Pastor
Good morning my beloved congregation, I'm so glad that you could join me for today's reading.
Let us pray...
Congregation,
please open your Bibles
and join me as we read today's sermon
5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Salvation is by grace through faith. Faith involves knowledge of the Gospel (see Romans 10:14), acknowledgment of the truth of its message, and personal reception of the Savior, Jesus Christ (John 1:12).
Works cannot save (v. 9), but good works always accompany salvation (v. 10).
quickened = made alive
grace = unmerited favor
If you do not know Jesus, you can right here and now...
Until tomorrow then, have a blessed and peaceful Sunday
and remember, just as food is health to the body, the Word of God is health to the soul.
Pastor Ford
Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalm Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi
Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy
2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John
Jude Revelation
Which Bible is the correctly translated version from the ancient scrolls?
Which version of the Bible are you reading / studying from?
These are 2 critical questions for ALL Christians and this book is a must read for ALL believers.
The 10 Commandments of the Bible
1 Thou shalt have no other gods before me
2 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image
3 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain
4 Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy
5 Honor thy father and thy mother
6 Thou shalt not kill
7 Thou shalt not commit adultery
8 Thou shalt not steal
9 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor
10 Thou shalt not covet
The Children Of God creed
What do we believe
1 The Bible is the inspired Word of God.
2 God is the absolute and sole creator of the universe, and that creation was by divine command.
3 God, by His sovereign choice and out of love for man, sent Christ into the world to save sinners.
4 We have all sinned and fallen short of the kingdom.
5 Jesus Christ was both God and man and that He was born to a virgin and that He lived a sinless life. He taught and performed mighty miracles as revealed in the four gospels and was crucified for our sins and raised bodily from the dead on the third day.
6 Jesus Christ ascended to heaven and is seated at the Father's right hand, where He is the head of the church and intercedes for believers and ALL who call on Him.
7 Christ will return to the earth to receive His own.
8 It is the goal of every Christian to grow in spiritual maturity through obedience to the Word of God and the indwelling Spirit.
9 The Holy Spirit dwells in all believers.
10 Salvation is a free gift from God that is not deserved nor can it be earned. We are saved by God's grace, which we accept by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. Because we believe in Jesus, we show obedience through repentance, confession of our faith to those around us, Christian baptism, and living a Christian life.
11 To love ALL of G-d's creation and to approach others of different spiritual beliefs with kindness, so that they might see that the Holy Spirit dwells within me, amen and amen.
Pastor Ford and TCOG members
Now is the time to surrender your life to Jesus Christ that you may assure yourself eternal life. All have sinned and fallen short of His glory but the heavenly Father loved us so much that He sent His only begotten Son Jesus that we might be washed clean of our sin and be saved.
Repeat the following prayer from your heart and, as you do, I come into agreement with you with each and every word:
That's it my beloved, you are now a new creature in Christ and, one day, will spend eternity in heaven. Write down today's date and know that you were born again as a child of God.
Now, go forth and share your new found faith. Get a King James Bible (1611 Old English Version) and start learning all the awesome things of God. Get together with other Christians and commune with them daily.
Whether you make TCOG your daily, on-line Church site or not, just make sure you join a Church, be it on-line or in your community. Scrutinize it and make sure that the Holy Spirit dwells there and that they teach from the original King James Version of the Bible. This is known as the Old English Version KJV and NOT the New King James Version or NIV, which have been changed to modern English and corrupted throughout.
and let me know the date and time you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior
Pastor Ford
Pastor LS Ford
This is really cool, fun and awesomely rewarding. With each word you get right, 20 grains of rice are donated to help end world hunger. Be careful though, it's very addictive and, if you're anything like me, you can spend nearly your entire day here. Just click on the banner and have fun while doing a blessing to those less fortunate in the world.
unto = to
yea = yes
thy = your
hast = has
preserveth = preserves
simple = those who lack wisdom and experience which exposes them to danger
4/29/2012
21Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
23Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
24Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.
25Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
26Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
27Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
thy = your
thine = your
heart = mind and inner being
issues of life = outgoings of life; i.e., spiritual vitality
son = man = mankind = human being = man - woman - child
froward = crooked, obstinate, disobedient, fractious, wayward, unmanageable, difficult
4/28/2012
4But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.
5For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.
Amen. What a wonderful day that will be when, once and for all, peace abounds, amen. All people now walk in the name of their "god" (v. 5 - notice the lower case g which refers to false god's), but we will walk in the name of the LORD our God (upper case G refers to the one true God), maker of heaven and earth and all things therein, amen.
4/27/2012
6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
12Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
if so be = since
dwelleth = dwells - lives
mortify = put to death - separate from the deeds of the body
carnally = bodily, lustful, lecherous, lascivious, libidinous, concupiscent
4/26/2012
11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
14How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
16But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
17So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Amen. Though God's election of His people is of His own free choice and not based on human merit, the elect are not saved without believing the message that is preached by those that are sent (see Isaiah 52:7).
Some people, whether by choice or not, will never open a Bible in their entire life, this is why God sends preachers into the world to orally profess His Word to the four corners of the earth, that all may hear (v. 17 - So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.), confess with their mouth (v.10 - with the mouth confession is made) and be saved (v.10 unto salvation), amen and amen.
4/25/2012
2Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
3For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
4But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
5For every man shall bear his own burden.
6Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Verse 10 - (especially unto them who are of the household of faith = believers) Special concern for this group is an utmost obligation for the children of God.
not be weary = not lose heart
faint not = do not quit or give up
the law of Christ = to love one another
communicate unto... all good things = share material things
4/24/2012
8Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
9Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
10If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
11For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
Amen. It is imperative that all teachers of the Word be tried and tested (vs. 9) as to just what it is they are teaching. Is their doctrine true and from God... or is it of the enemy? Remember, the devil comes to rob, kill and destroy. If you find your teacher to be a false teacher FLEE from them immediately and find another who teaches the undefiled Word of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
4/23/2012
2Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.
3A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.
4His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
5The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.
7Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.
8Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.
9For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.
10Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
11Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
12Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Amen. This hymn of God's kingship opens with a call for all the earth to rejoice at the establishment of the kingdom of the Lord (v. 1), who's presence is described in theophany-like language (vv. 2-6); then it describes the effects of His kingdom in relation to the wicked (v. 7) and the righteous (vv. 8-9), and concludes with an exhortation to hate evil and praise the Lord (vv. 10-12).
The millennial kingdom will be characterized by morality and universality (vv. 2-6). Physical phenomena often accompany an appearance of the Lord (Exodus19:16; Micah 1-4) and will again at His second coming (Acts 2:19-20).
Notice that gods is in lower case. This is because God Himself acknowledges that some people follow after false, man-made gods but He assures us that only He and He alone is God and that we are to seek Him and Him alone, amen and amen.
4/22/2012
9To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
4/21/2012
2 Corinthians 2
1 to 4
2For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?
3And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.
ye = you
unto = to
lest = unless
whom = who
maketh = makes
ought to = should
I wrote unto you (see introduction to 2 Corinthians for a discussion of this letter)
4/20/2012
22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
23Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
24For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
25But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
Amen. Our new birth in Christ Jesus involves the imperishable Word of God (also see James 1:18), and includes love for our fellow human beings, yes, even love for those who do not believe. As we live our daily lives, walking in the way of Jesus, others may see His truth in us and be drawn unto Him, amen.
4/19/2012
39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.
40And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Water baptism is the outward sign of repentance and remission of sins though an actual acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord through faith is required for eternal salvation.
untoward = crooked
4/18/2012
14But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
16And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
We see in verses 16-17 the first clear expression of the concept of the Trinity. The descent of the Spirit upon Jesus was for special power at the beginning of His ministry, amen and amen.
4/17/2012
1And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
2And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
3And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:
4But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
5And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.
