Book of Luke Part Two

Grace be unto you, peace from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Chapter Thirteen of the Four Gospels

Chapter 12 closed with the failure of the Jewish nation to discern the time in which they lived,and with the Lord's warning to repent quickly or perish forever. Chapter 13 continues this general subject,and is largely addressed to Israel as a nation, although the principles apply to individual people. Two national calamities from the basis of the resulting conversation. The first was the massacre of some Galileans wha had come to Jerusalem to worship. Pilate the governor of Judea, had ordered them to be slain while they were offering sacrifices. The other tragedy concerned the collapse of a tower in Siloam which caused the death of eighteen persons.

Parable of the fruitless fig tree. The Son of God knew the mind of His Father, the owner of the vineyard, and that the dread order"cut it down" and been issued; Israel and again exhausted the Divine forbearance.Neither a nation nor a person has reason to enjoy the care of God if not bringing forth fruits of righteousness unto the glory and praise of God. Man exists for the honor and pleasure of the CREATOR: when he does not serve this just end why should not the sentence of death follow his sinful failure, and he be removed from his place of privilege.

Healing of the bent over woman, the expression a daughter of Abraham indicates not only that she was Jewish but also a believer, a woman of faith, The curvature of the spine was caused by Satan. We know from other parts of the Bible that some sickness are the result of satanic activity, Job boils were inflicted by Satan. Paul thorns in flesh was a messenger of Satan to buffet him. The devil is not allowed to do this on a believer,however, without the Lord's permission. And God overrules any such sickness or suffering for His own glory. The critic of our Lord were thoroughly put to shame y His words. The common people rejoiced because a glorious miracle and been performed and they knew it.

I believe that leaven in the Scripture is always a symbol of evil, here the thought is that evil doctrine has been introduced into the pure food of the people of God. The evil doctrine is not static; it has an insidious power to spread. The narrow gate here is new birth-salvation by grace through faith. Jesus was warning the man to make sure that he enters by this door. Many will seek to and will not be able. This does not mean that they will seek to enter in by the door of conversion. But rather that in the day of Christ's power and glory, they will want admission to His kingdom,but it will be too late. The day of grace in which we live will have come to an end.

Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdomof God.Gentiles wil travel to the brightness of CHRIST'S kingdom from all corners of the earth and enjoy its wonderful blessing, Thus many Jews who were first in God's plan for blessing will be rejected, while the Gentiles who were looked down upon as dogs will enjoy the blessing of Christ's Millennial Reign.

Prophets perish in Jerusalem: the prerogative was reserved for the city of Jerusalem. It was that with which characteristically had murdered the servants of the Most High God. Jerusalem had more or less a monopoly on the death of God's spokesmen. That is what the Lord Jesus meant when He said that" it cannot be  that a prophet should perish outside of Jerusalem.

 

Chapter Fourteen 

Parable of he ambitious guest. When we seek a high place for ourselves, there is always the possible shame of being demoted. If we are truly humble before God, there is only one direction we can possibly move and that is up. Jesus taught that it is better to be advanced to a place of honor that grasp that place and later have to relinquish it. He Himself is the living example of self-renunciation.He humbled himself and God exalted Him. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled by God. The cost of discipleship the man who does well for himself is the man who gives up everything of bargains; he carries the cross for a few years in this world, and in the world to come has everlasting life. He obtains the best of possessions; he carries his riches with him beyond the grave.He is rich in grace here, and he is rich in glory hereafter. And, best of all, what he obtains by faith in Christ he never loses.It is that good part which is never taken away.

  

What is there in the world so useless as salt the one property for which it is valued? It is worse than useless for any other purpose. So with the disciples who ceases to be Christ's disciple.He is not suited for the world's purposes, and he has forsaken God. He has too much light or knowledge for entering into the vanities and sins of the world,a nd he has no enjoyment of grace and truth to keep him in the path of Christ...Svorless salt becomes an object of contempt and judgment.

 

Chapter Fifteen

The teaching ministry of our Lord in chapter 14 seemed to attract the despised tax collectors,and other who were outwardly sinners. Although Jesus reproved their sins, yet many of them acknowledged that He was right. They took sides with Christ against themselves.

The Pharisees and scribes resented the fact that Jesus fraternized with people who were avowedly sinners They did not show grace to these social and moral lepers,and they resented Jesus doing so.

 

This man receives sinners and eats with them. It was in answer to their charge that the Lord Jesus recounted the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. These stories were aimed directly at the Pharisees and scribes, who were never broken before God to admit their lost condition. As a matter of fact, they were as lost as the publicans and sinners, but they steadfastly refused to admit it. The point of the three stories is that God receives real joy and satisfaction when He sees SINNERS REPENTING whereas he obtains no gratification from self-righteous hypocrites who are too proud to admit their wretched sinfulness.

