Bible Study

This is a copy of the Sunday School Lessons presented to an adult class each Sunday.

Name: Bible Study

Location: Spartanburg, South Carolina, United States

Retired, Lobbyist in Washington,DC - Management - BS Chemistry and various continuing education courses

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Friday, December 28, 2012

Bible Study - Name - JESUS Our Shepherd - John 10:7-16 - December 30, 2012

Bible Study - Name – JESUS Our Shepherd – December 30, 2012

This is lesson five (5) our final lesson in the series entitled, “What’s in a Name?”

Our scripture is John 10:7-16.

Our study has led us to consider the many attributes and characteristics of GOD as expressed by HIS name. HE manifests Himself in many different ways to those who love HIM, look to HIM for salvation and walk with HIM each day. The Bible makes it clear that GOD is consistent and in HIM there is no shadow of turning (James 1:17). HE is not fickle. HE says what HE means and means what HE says. HE is sovereign. HIS sovereignty is very hard to deal with when circumstances do not go our way.

HE loved mankind so much that HE allowed HIS only Son to come to earth not only to reveal HIS reality and love but also to freely give HIS life to pay, in full, the debt for sin and its consequence, eternal death. Physical death is 100%. But every person has a decision to make whether or not to accept or reject CHRIST as his/her Savior. Accepting CHRIST as your Savior means eternal life and no judgment; Rewards for obediently serving HIM but no judgment. CHRIST in you is what makes you a Christian through the miracle of rebirth. Rebirth is a Spiritual matter that is confirmed by the indwelling Holy Spirit within each person who receives CHRIST.

Our final study focuses on JESUS the Shepherd. HE is a chip off the block because GOD is also considered a Shepherd. JESUS left HIS home in heaven. HE chose to leave HIS Glory in heaven as well. HE willingly came to earth to be born 100% human and yet 100% divine. HE had access to divine power but chose not to use it in order to fulfill HIS mission. HE came to earth to give HIS life for all who would have faith in HIM. The Apostle John revealed the nature of CHRIST as Savior and Shepherd of the body of true believers, the flock. Let’s explore.

Let’s read John 10:7-10:

The Good Shepherd – Introduction:

We need to keep in mind the timeline regarding the unfolding of these events. When JESUS was teaching this message, HIS crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection and ascension had not taken place. The scriptures had prophesied these events and CHRIST had spoken of some of these but for the most part they went over the heads of those to whom HE was speaking and HIS disciples. When the Apostle John wrote of this particular event, it was some 50 plus years after the Passion of CHRIST. John received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and had been faithful in the preaching the gospel all these years. John fully understood and fully comprehended the full scope of the passion of CHRIST.

JESUS was teaching. It is difficult to make Spiritual matters understandable to non-Spiritual people. To help HIS audience then and us today, JESUS took examples from ordinary life and related them to Spiritual truths to help us understand Spiritual matters. The Holy Spirit works within each person to bring empowerment, enlightenment and understanding to Spiritual truth. GOD works within every non-believer to give him/her the opportunity to respond positively or negatively to HIS call for him/her to surrender his/her life to HIM.

GOD’S Spirit is always at work in the lives of all who need salvation and those who have received salvation. At Pentecost, GOD sent the Holy Spirit to earth to indwell every person who put his/her faith in CHRIST. JESUS stated in John 20:29:

29 Jesus saith unto him, Because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. (KJV)

There are those who saw and heard JESUS. There are those who since the Passion of CHRIST must depend upon GOD’S Word (the Bible), the Holy Spirit, the witness of other Christians, teachers, preachers, evangelists, etc. who present truth, salvation and live through faith in CHRIST.

Those who came in contact with JESUS heard HIS teachings and witnessed the miracles GOD performed through HIM, which confirmed that HE was the Promised Messiah. GOD had led the prophets of old to write about the attributes and characteristics regarding the promised Messiah. The full knowledge of the passion of CHRIST could not be fully comprehended because it had not taken place in the chronology of these events, plus the Jews were looking for a political messiah and not an eternal Spiritual Messiah. Rather than conquering physical enemies, JESUS conquered what no human could ever conquer - sin and its consequence, eternal death. When our Spiritual enemy has been conquered, the wisdom and strength to conquer our physical enemies becomes evident for those having faith in GOD through CHRIST. Giving your life to CHRIST forms a relationship that builds and matures as you obediently serve HIM.

