Bible Study - CHRIST in You, The Hope of Glory - July 19, 2026

 

Bible Study – CHRIST in You, The Hope of Glory - July 19, 2026

 

There are human forces coupled with evil ideologies at work in America and the world today. Those forces are attempting to push America to adopt a socialistic or communistic way of life.

Many people think they will get things for free. I say open your eyes, ears, and mind because you will see they are leading you into slavery to evil ideology and bondage.

Those who think Socialism or Communism is the answer, I ask you to look carefully at other countries who have embraced socialism or communism.

Just look around at the countries that have adopted the socialist/communist governments.

Life in Cuba is falling apart. Life in Russia, South Korea, China are without freedom.

The elites in these countries, in general, do okay but the common person is relegated to a bare existence.

Socialism is attempting to take over and unless those who value freedom take a stand against this movement, it will.

Fortunately, we have the right to vote. All US Citizens must use this right and vote for those who uphold freedom.

We have the right to pray and attend the church of our choice.

Communism is a Godless society. The communist government is the god of those countries.

I encourage all who know JESUS as their Savior to pray, support their church, study GOD’S Word, THE HOLY BIBLE, and support our religious leaders, Christian churches, and missionaries.

Socialism is empty. The elites survive in luxury, but the common person gets the leftovers, if there are any.

Folks the bottom line, DO NOT FALL FOR THE SOCLIALISTS’ LIE – Socialism Does Not Work – DO NOT FALL FOR FREE THIS, THAT OR THE OTHER------ Socialism is but a small step to Communism.

I used the frog in the water story in a previous lesson.

Place a frog in hot water and it will jump out of the container but place a frog in cool water on top of a stove and gradually turn up the heat on the pot of water and the frog adjusts to the increase in temperature until it becomes too late for it to jump out and it cooks to death.

What can you and I do? Pray for national and local leaders who support freedom, Vote, and support those who represent and work for freedom.

Why is this even raising its head in our nation? There is a thirst for power and control at any cost.

Guess who is behind such a movement?

If you said or guessed Satan/the Devil, you got it.

So, what does the Christian community do?

We pray and work to elect and support those who maintain our freedom.

We have seen some of those who have been endorsed to represent certain states that do not represent American or Christian values.

We are seeing one political party embracing the radical left of Socialism just to get elected. Some people will fare well in a socialism environment, but others will be miserable but will have no option except comply.

Fight and VOTE TO KEEP YOUR FREEDOM!!!!

John 8:36 - Christian Standard Bible

³⁶ So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.

JESUS has set those who place their trust in HIM free from the consequence of sin, which is eternal death in Hell.

JESUS did not set people free from them to be enslaved by Socialism or Communism!!!

JESUS did not set us free to be enslaved by government.

Consider the number of lives that have been given to achieve our freedom in America and for the people of other countries to keep their freedom.

LET FREEDOM RING FROM YOUR HEART AND STAND FIRM WITH JESUS AS YOUR SAVIOR.

JESUS has already defeated Satan by giving HIS sinless life on the cross by the shedding of HIS sinless blood to conquer death, which is the result of sin.

JESUS died physically but the Good News is that GOD, HIS FATHER, raised HIM from the physically dead to eternal life on the third day.

This was to let the world know that JESUS, born human, yet GOD, was GOD’S only begotten SON and JESUS conquered eternal death.

JESUS had to have lived a perfect sinless life to be the perfect acceptable sacrifice to GOD and atone for all sin. JESUS fulfilled GOD’S requirement to defeat the consequence of eternal death because GOD raised JESUS from physical death to eternal life.

1.    1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ’s Resurrection Guarantees Ours

But as it is, Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

2.    Hebrews 6:17

Because God wanted to show his unchangeable purpose even more clearly to the heirs of the promise, he guaranteed it with an oath,

Hebrews 7:22-28:

²² Because of this oath, Jesus has also become the guarantee of a better covenant.