 

Chapter Sixteen

Man generally is God's steward: and in another way Israel was God's steward, put into God's vineyard,and entrusted with law, promises, covenants, worship. But in all, Israel was found to have wasted His goods. Man looked at as a steward has been found to be entirely unfaithful. Now, what is to be done? God appears,and in the sovereignty of His grace turns that which man has abused on the earth into a means of heavenly fruit. The things of this world being in the hands of man, he is not to be using them for the present enjoyment of this world, which is altogether apart from God, but with a view to the future. We are not to seek to possess the things now, but by the right use of these things to make a provision for other times. It is better to turn all into a friend for another day than to have money now. Man here is gone to destruction. Therefore now, man is a steward out of place.

 

it is utterly impossible to live for things and for God at the same time. If we are mastered by money, we cannot really be serving the Lord. In order to accumulate wealth, we must devote our finest effort to the taks. In the very act of doing this we rob God what is rightfully His. It is a matter of divided loyalty. Motives are mixed. Decision are not impartial. Where our treasure is there our heart is also. In the effort to gain wealth, we are serving mammon.It is quite impossible to serve God at the same time.

 

Any man who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery,and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery also. This is exactly what the Pharisees were doing spiritually. The Jewish people had been brought into a covenant position with God. But the Pharisees were now turning their backs on God in a mad quest for material wealth. And perhaps the verse suggests that they were guilty of literal adultery as well as spiritual.

 

The rich man and Lazarus. If he had the love of God in him, he could not have lived in luxury, comfort,and ease when a fellow man was outside his front door, begging for a few crumbs of bread. He would have abandon his love of money. It is likewise true that Lazarus was not saved because he was poor.He had trusted the Lord for the salvation of his soul. Portrait of rich man he wore only the most expensive, custom-made clothing, and his table was filled with the choicest gourmet foods. He lived for self,catering to bodily pleasures and appetites,he had no genuine love for God,and no care for his fellow man. And so chapter 16 closes with the most solemn warning to the Pharisees,and to all who would live for money. They do so at the peril of their souls. It is better to beg bread on earth than beg for water in Hades.

 

Chapter Seventeen 

The continuity or flow of thought in this chapter is obscure. It almost seems as if Dr. Luke pieces together several disconnected subjects. Of course the principle applies in a very general way. Little ones can be stumbled by being encouraged in worldliness. They can be stumbled by being involved in sexual sin. They can be stumbled by any teaching that waters down plain meaning of the Scriptures. Anything that leads them away from the pathway of simple faith,of devotedness, and of holiness is a stumbling block. When the Lord Jesus speaks of offending one of these little ones. He probably included more than children. His reference also seems to be to disciples who are young in the faith.

 

Concerning the need for a forgiving spirit. If a Christian wronged by another Christian, he should first of all forgive the offender in his heart. This keeps his own soul from resentment and malice. Then he should go to the offender privately not  rebuke him,also should be told that he is forgiven.Even if he sins repeatedly, then say that he repents, he should be forgiven. The purpose of rebuke and other disciplinary action is not to get even or to humiliate the offender, but to restore him to fellowship with the LORD and with his brothers. All rebukes should be delivered in a spirit of love. We have no way of judging whether an offender's repentance is genuine. We must accept his own word that he has repented. No matter how often we fail Him, we still have the assurance that if we confess our sins, Lord will cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

 

Concerning faith. It is our own pride and self-importance that prevent us from forgiving our brothers.That pride need to be rooted up and cast out. If our faith the size of mustard seed can root up a mulberry tree and plant it in the sea, it can more easily give us victory over the hardness and unbrokenness which keep us from forgiving a brother indefinitely. Concerning profitable servants. So the disciples are bond slaves of the Lord Jesus Christ. They belong to Him -spirit,soul, and body. In the light of Calvary,nothing they can ever do for the Savior is sufficient to recompense Him for what He has done. Five marks of a bond servant are: He must be willing to have one thing on top of another put upon him, without any consideration being given. In doing this, he must be willing not to be thanked for it. Having done all this, he must not charge the Master with selfishness. He must confess that he is an unprofitable servant.He must admit that doing and bearing what he has in the way of meekness and humility, he has not done one stitch more than it was his duty to do.

 

in chapter 17, the Lord Jesus had warned the disciples that afflictions and persecutions lay ahead. Before the time of His glorious appearing, they would be required to go through deep trials. By way of instruction concerning prayer. In the following text,we find a praying widow,a praying Pharisee, a praying tax-collector,and a praying beggar.

 

Chapter Eighteen

The Lord Jesus closed the parable with he question, 'Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will e rally find faith on the earth." This probably means the kind of faith that the poor widow had. But it may also indicate that when the Lord returns, there will only be a remnant who are true to Him.in the meantime, each of us should be stimulated to the kind of faith that cries to God  night and day.

 

Jesus again predicts His death and resurrection. We are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be delivered to the Gentiles. He will be mocked and insulted. They will kill Him. The third day He will rise again. The meaning of His words was hidden from them. It seems hard for us to understand why they were so dull in this matter, but the reason is probably this: their minds were so filled with thoughts of a temporal deliverer who would rescue them from the yoke of Rome,and set up the kingdom immediately, that they refused to entertain any other program. We often believe what we want to believe, and resist the truth if it does not fit into our preconceived notions. Until the resurrection, much of Jesus teaching was not well understood. Perhaps the disciples thought Jesus death was somehow figurative.

