Considering the Bible

Signs and Mighty Works of Jesus #3 – Jesus Drives Out an Evil Spirit

2022-08-16

After my series on the parables, I found I was drawn to look into the miracles of Jesus in the Gospels. I have never studies the mighty works of Jesus as a focused effort before and am looking forward to finding nuggets of truth that we can be encouraged by.

I have provided a general introduction, with an opportunity to download two files for your reference in my initial post Signs and Mighty Works of Jesus – Introduction. I found that the format I used for the parable posts were useful to keep me on track, and will continue to use them for this series, with some minor tweaks.

With that said, let’s take a look at our third mighty work of Jesus

Jesus Drives Out an Evil Spirit

Mark 1:21-27
And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.”

Luke also provides a record of this mighty work.

Luke 4:31-36
And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”

General Observations

Two items in this passage jump out to me.

First, this passage is about authority. The authority of Jesus in His words and works. Both the words of Jesus, in His teaching, and the actions He takes in His healing of this demoniac demonstrate that this humble rabbi is much more than a humble rabbi.

Secondly, as a young believer, this passage caused me a bit of confusion. If the possessed man is speaking the truth, why would the Lord of truth rebuke him and tell him to be silent?

Questions to Consider

Who were the audience?

Of course, the disciples were present. Additional witnesses this this mighty work would include those who were in the audience, observant Jews, in synagogue for the sabbath, seeking to obey God’s call on their life.

Little did they know that God was going to show up that day!

When did the Lord perform this miracle?

See https://www.bibletimelines.net/timelines/jesus-ministry

Where did the Lord perform this miracle?

See Signs and Mighty Works of Jesus – Introduction for downloadable reference file.

Why did the Lord perform this miracle?

A difficult question, for He may have simply sought to rescue this demon possessed man, or at the least remove the this disturbance in the synagogue. After all, the synagogue was a sanctified building!

I think the last phrase gives us a hint as to the reason this mighty work was performed, for the miracle supported the authority of His words, giving those who heard Him an encouragement to follow Him, or conversely, a reason to persecute Him. How often it is that it is either the one or the other.

Notice the first reference of authority in this passage, where the audience speaks of the Lord teaching “as One who had authority”, that He was not referring to other men’s teaching as the scribes would. It was common practice for the average scribe to depend on past authorities, men who had also depended on past authorities.

We know that Jesus depended on the Word of God for His foundation of teaching, and His interpretation of the Old Testament Scriptures continually shocked His audience. The issue of Him not depending on past teachers, and being in sync (fully) with the Old Testament, must have been shocking to His audience.

When He performed His mighty work, this dependence on the singular Word of God, this “teaching as one who had authority”, was reinforced, and the opinion of the audience changed. This teaching was with authority! He didn’t simply appear to be “One who had authority”, but this rabbi possessed authority!

As my momma used to say, He walked the talk!

What was the message for the original audience?

The message for the original audience was that the One who was present had authority, not like the scribes, not like the teachers of the day, not like anyone else.

Thinking about this might work, it provided a number of messages to the original audience. As mentioned , those in attendance changed their opinion of the Masters teaching and ministry. They saw proof of His authority, and were not simply surprised. Mark 1:22 & Luke 4:32 both speak of His audience being “astonished” at His teaching. This word speaks of being struck with amazement. Of being shocked, even to a point of panic.

After the mighty work was performed, both writers used a different term, a term that describes the effect of the miracle to include fear. The audience were amazed at this miracle, and that amazement included the element of fear. The audience was frightened.

Of course, having a demoniac enter the sanctified area of a synagogue would be frightening to the average attendant. One who had greater authority than the demon would also incur greater fear. Who was this Rabbi?

What is the message for us today?

Who do you consider authoritative? I have spent much of my life referring to commentaries for understanding the words of Scripture, and I am thankful for the teaching they have provided. The teaching of the saints are a treasure trove of learning.

The issue is that I need to consider the teaching of past and present saints for what it is, and that the only real authority is the Lord Jesus. We are not to fall into the same trap that the scribes fell into, and that is they “depended” on past teachers, that “depended” on past teachers, that “depended” on past teachers. The source of the “teaching” was lost in dilution and the teaching being provided to the masses became a monster on it’s own.

To simply read, study, memorize and seek to understand the Living Word is one of the greatest challenges a present saint can venture into. To be sure, to seek to depend only on the Word is full of pitfalls and will induce periods of uncertainty, since we may find truths in the Word that go against our current denominational stance.

Fear not, study and search the Scripture and stand on the Word, gracefully speaking the truth in love. Finding truth from the Word and bellowing it out to all in an attitude of pride and arrogance is one of the pitfalls I can attest to. I need to constantly remind myself to walk humbly with the Lord, and exercise mercy and love towards those I am privileged to rub shoulders with.

One other truth is important, and I referred to earlier as an issue of confusion for myself as a young believer. Why would the Lord stop the declaration of the demoniac’s message.

Is not Jesus the Holy One of God? Did He not come to destroy the power of the devil? Of course these statements are true. So why did the Master command this man to be silent?

Was it too early for this truth to come out? Jesus had earlier visited Samaria, and had openly identified Himself to the woman at the well. The truth of Jesus identity had been given out to the Samaritans by this time.

Ok, so was it the audience, faithful Jews, that were not be be informed of this fact at this time? Was it too early for the religious Jew to hear the truth? Again, I am not convinced this was the reason, for at the baptism of Jesus, a voice from heaven revealed that this humble rabbi was God’s beloved Son.

So why did the Master tell this demoniac to shut up? A wonderful message needs a clean vessel to come from.

Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. – 2 Timothy 2:21

Although the truth came out of this demoniac, it actually damaged the message, in that all knew the demoniac was of the dark side, associated with violence, fear, lies and hatred. The message of the Lord Jesus is not to be associated with these characteristics. This is a great challenge for us who seek to represent our Lord Jesus properly.

A corollary truth also comes out of this for myself, in that I have fallen in my walk with the Lord far to often. But it is important to realize that a clean vessel does not equal a perfect vessel, or a vessel that does not need cleaning occasionally.

To be a clean vessel includes the concept of continual cleansing, as our passage in 2 Timothy informs us. Spend some time today alone with Him, and as the Lord speaks to you of areas in your life that are in opposition to His will, confess this sin, and if necessary, go to the one who you may have a strained relationship with, ask forgiveness, and seek to restore your peace with them, (if possible). Exercise humility, and a spirit of meekness, which is required for the believer to imitate, since the Master Himself is gentle and lowly in heart.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. – Matthew 11:29 ESV

A doctrinally pure message out of a defiled (proud) vessel may actually be an affront to our Master. Consider!

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Old Testament Messianic Prophecies – Prophecy #190

2022-08-15

The prophecy of the Lord Jesus for our consideration and edification, written centuries prior to His earthly existence is

Prophecy #190

Description

He would know their thoughts

Old Testament Prophecy

Isaiah 11:3

And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.
He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
or decide disputes by what his ears hear,

New Testament Fullfillment

Luke 6:8

But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come and stand here.” And he rose and stood there.

John 2:25

and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.

If you are just joining this blog, or are a first time visitor, welcome to Considering the Bible. We would like to offer a document that provides over 350 prophecies of the Messiah found in the Old Testament for your consideration.

351-O.T.-prophecies-fulfilled-in-Jesus-Christ Download

I make no claim to be able to comment on every one of these amazing prophecies in the future, but will occasionally bring one to the readers attention for their edification.

