the earth, and the ark moved about on the surface of the waters. 19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly on the earth, and all the high hills under the whole heaven were covered. 20 The waters prevailed fifteen cubits upward, and the mountains were covered. 21 And all flesh died that moved on the earth: birds and cattle and beasts and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, and every man. 22 All in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit[c] of life, all that was on the dry land, died. 23 So He destroyed all living things which were on the face of the ground: both man and cattle, creeping thing and bird of the air. They were destroyed from the earth. Only Noah and those who were with him in the ark remained alive. 24 And the waters prevailed on the earth one hundred and fifty days. Noah’s Deliverance 8 Then God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the animals that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters subsided. 2 The fountains of the deep and the windows of heaven were also stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained. 3 And the waters receded continually from the earth. At the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters decreased. 4 Then the ark rested in the seventh month, the seventeenth day of the month, on the mountains of Ararat. 5 And the waters decreased continually until the tenth month. In the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains were seen. 6 So it came to pass, at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made. 7 Then he sent out a raven, which kept going to and fro until the waters had dried up from the earth. 8 He also sent out from himself a dove, to see if the waters had receded from the face of the ground. 9 But the dove found no resting place for the sole of her foot, and she returned into the ark to him, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth. So he put out his hand and took her, and drew her into the ark to himself. 10 And he waited yet another seven days, and again he sent the dove out from the ark. 11 Then the dove came to him in the evening, and behold, a freshly plucked olive leaf was in her mouth; and Noah knew that the waters had receded from the earth. 12 So he waited yet another seven days and sent out the dove, which did not return again to him anymore. 13 And it came to pass in the six hundred and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, that the waters were dried up from the earth; and Noah removed the covering of the ark and looked, and indeed the surface of the ground was dry. 14 And in the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth was dried. 15 Then God spoke to Noah, saying, 16 “Go out of the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons’ wives with you. 17 Bring out with you every living thing of all flesh that is with you: birds and cattle and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, so that they may abound on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth.” 18 So Noah went out, and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives with him. 19 Every animal, every creeping thing, every bird, and whatever creeps on the earth, according to their families, went out of the ark. God’s Covenant with Creation 20 Then Noah built an altar to the Lord, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. 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. 22 “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease.” God’s Promise to Noah 9 So God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.[d] 2 And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, on every bird of the air, on all that move on the earth, and on all the fish of the sea. They are given into your hand. 3 Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs. 4 But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. 5 Surely for your lifeblood I will demand a reckoning; from the hand of every beast I will require it, and from the hand of man. From the hand of every man’s brother I will require the life of man. 6 “Whoever sheds man’s blood, By man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man. 7 And as for you, be fruitful and multiply; Bring forth abundantly in the earth And multiply in it.” 8 Then God spoke to Noah and to his sons with him, saying: 9 “And as for Me, behold, I establish My covenant with you and with your descendants[e] after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you: the birds, the cattle, and every beast of the earth with you, of all that go out of the ark, every beast of the earth. 11 Thus I establish My covenant with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” 12 And God said: “This is the sign of the covenant which I make between Me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: 13 I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. 14 It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; 15 and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” 17 And God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between Me and all flesh that is on the earth.” Noah and His Sons 18 Now the sons of Noah who went out of the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. And Ham was the father of Canaan. 19 These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the whole earth was populated. 20 And Noah began to be a farmer, and he planted a vineyard. 21 Then he drank of the wine and was drunk, and became uncovered in his tent. 22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brothers outside. 23 But Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and went backward and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father’s nakedness. 24 So Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done to him. 25 Then he said: “Cursed be Canaan; A servant of servants He shall be to his brethren.” 26 And he said: “Blessed be the Lord, The God of Shem, And may Canaan be his servant. 27 May God enlarge Japheth, And may he dwell in the tents of Shem; And may Canaan be his servant.” 28 And Noah lived after the flood three hundred and fifty years. 29 So all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years; and he died. Nations Descended from Noah 10 Now this is the genealogy of the sons of Noah: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. And sons were born to them after the flood.

The Storm is Passing. It is!

This morning I was on a walk, and there was a giant storm passing me overhead. There even seemed to be blue sky's right in back of it! This last year has been a storm, and the Lord has promised to deliver us through it, and He has. Now we stand on the edge of it with an assurance that the last year He has not left us, He has miraculously provided for our every need, He has been amazing. He told us to give when we couldn't afford to give, and He blessed and multiplied that seed, three fold, four fold, and even much more. Numerous times He told us to give, and then He blessed the gift, even before we gave sometimes. He has been, and always will be, faithful. Thank You Lord, I look forward to how You want to move in us these coming years. In Jesus name, thank You, Amen."

