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!!!

 

Bible Study - The Law Versus Grace - April 26, 2026

 

Bible Study - The Law Versus Grace - April 26, 2026

The journey continues to the Promised Land. But as with any journey, what do we or, as in this case, what did the Israelites learn by experiencing the leadership of GOD???

All human’s alive upon planet earth are on a journey of potentially experiencing GOD, as we do life upon earth. I believe Earth is the proving ground for the human race and gives the opportunity for eternal life in Heaven with GOD, JESUS, and THE HOLY SPIRIT.

This physical journey upon earth is designed to get us to consider eternity. Life gives us a foretaste of experiencing GOD and HIS care as we journey through life. We have many options from which to choose.

GOD works in many ways to reveal truth to all people. HE gives us inquiring minds to explore and decide what is truth.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18:

Christian Standard Bible - The Comfort of Christ’s Coming

¹³ We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁵ For we say this to you by a word from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout,^[a] with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage^[b] one another with these words.

This is often referred to as the “great escape,” when the church and all Christians, who are alive, will be taken up with JESUS into Heaven.

As we approach the second coming, there will be challenges along a person’s Spiritual journey through faith in JESUS.

The Bible reveals to us in Matthew 24:24

For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

We, who have placed our faith in JESUS, know the truth of our salvation. We have been bought with the price of the shed blood of JESUS, as confirmed by HIS resurrection and the seal of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, through faith in JESUS, that we have been redeemed by the shed blood of the LAMB, JESUS. Never forget that as we continue our life’s journey during these days leading up to the second coming of JESUS, Satan will try to deceive the world.

Satan still battles those who are to receive salvation and continues after they receive salvation.

What is the good news? We read in 1 John 4:1-6:

The Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Error

4 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but evaluate the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

² This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, ³ but every spirit that does not confess Jesus^[a] is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming; even now it is already in the world.

⁴ You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. ⁵ They are from the world. Therefore, what they say is from the world, and the world listens to them. ⁶ We are from God. Anyone who knows God listens to us; anyone who is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deception.

Early in the journey of the Israelites, GOD revealed to the Israelites that HE could and would provide for them -- water that was drinkable after HE changed bitter water to drinkable water, when HIS instructions were followed. GOD provided food from Heaven – Quail at night and Manner in the morning – again the Israelites had to follow GOD’S instructions. Obedience to the instructions from the ONE TRUE GOD of the Israelites is the foundation upon which our Judeo-Christian faith in JESUS is based. Obedience is true today as “Born Again” Christians live life upon earth.

But pause and look around, Satan is busy trying the landscape of the world and especially America.

What do Christians need to do? Pray for America and its leadership is vital. We must keep our eyes upon JESUS because the days are evil and it is only the beginning.

GOD promised in the Old Testament scriptures that HE would send HIS Messiah, HIS only SON, JESUS, to earth to be the final acceptable sacrifice for all sin and be the only way to eternal life for all who place their faith in JESUS and be “born again.”

Eternal life is only possible by a person being “born again.” All humans who are born upon earth are the result of the human sperm uniting with the human egg. Life is a gift from The ONE TRUE GOD, YHWH or “IAM WHO I AM.”

We are studying the foundation upon which the Judeo-Christian faith was and is established.

Back to the journey ---- The Israelites were on a journey from being slaves in Egypt to the Land GOD promised them.

A million Israelites were traveling to this Land of Promise, led by GOD. But along their journey, GOD was revealing HIMSELF and building trust to their leaders, Moses, and Aaron, and as well in the Israelites themselves.

The food GOD provided from Heaven came with specific instructions for gathering the food each day and storing it to be used on the Sabbath. They should rest and worship GOD on the Sabbath.

Some tested GOD and learned that when they went to harvest manner on the Sabbath, there was not any.

This was to train and build trust in the Israelites to be obedient to GOD’S instructions.

