Don't Tell Jesus To Take A Ticket And Take A Seat

     Let's study several people in the bible who had no time for the Lord Jesus and told Jesus to take a ticket and take a seat. Don't wait to get saved with the Lord Jesus. Get saved, repent, decide to stop sinning, confess that Jesus is God, and believe the gospel that Jesus died on the cross for you, was buried, and rose again. 

     2 Corinthians 6:2 says For He (Jesus) saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. Hebrews 3:7 says Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear His voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation (rebellion), in the day of temptation (testing sent by God to prove one's faithfulness) in the wilderness. Don't put the Lord Jesus off and say Jesus take a ticket and take a seat; I'll get with you at a more convenient season. Jesus does not stand in a line waiting for His turn to see you. When Jesus knocks on your door, open the door and receive the Lord Jesus because one day it might be too late.

     Felix and his wife Drusilla pictured above told Paul that they would consider the Lord Jesus at a more convenient season. Paul's testimony about Jesus made Felix tremble and reason about the righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come. Unfortunately Felix told the Lord Jesus to take a ticket and take a seat. Felix and Drusilla's convenient season to consider Jesus did not happen. Felix and Drusilla probably are in hell for rejecting Jesus. Remaining neutral about Jesus like Felix and Drusilla is a rejection of Jesus. Jesus said at Matthew 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.  

     Drusilla's sisters were Bernice and Miriamne, and Drusilla's brother was Herod Agrippa II who lived with his sister Bernice in an incestuous relationship. Drusilla was the youngest daughter of Herod Agrippa I and Cypros. She married Azizus of Emisa (Syria) at age 14, but was later seduced by Felix and became Felix's third wife.

     Acts 24:24 says After certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. 

     But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix's room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound. Felix imprisoned Paul for two years, hoping for a bribe to release him. Felix delayed getting saved because he loved money more than the Lord Jesus. 1 Timothy 6:10 says For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have errred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Matthew 6:24 says No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

     Don't be like the multitudes of people that delay getting saved with the Lord Jesus. When God calls we better answer and not tell God to take a ticket and take a seat. The bible does not say that God has to wait on us. The bible says that we have to wait on God. Psalm 27:14 says Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Isaiah 40:31 says But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

     Porcius Festus, Agrippa, and Bernice pictured above heard Paul testify about the Lord Jesus. Porcius Festus was the Roman procurator (governor) of Judaea, who succeeded Antonius Felix around 62 AD. Festus inherited Paul's unresolved legal case from Felix. The Jewish leaders quickly sought to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem for trial, intending to ambush and kill him along the way. 

     Festus refused the Jews request and held a hearing for Paul at Caesarea. Although Festus found no crime for Paul worthy of death or imprisonment, he sought to appease the Jewish leaders by asking if Paul would be willing to go to Jerusalem for trial. Paul, a Roman citizen, exercised his right to appeal his case directly to Caesar (who was the Emperor Nero) in Rome, Italy. The name "Caesar" was the title used by the Emperor Nero. The original Augustus Caesar (Octavian) died earlier, in 14 AD, making it chronologically impossible for Paul to have appeared before him. Festus after conferring with his council, honored Paul's request and said at Acts 25:12 Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.

     Before sending Paul to Rome, Festus arranged for King Herod Agrippa II and his sister Bernice to hear Paul's case, hoping to clarify the charges he needed to send to Emperor Nero. King Agrippa (Herod Agrippa II) was the great grandson of Herod the great and a client king of the Roman empire, ruling over territories northeast of Judaea. A client king was a monarch whose rule was dependent on a more powerful state, typically the Roman empire. Agrippa was well versed in Jewish law and customs. Herod Agrippa II and Bernice co-ruled and lived together in an incestuous relationship. Therefore Herod Agrippa II, Bernice, and Drusilla were from the same family and the children of Herod Agrippa I.

     Festus, who was new to the region and perplexed by the religious nature of the charges against Paul, sought Agrippa's counsel on the matter. Paul then presented his case before Festus, Agrippa, and Bernice. During Paul's defense Festus famously interrupted, shouting at Acts 26:24 Paul, thou art beside thyself, much learning doth make thee mad. But he (Paul) said, I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. After the hearing, Agrippa and Festus concluded that Paul was innocent and could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar. This appeal ultimately resulted in Paul being sent to Rome for trial. 