 

Jesus heals a blind man. Somehow the beggar is aware of Jesus ability to heal. By this stage of Jesus ministry  His reputation must have been quite widespread. On Son of David it was clearly a messianic title. Stood, that is He came to a halt,Jesus command serves also to rebuke those who lacked compassion for the beggar. In the midst of the attempt to hear,Jesus, one must take care not to be insensitive to the plight of others. After physical and spiritual healing, the man follows Jesus which perhaps implies that he becames committed disciple, he and the people give praise to God, Jesus approached a time when His works will rather be despised.

 

Chapter Nineteen

Zacchaeus was  a rich man, and ordinarily it is impossible for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. But Zacchaeus humbled himself before the Savior,and did not let his wealth come between his soul and God. The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. In other words, the conversion of Zacchaesus was a fulfillment of the very purpose of Christ's coming into the world.

 

Believers in this present age will be reviewed as far as their service is concerned at the judgment Seat of Christ. This takes place in heaven, following the Rapture. The faithful Jewish remnant who will witness for Christ during the Tribulation Period will be reviewed at Christ's Second Advent. This is the judgment that seems to be primarily in view in this passage. Second cleansing of the Temple. Now as His ministry rapidly drew to a close, He entered the sacred precincts and cast out those who were making a house of prayer into a den of thieves. The danger of introducing commercialism into the things of God is always present. Christiandom today is leavened by this evil: Church bazaars and social, organized financial drives, preaching for profit-and all in the Name of Christ. Every reformation of abuses in the church is to be on God's Word.

 

Jesus laments over Jerusalem. He was not fooled by the ardor of the welcoming mob. The picture is one of Jesus being overcome with emotion following the months of years of preparation for a ministry whose terrible climax would take place. Jesus sketches a brutal siege and conquest; there can be no doubt that the Roman assault of A.D. 70 is in view. Visitation in Scripture refers to God's coming, whether to bless or to judge. Here Jesus comes, and His whole life has been and continues to be one of extending God's grace and blessing. But His visitation for a good purpose,now unrecognized and finally rejected,will become the basis for judgment.

 

Chapter Twenty

What a picture! The Master Teacher tirelessly proclaiming the good news in the shadow of the temple,and the leader of Israel insolently challenging His right to teach.

 

This passage shows that the great essential in teaching God's word is to be filled with the holy Spirit. One who has that endowment can triumph over those whose power is wrapped up in degrees, human titles, and honors. Where did you get your diploma? Who ordained you? The old questions, possibly begotten of jealousy,are still being asked. The successful gospel preacher who has not ridden the theological halls of some distinguished university or elsewhere is challenged on the points of his fitness and the validity of his or her ordination.

 

Parable of the wicked vine dressers. The Lord Jesus supplied the answer, He will come and destroy those vine dressers and give the vineyard to others. This meant that the Christ-rejecting Jews would be destroyed,and that God would take others into the place of privilege. The others may refer to the Gentile or to regenerated Israel of the last days. The Jews recoiled at such a suggestion. Certainly not!  They had no place in their plans for Him. But God was determined that He would have the place of preeminence, by making him the chief cornerstone, a stone which is indispensable and in the place of greatest honor.

 

Rendering to Caesar and to God. They were seemingly so concerned about Caesars interests but they were not nearly concerned about God's interest.The money belongs to Caesar,and you belong to God. Let the world have its coins, but let God have His creatures. It is so easy to quibble over minor matters while neglecting the principal things in life. And so easy to discharge our debts to our fellow-man while robbing God of His rightful dues.

 

The Sadducees and their resurrection. Jesus answered that the marriage relationship was for this life only: It would not saying that husbands and wives would not recognize each other in heaven, but thier relationship there would be on completely different basis. The phrase resurrection from the dead refers to ta resurrection of believers only. IT LITERALLY MEANS RESURRECTION OUT FROM THE DEAD ONES. The idea of a general resurrection in which all the dead,both saved and unsaved, are raised at one tie is not found int he Bible.

 

Chapter Twenty -One

The widows two mites. Jesus watched the rich putting their gifts into the treasury of the temple,He was struck by the contrast between the rich and a certain poor widow, They gave some, but she gave all. in God's estimation, she gave more than all of them put together. They gave out of the abundance;she gave out of her poverty. They gave what cost them little or nothing; she gave all the livelihood that she had. The gold of affluence which is given because it is not needed, God hurls to the bottomless pit; but the copper tinged with  blood He lifts and kisses into the gold of eternity.

 

Outline of future events. The Savior's answer first seemed to take them ahead to the end of the age when the temple would again be destroyed prior to te setting up of the kingdom. There would be false messiahs and false rumors,wars and uprisings. There would not only be conflict among nations, but great catastrophes of nature- earthquakes...famines and pestilences, terrors, and great signs from heaven.

 

The period before the end. But not a hair of your  head shall be lost. It can only mean that though some would die as martyrs for Christ, their spirtual preservation would be complete. They wold die but they would not perish.Those who patiently endure for Christ,  rather than renounce Him will thus prove the reality of their faith. Those who are genuinely saved will stand true and loyal at any cost, by your endurance you will gain your lives.

