Bible Study - The Road to Salvation through Jars of Clay - May 24, 2026

 

Bible Study - The Road to Salvation Though Jars of Clay - May 24, 2026

Where were you before you were born physically?

I contend all humans were and are in the heart and mind of GOD. Once in GOD’S mind, each of us were created and chosen to serve GOD according to HIS will and purpose, with the freedom to either choose or not choose JESUS, GOD’S only SON. JESUS came in the flesh upon earth, as our Savior or to reject HIM.

All are chosen to be in a personal relationship with GOD through the miracle of Spiritual birth through faith in JESUS, the promised Messiah. JESUS confirmed by HIS physical life, physical death, physical bodily resurrection, ascension into Heaven to take HIS seat at the right hand of GOD, HIS FATHER to intercede for all who are born again Spiritually by the Holy Spirit.

Jeremiah 1:5

I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born. I appointed you a prophet to the nations.

Yes, this was GOD’S message to the Prophet Jeremiah, but it gives us insight into the mind of GOD.

I contend that we came from the heart and mind of GOD. GOD chose us to serve HIM, as a person free to either choose to be in right relationship with HIM or to ignore or reject GOD.

Since GOD chose us and formed us, it gives HIM the right to reveal truth to us.

HIS desire is for all to choose HIM before JESUS and JESUS after JESUS came to earth and fulfilled GOD’S purpose for HIM.

GOD’S desire is to have all humans recognize their need for HIM and come to HIM through faith. First through the Law and the Prophets and final through JESUS knocking on the heart’s door of all humans.

Revelation 3:20 Christian Standard Bible

²⁰ See! I (JESUS/THE HOLY SPIRIT) stand at the door (of your heart) and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him/her and eat with him/her, and he/she with me.

JESUS willingly came to earth to live a sinless life and give HIS life for all people who place their faith in HIM.

If you had been the only person in all of history to place your faith in JESUS, HE would have come to earth to live and die for your salvation.

Now that is personal and that is the love that GOD and JESUS have for you.

What did JESUS tell HIS disciples?

John 14:1-31: Christian Standard Bible

The Way to the Father

14 “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe^[a] in God; believe also in me. ² In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? ³ If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also. ⁴ You know the way to where I am going.”^[b]

⁵ “Lord,” Thomas said, “we don’t know where you’re going. How can we know the way?”

⁶ Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷ If you know me, you will also know^[c] my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

Jesus Reveals the Father

⁸ “Lord,” said Philip, “show us the Father, and that’s enough for us.”

⁹ Jesus said to him, “Have I been among you all this time and you do not know me, Philip? The one who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? ¹⁰ Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who lives in me does his works. ¹¹ Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Otherwise, believe^[d] because of the works themselves.

Praying in Jesus’s Name

¹² “Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. ¹³ Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ If you ask me^[e] anything in my name, I will do it.^[f]

Another Counselor Promised

¹⁵ “If you love me, you will keep^[g] my commands. ¹⁶ And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor^[h] to be with you forever. ¹⁷ He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be^[i] in you.

The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit

¹⁸ “I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you. ¹⁹ In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Because I live, you will live too. ²⁰ On that day you will know that I am in my Father, you are in me, and I am in you. ²¹ The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him.”

²² Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it you’re going to reveal yourself to us and not to the world?”

²³ Jesus answered, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. ²⁴ The one who doesn’t love me will not keep my words. The word that you hear is not mine but is from the Father who sent me.

²⁵ “I have spoken these things to you while I remain with you. ²⁶ But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.

Jesus’s Gift of Peace

²⁷ “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful. ²⁸ You have heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. ²⁹ I have told you now before it happens so that when it does happen you may believe. ³⁰ I will not talk with you much longer, because the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me.^[j] 31 On the contrary, so that the world may know that I love the Father, I do as the Father commanded me.

When did GOD send THE HOLY SPIRIT to indwell the human body of all who place their faith in JESUS? At Pentecost as revealed in Acts 2.

John 14

Christian Standard Bible

The Way to the Father

14 “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe^[a] in God; believe also in me. ² In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? ³ If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also. ⁴ You know the way to where I am going.”^[b]

⁵ “Lord,” Thomas said, “we don’t know where you’re going. How can we know the way?”

⁶ Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷ If you know me, you will also know^[c] my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

Jesus Reveals the Father

⁸ “Lord,” said Philip, “show us the Father, and that’s enough for us.”

⁹ Jesus said to him, “Have I been among you all this time and you do not know me, Philip? The one who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? ¹⁰ Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who lives in me does his works. ¹¹ Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Otherwise, believe^[d] because of the works themselves.

Praying in Jesus’s Name

¹² “Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. ¹³ Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ If you ask me^[e] anything in my name, I will do it.^[f]

Another Counselor Promised

¹⁵ “If you love me, you will keep^[g] my commands. ¹⁶ And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor^[h] to be with you forever. ¹⁷ He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be^[i] in you.

