Nicodemus: Visitor by Night

John 3:2
The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

     o, Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night.

Why at night? There are a few possible reasons. Emphasis on possible since none are specifically given in the Word of God for Nicodemus’ nocturnal visit. Since this is pure speculation, I would not consider any of these ideas to be the perfect truth. Nevertheless, thinking along these lines do provide an opportunity to mentally explore the potential reasons for the nocturnal visit. Then, perhaps, for a moment, put ourselves in Nicodemus’ shoes.

►Fear◄

Plain and simple. Fear has caused many to stand idly by, doing nothing. When the opportunity to step in and help someone who is being wronged, fear has kept many feet rooted and grounded, and mouths taped shut.  Fear has also caused many to do things under the cover of darkness, they would never do in the everyone-can-see-you-daylight.

Perhaps, in Nicodemus’ case, the fright stems from the fact that he sees in Jesus one who is truly beyond any man who’d come before. Nicodemus pretty much says so, in verse two: for one, he calls him, Rabbi, and secondly, he exclaims “…thou art a teacher come from God…” Thirdly, Nicodemus just says it aloud: “…no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” This fountain of thought would put Nicodemus in direct opposition to most of his Pharisee colleagues. In his thinking towards Jesus, Nicodemus would realize the necessity of coming to Him without the distractions of other Pharisees trying to railroad Jesus’ ministry into oblivion.

►Busy Life◄

Another conjecture for the nighttime visit could be for convenience. As both Pharisee and Ruler, Nicodemus would have a very busy day. Nighttime may have been the only time Nicodemus could meet with the Lord. Secondly, it may have been the only time he could give Jesus his entire, undivided attention. [Kevin’s Komment: whether this is a true reason for his nocturnal visit or not, it does apply to us: meet with the Lord when we can give Him all of our attention. If no time is suitable, then schedule it in! {Secondary-Kevin’s Komment: yeah, I need to swallow my own medicine on that note }]

►Expedience◄

Perhaps,knowing that Jesus’ days were filled to the brim, along with all that Nicodemus had seen Him do and heard Him say, he decided to get to the Lord as soon as feasible. Why? Jesus travelled…much. Therefore, it may have crossed Nicodemus’ mind, or perhaps was prompted by the Lord’s invisible Presence, burning and speaking within his heart, that if he was going to talk to Jesus, it had better be tonight.

John 3.1 NICODEMUS: THE PHARISEE, THE RULER

Nicodemus (Nic) mentioned in the Word of God
     He is only mentioned by name in the gospel of John. Three of the five mentions are in chapter 3: verses 1, 4, and 9. Then, in chapter 7.50, and in chapter 19 verse 39.
Meaning
      Scofield Bible: does not really give a meaning to his name, but only lists the references of where his name is found, and also, that he was a Pharisee and a ruler. That much we know from verse one.
     Hitchcock's Bible Names: the definition given is victory of the people. I'm still working on understanding how Nic's name and its meaning relates to the passage, or any in which he is mentioned. Perhaps it does not. I have learned that what does not make sense to me now, may later become illuminated with further study. We shall see.
Occupation
      Verse 1 is rather obscure on this point (not!): Nic was a Pharisee and a ruler. 
      A pharisee, according to Hitchcock's, is set apart.
      From the FreeDictionary, we get the following definition:
     a member of an ancient Jewish group that carefully observed the written law but also accepted the oral, or traditional, law, advocated democratization of religious practices, etc
    Of course, the best way to get the meaning of Pharisee, is to read thru the gospels and Acts of the Apostles, and understand it from the context.
     He was also a ruler. A leader and one in authority, but over who, and how much authority? Sticking to John's gospel, we know that he had enough  authority to sway the decision of other Pharisees (John 7.50). He has enough authority to walk the street at night and visit Jesus. In fact, he may have been sent as a delegate. Note v2, and his use of the word, 'we.'
      In these two positions, the common people would have looked up to him, and possibly admired him.  He would have been well versed in Old Testament scripture, and it was expected of him to guide others, either correctly or incorrectly. Note the many exchanges between Jesus & the Pharisees in this and all the other gospels.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Until next time,
K.

