Months, maybe years, had passed since Solomon's prayer of dedication. Several other building projects were completed after the Temple. After all this time, God told Solomon that He had heard his prayer. How often do we look for immediate answers to our prayers and, when nothing happens, we wonder if God heard us? God does hear, and He will provide for us, but we must trust that He will answer at the proper time.
In Chapter 6, Solomon asked God to make provisions for the people when they sinned. God answered with four conditions for forgiveness: (1) humble yourself by admitting your sins, (2) pray to God asking for forgiveness, seek for God continually, and (4) turn from sinful behavior. True repentance is more than talk - it is changed behavior. Whether we sin individually as a group, or as a nation, following these steps will lead to forgiveness. God will answer our earnest prayers.
When we are in need, there may be no one with whom we can talk, or we maybe afraid to share our need with another person, God assures Solomon, however, that He will not lack assistance when he comes to God in humility, seeking help. God promises to listen to every prayer offered in the right attitude. God is always available.
God plainly set forth certain conditions for Solomon to meet if he wanted the kingdom to continue. If he followed God Solomon and his descendants would prosper: if he did not, he and the nation would be destroyed. In Deuteronomy 27 and 28, these conditions were outlined before all the people. But sin is deceptively attractive, and Solomon eventually turned from God. As a result, his son and heir lost most of his kingdom. Following God brings benefits and rewards (not necessarily material). Turning away from Him brings suffering, punishment, and ultimately destruction. Today, God conditions are just as clear as they were in Solomon's day. Will you choose to obey God and live?
The LORD appeared to Solomon at night. The LORD said, I have heard your prayer, I have chosen this place for myself. It is a temple where sacrifices will be offered.
Suppose I close up the sky and there isn't any rain. Suppose I command locusts to eat up the crops. And I send a plague among my people.
But they make themselves humble in my sight. They pray and look to me. And they turn from their evil ways. Then I will listen to them, from heaven. I will forgive their sin. And I will heal their land. After all, they are my people.
Now my eyes will see them. My ears will pay attention to the prayers they offer in this place.
I have chosen this temple. I have set it apart for myself. My name will be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.
"But you must walk faithfully with me, just as your father David did. Do everything I command you to do. Obey my rules and laws. Then I will set up your royal throne. I made a covenant with your father David to do that. I said to him, You will always have a son from your family line to rule over Israel'.
But suppose all of you turn away from me. You refuse to obey the rules and commands I have given you. And you go off to serve other gods and worship them.
Then I will remove Israel from my land. It is the land I gave them. I will turn my back on this temple. I will do it even though I have set it a part for my Name to be there. God will make all the nations hate it. They will laugh and joke about it.
This temple will become a pile of stones. All those who pass by it will be shocked. They will say, why has the LORD done a thing like this to this land and temple?
People will answer, 'Because they have deserted the LORD. He is the God of their people who lived long ago. He brought them out of Egypt. But they have been holding onto other gods. They've been worshiping them. They have been serving them. That's why the LORD has brought all this horrible trouble on them.
God appeared to Solomon that very night and said, He accepted your prayer; yes, He had chosen this place as a temple for sacrifice, a house of worship. If God ever shut off the locusts to eat the crops or send a plague on His people, Solomon's God-defined, and the people respond by humbling themselves. Praying, seeking God's presence, and turning their backs on their wicked lives, He will be there ready for them: He will listen from heaven, forgive their sins, and restore their land to health. From now on God will be alert day and night to the prayers offered at this place. Believe God, He have chosen and sanctified this Temple that Solomon had built. God's Name was stamped on it forever: and His eyes are on it, and His heart in it always. As for you, if you live in God's presence as his father David lived, pure in heart and action, living the life he had set out for you, attentively obedient to God's guidance and judgments, then God will back Solomon's kingly rule over Israel - make it a sure thing on a sure foundation. The same covenant guarantee God gave to David Solomon's father He will give it to Solomon. Solomon could count on always having a descendant on Israel's throne.
