Bible – Page 3 – WHO IS "THE REAL, THE TRUE, THE LIVING" JESUS?

THE BOOK OF ISAIAH

Article Title: THE BOOK OF ISAIAH

Submitted by: Craig Lock

Category (key words: Bible, Old Testament, Isaiah, Prophets, Messiah, coming of a Messiah, RH Schuller, Possibiliity Thinkers Bible , Jesus Jesus Christ,

Web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

The submitter’s blog (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) is at http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22&t=post and http://craiglock.wordpress.com

Other Articles by Craig are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981

(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig!)

Publishing Guidelines:
All my articles may be freely published, electronically or in print

“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”

THE BOOK OF ISAIAH

“Hope is the anchor of the soul.”

In The Book of Isaiah, the Old Testament welcomes in the New Testament. This rather long book of Isaiah is a beautiful example of God’s strength and the promises He gave to the people, when they needed them most. God sent the Prophet Isaiah to forewarn and prepare the people of Israel for the problems that were to beset them. Like a novelist foretelling his readers of future tragedies and events, God sent the prophet to announce the coming captivity by warring nations and the destruction of Jerusalem. Throughout the historical narrative of these happenings is interwoven the thread of hope – the coming of the Messiah.

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14 (New King James version)

Isaiah promises the people that the coming Messiah will bring them into a loving relationship with God (see Chapter 53)

In comparing their lives to the desolate wilderness area, the Prophet Isaiah promises that: “Every valley shall be exalted And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight, And the rough places smooth.” – Is 40:4

God promises that even the most desolate and unfortunate life will become successful and productive with His power. God responds to our desperation. We can look to God for strength, for we know that the ultimate outcome is in His hands.

“Behold, I make all things new”

(Rev 21:5)Key word: “Salvation Is of the Lord”

“All we like sheep have gone astray.”

Key Chapter: Isaiah 53

“Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying: ‘Whom shall I send. And who will go for Us?’ 6:8

Then I said: Here am I! Send me.’”

THE DESERT – A GARDEN

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” – Is 40:8

God will make the deserts in our lives bloom with new growth

… with perseverance and patience on our parts.

FACE REALITY WITH HOPE

Whether your problem is big or small, don’t run from it. Instead, face it and give it back to God. Today face reality with hope, and begin to turn your life around. Remember, with God all things are possible!

Light in a Land of Darkness “The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light: Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.”

“Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid.” 12:2

“Now go, write it before them on a tablet, And note it on a scroll, That it may be for time to come, Forever and ever.”

30:8

* *

ON WINGS OF EAGLES

The psalmist compares God’s care for His people to the eagle’s wings. “Hide me under the shadow of your wings.” Ps 17:8

Attempt to do something great for God, even though you might fail, rather than do nothing and succeed.

“But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”

40:31 “Behold My Servant whom I uphold My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon him. He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.”

42:1 “He will bring forth justice for truth. He will not fail nor be discouraged Till He has established justice in the earth.”

42:3,4 “I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them. And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them.”

42:16 “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name: You are Mine.”

43:1 “I will go before you and make the crooked places straight.”

45:2″All we like sheep have gone astray.” 53:6

“And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.” 53:12

“Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’”

58:8 from the New Possibilities Thinkers Bible by Paul D Dunn and Robert H Schuller

(published by Thomas Nelson)

* All quotations New King James version

Shared by craig (“incorrigible encourager and people-builder”)

“The time of the singing of the birds has come.”

“Hope is the anchor of the soul.”

” I don’t believe in God.” I know God.”

– David Rosen, Jungian psycho-analyst

“There is neither east nor west, tribe nor ethnicity, male or female, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist. Christian nor Jew. There is only a God-filled humanity.”

About the submitter:

In his various writings, little by little, one mind, one soul, one life at a time, Craig strives to break down social, cultural, religious and economic barriers through sharing information and “planting, then watering uplifting ideas and seeds of hope”. He truly believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share as ‘human beans’ is way more important than what divides us.

Craig’s new manuscript, ‘A New Dawn’ is set in the Middle East: In it he attempts to find ‘common ground’/principles between different religions and cultures and to try to make some difference in building bridges in an ever more dangerous, turbulent and uncertain world. A passionate story of inspiration: hope, faith, peace and especially love.

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” (including ‘A New Dawn’) are available at:http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.c om and www.sharefaith.wordpress.com

“When people’s hearts are full of love, the world is filled with hope.”

“With passion and purpose in our individual lives we can touch others and in so doing illuminate the hearts and minds of humanity to make a better world (through helping raise the ‘collective consciousness’). Let us encourage our leaders towards an alternate vision for the world to embrace: one that banishes the fanatical ideology of intolerance and hatred to the darkness from which it emerged. Each one of us in our own little ways can offer (and most importantly, LIVE) this compelling new horizon: a bright future of justness and justice, tolerance, respect for other traditions and values. Especially a vision of hope and thoughts of peace fuelled by the eternal flame of love, which can light the darkest night… always “

– me

“God, The Essence of Life, the Ground of All Being, is leading us to the light. What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.”

“Nothing that I can do will change the structure of the universe. But maybe, by raising my voice I can help the greatest of all cause – goodwill among men and peace on earth.”