The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit

¹⁸ “I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you. ¹⁹ In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Because I live, you will live too. ²⁰ On that day you will know that I am in my Father, you are in me, and I am in you. ²¹ The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him.”

²² Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it you’re going to reveal yourself to us and not to the world?”

²³ Jesus answered, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. ²⁴ The one who doesn’t love me will not keep my words. The word that you hear is not mine but is from the Father who sent me.

²⁵ “I have spoken these things to you while I remain with you. ²⁶ But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.

Jesus’s Gift of Peace

²⁷ “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful. ²⁸ You have heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. ²⁹ I have told you now before it happens so that when it does happen you may believe. ³⁰ I will not talk with you much longer, because the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me.^[j] 31 On the contrary, so that the world may know that I love the Father, I do as the Father commanded me.

The coming of the Holy Spirit – Acts 2 - Christian Standard Bible

Pentecost

2 When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. ² Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. ³ They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. ⁴ Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues,^[a] as the Spirit enabled them.

⁵ Now there were Jews staying in Jerusalem, devout people from every nation under heaven. ⁶ When this sound occurred, a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. ⁷ They were astounded and amazed, saying,^[b] “Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? ⁸ How is it that each of us can hear them in our own native language? ⁹ Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, ¹⁰ Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts), ¹¹ Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the magnificent acts of God in our own tongues.” ¹² They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” ¹³ But some sneered and said, “They’re drunk on new wine.”

Peter’s Sermon

¹⁴ Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed to them, “Fellow Jews and all you residents of Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and pay attention to my words. ¹⁵ For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it’s only nine in the morning.^[c] 16 On the contrary, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

¹⁷ And it will be in the last days, says God,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all people;
then your sons and your daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
and your old men will dream dreams.
¹⁸ I will even pour out my Spirit
on my servants in those days, both men and women
and they will prophesy.
¹⁹ I will display wonders in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below:
blood and fire and a cloud of smoke.
²⁰ The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
²¹ Then everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.^[d]

²² “Fellow Israelites, listen to these words: This Jesus of Nazareth was a man attested to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did among you through him, just as you yourselves know. ²³ Though he was delivered up according to God’s determined plan and foreknowledge, you used^[e] lawless people to nail him to a cross and kill him. ²⁴ God raised him up, ending the pains of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by death. ²⁵ For David says of him:

I saw the Lord ever before me;
because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
²⁶ Therefore my heart is glad
and my tongue rejoices.
Moreover, my flesh will rest in hope,
²⁷ because you will not abandon me in Hades
or allow your holy one to see decay.
²⁸ You have revealed the paths of life to me;
you will fill me with gladness
in your presence.^[f]

²⁹ “Brothers and sisters, I can confidently speak to you about the patriarch David: He is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. ³⁰ Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn an oath to him to seat one of his descendants^[g] on his throne. ³¹ Seeing what was to come, he spoke concerning the resurrection of the Messiah: He^[h] was not abandoned in Hades, and his flesh did not experience decay.^[i]

³² “God has raised this Jesus; we are all witnesses of this. ³³ Therefore, since he has been exalted to the right hand of God and has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit, he has poured out what you both see and hear. ³⁴ For it was not David who ascended into the heavens, but he himself says:

The Lord declared to my Lord,
‘Sit at my right hand
³⁵ until I make your enemies your footstool.’^[j]

³⁶ “Therefore, let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

Call to Repentance

³⁷ When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” ⁴⁰ With many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, “Be saved from this corrupt^[k] generation!” ⁴¹ So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them.

A Generous and Growing Church

⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.

⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. ⁴⁴ Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. ⁴⁵ They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number^[l] those who were being saved.

Being together, as a group, is good but there comes a time when the Good News needed to be shared with others, as led by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

So, the diaspora or scattering of those who knew the truth of the Good News of salvation and Spiritual Birth through faith in JESUS took place for the purpose of sharing and spreading the Good News with people beyond Jerusalem.

We who know the truth of salvation through faith in JESUS, need to share it with others as led by THE HOLY SPIRIT.

I recall the first time I witnessed to a fellow passenger on a plane. He was a burley guy. I gave him my testimony and when I finished, I didn’t know what reaction he would have. He said, “I have been thinking about things like that lately.” I was relieved!

The Good News is contained in jars of clay, the human body, and we are commissioned to share it. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Preparing for Victory in JESUS - May 17, 2026

 

Bible Study – Preparing for Victory In JESUS – May 17, 2026   

JESUS selected three disciples, Peter, James, and John, to go with HIM to the top of a mountain for a critical meeting. Why?

Peter, John, and James are explicitly singled out on only three occasions: the raising of Jairus’s daughter (Mark 5:37), the Transfiguration (Luke 9:28), and Gethsemane (Mark 14:33). Scripture portrays them as the nucleus of apostolic leadership:

• Peter – first among equals, spokesman for the Twelve, preacher at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-40).