But if Solomon or his sons betray God, ignoring His guidance and judgments, taking up with alien gods by serving and worshiping them, then the guarantee is off: God would wipe Israel right off the map and repudiate this temple Solomon had just sanctified to honor God's Name. And Israel will be nothing but a bad joke among the peoples of the world. And this Temple, splendid as it now is, will become an object of contempt; tourists will shake their heads, saying; What happened here? What's the story behind these ruins? Then they will be told, the people who used to live there betrayed their God, the very God who rescued their ancestors from Egypt; they took up with alien gods, worshiping and serving them.
Scripture reference from The Life Application Bible, The Message Bible and The NIrV Bible
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
God Listens to Obedient Worship - John 9:24-38 - Daily Sunday School Bible Reading
By now the man who had been blind had heard the same questions over and over. He did not know he was healed, but he knew that his life had been miraculously changed, and he was not afraid to tell the truth. You don't need to know all the answers in order to share Christ with others. It is important to tell others how Jesus has changed your life. Then trust that God will use your words.
The man's new faith was severely tested. He was cursed and evicted from the Temple. Persecution may come when you follow Jesus. You may lose friends, you may even lose your life. But no one can ever take away the Eternal Life that Jesus give you.
The longer this man experienced his new life through Christ, the more confident he became in the one who had healed him. He gained not only physical sight but Spiritual sight as he recognized Jesus first as a Prophet than as his Lord. When you turn to Christ, you begin to see him differently. Peter tells us to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." If you want to know more about Jesus, keep walking with Him.
Again the Pharisees called the man who had been blind to come to them. Give glory to God by telling the truth! they said. "We know that the man who healed is a sinner.
He replied, "I don't know if he is a sinner or not. I do know one thing, I was blind, but now I can see!"
Then they asked him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"
He answered, "I have already told you. But you didn't listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become His disciples too?"
Then they began to attack him with their words. They said we are disciples of Moses!
We know that God spoke to Moses. But we don't even know where this follow come from.
The man answered, That is really surprising! You don't know where he come from, and yet He opened my eyes.
We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does what He wants them to do.
Nobody has ever heard of anyone opening the eyes of a person born blind.
If this man had not come from God, He could do nothing.
Then the Pharisees replied, "When you were born, you were already deep in sin. How dare you talk like that to us!" And they threw him out of the synagogue.
Jesus heard that the Pharisees had thrown the man out of the synagogue. When Jesus found him, he said, do you believe in the Son of Man?
Who is He, Sir? The man asked, tell me so I can believe in Him.
Jesus said, You have now seen Him. In fact, He is the one speaking with you.
The the man said, "Lord I believe." And he worshiped Him.
They called the man back a second time - the man who had been blind - and told him. Give credit to God. We know this man is an impostor.
He replied, "I know nothing about that one way or the other. But I know one thing for sure: I was blind ... I now see."
They said, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"
"I've told you over and over and you haven't listened. Why do you want to hear it again? Are you so eager to become His disciples?"
With that they jumped all over him. "You might be a disciple of that man, but we're disciples of Moses. We know for sure that God spoke to Moses. But we have no idea where this man even come from."
The man replied, "This is amazing! You claim to know nothing about Him, but the fact is He opened my eyes! It's well known that God isn't at the beck and call of sinners, but listens carefully to anyone who lives in reverence and does His will. That some one opened the eyes of a man born blind has never been heard of - ever. If this man didn't come from God, he wouldn't be able to do anything."
They said, "You're nothing but dirt! How dare you take that tone with us!" Then they threw him out in the street.
Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and went and found him. He asked him, "do you believe in the Son of Man?"
The man said, point him out to me, Sir, so that I can believe in Him.
Jesus said, "You're looking right at Him. don't you recognize my voice?"
"Master, I believe," the man said, and worshiped Him.
Scripture reference used from The Message Bible, NIrV Bible and Life Application Bible
The man's new faith was severely tested. He was cursed and evicted from the Temple. Persecution may come when you follow Jesus. You may lose friends, you may even lose your life. But no one can ever take away the Eternal Life that Jesus give you.
The longer this man experienced his new life through Christ, the more confident he became in the one who had healed him. He gained not only physical sight but Spiritual sight as he recognized Jesus first as a Prophet than as his Lord. When you turn to Christ, you begin to see him differently. Peter tells us to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." If you want to know more about Jesus, keep walking with Him.
Again the Pharisees called the man who had been blind to come to them. Give glory to God by telling the truth! they said. "We know that the man who healed is a sinner.