– Albert Einstein

“What we believe is not nearly as important as how we relate, interact with each other… and how we live. Only when we can say, ‘I am first and foremost a human being, and second a Jew, Muslim, Shi’ite, a Sunni, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, or a Sikh …’ will we progress and break down barriers between peoples, nations and cultures, east and west. Let not our beliefs , but our shared humanity (ALL of us) define who we really are.”

– craig

This article may be published with acknowledgment to the source, thanks

God is a mystery, the ‘mystery of life’, a Creative Presence, Who/That allows me to be who I really want to be and become.”

“God, the Essence of Life, is the great mystery in the vast unknown; yet He (??) is understandable.”

May you all see God’s bright light on the path up head

From http://buildridgesofunity.wordpress.com

The Sermon on the Mount

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount
1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.
The Beatitudes
He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Salt and Light
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

The Sermon on the MountMatthew 5-7 (New International Version)

From http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5-7&version=NIV

Matthew 5-7

New International Version (NIV)

Matthew 5

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount

¹ Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, ² and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

He said:

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Salt and Light

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

The Fulfilment of the Law

¹⁷ “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them. ¹⁸ For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. ¹⁹ Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ²⁰ For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Murder

²¹ “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,^[a] and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ ²² But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister^[^b^][c] will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’^[d] is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

²³ “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, ²⁴ leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

²⁵ “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. ²⁶ Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Adultery

²⁷ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’^[^e^] ²⁸ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. ²⁹ If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. ³⁰ And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

Divorce

³¹ “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’^[^f^] ³² But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Oaths

³³ “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfil to the Lord the vows you have made.’ ³⁴ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; ³⁵ or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. ³⁶ And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. ³⁷ All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.^[^g^]

Eye for Eye

³⁸ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’^[^h^] ³⁹ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. ⁴⁰ And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. ⁴¹ If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. ⁴² Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Love for Enemies

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour^[i] and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Matthew 6

Giving to the Needy

¹ “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

² “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honoured by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ³ But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Prayer

⁵ “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ⁶ But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. ⁷ And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. ⁸ Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

⁹ “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
¹⁰ your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
¹¹ Give us today our daily bread.
¹² And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
¹³ And lead us not into temptation,^[j]
but deliver us from the evil one.^[^k^]’

¹⁴ For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. ¹⁵ But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Fasting

¹⁶ “When you fast, do not look sombre as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ¹⁷ But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, ¹⁸ so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Treasures in Heaven

¹⁹ “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

²² “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,^[l] your whole body will be full of light. ²³ But if your eyes are unhealthy,^[m] your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

²⁴ “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Do Not Worry

²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life^[ⁿ^]?

²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? ³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 7

Judging Others

¹ “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. ² For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

³ “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? ⁴ How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? ⁵ You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

⁶ “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

Ask, Seek, Knock

⁷ “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

⁹ “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰ Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? ¹¹ If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! ¹² So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

The Narrow and Wide Gates

¹³ “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. ¹⁴ But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

True and False Prophets

¹⁵ “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. ¹⁶ By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? ¹⁷ Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

True and False Disciples

²¹ “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. ²² Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ ²³ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

The Wise and Foolish Builders

²⁴ “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. ²⁶ But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ²⁷ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

²⁸ When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, ²⁹ because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

Footnotes:

Matthew 5:21 Exodus 20:13
Matthew 5:22 The Greek word for brother or sister (adelphos) refers here to a fellow disciple, whether man or woman; also in verse 23.
Matthew 5:22 Some manuscripts brother or sister without cause
Matthew 5:22 An Aramaic term of contempt
Matthew 5:27 Exodus 20:14
Matthew 5:31 Deut. 24:1
Matthew 5:37 Or from evil
Matthew 5:38 Exodus 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21
Matthew 5:43 Lev. 19:18
Matthew 6:13 The Greek for temptation can also mean testing.
Matthew 6:13 Or from evil; some late manuscripts one, / for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Matthew 6:22 The Greek for healthy here implies generous.
Matthew 6:23 The Greek for unhealthy here implies stingy.
Matthew 6:27 Or single cubit to your height

New International Version (NIV)

What are the Beatitudes?
This section begins with the setting for the sermon on the mount, followed by the beatitudes.
The word “beatitude” is derived from the Latin “beatus,” which means blessed or happy. This designation is appropriate because each teaching begins with the word “blessed.”

Setting
When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying…

Beatitudes
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Light of the world
You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

New law and old law
Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfil. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Murder
You have heard that the ancients were told, “You shall not commit murder” and “Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.”
But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, “You good-for-nothing,” shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, “You fool,” shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.

Reconcile your differences
Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.
Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way, so that your opponent may not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up the last cent.

Adultery
You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell.

Divorce
It was said, “Whoever sends his wife away, let him give her a certificate of divorce.”
But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for the reason of unchastity, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Making false vows
Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, “You shall not make false vows, but shall fulfil your vows to the Lord.”
But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great king. Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.
But let your statement be, “Yes, yes” or “No, no.” Anything beyond these is of evil.

Go the extra mile
You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.”
But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.
Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

Love your neighbour
You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.”
But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?
Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

*
The Lords Prayer
This section of the Sermon on the Mount contains the Lord’s prayer, and instructions on giving and fasting.