     After King Agrippa heard Paul's testimony about the Lord Jesus, Agrippa told Paul Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. Paul said at Acts 26:27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. Don't be like King Agrippa who was almost persuaded to be a Christian. Almost only counts in horseshoes. Instead let's be fully persuaded and get saved today with Jesus. Romans 14:5 says Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. Be fully persuaded to be a Christian. Get saved, repent, decide to stop sinning, confess that Jesus is God, and believe the gospel that Jesus died on the cross for you, was buried, and rose again.

     Notice the picture above about Esau who sold his birthright for some red pottage. Food was more important to Esau than the Lord Jesus. Genesis 25:29 says And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.

     Esau told Jesus to take a ticket and take a seat. Esau sold his birthright and hope for salvation to his brother Jacob for one morsel of meat and the temporary sinful pleasure of fornication with many women. Esau sinned so much that he crossed a line with God where he could not return to God for salvation. Note the warning at Hebrews 12:16 about Esau that says Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

     In other words the many sins of Esau prevented him from returning to God for salvation. Esau found no place of repentance though he sought it carefully with tears. Esau is in hell because repentance is a requirement to be saved. 2 Corinthians 7:10 says For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. Paul said at Acts 20:20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

     Don't be like Esau and find yourself in a place where you have sinned so much that you can not find repentance and return to God. Stop smoking pot and weed, aborting babies, drinking alcohol all day, fornicating with woman all the time, supporting same sex marriage and transgenderism, and removing prayer and bibles from schools. While there is still time, repent and stop these sins and God will have mercy on you and save you. If you ignore this plea, you will end up like Esau and not find repentance and be lost in torment forever in a burning hell and the lake of fire.

     The rich young ruler pictured above told the Lord Jesus to take a ticket and take a seat. Luke 18:18 says And a certain ruler asked Him (Jesus), saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments. Do not commit adultery. Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. 

     Now when Jesus heard these things, He said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, He said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God.

     The rich young ruler was wrong telling Jesus What good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? Ephesians 2:8 says For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Most people are like the rich young ruler and think that good works will save them. If you ask most people Are you saved? They will reply Yes I was baptized, I'm a good Catholic, I've taken communion, I go to church every Sunday, and I've been a good person and helped thousands with good deeds all my life. 

     Only a few people will give the correct answer saying I'm saved because I repented, decided to stop sinning, confessed that Jesus is God, and believed the gospel that Jesus died on the cross for me, was buried, and rose again. Salvation is in a person Jesus and not in a plan of good works. Only faith in Jesus and not in good works can save you. If we could save ourselves by our good works, Jesus wouldn't even have had to die on the cross of Calvary. Galatians 2:21 says I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Stop trying to save yourself with good works

Quit trying and start trusting in Jesus to save you

     The bible says that the rich young ruler said that he kept the commandments and should be saved. The rich young ruler told Jesus that he obeyed the first nine commandments (didn't steal and honored his parents). But when Jesus told him the last commandment Thou shalt not covet; go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me, the rich young ruler went away sorrowful and did not get saved for he had great possessions.

     Then when the disciples witnessed how the rich young ruler lost salvation, they asked Jesus Who then can be saved? Now rejoice and say the words of Jesus. With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. You can't save yourself by good works but God can save you through faith in the Lord Jesus. Not the blood of Jesus plus water. Not the blood of Jesus plus wafers. Not the blood of Jesus plus works. But it's faith in the blood of Jesus plus nothing that saves. John 3:16 says For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  

     I pray in Jesus name that this bible study blesses multitudes everywhere with great joy, peace and strength. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 746-7071. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day.

Gideon's Blessing By Immediately Obeying Jesus

     Notice the picture above of Gideon threshing wheat by a winepress when an angel appears and tells Gideon "The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour." Gideon was chosen by the Lord Jesus to lead and deliver Israel from the Midianites. Gideon told the angel that he was not a leader because he was poor and the least in his father's house.. But the Lord encouraged Gideon and said "Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man." The Lord Jesus was faithful and blessed Gideon to defeat a multitude of Midianites with only 300 men.

     Like Gideon, anyone with the Lord Jesus can receive peace and victory. Say the following four scriptures and receive peace and victory. Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place. 1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
   
     The story about the above picture is at Judges 6:11 that says And there came an angel of the Lord, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites (note that the Lord Jesus chose Gideon who was afraid and hid his wheat from the Midianites to be the brave leader of Israel).

      Judges 6:12 says And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all His miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? but now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites. 

     Judges 6:14 says And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? And he said unto Him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.