The Gospel of John was written about 85-90 A.D. or about 53-58 years after the death and resurrection of JESUS. When John wrote his gospel account, he had the full understanding of the passion of CHRIST, as the other writers of the New Testament. Did those to whom JESUS was speaking or teaching fully understand or comprehend HIS message at that moment? Only GOD knows because we do know that GOD’S Word does not return void. GOD reveals truth and HE can reveal it at the instant it is presented or hide it in our hearts to reveal it at an exact moment to produce the most needed result, which is salvation.

In JESUS’ day, the raising of sheep was a business and most people of that day could relate to raising sheep. People knew that the shepherd was the key to raising sheep and protecting them from themselves and from harm. Sheep folds could range in size. The fold was a corral to prevent the sheep from going astray and to protect them from thieves, robbers and predators when they bedded down at night. At night, the shepherd placed himself across the entrance to the fold to protect his sheep. To get to the sheep, a thief or predator had to come through the shepherd. Sheep were helpless and needed guidance, protection, food, and care that the shepherd provided.

Psalm 23 written by David. David was a shepherd and made the connection between taking care of sheep to GOD taking care of those who come to HIM and choose to walk with HIM.

Let’s read Psalm 23:

The Good Shepherd A Davidic psalm.

1 The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. 2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name’s sake. 4 Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.

JESUS was teaching HIS listeners then and us today, through the words penned by the Apostle John. JESUS is the entrance to eternal life. HE is the Good Shepherd and guards HIS sheep and nothing can snatch them out of HIS hand. HE and the Father are one and nothing can snatch them out of the Father’s hand. Once a person is born into the Kingdom of GOD, he/she will never become unborn.

From a Spiritual point-of-view the words spoken by JESUS are vital for every Christian. Salvation is only the beginning of a lifetime of obedience and Spiritual growth while serving our LORD. Just as sheep must follow their shepherd, Christians must follow CHRIST. JESUS was telling all Christians that there are spiritual battles that threaten their Spiritual lives. People are in spiritual battles every day. Satan’s desire is to defeat and destroy every person ever born on earth. His first goal is to prevent a person from becoming a Christian. If he fails at preventing a person from becoming a Christian, he does all he can to defeat and destroy him/her and his/her witness. That is why it is so important that we pray for one another and support each other as Christians.

JESUS was saying be careful because I know that you do not fully understand what you are up against. This is where trust comes into your lives. Just as the sheep have to trust the shepherd, JESUS was saying, you must trust ME as the Good Shepherd to lead you to heaven. Satan will do all he can to turn your thoughts away from following JESUS. Satan will show you many ways to heaven but they are all lies because Satan is a liar and the truth is not in him. Keep in mind that JESUS said, “I AM the Good Shepherd.” HE is the only way to heaven.

7 So Jesus said again, “I assure you: I ame the door of the sheep.f

“I assure you” in essence was like telling HIS audience, “listen to what I AM about to tell you because it is truth.” Notice the use of “I AM.” HE was tying what HE had to say to “YAHWEH.” Then HE tells them that HE is the Shepherd Who is the door or the entrance to GOD. HE is the guardian of sheep in the fold. All who have faith in HIM enter into HIS fold and HE protects and cares for them.

8 All who came before Me g are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them.

There have been others who proclaimed to be the true shepherd and represent GOD but they were robbers and thieves. Robbers take what they want by force and thieves sneak in to take what they want. JESUS being the Good Shepherd bears witness to GOD and reveals truth. HE is truth.

9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.

Again JESUS used the term “I AM.” HE established HIS authority as the entrance to eternal life and the direct access to GOD. All who have faith in HIM will be saved from the consequence of sin, which is eternal death.