Giving
Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.
So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.
But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

Pray in secret
When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.
But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

The Lord’s Prayer
Pray, then, in this way:

Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom
and the power
and the glory forever.
Amen.

For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.

Fasting
Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.
But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

Money
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

Don’t worry about food
For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?
And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?

Don’t worry about clothing
And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!

Don’t worry about tomorrow
Do not worry then, saying, “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” or “What will we wear for clothing?” For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Teachings of Jesus Christ
The teachings of Jesus have been more influential than any other aspect of the life of Christ. Jesus taught with sermons and parables.

New!
John 3:16 – Sports and John 3:16. Why is this verse at the football game?

Sermons
Sermon list – A chart of the sermons and conversations of Jesus, with scripture references.

Sermon on the Mount – The greatest sermon of Jesus Christ in an easy-to-read format. It contains the Lord’s prayer, the golden rule, and practical advice for Christian living.

Parables
Parables – A list of all the parables Jesus taught. The parables are more than just interesting stories. They contain practical lessons for life.

Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus – Jesus gives us a glimpse of life after death, while teaching the necessity of proper stewardship.

Seaside Parables – Jesus often taught with these short stories. Discover why Jesus used parables. Gain insight into the parable of the sower, the mustard seed, the pearl of great price and more.

Topics
Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit – An in-depth look at what some have called the “unpardonable sin”.

John the Baptist – Learn what Jesus said about the forerunner to his ministry.

From www.LifeofChrist.com

Sermon On The Mount (Commentary)

Good Morning! This is the day that the Lord has made.

Read This Website In Your Language

When we look at the words of Christ Jesus which are recorded below, we are reminded what it is to be a true follower of His.

Would you like some help understanding the Sermon on the Mount? If so, please CLICK HERE to read a verse by verse commentary of the Sermon on the Mount.

SOURCE: THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

DATE WRITTEN : 63 AD

Matthew 5

The Beatitudes

¹And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him.²Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:

³“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
⁵Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.

⁶Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for 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 sons of God.
¹⁰Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
¹¹“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.¹²Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Believers Are Salt and Light
¹³ “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
¹⁴“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.¹⁵Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.¹⁶Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Christ Fulfills the Law
¹⁷ “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.¹⁸For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.¹⁹Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.²⁰For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

Murder Begins in the Heart
²¹ “You have heard that it was said to those of old, “You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’²²But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, “Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, “You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.²³Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,²⁴leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.²⁵Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.
²⁶Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.

Adultery in the Heart
²⁷ “You have heard that it was said to those of old, “You shall not commit adultery.’
²⁸But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.²⁹If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.³⁰And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

Marriage Is Sacred and Binding
³¹ “Furthermore it has been said, “Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’³²But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.

Jesus Forbids Oaths
³³ “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, “You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’³⁴But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne;³⁵nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.³⁶Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black.³⁷But let your “Yes’ be “Yes,’ and your “No,’ “No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

Go the Second Mile
³⁸ “You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ ³⁹But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.⁴⁰If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.⁴¹And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.⁴²Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.

Love Your Enemies
⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
⁴⁴But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, ⁴⁵that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.⁴⁶For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?⁴⁷And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?⁴⁸Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Matthew 6

Do Good to Please God
¹“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.²Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.³But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,⁴that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.

The Model Prayer
⁵“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.⁶But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. ⁷And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
⁸“Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.⁹In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

¹⁰Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

¹¹Give us this day our daily bread.

¹²And forgive us our debts,

As we forgive our debtors.

¹³And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

¹⁴“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.¹⁵But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Fasting to Be Seen Only by God
¹⁶ “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.¹⁷But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,¹⁸so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Lay Up Treasures in Heaven
¹⁹ “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;²⁰but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.²¹For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The Lamp of the Body
²² “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.²³But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

You Cannot Serve God and Riches
²⁴ “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

Do Not Worry
²⁵ “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?²⁶Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
²⁷Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
²⁸“So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;²⁹and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.³⁰Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
³¹“Therefore do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?’ or “What shall we drink?’ or “What shall we wear?’³²For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.³³But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.³⁴Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matthew 7

Do Not Judge
¹ “Judge not, that you be not judged.²For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.³And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?

⁴Or how can you say to your brother, “Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?⁵Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

⁶“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.

Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking
⁷ “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.⁸For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.⁹Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?¹⁰Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?¹¹If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!¹²Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

The Narrow Way
¹³ “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.¹⁴Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

You Will Know Them by Their Fruits

¹⁵ “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.¹⁶You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn-bushes or figs from thistles?¹⁷Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.¹⁸A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.
¹⁹Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.²⁰Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

I Never Knew You
²¹ “Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.²²Many will say to Me in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’²³And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Build on the Rock
²⁴ “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:²⁵and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
²⁶“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:²⁷and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”
²⁸And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching,²⁹for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

New King James Version: Thomas Nelson Publisher

Interview With God (Video)

Who Is Jesus

Why Christianity

Shroud Of Turin

From http://www.biblepath.com/beatitudes.html

Craig’s new ebook ‘The Spirit of a True Champion: A Look into the Mind of Jesus Christ’ is already available at

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007E2WXW0

A life lived in the spirit of Christ will never die!

PPS

As my good friend, Lindsay ‘the Prophet’ often says: “Get yourself right with Jesus, man!”