     After the angel appeared to Gideon, the Lord Jesus told Gideon to throw down his father Joash's altar of Baal and cut down the grove (sacred trees and poles for idol worship). Pictured above we see that Gideon immediately obeyed the Lord Jesus, and that same night removed his father's altar of Baal and the grove while he offered a bullock for a burnt sacrifice. Also pictured above we see that the next morning the men of the city were alarmed that Baal was destroyed and sought to kill Gideon. But Gideon's faith in the Lord Jesus saved Gideon's life. Gideon's father Joash spared his son Gideon and told the men of the city that Gideon has a new name Jerubbaal that means let Baal himself plead or contend with Gideon. The false god Baal failed to plead or contend with Gideon, and Jesus spared and preserved Gideon's life.

     The story about the above picture is found at Judges 6:25 and says And it came to pass the same night, that the Lord said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it: And build an altar unto the Lord thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.

     Judges 6:27 says Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the Lord had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night. And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built.

     Judges 6:29 says And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they enquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash has done this thing. Then the men of the city said to Joash, Bring out thy son, that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that was by it. And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him plead for himself, because one hath cast down his altar; Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead (contend) against him, because he hath thrown down his altar.

     Let's be like Gideon and immediately obey any request from our Lord Jesus. Gideon immediately that same night obeyed Jesus' request to remove his father's altar of Baal and grove. As a result, Gideon's life was spared and Jesus blessed Gideon to be a great leader of Israel. Gideon got right with God in one day, tore the altar of Baal down that same night, and was the leader of the whole land the next day. Gideon came from a man hiding in a winepress to a man leading an army and he defeated the Midianites with just 300 men.

     Notice that after God told Gideon to throw down the altar of Baal, Gideon didn't delay for two days, a month, or a year. Gideon immediately got up that same night and threw down his father's altar of Baal and grove. People asked my good friend Pastor Sonny Mull who inspired this writing, Sonny when did you get saved, and Sonny said April 19, 1963. Then they asked, Sonny when did you start preaching, and Sonny said April 19, 1963. Let's be like Sonny and not wait 10 or 20 years to start preaching. If God has called you to preach Jesus, start preaching today.

     Like Gideon, Sonny Mull, and Brother Bob, let's immediately obey Jesus and witness the Lord Jesus everywhere. Tell everyone to get saved, repent, decide to stop sinning, confess that Jesus is God, and believe the gospel that Jesus died on the cross for you, was buried, and rose again.

     Notice the picture above of the Lord Jesus telling a family to follow him while he knocks on the family's door. Are you willing to follow Jesus and leave your entire family that might tell you to deny Jesus? Gideon in our story above followed the Lord Jesus, and when Gideon removed his father's altar of Baal and grove, Gideon said I'm going to do what God told me to do even if my own father forgets me. I'm going to do what God told me to do even if my own community kicks me out. 

     As a result, Gideon's father Joash got saved and defended Gideon by telling the people that they would die if they defended Baal. Also the people of Israel stopped worshipping Baal and an entire nation began serving the Lord Jesus because of one man Gideon's obedience. Finally Gideon became a blessed leader and gave the people freedom from the Midianites.

     Be like Gideon and go all the way with Jesus, even if your entire family and community leaves you. If you follow Jesus and be like Brother Bob who at age 21 left his entire Jewish family (mother, father, aunts, uncles, cousins, and nephews) to serve Jesus, Jesus will bless and keep you alive because Psalm 27:10 says When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. Jesus said at Matthew 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

     Forty two years ago, Brother Bob chose to follow the Lord Jesus and leave his entire Jewish family who wanted Brother Bob to deny Jesus. In 1983 my parents told me to choose Jesus or their money. After I chose Jesus, I was faced with living on the street in 0 degree weather. I called my parents for help and they hung up the phone on me and said Let Jesus help you. As I cried on the cold pavement in a lonely parking lot, I looked up to the Lord Jesus and said Lord Jesus you are all I have left. Everyone has left me, mother, father, family, and even the people of the church. Jesus replied good, now Bobby I can help you. I found out that if I only have the Lord Jesus in this life, Jesus alone can fix any problem. The next day my little brother Dave drove to Columbus, Ohio and gave me a place to stay and the next week I got a job that I worked at for 34 years and then got a blessed retirement pension.

     Choose to follow Jesus, and Jesus will always take care of you and provide all your needs. For 42 years, Brother Bob has always had enough food, clothes, and money for a place to live all provided by Jesus. Jesus took care of Brother Bob for 42 years while his entire Jewish family abandoned Brother Bob. People tell Brother Bob you are a crazy nut for leaving everything in this world and your family for Jesus. Brother Bob replies crazy but happy while he shouts praises for being blessed with Jesus. And because Brother Bob like Gideon showed up for Jesus, Brother Bob's little brother Dave and his entire family got saved.