I believe this was GOD’S way of teaching the Israelites obedience, trust and building confidence is HIS care and building trust for HIS chosen people then and today.

All people are chosen and on life’s journey, but not all respond to GOD’S invitation to be “born-again” Spiritually through faith in JESUS.

There are special provisions for the stillborn, infirmed, mentally challenged -------

GOD’S physical care of the Israelites upon earth was a precursor to prepare for GOD’S ultimate redemptive plan of eternal salvation and eternal life through faith in GOD’S Only SON, JESUS.

GOD had revealed to the One Million Israelites, that HE delivered them from Egypt and demonstrated HIS care to provide them with much needed physical water and food to sustain their physical life and their journey ahead. Trust and Obey! That is GOD’S eternal message to all people today through faith in JESUS to sustain those who place their faith in JESUS, as their Savior through the miracle of a person being born-again Spiritually into GOD’S eternal family with citizenship in Heaven ---

Philippians 3:20

Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

We who have been “born again” eagerly wait for the second coming of JESUS to establish HIS rule upon planet earth, when Satan is chained in the bottomless pit.

Revelation 20:1-3 Satan Bound

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven holding the key to the abyss and a great chain in his hand. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. He threw him into the abyss, closed it, and put a seal on it so that he would no longer deceive the nations until the thousand years were completed. After that, he must be released for a short time.

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

GOD had revealed HIS sufficiency in proving to the Israelites of HIS physical deliverance to meet their physical needs; now it was time to build the foundation to meet their Spiritual deliverance and needs.

GOD introduced the Ten Commandments to the Israelites ----

First, these were not suggestions, but commandments designed to mold and draw the Israelites and others, who would embrace Judaism, into the revelation of GOD, HIS sufficiency and build the right relationship of trust with HIM.

The building blocks or the first foundation laid were the Ten Commandments, or The Law as given in Exodus 20:

The Ten Commandments

Exodus 20:1 Then God spoke all these words:

² I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery.

³ Do not have other gods besides me.

⁴ Do not make an idol for yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth. ⁵ Do not bow in worship to them, and do not serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me, ⁶ but showing faithful love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commands.

⁷ Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God, because the Lord will not leave anyone unpunished who misuses his name.

⁸ Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy: ⁹ You are to labor six days and do all your work, ¹⁰ but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. You must not do any work—you, your son or daughter, your male or female servant, your livestock, or the resident alien who is within your city gates. ¹¹ For the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and everything in them in six days; then he rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and declared it holy.

¹² Honor your father and your mother so that you may have a long life in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

¹³ Do not murder.

¹⁴ Do not commit adultery.

¹⁵ Do not steal.

¹⁶ Do not give false testimony against your neighbor.

¹⁷ Do not covet your neighbor’s house. Do not covet your neighbor’s wife, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

Deuteronomy 8 Christian Standard Bible

Remember the Lord

8:1 “Carefully follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase, and may enter and take possession of the land the Lord swore to your ancestors. ² Remember that the Lord your God led you on the entire journey these forty years in the wilderness, so that he might humble you and test you to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. ³ He humbled you by letting you go hungry; then he gave you manna to eat, which you and your ancestors had not known, so that you might learn that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. ⁴ Your clothing did not wear out, and your feet did not swell these forty years. ⁵ Keep in mind that the Lord your God has been disciplining you just as a man disciplines his son. ⁶ So keep the commands of the Lord your God by walking in his ways and fearing him. ⁷ For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land with streams, springs, and deep water sources, flowing in both valleys and hills; ⁸ a land of wheat, barley, vines, figs, and pomegranates; a land of olive oil and honey; ⁹ a land where you will eat food without shortage, where you will lack nothing; a land whose rocks are iron and from whose hills you will mine copper. ¹⁰ When you eat and are full, you will bless the Lord your God for the good land he has given you.