Pre-John 3 Notes

I’m reading through the book of John. I’m also reading through a commentary on John’s gospel by Sam Gipp,

Here’s the link: "Practical and Theological Study of the Gospel"

My goal for the next day and possibly again over the next weekend, is to make some notes that are based on his commentary, along with some other items of interest regarding the exchange between Jesus and Nicodemus. The first 18 verses of chapter 3 will be the focus of my study.

This study has gone much further than I anticipated, even though I’ve read this passage many times throughout life. I am:

• learning more about Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, and how the Lord mastered the conversation
• making connections to other scriptures that I had not noticed, either.
• I’m making connections of words and phrases within this passage I had not noticed before.

Even in such familiar passages as this, there is often more to be gleaned, each and every time I return to God’s Word. Even though I should not be surprised, I am, anyway. I consider this a good thing.  

This is not going to be a book review. I’m not looking to qualify Mr. Gipp’s writing. I’m not critiquing his work. I’m enjoying this book, and simply using this blog to make notes. No plagiarism will be occurring. I do suggest,  that if you’d like to study from it, order yourself a copy.

Again, this study is going to be my notes based on what Mr. Gipp has written, and more importantly, what God has written. My premise regarding the Bible is that God is right, period. His Word supersedes my own notes, is far superior to commentaries from others (including Mr. Gipp’s). Put another way: In Genesis 3, the serpent (Satan) asked Eve, “Yea, hath God said…?” I say, “YEA!!  God most assuredly hath said!!” So, if something I say is not in line with the Word of God, God always' wins. I plead no contest. His Word is forever settled in Heaven. (now, where have I heard that before?)

Until next time, whether its tomorrow, or next weekend…

John The Baptist: Preaching the O.T. Prophets!

Mat 3:12; Luke 3: 17

John was preaching the Old Testament, making it new again, bringing people to the LORD JESUS CHRIST, even before they were seeing HIM in person. One aspect of John’s message was a separation of the wheat from the chaff.

That separation was preached more than once in the OT by the prophets of GOD, warning the people, esp. the religious leaders, their time was coming unless they repented of their evil teaching. xref: Jeremiah 23:28; Isaiah 66:24.

Nevertheless, John was also preaching the same thing the LORD JESUS was going to preach, even if HE did not use the exact same words. Mat 13:49-50; John 15.2

One final point to mention. Many of these verses bring home the fact that GOD will indeed separate the wheat from the chaff. It will not go well for the chaff. More than once in the OT, many times in the new… the place where the chaff (the unsaved) wind up is in torment, forever. JESUS and Isaiah each put it this way: the unbelievers will be cast to the place where their worm dies not, and the fire is not quenched.

Ask, Seek and Knock

◘ Asking is Desiring: petitioning the LORD with our prayer requests

◘ Seeking is Discernment: finding GOD’s will and agreeing with HIM, and allowing that to lead our prayer. We seek HIM in prayer, but also, in reading the Bible, and being obedient to HIM.

◘ Knocking is our Drive: for a result, for an answer. Shows our passion in asking and seeking.

Paraphrased from Adrian Rogers radio show, 2 Sept 2010

Ephesians 2: “Remember” (Kevin does a little thought rambling)

Ephesians 2:11: Starts off with, “Wherefore remember…” In context, Paul is reminding the saved of where these people came from: from being “dead in their sins and trespasses;” of being “…called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;…” That was a derisive term used by the Israelites of any nonJew. Paul is stating that thru JESUS CHRIST, and the work HE did on the cross, there is no longer that division. Essentially, the only division now are the saved or the lost (unsaved). Believers and Unbelievers. Or, as Adrian Rogers used to put it, the Saints and the Ain’ts. All fall under one of those two categories: either you are Heaven bound or Lake of Fire bound, regardless of your nationality. Paul goes on to make it very plain that GOD has provided the gift of life FREELY to all who will believe. (Ephesians 2:8)

So, verse 11 has the word,  remember. I did a little study this morning, on that word. Some fun connections were made, just in the Bible alone.