The blood atonement

Atonement is a big theological word that means reparation for a wrong or an injury. I don't like big theological words, so let me substitute atonement for two words, Jesus saves. Did the doctrine of Jesus coming and taking away our sins happen before Constantine? Does the bible make a clear presentation, even starting hundreds and thousands of years before our Messiah, Jesus, would,. and did came and saved us from our sins? I was asked to give scriptural proof, old and new testament, including some prophecies that Jesus Himself fulfilled as He had to to be called the Messiah, the savior that God's people had been waiting for. Bible Verses About Atonement (Jesus Saves!) Bible verses related to Atonement from the King James Version (KJV) by Relevance Leviticus 17:11 - For the life of the flesh [is] in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it [is] the blood [that] maketh an atonement for the soul. Revelation 5:9 - And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 1 Timothy 2:6 - Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Exodus 30:12-16 - When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto the LORD, when thou numberest them; that there be no plague among them, when [thou] numberest them. (Read More...) 1 John 2:2 - And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world. Hebrews 9:12 - Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us]. 1 Peter 3:18 - For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 1 Peter 2:24 - Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. Hebrews 9:22 - And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. Hebrews 9:7 - But into the second [went] the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and [for] the errors of the people: Galatians 4:5 - To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Galatians 4:4 - But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, Acts 20:28 - Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Exodus 32:1-35 - And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for [as for] this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. (Read More...) Revelation 1:5 - And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, Hebrews 12:24 - And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than [that of] Abel. Romans 5:2 - By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 4:25 - Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Revelation 7:14 - And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 1 John 4:10 - Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 3:5 - And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 1 John 1:7 - But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 Peter 1:20 - Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 1 Peter 1:8-12 - Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (Read More...) Hebrews 13:12 - Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Ephesians 2:4-10 - But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, (Read More...) 2 Corinthians 5:19 - To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18 - And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; Revelation 13:8 - And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Revelation 12:11 - And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. 1 John 5:6 - This is he that came by water and blood, [even] Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. 1 Peter 2:1-25 - Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, (Read More...) 1 Peter 1:18-20 - Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers; (Read More...) Hebrews 13:21 - Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20 - Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Hebrews 11:19 - Accounting that God [was] able to raise [him] up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. Hebrews 11:17 - By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten [son], Hebrews 11:4 - By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. Hebrews 10:14 - For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Hebrews 10:12 - But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; Hebrews 10:10 - By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once [for all]. Hebrews 10:1-20 - For the law having a shadow of good things to come, [and] not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. (Read More...) Hebrews 9:28 - So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Hebrews 9:26 - For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Hebrews 