10 A thief comes only to stealh and to kill and to destroy.i I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.

False teachers and prophets do not know the truth but deceive others into thinking that they do. Their agenda is to defeat and destroy those seeking truth. They like for people to follow them and they have big egos. We see this today in feel good religions. They pitch Christianity as if you have enough faith you can have whatever you want. They are false and what they present will not hold up. If they use scripture, you can see results because as mentioned earlier, GOD’S Word never returns void. Discernment is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Pay attention when you suspect truth is not being taught.

JESUS stated “I AM” the true Shepherd. HE came to earth willingly for all who place faith in ME to receive forgiveness for their sins and receive the free gift of eternal life and the abundant life while living upon earth. Once you settle where you will spend eternity, you are free to live as GOD directs your life. Life does not get any better than obediently serving GOD.

Let’s read John 10:11-13:

11 “I am the good shepherd.j The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.k

Again JESUS used “I AM” as HE told them that HE is the Good Shepherd. As the Good Shepherd, HE would give HIS life for all who would accept HIM on faith. CHRIST died for our sins. Our sin was placed upon HIM and HIS righteousness was placed upon us. Righteousness gives Christians immediate and eternal access to GOD, such that we can call HIM, Daddy.

12 The hired man, since he is not the shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep, leaves theml and runs away when he sees a wolfm coming. The wolf then snatches and scatters them.

HIS audience was well aware that some hired shepherd would run when danger approached. The sheep were not his, so why should he risk his life. JESUS owns HIS sheep because HE bought them with HIS life. HE will never forsake HIS own or leave them.

13 This happens because he is a hired man and doesn’t care about the sheep.

False teachers, preachers, pastors, evangelist and Bible study leaders do not know the truth and when tested it falls apart. When challenged, the usual explanation is, “You did not have enough faith.”

Let’s read John 10:14-16:

14 “I am the good shepherd. I know My own sheep, and they know Me,

JESUS as the Good Shepherd is personally committed to the sheep in HIS fold. HE knows them intimately. HE knows the number of the hairs on their head. HE knows their hearts and the beauty is that they know HIM. How do they know HIM? It is by having an intimate, personal relationship with HIM. Christians study the Bible, talk to GOD and obediently serve HIM as the Holy Spirit leads and directs their lives. As they obediently serve HIM, they get to know HIM through on-the-job training. Serving HIM builds this dynamic relationship as we see HIS power and handiwork manifested.

The indwelling Holy Spirit confirms their relationship with HIM. Do you remember Romans 8:16:

16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children,

15 as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father.n I lay down My lifeo for the sheep.

JESUS had been referring to Himself as “I AM.” In verse 15, HE makes it clear that HE knows GOD, HIS Father, intimately and personally. GOD, in turn, knows HIM just as intimately and personally. HIS knowledge was not just head knowledge but heart knowledge as the result of an intimate, personal and dynamic relationship with GOD. As Christians, we can have this same dynamic relationship.

16 But I have other sheepp that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd.q

JESUS stated that HE had other sheep. Who are these other sheep? GOD allowed JESUS to come to earth first of all for the salvation of the Jews. But JESUS made it clear that HE also came for the salvation of the Gentiles. Gentiles included all other races.

GOD revealed prophesies regarding the promised Messiah to the Jews. Scripture made clear all the aspects of the Messiah – where HE would be born, how GOD would manifest Himself through HIM (miracles), HIS death and the list goes on. But with all of their archives of scripture and constant search of them, they could not see JESUS as the Messiah. They were blinded to truth because they had made up their minds that the Messiah would be an earthly ruler and deliver them from Roman rule. They wanted a physical deliverer and not a Spiritual deliverer. When GOD rules the hearts of mankind, mankind does not need a physical deliverer. A Spiritual solution is eternal whereas a physical solution is temporary.

GOD chose the Jews to have the first opportunity to recognize, acknowledge and confirm JESUS as the true Promised Messiah. Some of the Jews accepted HIM as their Savior but many rejected HIM.

Salvation would not end with the Jews rejection of JESUS because salvation would come to the Gentiles, as well. Salvation is available to all who ask CHRIST to forgive them for their sins and accept HIS passion on faith. CHRIST brings unity because all Christians are GOD’S children. There is one flock made of all who accept CHRIST as their Savior and all true Christians form the body of CHRIST, which is the true Spiritual church. The Spiritual church is not defined or confined by a physical building or some organized Christian religious organization.