Connecting the Old Testament and the New

In the Old Testament, the LORD commanded Israel to remember that they were slaves in Egypt before HE brought them out of the land of slavery.

Deuteronomy 5:15 
And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and [that] the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.

All along, GOD has always been commanding HIS chosen people: “remember from whence you came.”

“by a stretched out arm”

I’m reminded, JESUS stretched out HIS arms wide on the cross, taking my sin, and my hell from me and in my place. (and your’s too, if you believe.) 

“a mighty hand ”

GOD told Moses (as a type of CHRIST) to stretch out HIS arms over the Red Sea, and GOD parted the waters there in the presence of the Israel and their enemy. (Exodus 14:16) Unlike Moses, GOD’s arms never age or grow tired, they are never weary. HIS arms are able to carry out anything and everything HE so desires, and HE desired us enough to stretch out HIS arms on the cross. ► Kevin’s Komment: that last phrase is worth thinking about! ☺ ◄

Isaiah 41:10: It is by the mighty right hand of the LORD that HE helps us. The right hand is a place of power, authority and strength. JESUS is now, at the “right hand of the throne of GOD, “ (Hebrews 4:12) and will someday establish HIS power, authority and strength bodily on the earth. Before that, of course, is that every believer in JESUS CHRIST the LORD, is looking for the day when HE comes and calls us out of the dust from which we are buried, to meet HIM in the air, to live eternally with HIM.

So, I’ve gone from connecting remembering to stretched out arm to the mighty hand of GOD.

Guess I do not have a particular point to make here, but I sure do like the way the Bible leads me in all kinds of fun directions. Studying the Bible never grows old.

Psalms 112.1 ► Pursuit of Happiness…

… is the phrase that is stated as one of the goals of American men and women in the Declaration Of Independence. What does this phrase mean? Is it a catch all for, “if it feels good, makes you happy, then do it?”

I propose that given the deep spiritual convictions of the writers of the Declaration, that Psalms 112.1 be considered as an answer to what it means to pursue happiness, to  “be endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Ps 112:1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed [is] the man [that] feareth the LORD, [that] delighteth greatly in his commandments.

So, there you have it. Blessing (happiness) starts and comes from fearing the LORD.

Ps 115: 11 Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he [is] their help and their shield.
12 The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless [us] ; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.
13 He will bless them that fear the LORD, [both] small and great.

Psalms 145:19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

Saw this millepede that looks just like an earthworm, crawling across the sidewalk at work last Monday, Nov 9, 2009

It was amazing seeing this thing move. Per a website that I looked at about them, they say that this thing secretes cyanide? Whoa! or Wow!

 

 

Adrian Rogers, and I quote

Psalms 19:12 Who can understand [his] errors? cleanse thou me from secret [faults] .

Actually, I quote rather paraphrasically!

Some people have moral earthquakes because the secret faults. A spiritually unprotected life +  undetected weakness + unexpected temptation = great fall into sin. ¶ God’s Holy Spirit must work subterranean cleansing within.

Wacky Church Bulletins!

2 Funny Not to share. Some of these are retreads, some are new. Received via email from Steve Hays, Nov 2009.

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The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals..
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The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'
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Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
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Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.
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Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
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Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
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At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.
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Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
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Scouts are saving aluminium cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
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Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
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The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
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Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.
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The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
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This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
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Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM . Please use the back door.
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The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM . The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
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Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
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MERRY CHRISTMAS

Even if I worked for the Federal, state or local government, I would have to say: MERRY CHRISTMAS. Not that CHRISTmas has much to do with CHRIST, except what CHRISTians make of it, but to be ashamed or worried about offending someone? Nope, not me.