• John – “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23), later the theological voice of the Fourth Gospel and Revelation.

• James – the first martyred apostle (Acts 12:2), demonstrating ultimate fidelity.

Their selection underscores both intimacy with Christ and responsibility to bear authoritative witness.

Legal Sufficiency: “Two or Three Witnesses”

Deuteronomy 19:15 requires “two or three witnesses” to establish any matter. Jesus multiplies the minimum to three, satisfying Mosaic jurisprudence and providing indisputable testimony of His unveiled majesty (cf. 2 Peter 1:16-18). Their later writings and sermons repeatedly invoke the Transfiguration as direct evidence of Jesus’ deity, ensuring the Church’s proclamation rests on empirically grounded, eyewitness verification rather than myth.

Pedagogical Strategy and Progressive Revelation

Jesus teaches experientially. By taking only three, He:

1. Models discipling in concentric circles—crowds, the Twelve, the Three.

2. Prepares future pillars for unique trials

Galatians 2:9 - Christian Standard Bible

⁹ When James, Cephas,^[a] and John—those recognized as pillars—acknowledged the grace that had been given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to me and Barnabas, agreeing that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.

3. Balances revelation with responsibility; to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48).

JESUS’ chosen disciples were to witness the review, evaluation, and approval of JESUS from Moses, representing the Law. Elijah, representing the prophets, and GOD. Their review and approval were vital for JESUS to continue HIS journey to give HIS sinless life upon the cross to pay, in full, for all sin. HE had to be sinless and fulfill both the requirements of the Law and Prophecy to be the perfect acceptable sacrifice for all sin.

We read in Mark 9:1-8:

9 Then he (JESUS) said to them, “Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God come in power.”

The Transfiguration

² After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain by themselves to be alone. He was transfigured in front of them, ³ and his clothes became dazzling—extremely white as no launderer on earth could whiten them.

There are several explanations why JESUS was transfigured.

To me it was GOD’S test of JESUS before those already in Heaven came into the presence of JESUS. Light, tests and proves that which is legitimate. JESUS had to be tested and pass GOD’S pure light test before GOD, Moses and Elijah could come into the physical presence of JESUS.

 ⁴ Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. ⁵ Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it’s good for us to be here. Let’s set up three shelters: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”— ⁶ because he did not know what to say, since they were terrified.

Peter was ready to establish a shelter for JESUS, Moses, and Elijah upon earth. However, JESUS still had to complete HIS purpose upon earth. JESUS had to be the perfect acceptable sacrifice to GOD for all sin by the shedding of HIS sinless blood to pay the penalty for our sin, in full.

JESUS still had to fulfill and complete GOD’S redemptive plan for all who will place their faith in JESUS, in order to abolish the consequence for sin, which is death and eternal separation from GOD.

JESUS had to be the perfect acceptable sacrifice to GOD to atone for all sin and fulfill the Law and Prophecy.

⁷ A cloud appeared, overshadowing them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my beloved Son; listen to him!”

Guess what? JESUS passed the tests. HE met the approval of GOD, Moses, representing the Law and Elijah, representing the Prophets.

JESUS was the perfect acceptable sacrifice for all sin through faith in JESUS as confirmed by HIS PASSION. Once JESUS met their approval -----

⁸ Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.

When they, JESUS and HIS chosen disciples, came down from the mountain, they encountered a teachable moment as described in Mark 9:14-25:

The Power of Faith over a Demon, Demons, or the Occult.

¹⁴ When they came to the disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and scribes disputing with them. ¹⁵ When the whole crowd saw him, they were amazed and ran to greet him. ¹⁶ He asked them, “What are you arguing with them about?”

¹⁷ Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you. He has a spirit that makes him unable to speak. ¹⁸ Whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn’t.”

¹⁹ He replied to them, “You unbelieving generation, how long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him to me.” ²⁰ So they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, it immediately threw the boy into convulsions. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. ²¹ “How long has this been happening to him?” Jesus asked his father.

“From childhood,” he said. ²² “And many times it has thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”

²³ Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’?^[a] Everything is possible for the one who believes.”

²⁴ Immediately the father of the boy cried out, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”

²⁵ When Jesus saw that a crowd was quickly gathering, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you: Come out of him and never enter him again.”

²⁶ Then it came out, shrieking and throwing him into terrible convulsions. The boy became like a corpse, so that many said, “He’s dead.” ²⁷ But Jesus, taking him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up.

²⁸ After he had gone into the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

²⁹ And he told them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer.”^[b]

As we get closer to the second coming of JESUS, the world will encounter more demonic activity.

Demonic activity is not to be feared but, as Christians, you must not dabble with it. You should know what to do if you encounter it – claim, out loud, “I BELONG TO JESUS because I have been redeemed and covered by the shed blood of JESUS.” So, "I command you to leave in the name of JESUS.” Also, ask JESUS to cover you with HIS canopy of love and protection.