 

The fig tree and all the trees. The shooting forth of the other trees may symbolize the phenomenal growth of nationalism and the emergence of many new governments in newly developed countries of the world, These signs would mean that Christ' glorious kingdom would soon be set up. Warning to watch and pray. True disciples should watch and pray at all times,thus separating ourselves from the ungodly world which is doomed to experience the wrath of God,a nd identifying themselves with those who will stand in acceptance before the Son of Man.

Chapter Twenty-Two

The plot to silence Jesus gains momentum with the aid of a turncoat. In the absence of the multitude: due to Jesus' popular following it was feared an arrest i broad daylight would provoke a riot. Middle eastern kings liked to rule with an iron hand (Sadam Hussein), and then take on a title that extolled their benevolence.Christians should crave neither such power nor such claim. The disciples have stuck with Jesus, if not always with perfect understanding, still when other have fallen away.

 

Jesus is borne up up in His hour of need, when He must intercede not only for Himself but for His followers, who are about to leave Him in the lurch. Agony appears on Him it points to the intensity of Jesus struggle, Surely Jesus wrestles, not so much with death it self, but with his own destiny to  be made the sin-bearer for all  mankind for all the ages. The punishment that had to be borne for our sin brings Jesus to His knees in anguish.

Peter three denial the first denial  I know not what thou sayest is merely a pretense of ignorance o Peters part. Peter goes into the porch,a passageway leading to the street. Then he is confronted by another maid, probably the outer gatekeeper. This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth. The third denial comes after a while when he is accused because his speech betrays the or makes evident or gives you away.

 

Jesus endures the violence of the soldiers, whose contempt is clear. This is the trial before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish supreme court, Jesus and already made His messianic claims evident, especially by way of hard questions to those who now were judging Him. Jesus is condemned for blasphemy, that is, for supposedly elevating Himself to divine status.

 

Chapter Twenty Three

Following His appearance before the Sanhedrin, Jesus was hurried away to be put on civil trial before Pilate, the Roman governor. Three political charges were now brought against Him by the religious leaders. First, of all, they accused Him of perverting the nation, that is, of turning the loyalty of the people away from Rome, Secondly, they said that He forbade Jews to pay taxes to Cesar. Finally, they accused Him of making Himself a King.

 

Pilates verdict: innocent but condemned: this sorry compromise was, of course, totally unjustifiable and illogical, It was the poor, fear -driven soul's attempt to do his duty by Jesus and to please the crowd at the same time, But it did neither, and it is no wonder that the angry priests would not accept that verdict at any price.

 

The crucifixion that the Messiah should die was hard enough to credit, but that He should die such a death was utterly beyond belief. Yet so it was. Everything which Christ ever touched-the cross included-he adorned and transfigured and haleod with splendor and beauty; but let us never forget out of what appalling depths he has set the cross on high. In the soul of Jesus there was no resentment; no anger,  no lurking desire for punishment upon the men who wee adminration of the mailed fist. When I hear Jesus thus pray, I know that the only place for the mailed fists is in hell. There were three crosses at Calvary that day, the cross of Jesus in the middle, and a criminal cross on each side of Him.

 

This story reveals the truth to us that salvation is conditioned upon repentance and faith. However, it contains other important messages also. It declares that salvation is independent of sacraments, The thief and never been baptized, nor had he partaken of the Lord's Supper.He did in fact boldly profess his faith in the presence of a hostile crowd and amid the thoughts and jeers of rulers and soldiers, yet he was saved without any formal rites.It is also seen that there is no good works. The body may sleep, but consciousness exists after death. Again it is evident that there is no purgatory. Out of a life of sin and shame, the robber passed immediately into a state of blessednes. Again it may be remarked that salvation is not universal. There were two robbers; only one was saved. Last of all it may be noted that the very essence of the joy which lies beyond death consists in personal communion with Christ. The heart of the promise to the dying theif was: Thou shall be with me. THis is our blessed assurance taht to deaprt is to be with Christ, whic is very far better.

 

Chapter Twenty Four

Then on Sunday at early dawn they made their way to the tomb, carrying the spices which they had prepared for the body of of Jesus. Among those first heralds of the resurrection were Mary Magdalen, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James. It appears that the Lord may have left the grave-clothes as if they had been a cocoon, The fact that the grave-clothes were left behinds shows that the body was not stolen; thieves would no take time to remove the covering, Peter returned to his house, still trying to solve the mystery.

 

The two were sadly rehearsing the death and burial of the lord as they returned from Jerusalem to Emmaus, a journey of about seven miles. Jesus drew them out further with the question, "Why, what did happen? They answered by first paying tribute to Jesus, then reviewing His trial and crucifixion, They told of their dashed hopes, then of reports that His body was no longer in the tomb.