     Notice also in the story above that because Gideon showed up for Jesus and immediately removed his father's altar of Baal, his whole family got saved when they saw the change in Gideon and joined Gideon while they all served the Lord Jesus. Also when other people saw Gideon's faithful obedience to Jesus, 10 other men jumped in with Gideon and offered to remove the altar of Baal and its grove. Let's all be like Gideon, and when we all lift up the Lord Jesus, other believers will see our faith and follow Jesus and nations will be changed and begin to serve the Lord Jesus.

     My friend Sonny Mull stated that Gideon's sensation by quickly throwing down the altar of Baal created a new dispensation or belief in the Lord Jesus. Gideon in one night brought in a whole new way of doing things. In one night because of Gideon, the people stopped worshipping Baal and started to worship the Lord Jesus. One night changed and blessed a whole nation because of one man Gideon who obeyed God. We need a person in our nations like Gideon not ashamed of Jesus who can also in one night change and bless their nation by speaking out against false religions and beliefs that deny the Lord Jesus and the Word of God.

     For my next picture, notice that only the Lord Jesus can gather together children and parents. Malachi 4:5 says Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. You might say has the spirit of Elijah come to unite the children, fathers, and all generations. Brother Bob answers yes because John the Baptist had the spirit of Elijah and led us all to the Lord Jesus who unites all people of all generations. The Lord Jesus said at John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

     My friend Sonny Mull stated that Gideon and 10 men with 2 bulls (a young and old 7 year old bull) and some ropes removed the altar of Baal. Sonny said an anointed saying when he referred to the young and old 7 year old bulls pulling down the Baal idol, that if the juniors and seniors pull together, we'll throw that Baal down. Only the Lord Jesus can bring together 5 year olds, 15 year olds, 30 year olds, 50 year olds, and 90 year olds. Every generation is divided by worldly fashions and fads, but only the Lord Jesus can bring all ages together.

     The eyes of  the Lord Jesus are running to and fro throughout the whole earth, searching for saints like Gideon who are sensitive to the Spirit and willing to do the will of God to unite nations and people to serve our Lord Jesus. 2 Chronicles 16:9 says For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him. God's eyes found a faithful man named Gideon who was strengthened to remove the altar of Baal and its grove and become a leader who delivered Israel from the Midianites.

     For my final picture today I want to share a testimony about a young girl that got saved and left her entire family to serve Jesus. The little girl's faith was strengthened by 1 Thessalonians 4:16 that says For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

     Note the following blessed testimony from a young girl who like Brother Bob left everything to serve the Lord Jesus. After a young girl got saved, her family kicked her out and said if you don't come back to your native religion, the family will have nothing to do with you. You will not be invited to any of the family's programs, outings, or reunions. You will be dead to us if you don't come back to your native religion. She said I'm sorry, I will not deny my Lord Jesus. The family called this young girl crazy and told her to leave their city. And finally they said if you don't come back to your native religion, you can't be buried in our cemetery. The young girl replied, bury me where you will, but when my blessed Lord Jesus comes back, He'll gather up every part of my body that belongs to Him and transform it into a glorious body and take me to heaven. After she stated this, some of her family members got saved.

     I pray in Jesus name that this bible study blesses multitudes everywhere with great joy, peace, and strength. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 746-7071. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name. 

Receive Gad's Promised Victory

     Let's learn how God blessed the tribe of Gad (called a troop) with victory over any troubles they faced in this world. If  Gad faced the obstacles of steep mountains and swift flowing rivers pictured above, Gad would jump in and cross the river and climb any steep mountain to receive victory and conquer any enemy. 

     I pray in Jesus name that you receive the confidence of Gad to overcome any obstacle or trouble you might face in this world. The Lord Jesus who is the Word of God and represents Gad will give us all victory in every area of our lives if we get saved. Get saved, repent, decide to stop sinning, confess that Jesus is God, and believe the gospel that Jesus died on the cross for you, was buried, and rose again. 2 Corinthians 2:14 says Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place.

     Jacob promised that Gad would at the last overcome if Gad ignored any troubles or persecutions while he served the Lord Jesus. Jacob's blessing given to Gad is listed at Genesis 49:19. Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last. Jacob encouraged his son Gad to always do his best for the Lord Jesus and realize that there is a sure victory with the Lord Jesus over any troubles. Jacob told his son Gad to be confident and that no matter what came against him, Gad would overcome with the Lord Jesus and be victorious at the last.