PAUL (from The Gospels)

No person, apart from Jesus himself, shaped the history of Christianity like the apostle Paul. Even before he was a believer, his actions were significant. His frenzied persecution of Christians following Stephen’s death got the church started in obeying Christ’s final command to take the gospel worldwide. Paul’s personal encounter with Jesus changed his life. He never lost his fierce intensity, but from then on it was channeled for the gospel.
Paul was very religious. His training under Gamaliel was the finest available. His intentions and efforts were sincere. He was a good Pharisee who knew the Bible and sincerely believed that this Christian movement was dangerous to Judaism. Thus, Paul hated the Christian faith and persecuted Christians without mercy.
….God did not waste any part of Paul – his background, his training, his citizenship, his mind, or even his weaknesses. Are you willing to let God do the same for you? You will never know all he can do with you as you allow him to have all that you are!

PAUL (from The Gospels)

Just Sharing a Few Thoughts on Paul from

the Application Study Bible (Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton Illinois)

Key words: Bible, Paul, Christianity, Application Study Bible, Gospels, Faith, Empowerment, Inspiration

Web sites:

http://pastorstahl.blogspot.com/2010/08/apostle-paul-proof-that-anyone-can-be.html

+http://home.insightbb.com/~cathiadenham/2nd%20Corinthians/2nd%20Corinthians%20–%201.htm

The submitter’s blog (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) is at

http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22and
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(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig

Publishing Guidelines:

These thoughts may be published with acknowledgement to the source web site. Thanks.

All my other articles may be freely published, electronically or in print.

No person, apart from Jesus himself, shaped the history of Christianity like the apostle Paul.

Even before he was a believer, his actions were significant. His frenzied persecution of Christians following Stephen’s death got the church started in obeying Christ’s final command to take the gospel worldwide. Paul’s personal encounter with Jesus changed his life. He never lost his fierce intensity, but from then on it was channeled for the gospel.
Paul was very religious. His training under Gamaliel was the finest available. His intentions and efforts were sincere. He was a good Pharisee who knew the Bible and sincerely believed that this Christian movement was dangerous to Judaism. Thus, Paul hated the Christian faith and persecuted Christians without mercy.
….God did not waste any part of Paul – his background, his training, his citizenship, his mind, or even his weaknesses. Are you willing to let God do the same for you? You will never know all he can do with you as you allow him to have all that you are!

From page1837 Application Study Bible (Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton Illinois)

* *

“And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me ? ”

( Acts 9:4 )

Brothers and Sisters ; No person , apart from Jesus Himself shaped the history of Christianity like the apostle Paul . Even before he was a believer , his actions were significant . His frenzied persecution of Christians following Stephen’s death got the church started in obeying Christ’s final command to take the Gospel worldwide . Paul’s personal encounter with Jesus changed his life ! He never lost his fierce intensity , but from then on it was channeled for spreading the Good News .

Paul was very religious . His training under Gamaliel was the finest available . His intentions and efforts were sincere . He was a good Pharisee , knew the Bible , and sincerely believed that this Christian movement was dangerous to Judaism . Thus , Paul hated the Christian faith and persecuted Christians without mercy .

Paul got permission to travel to Damascus to capture Christians and bring them back to Jerusalem . But God had other plans for Paul and stopped him in his hurried tracks on the Damascus road . Paul personally met Jesus Christ , and his life was NEVER the same again !

Until Paul’s conversion , little had been done about carrying the Gospel to non-Jews . Philip had preached in Samaria and to an Ethiopian man ; Cornelius , a Gentile , was converted under Peter ; and in Antioch of Syria , some Greeks had joined the believers . When Barnabas was sent from Jerusalem to check on this situation , he went to Tarsus to find Paul and bring him to Antioch , and together they worked among the believers there . They were then sent on a missionary journey , the first of three Paul would take that would carry the Gospel across the Roman Empire .

The thorny issue of whether Gentile believers had to obey Jewish laws before they could become Christians caused many problems in the early church . Paul worked hard to convince the Jews that Gentiles WERE acceptable to God . The lives Paul touched were changed and challenged by meeting Christ through him .

Pauls’s conversion begins in Acts chapter 9 .

Now Saul ( later called Paul ) was so zealous for his Jewish beliefs that he began a persecution campaign against anyone who believed in Jesus ( followers “of this way” ) . Why would the Jews in Jerusalem want to persecute Christians as far away as Damascus ? There are several possibilities : (1 ) to seize the Christians who had fled , ( 2 ) to prevent the spread of Christianity to other major cities , ( 3 ) to keep the Christians from causing any trouble with Rome , ( 4 ) to advance Saul’s career and build his reputation as a true Pharisee , zealous for the Law , ( 5 ) to unify the factions of Judaism by giving them a common enemy . ( 9:2 )

As Saul traveled to Damascus , pursuing Christians , he was confronted by the risen Christ and brought face-to-face with the TRUTH of the Gospel . Sometimes God breaks into a life in a spectacular manner , and sometimes a conversion is a quiet experience . Beware of people who INSIST you must have a particular type of conversion experience . The right way for you to come to faith in Jesus is whatever way God brings YOU ! ( 9:3ff) .Sourced from:

http://pastorstahl.blogspot.com/2010/08/apostle-paul-proof-that-anyone-can-be.html　

Damascus , a key commercial city , was located about 150 miles northeast of Jerusalem in the Roman province of Syria . Several trade routes linked Damascus to other cities throughout the Roman world . Saul may have thought that by stamping out Christianity in Damascus , he could prevent its spread to other areas .