 

The  Savior teaching between His resurrection and His ascension. He explained that His resurrection was the fulfillment of His own words to them. had He not told them that all the Old Testament prophecies concerning Him had to be fulfilled? The Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalm were the three main division of the Old Testament. Taken together, they signify the entire OT. The burden of the Old Testament prophecies concerning Christ? That He must suffer (Psalm 22:1-21; Isaiah 53:1-9). That He must rise again from the dead the third day (Psalm 16:10: Jonah 1:17; Hos.6:2). That repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

 

The disciple were witnesses of the resurrection. They must go forth as heralds of the glorious message. But first they must wait for the promise of the Father, for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost,Then they would be endued with divine power to bear witness to the risen Christ. The Holy Spirit was promised by the Father in such Old Testament passages as Isaiah 44:3; Ezekiah 36:27; Joel 2:28.

 

 

Yours In Christ,

Andrew Blackman

 

 

 

 

Masters in religion - final essay

  In the opening of this final essay, I feel that I should introduce some things about myself. This should reflect my views somewhat on various aspects of religion. I was raised primarily in the Church of Christ, as my maternal grandfather was an Elder in that denomination. Most of my adult life, though, has been involvement with the Southern Baptist doctrine. I also hold an accredited Associate of Science degree in Sociology, and a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major, in the fields of Sociology and Political Science. I also have obtained graduate studies in Religion and Counseling, through Liberty University of Lynchburg, Virginia. 

I found this course to be personally enlightening, and as an outstanding preview of my previous religious studies. It is presented in a way that can be understood by most people, without being too complicated, which would distract from the main eschelon the subject of the Christian religion. It also presents information which may be utilized in the defending of the faith.  The first five lessons does an outstanding job of establishing the veracity and establishment of the Bible as the true Word of God, as presented by Him, to mankind. It presents the historical aspects of the Old Testament and it's relationship to the understanding of the New Testament.

These lessons also present the basic doctrines of the Christian religions, even though some of the various denominations have chosen different applications of these given doctrines. Most of those differences appear to be primarily uninspired man-made rules of their given denomination. In applying our lives to the appropriate doctrines, we must make sure that they are supported in the Bible. The only way to be sure of this item, is an enhanced study of God's Word in the Bible. The Bible does direct us, as disciples of Christ, to study to show us approved.

As such, it cannot be overstated for the intense study of the Bible.   I feel that the aspects and supportive evidences were well presented. Also, the other aspects of the practices of the various denominations, including their title of the clergy in the specific denominations were covered very well.  I think that the history of the Church did not include enough of the expansion of the Christian Church by the Apostles and Disciples was inclusive enough. However, the fundamental aspect was presented. The lessons also reflected on the eventual splits of the churches into the many denominations which we now know today. Many of these were accomplished due to various man-made rules, as expressed earlier in this essay. However, some of these splits were caused due to the intervention and endorsements of the government involvement in religion over the years. A prime example of this would be that of the Church of England disassociation from the Catholic Church. The laws that we live under today were originally taken from the doctrine of the various church bodies.  In summary, I feel that this course presented the essence of the Christian doctrine in a very understandable form. The design of this course is so fundamental for anyone desiring to spread the Gospel for God.  God bless you.   

Rev. Victor Lee Ferguson, D.D.,

lesson 20 answers christian religion

1. The Western church was not renewed spiritually but by power in the state. It became more independent than the Eastern Church this showed both churches going in their own separate ways along with the fortification of papal power .
   
   2. The things that made the great schism of 1054 inevitable was the condemnation of the western church by Michael Cerularius who condemned the western church for using unleavened bread in the eucharist despite the excommunication of each church by each other a reconciliation was almost brought fourth in 1965 it never materialised but brought the churches closer together.
   
2. 
   3. Although the schism broke the church into the east did not benefit from the renaissance of the west and the events that followed despite this the east had its own mission and objectives and numerous eastern rulers or /and their family members became Christians one could argue back and fourth would these events occurred and helped if the church stayed together .

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Gospel of Matthew

Synopsis of the Gospel of Matthew

By Rev. John Vollman

The gospel of Matthew emphasizes the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament in the person of Jesus Christ and would be what I consider the prevailing theme. Matthew refers to the Old Testament at least sixty times, and the book is written with many of Jesus' discourses and instructions to both crowds and to His disciples. Matthew amplifies for the reader that Jesus did not come to destroy the law, but fulfill it (5:17), and that Jesus' required a righteousness that came from the inside of each individual and not the outward man. This book would have reached out to the religious Jew and forced the reader to make a decision about Jesus. The gospel of Matthew brings the law of the Old Testament and the good news of Jesus Christ side by side.

 Mathew, being one of the more silent disciples considering we hear little of him in the scriptures, writes in a way that shows Jesus as King. The author shows the genealogy of  Christ through the line of Judah, the conflict Jesus had with both religious and political leadership of the day, and the apocalyptic discourse to His disciples. If Jesus is King, He is king over all including the church. This book can easily be attributed as a gospel for the church, since Matthew is the only one who mentions the word "church" out of the gospels. It could be speculated that Matthew may have written this gospel for the church in Antioch, or even wrote it from Antioch between A.D. 50-70.