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Traditions – 5

2022-08-14

For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. – Gal 1:13-14

Paul speaks of his history, of his past desire to practice the traditions of the religion of Judaism. Of the persecution of the church of God as a result of his former life in Judaism. He was zealous. He was advancing in the traditions, seemingly due to his persecuting the church of God, trying to destroy it.

Two issues erupt in my thinking with this passage, in relation to traditions.

First, the traditions were bad! Very bad! The fruit of these traditions produced a murderous man, intent on destroying the work of God. This is an additional text in the New Testament that speaks to the negativity of traditions, religious traditions that were running amok.

In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of “wisdom being justified by all her children”. No matter the appearance or method of the delivering agent (whether it be by Moses, Jesus or John the Baptist), the fruit of a teaching is how it is worked out in those who hear it, the children of the wisdom. The appearance can be ridiculed, mocked and condemned. The children of the wisdom will justify the wisdom being taught and received.

For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by all her children.” – Luke 7:33-35

In this regard, Paul’s desire to kill others is the fruit of a tradition that completely removed the intent of the commandments. For you see, the original intent of the Word of God was to save lives not kill. How can a man honor God by dishonoring his command not to kill?

God want’s us to honor our parents. How can I honor my parents if I become a murderous man?

God wants us to not covet. How can I love God if my motivation is to kill in order to maintain my own religion, covet my own faith?

No my friends, this tradition produced a fruit that was poisonous. Let us consider the wisdom we are consuming, in order to reflect our lives as being of the Lord, and not of some tradition that is of another intent!

Secondly, these traditions, many many moons back, were based on the Word of God. Now the iterations to take the holy commandments of God and to turn them into a belief that encourages persecution of the very followers of God, is an exercise in manipulation far beyond my understanding.

It took centuries to slip into a tradition that became a prevailing faith, and we have certainly experienced centuries of tradition within the life of the church. Over 2,000 years of manipulation by teachers and enemies within the church. This is the reason we need to refer to the Word and not depend on what a man says, even a well intentioned and or highly trained man may teach. Will we always be right if we turn to the Scriptures as our primary source. Absolutely not, for we are a weak, biased and selfish people, but we may find we are approaching a closer walk with the Master, a closer understanding of the intent of God in providing traditions for our lives.

Suffice it to say, let us depart from the “traditions of our fathers” and seek to follow the One who is worthy, who provided instruction in His Word. As Paul states just a verse later, God was pleased to reveal His Son in him. Traditions needed to be set aside in this revealing, traditions that were against God’s word and will.

Can you think of any traditions that may be causing you to loose out on God’s will?

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Psalms for Psome – Ps 40.01

2022-08-13

Don’t you love it when, after years of reading the “Old Book” passages become alive, reinforcing old teachings or simply warming your heart. This is the book of Psalms, and it is rich.

I pray I can communicate a portion of the blessing we receive from this wonderful book.

Psalm 40
1 To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.

He inclined to me. He bent down to me.

The psalms speak of the Lords bending down to the saint in many passages. I will supply a few verses that use the very same Hebrew word David uses here, but as you read through the psalms, it will become evident the image of the King of Glory “bending down” is quite regular.

Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! – Psalm 31:2

In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me, and save me! – Psalm 71:2

A Prayer of David. Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. – Psalm 86:1

Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry! – Psalm 88:2

Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress! Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call! – Psalm 102:2

Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. – Psalm 116:2

As I was gathering these verses, I was simply looking for the Hebrew word that is translated as “incline” in Psalm 40:1. I was hoping to simply display the fact that the Lord of Glory would incline towards the saint through this simple study, but something much more specific has been observed. Can you see it?

The Lord inclined His ear! He listened to the saint. He took time (I speak as a fool again) to consider the saints concerns and troubles. This was a wonder to the Old Testament saint, a blessing from the hand of God, and a privilege the saint experienced.

How so for us in the church? Do we have this privilege, of the Lord inclining His ear to us?

Oh my friends, we have much more than that. He inclined His life to us, taking on the form of a servant, and was born in our likeness.

He “inclined” totally!

who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. – Philippians 2:6-8 ESV

This is a mystery that is beyond me when I seek to understand it, and rightly so. The very fact that He took time to listen in days of old speaks volumes, for the Old Testament saint did not have a God who was indifferent or standoffish.

How much more for us, in that He not simply listened to the ones he heard, but rubbed shoulders with us, ate with us, walked with us and died for us.

Verse 2 speaks of His deliverance of our lives and a phrase caught my attention as I was a ruminating! He drew me up, “out of the miry bog”

When I first believed, I was so excited about escaping the fires of hell, but not so with the Psalmist. David has a different emphasis in this verse. He does not say He drew me up out of the fiery flames. No no no

The miry bog. A pit of clay. A hole without escape. Not to get too technical, but clay, when wet, has no bearing capacity, in not confined. It is a condition that the more you struggle and fight, the more the clay grabs you, holds you, even consumes you. No hope of escape on your own. A condition of distress, confusion and helplessness.

How often have you been in this condition? All is dark, with no seeming hope and nothing positive on the horizon? This is the condition David recounts as he begins this psalm and speaks of the unilateral help of the only true God in giving us deliverance.

He is the only One active in this set of verses, with the saint being the benefactor, the recipient of the goodness of God.

He is good. Think on these things and praise Him for His many mercies to us!

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Old Testament Messianic Prophecies – Prophecy #189

2022-08-12

The prophecy of the Lord Jesus for our consideration and edification, written centuries prior to His earthly existence is

Prophecy #189

Description

His Character-Wisdom, Knowledge, et al

Old Testament Prophecy

Isaiah 11:2

And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,
    the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
    the Spirit of counsel and might,
    the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

New Testament Fullfillment

Col 2:3

in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

If you are just joining this blog, or are a first time visitor, welcome to Considering the Bible. We would like to offer a document that provides over 350 prophecies of the Messiah found in the Old Testament for your consideration.

351-O.T.-prophecies-fulfilled-in-Jesus-Christ Download

I make no claim to be able to comment on every one of these amazing prophecies in the future, but will occasionally bring one to the readers attention for their edification.

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Conditional Security – Exodus 23:20-22

2022-08-11

To those who have been with me for a time, this is a repost of a previous standalone post from back in March of 2020. I find it to be relevant to the topic and offer it to those who may have joined this blog recently.

My intent with the previous posting was to remind us that the claiming of His friendship had some conditions. Although this is an Old Testament promise, please consider if this truth may be applicable to our standing before Him in our present day.

Exodus 23:20-22
20 “Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared.
21 Pay careful attention to him and obey his voice; do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgression, for my name is in him
22 “But if you carefully obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries.

Being The Lord’s Enemy

The Old Testament seems to always have a special little problem when I read it. But this time, it is not just a little problem. As I was reading Exodus this morning I came across the verse above and it stopped me in my reading for a couple of reasons.

God will be an enemy?

An Enemy Does Not Obey

Many times I have heard or thought myself of how the Lord is on the side of a certain people group. Take for instance in the Old Testament. It was commonly thought (correctly at times) that the people of Israel had God on their side. I suppose that is how it appears, (I hope I am not splitting hairs here) but it seems that is not exactly what is going on here. The initial condition that has to be met is that the people “pay careful attention to him and obey his voice”, “do not rebel against him” and “carefully obey his voice and do all that I say”, THEN God will be an enemy to their enemies, an adversary to their adversaries.

Note that the obedience to the voice of the Lord brings the people into the will and desire of the LORD Himself. The “enemy” here does not gain an adversary in God if the people of God obey God. God’s enemy does not change (unless of course they change into His friends). The people simply join God in having the same enemy.