9:25 - Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; Hebrews 9:24-28 - For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: (Read More...) Hebrews 9:20 - Saying, This [is] the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Hebrews 9:19 - For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, Hebrews 9:12-15 - Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us]. (Read More...) Hebrews 7:27 - Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. Hebrews 5:3 - And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. Hebrews 2:17 - Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. Hebrews 2:9 - But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. Hebrews 1:3 - 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 on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Titus 2:14 - Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 1 Timothy 2:5 - For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 1 Thessalonians 5:10 - Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 1 Thessalonians 5:9 - For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Colossians 1:20 - And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven. Colossians 1:19-22 - For it pleased [the Father] that in him should all fulness dwell; (Read More...) Colossians 1:19 - For it pleased [the Father] that in him should all fulness dwell; Colossians 1:14 - In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins: Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; Ephesians 5:2 - And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. Ephesians 2:13-18 - But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (Read More...) Ephesians 1:17-22 - That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: (Read More...) Ephesians 1:7 - In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Ephesians 1:3-12 - Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ: (Read More...) Galatians 3:13 - Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree: Galatians 1:4 - Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: Galatians 1:3 - Grace [be] to you and peace from God the Father, and [from] our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Corinthians 15:3 - For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 1 Corinthians 5:7 - Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 1 Corinthians 2:7 - But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 1 Corinthians 1:24 - But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:23 - But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 1 Corinthians 1:18 - For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:17 - For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. Romans 5:15-21 - But not as the offence, so also [is] the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, [which is] by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. (Read More...) Romans 5:6-11 - For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (Read More...) Romans 5:1 - Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: Romans 3:24-26 - Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (Read More...) Acts 27:9 - Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished [them], Acts 17:3 - Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. Acts 17:2 - And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, John 11:49-51 - And one of them, [named] Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, (Read More...) John 6:51 - I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. John 1:36 - And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! John 1:29 - The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1:14 - And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. Luke 24:47 - And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:46 - And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: Luke 22:20 - Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup [is] the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. Luke 2:31 - Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; Luke 2:30 - For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Matthew 26:28 - For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Matthew 20:28 - Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Zechariah 13:1 - In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness. Daniel 9:24-27 - Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. (Read More...) Isaiah 53:5 - But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Gentlemen, there are many thousands more, if you would like, I can do more research for you. Here are the prophecies that Jesus fulfilled, some written thousands of years before He came. He has to be the Messiah. 