You should know that it is the shed blood of JESUS that enables you to command an evil spirit to leave.

There is an incident in the Bible that gives us some insight when those who do not know what they are doing, when dealing with the spirit world, can be harmful as written in:

Acts 19:11-20 - Miracles at Ephesus through the hands of The Apostle Paul when some “Jewish exorcists attempted to call the name of Jesus to cast our evil spirits” ---

¹¹ God was doing extraordinary and unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, ¹² so that even handkerchiefs or face-towels or aprons that had touched his skin were brought to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out [of them]. ¹³ Then some of the traveling Jewish exorcists also attempted to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I implore you and solemnly command you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches!” ¹⁴ Seven sons of one [named] Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. ¹⁵ But the evil spirit retorted, “I know and recognize and acknowledge Jesus, and I know about Paul, but as for you, who are you?” ¹⁶ Then the man, in whom was the evil spirit, leaped on them and subdued ^[c]all of them and overpowered them, so that they ran out of that house [in terror, stripped] naked and wounded. ¹⁷ This became known to all who lived in Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified and exalted. ¹⁸ Many of those who had become believers were coming, confessing, and disclosing their [former sinful] practices. ¹⁹ And many of those who had practiced magical arts collected their books and [throwing book after book on the pile] began burning them in front of everyone. They calculated their value and found it to be ^[d]50,000 pieces of silver. ²⁰ So the word of the Lord [concerning eternal salvation through faith in Christ] was growing greatly and prevailing.

The occult and evil spirit world is not something to dabble in, unless you know what you are doing. This includes fortune tellers, psychics, etc...

As we come closer to the second coming of JESUS, the people of earth will see and witness evil increasing. We, who know the truth, must pray for each other.

Blessings!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bible Study - From the Rock of the Law to the Solid Rock of JESUS - May 10, 2026

 

Bible Study – From the Rock of The Law to the Solid Rock of JESUS -                              May 10, 2026

In our last week’s study, we learned that GOD did not allow either Aaron or Moses to go into the Land of Promise because of their disobedience. GOD told Moses to speak to the rock, and the much-needed water would come from the rock to quench the thirst and meet the needs of the Israelites.

Could this be a foreshadow of JESUS fulfilling the Law and making possible Grace? Back to Moses and Aaron -----

But what did Moses do? He struck the rock not once but twice – I think once for himself and the second time for Aaron.

Why? I speculate -----

Here is what came to me ---- once for Moses and the second time for Aaron. Moses and Aaron agreed with the action to be taken. However, GOD wanted to expand Moses and Aaron’s faith from using the physical rod to speaking to the rock in faith, trusting GOD, increasing their faith.

Once JESUS paid the price for sin, the dynamics of obedience changed from the physical to faith.

To me this is a foreshadow and preparation for the coming of Jesus to earth. JESUS paid, in full, for the sins of all who place their faith in JESUS, with the assurance of salvation confirmed by the indwelling seal of the Holy Spirit.

With caution, as we read in Matthew 12:31:

“Therefore, I (JESUS) say to you, every sin and blasphemy [every evil, abusive, injurious speaking, or indignity against sacred things] will be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the [Holy] Spirit will not be forgiven.

Why? THE HOLY Spirit is one of GOD’S chosen ways HE uses to knock on every earth person’s heart’s door to stir him or her to consider eternity and JESUS being the necessary path to eternal life.

This stirring is at the core of a person’s being to give him or her an opportunity to come to a saving knowledge of JESUS through the miracle of salvation, through the miracle of a human to be “Spirit Born” or “born again” Spiritually.

What is eternal salvation or a person being Spirit born or “born again”?

Consider the human spirit as the egg in human conception, which must be united with the human sperm to reproduce.

Consider the Holy Spirit as the Divine Sperm, which we find referenced in 1 John 3:9 (Amplified)

No one born (begotten) of God [deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] practices sin, for God’s nature abides in him [His principle of life, the divine sperm, remains permanently within him]; and he cannot practice sinning because he is born (begotten) of God.

When a person believes in JESUS, as GOD’S only SON, confirmed by the fulfilment of HIS passion – physical life via HIS virgin birth, life, miracles, HIS death upon the cross via the shedding of HIS blood, HIS physical resurrection from death and the grave on the third day, confirmed by HIS disciples and others as recorded in:

 1 Corinthians 15:4-6 New King James Version

⁴ and that He (JESUS) was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, ⁵ and that He was seen by ^[a]Cephas, then by the twelve. ⁶ After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have ^[b]fallen asleep.

Plus, most of us know JESUS’ encounter with HIS disciples following HIS resurrection, verified HIS resurrection and bodily ascension into Heaven to take HIS seat at the right hand of HIS FATHER, GOD, to intercede for all who accept JESUS as his or her Savior.