²³ Now many have become Levitical priests since they are prevented by death from remaining in office. ²⁴ But because he (JESUS) remains forever, he holds his priesthood permanently. ²⁵ Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, since he always lives to intercede for them.

²⁶ For this is the kind of high priest we need: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. ²⁷ He doesn’t need to offer sacrifices every day, as high priests do—first for their own sins, then for those of the people. He did this once for all time when he offered himself. ²⁸ For the law appoints as high priest’s men who are weak, but the promise of the oath, which came after the law, appoints a Son, who has been perfected forever.

JESUS ascended into Heaven after HE was resurrected to take HIS seat at the right hand of GOD, HIS FATHER, to intercede for all seek to be “Born Again” and “Born Again” Christians. Why? Satan is the accuser of all people and most especially those who are “born again” Christians when they sin. JESUS intercedes for all “born again”/ “Spirit born” believers. Why?

Even though, those who have been “born again” are secure in their faith in JESUS, Satan is their accuser. “Look at what he or she did!!!”

Satan’s desire is to defeat all “born again” Christians but once born into GOD’S eternal family, you are always GOD’S Son or Daughter.

Yes, all “born again” Christians stray and need to confess his or sins. In doing so, reveals to GOD that you are not trying to hide what we know is sin. We are not to hide our sins but confess it or them and seek GOD’S help and strength to not repeat it or them.

Do you recall the study on the prodigal son? Most of us get into the weeds of the world at one time or another and we need to be rescued.

GOD seeks to save those who are lost and those who have gone astray. GOD always seeks the lost person or those who have gone astray.

As Holy Spirit Born believers, we will not reach perfection until we get to Heaven and JESUS welcomes us to our eternal home. Welcome home my SON or DAUGHTER. JESUS waits for us as we long to be eternally with JESUS and our FATHER, GOD!!!

All people must accept and acknowledge what JESUS did to satisfy GOD’S requirement to remediate the consequence of sin, which is eternal death.

JESUS paid, in full, the price for sin for all who place their faith in HIM. This opened the pathway to GOD and eternal life for all people who place their faith in JESUS.

How do you place your faith in JESUS?

Ask JESUS to forgive you for all of your sins and for HIM to come into your heart. In doing so, The Holy Spirit unites with your human spirit, and Spiritual conception takes place quicker than the twinkle of your eye. You are eternally born again Spiritually into GOD’S eternal family, never to be unborn Spiritually.

THE HOLY SPIRIT unites with your human spirit, and Spiritual conception takes place quicker than the twinkle in the eye. That person is “Born again” Spiritually, never to be unborn Spiritually.

Plus, as recorded in Philippians 3:20

Our citizenship transfers from earth to Heaven, and we eagerly wait for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ to return to earth or join HIM in Heaven.

When our journey upon earth is complete; the eternal destiny for all who are “born again” is eternity in Heaven.

What awaits those who enter Heaven?

The Apostle Paul expressed it best 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.

The resurrection of JESUS is GOD’S proof to all people, who place their faith in JESUS of being “born again” in his or her spirit of eternal life, which is confirmed by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

JESUS is the first fruit from death to confirm that HE paid the price for sin, in full, to reveal to all that HE conquered both sin and eternal death. How do we know that?

GOD raised JESUS from the dead on the third day to eternal life. JESUS conquered death so that all who place their faith in HIM have eternal life through the miracle of being “born again” Spiritually.

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.

All Born Again Christians must keep their focus upon the finished eternal work of JESUS and HIS gift to all who place their faith in HIM.

Prayer and Bible study helps Christians to keep and maintain their focus. THE BEST IS YET TO COME!!!

Blessings!!!

 

 

 

Bible Study - From Rules to Grace Through Relationship - July 12, 2026 (Be Blessed and encouraged)

 

Bible Study – From Rules to Grace Through Relationship – Christianity Versus Four Other Religions – July 12,2026

(I thought this article interesting in light of AI rapidly entering our world. Caution and discernment are always prudent, combined with prayer for discernment.)