     Like Gad, you might face troubles and persecutions while you serve the Lord Jesus. But according to the Word of God, Jesus will comfort you, heal you, and give you great peace through any trouble you might face in this world. With the Lord Jesus we always win and overcome any trouble or obstacle in this world. 2 Corinthians 4:8 says We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 6:8 describes christians and says By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

     Remember that when you are persecuted while you witness about Jesus, people are persecuting Jesus and not you. Just rest and allow Jesus to fight your battles. Pray that your enemies repent and stop persecuting you to avoid the wrath of God. Hebrews 10:31 says It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Romans 12:19 says Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine: I will repay, saith the Lord. Romans 8:31 says What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 

     Notice the three pictures above of people looking at a river and mountain to cross, a lion, and a deer that has climbed over many steep mountains to describe the victorious Gadite warriors of the bible. 1 Chronicles 12:8 says And of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David into the hold to the wilderness men of might, and men of war fit for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as the roes (deers) upon the mountains. 2 Chronicles 12:14 says These were the sons of Gad, captains of the host: one of the least was over an hundred, and the greatest over a thousand. These are they that went over Jordan in the first month, when it had overflown all his banks; and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west.

     These scriptures describe Gad as lionlike, swift and sure footed like a deer, able to climb over steep mountainous terrain or jump into and cross over any swelling river like Jordan to defeat any enemy on the other side of a steep mountain or fast moving river. Jeremiah 49:19 describes Gad and says Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong. 2 Samuel 22:34 also describes Gad who is like a sure footed deer to climb any mountain. He maketh my feet like hinds' (deer's) feet (sure footed): and setteth me upon my high places. No obstacle like a steep mountain or an overflowing river prevented Gad from fighting the enemy. I pray in Jesus name all my friends reading this anywhere can be like Gad and receive lionlike courage and the sure footed feet of a deer to climb any mountain with the Lord Jesus and overcome any trouble that they face in this world.

     Jesus said at Mark 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. The Lord Jesus promised us at Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

     Let's be victorious like Gad because with the Lord Jesus Romans 8:37 promises us Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. In Jesus name we are not just conquerors but more than conquerors because the Lord Jesus overcomes all problems in our lives. At birth Gad's mother Zilpah named him a victorious warrior and called Gad a troop at Genesis 30:10. And Zilpah Leah's maid bare Jacob a son, And Leah said, A troop cometh: and she called his name Gad. Like Gad, when christians become born again, the Lord Jesus makes them victorious warriors over any problem in this world.

     Notice that Gad was victorious on two fronts, wining territory eastward and westward. I claim the favour of Gad in Jesus name to all my friends everywhere where the blessings of Jesus will extend eastward and westward while God enlarges our borders, extends our cords, and strengthens our stakes. Isaiah 54:2 says Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes. Lord Jesus bless my friends everywhere with the prayer of Jabez at 1 Chronicles 4:10. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me. And God granted him that which he requested.

     Note the following scriptures that prove that Gad always triumphed with the Lord Jesus over any enemy. 1 Chronicles 5:18 says The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, were 44,760, that went out to war. And they made war with the Hagarites, with Jetur, and Nephish, and Nodab. And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and He was intreated of them; because they put their trust in Him. And they took away their cattle; of their camels 50000, and of sheep 250000, and of asses 2000, and of men 100000. For there fell down many slain, because the war was of God. (Notice that God fought the battle for Gad and gave Gad a great victory. The Lord Jesus will also fight our battles and give us all great victories). And they dwelt in their steads until the captivity.

     Pictured above we see a grandfather taking time to teach his grandson the bible. Let's all be like this grandfather and teach multitudes the goodness of Jesus. Time is so short and only what we do for Jesus will last forever. It seems like yesterday that Brother Bob was 21 and preaching revivals all over Ohio. Now I'm 63 and 42 years just passed by like a second. I'm thankful that the Lord Jesus has given Brother Bob a mind to write this book for Jesus that will always last and bless many people. 

     Brother Bob did not waste away his life but reached half a million people all over this earth with this book for Jesus from a one bedroom apartment in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. I encourage you also to do something for the Lord Jesus and redeem your time on this earth. Only what we do for the Lord Jesus will last. Jesus said at Luke 21:33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

     Colossians 4:5 says Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Ephesians 5:14 says Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly (diligently), not as fools, but as wise. Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Proverbs 27:1 says Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. King Solomon said that when you are alive and well do all you can for the Lord Jesus. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

     Notice that Galatians 6:10 says As we have therefore opportunity (notice when you are alive and well and have opportunity use your time to bless people with the goodness of Jesus), let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Also notice that Jesus told us to occupy, get busy and tell multitudes about the goodness of Jesus. Witness Jesus everywhere. Luke 19:13 says And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy (get busy and tell multitudes about the Lord Jesus) till I come.