Why? Because Satan is the Christians accuser every time, a Christian sins. The battle goes on until Satan/The Devil is finally defeated completely and chained in the bottomless pit.

Christians claim the victory now because they are sealed and confirmed by the Holy Spirit.

Back to Moses and Aaron disobeying GOD’S command to speak to the rock to get the much-needed water for the Israelites. Instead, Moses struck the rock twice and it cost Moses and Aaron entrance into the physical Land of Promise. GOD underscored the need for those serving HIM are to be obedient to HIS commands.

GOD went with Moses to the top of the mountain and GOD showed him the land of promise. Moses died as recorded in Deuteronomy 34:4-6 and GOD buried him:

⁴ And the Lord said to him (Moses), This is the land which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, I will give it to your descendants. I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.

⁵ So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord,

⁶ And He (GOD) buried him in the valley of the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor, but no man knows where his tomb is to this day.

Was that the end of Moses? NO!!!

We do know that Moses went to Heaven or Paradise when he died.

As we fast-forward to JESUS nearing the completion of HIS earthly ministry, Moses was with GOD, Elijah, and JESUS’ chosen disciples on the Mountain of The Transfiguration of JESUS to verify that JESUS had completed and fulfilled both the Law and the Prophets:

Moses, representing the LAW and Elijah, representing the Prophets  were both with GOD, JESUS and selected disciples on top of the Mount of Transfiguration. They were checking, evaluating and verifying JESUS’ earthly life and ministry using The Law and Prophecy to confirm that JESUS was the perfect acceptable sacrifice to pay for all sin, in full. This was to ensure that JESUS had their approval to be the perfect acceptable sacrifice to GOD for all sin, for all people who place their faith in JESUS.

Guess what??? JESUS PASSED THE TEST and met GOD’S approval.

Matthew 17: ³ And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. ⁴ Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, ^[a]let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

⁵ While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” ⁶ And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. ⁷ But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” ⁸ When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

When we have had a mountain top experience, so-to-speak, or JESUS touching us, Satan seems to be waiting to spoil the moment, which GOD allows to keep us focused on what GOD has called us to do. In essence, to keep us focused on HIS calling for us.

Let’s read Matthew 17:9-23:

⁹ And as they were going down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Do not tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” ¹⁰ The disciples asked Him, “Then why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” ¹¹ He answered and said, “Elijah is coming and will restore all things; ¹² but I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not recognize him, but did to him as they wished. The Son of Man is also going to suffer at their hands.” ¹³ Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist.

This was a wonderful experience, but lurking around the corner is the enemy ------ Satan ---- as we continue to read in Matthew 17:14-21:

The Demoniac

¹⁴ When they approached the crowd, a man came up to Jesus, kneeling before Him and saying, ¹⁵ “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is a lunatic (moonstruck) and suffers terribly; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. ¹⁶ And I brought him to Your disciples, and they were not able to heal him.” ¹⁷ And Jesus answered, “You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me.” ¹⁸ Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed at once.

¹⁹ Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked, “Why could we not drive it out?” ²⁰ He answered, “Because of your little faith [your lack of trust and confidence in the power of God]; for I assure you and most solemnly say to you, ^[c]if you have [living] faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and [if it is God’s will] it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. ^21 [d][But this kind of demon does not go out except by prayer and fasting.]”

This encounter was an opportunity for JESUS to educate HIS disciples what was ahead of them to minister post the Passion of JESUS and receiving the Holy Spirit and being endued with the power of the Holy Spirit.

The disciples knew the power JESUS had over demons, storms, disease, death, feeding multitudes, calming the seas, walking upon water, and so much more but still, they needed to experience the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit and the power of GOD in their lives and so do all who place their faith in JESUS as their Savior and make HIM the LORD of their lives.

²² When they were gathering together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed and handed over to men [who are His enemies]; ²³ and they will kill Him, and He will be raised [from death to life] on the third day.” And they were deeply grieved and distressed.

The best was yet to come, The resurrection of JESUS, proof that the price for sin had been paid in full.

But was that the end???

Pentecost was yet to take place, when all who ask JESUS to forgive him or her for his or her sins and ask JESUS to come into his or her heart, and believing that JESUS is The Promised Messiah would receive the confirmation of their salvation when THE HOLY SPIRIT came into the hearts of those of professing faith in JESUS.

Conversion takes place quicker than the twinkle of the eye.

The person of faith in JESUS is “born again” or Spiritually born in his or her spirit when the Divine Sperm/Holy Spirit unites with the human spirit. Spiritual conception takes place, instantly and the person of faith becomes GOD’S eternal SON or DAUGHTER, never to be Spiritually unborn. Plus, the person who places his or her faith in JESUS is given THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHO confirms the person of faith’s salvation with Spiritual Gifts to be used as he or she serves as directed by THE HOLY SPIRIT.