So, if I don’t write anymore b4 the end of the year, lemme say, again, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

image from: http://jhoyimperial.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/merry_christmas-1.jpg?w=402&h=400

Judas Chose The Wrong Tree

James Kennedy radio show on 9 April 2009, re: Judas the Betrayer

Judas' last, final, wrong decision is that he "went to the wrong tree." He went to the tree of death. He could've gone, instead, to the Tree of Life, hanging on a tree already. Already willing to save any sinner, no matter how unclean and vile. Yet, Judas chose the tree of death.

Which tree do you choose? I choose the Tree of Life, that is, JESUS CHRIST Himself! Only HE can save. It is what HE came to do. It was His purpose for leaving Heaven and coming to live among us in the 1st place. All the miracles HE performed were not to show us that we can acheive miracle performing status but the miracles pointed to who HE is: the promised Messiah/Christ of the Old Testament. He fulfilled the promise completely, dying on our behalf. He became sin for us, even though HE never knew sin. His death was NOT the end, though. He arose out of the grave 3 days later, early on the 1st day of the week (Sunday), and proved that 4ever is banished death and hell for all who will believe on HIM.

Deut 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

THE LORD'S PRAYER 4 Today

Rather cleverly done.
This is in two parts, the prayer (in blue type) and GOD (in red type) in response.
It is very, very good.

  *********
Our Father Who Art In Heaven.
Yes?
Don't interrupt me. I'm praying.
But -- you called ME!
Called you?
No, I didn't call you.
I'm praying.
Our Father who art in Heaven.
There -- you did it again!
Did what?
Called ME.
You said,
"Our Father who art in Heaven"
Well, here I am.
What's on your mind?
But I didn't mean anything by it.
I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day.
I always say the Lord's Prayer.
It makes me feel good,
kind of like fulfilling a duty.
Well, all right.
Go on.
Okay, Hallowed be thy name .
Hold it right there.
What do you mean by that?
By what?
By "Hallowed be thy name"?
It means, it means . . good grief,
I don't know what it means.
How in the world should I know?
It's just a part of the prayer.
By the way, what does it mean?
It means honored, holy, wonderful.
Hey, that makes sense.
I never thought about what 'hallowed' meant before.
Thanks.
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
on earth as it is in Heaven.
Do you really mean that?
Sure, why not?
What are you doing about it?
Doing? Why, nothing, I guess.
I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control,
of everything down here like you have up there.
We're kinda in a mess down here you know.
Yes, I know;
but, have I got control of you?
Well, I go to church.
That isn't what I asked you.
What about your bad temper?
You've really got a problem there, you know.
And then there's the way you spend your money --
all on yourself.
And what about the kind of books you read ?
Now hold on just a minute!
Stop picking on me!
I'm just as good as some of the rest of those people at church!
Excuse ME.
I thought you were praying
for my will to be done.
If that is to happen,
it will have to start with the ones
who are praying for it.
Like you -- for example ..
Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups.Now that you mention it,
I could probably name some others.
So could I.
I haven't thought about it very much until now,
but I really would like to cut out some of those things.
I would like to, you know, be really free.
Good.
Now we're getting somewhere.We'll work together -- You and ME.
I'm proud of You.
Look, Lord, if you don't mind,
I need to finish up here.
This is taking a lot longer than it usually does.
Give us this day, our daily bread.
You need to cut out the bread.
You're overweight as it is.
Hey, wait a minute! at is this?
Here I was doing my religious duty,
and all of a sudden you break in
and remind me of all my hang-ups.
Praying is a dangerous thing.
You just might get what you ask for.
Remember,
you called ME -- and here I am.
It's too late to stop now.
Keep praying.  ( . pause . . )
Well, go on.
I'm scared to.
Scared? Of what?
I know what you'll say.
Try ME.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
What about Ann?
See? I knew it!
I knew you would bring her up!
Why, Lord, she's told lies about me, spread stories.
She never paid back the money she owes me.
I've sworn to get even with her!
But -- your prayer --
What about your prayer?
I didn't -- mean it.
Well, at least you're honest.
But, it's quite a load carrying around all that bitterness
and resentment isn't it?
Yes, but I'll feel better as soon as I get even with her.
Boy, have I got some plans for her.
She'll wish she had never been born.
No, you won't feel any better.
You'll feel worse.
Revenge isn't sweet.
You know how unhappy you are --
Well, I can change that.
You can? How?
Forgive Ann.
Then, I'll forgive you;
And the hate and the sin,
will be Ann's problem -- not yours.
You will have settled the problem
as far as you are concerned.
Oh, you know, you're right.
You always are.
And more than I want revenge,
I want to be right with You . . (sigh).
All right all right . .
I forgive her.
There now!
Wonderful!
How do you feel?
Hmmmm. Well, not bad.
Not bad at all!
In fact, I feel pretty great!
You know, I don't think I'll go to bed uptight tonight.
I haven't been getting much rest, you know.
Yeah, I know.
But, you're not through with your prayer are you? Go on.
Oh, all right.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Good! Good! I'll do that.
Just don't put yourself in a place
where you can be tempted.
What do you mean by that?
You know what I mean.
Yeah. I know.
Okay.
Go ahead. Finish your prayer.
For Thine is the kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory forever.
Amen.
Do you know what would bring me glory --
What would really make me happy?
No, but I'd like to know.
I want to please you now.
I've really made a mess of things.
I want to truly follow you.
I can see now how great that would be.
So, tell me . . .
How do I make you happy?
YOU  just did.