 

The Gospel of Matthew's Relevance

 

The Sermon on the Mount is powerful, convicting, and a timeless teaching of Jesus that is relevant to all time including ours. The entire gospel of Matthew is relevant, but probably no teaching so profound for today's Christian as when Jesus tells us that if we hated someone we have already committed murder (5:21-22), or looked upon a woman with lust, we have committed adultery (5:28). Jesus, in three chapters, gives us the words that break through legalism and religion to reach the heart of God.

The book of Matthew is like a mirror that man can look into and realize how much he needs Jesus Christ. When confronted with the fact that we are sinners who broke God's law of the Old Testament, and simply cannot live up to God's expectations, we should be desperate for the King of kings that Matthew writes about. Jesus is lifted high in the gospel of Matthew, and this is its source of relevance despite the historical gap between the first century and our modern culture.

 

We are all wretched sinners in need of a Savior. Matthew's account is relevant because everyone can see himself or herself as one in great need and if they are humble indeed picture themselves being healed, taught, and redeemed by the Jesus Matthew so proudly proclaims.

Master of Christian History

            The course Master of Christian History I found to be very enjoyable and informative the literature was readable and not at all boring as some texts can be. what I found to be a burden was not too have all the reading material in one go and possibly the questions only emailed weekly this may be due to being used to reading books in one go also my time constraints with my day job clashed this caused me to delay sending materials for a few days or not being concise in my answers this is just a few problems that I encountered along my way through Christian history.

            I found once I read the materials some answers where before my eyes while others had to be thought through I believe a reading list would have been of some help to broaden our answers and could even add a little spice to the writings of the students mine especially if all the courses where to be done like this with well written works i.e. lessons or notes I would gladly do several other courses not just in the history field but also in other beliefs or fields.

            Although I may have sounded as a critic in places one has to remember that this points are only my own that is to say I was educated a certain way and taught to study a certain way all have been in lecture theatres and never until know as a distance learner by email and at such a distance . I in turn found the forums in my mind to be a great idea this gave a new student ideas on how to write an essay and also and ways to answer the said questions this can also help prospective students decide on studying a certain field before going through with the said course.

            The most favourite part of the course would be Rome with its demise as this was an important turning point in all history, this was due to not republics being formed and ruled by dictators we instead have families appearing as hereditary rulers who are being brought into the Christian fold.

            To conclude I enjoyed the subject area and when I have some time print off my lecture notes to read again as I would have initially liked all in one this I will keep as a reference book perhaps it should or could eventually be published so as to be kept as a book or manual of sorts ,once again a great and enjoyable work even though I am biased as a reader of history this is not heavy in biblical works or history so as to scare a new student this is a work that can be done at a leisurely pace which would build the confidence of new and old students a like to the extent of wanting more . I like many other students of the seminary would like to eventually see the certificates or diplomas recognised by other institutions which would be a great building block on the path of life and life long learning and to assist employers with a recognised world wide diploma or other qualification especially as these are a special field in its own rights .

Rev. Andrew Longsden

 

Re: The Gospel of Thomas Part One

Subject: The Gospel of Thomas Part One

Grace be unto you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thomas (TAHM uhs) twin.-one of the twelve apostles of Jesus; also called Didmus, the Greek word for "twin." Thomas is probably best known for his inability to believe that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead. For that inability to believe, he forever earned the nickname 'doubting Thomas. According to tradition, Thomas spread the gospel in Parthia, and Persia, where he died. Later tradition places Thomas in India, where he was martyed. The Mar Thomas church in India traces its origins to Thomas. It is equally important to observe how different the "Gospel of Thomas" is from the gospel-form employed in the Christian church. In Thomas there is no attempt at providing a historical framework for the ministry of Jesus, there are no miracles; there is no compassion, there is no correlation with the old Testament prophecy. Indeed there is no action of any kind. This means that the final editor of Thomas understood the word "gospel" in the sense in which it sometimes occurs in Matthews, Mark to refer to the  message of Jesus about the kingdom of God..

Example: Saying number one. True interpreter is he  who does not cease from seeking until the finds. (Matthew 7:7-8; Luke 11:9-10) Saying (14) Jesus rejects fasting, prayer and alms-giving, and then saying"if you so into any land and wonder in the region, if  they receive you, eat what is set before you, heal the sick among them; for what goes into your mouth will not defile you, The "land and region" are Thomas substitute for city of Luke 10:8, a verse from which receiving and eating what is set before one are derived; heal the sick among them comes from Luke 10:9, though in Thomas it is quite irrelevant to the subject of dietary laws, with which the rest of the saying is concerned.

 

(1) And he said, "Whoever finds the interpretation of these saying will not experience death. "Whoever hears these words shall never taste death." John 8:51 Verily, verily, i say  unto you, if any one keeps my word, he shall never see death.'

 

(2) Jesus said:'Let him who seeks not cease until he finds, and when he finds he shall wonder; wondering he shall reign, and reigning shall rest."

