Days 274-276 ~ 2010

Originally posted in a forum in 2010 - this post may contain links which are no longer valid, if you find a non-working link, please let me know and I will attempt to find a replacement or make a correction as necessary.

Days 274-276

John the Baptist introduces Christ
- His appearance - Matthew 3:1-6; Luke 3:1-6; John 1:6-18
- His message - Matthew 3:7-10; Luke 3:7-14
- His introduction of Christ - Matthew 3:11-12; Mark 1:7-8; Luke 3:15-18; John 1:19-28
- Baptism of Jesus - Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22
- John declares HIM to be the Messiah - John 1:29-34
- Temptations in the wilderness - Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13
- The first three disciples - John 1:35-42
- Philip and Nathanael - John 1:43-51
- Turning the water into wine (M-1) - John 2:1-11 (Mary's trust and command)
- Sojourned in Capernaum - John 2:12

Early Judean Ministry
- Temple cleansing, Jesus' first Passover - John 2:13-22 (note Passover - NOT easter, a pagan holiday)
- Jesus and Nicodemus discuss the new birth (D-1) - John 2:23-25; John 3:1-21
- Christ baptizing in Judea - John 3:22-24
- John's testimony about Christ at Aenon - John 3:25-36
- Imprisonment of John the Baptist - Luke 3:19-20
- From Judea to Galilee - Matthew 4:12; John 4:1-3
- Discourse with woman of Samaria about the water of life (D-2) - John 4:4-26
- Gospel in Sychar - John 4:27-42

************
John 1:17 - For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

“John Berridge wrote:
Run, John, and work, the law commands,
Yet finds me neither feet nor hands;
But sweeter news the gospel brings,
It bids me fly and lends me wings!”

A more current version has it modified thus: Run and work, the law demands; but gives me neither feet nor hands. A better song the Gospel sings, it bids me fly, and give me wings.

Matthew and Luke chapter 3, verse 8 - "Bring forth therefore FRUITS worthy of repentance..." - I just noticed as I typed this that each reference was from the 3rd chapter (3 = resurrection, divine completeness and perfection) and verse 8 (8 = new birth, new creation or new beginning). Fruit?

Gal 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

We, as born again Christians, should show forth fruit - tangible evidence of the regenerating work done by Father. This verse came to mind:

Jas 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

We may study and acquire knowledge, but if it results in no visible manifestion, what benefit? Will knowledge be tested? or our work?

Co 3:13-14 - Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

Matthew 3:11, Mark 3:8 and Luke 3:16 - baptized with the Holy Ghost. The infilling of the Spirit of the Living God - which enables us to step up to the high calling of being an ambassador for our Lord and Savior. To endure, to sacrifice, to love, even those who hate and spitefully use us. If they hated HIM, they will hate us. Are we 'prepared' to suffer as our Lord did, all to give glory and honor to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords?

John 11:20-21 - He was not the Christ, Elias (Elijah) or the prophet. The prophet? Referenced in Deuteronomy 18:15...but not the same as the Messiah? This is a topic I would love to camp and study upon...but alas and alack, not sufficient time...yet.

IT IS WRITTEN - used 4x in Matthew and 3x in Luke...with the last Jesus uttering it is said.

Written - G1125 - A primary verb; to "grave", especially to write; figuratively to describe.

Said - G2046 - Probably a fuller form of G4483; an alternate for G2036 in certain tenses; to utter, that is, speak or say.

An interesting observation...written versus said...as if directly from the mouth of God, alive, vibrant - not just written.

John 2 - the marriage feast - I happened to catch that Mary trusted that Jesus could and would be able to assist - and that she obviously had some authority for she told the servants: "Whatsoever HE saith unto you, do it."

John 3:27 - John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Receive - to take it, not reach out for. Nothing - physical or spiritual.

Nothing G3762 - From G3761 and G1520; not even one (man, woman or thing), that is, none, nobody, nothing.

Which would include a new heart, regeneration, being born again, etc. We can not, in and of ourselves, ever bring about what only a Sovereign Father gives birth to...we receive, we are not active in the process...anything we have, whether a new life, wealth, health, family is all given to us by a Sovereign, Holy and Merciful God...not because of who we are, but because of HIS grace and mercy, on the just and unjust.

John 3:36 - He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the WRATH of God abideth on him.

Wrath versus persecution, what is the difference?

Wrath - G3709 - From G3713; properly desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), that is, (by analogy) violent passion (ire, or [justifiable] abhorrence); by implication punishment.

Persecution - G4778 - From G4862 and G2558; to maltreat in company with, that is, (passively) endure persecution together. (Used 1x in Heb 11:25).

Wrath versus persecution, an interesting study - a definitely a topic which would require more time than I currently have to research. However, I find this verse and others about wrath to be of comfort...for while the church as a body and saints as individuals have, do and will suffer persecution, I do not believe the wrath of God is an object of our salvation or sanctification.

Beloved, my fervent prayer and hope for each of you reading is that you will be spending more and more time with your heavenly lover - the one who stepped down from majesty on high to purchase you from the slave market of sin. Who was the spotless sacrificial Passover lamb sacrificed to purchase those who are His. If HE gave so much, what is this life (a vapor) that we can not offer it back to Him.