2 Corinthians 5:1-7: Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

5:1 For we know that if the tent which is our earthly home is destroyed (dissolved), we have from God a building, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

² Here indeed, in this [present abode, body], we sigh and groan inwardly, because we yearn to be clothed over [we yearn to put on our celestial body like a garment, to be fitted out] with our heavenly dwelling,

³ So that by putting it on we may not be found naked (without a body).

⁴ For while we are still in this tent, we groan under the burden and sigh deeply (weighed down, depressed, oppressed)—not that we want to put off the body (the clothing of the spirit), but rather that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal (our dying body) may be swallowed up by life [^[a]after the resurrection].

⁵ Now He Who has fashioned us [preparing and making us fit] for this very thing is God, Who also has given us the [Holy] Spirit as a guarantee [of the fulfillment of His promise].

⁶ So then, we are always full of good and hopeful and confident courage; we know that while we are at home in the body, we are abroad (absent) from the home with the Lord [that is promised us].

⁷ For we walk by faith [we ^[b]regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, with trust and holy fervor; thus, we walk] not by sight or appearance.

⁸ [Yes], we have confident and hopeful courage and are pleased rather to be away from home out of the body and be at home with the Lord.

⁹ Therefore, whether we are at home [on earth away from Him] or away from home [and with Him], we are constantly ambitious and strive earnestly to be pleasing to Him.

¹⁰ For we must all appear and be revealed as we are before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive [his pay] according to what he has done in the body, whether good or evil [considering ^[c]what his purpose and motive have been, and what he has ^[d]achieved, been busy with, and given himself and his attention to accomplishing].

¹¹ Therefore, being conscious of fearing the Lord with respect and reverence, we seek to win people over [to persuade them]. But ^[e]what sort of persons we are is plainly recognized and thoroughly understood by God, and I hope that it is plainly recognized and thoroughly understood also by your consciences (your inborn discernment).

GOD gives us, as humans, enquiring minds to seek.

Matthew 7:7 Ask, Search, Knock

“Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you.

Being a Spirit Born Christian is a dynamic relationship with JESUS!!!

Blessings!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bible Study - The Journey Continuers - May 3, 2026

 

Bible Study – The Journey Continues – May 3, 2026

In last week’s study, GOD gave the Israelites the Ten Commandments or THE LAW.

As I stated, I think of the Law as fence posts strung with barbed wire to guide us, as humans, as we journey through life. However, we need more than an external guide.

We need the internal presence of GOD, 24/7.

GOD knows humans because HE physically formed the male and made he female using a body part taken from Adam, the male.

Sin in the Garden of Eden changed the dynamics of human reproduction as revealed in Genesis 3:4:

¹⁶ He said to the woman:

I will intensify your labor pains;
you will bear children with painful effort.
Your desire will be for your husband,
yet he will rule over you.

This to me begs the question of human birth before Adam and Eve sinned versus after they sinned.

What was Eve’s purpose other than being Adam’s help mate? GOD took a body part from Adam’s side to create Eve.

Genesis 3: ²⁰ The man named his wife Eve^[g] because she was the mother of all the living.

Was the propagation of the human race before sin different than after sin?

We know that the union of the male and female is GOD’S plan to populate the earth. Today we have test tube conception.

Since Eve was the mother of all physical people was the propagation of the human race different before and after, Adam and Eve sinned? One thing to consider is that life before sin was ideal but life after sin, life upon earth changed, which I think included the reproduction of humans.

GOD knew there needed to be more to life than physical life. In fact, the Bible reveals to us that there is life after death for those who are guided by their faith in GOD and The Law inscribed upon their hearts.

1 Corinthians 15:45 Christian Standard Bible

⁴⁵ So it is written, The first man Adam became a living being;^[a] the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

GOD knew that all humans needed to go one step further than physical life.

Humans needed to be “born again” Spiritually in order to be the eternal citizens of Heaven and to function as HIS Children upon earth. GOD’S ultimate plan of preparing humans for eternal life in Heaven was to give all people the opportunity to be changed from a human mind set, subject to eternal death, to a Spiritual mindset by being “Spirit Born” by the power of GOD through faith in JESUS.

What about those who die before they have an opportunity to accept JESUS as their Savior such as aborted babies, still born babies, mentally challenged, infirmed before reaching what the Bible refers to as “age of accountability”? GOD has special provisions for them.

Once JESUS paid the price for the consequence of sin, HE opened the path to GOD for all people to come to GOD through faith in JESUS. JESUS is the only pathway to eternal life.

What is the mindset of GOD?

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.

All people are invited to come to HIM. The path is open to all people but for GOD to dwell within their human body, however a person must be “born again” Spiritually through faith in JESUS.

The first birth of all humans is physical, but the second birth is Spiritual.