4/16/2012
1Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
2Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
3Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
Amen. Paul infers that, in their pagan days (before they accepted Jesus) they were carried away to worship idols by powers outside themselves; i.e., demons. A believer, led by the Spirit of God, would never curse Jesus but rather acknowledge His supreme Lordship; i.e., His deity as Yahweh, the one and only true God, maker of heaven and earth, amen and amen.
operations = energizing of the spiritual gifts given to us, the believer
4/15/2012
2And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
13Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Amen. These verses are called the Beatitudes of Christ which Jesus gave on the Sermon on the Mount. The Beatitudes (= blessed - happy) describe the inner qualities of a follower of Jesus and promise us blessings in the future and they contrast sharply with the characteristics of the Pharisees, who were proud, thinking they had already attained righteousness and salvation.
4/14/2012
2The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
3Honour widows that are widows indeed.
4But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.
5Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
6But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
7And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
Providing for ones own relatives (vs. 8), and especially immediate family members house is a believers duty
intreat = exhort
nephews = Lit., grandchildren
4/13/2012
16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
lust of the eyes = that lust which leads to greed and covetousness
pride of life = vainglory, display or boasting about one's possessions
lust of the flesh = the lust of our sinful nature of which we are born into
4/12/2012
2Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Amen. The lesson here is to count on Jesus and to fashion ourselves, our every thought, action and deed after Him. To be united as one body in Christ Jesus, we must put away all selfishness, personal vanity, haughtiness, and self interests, amen.
consolation = support
Fulfil ye my joy = Cap off my pleasure
bowels and mercies = affection and sympathy
man = mankind = fellow human being = man - woman - child
4/11/2012
14As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:
15So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.
Due to the merciless beating by Pilate's soldiers, Jesus the Messiah's visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men (v. 14) that he could barely be recognized as human. What an unbelievable and selfless sacrifice that He paid that we might be saved and reconciled unto the Father, thank you so very much my Lord Jesus.
astonied = astonished
visage = face = appearance
exalted and extolled = The preeminence of the Servant
4/10/2012
4And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
5But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear
him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say
unto you, Fear him.
6Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
7But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
8Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:
9But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.
Fear = reverence (to regard with respect tinged with awe - to stand in awe of)
4/09/2012
1O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
2Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. 3Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.
4For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. 5For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
6Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
7Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
8Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
9O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.
10Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.
11Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
12Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
13Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.
2 A call to all nations to worship the Lord (7-9)
3 A call to nature to rejoice before the Lord (11-12)
All creation will flourish (11-13) when the curse of sin is reversed in the Millennium. (See note on Roman's 8:20)
judge = in the sense of govern
a new song = newly composed after receiving new mercies
in the beauty of holiness = the splendor of His (God's) holiness
idols = nothings, denoting the unreality of the supposed god's of the nation(s)
4/08/2012
2Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
ye = you
sitteth = sits
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear = the second coming of Jesus in the clouds
8Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
9Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
10If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
11For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
Amen. It is imperative that all teachers of the Word be tried and tested (vs. 9) as to just what it is they are teaching. Is their doctrine true and from God... or is it of the enemy. Remember, the devil comes to rob, kill and destroy. If you find your teacher to be a false teacher FLEE from them immediately and find another who teaches the undefiled Word of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
11Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
12For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.
13For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.
Amen. The bema (judgment seat) was well known to the Corinthians (see Acts 18:12). Believers will be judged in a review of their works for the purpose of rewards.
Here in verse 13, beside ourselves (= we went mad) probably referring to some specific occasion when Paul's critics charged him with madness for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. For a similar charge against Jesus, see Mark 3:21 & Acts 26:24.
bad = worthless
men = mankind = men - women - children
terror = fear or awe of the Lord (Jesus Christ) in view of His judging us
we persuade men = believers are to persuade all humans to be reconciled to God
Is Jesus the Christ?
20When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
21And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.
22Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
23And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
24And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
25But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.
26But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.
27This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
28For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
John the Baptist was not like a reed (vs. 24) that bends in whatever direction the wind blows it (today's "politically correct" frame of mind); rather he was a man of conviction. Neither was he given to soft living (vs. 25).