CHRIST is the Good Shepherd of all true Christians. As you obediently serve GOD through CHRIST you will build an intimate relationship with HIM and get to know HIM intimately. HE will become your very best friend and you journey together. You will discover that HE is the good Shepherd and you obediently follow HIM. I hope all had a blessed Christmas and will have a blessed New Year. Blessings!!!

Friday, December 21, 2012

Bible Study - Name - JESUS Our Emmanuel - Isaiah 9 and Matthew 1 - December 23, 2012

Bible Study – Name – JESUS Our Emmanuel – December 23, 2012

This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled, “What’s in a Name?”

Our scripture is Isaiah 9:6-7; Matthew 1:18-25.

As we are approaching Christmas, we need to know that December 25 is not the birthday of JESUS. Bible scholars think HE was born either in the fall or possibly early spring. The important point is that HE was born just as Old Testament scripture prophesied. The Prophet Isaiah wrote the scroll of Isaiah about 732-722 B.C., which is the first scripture in our study. Prophesy recorded by the prophet Micah about 742-687 B.C. found in Micah 5:2 pinpoints where CHRIST would be born:

2 Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; One (JESUS) will come from you to be ruler over Israel for Me. His origin is from antiquity, from eternity. (JESUS is eternal. HE was with GOD as part of the Trinity when the world was created and man formed.)

Bethlehem means “House of Bread.” JESUS is the bread of life. Bread sustains life and those who have faith in CHRIST are sustained eternally.

Emmanuel means “With us is GOD” or as most of us have heard “GOD with us.” JESUS willingly came to earth to be born as a human, to live and give HIS sinless life to pay in full the penalty for sin. HE left HIS eternal home in heaven and HE left HIS Glory behind. HIS desire was to be fully human and totally dependent upon the Father for all HIS needs. HE had an arsenal of angels HE could call upon at any moment but if HE had, it would have nullified the plan and purpose of GOD. JESUS had to go through the circumstances HE encountered. Would HE rely upon HIS own power or the power of the Father? As mentioned later, in essence JESUS was born a Spirit filled Christian but HE was capable and subjected to temptation. HE remained sinless, therefore the perfect sacrifice to pay in full the penalty for sin.

The proof that HE accomplished HIS mission is that GOD raised HIM from the dead. JESUS is GOD with us experiencing all that we as humans experience. JESUS fully understands what it means to live as a human and what it means for us to be tempted. That is why GOD placed all things under HIS control and all authority including final judgment. That is why JESUS could say with confidence in John 5:24:

24 “I assure you: Anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal lifec Jn 6:53; 12:25; Ac 13:48; 1Jn 2:25 and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.

Faith in CHRIST is the key to eternal life and not being judged. Christians will be given rewards based upon their obedience to being led by the Holy Spirit. These rewards will be given in heaven and will consist of gold, silver, precious stones and crowns to name a few.

Let’s read Isaiah 9:6-7: (Written over 700 years before CHRIST was born.)

6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us,k ; ; ; ; and the government will be on His shoulders.l ; ; He will be named Wonderful Counselor,m Mighty God,n ; ; Eternal Father,o ; Prince of Peace.p ,; ;
7 The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end.q ; ; He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of •Hosts will accomplish this.r

GOD revealed through the Prophet Isaiah the coming of the Messiah and HE would be the ideal King. The Messiah would come as a child born as humans are born and HE would be a gift from GOD. We know from Micah that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. This prophesy was written over 700 years before CHRIST would be born as a human. HE would be born 100% human and 100% Divine. HIS ultimate purpose was to establish the Kingdom of GOD. HE would be the ideal King because the government will be upon HIS shoulders. HIS name reveals HIS character and attributes. HIS kingdom begins the instant a person asks CHRIST to forgive him/her for their sins and ask HIM to come into his/her life. CHRIST rules the hearts and lives of all who have faith in HIM but HIS ultimate rule will come when HE establishes HIS Kingdom upon earth.

HE shall be called:

- Wonderful Counselor – HE performs wonders and gives ideal counsel.