“And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks” ( 9:3-5 ) .

Saul refers to this experience as the start of his new life in Christ ( 1 Cor. 9:1 ; 15:8 ; Gal. 1:15-16 ) . At the center of this wonderful experience was Jesus Christ – Saul did not see a vision , he saw the risen Christ Himself ( 9:17 ) . Saul acknowledged Jesus as LORD , confessed his own sin , surrendered his life to Jesus , and resolved to obey Him . True conversion comes from a personal encounter with Jesus Christ and leads to a new life in relationship with Him .

Now , Saul thought he was persecuting heretics , but he was persecuting Jesus Himself . Anyone who persecutes Christians today is also guilty of persecuting Jesus ( Matt. 25:40 , 45 ) , because Christians ARE the body of Christ on earth .

The phrase , “it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks” is not found in the oldest Greek texts . It simply means that Saul was only hurting himself in his actions because he was rebelling against God .

“And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus” ( 9:8 ) .

Saul opened his eyes but could NOT see – he was temporarily blinded .

“Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name” ( 9:13-14 ) .

“Not him , LORD , that’s impossible . He could NEVER become a Christian ! “ That was the essence of Ananias’s response when God told him of Saul’s conversion . After all , Saul had pursued Christians to their death ! Despite these understandable feelings , Ananias obeyed God and ministered to Saul . We must not limit God . He can do ANYTHING ! We must obey , following God’s leading even to difficult people and places .

“But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake” ( 9:15-16 ) .

Faith in Christ brings great blessings but often great suffering , too . Saul would suffer for his faith ( 2 Cor. 11:23-27 ) . God calls us to commitment , NOT to comfort . He promises to be with us THROUGH suffering and hardship , not to SPARE us from them .

“And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost” ( 9:17 ) .

Ananias found Saul , as he had been instructed , and greeted him as “Brother Saul.” Ananias feared this meeting because Saul had come to Damascus to capture the Christians and take them as prisoners to Jerusalem . In obedience to the Holy Spirit , however , Ananias greeted Saul lovingly . It is not always easy to love others , especially when we are afraid of them or doubt their motives . Nevertheless , we must follow Jesus’ command ( John 13:34 ) and Ananias’s example , showing loving acceptance to other Christians .

“And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God” ( 9:20 ) .

Immediately after receiving his sight and being with the Christians in Damascus , Saul went to the synagogue to tell the Jews about Jesus Christ . Some Christians counsel new believers to wait until they are thoroughly grounded in their faith before attempting to share the Gospel . Saul spent time with other Christians to learn about Jesus before beginning his worldwide ministry , but he did not wait to WITNESS . Although we should not rush into a ministry unprepared , we do not need to wait before telling others what has happened to us .

“And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus” ( 9:26-27 ) .

It is difficult to change your reputation , and Saul had a terrible reputation with the Christians . But Barnabas , a Jewish convert ( mentioned in 4:36 ) , became the bridge between Saul and the apostles . New Christians ( especially those with tarnished reputations ) need sponsors , people who will come alongside , encourage , teach , and introduce them to other Christians .

Lastly , in verses 29-30 , we are told , “And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.”

In these short sentences we can see two characteristics of Paul , even as a new believer in Christ : He was BOLD , and he stirred up controversy . These would characterize Paul’s ministry the rest of his life .

When Paul met Jesus , he found the One with the reason for living and dying , and he became totally sold out for Christ . God did not waste any part of Paul – his background, his training , his citizenship , his mind , or even his weaknesses .

My friends , Paul went from being one of , ( if not THE ) , worst persecutors of Christians , to one of the best witnesses for the Gospel of Jesus Christ ! PROOF that God’s FREE GIFT of Salvation is for ANYONE who , like Paul , simply accepts the free gift that God offers through His Son , our SAVIOR – JESUS CHRIST – and turns their life over to Him !

I would like to direct all who are reading this to accept God’s free gift NOW ! Just go to : http://www.pastormstahlschurch.com/index.php?p=1_27_YOUR-FREE-GIFT–

And remember , once you are in God’s family , “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” ( Gal. 3:28 ) .