¹¹ “Be careful that you don’t forget the Lord your God by failing to keep his commands, ordinances, and statutes that I am giving you today. ¹² When you eat and are full, and build beautiful houses to live in, ¹³ and your herds and flocks grow large, and your silver and gold multiply, and everything else you have increases, ¹⁴ be careful that your heart doesn’t become proud and you forget the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery. ¹⁵ He led you through the great and terrible wilderness with its poisonous^[a] snakes and scorpions, a thirsty land where there was no water. He brought water out of the flint rock for you. ¹⁶ He fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your ancestors had not known, in order to humble and test you, so that in the end he might cause you to prosper. ¹⁷ You may say to yourself, ‘My power and my own ability have gained this wealth for me,’ ¹⁸ but remember that the Lord your God gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm his covenant, he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. ¹⁹ If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods to serve them and bow in worship to them, I testify against you today that you will certainly perish. ²⁰ Like the nations the Lord is about to destroy before you, you will perish if you do not obey the Lord your God.

WOW!!! That is powerful.

I think of the Ten Commandments as fences to guide the Israelites and proselytes, and others through life before GOD sent HIS only SON JESUS into the world to fulfill the Law and establish “GRACE.”

The Commandments are still vital today to show all people how they fall short of measuring up to GOD’S expectations and their need for eternal salvation through faith in JESUS.

Thank YOU JESUS for being willing to leave Heaven and come to earth to live a 100% human, subject to physical death and potential sin, yet YOU lived a sinless life. Thus, YOU became the perfect acceptable sacrifice to pay the price GOD demands for sin, by the shedding of YOUR blood to fulfill the Law and establishing “Grace.”  THE PRICE FOR SIN WAS PAID IN FULL for all who will place their faith in YOU, JESUS.

JESUS, YOU are THE PERFECT ACCEPTABLE SACIFICE TO GOD FOR ALL SIN.

When any person places his or her faith in YOU, JESUS, the miracle of Spiritual birth takes place quicker than the twinkle of the eye.

The Divine SPERM, THE HOLY SPIRIT unites with the human spirit, the spiritual egg. Spiritual birth takes place quicker than the twinkle of the eye and that person is “born again” or “Spirit Born” never to be unborn Spiritually. That person instantly becomes GOD’S Eternal SON or DAUGHTER.

Grace through faith in JESUS trumps the LAW!

Welcome home to all who have been led to pray to ask JESUS to forgive him or her for their sins and ask JESUS to come into his/her heart believing that JESUS gave HIS sinless life to atone for all their sins by the shedding of HIS sinless blood.

GOD proved to all the world that JESUS was and is HIS perfectly acceptable sacrifice by raising JESUS from the physically dead on the third day to live eternally with GOD and to intercede for all who seek salvation. NOW THAT IS GOOD NEWS!!!

Isaiah 1:18

Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool.

Faith in JESUS and HIS passion, includes the physical birth and life of JESUS upon earth, HIS physical death, by the shedding of HIS blood and HIS bodily resurrection is salvation from the penalty for sin, which is eternal death and eternity in HELL.

If anyone reading this, who has not asked JESUS to come into his/her heart through faith in JESUS – NOW is your opportunity –

JESUS tells us in Revelation 3:20:

See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

JESUS has been knocking on your heart’s door, and you are the only one who can open it because the latch or lock on your heart’s door is on the inside of your heart and only you can open it.

Dear JESUS, I ask YOU to come into my life/heart now and save my soul from an eternity in Hell to an eternity in HEAVEN through the miracle of Spiritual birth into YOUR eternal family through faith in JESUS.

Salvation is not saying the right words, it is all about the attitude of your heart. I have heard of some people saying LORD I give up, please come into my hear and save my soul.

If you prayed such a prayer, welcome into the eternal family of JESUS with your citizenship in Heaven.

Dear Father and JESUS, be their strength and reveal the wonderful truths in YOUR WORD as they continue their journey to the eternal promised land of HEAVEN. YES!!!

Blessings!!!