This is he, of whom it is written (vs. 27) = see Malachi 3:1
not a greater prophet than John (vs. 28) = see note on Matthew 11:11
Romans 1
24 through 32
25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Because God only approves of monogamous, heterosexual relationships in marriage (study Leviticus 20), Paul condemns both lesbian and homosexual activities as well as adultery (the 7th Commandant) before and within marriage.
Speaking on these topics, or even bringing them up, may not be popular in today's world and way of thinking but they are God's Words and the Lord says that He is the same yesterday, today and forever (see Hebrews 8) and that "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." (Matthew 24:25), amen and amen.
over = up
not convenient = improper
meet = deserved = brought on by ones self
34Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
35And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
36And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
37And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
38And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
40But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
42And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
44And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
45And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
48And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.
49And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.
50And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:
51(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.
52This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.
53And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.
54And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.
55And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.
56And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
Amen. Though Jesus was innocent of all accusations, He held His tongue throughout the persecution, trial, and crucifixion... why? He loves us so much that He chose, of His own free will, to sacrifice His life for all mankind, that we might be reconciled unto the Father and have eternal life, amen.
malefactors = criminals
Arimathaea - A town N of Lydda
Joseph = a secret disciple of Jesus
Calvary = Golgotha - Aramaic for skull
they parted his raiment (clothing), and cast lots (gambled)
Christmas 2011
2Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
3When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
12And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
13And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
14When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
15And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
16Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.
17Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying,
18In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
19But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
20Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.
21And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
22But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
23And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
Merry Christmas! May this be your best one ever. God bless you!
Matthew 1
The generation of Jesus
2Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
3And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
4And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;
5And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;
6And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
7And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;
8And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;
9And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;
10And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;
11And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:
12And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;
13And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;
14And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;
15And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;
16And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
17So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Amen. I want to wish you a Merry CHRISTMAS and may all your wishes be fulfilled in the coming year. God bless you and yours!
Is there more than one way to get to God?
1 through 18
2In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
8Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
9Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?
10Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
11Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
12Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Amen. Just prior to His crucifixion, Jesus taught His still naive disciples specific words and encouragements. These include the provision in the Fathers house (v. 2), the promise to return (v. 3), the prospect of doing greater works (v. 12), the promise of answered prayer (v. 14) and the coming of the Holy Spirit (Comforter). Most importantly, He says, in no uncertain terms, that He, and only He, is the way to the Father (v. 6), amen and amen.
ye = you
thou = you
hast = have
saith = said
verily = truly
shew = show
whither = where
dwelleth in = lives in
Comforter = (v. 16) the Holy Spirit
Believest thou not = Do you not believe
Who do you worship?
Philippians 2
5 through 11
6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
In verse 6, in the form of God, thought it not robbery, may be paraphrased "Who, though as the same nature as God, did not think this something to be exploited to His own advantage."
Jesus made Himself of no reputation (vs.7), Lit., emptied Himself for us. This involved a veiling of His preincarnate glory (John 17:5) and the voluntary non-use of some of His divine prerogatives during the time He was on earth.
Eventually, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess Isaiah 45:23 - Romans 14:11 - Philippians 2:10-11) that Jesus Christ is Lord. I bow now and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord! All honor and glory and worship be unto you Father God, amen and amen.
13(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
14Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
15But 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.
16And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
18Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
19For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
20Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
21That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
men = mankind = man - woman - child
Verse 19, shall many be made righteous = through the process of sanctification, which culminates in our glorification.
the law (the 10 Commandments) added transgressions, showing even more vividly the superabundant (the word is heightened) grace of God, amen.
34Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
35And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
36And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
37And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
38And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
40But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
42And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
44And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
45And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
48And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.
49And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.
50And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:
51(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.
52This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.
53And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.
54And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.
55And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.
56And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
the sixth hour = noon
malefactors = criminals
Arimathaea - A town N of Lydda
Calvary = Golgotha - Aramaic for skull
Joseph (of Arimathaea) was a secret disciple of Jesus
they parted his raiment = They gambled for his raiment = clothing - garments
My dream come true
R.I.P
my beautiful sister
I'll see you in heaven
(The cane is due to my accident).
Pastor Ford