Is our motivation in obeying God simply to earn a big brother to beat up a personal enemy that may have hurt our feelings or made us cry.

Huh.

An Enemy Is Not Pardoned

What is tarnation is going on with verse 21? “he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him”

I don’t know about you but whenever I hear “my name is in him” I automatically think of a theophany. Also the fact that the one referred to is “an angel”, I want to think it is a preincarnate appearance of the Lord Himself. Usually the Old Testament mentions “the Angel of the Lord” as what is commonly accepted as a theophany – I don’t know. If it is the Lord Himself or a representative (angel), the message is the same.

I fear that sometimes modern nations fall into this wrong-headed thinking. They give lip service to God and call on Him to fight for their nation.

This gives me pause. Why would God do this when the Word clearly describes His nation as a holy nation of saints that is pulled from each nation on earth.

1 Peter 2:9

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:

I suppose judgement must fall on nations who do evil, (and maybe that is the idea of verse 21?), but to think that God is pleased when innocents die in war, or enlisted men are killed simply due to an imaginary line in the sand, this is beyond my understanding. I admit my past desire to see justice after 9/11, but looking back on those days, I see my understanding of God’s will for this planet was wrong.

My Confusion

If someone can explain verse 21 to me, I sho nuff would appreciate it. How could it be said that he (God or God’s messenger) would not pardon their transgressions, when many times the Old Testament clearly states that the Lord Himself is plenteous in mercy

Psalm 86:5

For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.

Ps 86:15

But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.

Ps 103:8

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

It is good to remember His mercy to us as we stumble through this life, through misunderstandings, through fears, through trials and bad decisions.

He is plenteous in mercy, and that draws me to Him. Oh to love Him just a bit more today. Simply for the sake of how wonderful He is.

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Old Testament Messianic Prophecies – Prophecy #188

2022-08-10

The prophecy of the Lord Jesus for our consideration and edification, written centuries prior to His earthly existence is

Prophecy #188

Description

Anointed One by the Spirit

Old Testament Prophecy

Isaiah 11:2

And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,
    the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
    the Spirit of counsel and might,
    the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

New Testament Fullfillment

Matt 3:16-17

And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him;

and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Acts 10:38

how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

If you are just joining this blog, or are a first time visitor, welcome to Considering the Bible. We would like to offer a document that provides over 350 prophecies of the Messiah found in the Old Testament for your consideration.

351-O.T.-prophecies-fulfilled-in-Jesus-Christ Download

I make no claim to be able to comment on every one of these amazing prophecies in the future, but will occasionally bring one to the readers attention for their edification.

Hopefully you will follow “Considering the Bible” and begin an interaction with us

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Signs and Mighty Works of Jesus #2 – Jesus Heals an Official’s Son

2022-08-09

After my series on the parables, I found I was drawn to look into the miracles of Jesus in the Gospels. I have never studies the mighty works of Jesus as a focused effort before and am looking forward to finding nuggets of truth that we can be encouraged by.

I have provided a general introduction, with an opportunity to download two files for your reference in my initial post Signs and Mighty Works of Jesus – Introduction. I found that the format I used for the parable posts were useful to keep me on track, and will continue to use them for this series, with some minor tweaks. With that said, let’s take a look at

Jesus Heals an Official’s Son

John 4:43-54

After the two days he departed for Galilee. (For Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown.) So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast. For they too had gone to the feast. So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Capernaum there was an official whose son was ill. When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. So Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was recovering. So he asked them the hour when he began to get better, and they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” And he himself believed, and all his household. This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee.

General Observations

I have not included the earlier portion of John 4, since it does not directly relate to this second miracle, but the context of the chapter is relevant in relation the Jesus’ remarks to the official. He had just come out of Samaria, where no miracles were performed. No mighty works. No eye popping actions that would excite the surrounding people. None of that. He had revealed Himself to a poor adulterous Samaritan woman, (A Samaritan woman!) and the town eventually came to trust Him as the Savior of the World. This is truly an amazing story, and I will not spend our time rehashing my thoughts. If interested, please see Simple Thoughts – Savior of the World

Questions to Consider

Who were the audience?

Jesus spoke to the official in response to his request, but in verse 47, Jesus said to him (and the surrounding crowd – the “you” in verse 47 is plural!) that the only way to get faith out of these people appears to be miracles.

What a contrast with the dirty Samaritans Jesus had just departed from!

Jesus had performed one miracle in Cana, and that was not a highly publicized one, since it was only known to a select few. Yet the requests began. We have a miracle worker in our midst! What do I need? What can I get?

When did the Lord perform this miracle?

See https://www.bibletimelines.net/timelines/jesus-ministry

Where did the Lord perform this miracle?

See Signs and Mighty Works of Jesus – Introduction for downloadable reference file.

Why did the Lord perform this miracle?

This is a hard question for me since the Lord may granted this miracle for the man, but He also understood His audience, that they were looking for eye candy. This, as we shall see throughout the miracles is a recurring theme.

Those who had the greatest revelation of God in the history of mankind, were the ones who needed the signs and miracle to initiate faith. Paul actually summarizes this condition in 1 Corinthians 1:22

For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, – 1 Corinthians 1:22

The purpose of signs and miracles were discussed in the introduction to this series, and it may be profitable to review occasionally the reasons the miracles were given.

One of the reasons Jesus performed miracles was to extract faith in His words from those who were present. It seems to me He provided miracles throughout His ministry to either fulfill prophecy, directing attention to the person of prophecy hopefully, or to give supporting authority to His words.

The miracles were not an end to themselves. For this particular miracle, no one in the audience “saw” anything. His words were to be believed (which the official claimed) or they were to be ignored. The servants back home saw the fever break, but had no knowledge of the interaction between the official and the Lord.

This statement from the Lord Go; your son will live was all that Jesus provided the official. What did the man do? Did he demand the Master come down, beg for a visual proof, seek some type of validation? It seems the man accepted the words of Jesus.

The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way

The official turned on his heels, and headed home, believing the words of Jesus. He left the crowd, all alone with his faith in the words of Jesus, walking back to his home. The next day, the servants and the official met and the miracle became evident to all. In between his departure from Jesus, and meeting his servants, this official only had the words of Jesus to cling to.

What was the message for the original audience?

The message for the original audience?

Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.

In Texas, where we have lived for the last couple decades, they have a way of defining the size of a group. If I am speaking to one person, I refer to “you”. If I am speaking to more than one person, I would refer to “y’all”. But if I am wanting to include everyone that is listening to my thoughts, I would refer to “all y’all”.

The term “you” in the above passage is the plural, and in the Texas vernacular, would be something like

Unless y’all see signs and wonders y’all will not believe.

Remember that this is spoken amongst the inhabitants of Capernaum, a city that will not fare well in the gospels. Later on in the gospels, Capernaum comes under the Lord’s judgement, even being compared against Sodom and Gomorrah!

And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.” – Mat 11:23-24

This is incredible!

The message to the original audience in Capernaum was one of judgement, of warning. The Messiah had been revealed to the Samaritans though a message only, and immediately after, the Master faced a request for a miracle. Did the Capernaum inhabitants know of the harvest in Samaria? Highly unlikely in my thinking, but that is irrelevant to the response of the Capernaumites. (Is that a word?)

Jesus, in His human understanding, was seeing a pattern emerge (I speak as a fool here!) The Samaritans and Capernaum inhabitants were both in the promised land, and had connections with Moses and the covenant. Both referred to at least portions of the Old Testament for their religious foundation. (The Samaritans seemed to depend only on the first five books of the Law.)