He replied, "I don't know if he is a sinner or not. I do know one thing, I was blind, but now I can see!"
Then they asked him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"
He answered, "I have already told you. But you didn't listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become His disciples too?"
Then they began to attack him with their words. They said we are disciples of Moses!
We know that God spoke to Moses. But we don't even know where this follow come from.
The man answered, That is really surprising! You don't know where he come from, and yet He opened my eyes.
We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does what He wants them to do.
Nobody has ever heard of anyone opening the eyes of a person born blind.
If this man had not come from God, He could do nothing.
Then the Pharisees replied, "When you were born, you were already deep in sin. How dare you talk like that to us!" And they threw him out of the synagogue.
Jesus heard that the Pharisees had thrown the man out of the synagogue. When Jesus found him, he said, do you believe in the Son of Man?
Who is He, Sir? The man asked, tell me so I can believe in Him.
Jesus said, You have now seen Him. In fact, He is the one speaking with you.
The the man said, "Lord I believe." And he worshiped Him.
They called the man back a second time - the man who had been blind - and told him. Give credit to God. We know this man is an impostor.
He replied, "I know nothing about that one way or the other. But I know one thing for sure: I was blind ... I now see."
They said, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"
"I've told you over and over and you haven't listened. Why do you want to hear it again? Are you so eager to become His disciples?"
With that they jumped all over him. "You might be a disciple of that man, but we're disciples of Moses. We know for sure that God spoke to Moses. But we have no idea where this man even come from."
The man replied, "This is amazing! You claim to know nothing about Him, but the fact is He opened my eyes! It's well known that God isn't at the beck and call of sinners, but listens carefully to anyone who lives in reverence and does His will. That some one opened the eyes of a man born blind has never been heard of - ever. If this man didn't come from God, he wouldn't be able to do anything."
They said, "You're nothing but dirt! How dare you take that tone with us!" Then they threw him out in the street.
Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and went and found him. He asked him, "do you believe in the Son of Man?"
The man said, point him out to me, Sir, so that I can believe in Him.
Jesus said, "You're looking right at Him. don't you recognize my voice?"
"Master, I believe," the man said, and worshiped Him.
Scripture reference used from The Message Bible, NIrV Bible and Life Application Bible
Monday, April 9, 2018
Solomon Completes The Temple - 2 Chronicles 6:1-11 - Daily Sunday School Reading
As the people received Solomon's blessing, they stood; as Solomon prayed, he knelt. Both standing and kneeling are acts of reverence. Acts of reverence make is feel more worshipful, and they let others see that we are honoring God. When you stand and kneel om Church or at Prayer, let these actions become more than mere forms prescribed by tradition. Instead let them activate your love for God.
It was unusual for a king to kneel before someone else in front of his own people, because kneeling meant submitting to a higher authority. Solomon demonstrated his great love and respected for God by kneeling before him. His action showed that he acknowledged God as the ultimate King and authority, and it encouraged the people to do the same.
Then Solomon said, "Lord, you have said you would live in a dark cloud.
I've built a beautiful temple for you. You can live in it forever.
The whole community of Israel was standing there. The king turned around and gave them his blessing.
Then he said, ""I Praise the Lord. He is the God of Israel. With His mouth he made a promise to my Solomon's father David. With His powerful hands he made it come true, he said.
He brought his people out of Egypt. Since then, a temple for my name has not been built. He have not chosen a city in any tribe of Israel for that purpose. And he have not chosen anyone to be ruler over my people Israel.
But now I have chosen Jerusalem. He will put Solomon name there. And He have chosen David to rule over His people Israel.
With all his heart his father David wanted to do it so the name of God of Israel.
But the LORD spoke to Solomon's father David. He said, with all your heart you wanted to build a temple for His name. His good that David wanted to do that.
But David will not build the temple. Instead, David son will built the temple for God's name. Solomon is David's own flesh and blood.
The LORD has kept the promise He made. Solomon has become the next king after his father David.
Now Solomon is sitting on the throne of Israel. That's exactly what the LORD promised would happen. Solomon built the temple for the Name of the LORD. He is the God of Israel.
The Lord have placed the Ark there. The tablets of the LORD's Covenant are inside it. He made that covenant with the people of Israel. Solomon prays to set the temple Apart to the LORD.