As “born again” or “Spirit Born” Christians, the Holy Spirit resides within the human body of all who accept JESUS as their Savior or as written in 1 Corinthians 6:19

¹⁹ Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, ²⁰ for you were bought at a price. So, glorify God with your body.^[e]

The Law was step one. The Law revealed the expectations of GOD for HIS chosen people. The Law was a place holder until JESUS fulfilled the “LAW” and established “Grace,” through faith in JESUS -- HIS physical life, physical death, physical resurrection from the dead on the third day, witnessed by hundreds, HIS bodily ascension into Heaven was when HE took HIS seat at the right hand of GOD, HIS FATHER, to intercede in behalf of all humans, who come to HIM, through faith.

Why do Christians need JESUS to intercede for us? Even though, we are “born again” we still live in our human bodies, and Satan still accuses Christians before GOD. JESUS is our advocate. Christians will not be fully perfected until, we either die or meet JESUS at the rapture, often referred to as the great escape.

When a person is “born again” or “Spirit Born” that person is given The Holy Spirit, WHO confirms that persons’ Spiritual Birth into GOD’S eternal Family.

GOD knew that the ultimate, for those living upon earth, was to have The Holy Spirit indwell every true believer as his/her guarantee of eternal life to all who place their faith in JESUS. Plus, so much more.

The HOLY SPIRIT is the third person of the Trinity, WHO dwells within every born-again person, thus 24/7 communication with GOD and JESUS.

Ephesians 1:14

The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.

This is one reason GOD sent HIS only SON, JESUS, to earth to live a 100% human life and change the dynamics of communication directly with GOD and JESUS from going through a priest to direct access, 24/7.

This is not to put down the Priests in Christian denominations. Often, Christians need a fellow believer to walk with them through various times and issues in their lives.

Back to the journey of the Israelites --------

GOD was revealing HIMSELF to the Israelites and HIS expectations for them to build the right relationship with HIM by observing THE LAW. The Law was a placeholder until JESUS fulfilled the Law.

JESUS was the perfect acceptable sacrifice to GOD, HIS FATHER, for all sin by HIS physical sinless life and death upon the cross by the shedding of HIS sinless blood and physical death upon the cross to atone for all sin.

JESUS paid the price for all sin, but each person must accept it by placing his or her faith in JESUS. In doing so results in the miracle of the person of faith being Spiritually born into GOD’S eternal family, never to be unborn.

Let’s return to the journey of the Israelites as they continue their journey to the land of promise.

GOD revealed HIMSELF to the Israelites and their leaders, Moses and Aaron, as they journeyed to the physical land of promise, which is a foreshadow of the Christian’s life’s journey.

It was a learning experience for the Israelites, Moses and Aaron and a message to us today; never underestimate the power and leadership of GOD through faith in JESUS!!!

Exodus 17:1-7: (This event took place early in the journey of the Israelites as they left Egypt to follow GOD to the land of promise.)

17 The entire Israelite community left the Wilderness of Sin, moving from one place to the next according to the Lord’s command. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. ² So the people complained to Moses, “Give us water to drink.”

“Why are you complaining to me?” Moses replied to them. “Why are you testing the Lord?”

³ But the people thirsted there for water and grumbled against Moses. They said, “Why did you ever bring us up from Egypt to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?”

This is a foreshadow of our thirst for THE LIVING WATER that only faith in JESUS provides. JESUS fulfilled The Law and established Grace for all who place their faith in JESUS.

⁴ Then Moses cried out to the Lord, “What should I do with these people? In a little while they will stone me!”

⁵ The Lord answered Moses, “Go on ahead of the people and take some of the elders of Israel with you. Take the staff you struck the Nile within your hand and go. ⁶ I am going to stand there in front of you on the rock at Horeb; when you hit the rock, water will come out of it and the people will drink.” Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. ⁷ He named the place Massah^[a] and Meribah^[b] because the Israelites complained, and because they tested the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

Obedience to the leadership of GOD is vital when we journey through life on our way to eternal life in Heaven.

Disobedience has consequences -------

We read in read in Numbers 20:1-13: (This took place close to the end of the journey of the Israelites to the land of promise.)

Water from the Rock

20 The entire Israelite community entered the Wilderness of Zin in the first month, and they^[a] settled in Kadesh. Miriam died and was buried there.

² There was no water for the community, so they assembled against Moses and Aaron. ³ The people quarreled with Moses and said, “If only we had perished when our brothers perished before the Lord. ⁴ Why have you brought the Lord’s assembly into this wilderness for us and our livestock to die here? ⁵ Why have you led us up from Egypt to bring us to this evil place? It’s not a place of grain, figs, vines, and pomegranates, and there is no water to drink!”