351 Prophecies Fulfilled in Jesus Christ "Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me" (Psalm 40:7). "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Revelation 19:10). "...all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me" (Jesus Christ, Luke 24:44). Prophecy Fulfillment 1. Gen. 3:15 Seed of a woman (virgin birth) Galatians 4:4-5, Matthew 1:18 2. Gen. 3:15 He will bruise Satan's head Hebrews 2:14, 1John 3:8 3. Gen. 5:24 The bodily ascension to heaven illustrated Mark 16:19 4. Gen. 9:26, 27 The God of Shem will be the Son of Shem Luke 3:36 5. Gen. 12:3 Seed of Abraham will bless all nations Galatians 3:8, Acts 3:25, 26 6. Gen. 12:7 The Promise made to Abraham's Seed Galatians 3:16 7. Gen. 14:18 A priest after the order of Melchizedek Hebrews 6:20 8. Gen. 14:18 King of Peace and Righteousness Hebrews 7:2 9. Gen. 14:18 The Last Supper foreshadowed Matthew 26:26-29 10. Gen. 17:19 Seed of Isaac (Gen. 21:12) Romans 9:7 11. Gen. 22:8 The Lamb of God promised John 1:29 12. Gen. 22:18 As Isaac's seed, will bless all nations Galatians 3:16 13. Gen. 26:2-5 The Seed of Isaac promised as the Redeemer Hebrews 11:18 14. Gen. 28:12 The Bridge to heaven John 1:51 15. Gen. 28:14 The Seed of Jacob Luke 3:34 16. Gen. 49:10 The time of His coming Luke 2:1-7; Galatians 4:4 17. Gen. 49:10 The Seed of Judah Luke 3:33 18. Gen. 49:10 Called Shiloh or One Sent John 17:3 19. Gen. 49:10 Messiah to come before Judah lost identity John 11:47-52 20. Gen. 49:10 Unto Him shall the obedience of the people be John 10:16 21. Ex. 3:13-15 The Great "I AM" John 4:26, 8:58 22. Ex. 12:5 A Lamb without blemish Hebrews 9:14; 1Peter 1:19 23. Ex. 12:13 The blood of the Lamb saves from wrath Romans 5:8 24. Ex. 12:21-27 Christ is our Passover 1Corinthians 5:7 25. Ex. 12:46 Not a bone of the Lamb to be broken John 19:31-36 26. Ex. 15:2 His exaltation predicted as Yeshua Acts 7:55, 56 27. Ex. 15:11 His Character-Holiness Luke 1:35; Acts 4:27 28. Ex. 17:6 The Spiritual Rock of Israel 1Corinthians 10:4 29. Ex. 33:19 His Character-Merciful Luke 1:72 30. Lev. 1:2-9 His sacrifice a sweet smelling savor unto God Ephesians 5:2 31. Lev. 14:11 The leper cleansed-Sign to priesthood Luke 5:12-14; Acts 6:7 32. Lev. 16:15-17 Prefigures Christ's once-for-all death Hebrews 9:7-14 33. Lev. 16:27 Suffering outside the Camp Matthew 27:33; Heb. 13:11, 12 34. Lev. 17:11 The Blood-the life of the flesh Matthew 26:28; Mark 10:45 35. Lev. 17:11 It is the blood that makes atonement Rom. 3:23-24; 1John 1:7 36. Lev. 23:36-37 The Drink-offering: "If any man thirst" John 7:37 37. Num. 9:12 Not a bone of Him broken John 19:31-36 38. Num. 21:9 The serpent on a pole-Christ lifted up John 3:14-18, 12:32 39. Num. 24:17 Time: "I shall see him, but not now." John 1:14; Galatians 4:4 40. Deut. 18:15 "This is of a truth that prophet." John 6:14 41. Deut. 18:15-16 "Had ye believed Moses, ye would believe me." John 5:45-47 42. Deut. 18:18 Sent by the Father to speak His word John 8:28, 29 43. Deut. 18:19 Whoever will not hear must bear his sin Acts 3:22-23 44. Deut. 21:23 Cursed is he that hangs on a tree Galatians 3:10-13 45. Joshua 5:14-15 The Captain of our salvation Hebrews 2:10 46. Ruth 4:4-10 Christ, our kinsman, has redeemed us Ephesians 1:3-7 47. 1 Sam. 2:35 A Faithful Priest Heb. 2:17, 3:1-3, 6, 7:24-25 48. 1 Sam. 2:10 Shall be an anointed King to the Lord Mt. 28:18, John 12:15 49. 2 Sam. 7:12 David's Seed Matthew 1:1 50. 2 Sam. 7:13 His Kingdom is everlasting 2Peter 1:11 51. 2 Sam. 7:14a The Son of God Luke 1:32, Romans 1:3-4 52. 2 Sam. 7:16 David's house established forever Luke 3:31; Rev. 22:16 53. 2 Ki. 2:11 The bodily ascension to heaven illustrated Luke 24:51 54. 1 Chr. 17:11 David's Seed Matthew 1:1, 9:27 55. 1 Chr. 17:12-13 To reign on David's throne forever Luke 1:32, 33 56. 