Who is “The Christian Post”? The Christian Post statement:  The Christian Post view:

“All Christ-centered denominations as integral members of the body of Jesus Christ. We are dedicated to shining light in dark places, amplifying voices that need to be heard, and celebrating Gospel transformation and revival in the U.S. and around the world.

The Christian Post is steadfast in upholding Biblical values. Since our founding in 2004, we have never wavered in standing for God's design for family and sexuality, the protection of life (especially children and those unborn), the freedom of religion and conscience, and in matters of righteousness inside and outside the Church.”

The following was copied from The Christian Post:

“I (author of the Christian Post article) recently did something that will likely make both my Christian and atheist friends a little uncomfortable: I asked a popular AI engine to evaluate the world’s major belief systems and tell me which one makes the most rational sense. 

To be clear, I didn’t prompt it to favor Christianity. I didn’t ask leading questions or try to stack the deck. I asked it to analyze the heavyweights — Atheism, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity — using a simple two-step framework: First, which worldview best explains reality, and second, which one does so while requiring the fewest unsupported assumptions? In other words, tell me which one has the highest explanatory power with the lowest evidentiary burden.

As a professing Christian for more than 40 years, what I got back should not have surprised me, yet it did. AI, in seconds, reached the same conclusion I’ve been working towards for decades: Christianity offers the most reasonable overall explanation of reality with the fewest leaps of faith. 

Pause and let that settle in. AI ranked Christianity as the most reasonable view of the world.

The analysis I asked AI to do was not complicated, but it was comprehensive. I asked it to evaluate each worldview against the same basic questions:

1. Why does anything exist at all?

2. Why is the universe ordered and intelligible?

3. Why do humans possess consciousness and reason?

4. Are moral truths real or are they just social constructs?

5. Does human life have meaning or purpose?

6. Do the historical and fact claims of each belief system hold up?

I framed the analysis this way, not to pick a winner for rhetorical effect but to see which belief system actually holds together under the pure, rational scrutiny of a machine. When the analysis was done, here’s what happened.

Islam held together fairly well. It offers a strong account of God, morality, and purpose, which is understandable given its Abrahamic roots. But it runs into serious historical tension when it comes to the historicity of its claims about divine revelation to Muhammad, Jesus’ crucifixion, and correction of earlier traditions. Islam’s brand of retrospective revision carries a very heavy evidentiary burden that it simply can’t carry.

Christianity, by contrast, occupies a unique position. It offers a comprehensive explanation of reality, why the universe exists, why it is ordered, why we are rational and moral beings, and why we long for meaning. At the same time, it concentrates its evidentiary burden into a relatively small number of claims, most notably the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That matters because a worldview that explains everything but requires you to believe a thousand fragile claims is not rational. The most reasonable worldview is the one that explains the most while assuming the least. On that metric, Christianity wins.

Of course, I can hear my critics screaming right now, what about science? Isn’t Christianity fundamentally at odds with modern scientific understanding?

Not even close. In fact, one of the more interesting aspects of this exercise was how well Christianity aligns with what science has discovered. Take the Big Bang, for example. Modern cosmology tells us the universe had a beginning, a finite starting point for space, time, and matter. That is not what most ancient worldviews predicted. It is, however, exactly what the ancient Hebrews said God told them happened, and it is exactly what we would expect from a universe created by an omnipotent and transcendent God. “In the beginning God created ...” is not bad for a book written thousands of years before modern physics.

Or consider the deeper assumptions that make science possible in the first place: the universe is orderly, the laws of nature are consistent and universal, and human reason is capable of understanding them. Those are not scientific conclusions. They are philosophical starting points. And historically, they emerged from the distinctly Christian view that creation reflects the rational mind of its Creator. Science and faith are not in conflict. If they appear to be, it’s a good sign you’re reading one of them incorrectly. The idea that Christianity is anti-science is not just wrong, it’s backwards.