⁶ Then Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the doorway of the tent of meeting. They fell facedown, and the glory of the Lord appeared to them. ⁷ The Lord spoke to Moses, ⁸ “Take the staff and assemble the community. You and your brother Aaron are to speak to the rock while they watch, and it will yield its water. You will bring out water for them from the rock and provide drink for the community and their livestock.”

⁹ So Moses took the staff from the Lord’s presence just as he had commanded him. ¹⁰ Moses and Aaron summoned the assembly in front of the rock, and Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels! Must we bring water out of this rock for you?” ¹¹ Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, so that abundant water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.

Oh my. Disobedience has its consequences!

Often, we stick with what works in the past, whereas GOD desires for HIS children to increase and build their faith in HIM and not the physical things, we are often prone to use. The water from a rock was never about the staff, but about obedience to GOD’S command and power. Obedience builds trust as we journey with GOD and JESUS!!!

Only GOD can change hearts of stone or rocks into fountains of living water which quinches our Spiritual thirst.

¹² But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me to demonstrate my holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land I have given them.” ¹³ These are the Waters of Meribah,^[b] where the Israelites quarreled with the Lord, and he demonstrated his holiness to them.

Disobedience has consequences. Notice that Moses and Aaron were present and Moses hit the rock twice. Likely once for Moses and once for Aaron. Water came out but it cost Moses and Aaron their entrance into the land of promise. Neither entered into the Land of Promise.

This is a message to us today – never ever give up on GOD and JESUS as we journey through life. Just know that Christians have an adversary, Satan, who has been defeated by JESUS.

Ephesians 1:14

The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.

Colossians 1:27

God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Back to the Israelites ----

 

We do know that physical death was not the end of Moses because we know that Moses was present with GOD, JESUS, and HIS chosen disciples on the mount of transfiguration, as recorded in Mark 9 ² After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain by themselves to be alone. He was transfigured in front of them, ³ and his clothes became dazzling—extremely white as no launderer on earth could whiten them. ⁴ Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. ⁵ Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it’s good for us to be here. Let’s set up three shelters: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”— ⁶ because he (Peter) did not know what to say, since they were terrified.

Moses died before entering the land of promise. When he died, he went to Heaven. How do we know that?

Let’s read the account of the transfiguration of JESUS as HE was approaching HIS passion.

On the Mount of Transfiguration there were two prophets from the Old Testament.

There was Moses, who represented the LAW. Moses judged JESUS regarding HIS fulfilment of the Law.

There was Elijah, who judged JESUS regarding HIS fulfilment of Prophecy.

GOD had Moses and Elijah evaluate JESUS regarding HIS fulfilment and completion of both the Law and the Prophets. Why?

JESUS was preparing to go to the cross to pay, in full, for the consequence for sin, which is death by the shedding of HIS blood. JESUS met all the requirements of the Law and Prophesy.

GOD approved JESUS to be HIS perfect acceptable sacrifice for all sin. JESUS gave HIS sinless life upon the cross, by the shedding of HIS blood for all who place their faith in HIM, as their Savior.

Numbers 20:22–29:

Aaron’s Death

²² After they set out from Kadesh, the entire Israelite community came to Mount Hor. ²³ The Lord said to Moses and Aaron at Mount Hor on the border of the land of Edom, ²⁴ “Aaron will be gathered to his people; he will not enter the land I have given the Israelites, because you both rebelled against my command at the Waters of Meribah. ²⁵ Take Aaron and his son Eleazar and bring them up Mount Hor. ²⁶ Remove Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar. Aaron will be gathered to his people and die there.”

²⁷ So Moses did as the Lord commanded, and they climbed Mount Hor in the sight of the whole community. ²⁸ After Moses removed Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar, Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain. ²⁹ When the whole community saw that Aaron had passed away, the entire house of Israel mourned for him thirty days.

What did GOD do for Moses?

Deuteronomy 34:1-8:

Christian Standard Bible

Moses’s Death

34 Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which faces Jericho, and the Lord showed him all the land: Gilead as far as Dan, ² all of Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Mediterranean^[a] Sea, ³ the Negev, and the plain in the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar. ⁴ The Lord then said to him, “This is the land I promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your own eyes, but you will not cross into it.”

⁵ So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the Lord’s word. ⁶ He buried him^[b] in the valley in the land of Moab facing Beth-peor, and no one to this day knows where his grave is. ⁷ Moses was one hundred twenty years old when he died; his eyes were not weak, and his vitality had not left him. ⁸ The Israelites wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days. Then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses ended.

The physical journey of Moses came to an end but not his eternal life.

GOD still had plans for Moses as we read in Moses’ presence on the Mount of Transfiguration with JESUS.

We know that when Moses died physically, he went to Heaven and he was available to meet with JESUS on the Mount of Transfiguration.

As brother Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:9

But as it is written, What no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has conceived— God has prepared these things for those who love him.

Fellow Christians the best is yet to come!

Blessings with love!!!