Then Solomon said, God said He would dwell in a cloud,
But Solomon built a temple most splendid, a place for you to live in forever.
The king then turned to face the congregation that had come together and blessed them:
Blessed be God, the God of Israel. Who spoke personally to Solomon's father. Now he has done what he promised when he said, from the day he brought his people Israel up from Israel, he haven't set apart one city among the tribes of Israel in which to build a temple to honor God's name, or chosen one person to be a leader. But now God have chosen both a city and person: Jerusalem for honoring my name and David to lead my people Israel.
Solomon's father David very much wanted to build a temple honoring the name of God, the God of Israel, but God told him, It was good that you wanted to build a temple honoring in my honor - most commendable! But David was not the one to do it. David's son, Solomon will carry on the dynasty, he will build it for God.
And now you see the promise completed. God had done what He said He would do; Solomon had succeeded David his father and now rule Israel; Solomon have built a temple to honor God, the God of Israel, and have secured a place for the Chest that holds the Covenant of God, the Covenant he made with the people of Israel.
Scripture reference used from: The Message, NIrV & Life Application Bible
It was unusual for a king to kneel before someone else in front of his own people, because kneeling meant submitting to a higher authority. Solomon demonstrated his great love and respected for God by kneeling before him. His action showed that he acknowledged God as the ultimate King and authority, and it encouraged the people to do the same.
Then Solomon said, "Lord, you have said you would live in a dark cloud.
I've built a beautiful temple for you. You can live in it forever.
The whole community of Israel was standing there. The king turned around and gave them his blessing.
Then he said, ""I Praise the Lord. He is the God of Israel. With His mouth he made a promise to my Solomon's father David. With His powerful hands he made it come true, he said.
He brought his people out of Egypt. Since then, a temple for my name has not been built. He have not chosen a city in any tribe of Israel for that purpose. And he have not chosen anyone to be ruler over my people Israel.
But now I have chosen Jerusalem. He will put Solomon name there. And He have chosen David to rule over His people Israel.
With all his heart his father David wanted to do it so the name of God of Israel.
But the LORD spoke to Solomon's father David. He said, with all your heart you wanted to build a temple for His name. His good that David wanted to do that.
But David will not build the temple. Instead, David son will built the temple for God's name. Solomon is David's own flesh and blood.
The LORD has kept the promise He made. Solomon has become the next king after his father David.
Now Solomon is sitting on the throne of Israel. That's exactly what the LORD promised would happen. Solomon built the temple for the Name of the LORD. He is the God of Israel.
The Lord have placed the Ark there. The tablets of the LORD's Covenant are inside it. He made that covenant with the people of Israel. Solomon prays to set the temple Apart to the LORD.
Then Solomon said, God said He would dwell in a cloud,
But Solomon built a temple most splendid, a place for you to live in forever.
The king then turned to face the congregation that had come together and blessed them:
Blessed be God, the God of Israel. Who spoke personally to Solomon's father. Now he has done what he promised when he said, from the day he brought his people Israel up from Israel, he haven't set apart one city among the tribes of Israel in which to build a temple to honor God's name, or chosen one person to be a leader. But now God have chosen both a city and person: Jerusalem for honoring my name and David to lead my people Israel.
Solomon's father David very much wanted to build a temple honoring the name of God, the God of Israel, but God told him, It was good that you wanted to build a temple honoring in my honor - most commendable! But David was not the one to do it. David's son, Solomon will carry on the dynasty, he will build it for God.
And now you see the promise completed. God had done what He said He would do; Solomon had succeeded David his father and now rule Israel; Solomon have built a temple to honor God, the God of Israel, and have secured a place for the Chest that holds the Covenant of God, the Covenant he made with the people of Israel.
Scripture reference used from: The Message, NIrV & Life Application Bible
Thursday, April 5, 2018
Jesus and Thomas - Children's Sunday School Lesson - John 20:19-29 - Sunday - 4/8/18
Thomas didn't believe that Jesus was alive. He wanted to see Jesus for himself before he would believe.
Instruct the children to find the missing letters in John 20:28 ... Thomas said to Him, "My _ _ _ _ and My _ _ _ !"