1 Chr. 17:13 "I will be His Father, He...my Son." Hebrews 1:5 57. Job 9:32-33 Mediator between man and God 1 Timothy 2:5 58. Job 19:23-27 The Resurrection predicted John 5:24-29 59. Psa. 2:1-3 The enmity of kings foreordained Acts 4:25-28 60. Psa. 2:2 To own the title, Anointed (Christ) John 1:41, Acts 2:36 61. Psa. 2:6 His Character-Holiness John 8:46; Revelation 3:7 62. Psa. 2:6 To own the title King Matthew 2:2 63. Psa. 2:7 Declared the Beloved Son Matthew 3:17, Romans 1:4 64. Psa. 2:7, 8 The Crucifixion and Resurrection intimated Acts 13:29-33 65. Psa. 2:8, 9 Rule the nations with a rod of iron Rev. 2:27, 12:5, 19:15 66. Psa. 2:12 Life comes through faith in Him John 20:31 67. Psa. 8:2 The mouths of babes perfect His praise Matthew 21:16 68. Psa. 8:5, 6 His humiliation and exaltation Hebrews 2:5-9 69. Psa. 9:7-10 Judge the world in righteousness Acts 17:31 70. Psa. 16:10 Was not to see corruption Acts 2:31, 13:35 71. Psa. 16:9-11 Was to arise from the dead John 20:9 72. Psa. 17:15 The resurrection predicted Luke 24:6 73. Psa. 18:2-3 The horn of salvation Luke 1:69-71 74. Psa. 22:1 Forsaken because of sins of others 2 Corinthians 5:21 75. Psa. 22:1 "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Matthew 27:46 76. Psa. 22:2 Darkness upon Calvary for three hours Matthew 27:45 77. Psa. 22:7 They shoot out the lip and shake the head Matthew 27:39-44 78. Psa. 22:8 "He trusted in God, let Him deliver Him" Matthew 27:43 79. Psa. 22:9-10 Born the Saviour Luke 2:7 80. Psa. 22:12-13 They seek His death John 19:6 81. Psa. 22:14 His blood poured out when they pierced His side John 19:34 82. Psa. 22:14, 15 Suffered agony on Calvary Mark 15:34-37 83. Psa. 22:15 He thirsted John 19:28 84. Psa. 22:16 They pierced His hands and His feet John 19:34, 37; 20:27 85. Psa. 22:17, 18 Stripped Him before the stares of men Luke 23:34, 35 86. Psa. 22:18 They parted His garments John 19:23, 24 87. Psa. 22:20, 21 He committed Himself to God Luke 23:46 88. Psa. 22:20, 21 Satanic power bruising the Redeemer's heel Hebrews 2:14 89. Psa. 22:22 His Resurrection declared John 20:17 90. Psa. 22:27-28 He shall be the governor of the nations Colossians 1:16 91. Psa. 22:31 "It is finished" John 19:30, Heb. 10:10, 12, 14, 18 92. Psa. 23:1 "I am the Good Shepherd" John 10:11, 1Peter 2:25 93. Psa. 24:3 His exaltation predicted Acts 1:11; Philippians 2:9 94. Psa. 30:3 His resurrection predicted Acts 2:32 95. Psa. 31:5 "Into thy hands I commit my spirit" Luke 23:46 96. Psa. 31:11 His acquaintances fled from Him Mark 14:50 97. Psa. 31:13 They took counsel to put Him to death Mt. 27:1, John 11:53 98. Psa. 31:14, 15 "He trusted in God, let Him deliver him" Matthew 27:43 99. Psa. 34:20 Not a bone of Him broken John 19:31-36 100. Psa. 35:11 False witnesses rose up against Him Matthew 26:59 101. Psa. 35:19 He was hated without a cause John 15:25 102. Psa. 38:11 His friends stood afar off Luke 23:49 103. Psa. 38:12 Enemies try to entangle Him by craft Mark 14:1, Mt. 22:15 104. Psa. 38:12-13 Silent before His accusers Matthew 27:12-14 105. Psa. 38:20 He went about doing good Acts 10:38 106. Psa. 40:2-5 The joy of His resurrection predicted John 20:20 107. Psa. 40:6-8 His delight-the will of the Father John 4:34, Heb. 10:5-10 108. Psa. 40:9 He was to preach the Righteousness in Israel Matthew 4:17 109. Psa. 40:14 Confronted by adversaries in the Garden John 18:4-6 110. Psa. 41:9 Betrayed by a familiar friend John 13:18 111. Psa. 45:2 Words of Grace come from His lips John 1:17, Luke 4:22 112. Psa. 45:6 To own the title, God or Elohim Hebrews 1:8 113. Psa. 45:7 A special anointing by the Holy Spirit Mt. 3:16; Heb. 1:9 114. Psa. 45:7, 8 Called the Christ (Messiah or Anointed) Luke 2:11 115. Psa. 45:17 His name remembered forever Ephesians 1:20-21, Heb. 1:8 116. Psa. 55:12-14 Betrayed by a friend, not an enemy John 13:18 117. Psa. 55:15 Unrepentant death of the Betrayer Matthew 27:3-5; Acts 1:16-19 118. Psa. 68:18 To give gifts to men Ephesians 4:7-16 119. Psa. 68:18 Ascended into Heaven Luke 24:51 120. Psa. 69:4 Hated without a cause John 15:25 121. Psa. 69:8 A stranger to own brethren John 1:11, 7:5 122. Psa. 69:9 Zealous for the Lord's House John 2:17 123. Psa. 69:14-20 Messiah's anguish of soul before crucifixion Matthew 26:36-45 124. Psa. 69:20 "My soul is exceeding sorrowful." Matthew 26:38 125. Psa. 69:21 Given vinegar in thirst Matthew 27:34 126. Psa. 69:26 The Saviour given and smitten by God John 17:4; 18:11 127. Psa. 72:10, 11 Great persons were to visit Him Matthew 2:1-11 128. Psa. 72:16 The corn of wheat to fall into the Ground John 12:24-25 129. Psa. 72:17 Belief on His name will produce offspring John 1:12, 13 130. Psa. 72:17 All nations shall be blessed by Him Galatians 3:8 131. Psa. 72:17 All nations shall call Him blessed John 12:13, Rev. 5:8-12 132. Psa. 78:1-2 He would teach in parables Matthew 13:34-35 133. Psa. 78:2b To speak the Wisdom of God with authority Matthew 7:29 134. Psa. 80:17 The