     Now is the time to do all we can for our Lord Jesus and win souls to Jesus. Jesus said at John 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. Jesus then told us all at Mark 16:15 Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He hat believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Finally Jude 22 says And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

     I pray in Jesus name that this bible study blesses multitudes everywhere with great joy, peace, and strength. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 746-7071. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name. 

Peaceful Thoughts And Sayings From Jesus

     Let's look at several peaceful sayings that Jesus revealed to Brother Bob this week. For our first thought look at the picture above of the robin and sparrow talking to one another. Notice that birds do not worry and just enjoy the peace of life. Birds have bills but they keep on singing. I pray in Jesus name that all my friends that read this can be like the birds and not worry and enjoy the peace of Jesus daily. I must rewrite the saying above: Said the robin to the sparrow: I don't know why people rush about and worry so? Said the sparrow to the robin: I think it must be that they forgot their Heavenly Father who cares for you and me.

     Like the birds, don't worry about your daily needs in this world. Matthew 10:29 says Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:6 says Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. 

     You might say Brother Bob how do I stop worrying daily and receive peace. The answer is one word Jesus. When the troubles of this world seem to be too much around you, see Jesus crucified with your hearts and commit or give all your troubles to Jesus by faith. I guarantee that you will receive peace from Jesus to overcome any problem facing you in this world when you tell the devil Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ and Revelation 12:11 that the blood of Jesus has overcome you devil and given me victory over all my problems in this world. And after you commit your problems to Jesus, say thank you Lord Jesus for dying for me on the cross of Calvary and giving me peace.

     Remember these scriptures when it seems like the troubles of life overwhelm you. The bible says to walk like Jesus and follow the steps of Jesus to overcome any problem at 1 Peter 2:21 that says For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth. Then 1 Peter 2:23 gives us the way to walk like Jesus to overcome any problem and says Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously. 

     When Brother Bob was persecuted for his walk with Jesus and suffered, like Jesus, I did not threaten, but said Jesus I commit my problems to you. Jesus took away all the hurt that I felt from the persecutions and restored unto me joy, life, and peace. To sum it up, if the troubles of this life are too much, let go and let God. See Jesus crucified by faith with your heart and cast all your worries and fears on the cross with Jesus. Say I am crucified with Jesus Christ and by Jesus' stripes I am healed. Then thank and praise Jesus for removing your troubles. We all need Jesus to live and not die because 1 John 5:12 says He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. Jesus said at John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

     The bible tells us to daily cast our troubles upon Jesus (not just one time) but daily because Jesus cares for us. 1 Peter 5:7 says Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. Philippians 4:6 says Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God (again Jesus tells us to give our problems by faith to Jesus). And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

     For our next thought, Brother Bob wants all my friends in the many nations to receive joy. To receive joy, let's look at each letter of the word joy. J-Jesus is first, O-others second, and Y-yourself last. The bible states this at Matthew 22:37 and says Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Psalm 105:4 also says Seek the Lord, and His strength: seek His face evermore.

     This week Jesus revealed to Brother Bob that we all need to avoid idolatry and place the Lord Jesus first in every area of our lives. You might say Brother Bob I'm not worshipping any idols. The Hebrew definition for idolatry is stubbornness, arrogance, and covetousness (greed to constantly obtain more money and material possessions) that we all need to avoid by daily looking to the Lord Jesus and the Word of God.

     Idolatry is mentioned in the following two bible scriptures: 1 Samuel 15:23 says For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Colossians 3:5 says Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry. I pray in Jesus name we all flee from covetousness, stubbornness, and idolatry. Get saved, repent, decide to stop sinning, confess that Jesus is God, and believe the gospel that Jesus died on the cross for you, was buried, and rose again.  1 John 5:21 says Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. 1 Corinthians 10:14 says Wherefore my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. In other words, flee from gambling casinos where there is idolatry and the covetous greed for money. Flee from the idolatry of slot machines, roulette wheels, blackjack tables, and lottery tickets that involve the covetous greed for money.  