Instruct the children to place bandages on Jesus' sides and red markers to show where the wounds by the nails were in His wrists.
Thomas had to see Jesus before he could believe Jesus was alive. We can believe Jesus is alive even though we've never seen Him because the Bible tells us so.
We can believe Jesus came back to life even though we don't get to see Him like Thomas did.
Again Jesus said, "May peace be with you! The Father has sent me. So now I am sending you." He then breathed on them. He said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven.
Thomas was one of the 12 Disciples. He was also called Didymus. ?He was not with the other Disciples when Jesus came. So they told him, "We have seen the Lord!"
But he said to them, "First I must see the nail marks in His hands. I must put my finger into His side. Only then will I believe."
A week later, Jesus' Disciples were in the house again. Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came in and stood among them. He said, "May peace be with you!"
Then He said to Thomas, "Put your finger here. Reach out your hand and put it in to my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Thomas said to Him, "My Lord and My God!"
Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen me but still have believed.
NIrV May the Faith Be With You Holy Bible @ Zondervan 2017
Instruct the children to find the missing letters in John 20:28 ... Thomas said to Him, "My _ _ _ _ and My _ _ _ !"
Instruct the children to place bandages on Jesus' sides and red markers to show where the wounds by the nails were in His wrists.
Thomas had to see Jesus before he could believe Jesus was alive. We can believe Jesus is alive even though we've never seen Him because the Bible tells us so.
We can believe Jesus came back to life even though we don't get to see Him like Thomas did.
Again Jesus said, "May peace be with you! The Father has sent me. So now I am sending you." He then breathed on them. He said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven.
Thomas was one of the 12 Disciples. He was also called Didymus. ?He was not with the other Disciples when Jesus came. So they told him, "We have seen the Lord!"
But he said to them, "First I must see the nail marks in His hands. I must put my finger into His side. Only then will I believe."
A week later, Jesus' Disciples were in the house again. Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came in and stood among them. He said, "May peace be with you!"
Then He said to Thomas, "Put your finger here. Reach out your hand and put it in to my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Thomas said to Him, "My Lord and My God!"
Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen me but still have believed.
NIrV May the Faith Be With You Holy Bible @ Zondervan 2017
Jesus Is Alive - Children's Sunday School Lesson - John 20:1-12 - Sunday - 4/1/18
The Tomb Is Empty. Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene. Jesus Appears To His Disciples.
Who went to Jesus grave? What did she find? Who spoke to her? What happened to Jesus?
Jesus was God's Son. The Bible says it was impossible for Jesus to stay dead.
Jesus really did die. But He had the power to come back to life because He was God's Son.
Jesus Is Alive.
Acts 2:24 ... But God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him.
Early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb. It was still dark. She saw that the stone had been moved away from the entrance. So she ran to Simon Peter and another disciple. She said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb! We don't know where they have put Him!"
So Peter and the other Disciple started out for the tomb. The other Disciple ran faster than Peter. He reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the stripes of linen lying there. But he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him. He also saw the funeral cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus' head. It was separate from the linen. The Disciples who had reached the tomb first also went inside. He saw and believed. They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.
But Mary stood outside tomb crying. She saw two angels dressed in white. They were seated where Jesus' body had been. One of them was where Jesus' head had been laid. The other sat where His feet had been placed.
They asked her, Woman why are you crying? Who are you looking for?
Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward Him. Then she cried out in the Aramaic language, "Rabboni!" Rabboni means Teacher.
Jesus said, Do not hold on to me. I have not yet ascended to the Father. Instead go to those who believe in me. Tell them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'
Mary Magdalene went to the Disciples with the news. She said, "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that He had said these things to her.
On the evening of that first day of the week, the Disciples were together. They had locked the doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Jesus came in and stood among them. He said, "May peace be with you!" Then He showed them His hands and His side. The Disciples were very happy when they saw the Lord.
Scripture reference used from: NIrV May the Faith Be With You Holy Bible @ Zondervan 2017
Who went to Jesus grave? What did she find? Who spoke to her? What happened to Jesus?
Jesus was God's Son. The Bible says it was impossible for Jesus to stay dead.
Jesus really did die. But He had the power to come back to life because He was God's Son.
Jesus Is Alive.
Acts 2:24 ... But God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him.