Man of God's right hand Mark 14:61-62 135. Psa. 88 The Suffering and Reproach of Calvary Matthew 27:26-50 136. Psa. 88:8 They stood afar off and watched Luke 23:49 137. Psa. 89:27 Firstborn Colossians 1:15, 18 138. Psa. 89:27 Emmanuel to be higher than earthly kings Luke 1:32, 33 139. Psa. 89:35-37 David's Seed, throne, kingdom endure forever Luke 1:32, 33 140. Psa. 89:36-37 His character-Faithfulness Revelation 1:5, 19:11 141. Psa. 90:2 He is from everlasting (Micah 5:2) John 1:1 142. Psa. 91:11, 12 Identified as Messianic; used to tempt Christ Luke 4:10, 11 143. Psa. 97:9 His exaltation predicted Acts 1:11; Ephesians 1:20 144. Psa. 100:5 His character-Goodness Matthew 19:16, 17 145. Psa. 102:1-11 The Suffering and Reproach of Calvary John 19:16-30 146. Psa. 102:25-27 Messiah is the Preexistent Son Hebrews 1:10-12 147. Psa. 109:25 Ridiculed Matthew 27:39 148. Psa. 110:1 Son of David Matthew 22:42-43 149. Psa. 110:1 To ascend to the right-hand of the Father Mark 16:19 150. Psa. 110:1 David's son called Lord Matthew 22:44, 45 151. Psa. 110:4 A priest after Melchizedek's order Hebrews 6:20 152. Psa. 112:4 His character-Compassionate, Gracious, et al Matthew 9:36 153. Psa. 118:17, 18 Messiah's Resurrection assured Luke 24:5-7; 1Cor. 15:20 154. Psa. 118:22, 23 The rejected stone is Head of the corner Matthew 21:42, 43 155. Psa. 118:26a The Blessed One presented to Israel Matthew 21:9 156. Psa. 118:26b To come while Temple standing Matthew 21:12-15 157. Psa. 132:11 The Seed of David (the fruit of His Body) Luke 1:32, Act 2:30 158. Psa. 129:3 He was scourged Matthew 27:26 159. Psa. 138:1-6 The supremacy of David's Seed amazes kings Matthew 2:2-6 160. Psa. 147:3, 6 The earthly ministry of Christ described Luke 4:18 161. Prov. 1:23 He will send the Spirit of God John 16:7 162. Prov. 8:23 Foreordained from everlasting Rev. 13:8, 1Peter 1:19-20 163. Song. 5:16 The altogether lovely One John 1:17 164. Isa. 2:3 He shall teach all nations John 4:25 165. Isa. 2:4 He shall judge among the nations John 5:22 166. Isa. 6:1 When Isaiah saw His glory John 12:40-41 167. Isa. 6:8 The One Sent by God John 12:38-45 168. Isa. 6:9-10 Parables fall on deaf ears Matthew 13:13-15 169. Isa. 6:9-12 Blinded to Christ and deaf to His words Acts 28:23-29 170. Isa. 7:14 To be born of a virgin Luke 1:35 171. Isa. 7:14 To be Emmanuel-God with us Matthew 1:18-23, 1Tim. 3:16 172. Isa. 8:8 Called Emmanuel Matthew 28:20 173. Isa. 8:14 A stone of stumbling, a Rock of offense 1Peter 2:8 174. Isa. 9:1, 2 His ministry to begin in Galilee Matthew 4:12-17 175. Isa. 9:6 A child born-Humanity Luke 1:31 176. Isa. 9:6 A Son given-Deity Luke 1:32, John 1:14, 1Tim. 3:16 177. Isa. 9:6 Declared to be the Son of God with power Romans 1:3, 4 178. Isa. 9:6 The Wonderful One, Peleh Luke 4:22 179. Isa. 9:6 The Counsellor, Yaatz Matthew 13:54 180. Isa. 9:6 The Mighty God, El Gibor 1Cor. 1:24, Titus 2:3 181. Isa. 9:6 The Everlasting Father, Avi Adth John 8:58, 10:30 182. Isa. 9:6 The Prince of Peace, Sar Shalom John 16:33 183. Isa. 9:7 To establish an everlasting kingdom Luke 1:32-33 184. Isa. 9:7 His Character-Just John 5:30 185. Isa. 9:7 No end to his Government, Throne, and Peace Luke 1:32-33 186. Isa. 11:1 Called a Nazarene-the Branch, Netzer Matthew 2:23 187. Isa. 11:1 A rod out of Jesse-Son of Jesse Luke 3:23, 32 188. Isa. 11:2 Anointed One by the Spirit Matthew 3:16, 17, Acts 10:38 189. Isa. 11:2 His Character-Wisdom, Knowledge, et al Colossians 2:3 190. Isa. 11:3 He would know their thoughts Luke 6:8, John 2:25 191. Isa. 11:4 Judge in righteousness Acts 17:31 192. Isa. 11:4 Judges with the sword of His mouth Rev. 2:16, 19:11, 15 193. Isa. 11:5 Character: Righteous & Faithful Rev. 19:11 194. Isa. 11:10 The Gentiles seek Him John 12:18-21 195. Isa. 12:2 Called Jesus-Yeshua Matthew 1:21 196. Isa. 22:22 The One given all authority to govern Revelation 3:7 197. Isa. 25:8 The Resurrection predicted 1Corinthians 15:54 198. Isa. 26:19 His power of Resurrection predicted Matthew 27:50-54 199. Isa. 28:16 The Messiah is the precious corner stone Acts 4:11, 12 200. Isa. 28:16 The Sure Foundation 1Corinthians 3:11, Mt. 16:18 201. Isa. 29:13 He indicated hypocritical obedience to His Word Matthew 15:7-9 202. Isa. 29:14 The wise are confounded by the Word 1Corinthians 1:18-31 203. Isa. 32:2 A Refuge-A man shall be a hiding place Matthew 23:37 204. Isa. 35:4 He will come and save you Matthew 1:21 205. Isa. 35:5-6 To have a ministry of miracles Matthew 11:2-6 206. Isa. 40:3, 4 Preceded by