- The mighty GOD – HE is mighty like a strong and powerful warrior. HE will rule over all aspects of life including the power over death, disease and forces of nature to name a few.

- The everlasting Father – The Messiah was one with the Father. HE is eternal just as the Father is eternal, thus insuring the protection and care for all who have faith in HIM.

- The Prince of Peace – HE has the authority to bring peace which includes physical peace and Spiritual peace. Peace means more than the absence of conflict but carries the idea of completeness. When Christians yield their lives to the leadership and guidance of the Holy Spirit it allows the Holy Spirit the freedom to work within a Christian’s total being – flesh and Spirit – to bring harmony, assurance, power, enlightenment, full relationship, fellowship, purpose, understanding and the list goes on as Christians journey with CHRIST. Human rule is with force but CHRIST will rule with righteousness.

When Isaiah wrote this, the Israelites were facing a threat from Assyria and later Judah would be facing the Babylonians. Isaiah was giving them hope that GOD was in control and GOD’S will, would be accomplished. This is something Christians must keep in mind when they face various challenges in life. GOD’S will, will be done. HE is sovereign. The sovereignty of GOD is very difficult to process when we see the tragic situation that took place last week with the killing of those sweet, precious children in Connecticut. GOD did not cause it and we know that HE did not prevent those who were killed from being killed. They may have given their lives to prevent many others from being killed.

When our precious son died, our Pastor told me. “Welcome to a club I wish no one had to join.” Our pastor and his wife lost a son in death a few years ago. He said, “You will ask “why” but there will not be an answer.” He was correct. I have asked “why” many times and come back to the same point, GOD is sovereign and I have to trust HIM. HE has a plan and a purpose in all things. HE used the death of our son to bring home to me the love that HE has for those who reject CHRIST.

HE brought to my mind the love I have for our son and how much we miss him. Death has separated us temporarily from him until we join him in heaven. HE brought to mind a very clear message, “Now you can understand HIS love and heartbreak for all who are separated from HIM because they refuse to accept CHRIST as their Savior.” Those who reject CHRIST are dead to GOD because their sins separate from HIM in eternal death. HE brought to mind John 3:16-18:

16 “For God loved the world •in this way: He gave His •One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God.

We live in a sinful world and Christians know the truth but we have compromised our witness and stand as Christians.

The best is yet to come. CHRIST has completed phase one of the process to establish GOD’S Kingdom permanently upon earth. GOD reveals through the Prophet Isaiah the magnitude of HIS Kingdom:

7 The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end.q ; ; He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of •Hosts will accomplish this.r

Isaiah referred to the “Lord of Hosts”, which means HE is Commander in Chief over all – the universe, armies, the heavens and all who dwell in HIS heavens. HE is not a passive Commander in Chief but HE is passionate and zealous. HE is jealous and will not share HIS children with anyone else or things. HE, in turn, expects HIS children to be committed only to HIM. Let’s fast forward over 700 years to the birth of JESUS, the promised Messiah.

Let’s read Matthew 1:18-21: (Matthew the tax collector and one of JESUS’ disciples wrote his gospel to the Jews. He began by showing how the genealogy of JESUS traced back to King David which was important to the Jews. JESUS genealogy is copied at the end of this lesson for those who care to read it.)

The Nativity of the Messiah

18 The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After His mother Mary had been •engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit.w

We know that to be engaged during that period of time was more binding than for an engaged couple today. In Jewish marriages, the parents of the bride or a match-maker most often arranged for their children, when they were young, to marry.

The next step was, if the girl was willing to continue the process to marriage, the couple became engaged or “betrothed.” The betrothal generally lasted one year. During this brothel period the couple was considered man and wife but they did not live together. If the couple decided to terminate their betrothal during this time, they had to get a divorce. If all went well after the betrothal period, they were married. The husband took his wife to their home and consummated the marriage.

Mary and Joseph were engaged but no sex. Mary became pregnant. Our next scripture revealed that Joseph was a righteous man. He was an honorable man and he would not do anything to bring dishonor to Mary.

Joseph’s conclusion, Mary must have had sex with another man. Just think about the situation both were in. GOD had some explaining to do to ease Joseph’s mind about Mary.