The religious leadership of Israel depended on the whole of the Old Testament, and generally looked down on those Samaritans. The general attitude of the religious leadership in Israel was that the Samaritans were an adulterated bunch of impure, mixed race inhabitants, defiling the land. Only the pure Jew was acceptable to the God of Israel. Only the pure Jew!

How upside down is that?

What is the message for us today?

Are you of a pure faith? Are you doctrinally pure, without error, and exercise a ministry of “debate” on all who do not agree with you. Do you demand proofs before you believe? Do you seek to “help” those who cannot see the truth, claiming you understand the revelation of God.

In other words, do you live in pride? Would you identify with the dirty Samaritans or the pure Jew?

Simple faith is dependent on His words. As mentioned above, as this man walked home, he may have experienced doubt and fears, recalled whispers or mockings as he left the crowd. It was surely a long walk home with his thoughts, and the words of Jesus were all he could depend on. Definitely a good place to be!

Only Jesus’ words!

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Old Testament Messianic Prophecies – Prophecy #187

2022-08-08

The prophecy of the Lord Jesus for our consideration and edification, written centuries prior to His earthly existence is

Prophecy #187

Description

A rod out of Jesse-Son of Jesse

Old Testament Prophecy

Isaiah 11:1

There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.

New Testament Fullfillment

Luke 3:23-32

Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli,

the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph,

the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai,

the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda,

the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri,

the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er,

the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi,

the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim,

the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David,

the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Sala, the son of Nahshon,

If you are just joining this blog, or are a first time visitor, welcome to Considering the Bible. We would like to offer a document that provides over 350 prophecies of the Messiah found in the Old Testament for your consideration.

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I make no claim to be able to comment on every one of these amazing prophecies in the future, but will occasionally bring one to the readers attention for their edification.

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Traditions – 4

2022-08-07

In our last post on Traditions, we suggested that the apostle Paul referred to “traditions” in the beginning of the 11th chapter of 1 Corinthians, and to the

Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you. – 1 Corinthians 11:2

Fifteen verses later, the apostle writes

But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. – 1Co 11:17 ESV

Paul commended the church for “maintaining the traditions”, yet needed to correct the Corinthians in the understanding of the head covering practice (tradition), and with regards to the Lord’s supper, he does not commend them (I do not commend you).

So Paul, when you say the church is maintaining the traditions in verse 2, I am beginning to wonder if you are referring to other traditions beyond the two you speak of in this chapter. Both the head coverings and the Lord Supper is requiring correction.

Is “to maintain” a polite way of saying the Christian church is keeping all the traditions alive with some correction needed in two of them? Is Paul speaking with grace towards this church, seeking to find something good to speak of prior to correcting them?

Nevertheless, we enter into the second tradition that many churches classify as an ordinance. The Lord’s Supper will be the subject of this post.

But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not. – 1 Corinthians 11:17-22 ESV

Divisions in the church. Paul’s first concerns in dealing with the Lord’s Supper is unity in the Body. Paul does not address what may be a fevered discussion in you church, whether you have wine of grape juice, leavened or unleavened bread, one cup or many cups, once a week or quarterly, beginning of the service or end of the service. The arguments go on ad nauseum, and prove the very point of the apostle. He called this church immature, and detailed numerous problems throughout this letter, exposing their childishness.

Of course this immaturity is what causes divisions, and Paul understands this better than most, but again, he is looking for something amongst the mess to speak well of. Check out verse 19, where the factions in the church actually expose the mature members, the genuine followers.

there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized

He finds some glimmer of reality in this debauched church, but immediately corrects the body, staing the divisions they live in expose the churches intentions, for in their actions they expose what they want, what they are looking to enjoy during the Lord’s Supper. Satisfying their gluttony. Serving their self. I have wondered in the past that the ones who are genuine, who are recognized, are the same group who Paul later on speaks of going hungry, and are humiliated during the Lord’s supper in having nothing.

Might this teaching of division have more to do with class structure as opposed to a doctrinal difference?

But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. – 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 ESV

Paul gives a history lesson, providing what the apostles must have supplied him, as the Lord established this tradition amongst His followers. So many things to consider in this passage, but I need to focus on the tradition topic within the church for this blog. Notice this practice/tradition/ordinance is to be practiced until He comes. No mention of scheduled rules or cycles to practice this tradition. This eating and drinking had a purpose, that is to proclaim the Lord’s death. The eating and drinking was not to provide an opportunity to gorge my appetite.

In every church I have ever attended, the opportunity to gorge my appetite has been completely removed. Usually a portion of a cracker and a few drops of grape juice are provided in a structured environment, controlled by sober men with deliberate actions in front of the group. This is not what I seem to read in this passage. It seems the Corinthians, in exercising this tradition, were coming together for what appears to be more like a pot luck with the body, as opposed to a structured ceremony.

Could this tradition be more about sharing of our goods, of providing a meal, of breaking bread with those we have fellowship with and recognizing the Lord’s death as opposed to a ceremony?

But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world. So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another– if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home–so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come. – 1 Corinthians 11:27-34

When the Corinthians came together to remember the Lord’s death, was it with an attitude of self serving gluttony, or with a proper reflection of the self giving sacrifice of the Lord in His death?

Jesus gave. We consume.

When Paul speaks verse 29, I am torn as to whether he speaks of the Lord’s body (Jesus physical body in the heavens) or the Lord’s body (Jesus mystical body, the church)

For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.

But Carl – read the passage. Paul speaks of “the body”. Not necessarily the Lord’s body, i.e. as some may have thought of earlier, thinking Paul is speaking of the Lord’s physical body in the heavens, the body that was broken and torn for our salvation.

I sense that Paul’s primary concern in this tradition is the unity of the group, unity of the body of believers. The body he speaks of is the church itself.

Love the body, in practical ways. Be harsh on yourself in your self judgement, and gracious to those who also trust in the living God. Wait for your brother. Satisfy your cravings in private in order to serve your brother in public. Don’t bring judgement to the church.

Give – don’t consume.

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Psalms for Psome – Ps 39.04

2022-08-06

Don’t you love it when, after years of reading the “Old Book” passages become alive, reinforcing old teachings or simply warming your heart. This is the book of Psalms, and it is rich.

I pray I can communicate a portion of the blessing we receive from this wonderful book.

Psalm 39
12 “Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; hold not your peace at my tears! For I am a sojourner with you, a guest, like all my fathers.
13 Look away from me, that I may smile again, before I depart and am no more!”

In our last post on this psalm, we saw that God had given David a stroke or blow that sent David reeling. He begged for this blow to be removed from his life. The reason for this blow upon his life? It appears to have something to do with his tongue, and had incurred the attention of the Lord.

Our passage today is short, but note how David’s prayers are full of gut wrenching emotion. He is pleading for an audience before the King, and is claiming no rights, as a guest, one who is invited and not necessarily earned his right to an audience.

He has confessed that the Lord has muted him, that he is not opening his mouth. This is necessary for discussion! I know this seems obvious but please let me explain my thinking.

I often spend time on conference calls at work and find that much of my time is spent asking to repeat what someone said. Why you ask? Because someone else (sometimes myself) was speaking over him. When two people speak at the same time, no-one gets a clear message out. Both speakers are showing a level of disrespect to the other, and revealing an attitude of superiority. Granted, time crunches and experience of the topic need to be considered in each conversation, but that doesn’t apply to our passage.

The two people interacting in this passage are the Lord of creation, the true King of Israel and His servant David. David has had his mouth closed by the King, and is currently willing to hear the “other side”. We do not hear of the Lord’s response in this Psalm, for this is not the intent of the Psalm.