(3) Jesus said, "If those who attract you say, "See, the Kingdom is in the sky; then the birds of the sky will precede you. If they say to you,"It is under the earth; then the fish of the sea will precede you. Rather, the Kingdom of God is inside of you,and it is outside of you. Those who become acquainted with (themselves) will find it; and when you become acquainted with yourselves, you will understand that  it is you who who are sons of the living Father. But if you will not know yourselves, you dwell in poverty and it is you who are that poverty. Luke 17:21 "The kingdom of God is not is not coming with signs to be observed ; nor will they say, "Lo, here it is!" or "There! for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you!

 

(4) Jesus said, "The man old in days will not hesitate to ask a small child seven days old about the place of life, and he will live. For many who are first will become last, and they will become one and the same." (Greek) Jesus said "'Let the old man who is full of days not hesitate to ask the child of seven days about the place of life; then he will live . For many that are first will be last, and last first, and they will become a single one."

 

(5) Jesus said, "Recognize what is in your sight,and that which  is hidden from you will become plain to you. For there is nothing hidden which will not become manifest.' (G) Jesus said: "Recognize what is before your face and that which is hidden from you will be revealed to you. For there is nothing hidden which shall not be made manifest, nor buried which shall not be raised. (Matthew 10:26) "So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known." (Mark 4:22) For there is nothing hid, except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret, except to come to light." (Luke 12:3) Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known."

 

(6) His disciples asked him and said to him," How do you want to fast? And how shall we pray? And how shall we give alms? And what kind of diet shall we follow?" Jesus said,"Do not lie, and do not do what you hate, for all things are disclosed before truth. For there is nothing hidden which shall not be shown forth."

 

(7) and (8) Matthew 13:47 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like net which was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind: 13:48 When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into vessels but threw away the bad."

 

(9) (Matthew 13:3) And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow. (13:4) And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. (13:5) Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they had not much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, (13:6) But when the sun rose they were scorched; and since they had no root they withered away. (13:7) Other seeds fell upon thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. (13:8) Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. (13:9) He who has ears, let him hear." (Mark 4:2) And he taught them many things in parables,and in his teaching he said to them: (4:3) "Behold! A sower went out to sow.(4:4) And as he sowed,some fell along the path,and birds came and devoured it.(4:5) Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it had not much soil, and immediately it sprang up,since it had no depth of soil; (4:6)  and when the sun rose it  was scorched, and since it had no root it withered away. (4:7) Other seed fell among thorns and the thorns grew up and choked it,a and it yielded no grain. And other seeds fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty fold and sixty fold and a hundredfold, And he said," He who has ears to hear,let him hears." (Luke 8:4) And when a great crowd came together and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable" A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path,and was trodden under foot,and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture, And some fell among thorns;and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold." As he said this is, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

 

(10) Jesus said, "I have cast fire upon the world,and see, I am guarding it until it blazes." (Luke 12:49) "I came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled!

 

(11), (12), (13), (14)

Luke 10:8 Whenever you enter a town and they receive you,eat what is set before you; heal the sick. (Matthews 15:11) Not that what goes into the mouth defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man. (Mark 7:14) "Hear me, all of you,and understand: there is nothing outside a man which by going into him can defile him; but the things which come out of  man are what defile him." (Roman 14:14) I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but it is unclean for any one who thinks it unclean."

 

(15), (16)

Matthew 10:34 "Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man's foes will be those of his own household. (Luke 12:51) Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division; henceforth in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three, they will be divided,father, father against son and son against the father, mother against daughter and daughter against he mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.

 

(17) Jesus said,"I shall give you what no eye has seen and what no ear has head and what no hand has touched and what has never occurred to the human mind." 1 Corinthians 2:9 But, as it is written, what no eye ha seen,  ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him."

 

(18) and (19), (20)

Matthew 13:31-32"'The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field; it is  the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air  come and make nests in its branches. (Mark 4:30-32) And he said, "With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? it is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the deeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and become the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade." (Luke 13:18-19) He said therefore, "What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it?  it is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his garden; and it grew and became a tree, and the bird of the air made nests in its branches."

 

 (21) Mary said to Jesus,"Whom are your disciples?

(Matthews 24:43) But know this, that if the householder had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have let his house be broken into. (Luke 12:39-40) But know this, that if the householder had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an unexpected hour." (Mark 4:26-29) And he said, "The kingdom of God is  as if a man should scatter seed upon the ground, and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he knows not how. The earth produces of itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come."

 

(22)

(Matthews 18:3-5) and said, "Verily, I say unto you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child,he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 'Whoever receives one such in my name receives me;" (Luke 18:16-17) But Jesus called them to him, saying,"Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Verily, I say unto you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." (Mark 9:43-48) And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell.  And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell. Where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched."

 

(23) Jesus said, "I shall choose you, one of a thousand,a and two out of ten thousand, and they shall stand as a single one." (24) His disciples said to him, 'Show us the place where you are, since it is necessary for us to seek it." He said to them, 'Whoever has ears, let him hear. There is light within a man of light, and he lights up the whole world. If he does not shine, he is darkness." (Luke 11:34-35) Your eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is sound, your whole body is full of light; but when it is not sound, our body is full of darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright,as when a lamp with its rays gives you light."