forerunner John 1:23 207. Isa. 40:9 "Behold your God." John 1:36; 19:14 208. Isa. 40:10. He will come to reward Revelation 22:12 209. Isa. 40:11 A shepherd-compassionate life-giver John 10:10-18 210. Isa. 42:1-4 The Servant-as a faithful, patient redeemer Matthew 12:18-21 211. Isa. 42:2 Meek and lowly Matthew 11:28-30 212. Isa. 42:3 He brings hope for the hopeless John 4 213. Isa. 42:4 The nations shall wait on His teachings John 12:20-26 214. Isa. 42:6 The Light (salvation) of the Gentiles Luke 2:32 215. Isa. 42:1, 6 His is a worldwide compassion Matthew 28:19, 20 216. Isa. 42:7 Blind eyes opened. John 9:25-38 217. Isa. 43:11 He is the only Saviour. Acts 4:12 218. Isa. 44:3 He will send the Spirit of God John 16:7, 13 219. Isa. 45:21-25 He is Lord and Saviour Philippians 3:20, Titus 2:13 220. Isa. 45:23 He will be the Judge John 5:22; Romans 14:11 221. Isa. 46:9, 10 Declares things not yet done John 13:19 222. Isa. 48:12 The First and the Last John 1:30, Revelation 1:8, 17 223. Isa. 48:16, 17 He came as a Teacher John 3:2 224. Isa. 49:1 Called from the womb-His humanity Matthew 1:18 225. Isa. 49:5 A Servant from the womb. Luke 1:31, Philippians 2:7 226. Isa. 49:6 He will restore Israel Acts 3:19-21, 15:16-17 227. Isa. 49:6 He is Salvation for Israel Luke 2:29-32 228. Isa. 49:6 He is the Light of the Gentiles John 8:12, Acts 13:47 229. Isa. 49:6 He is Salvation unto the ends of the earth Acts 15:7-18 230. Isa. 49:7 He is despised of the Nation John 1:11, 8:48-49, 19:14-15 231. Isa. 50:3 Heaven is clothed in black at His humiliation Luke 23:44, 45 232. Isa. 50:4 He is a learned counselor for the weary Matthew 7:29, 11:28, 29 233. Isa. 50:5 The Servant bound willingly to obedience Matthew 26:39 234. Isa. 50:6a "I gave my back to the smiters." Matthew 27:26 235. Isa. 50:6b He was smitten on the cheeks Matthew 26:67 236. Isa. 50:6c He was spat upon Matthew 27:30 237. Isa. 52:7 Published good tidings upon mountains Matthew 5:12,15:29,28:16 238. Isa. 52:13 The Servant exalted Acts 1:8-11; Eph. 1:19-22, Php. 2:5-9 239. Isa. 52:14 The Servant shockingly abused Luke 18:31-34; Mt. 26:67, 68 240. Isa. 52:15 Nations startled by message of the Servant Luke 18:31-34; Mt. 26:67, 68 241. Isa. 52:15 His blood shed sprinkles nations Hebrews 9:13-14, Rev. 1:5 242. Isa. 53:1 His people would not believe Him John 12:37-38 243. Isa. 53:2 Appearance of an ordinary man Philippians 2:6-8 244. Isa. 53:3a Despised Luke 4:28-29 245. Isa. 53:3b Rejected Matthew 27:21-23 246. Isa. 53:3c Great sorrow and grief Matthew 26:37-38, Luke 19:41, Heb. 4:15 247. Isa. 53:3d Men hide from being associated with Him Mark 14:50-52 248. Isa. 53:4a He would have a healing ministry Matthew 8:16-17 249. Isa. 53:4b Thought to be cursed by God Matthew 26:66, 27:41-43 250. Isa. 53:5a Bears penalty for mankind's iniquities 2Cor. 5:21, Heb. 2:9 251. Isa. 53:5b His sacrifice provides peace between man and God Colossians 1:20 252. Isa. 53:5c His sacrifice would heal man of sin 1Peter 2:24 253. Isa. 53:6a He would be the sin-bearer for all mankind 1John 2:2, 4:10 254. Isa. 53:6b God's will that He bear sin for all mankind Galatians 1:4 255. Isa. 53:7a Oppressed and afflicted Matthew 27:27-31 256. Isa. 53:7b Silent before his accusers Matthew 27:12-14 257. Isa. 53:7c Sacrificial lamb John 1:29, 1Peter 1:18-19 258. Isa. 53:8a Confined and persecuted Matthew 26:47-27:31 259. Isa. 53:8b He would be judged John 18:13-22 260. Isa. 53:8c Killed Matthew 27:35 261. Isa. 53:8d Dies for the sins of the world 1John 2:2 262. Isa. 53:9a Buried in a rich man's grave Matthew 27:57 263. Isa. 53:9b Innocent and had done no violence Luke 23:41, John 18:38 264. Isa. 53:9c No deceit in his mouth 1Peter 2:22 265. Isa. 53:10a God's will that He die for mankind John 18:11 266. Isa. 53:10b An offering for sin Matthew 20:28, Galatians 3:13 267. Isa. 53:10c Resurrected and live forever Romans 6:9 268. Isa. 53:10d He would prosper John 17:1-5 269. Isa. 53:11a God fully satisfied with His suffering John 12:27 270. Isa. 53:11b God's servant would justify man Romans 5:8-9, 18-19 271. Isa. 53:11c The sin-bearer for all mankind Hebrews 9:28 272. Isa. 53:12a Exalted by God because of his sacrifice Matthew 28:18 273. Isa. 53:12b He would give up his life to save mankind Luke 23:46 274. Isa. 53:12c Numbered with the transgressors Mark 15:27-28 275. Isa. 53:12d Sin-bearer for all mankind 1Peter 2:24 276. Isa. 53:12e Intercede to God in behalf of mankind Luke 23:34, Rom. 8:34 277. Isa. 55:3 Resurrected by God