Early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb. It was still dark. She saw that the stone had been moved away from the entrance. So she ran to Simon Peter and another disciple. She said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb! We don't know where they have put Him!"
So Peter and the other Disciple started out for the tomb. The other Disciple ran faster than Peter. He reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the stripes of linen lying there. But he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him. He also saw the funeral cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus' head. It was separate from the linen. The Disciples who had reached the tomb first also went inside. He saw and believed. They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.
But Mary stood outside tomb crying. She saw two angels dressed in white. They were seated where Jesus' body had been. One of them was where Jesus' head had been laid. The other sat where His feet had been placed.
They asked her, Woman why are you crying? Who are you looking for?
Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward Him. Then she cried out in the Aramaic language, "Rabboni!" Rabboni means Teacher.
Jesus said, Do not hold on to me. I have not yet ascended to the Father. Instead go to those who believe in me. Tell them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'
Mary Magdalene went to the Disciples with the news. She said, "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that He had said these things to her.
On the evening of that first day of the week, the Disciples were together. They had locked the doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Jesus came in and stood among them. He said, "May peace be with you!" Then He showed them His hands and His side. The Disciples were very happy when they saw the Lord.
Scripture reference used from: NIrV May the Faith Be With You Holy Bible @ Zondervan 2017
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Jesus Tested in the Wilderness - Matthew 4:1-11 - Daily Reading from Sunday School Book
Jesus wasn't tempted in the Temple or at His baptism but in the wilderness where He was tired, alone, and hungry, and thus most vulnerable. Satan often tempts us where we are vulnerable when we are under physical or emotional stress (for example, lonely, tired, weighing big decisions, faced with uncertainly). But Satan also likes to tempt us through our strengths where we are suscepible to pride. We must guard at all times against his attacks.
Satan's temptations focused on three crucial areas: (1) physical desires, (2) possessions and power, and (3) pride. But Jesus did not give in. Hebrews 4:15 says that Jesus was in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin. "He knows firsthand what we are experiencing and he is willing and able to help us in our struggles. When you are tempted, turn to Him for strength.
Angels, like these who ministered to Jesus, have a significant role as God's messengers. These spiritual beings were involved in Jesus like on earth by (1) announcing his birth to Mary, (2) reassuring Joseph, (3) naming Jesus, (4) announcing His birth to the Shepherds, (5) protecting Jesus by sending His family to Egypt, (6) ministering to Him in Gethsemane.
Next Jesus was taken into the wild by the Spirit for the test. The devil was ready to give it. Jesus prepared for the test by fasting forty days and forty nights. That left Him, of course, in a state of hunger, which the devil took advantage of in the first test: "Since you are God's Son, speak the Word that will turn these stones into loaves of bread.
Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: "It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God's mouth.
For the second test the devil took Him to the Holy City. He sat Him on top of the Temple and said, "Since you are God's Son, jump." The devil goaded Him by quoting Psalm 91: "He has placed you in the care of angels. They will catch you so that you won't so much as stub your toe on a stone."
Jesus countered with another citation from Deuteronomy: "Don't dare test the Lord your God."
For the third test, the devil took Him to the peak of a huge mountain. He gestured expansively, pointing out all the earth's kingdoms, how glorious they all were. Then he said, they're yours - lock, and barrel. Just go down on your knees and worship me, and they're yours.
Jesus refusal was curt: "Beat it, Satan." He backed his rebuke his rebuke with a third quotation and only him. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness.
The test was over. The devil left. And in his place, angels! Angels came and took care of Jesus needs.
The Spirit led Jesus into the desert. There the devil tempted Him.
After 40 days and 40 nights of going without eating, Jesus was hungry.
The tempter came to Him. He said, "If you are the Son of God tell these stones to become bread.
Jesus answered, "It is written, 'Man must not live only on bread. He must also live by every Word that come from the mouth of God. (Deuteronomy 8:3)
Then the devil took Jesus to the Holy City. He had Him stand on the highest point of the Temple.
"If you are the Son of God," he said "throw yourself down. It is written, the Lord will command His angels to take good care of you. They will lift you up in their hands. Then you won't trip over a stone.
Jesus answered him, "It is also written, Do not test the Lord your God.
Finally, the devil took Jesus to a very high mountain. He showed Him all the kingdom of the world and their glory.