Until next time , may God bless and keep you all –

Yours in Christ ; Pastor Mike

<>< <>< ><> ><>

No person, apart from Jesus himself, shaped the history of Christianity like the apostle Paul

. Even before he was a believer, his actions were significant. His frenzied persecution of Christians following Stephen’s death got the church started in obeying Christ’s final command to take the gospel worldwide. Paul’s personal encounter with Jesus changed his life. He never lost his fierce intensity, but from then on it was channeled for the gospel.
Paul was very religious. His training under Gamaliel was the finest available. His intentions and efforts were sincere. He was a good Pharisee, who knew the Bible and sincerely believed that this Christian movement was dangerous to Judaism. Thus Paul hated the Christian faith and persecuted Christians without mercy.
Paul got permission to travel to Damascus to capture Christians and bring them back to Jerusalem. But God stopped him in his hurried tracks on the Damascus road. Paul personally met Jesus Christ, and his life was never again the same.
Until Paul’s conversion, little had been done about carrying the gospel to non-Jews. Philip had preached in Samaria and to an Ethiopian man; Cornelius, a Gentile, was converted under Peter, and in Antioch in Syria, some Greeks had joined the believers. When Barnabas was sent from Jerusalem to check on this situation, he went to Tarsus to find Paul and bring him to Antioch, and together they worked among the believers there. They were then sent on a missionary journey, the first of three Paul would take, that would carry the gospel across the Roman empire.
The thorny issue of whether Gentiles believers had to obey Jewish laws before they could become Christians caused many problems in the early church. Paul worked hard to convince the Jews that Gentiles were acceptable to God, but he spent even more time convincing the Gentiles that they were acceptable to God. The lives Paul touched were changed and challenged by meeting Christ through him.
God did not waste any part of Paul – his background, his training, his citizenship, his mind, or even his weaknesses. Are you willing to let God do the same for you? You will never know all he can do with you until you allow him to have all that you are!

<>< <>< ><> ><>
Paul’s Strengths and Accomplishments
<>< <>< ><> ><>

* Transformed by God from a persecutor of Christians to a preacher for Christ
* Preached for Christ throughout the Roman empire on three missionary journeys
* Wrote letters to various churches, which became part of the New Testament
* Was never afraid to face an issue head-on and deal with it
* Was sensitive to God’s leading and, despite his strong personality, always did as God directed
* Is often called the apostle to the Gentiles

<>< <>< ><> ><>
Paul’s Weaknesses and Mistakes
<>< <>< ><> ><>

* Witnessed and approved of Stephen’s stoning
* Set out to destroy Christianity by persecuting Christians

<>< <>< ><> ><>
Lessons from Paul’s Life
<>< <>< ><> ><>

* The Good News is that forgiveness and eternal life are a gift of God’s grace received through faith in Christ and available to all people
* Obedience results from a relationship with God, but obedience will never create or earn that relationship
* Real freedom doesn’t come until we no longer have to prove our freedom
* God does not waste our time – he will use our past and present so we may serve him with our future

<>< <>< ><> ><>
Paul’s Vital Statistics
<>< <>< ><> ><>

* Where: Born in Tarsus, but became a world traveller for Christ
* Occupation: Trained as a Pharisee, learned the tent-making trade, served as a missionary
* Contemporaries: Gamaliel, Stephen, the apostles, Luke, Barnabas, Timothy

<>< <>< ><> ><>
Key Verses
<>< <>< ><> ><>

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body

“

(Philippians 1:21-24).

Paul’s story is told in Acts 7:58-28:31 and through his New Testament letters.

Sourced from: http://home.insightbb.com/~cathiadenham/2nd%20Corinthians/2nd%20Corinthians%20–%201.htm

The Life Application Study Bible – NIV – Zondervan

*******************************

Shared by craig

“There is light in every shadow.”

“You make a living from what you get; you make a life from what you give.”

“If you have the faith, God has the power.”

“I don’t believe in God. I know God.” – David Rosen, Jungian psycho-analyst

About the Submitter:

In his life mission Craig hopes to encourage, motivate and inspire people to be their best through realising their full potentials and live their very best lives (without being too much of a too boring Mr goody-goody two shoes” (as he’s lost one!). Craig believes in the great potential of every human being in the journey of life and loves to encourage people to share their individual (and guiding) spirits, so that they become all that they are CAPABLE of being.

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at: http://www.creativekiwis.com/index.php/books/74-craigs-books http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock http://www.lulu.com/craiglock and https://www.xinxii.com/asresults.php?s4=craig+lock&sid=1

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”

The submitter’s blog (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) is at http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22 and http://craiglock.wordpress.com

A book is small enough to hold in your hand; but when you read it, the walls fall away and you’re in a room as big as the world.”

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket.”

– Chinese proverb

“A book, like a dog, is man’s best friend, but inside it’s too dark to read.”

– Woody Allen (I “tink”)

“Together, one mind, one life at a time, let’s see how many people we can impact, encourage, empower, uplift and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials.”

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

PPS “The tiniest ray of light can pierce through the thickest darkness.”

In your own life shine your own bright light that helps overcome the darkness.

PAUL (from The Gospels)

Just Sharing a Few Thoughts on Paul from

the Application Study Bible (Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton Illinois)

Key words: Bible, Paul, Christianity, Application Study Bible, Gospels, Faith, Empowerment, Inspiration

Web sites:

http://pastorstahl.blogspot.com/2010/08/apostle-paul-proof-that-anyone-can-be.html

+http://home.insightbb.com/~cathiadenham/2nd%20Corinthians/2nd%20Corinthians%20–%201.htm

The submitter’s blog (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) is at

http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22and
http://craiglock.wordpress.com

THE LETTERS (FOLLOWING THE GOSPELS)

Here are some of my notes from the Letters in the Bible (in point form). This material has been sourced from many TV adressess over the years by my “early spiritual mentor”, Dr Robert H Schuller, as well as my studies, extracts and notes from ‘The New Possibility Thinkers Bible’ (NKJV) by Dr R H Schuller and Paul D Dunn (Published by Thomas Nelson Inc, 1996)

As I study this excellent Bible and take notes, I learn and grow spiritually… so in turn, am passing on these words of wisdom (eternal). I hope, I trust that they may encourage, empower, uplift and hopefully even perhaps inspire you as they do me. And this is my reason for sharing.