David is in His proper place for healing at this time. He requests that the Lord look away from him, that is in relation to the blow that he is experiencing, that he may “smile again”. I love this translation, that he may “smile again”, to be cheerful!

It is good to be a believer, for the regular, common experience of the believer is to be cheerful. A thought that is primarily directed to myself, but as my momma used to say, “If the shoe fits, wear it!”

The Lord is good and His ways are perfect.

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Old Testament Messianic Prophecies – Prophecy #186

2022-08-05

The prophecy of the Lord Jesus for our consideration and edification, written centuries prior to His earthly existence is

Prophecy #186

Description

Called a Nazarene-the Branch, Netzer

Old Testament Prophecy

Isaiah 11:1

There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.

New Testament Fullfillment

Matt 2:23

And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.

If you are just joining this blog, or are a first time visitor, welcome to Considering the Bible. We would like to offer a document that provides over 350 prophecies of the Messiah found in the Old Testament for your consideration.

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I make no claim to be able to comment on every one of these amazing prophecies in the future, but will occasionally bring one to the readers attention for their edification.

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Conditional Security – Matthew 24:23-26

2022-08-04

Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. – Mathew 24:23-26 ESV

Security

True security depends on truth. (Duh)

Let me tell you a story of how the great Teacher prophesied of an impossible danger.

A long time ago, in a land far, far away, the great Teacher told His students (disciples) of a danger they were not to worry about. He only had a few days left with them before departing, so instead of giving the students (disciples) information that would directly impact their lives, He decided to share what some saints consider a hypothetical situation that would be misunderstood by the students (disciples) He was speaking to.

Security is found in the Truth

Lead astray, if possible, even the elect? Deceive many believers?

The Lord seems to be directing this warning to His current followers at least. I realize that the last passage could make this a hypothetical situation, but then why give the warning if it was not possible. Could it be that the possibility of being deceived is dependent on the “elect” and not on the Elector?

In other words, if a saint is following, the deception is not possible. Security is experienced in the believer through their faith relationship with the Lord, and God will protect.

Who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. – 1Pe 1:5 ESV

Otherwise, if a believer tends to wander, (by his own choice), the deception is very possible and the security spoken of may be simply self deception.

This is a difficult, scary situation, but sometimes we have to recognize that the King does not appear to be safe, and that at times a challenge may appear to be beyond our hope.

This concept reminds me of the last lines in the chronicles of Narnia, where Susan and the Beaver are speaking of the Great Lion, Aslan

“Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion.” “Ooh” said Susan. “I’d thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion”…”Safe?” said Mr Beaver …”Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”

Whether the Master was speaking to His apostles of their possible falling away, or to us, we are all to cling to Him, to see Him as our only hope, our only salvation, the only One who truly is good in His Royal Bearing and Being.

Trust in Him for He is good. Seek Him in your daily walk and do not turn your heart from Him. Ask for His help, His guidance, His wisdom, His boldness, even as disappointment, discouragement and disillusionment crowds your thoughts and heart. That is when trust becomes real, and when the security has an opportunity be realized

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Old Testament Messianic Prophecies – Prophecy #185

2022-08-03

The prophecy of the Lord Jesus for our consideration and edification, written centuries prior to His earthly existence is

Prophecy #185

Description

No end to his Government, Throne, and Peace

Old Testament Prophecy

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
    to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

New Testament Fullfillment

Luke 1:32-33

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,

and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

If you are just joining this blog, or are a first time visitor, welcome to Considering the Bible. We would like to offer a document that provides over 350 prophecies of the Messiah found in the Old Testament for your consideration.

351-O.T.-prophecies-fulfilled-in-Jesus-Christ Download

I make no claim to be able to comment on every one of these amazing prophecies in the future, but will occasionally bring one to the readers attention for their edification.

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Signs and Mighty Works of Jesus #1 – Jesus Turns Water into Wine

2022-08-02

After my series on the parables, I found I was drawn to look into the miracles of Jesus in the Gospels. I have never studies the mighty works of Jesus as a focused effort before and am looking forward to finding nuggets of truth that we can be encouraged by.

I have provided a general introduction, with an opportunity to download two files for your reference in my initial post Signs and Mighty Works of Jesus – Introduction. I found that the format I used for the parable posts were useful to keep me on track, and will continue to use them for this series, with some minor tweaks.

With that said, let’s take a look at the miracle…

Jesus Turns Water into Wine

John 2:1-11
On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

Questions to Consider

Who were the audience?

All the wedding guests, along with the mother of Jesus and the disciples. And some forgotten people we may chat about later on in the post. Can you guess who I am intentionally forgetting?

When did the Lord perform this miracle?

See https://www.bibletimelines.net/timelines/jesus-ministry

Where did the Lord perform this miracle?

See Signs and Mighty Works of Jesus – Introduction for downloadable reference file.

Why did the Lord perform this miracle?

It may appear that this miracle was spurred on by the Lord’s mother, and her concern for the reputation of the wedding hosts. She requests her Son for assistance, but He rebuffs her.

This must have been a very rare (in my opinion) act for the Son to “refuse” His mother, but the very next thing we read is that He speaks to the servants to resolve the lack. This is where being there, seeing facial expressions and hearing tonal inflections, would provide understanding of the situation.

Did the Son tell His mother this with a smile? Was He surprised by her request? Was He refusing and then changed His mind?

A few versions I have perused actually expand this response from the Son in the following ways.

Jesus saith to her, ‘What — to me and to thee, woman? – John 2:4 YLT

“What does that have to do with you and me, woman? ” Jesus asked. – John 2:4 CSB

Jesus replied, “Woman, why are you saying this to me? – John 2:4 NET

The message I am starting to understand is that this response had to do with Jesus and Mary’s relationship. The miracle was not in response to obeying the mother, as was His way as He grew up in her household.

No, I think Jesus was trying to identify His relationship with His Father in Heaven, in that the miracle, as it states in verse 11, revealed His glory.

This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. – John 2:11 ESV

He was not simply Mary’s son, but the Father’s Son.

What was the message for the original audience?

It appears the miracle was obvious to the disciples, for they believed in Him, as verse 11 speaks, His mother, and one other group, which I mentioned earlier. Have you identified this group?

Verse 9 & 10 shows that the response to the miracle was between the master of the feast and the bridegroom. The text says nothing of anyone approaching Jesus.

….the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” – John 2:9c-10 ESV

What is the message for us today?

Have you identified the forgotten people, those that also understood who performed the miracle, actually took part in the miracle, and watched from behind the scenes?

The servants. Those that are considered below us were the ones who were involved in this miracle. This fact has always amazed me in that Jesus uses the lowly, the humble, those who have no standing in the society. This is a recurring theme through the gospels, and Jesus Himself identifies Himself as lowly and meek.

This is the primary message I find in this first miracle. A quiet, humble walk with the Lord will allow us to experience miracles that others cannot see or experience.

A loud boisterous, attention grabbing “ministry of miracles”, that seems so popular in today’s church, does not seem to align with the first of Jesus miracles, and may provide instruction for us in the proper identification of true miracles today.

Nevertheless, He is good, and to walk with Him, as servants, is a privilege that we do not deserve, providing us opportunities to see His works in our lives and the lives of those around us.

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Signs and Mighty Works of Jesus – Introduction

2022-08-02

After my series on the parables, I found I was drawn back to the gospels to look into the miracles of Jesus. As our introductory post into this topic, I would like to offer some definitions, two downloadable files, and a quick review of why the miracles of Jesus were provided.