19 So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man,x and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly.y

Joseph had several options. He could reveal Mary’s condition to others. If he did then there was a good chance she be would stoned to death, which was the sentence for adultery. But he decided to secretly divorce her. This way she would be spared possible public humiliation. GOD knows our hearts and HE knew Joseph’s heart and what he was pondering. HE had to inform Joseph.

20 But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit.z

GOD sent an angel to reveal truth in a dream. Dreams were one way GOD communicated with people. The angel revealed truth to Joseph.

Mary conceived JESUS by the power of the Holy Spirit. Why was this necessary? Let’s ponder Genesis 3:15:

15 I will put hostility between you (Satan) and the woman, and between your •seed and her seed (JESUS). He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.

JESUS was the product of her seed. The Holy Spirit was the divine sperm. When Adam sinned, he died Spiritually. Sin placed a barrier between them and GOD because GOD being righteous and Holy, HE cannot look upon sin. GOD’S intent was for mankind to live eternally. GOD gave mankind the freedom of choice. GOD established the one requirement, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden except from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In the day that you eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you will die.” Adam did not die physically at that moment but he died physically later. Adam lost the eternal relationship and fellowship he had with GOD. GOD fashioned clothes made out of skins for them to wear. They lost the ideal conditions of the Garden of Eden.

Because of the original sin, GOD had to make the first animal sacrifice. The shedding of the blood of the animals covered their sin until CHRIST gave HIS life by the shedding of HIS blood to pay in full the debt for sin. GOD drove them out of the Garden of Eden and placed a cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the tree of life.

If they had eaten the fruit from the tree of life, they would have lived eternally in this fallen condition. Their only hope for redemption was through faith in JESUS. Moses wrote Genesis about 1450 B.C. The point being, GOD’S plan of redemption was already part of HIS plan for mankind before HE formed the world. Redemption would apply to Adam and Eve as well to all who have faith in CHRIST.

HE knew every person who would ever exist before HE created the world. You were in the heart and mind of GOD before HE created the world. Since GOD is the creator of all, once in HIS mind, you became a reality waiting for the right time to be conceived and born as a human.

JESUS was born 100% human and 100% Divine. Although physically separated from the Father, HE was still had a Spiritual relationship. HE had eternal life because HE was conceived by the Holy Spirit. When any person receives salvation, he/she is conceived by the Holy Spirit and he/she is born into GOD’S family. In essence, JESUS was born a Christian because HE was indwelled by the Holy Spirit.

JESUS, even though HE was born a Christian, was fully capable of sinning because of the sin nature passed along by being 100% human, yet 100% Divine. CHRIST remained sinless as a human without evoking supernatural power. HE completely obedient to GOD, HIS Father. HE was tempted in all ways as humans are tempted but HE did not sin.

This is no different from the person that accepts CHRIST as his/her Savior and experiences the miracle of rebirth. A Christian is fully capable of sinning, yet he/she is covered by the blood of JESUS and remains sinless. JESUS’ blood had to be shed for the remission of sins. JESUS had to be sinless for HIM to be the perfect, acceptable sacrifice to pay, in full, the debt for sin required by GOD.

GOD’S love for all people compelled HIM to allow HIS Only Son to come to earth and give HIS life for the sins of the world. Through the passion of CHRIST, all who will believe in CHRIST are redeemed from eternal death and restored to the full relationship and fellowship with GOD as HE originally intended. Christians have the assurance of GOD being in their lives by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The angel continued to assure Joseph that GOD had chosen Mary for HIS special plan and purpose.

21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus,ab because He will save His people from their sins.”c

Mary would have a son and Joseph was to name HIM JESUS. JESUS means Savior and it was common for parents to name their boys Jesus because during this period parents were looking for the hope of GOD’S deliverance. JESUS, the Son of GOD would be more than hope, HE would be the source of salvation and deliverance from sin.

Let’s read Matthew 1:22-25:

22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

23 See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name Him Immanuel,d
which is translated “God is with us.”e

The angel was quoting from the Prophet Isaiah. Let’s read Isaiah 7:14:

14 Therefore, the Lord Himself will give youn a sign: The virgin will conceive,o have a son, and name him Immanuel. pq

Bible scholars believe this prophesy had a dual purpose. Short term the Jews related this scripture to the birth of Hezekiah but long term it was prophesy for CHRIST.