Again, none of this “proves” Christianity is true. Faith is not the product of an algorithm, and salvation does not come through data analysis. These questions ultimately require personal engagement through study, reflection, and prayer. But this exercise does show something very important: Christianity is not a leap in the dark. It is not the abandonment of reason. It is not blind faith in ancient superstition. If anything, it’s the opposite.

For 2,000 years, serious Christian thinkers have argued that faith is grounded in reality, that it makes sense of the world as it actually is. Critics have long dismissed that claim as wishful thinking. Now, in AI, we have a new kind of tool, one that is relentlessly logical, culturally neutral (or so they say), and unimpressed by rhetoric, running the same analysis and arriving at a remarkably similar conclusion. That should at least give us pause.

There is a tendency among some Christians to view artificial intelligence with suspicion, as though it represents a threat to our faith. I don’t see it that way. AI is not a worldview. It doesn’t have beliefs. It doesn’t have a soul. It doesn’t even have opinions in the way we think of them. What it does have is the ability to process information and follow logic wherever it leads. If, as we believers profess, Christianity is true, if it really is grounded in the nature of reality itself, then that kind of analysis should not scare us. It should confirm what we’ve been saying all along. And in this case, it does.

AI is not going to answer the big questions for us, but it might help us see which answers make the most sense. For some skeptics, that might be a lifeline. And for that, we should be thankful. 

End of “The Christian Post” article.

My comments, which I title – From Rules to a Personal Relationship

The basis for the Judo-Christian religion began with Moses writing the first five books of what we know as THE HOLY BIBLE. GOD revealed to Moses what to write.

The basis of the Judo-Christian is the ONE TRUE GOD, Yahweh or YHWH revealed HIMSELF through HIS creation and then to Moses, who wrote the first five books of the Bible as revealed to him by GOD.

In previous lessons we saw how GOD revealed HIMSELF to Moses from the burning bush to providing for the Israelites as they journeyed from Egypt to the Land GOD promised them.

GOD gave them the Law and Ten Commandments which was a place holder until JESUS came to earth to fulfill the Law and established grace sealed by the Gift of the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT for everyone accepting JESUS as his/her Savior.

Keep in your mind GOD’S WORD, The Holy Bible reveals the path to eternal life through faith in JESUS because of HIS Passion.

The Passion of Christ refers to the events surrounding the suffering, crucifixion, and death of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the New Testament. It encompasses the final hours of His life, starting from the Last Supper to His crucifixion and burial Bible Hub+1. The term "Passion" comes from the Latin word "patior," meaning "to suffer," and is commemorated in Christianity during Holy Week Wikipedia. This pivotal moment underscores the sacrificial love of Jesus and His atoning work for humanity's sins Bible Hub+1. JESUS coming to earth prepared the way or path for HIM to fulfill the Law and establish GRACE, through faith in JESUS.

THE HOLY BIBLE is GOD’S truth given to us through the ages. GOD’S Word is truth that has stood the test of time and confirmed through the faithful followers of GOD, JESUS and, those who have been “born again” by GOD’S Holy Spirit since Pentecost.

What took place on Pentecost? Let’s consider – Pentecost.

Pentecost means "fiftieth" and commemorates both a Jewish harvest festival and the Christian outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Origin and Etymology

The term Pentecost comes from the Greek word meaning "fiftieth," because it occurs fifty days after Passover in the Jewish calendar.

Christian Significance

In Christianity, Pentecost marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and followers of Jesus in Jerusalem, as described in Acts 2:1–31

Spiritual and Symbolic Meaning

Pentecost represents divine presence, empowerment, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. For Christians, it signifies the full revelation of the Holy Trinity and the gift of the Spirit to believers, enabling them to live in communion with God as GOD’S eternal Son or Daughter.