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Glued Paper- Marriage

Mat 19:6 KJV - Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Adrian Rogers made a most interesting statement on his 12 Nov 2008 radio show, Love Worth Finding:

In a marriage, people are like to pieces of construction paper glued together. Once they are stuck together, they cannot be pulled apart without damage to both pages.

Another quote he made, God made husbands and wives, men and women to be different, so that we may be one. Yeah, I know, I can't remember the exact wording, so I guess this is just another paraphrase.

Yet, another near-quote: Broken homes produce broken people. Broken people produce broken homes. Then, those broken homes produce broken people. The only answer to this lose-lose cycle is the LORD JESUS CHRIST! Kevin's Komment is...Amen!

The US Constitution's Purpose

This was a 13 Nov, 2008 comment heard on James Kennedy's radio show, Truth's That Transform. I didn't write it down exactly, but this is the gist of the statement.

The constitution was not written to protect the citizens from GOD. Rather, it was written to protect the citizen's from the Government.

Right Spirit Or Steadfast Spirit?

Psalms 51.10 (KJV)
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Psalms 51.10 (HCSB)
God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalms 51.10 (NKJV)
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalms 51.10 from the Net Bible Create for me a pure heart, O God! Renew a resolute spirit within me!
(http://net.bible.org/verse.php?book=Psa&chapter=51&verse=10)

Psalms 51.10 (NLT)
Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.

Kevin's Komments
Yesterday, we visited a different church.

I have to say that the people were marvelous to meet, the Sunday School class is studying great lessons. The song director and assistants are absolutely fantastic: personable and knowledgeable. Each and every person seems to love the LORD, and upon meeting them, I have no reason to doubt that they aren't saved.

However, I have somewhat against the so-called-Bible that was used. It was from the HCSB, which I think means Holman Christian Standard Bible. It is the second translation of Psalms 51.10 copied above for you. The latter half of the verse is the part to note.

The point is, did GOD say what He meant in the KJV or not? Jesus told Satan, that "man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God?" In the Old Testament, warnings are given over and over, to not add or take away from God's Word. The end of the Bible, in Revelation, not only is the warning given, but a curse is commanded upon those who add or take away from the Lord's Word.