24 When Joseph got up from sleeping, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married herf
25 but did not know her intimately until she gave birth to a son.g And he named Him Jesus.h

Joseph was a righteous man and he was obedient to what had been revealed to him through the angel. He did not have sex with Mary until after JESUS was born but after the birth of JESUS, they did have normal sexual relations which resulted in other children being conceived and born to them as revealed in Matthew 13:55:

55 Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?i Isn’t His mother called Mary, and His brothers James,j Joseph,k Simon, and Judas?l
56 And His sisters, aren’t they all with us? So where does He get all these things?”

The Bible reveals that JESUS’ brothers did not believe in HIM before HIS crucifixion and resurrection but after HIS passion they became passionate believers in HIM as their Savior. Let’s take a quick look:

John 7:1-5: (Before the crucifixion and resurrection of JESUS.)

1 After this, Jesus traveled in Galilee,a since He did not want to travel in Judeab because the •Jewsc were trying to kill Him.d
2 The Jewish Festival of Tabernaclesefg was near,
3 so His brothersh said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea so Your disciples can see Your worksi that You are doing.
4 For no one does anything in secret while he’s seeking public recognition. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.”
5 (For not even His brothers believed in Him.)

Let’s read Acts 1:12-14 (This is after the death, resurrection and ascension of JESUS. JESUS had instructed them to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit would reveal all truth to them. The indwelling Holy Spirit reveals all truth to Christians. But you have to become a Christian before the Holy Spirit indwells you.)

12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away.
13 When they arrived, they went to the rooml upstairs where they were staying:
Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.m

14 All these were continually unitedn in prayer,o along with the women, including Maryp the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.q

JESUS is GOD’S only plan to redeem all who have faith in CHRIST as their Savior. It is a simple plan, yet so hard for many to take that step of faith. There is no better time than now to accept CHRIST as your Savior and enter into HIS Kingdom for eternity. Doing so will restore the relationship, fellowship and eternal life that GOD intended before sin resulted in eternal separation from GOD and eternal Spiritual death.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and bountiful blessings to all!

May this be the beginning of a wonderful new life in CHRIST empowered and led by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Matthew 1:1-17:

The Genealogy of Jesus Christ

1 Thea historical recordbc of Jesus Christ, the Son of David,d the Son of Abraham:e

From Abraham to David

2 Abraham fatheredf Isaac, Isaac fathered Jacob, Jacob fathered Judah and his brothers,g
3 Judah fathered Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez fathered Hezron, Hezron fathered Aram,h
4 Aram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon,
5 Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab, Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth, Obed fathered Jesse,i
6 and Jesse fathered King David.

From David to the Babylonian Exile

Thenj David fathered Solomon by Uriah’s wife,k
7 Solomon fathered Rehoboam, Rehoboam fathered Abijah, Abijah fathered Asa,l
8 Asam fathered Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat fathered Joram,n Joram fathered Uzziah,o
9 Uzziah fathered Jotham, Jotham fathered Ahaz, Ahaz fathered Hezekiah,
10 Hezekiah fathered Manasseh, Manasseh fathered Amon, pAmon fathered Josiah,q
11 and Josiah fathered Jechoniah and his brother sat the time of the exile to Babylon.r

From the Exile to the Messiah

12 Then after the exile to Babylon Jechoniah fathered Shealtiel, Shealtiel fathered Zerubbabel,
13 Zerubbabel fathered Abiud, Abiud fathered Eliakim, Eliakim fathered Azor,s
14 Azor fathered Zadok, Zadok fathered Achim, Achim fathered Eliud,
15 Eliud fathered Eleazar, Eleazar fathered Matthan, Matthan fathered Jacob,
16 and Jacob fathered Joseph the husband of Mary, who gave birth tot Jesus who is called the •Messiah.u

17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were 14 generations; and from David until the exile to Babylon, 14 generations; and from the exile to Babylon until the Messiah, 14 generations.v

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