Thank you sincerely, Dr Schuller and Mr Dunn for the work you have put into your inspiring ‘New Possibility Thinkers Bible’
and for encouraging me from the depths of despair to pursue my dreams through thinking endless possibilities.

craig

“Only when you’ve been in the deepest valley can one know how magnificent it feels to stand on the highest peak.”
– powerful and inspiring words from former US President, Richard Nixon *

“Aim at heaven and you’ll have earth thrown in.”
– CS Lewis

THE LETTERS (FOLLOWING THE GOSPELS)

Key words: ‘The New Possibility Thinkers Bible’ , Dr R H Schuller and Paul D Dunn , Bible, Letters

INTRODUCTION

Here are some of my notes from the Letters in the Bible (in point form). This material has been sourced from many TV adressess over the years by my “early spiritual mentor”, Dr Robert H Schuller, as well as my studies, extracts and notes from ‘The New Possibility Thinkers Bible’ (NKJV) by Dr R H Schuller and Paul D Dunn (Published by Thomas Nelson Inc, 1996)

Thank you sincerely, Dr Schuller and Mr Dunn for the work you have put into your inspiring ‘New Possibility Thinkers Bible’

and for encouraging me from the depths of despair to pursue my dreams through thinking endless possibilities.

craig

“Only when you’ve been in the deepest valley can one know how magnificent it feels to stand on the highest peak.”– powerful and inspiring words from former US President, Richard Nixon *

“Aim at heaven and you’ll have earth thrown in.”

– CS Lewis

Here are some of my notes from the NEW TESTAMENT #

(which I’ll add to from time to time), which I find extremely helpful, encouraging, empowering and inspiring in my daily living…in every aspect of my life…TODAY and EVERYDAY

# New King James Version

ACTS (written by Luke, a physician)

The Book of Acts is a story of growth and is one of the most fascinating accounts of the power of possibility thinking. When Jesus Christ instilled His Spirit into the lives of twelve men, they literally went out to change the world.

RESPECT those around you!

The key word of Acts is GROWTH.Key Verse:

“But you shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria… and to the ends of the earth.” (1:8)

TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH and be willing to attempt great things for God.

God does His greatest works and His greatest projects through His smallest people.

“Great people are just ordinary people with extraordinary amounts of determination.”

ROMANS

Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Through Grace and Faith.

“All things work together for good to those who love God.” (8:28)

Practical directions for living a life justified by the grace of Jesus Christ.

The knowledge of God’s grace and forgiveness frees us not only from sin; but from anxiety, guilt, depression and a negative self-image. The stress flows out and salvation flows in!

The key word of Romans is righteousness

“The just shall live by faith.” (1:16,17)

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

(12:2)”We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance characteru… and character hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who was given to us” (5:3,4,5)

FAITH CAN FILL YOUR LIFE

Faith is a choice…

a decision

a commitment

YOU CAN DO IT!

Faith is an inner conviction… a “knowing” before reality confirms it. Faith is a sense of destiny… “it’s possible… it’s going to happen”

BELIEVE it BEFORE you see it!

Deep down in your heart you know its all going to work out.

“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:13)

“Do not be overcome evil by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (12:21)

*

1 CORINTHIANS

Bloom where you are planted!

Love is an action, rather than an emotion.

Love truly equals obedience to God…in words and actions.

“Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (6:19,20)

“Lord,

Make my life a window for Your light to shine through, a mirror to reflect Your love to everyone I meet.”

Success in Failure

Keep on keeping on

*

2 CORINTHINIANS

Expect the best in others.

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.” (2 Cor 5:17)

Faith calls us to believe in the best.

Speak of God’s Presence

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through Him.” (Col 3:17)

Breathe faith and walk by faith. Have positive emotions: love, joy, courage, faith and enthusiasm

*

GALATIANS

Our relationship with God is a gift of grace, and it is freely given when we place our faith in Jesus Christ – it is not earned!

Since God has made us alive in the Spirit, our lives should reflect the love and positive attitudes that come from knowing Jesus in a very real and personal way.

Love God and love others.

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart.” (5:13, 6:9)

“It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” (2:20)

Through love serve one another. Freedom is the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control).

“The just shall live by faith.” (3:11)

　

Change your Thoughts and Change Your World

“Meditate on these things… and the God of peace will be with you.” (4:8,9)

“What we are is God’s gift to us.

What we become is our gift to God.”

*

EPHESIANS

This presents an all-powerful God and His wise and loving design for the world.

GRACE IS A GIFT FROM GOD – it’s a serenity of spirit

It’s God’s undeserved favour to you.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works.” (2:8)

teacher of righteousness.

God’s dream is yours!