     For our next thought we look at a blessed quote from the great preacher of the 1800s DL Moody that says The bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the bible. This also reminds Brother Bob of another quote that says a praying man will stop sinning, but a sinning man will stop praying. You might say Brother Bob how does the bible stop us from sinning. My answer is that the bible or Word is Jesus who removes the sins of believing christians. 1 John 1:7 says But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. 

     If you feel guilty because of your past sinful life, come to Jesus today and receive abundant mercy where your sins will be forgotten forevermore. Isaiah 55:7 says Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. The blood of Jesus will wash away all your sins and remove all your guilt. Revelation 1:5 says And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto Him (Jesus) that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood. Get saved, repent, decide to stop sinning, confess that Jesus is God, and believe the gospel that Jesus died on the cross for you, was buried, and rose again. Then you can rejoice when you say Romans 8:1: There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

WHEN WE'VE BEEN THERE 10000 YEARS

BRIGHT SHINING AS THE SUN

WE'VE NO LESS DAYS TO SING GOD'S PRAISE

THAN WHEN WE'VE FIRST BEGUN

     For my next blessed thought, I give you a quote above from the blessed hymn amazing grace written in the 1700s by John Newton that says When we've been there 10000 years, bright shining as the sun, we've no less days to sing God's praise, than when we've first begun. The words of this blessed hymn prove that the joy we all receive in heaven will be everlasting. 

     According to the hymn amazing grace even after 10000 years, eternity prevails where saints keep singing God's praises to Jesus while the joy goes on and on forevermore. Brother Bob saw in a vision a saint in heaven saying I've been in heaven as long as I was on earth for 85 years. And the next moment, that same saint said Wow, I've been in heaven with joy as long as the earth was in existence for 5000 years. And this joy with Jesus in heaven that I'm experiencing is just beginning and will go on and on forevermore. Psalm 90:4 says For a thousand years in thy sight (Lord Jesus) are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.

     For my next blessed thought, take time to meditate on the blessed words from a hymn written by Isaac Watts in the 1700s that says in heaven There is a land of pure delight, where saints immortal reign, infinite day excludes the night, and pleasures banish pain. Revelation 21:4 speaks of heaven and says And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Notice that all bad memories of this world will be forgotten and no longer exist in heaven. This is proven by one of Brother Bob's favorite bible verses at Isaiah 65:17 that says For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

     Truly in heaven no night exists and infinite day excludes the night removing darkness forevermore. Revelation 22:5 says And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. Isaiah 60:19 says The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended. Finally, Zechariah 14:7 says But it shall be one day which shall be known to the Lord, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light.

     Heaven truly is a land of pure delight, and Jesus in the Word promises peace and rest in heaven for all saints that trust daily in the Lord Jesus. Psalm 37:37 says Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. Psalm 16:11 says Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Take a look at our Lord Jesus pictured above and be comforted by the words of Jesus at Matthew 25:23 that says His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. According to these scriptures, saints who believe in the Lord Jesus will soon enter a heaven full of the joy and peace of Jesus forevermore.

     For my last picture and thought today, let's look at the blessed words from the hymn swing low sweet chariot. Notice the picture above of a chariot of fire driven by an angel carrying Elijah home to heaven. The blessed words of the hymn swing low sweet chariot say I looked over Jordan and what did I see, coming for to carry me home, A band of angels coming after me, coming for to carry me home. If you get there before I do, coming for to carry me home. Tell all my friends I'm coming too, coming for to carry me home. Like the beggar Lazarus and Elijah pictured above, when saints leave this earth, angels will carry them home to peaceful  heaven with Jesus. This is proven by Luke 16:22 that says And it came to pass, that the beggar (Lazarus) died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom.

     Be comforted friend reading this anywhere because Jesus has many chariots and angels ready to carry all saints that believe in the Lord Jesus to heaven where joy lasts forevermore. Psalm 68:17 says The chariots of God are 20000 (the Hebrew definition for 20000 is myriad, innumerable, and infinite chariots and angels protecting saints), even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place. Just one final thought for today given to Brother Bob about the everlasting life that we all will soon see in heaven. There is so much abundant life in heaven where nothing ever decays or dies that the leaves of the trees will never fall off and the flowers will always be blossoming with a refreshing fragrance in heaven with Jesus.

     I pray in Jesus name that this bible study blesses multitudes everywhere with great joy, peace, and strength. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 746-7071. Till we all meet again soon to lift up the Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name.