God's Word! This brings me to my point: Was David's prayer in this one verse for a right heart, or a steadfast heart? A right heart can be steadfast for things that are right/righteous. The things of God. On the other hand, a steadfast heart can be steadfast towards anything. This is a very subtle change in the wording. It is a very dangerous thing to mess with God's Word. Although He may be allowing it right now, there will come a time when there will be a reckoning. That reckoning was exemplified when Eve added to the Word of God in Genesis 3.

Another question I ask myself, is would God rather David (or me) be right or steadfast? The word right is related to the word righteous. In the KJV, God has planted seed thoughts and connections among the words, phrases and chapters, going completely through the Bible. Here, we find that it is God who creates within us a clean heart (xref 2 Corinthians 5.17). That is something we cannot do ourselves. It is God who renews a right spirit within us. Again, that is something we can not do. (xref Ephesians 2.8-10). It is all God's doing when we seek Him.

John 6.1 - Sea of Galilee

In the New Testament, the Sea of Tiberias is also known as the Sea of Galilee, also, aka, the Sea of Chinnereth in the Old Testament.

In many places of the NT Gospels, this is the sea that JESUS taught at, fished at, and worked miracles at, some of which can be seen in John 6.

I'm sure that there is a connection to why the LORD spent so much time in Galilee and near/on that sea. He taught great spiritual truths near and on the sea, each and every one of them pointing that HE is the SON OF GOD, the MESSIAH the OT Jews were looking forward to, that HE is from GOD and not from man.

---

 Pic link is from www.biblewalks.com

3 Of My Favorite Scripture Verses!

From John 11

25

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

26

And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

27

She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

---

Why these three?  It is the gospel, the good news to us Gentiles, put plainly by JESUS CHRIST, HIMSELF. By the way, my response is the same as Martha's in verse 27!

Hymn Of Faith: GOD Is Able To Deliver

There is a hymn that we sing, He Is Able To Deliver Thee, and of course, the question is, do you believe that GOD is able to deliver thee? Do you even know what you need deliverance from? When being challenged by their captor, King Nebuchadnezzar, three of the Jewish men refused to bow down to the king's man-made idol. At the threat of death, the men still would not bow, but instead spoke to the king:

(Daniel 3:16 King James) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
(Daniel 3:17 King James) If it be so , our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
(Daniel 3:18 King James) But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

      Through the LORD JESUS CHRIST, our GOD is able to deliver us. It may not be from the fiery burning furnace, but HE is able to deliver us, regardless.
      Make a note of this: those three Jewish men, were willing to die for GOD. They were willing to let GOD slay them because even in death, they knew that GOD is still able to deliver. Those who trust in JESUS CHRIST for salvation believe in HIM not simply as SAVIOUR, but as HE who will raise us all up when HE returns for the church, giving us new bodies!

(1 Corinthians 15:49 King James) And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
(1 Corinthians 15:51 King James) Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
(1 Corinthians 15:52 King James) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
(1 Corinthians 15:53 King James) For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
(1 Corinthians 15:54 King James) So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

      Want more?

(Philippians 3:20 King James) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
(Philippians 3:21 King James) Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Hymn Theology: Part 2

     Hymns today serve a purpose besides being entertainment. In fact, they should not be entertaining at all. Music can be well played. However, it is for the LORD JESUS CHRIST and not ourselves that we are to play. As noted in the previous post by the same title, hymns can and should be instructional. They serve other purposes as well.
      One such purpose is in preparing the heart to receive the sermon that is about to be received. JESUS sang the hymn with the disciples, then began giving them the hard facts of what was about to happen.

(Matthew 26:30) And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
(Matthew 26:31) Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
(Matthew 26:32) But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
(Matthew 26:33) Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
(Matthew 26:34) Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

The best example of songs with great theology is the Bible's book of Psalms. These were the songs that the Hebrews sang! These things are chock full of theology. Take a look at Psalm 103. Look at the familiar chapter 23. I've written melodies to several portions of scripture, one being Psalms 100.