"If you bow down and worship me," he said, "I will give you all this."
Jesus said to him, "Get away from me, satan! It is written, Worship the Lord your God. He is the only one you should serve." (Deuteronomy 6:13)
Then the devil left Jesus. Angels came and took care of Him.
May The Faith Be With You Holy Bible @ Zondervan 2017; The Message copyright @ 1993,1994,1995,1996,2000,2001,2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, IL 60188 & Life Application Bible @ 1986, 1988, 1989 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189
Satan's temptations focused on three crucial areas: (1) physical desires, (2) possessions and power, and (3) pride. But Jesus did not give in. Hebrews 4:15 says that Jesus was in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin. "He knows firsthand what we are experiencing and he is willing and able to help us in our struggles. When you are tempted, turn to Him for strength.
Angels, like these who ministered to Jesus, have a significant role as God's messengers. These spiritual beings were involved in Jesus like on earth by (1) announcing his birth to Mary, (2) reassuring Joseph, (3) naming Jesus, (4) announcing His birth to the Shepherds, (5) protecting Jesus by sending His family to Egypt, (6) ministering to Him in Gethsemane.
Next Jesus was taken into the wild by the Spirit for the test. The devil was ready to give it. Jesus prepared for the test by fasting forty days and forty nights. That left Him, of course, in a state of hunger, which the devil took advantage of in the first test: "Since you are God's Son, speak the Word that will turn these stones into loaves of bread.
Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: "It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God's mouth.
For the second test the devil took Him to the Holy City. He sat Him on top of the Temple and said, "Since you are God's Son, jump." The devil goaded Him by quoting Psalm 91: "He has placed you in the care of angels. They will catch you so that you won't so much as stub your toe on a stone."
Jesus countered with another citation from Deuteronomy: "Don't dare test the Lord your God."
For the third test, the devil took Him to the peak of a huge mountain. He gestured expansively, pointing out all the earth's kingdoms, how glorious they all were. Then he said, they're yours - lock, and barrel. Just go down on your knees and worship me, and they're yours.
Jesus refusal was curt: "Beat it, Satan." He backed his rebuke his rebuke with a third quotation and only him. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness.
The test was over. The devil left. And in his place, angels! Angels came and took care of Jesus needs.
The Spirit led Jesus into the desert. There the devil tempted Him.
After 40 days and 40 nights of going without eating, Jesus was hungry.
The tempter came to Him. He said, "If you are the Son of God tell these stones to become bread.
Jesus answered, "It is written, 'Man must not live only on bread. He must also live by every Word that come from the mouth of God. (Deuteronomy 8:3)
Then the devil took Jesus to the Holy City. He had Him stand on the highest point of the Temple.
"If you are the Son of God," he said "throw yourself down. It is written, the Lord will command His angels to take good care of you. They will lift you up in their hands. Then you won't trip over a stone.
Jesus answered him, "It is also written, Do not test the Lord your God.
Finally, the devil took Jesus to a very high mountain. He showed Him all the kingdom of the world and their glory.
"If you bow down and worship me," he said, "I will give you all this."
Jesus said to him, "Get away from me, satan! It is written, Worship the Lord your God. He is the only one you should serve." (Deuteronomy 6:13)
Then the devil left Jesus. Angels came and took care of Him.
May The Faith Be With You Holy Bible @ Zondervan 2017; The Message copyright @ 1993,1994,1995,1996,2000,2001,2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, IL 60188 & Life Application Bible @ 1986, 1988, 1989 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Jesus Is Crucified - Children's Sunday School Lesson - Mark 15 - Sunday - 3/25/18
Jesus Is Brought to Pilate. The soldiers make fun of Jesus. Jesus is nailed to the Cross. Jesus dies. Jesus is buried.
This was a terrible, painful, and embarassing way for Jesus to die. Jesus could have rescued Himself. Jesus did not have to let those bad men take His life.
Who did Jesus die for? Why did Jesus die for you and me?
Jesus did not do anything wrong so He didn't deserve to die. Instead, Jesus decided to take the punishment all of us deserve for all the wrong things we have done. Jesus did it because he loves us.