Definitions

I found two words that refer to the “miracles” recorded in the New Testament by the Lord Jesus. If you would like to check out the lexicons, get verse lists etc., please use the links provided below.

Our first Greek term is sēmeion, usually translated as miracle or sign. John really likes this term!

A second Greek word dynamis is commonly translated as works, or mighty works and is the default term used to describe what we call a miracle.

Why Miracles were provided?

Why did Jesus perform such signs and mighty works? Well, there are a number of answers to this question, some familiar and some not so much. Consider the following.

To Fulfill Prophecy

This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.” Matthew 8:17

To Give Authority to His Words

And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes. Matthew 7:28-29

But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”–he then said to the paralytic–“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” Matthew 9:6

To Exhibit His Compassion

When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Matthew 14:14

When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” Matthew 8:1-4,

To Believe His Words

If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” John 10:37-38

**Why Miracles were not Provided**

To satisfy a fleshly desire

But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. Matthew 12:39

So Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” John 4:48

File Download

In the following downloadable files, you will find gospel narratives of all the miracles for your records and reference. Also, for your convenience, a pdf is available that supplies the miracles in a table format, following the order of our study.

signs-and-mighty-works-of-jesus-passages Download

signs-and-mighty-works-of-jesus-table Download

I have also found a timeline that is helpful in relation to when the miracles were performed in His ministry. The file may be found at https://www.bibletimelines.net/timelines/jesus-ministry

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Old Testament Messianic Prophecies – Prophecy #184

2022-08-01

The prophecy of the Lord Jesus for our consideration and edification, written centuries prior to His earthly existence is

Prophecy #184

Description

His Character-Just

Old Testament Prophecy

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
    to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

New Testament Fullfillment

John 5:30

“I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.

If you are just joining this blog, or are a first time visitor, welcome to Considering the Bible. We would like to offer a document that provides over 350 prophecies of the Messiah found in the Old Testament for your consideration.

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I make no claim to be able to comment on every one of these amazing prophecies in the future, but will occasionally bring one to the readers attention for their edification.

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Traditions – 3

2022-07-31

In our last two passages in Matthew and Mark, we looked at the corruption of a tradition by the elders. A tradition based on the fifth commandment, relating to honoring your parents. Jesus brought us back to the original authority, and put the religious leaders in their place.

Prior to Jesus rebuke, many may have considered the ongoing tradition of the elders as being an acceptable method of worshipping God. Jesus laid that idea to rest. This leads my suspicious mind to consider whether some of our current practices are actually creating traditions that may be avoiding teaching of the Apostles for the church.

Hopefully we will gain some understanding from the remaining passages that speak of traditions provided to the church.

Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you. – 1 Corinthians 11:2

Ok, so this passage from Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, is commending the Corinthian church that they are maintaining the traditions he had delivered unto the church. A promising start in this study. Interesting that Paul provided a tradition (or multiple traditions) that he expected them to follow. But our question has to be – What were these traditions?

Immediately after this verse, Paul delves into the controversial head covering teaching, which speaks of authority, headship and honor. Fifteen verses later, he speaks of instructions (traditions?) that he does not commend the church for, that is, in their keeping of the Lord’s Supper. At the turn of the page, in the beginning of the next chapter, Paul makes a topical shift to spiritual gifts. Therefore, I would suggest Paul refers to two traditions in chapter 11.

Head Covering

If you have been following this blog, you may remember a post supplied on May 21st, where I provided a link for some teaching on 1 Corinthians 11:13-15. (See Let Me Tell You a Story – Head Coverings). In that post I spoke of my own struggle with this topic of head covering and found some answers in the link provided. Nevertheless, the intent of this post is to consider the tradition Paul handed down to the Corinthian church, what it was, was it cultural and are we to follow this tradition even today.

After the last two posts, where Jesus corrected the religious teachers and brought them back to the original authority, I am fearful of finding some excuse or reason to avoid this teaching. I suppose my concern is that I don’t quite understand this teaching.

Is it a tradition that emphasizes headship and honor, using a culturally accepted practice (long hair on a woman) to indicate submission and honor to her head? Or is it a tradition that is non-cultural, that is every lady in all of the churches worldwide, needs to have a covering in order to honor her head, her husband.

In two verses prior to 1 Corinthians 11:5, where a covering of the wife’s head is referred to, note that the submission of Christ to God is not described “visually”, i.e. with or without a covering on His head.

But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. – 1 Corinthians 11:3

but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven. – 1 Corinthians 11:5

As I mentioned in the linked post above, my family and I attended a brethren chapel for years where this passage was referred to in order to justify coverings on ladies heads while in worship. As a baptist entering into this environment, I had many questions, and struggled with it for quite a while. One fine believer told me that the entire passage made sense when he read the last phrase in the tenth verse.

That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. – 1 Corinthians 11:10

His logic seemed irrefutable. The angels would have no concern for cultural practices, so this practice, that of covering a wife’s head in honor of her husband must be universal and not simply cultural.

This argument was convincing and nearly tipped me into accepting this as God’s intent, until I did a bit of digging and found that “angels” could be translated as messengers and may be simply referring to a company of men attending the church service.

In this passage, headship and authority is the principal theme, and my understanding is that the covering/veil used by the Corinthians was their culturally acceptable manner of displaying who was head and who wasn’t head. A definite order of responsibility (not of worth) is addressed in this passage.

This tradition, of headship, and of displaying the headship within the church has become derelict with our modern Christian lives. The modern church rebels against any hint of a man being the head, and of the woman honoring the husband. A full front attack on manhood has been active for decades, and the church, except for a small minority, has faithfully followed this tempting teaching.

It is a rare family that exercises this tradition, and that has a family order of a male head, with a submissive wife and obedient children. This, I believe is the intent of this tradition Paul speaks of within the church, and it’s natural outflow into all of the believers life.

Now before you claim I am some misogynistic woman hater, please slow down. I love women. I personally have hung out with a lovely person who is a woman for over forty years. She is truly my help meet and my best friend. I would be lost without her. Beyond my biased feelings toward this lady I know, I have also found that that some of the most spiritual people I have met happen to be women.

You see, sometimes folk get confused when dealing with this topic. They think the spirituality of a person is dependent on outward position or visibility. But this is not so! A quiet woman may have more influence with God than some flamboyant “in your face” preacher. Remember we are dealing with the Kingdom of God, a Kingdom that, in the world’s eyes, is completely upside down.

I seem to remember a passage in the word which speaks of the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.

but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. – 1 Peter 3:4

Consider your family order. If you are a man in the family, love your wife, cherish her, team with her, talk with her (not at her!) and give yourself for her. Lead her into godly decisions and encourage her.

If you are a lady who seeks to honor God, honor your husband. Give him the freedom to make mistakes, support him when you “know” he is wrong. Discuss the issues with him, and trust God in your husbands discussions. (Yelling “I told you so” is not a godly action!) Don’t emasculate him! He desperately needs your support! And, by the way, the Lord is looking for a gentle and quiet (not a forceful and argumentative) spirit in supporting your mate.

As an aside, and for your reference, I am supplying a few verses of Paul’s teaching regarding headship. It may be of some use in helping you understand the apostles teaching, and in defending the order of headship (authority and accountability) within a church, and a family.

Head of every woman is man

But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. – 1 Corinthians 11:3

Woman is the glory of man

For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. – 1 Corinthians 11:7

Woman was created from the man

For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. – 1 Corinthians 11:8

Woman was created for the man

Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. – 1 Corinthians 11:9

As mentioned in the beginning of this post, I believe the apostle addresses two traditions for the church in this chapter, and since I am a bit long in the tooth with this post, will defer to the next one to discuss the Lord’s Supper as a tradition

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Psalms for Psome – Ps 39.03

2022-07-30

Psalm 39 is a psalm of confession, including an appeal to God’s eternality in considering our existence, our time on this earth as being nothing.