The Holy Spirit reveals truth, understanding, power and assurance to the “Spirit Born” believer in JESUS and HIS Passion (Physical life, HIS Sonship confirmed by what HE did, HIS physical death by crucifixion and the shedding of HIS Blood, HIS resurrection from the dead on the third day, witnessed by 500 hundred people, including HIS disciples, and HIS bodily ascension into Heaven.

Just think about it. JESUS’ disciples went on to present JESUS, THE CHRIST, to many others, along with Saul/Paul who was converted on the road to Damascus.

The miracle of Spiritual birth or a person being “born again” Spiritually is the term JESUS gave to Nicodemus as written in John 3.

A person must first be born human before he or she can be “born again” Spiritually. Spiritual birth requires the union of the “Holy Spirit” with the human spirit. This union takes place within the human heart or the core of our being where truth resides.

This Spiritual conception is instantaneous and eternal. Spiritual conception is the instant any human acknowledges his/her need to be forgiven for his/her sins and acknowledging that JESUS has paid the price for his/her sins and ask JESUS to come into his/her heart.

Why JESUS? JESUS, GOD’S only SON, came to earth to live as a perfect human, subject to sin, but JESUS remained sinless.

Why? In order for JESUS to be the perfect acceptable sacrifice to GOD for all sin by the shedding of HIS sinless blood, JESUS had to be sinless and shed HIS blood. Why?

Hebrews 9:22

According to the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

JESUS fulfilled the Law. Therefore, JESUS had to shed HIS blood to conquer sin and its consequence, which is eternal death.

JESUS was and is GOD’S only acceptable sacrifice for all sin. JESUS through HIS sinless life and shed blood, death on the cross paid GOD’S requirement for all sin in full and opened the path to forgiveness and eternal salvation through faith in JESUS and the miracle of Spiritual Birth into GOD’S eternal Family.

How is any person “born again” Spiritually?

First, we must be physically born, human.

According to GOD’S Word, there are provisions for those never reaching the age of accountability. GOD is the judge.

The term “age of accountability” refers to the concept that there comes a point in a child’s development when he or she becomes morally responsible before God for personal choices and actions. Scripture does not provide an explicit, one-size-fits-all number for this age. Rather, various passages suggest that God deals differently with minors who have not yet fully grasped moral and spiritual truths. The question revolves around how God views personal guilt and responsibility for sin in children who cannot yet fully comprehend right and wrong. (Bible Hub)

The key is that GOD does not desire for anyone to go to Hell.

Hell was made for the Devil and his angels. Mathew 25:41

However, final judgement is GOD’S.

So, what is GOD’S way to eternal life? First, It is through being born physically. Then there are a timeline of physical and mental development and a person reaching an accountable age, which I believe only GOD knows when a person arrives at this “accountable age” because only GOD knows the true heart of any person.

JESUS gave us the tern, “Born again” as recorded in John 3:1-21:

Christian Standard Bible - Jesus and Nicodemus

3 There was a man from the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. (Notice that Nicodemus was a Pharisee, which meant he believed in the resurrection. Whereas the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection ---- that is why they were sad-u-see.)

² This man came to him (JESUS) at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could perform these signs you do unless God were with him.”

³ Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again,^[a] he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

⁴ “How can anyone be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked him. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born?”

Great question!!!

⁵ Jesus answered, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. ⁶ Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, (our first birth as human) and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. (A person’s second birth is Spiritual and is a person’s choice with the prompting and urging of the Holy Spirit.) ⁷ Do not be amazed that I told you that you must be born again. ⁸ The wind blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. So, it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

⁹ “How can these things be?” asked Nicodemus.

¹⁰ “Are you a teacher^[b] of Israel and don’t know these things?” Jesus replied. ¹¹ “Truly I tell you, we speak what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but you do not accept our testimony. ¹² If I have told you about earthly things and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? ¹³ No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven —the Son of Man.^[c]`

¹⁴ “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, ¹⁵ so that everyone who believes in him may^[d] have eternal life.