The six hours (9am - 3pm) pm the cross Jesus touched a depth of suffering in body, mind and spirit beyond the stretch of our imagination. Jesus death paid in full the penalty for our sin. Jesus saved us from the death sentence, making possible the free gift of eternal life.
Jesus Words from the Cross:
Luke 23:34 ... Jesus said, "Father, forgive them. They don't know what they are doing." The soldiers divided up his clothes by casting lots.
Reference Scriptures: Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:24; John 19:23; Acts 3:17
Luke 23:43 ... (Jesus word to the thief on the cross beside Him who repented) Jesus answered him, "What I'm about to tell you is true. Today you will be with me in paradise.
John 19:26-27 ... (Jesus commending His mother to John's care) Jesus saw His mother there. Jesus also saw the disciple he loved standing nearby. Jesus said to His mother, "Dear woman, here is your son." From that time on, the disciple took her into his home.
Matthew 27:46 (Mark 15:34) ... About three o'clock, Jesus cried out in a loud voice. He said, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachtani?" This means "My God, my God, why have you deserted me?"
Psalm 22:1 ...My God, my God, why have you deserted me?
Why do you seem so far away when I need you to save me?
Why do you seem so far away that you can't hear my groans?
John 19:28 ... Later, Jesus knew that everything had now been finished. He also knew that what Scripture said must come true. So he said, "I am thirsty."
Reference Scripture ... Psalm 69:21
John 19:30 ... After Jesus drank He said, "It is finished." Then he bowed his head and died.
Reference Scripture ... John 17:4
Luke 23:46 ... Jesus called out in a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my life." After Jesus said this, He took His last breath.
Reference Scripture ... Psalm 31:5; Matthew 27:50; Mark 15:37; John 19:30
Scripture reference used from the New International Readers Version (NIRV May The Faith Be With You Holy Bible) Copyright @ 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. & The New Analytical Bible Dictionary of the Bible, Authorized King James Version, World Bible Publishers, Iowa Falls, Iowa
This was a terrible, painful, and embarassing way for Jesus to die. Jesus could have rescued Himself. Jesus did not have to let those bad men take His life.
Who did Jesus die for? Why did Jesus die for you and me?
Jesus did not do anything wrong so He didn't deserve to die. Instead, Jesus decided to take the punishment all of us deserve for all the wrong things we have done. Jesus did it because he loves us.
The six hours (9am - 3pm) pm the cross Jesus touched a depth of suffering in body, mind and spirit beyond the stretch of our imagination. Jesus death paid in full the penalty for our sin. Jesus saved us from the death sentence, making possible the free gift of eternal life.
Jesus Words from the Cross:
Luke 23:34 ... Jesus said, "Father, forgive them. They don't know what they are doing." The soldiers divided up his clothes by casting lots.
Reference Scriptures: Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:24; John 19:23; Acts 3:17
Luke 23:43 ... (Jesus word to the thief on the cross beside Him who repented) Jesus answered him, "What I'm about to tell you is true. Today you will be with me in paradise.
John 19:26-27 ... (Jesus commending His mother to John's care) Jesus saw His mother there. Jesus also saw the disciple he loved standing nearby. Jesus said to His mother, "Dear woman, here is your son." From that time on, the disciple took her into his home.
Matthew 27:46 (Mark 15:34) ... About three o'clock, Jesus cried out in a loud voice. He said, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachtani?" This means "My God, my God, why have you deserted me?"
Psalm 22:1 ...My God, my God, why have you deserted me?
Why do you seem so far away when I need you to save me?
Why do you seem so far away that you can't hear my groans?
John 19:28 ... Later, Jesus knew that everything had now been finished. He also knew that what Scripture said must come true. So he said, "I am thirsty."
Reference Scripture ... Psalm 69:21
John 19:30 ... After Jesus drank He said, "It is finished." Then he bowed his head and died.
Reference Scripture ... John 17:4
Luke 23:46 ... Jesus called out in a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my life." After Jesus said this, He took His last breath.
Reference Scripture ... Psalm 31:5; Matthew 27:50; Mark 15:37; John 19:30
Scripture reference used from the New International Readers Version (NIRV May The Faith Be With You Holy Bible) Copyright @ 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. & The New Analytical Bible Dictionary of the Bible, Authorized King James Version, World Bible Publishers, Iowa Falls, Iowa
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