In our last post on Psalm 39, I sought to understand David’s poetical language describing his existence in relation to God’s existence.

When comparing any time unit, whether 10 seconds or 50,000,000 millennium, the result is the same. Time is insignificant since the comparison is somewhat ridiculous. Be that as it may, David compared and walked away beat up.

As I thought on it, trying to understand David’s thoughts, I also came away feeling a bit hopeless, somewhat out of sync. As you many remember, I brought a New Testament passage into the study to try to find some balance, and thankfully it was helpful.

But as I consider these portions of the Psalms, I need to read the psalm as a whole, for David’s reaction to his previous writing had produced in him the same hopelessness I expressed above, and yet he continues with the following.

7 “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.
8 Deliver me from all my transgressions. Do not make me the scorn of the fool!
9 I am mute; I do not open my mouth, for it is you who have done it.
10 Remove your stroke from me; I am spent by the hostility of your hand.
11 When you discipline a man with rebukes for sin, you consume like a moth what is dear to him; surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah

For what do I wait? Waiting speaks of a time element, and David does not condemn this action of waiting. It is not wasted effort as we may assume from the previous passage, where he talks of the futility of our efforts and the fruit of our work passing to those we know not.

This waiting is for a specific action, and the waiting is required due to David’s hope being in God. His hope is not in his own efforts, that is in restraining his heart from expressing his thoughts, his tongue from wagging and flopping in front of his enemies!

Our first few verses in this psalm spoke of David’s effort to “shut up” in front of his enemies. God has accomplished this fruit in David’s life. It seems this “muteness” God accomplished in David’s life may be associated with a stroke from God, a hostility of God’s hand.

This stroke, or blow from God is sometimes associated in the Old Testament with leprosy, although in this instance, I believe David is using the term metaphorically. David is expressing God’s solution to his “yapping” problem as an affliction or a wound, what we may consider as a trial or testing.

This stroke is also described as a “hostility” of God’s hand. This term hostility is used only once in the Word and it also describes a “blow”, and includes a thought of contention or conflict.

David begs for this stroke to be removed, he is under a trial that is teaching, no accomplishing its intended effects, yet David is begging for it’s removal.

How often have we been under a trial and sought to be out of it? Of course as we request prayers for release from God’s stroke, we are often counselled to rejoice in the trial, and James does exhort us in this manner.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. – James 1:2-3

But note that the passage is training us to rejoice when we meet trials of various kinds, for the sake of the resulting patience that will be produced. To joy for the end result. Is this not similar to the outlook the One who took the ultimate stroke for us? He despised the shame, but since He considered the end result, He took joy.

looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:2

David summarizes the stroke of God on his life by speaking of how God disciplines a man with rebukes. It is good to know that we have a God who cares for us to the point of rebuking us, of disciplining us, of providing a “stroke” upon us to direct us, and to train us.

David again goes poetic, describing the sin that was so dear to him, as a moth consumed. A moth consumed? Some verses translate this phrase as the moth consuming, others as the moth being consumed. I have no idea which is the correct grammatical translation, but the picture of a moth consuming something is clear in my mind.

You see, growing up in our country home, my mother had a cedar closet. Dad built it so she could store her very best blankets and comforters. Remember, that as a Canadian, blankets and comforters were critical possessions in the depth of the January cold!

I remember only once that she opened it while I was with her, and the smell was awesome. All the walls of the closet had unstained, unvarnished cedar lining, and when it opened, the fragrance was almost overpowering.

I occasionally would return to the closet and take a secret woof of the cedar, but my mom wouldn’t have approved. You see, the cedar was installed to keep moths from attacking those precious blankets. If the cedar smell was exhausted, moths would inevitably eat the blankets, slowly destroying it, and given enough time, the blanket would be consumed.

In this passage, David equates God to the moth. God consumes (like a moth) that which is dear to the saint, that which is sin. Slowly, imperceptibly, God is at work, destroying the sin in your life, sometimes through a stroke or blow, as in this passage for David, and sometimes through other means.

Consider this poetic picture the next time you are under a disciplinary action from the Father, for He is seeking to direct our hearts to the only One we should hope in!

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Old Testament Messianic Prophecies – Prophecy #183

2022-07-29

The prophecy of the Lord Jesus for our consideration and edification, written centuries prior to His earthly existence is

Prophecy #183

Description

To establish an everlasting kingdom

Old Testament Prophecy

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
    to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

New Testament Fullfillment

Luke 1:32-33

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,

and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

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I make no claim to be able to comment on every one of these amazing prophecies in the future, but will occasionally bring one to the readers attention for their edification.

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Conditional Security – Hebrews 7:25

2022-07-28

Hebrews 7:25

25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

I would like to look at what seems to be an unassailable eternal security stronghold verse today. My intent is to look at the verse for what it says, in relation to the believers security .

So often I have found that in my zeal to understand the Word that I find “my truth”. What I mean is that I may have an agenda or teaching, and find support for it in the Word. This is a difficult issue to handle, since I am not a blank slate, but I come to the Scriptures with a history, a bias and a weak mind.

With my limitations clearly stated, I still intend to consider how the passage relates to the security of the believer, with an honest mind and open heart.

Conditional or Eternal Security

Is it the authors intent to discuss the eternal security question? Lets consider the phrases in this verse and try to understand what the apostle (or apostolic representative) is trying to say.

He is Able

Roget thesaurus gives me my first clue as to what is being communicated to us as believers. The thesaurus has a definition for “able” as “capable of performing”, “having an innate capacity”, and uses words like capable, competent and strong as synonyms.

Strong’s dictionary is also helpful.

“Able” is the translation of the greek word dunamai, a very familiar greek term for many believers.
G1410, dunamai, Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible: – be able, can (do, + -not), could, may, might, be possible, be of power.

Hopefully, it is obvious to you, as it is to me, that to be able to perform an action does not inform us that the action is being (or even will be) performed! It is simply a description of the capacity of the Messiah, in His office of High Priest. And yet we know He is a loving and merciful God.

Shall we presume that since He has the ability to save to the uttermost, that He will do so independently of all other considerations? Is the eternal security doctrine falling into this trap?

Is there a condition upon which the ability to save to the uttermost becomes reality in a persons life? And is this reality in a persons life that which is the security believers seek?

Coming to God

The condition in this passage is that those that will be saved, must come unto God by Him.

It is important at this point in the study to realize that all verbs in this passage are “present tense” which in the Greek signifies continuous or habitual action, and often reflects a lifestyle.

This speaks volumes when you consider the verb “come” in this text. Those that are being saved, even to the uttermost, are those who come (continuously) to God via the Great High Priest.

This is the condition upon which His abilities to save are released.

But lets consider one more aspect that I found intriguing.

To the Uttermost

When the author is describing the abilities of our Great High Priest, he states that Jesus is able to save “to the uttermost” I have always come away from this verse, wondering what exactly this means and I am glad this study is forcing me to consider it. You see, what I have found is that “to the uttermost” refers to the result of the sanctifying work of God in a believers life.

Uttermost is the English translation of the Greek παντελής (pantelēs). This word speaks of completely, or perfectly, that the action being performed is finished. It is a rare word in the New Testament, used only in Hebrews 7:25 (our verse today) and in Luke 13:11 in a negative sense.

Luke 13:11
And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.