Faith is dreaming God’s dreams

*

PHILLIPIANS

　

The Book of Philipians is a motivational goal-oriented letter, inspiring the Christians in Phillipi and those throughout the world today to believe that they can do great things for God. Paul’s determination and confidence to serve God, no matter the cost (“no pain, no gain”)

“For to me, to live in Christ, and to die is gain.” (1:21)

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” (2:5)

Be filled with love.

God is working in and through them.

“Being confident that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it.” (Phil 1:6)

“Prayer is the soul upon the knees.”

“Prayer is the way to touch God.”

Press towards the goal

“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

(Phil 3:14)Faith must be applied to daily life. Faith becomes an act of the will.

Ask God to help you discover the power that comes from within you, when you make up your mind wholeheartedly to pursue your objective… relentlessly.

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL?

No act of faith is more dynamic, more constructive , than setting high goals.

Set high goals

Use the incredible power of faith to set positive goals…

and you’ll feel your life has great value and purpose

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (1:21)

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

(4:13) *

COLOSSIANS

Paul says that Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God. He speaks of the “mystery of God”, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col 1:27). Paul holds up high ideals for

the Colossians, and by sharing these goals with them, he is confident his readers will live up to them.

Believe the best about ourselves and others. For with God as our strength we WILL succeed!

Key Word: The Pre-emininence of Jesus, the Author of Reconcilation. He is the basis for the believer’s hope, the source of power for a new life.

“Set your mind on things above *, not on things on the earth.”

(3:1,3)

* ie: positive, good, constructive, healthy thoughts

Are they true, noble, just, pure lovely, positive?

YOU ARE A CO-WORKER WITH GOD

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks toGod the Father through Him” (3:17)

i am the vine, you are the brances. He who abides in Me and in him will *

FIRST THESSALONIANS

God is stronger and bigger than any problem! With him you can overcome any obstacle!

Paul commends them for turning their thoughts to God, not to their problems.

*

SECOND THESSALONIANS

The Thessalonians are outstanding examples of Christian believers, who stood firm in their faith and showed love and charity towards each other.

*

1 TIMOTHY

Encouragement is one of the greatest gifts you will ever give or receive (Barnabas was a “son of encouragement”)… and I love encouraging others to make the most of their potentials.

2 TIMOTHY

He seeks to build up (or edify) others and to continue the ministry that God has given him.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will give to me.” (2 Timothy 4:7,8)

*

PHILEMON:

Forgiveness is the language of love!

The pathway to success is the path of service.

TITUS

In any environment, no matter the circumstances the church and its people can grow and prosper.

　

HEBREWS

Christianity embodies the New Covenant between God and His people.

Faith is the dominant thread, which runs throughout the book. It’s “the substance of things hoped for, but are unseen”.

Take a positive plunge, a leap of faith.

I love the quotation…

“Be bold and unseen forces come to one’s aid.”

“Run with endurance the race set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

*

JAMES (the half-brother of Jesus)

It is the most practical of the epistles. Emphasizes that love and Christian faith must be demonstrated in DEEDS. Faith should be lived out by sharing and helping one another.

*

1 PETER

A message of HOPE, as one’s faith is tested.

Encouragement is the key to keeping the faith.

Faith replaces anxieties. Replace stress with success.

2 PETER

Peter reminds his readers that their faith is based on the historical certainty of Jesus Christ’s resurrection.

Guard against false teachers.

Keep working on yourself:

on your faith, virtue, knowledge, self control, persevance, godliness, kindness, and/or love.

I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH

　

Life is a journey to savour and not merely arriving at a destination.

God was (is) faithful to forgive sins and wipe away guilt.

*

1st JOHN

These three Epistles are short messages of encouragement.

God was (is) faithful to forgive people’s sins and wipe any guilt from their lives. Then they could truly be free to carry out God’s command to love one another.

Love is not just by word, but deed and truth.

2nd JOHN

John encourages the Christians to beware many false teachers in the region of Ephesus, who did not teach the truth of Jesus Christ.

Continue walking in obedience to God’s commandment to love one another. Love and faith can be shown by generous hospitality. Enjoy fellowship. Develop the heart of a servant.

The key is fellowship with God

“God has sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we may live through Him.” (4:7-9, 11)

Key: Fellowship with God. “God has given us eternal life and this life is in His Son.”

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1:9)

The goal of Jesus was to reveal the love of God through His love for all people.

John presents Jesus as the Truth and encourages all believers to walk in the light of His Truth.

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” (v 2)

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” (v 4)

*

JUDE (the brother of Jesus and James)

Unveil yourself to the love of God and involve yourself in the lives of others with generous encouragement.

Jude warns against the negative influences that could weaken their faith and devotion to Jesus.

Jude knew the importance of trusting his life to the most powerful person in the universe – Jesus Christ.

Amen

from ‘The New Possibility Thinkers Bible’ (NKJV) by Dr R H Schuller and Paul D Dunn (Published by Thomas Nelson Inc, 1996)

“Lord,

Make my life a window for Your light to shine through, a mirror to reflect Your love to everyone I meet.”

Shared by craig (“just another nobody for Jesus”)

“I’m just a pencil in the hands of God.”

– Mother Teresa

God IS blessing you

“What we are is God’s gift to us.

What we become is our gift to God.”

　

　

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