[Numbers 21:8-9

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake image and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will recover.” So, Moses made a bronze snake and mounted it on a pole. Whenever someone was bitten, and he looked at the bronze snake, he recovered.]

JESUS knew that HE would become the Savior and eternal healer from the consequence of sin and Savior for all who placed their faith in HIM.

Repeat of verse 14 and 15 and 16-21:

¹⁴ “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, ¹⁵ so that everyone who believes in him may^[d] have eternal life. ¹⁶ For God loved the world in this way:^[e] He gave^[f] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ¹⁸ Anyone who believes in him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. ¹⁹ This is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ For everyone who does evil hates the light and avoids it,^[g] so that his deeds may not be exposed. ²¹ But anyone who lives by^[h] the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”

¹⁶ For God loved the world in this way:^[e] He gave^[f] his one and only Son (JESUS knew HIS calling and mission), so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ¹⁸ Anyone who believes in him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. ¹⁹ This is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ For everyone who does evil hates the light and avoids it,^[g] so that his deeds may not be exposed. ²¹ But anyone who lives by^[h] the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”

Being born Spiritually by the Holy Spirit is a conception:

Consider the human spirit as an egg that needs to be fertilized. THE HOLY SPIRIT is the Divine Sperm. When a person asks JESUS to forgive him or her for their sins that opens the path for THE HOLY SPIRIT to unite with the human spirit for Spiritual conception to take place quicker than the twinkle of the eye.

A newborn baby must be fed and cared for until he or she can eat regular food, exercise, develop and care for him or herself.

In Hebrews 5: ¹² Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the basic principles of God’s revelation again. You need milk, not solid food. ¹³ Now everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced with the message about righteousness, because he (she) is an infant. ¹⁴ But solid food is for the mature—for those whose senses have been trained to distinguish between good and evil.

The new Christian needs Spiritual food through Bible study, prayer and witnessing daily and exercise his/her new Spiritual body by studying GOD’S Word, talking to, and listening to GOD through prayer, and telling others about your salvation experience as GOD’S gives you opportunity.

It is an eternal relationship with GOD, JESUS, and THE HOLY SPIRIT.

I believe the “Spirit born”/”Born again” person will never experience the death of his or her physical body.

My basis is written in my blog – actsclass.blogspot.com – there is a blank spot on the upper left side of the blog – type in Mrs. Green and press enter.

I was wide awake driving down I 85 when this took place. It was GOD’S gift to me, which I share with you.

Blessings!!!

Bible Study – Never, Ever Give Up on GOD Because HE Never Ever Gives Up On YOU/US – June 28, 2026

 Bible Study – Never, Ever Give Up on GOD Because HE Never Ever Gives Up On YOU/US – June 28, 2026

Let’s consider The Parable of the Lost Son But Daughter is just as applicable!

JESUS gave a parable of a young man, who had an older brother, wanted to get his portion of his inheritance and leave home.

In the culture of that time, when the father of the household died, the eldest son receives the greater portion of their father’s estate. Simply, because the elder son would continue to run the farm.

We need to keep in mind that in this parable that this was a father and two sons.

There are several directions we can go in. But in this study, we will focus on the fact that the younger son wanted to leave home and experience life elsewhere. Keep in mind, the younger son is a member of the family but wants to explore life. Let’s listen as JESUS tells the parable ----

Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Lost Son

¹¹ He (JESUS) also said, “A man had two sons. ¹² The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate I have coming to me.’ So, he distributed the assets^[d] to them.”

This young man’s father honored his young son’s request. 

¹³ Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he squandered his estate in foolish living. ¹⁴ After he had spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he had nothing.^[e] 

¹⁵ Then he went to work for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 

For a Jewish young man this would have been humiliating, yet he sucked it up and did what he was being paid to do. Often doing the things we know are contrary to our heritage brings back memories of home.