She could in no wise lift herself up. She could not “completely” lift herself up. She couldn’t “finish” standing straight!

If the eternal security teaching is true, then I would have hoped that the previous term would have a time element associated with it. What I mean is that the saving action of our Great High Priest would be perpetual based on my initial coming to Him. Sadly, I am not sure this verse supports such a teaching.

So lets recap

To be able to do something does not necessarily imply action.

The Great High Priest has conditions to be met prior to a saving work being performed.

Those coming to God are described as continuously coming. A lifestyle of coming to God! With each coming, the High Priest is able to save, that is completely save. (I take this to mean in a sanctifying process.)

Praise God.

But I still have a problem!

He Ever Liveth

Lets consider the next phrase – He ever liveth to make intercession. Again the present tense, He is always alive in order to always make intercession.

I suppose at this point I have a question that I am not sure if the verse answers.

Does He make intercession for us since we are His children, or does He make intercession for us as we come to God by Him?

I am not going to loose any sleep over it, since we both know that as believers, we are to constantly seek His favor and help.

It is just so great that He is there when we seek Him. He is Good, and He is able! Let us seek Him.

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Old Testament Messianic Prophecies – Prophecy #182

2022-07-27

The prophecy of the Lord Jesus for our consideration and edification, written centuries prior to His earthly existence is

Prophecy #182

Description

The Prince of Peace, Sar Shalom

Old Testament Prophecy

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon[a] his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called[b]
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace

New Testament Fullfillment

John 16:33

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

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Simple Thoughts – Savior of the World

2022-07-26

Occasionally I will be dwelling on a verse or passage, ruminating on the message, (or to be honest, wandering off into some undisciplined daydreaming), and the Lord will bless me with a truth that is so obvious, so fresh and such a blessing that I just want to share it with you.

Such is the following passage, for as I was on my way to work this morning, this passage below opened up a bit to me. The truth is a well known doctrine, one that is so well known that is seems to be, I don’t know how to express it without being a complete loser, but that seems so much as “ho hum”, that is so “whatever”.

Let’s read the passage and then I hope I can explain myself.

Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”

John 4:39-42 ESV

Many who have known of the Lord’s mercies mentally would give assent to this teaching, that is that Jesus is the Savior of the world, but with various exceptions that I have no intention of entering into. What I would like to consider is the context this statement was made in.

Jesus is in Samaria, where the religious elite, dag nab it, even the average Jew would not consider venturing into. No self respecting Jew would cross Samaria to get to the other side of the area, nor would they help a looser Samaritan, or even visit the depicable people for any reason. The Samaritan dirt was exceptionally dirty! The Samaritans were considered spiritual apostates of the worst kind, those who mixed idolatry with Moses. Horrible people in the eyes of the spiritually superior. Just horrible

But Jesus…

Jesus ventured into this dark territory risking the shame of it all, associating with those who were not worthy.

Jesus ventured into this area and had the audacity to speak to a Samaritan, and not only to speak to a Samaritan, but a Samaritan woman, and adulterous Samaritan woman. The passage tells the story of Jesus confronting the woman with His identity, and with her sin (which is a result of understanding who He is!) And although He is the only One who has authority to judge and condemn, He freely speaks with her, is inviting to her and challenges her in her decisions. Some of the statements He provides to this dirty rotten sinner are absolutely mind blowing.

He tells her He is the Christ (John 4:26). The disciples were not given this direct of truth yet. This is the first time Jesus reveals His deity in the Gospels so clearly.

Eventually, the woman succumbs to the truth, believes who she is talking to, and runs off to the villagers she has lived with. Or should I say she has existed with, since I understand she was not a pillar of the community, but likely considered a bit of an outcast, a used up woman of little worth.

And she told the men. A woman speaking the gospel to men. (Remind you of any other time women carried good news to men?)

Such is the story I was listening to prior to the passage above. The Samaritan men believe this woman (small miracle!), and venture out to the well to see this spectacle.

Upon hearing the Messiah for themselves, many believed, and begged Him to remain in dirty ol’ Samaria. He stayed. He actually stayed with these dirty folk. And these dirty Samaritans spoke to the woman, saying…

we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world

Note that these unlearned, unschooled, spiritually dumb, deaf and dead sinners broke forth with a statement that many of the apostles would not catch for years to come. Those dirty Samaritans didn’t claim He was the Savior of the Jews, or King of the Jews.

No no no.

He is the Savior of the World.

The WORLD, my friends. In the Greek, it is the term kosmos, and includes the following meanings in the New Testament.

an apt and harmonious arrangement or constitution, order, government
ornament, decoration, adornment, i.e. the arrangement of the stars, ‘the heavenly hosts’, as the ornament of the heavens. 1 Pet. 3:3
the world, the universe
the circle of the earth, the earth
the inhabitants of the earth, men, the human family
the ungodly multitude; the whole mass of men alienated from God, and therefore hostile to the cause of Christ
world affairs, the aggregate of things earthly
1. the whole circle of earthly goods, endowments riches, advantages, pleasures, etc, which although hollow and frail and fleeting, stir desire, seduce from God and are obstacles to the cause of Christ
any aggregate or general collection of particulars of any sort
1. the Gentiles as contrasted to the Jews (Rom. 11:12 etc)

Now I don’t want to make this into a word study, other than for the sake of making my point. Notice that this term is spoken of in reference to the inhabitants of the earth (5), the ungodly multitude (6), even to the gentiles as contrasted with the Jews(8).

As I wander through the Word, I trip over areas that reveal the lifting up of the humble, and the tearing down of the proud. I think this is a prime example of this principal.

Those of the pure religion rubbed shoulders with the Holy One, listened to Him as a young man in the temple, watched His life blossom and exhibit wisdom they could not refute. Blinded by their religious superiority, they eventually condemned the Righteous One to death.

No so with those who had nothing to loose. Those who were outcasts, servants, the poor, sinners of the worst kind. These were drawn to Him, many sought Him out, and many were given revelations many of us in the modern church just accept without any wonder or amazement.

This is a sad commentary of where I am in my walk with Him.

Humble yourselves before the Lord. Do not let theology blind you to the God of all creation. Do not let religious faithfulness create a pride that plugs the ears.

God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble

I wanna be a bit more like these dirty Samaritans, for they understood Him to be the Savior of the World!

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Old Testament Messianic Prophecies – Prophecy #181

2022-07-25

The prophecy of the Lord Jesus for our consideration and edification, written centuries prior to His earthly existence is

Prophecy #181

Description

The Everlasting Father, Avi Adth

Old Testament Prophecy

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon[a] his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called[b]
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace

New Testament Fullfillment

John 8:58

Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

John 10:30

I and the Father are one.”

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General Observations

Questions to Consider

Who were the audience?

When did the Lord perform this miracle?

Where did the Lord perform this miracle?

Why did the Lord perform this miracle?

What was the message for the original audience?

What is the message for us today?

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Being The Lord’s Enemy

An Enemy Does Not Obey

An Enemy Is Not Pardoned

My Confusion

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General Observations

Questions to Consider

Who were the audience?

When did the Lord perform this miracle?

Where did the Lord perform this miracle?

Why did the Lord perform this miracle?

What was the message for the original audience?

What is the message for us today?

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Questions to Consider

Who were the audience?

When did the Lord perform this miracle?

Where did the Lord perform this miracle?

Why did the Lord perform this miracle?

What was the message for the original audience?

What is the message for us today?

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Why Miracles were provided?

Why Miracles were not Provided

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Conditional or Eternal Security

He is Able

Coming to God

To the Uttermost

He Ever Liveth

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**Why Miracles were not Provided**