 

(25) Jesus said, 'Love your brother like your soul, guard him like the pupil of your eye." (26) Jesus said, "You see he mote in your brother's eye, but you do not see the beam in your own eye. When you cast the beam out of your own eye, then you will see clearly to cast the mote from your brother's eye." (Matthew 7:3-5) Why do you see the speck that is on your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye.? Or how can you say to your brother, let me take the speck out of your eye, when there is the log in your eye. You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye,and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." (Luke 6:41-42) Why do you see the speck that is in your brother eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, "brother,let me take out the speck that is in your eye, when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye,and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye."

 

(27) Jesus said,"if you do not fast as regards the world, you will not find the kingdom. if you do not observe the Sabbath as a Sabbath, you will not see the Father." Jesus said:'unless you fast to the world, you shall in no way find the Kingdom of God; and unless you sabbatize the Sabbath, you shall not see the Father. "Except you fast from the world and its evil ways, you will in no wise find the kingdom; and except you keep the Sabbath and cease your haste to gather riches, you will not see the Father in heaven.

 

(28) Jesus said, "I took my place in the midst of the world, and I appeared to them in flesh, I found all of them intoxicated;I found none of them thirsty, And my soul became afflicted for the sons of men, because they are blind in their hearts and do not have sight; for empty they came into the world, and empty too they seek to leave the world, But for the moment they are intoxicated. When they shale off their wine, then they will repent. "Jesus said,"I stood in the midst of the world, and in the flesh I was seen by them, and I found all drunken,  and none among them thirsty. And my soul grieved over the souls of men, because they are blind I their heart and see not."

 

(29)

Jesus said, "If the flesh came into being because of spirit, it is a wonder. But if spirit came into being because of the body, it is a wonder of wonders .Indeed, I am amazed at how this great wealth has made its home in this poverty." (30) Jesus said, "Where there are three gods, they are gods. Where there are two or one, I am with Him." Jesus said: "Where there are two, they are not without God,and when there is one alone, I am with him.' (Matthews 18:20) 'For where two or three are gathered I my name, there am I in the midst of them."

 

(31) Jesus said, 'No prophet is accepted in his own village; no physician heals those who know him. Jesus said: 'A prophet is not acceptable in his own country,neither does a physician work cures upon those that know him." (Matthew 13:57) And they took offense at him,But Jesus said to them,"A prophet is not without honor save in his own country and in his own house." (Mark 6:4) And Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor,except in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house." (Luke 4:24)  And he said, "Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his own country." (John 4:43-44) After the two days he departed to Galilee. For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country."

 

 

Yours In Christ Jesus,

Andrew Blackman

 

 

Historical Jesus - Timing

 This is a subject that I have not seen mentioned in the "Historical Jesus" series that was offered on  this site. The subject of time. How did we measure time before we decided on the way we do now? Before we used the Gregorian Calendar that we use today, the Julian Calendar and Solar Calendars were in use. Before them, the Greeks measured time by Olympiads while Rome measured time by the reign of an Emperor. All of these methods were in operation during the gospel period. Too understand the terms for time in the new testament, one must learn about the Solar Calendar and the prophetic method taught by John the Baptist who followed the prophecies taught by Enoch and are revealed in the apocalypse of Enoch. The history of Jesus is a major one on the issue of time. It is the reason that we use the calendar that we do today. I have heard it said that it was based on Jesus birth. Herod the Great pursued Jesus after a two year period because of a calendar misunderstanding. This misunderstanding was given to Herod the Great by the Magi of the tribe of West Manesseh who sought to protect Jesus and recognize him as the legitimate heir to the throne of David. At his birth they bring him Frankensence and myrrh which is the incence of priests and they bring him the Gold. Every time that color is mentioned in scripture, it denotes a grade of priest. Purple is for the Bishop, Red is for the Cardinal, Scarlet is for the Arch Bishop. It is from this practice that missionaries are termed "Of the Cloth". Gold is for the Papacy. The Papacy existed long before the Christian party arose. Please note that the official flag of the vatican is Gold! The Magi knew that Herod was not trained in Calendar Science and deliberately misled him. Herod the Great died in 4 B.C. Jesus could not have been born in A.D.1.

 If Jesus was persued for two years before Herod the Great died, he would have to have been one year old in 6 B.C. This means that he was born in 7 B.C. Since we are told that he was six months younger than John the Baptist and that as the heir to the Zadokite high priesthood John was born in September (which was considered the holiest time of the year) we know that Jesus was born in March B.C.7 and John the Baptist in September of B.C.8. This removes the problem produced by Luke who mentions that Jesus was born in the year of the census 6 A.D. Jesus would have been 12 years old in 6 A.D. and would be at his Bar Mitzfa when he is being "born" as a man. It is important to note that in calculating years from B.C to A.D. a 1 is subtracted from the B.C. year because there is no zero between them.  When we are told that Jesus was aged 33 years, it means year 33 of the newly established calender. He was not 33 years old, he was 39 years old.

 

Something to think about huh?

 

Rev. James Thomas League