He longed to eat his fill from^[f] the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one would give him anything. 

This young man was hungry. The pods were carob pods, edible but primarily used as animal fodder, representing both the physical hunger and spiritual longing experienced by the Prodigal Son.

Often GOD let’s us run because HE knows we will learn an unbelievably valuable and eternal lesson. And it got his attention-------

How precious and especially important – the young son and his father departed on good terms and the young son believed he could return home. GOD never closes the door, but when the door is shut as recorded 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 knocks on your hearts locked door and only you can unlock it from within. Now that is love that chases every person. This young man came to his senses -----

¹⁷ When he came to his senses,^[g] he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger!^{[h] 18} I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. ¹⁹ I’m no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired workers.”’

This young man came to his senses and repented. He recognized and acknowledged that he was wrong. What do we have to do when we are wrong? We take action ----

 ²⁰ So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. 

The love of GOD is magnificent and is so precious. The son wants to confess but his father wants to grab him and squeeze him tight ---

²¹ The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight.” I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’

²² “But the father told his servants, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ²³ Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, ²⁴ because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ So, they began to celebrate.

Don’t waste any time, let’s celebrate and they did.

Do you know there is celebration in Heaven when a person becomes a “born again” believer? Luke 15:  ⁷ I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who don’t need repentance.

Some family members may identify with the older son. FATHER open the Spiritual eyes of those who might feel like the older brother/sister, GOD loves you and put you in charge of HIS household.

²⁵ “Now his older son was in the field; as he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. ²⁶ So he summoned one of the servants, questioning what these things meant. ²⁷ ‘Your brother is here,’ he told him, and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has his back safe and sound.’^[i]

²⁸ “Then he became angry and didn’t want to go in. So, his father came out and pleaded with him. ²⁹ But he replied to his father, ‘Look, I have been slaving many years for you, and I have never disobeyed your orders, yet you never gave me a goat so that I could celebrate with my friends. ³⁰ But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your assets^[j] with prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.’

³¹ “‘Son,’^[k] he said to him, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. ³² But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

“The goat represents the older brother’s expectation of fair treatment, while the fattened calf represents the father’s extravagant, sacrificial grace. The father’s choice of the calf over the goat powerfully illustrates that God’s love is freely given, not earned, and that true joy in salvation comes from celebrating the restoration of the lost, not from demanding recognition for one’s own righteousness --The JesusWalk Bible Study Series”

In our last study, we saw the following scripture, 1 John 4 The Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Error

“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. This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not confess Jesus 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.” ...

Who is Satan? He is a deceiver and loves to twist the truth.

Seek the truth as you walk with JESUS. As we get closer to the second coming of JESUS, the more Satan will try to deceive all and especially those who have been “born again.”

FATHER, I pray for all who read this that YOU will open all of our Spiritual eyes to YOUR truth and if there are those who need to be “born again” he or she will pray, something like this:

Dear JESUS, I am a sinner and in need of YOUR salvation through faith in JESUS. I ask JESUS, YOUR ONLY SON, WHO gave HIS sinless life for ALL my sins to come into my life/heart now and save me from the consequence of my sins, which is death. Make me whole through the miracle of being “Born again” Spiritually into YOUR eternal Family.

If you prayed such a prayer or similar then, thank JESUS for YOUR salvation through the miracle of being “born again” through my faith in JESUS. Help me to live in YOUR power as led and guided by YOUR HOLY SPIRIT.

If you are not already in a church or fellowship teaching the truth, then pray and ask JESUS to lead you to where you can be taught and grow in your newfound faith in JESUS.

No matter of where you have been in life, GOD and JESUS love you and they never ever give up on you.

If you are already GOD’S SON or DAUGHTER – Keep peddling, the best is yet to come ---

Blessings!!!