Acts 13:34 278. Isa. 55:4a A witness John 18:37 279. Isa. 55:4b He is a leader and commander Hebrews 2:10 280. Isa. 55:5 God would glorify Him Acts 3:13 281. Isa. 59:16a Intercessor between man and God Matthew 10:32 282. Isa. 59:16b He would come to provide salvation John 6:40 283. Isa. 59:20 He would come to Zion as their Redeemer Luke 2:38 284. Isa. 60:1-3 He would shew light to the Gentiles Acts 26:23 285. Isa. 61:1a The Spirit of God upon him Matthew 3:16-17 286. Isa. 61:1b The Messiah would preach the good news Luke 4:16-21 287. Isa. 61:1c Provide freedom from the bondage of sin John 8:31-36 288. Isa. 61:1-2a Proclaim a period of grace Galatians 4:4-5 289. Jer. 23:5-6 Descendant of David Luke 3:23-31 290. Jer. 23:5-6 The Messiah would be both God and Man John 13:13, 1Ti 3:16 291. Jer. 31:22 Born of a virgin Matthew 1:18-20 292. Jer. 31:31 The Messiah would be the new covenant Matthew 26:28 293. Jer. 33:14-15 Descendant of David Luke 3:23-31 294. Eze.34:23-24 Descendant of David Matthew 1:1 295. Eze.37:24-25 Descendant of David Luke 1:31-33 296. Dan. 2:44-45 The Stone that shall break the kingdoms Matthew 21:44 297. Dan. 7:13-14a He would ascend into heaven Acts 1:9-11 298. Dan. 7:13-14b Highly exalted Ephesians 1:20-22 299. Dan. 7:13-14c His dominion would be everlasting Luke 1:31-33 300. Dan. 9:24a To make an end to sins Galatians 1:3-5 301. Dan. 9:24a To make reconciliation for iniquity Romans 5:10, 2Cor. 5:18-21 302. Dan. 9:24b He would be holy Luke 1:35 303. Dan. 9:25 His announcement John 12:12-13 304. Dan. 9:26a Cut off Matthew 16:21, 21:38-39 305. Dan. 9:26b Die for the sins of the world Hebrews 2:9 306. Dan. 9:26c Killed before the destruction of the temple Matthew 27:50-51 307. Dan. 10:5-6 Messiah in a glorified state Revelation 1:13-16 308. Hos. 11:1 He would be called out of Egypt Matthew 2:15 309. Hos. 13:14 He would defeat death 1Corinthians 15:55-57 310. Joel 2:32 Offer salvation to all mankind Romans 10:9-13 311. Jonah 1:17 Death and resurrection of Christ Matthew 12:40, 16:4 312. Mic. 5:2a Born in Bethlehem Matthew 2:1-6 313. Mic. 5:2b Ruler in Israel Luke 1:33 314. Mic. 5:2c From everlasting John 8:58 315. Hag. 2:6-9 He would visit the second Temple Luke 2:27-32 316. Hag. 2:23 Descendant of Zerubbabel Luke 2:27-32 317. Zech. 3:8 God's servant John 17:4 318. Zech. 6:12-13 Priest and King Hebrews 8:1 319. Zech. 9:9a Greeted with rejoicing in Jerusalem Matthew 21:8-10 320. Zech. 9:9b Beheld as King John 12:12-13 321. Zech. 9:9c The Messiah would be just John 5:30 322. Zech. 9:9d The Messiah would bring salvation Luke 19:10 323. Zech. 9:9e The Messiah would be humble Matthew 11:29 324. Zech. 9:9f Presented to Jerusalem riding on a donkey Matthew 21:6-9 325. Zech. 10:4 The cornerstone Ephesians 2:20 326. Zech. 11:4-6a At His coming, Israel to have unfit leaders Matthew 23:1-4 327. Zech. 11:4-6b Rejection causes God to remove His protection Luke 19:41-44 328. Zech. 11:4-6c Rejected in favor of another king John 19:13-15 329. Zech. 11:7 Ministry to "poor," the believing remnant Matthew 9:35-36 330. Zech. 11:8a Unbelief forces Messiah to reject them Matthew 23:33 331. Zech. 11:8b Despised Matthew 27:20 332. Zech. 11:9 Stops ministering to those who rejected Him Matthew 13:10-11 333. Zech. 11:10-11a Rejection causes God to remove protection Luke 19:41-44 334. Zech. 11:10-11b The Messiah would be God John 14:7 335. Zech. 11:12-13a Betrayed for thirty pieces of silver Matthew 26:14-15 336. Zech. 11:12-13b Rejected Matthew 26:14-15 337. Zech. 11:12-13c Thirty pieces of silver cast in the house of the Lord Matthew 27:3-5 338. Zech. 11:12-13d The Messiah would be God John 12:45 339. Zech. 12:10a The Messiah's body would be pierced John 19:34-37 340. Zech. 12:10b The Messiah would be both God and man John 10:30 341. Zech. 12:10c The Messiah would be rejected John 1:11 342. Zech. 13:7a God's will He die for mankind John 18:11 343. Zech. 13:7b A violent death Mark 14:27 344. Zech. 13:7c Both God and man John 14:9 345. Zech. 13:7d Israel scattered as a result of rejecting Him Matthew 26:31-56 346. Zech. 14:4 He would return to the Mt. of Olives Acts 1:11-12 347. Mal. 3:1a Messenger to prepare the way for Messiah Mark 1:1-8 348. Mal. 3:1b Sudden appearance at the temple Mark 11:15-16 349. Mal. 3:1c Messenger of the new covenant Luke 4:43 350. Mal. 4:5 Forerunner in spirit of Elijah Mt. 3:1-3, 11:10-14, 17:11-13 351. Mal. 4:6 Forerunner would turn many to righteousness Luke 1:16-17 So, do you believe that Jesus saves?