How Jesus Responded To Rabshakeh's And Sennacherib's Threats

     Notice in the picture above Rabshakeh mocking and threatening the children of God and King Hezekiah. The children of God with Hezekiah have no weapons to defend themselves against Rabshakeh and his soldiers carrying spears and shields. Rabshakeh fought for the King of Assyria named Sennacherib (defined as sin multiplied) and stated the following threat to King Hezekiah at 2 Kings 18:28 that says Then Rabshakeh stood and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and spake saying, Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria (Sennacherib). Thus saith the king, Let not Hezekiah deceive you: for he shall not be able to deliver you out of his hand: Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the Lord, saying, The Lord will surely deliver us, and this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.

     When someone mocks and threatens you, that person is threatening the Lord Jesus and not you. When Saul (Paul) persecuted the christians in Damascus, Saul was persecuting the Lord Jesus. Jesus told Saul at Acts 9:4 Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he (Saul) said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 

     1 Peter 4:14 says If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified. Notice this bible verse says to always be happy and glorify Jesus while people speak evil about Jesus and not you. This bible study will show you how the Lord Jesus defends his saints from persecutors like Rabshakeh and Sennacherib. Jesus told us at John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you. The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

     Learn to rejoice when an enemy persecutes you because you believe in the Lord Jesus. Leap for joy because Luke 6:22 says Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company; and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. 

     I pray in Jesus name we can have the joy of the apostles, who even after being beaten, always rejoiced and counted it a blessing to suffer shame for the name of Jesus. Acts 5:40 says And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

     Next let's learn who King Sennacherib was and where he lived when he threatened Israel. King Sennacherib lived in Nineveh located in Assyria. Many years earlier, the prophet Jonah told the people of Nineveh to repent and Nineveh was blessed when the king and all the people turned from their wicked ways and lived. 

     Jonah 3:6 says For the word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.

     Sennacherib forgot about this blessed king of Nineveh who lived earlier in Nineveh and chose to live wickedly and threaten Israel. Sennacherib is mentioned at 2 Kings 19 and the prophet Jonah is seen preaching to Nineveh earlier at 2 Kings 14:25 that says He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath (defined as a city of Syria near Nineveh) unto the sea of the plain, according to the word of the Lord God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which was of Gathhepher.

     Notice King Hezekiah's response in the picture above after receiving the threatening letters from Rabshakeh and Sennacherib. King Hezekiah spread out the threatening letters before the Lord Jesus and sought assistance from only the Lord Jesus. Let us all be like King Hezekiah when we are threatened and persecuted because we believe in Jesus and seek assistance from Jesus only. After Hezekiah prayed, the prophet Isaiah was sent to Hezekiah and promised that King Sennacherib would do no harm to Israel.

     The story about Hezekiah's prayer is found at 2 Kings 19:14 and says And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord. And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said, O Lord God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubums, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth. Lord, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, Lord, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib which hath sent him to reproach the living God. Of a truth Lord, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands. And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. Now therefore, O Lord, our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the Lord God, even thou only.

     The Lord Jesus answered king Hezekiah's prayer before he called unto God and had the prophet Isaiah send encouragement to Hezekiah. Like Hezekiah when we present our troubles to the Lord Jesus, Jesus has already heard us, and will give us an answer to solve all our problems. Isaiah 65:24 says And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. Jeremiah 33:3 says Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

     Isaiah's response to King Hezekiah's prayer is recorded at 2 Kings 19:5 and says So the servants of King Hezekiah came to Isaiah. And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say to your master, Thus saith the Lord, Be not afraid of the words which thou hast heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. Behold, I will send a blast (defined as an angry wind of God's breath) upon him, and he shall hear a rumour, and shall return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.

     Notice that the prophet Isaiah told Hezekiah that Sennacherib was blaspheming God and that God would blast Sennacherib. When an enemy blasphemes God, that enemy gets blasted by the Lord Jesus. This is why we need to pray for our enemies to repent to avoid sure destruction from an angry God. Hebrews 10:31 warns us It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

     Now after Hezekiah prayed, Isaiah further encouraged Hezekiah at 2 Kings 19:20 that says Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah saying, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, That which thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard (friends what a comfort to know that like Hezekiah God hears us when we pray). This is the word that the Lord hath spoken concerning him (Sennacherib); The virgin the daughter of Zion hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee. 2 Kings 19:28 says Because thy rage against me and thy tumult is come up into mine ears, therefore I will put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest. In other words according to Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

     Notice that Isaiah encouraged Hezekiah and said you will be laughing when Sennacherib flees to be killed in his own homeland and not place one foot in the land of Israel.  I claim in Jesus name for every christian being persecuted that reads this, that like Hezekiah they will get the last laugh and the best laugh when they see the devil flee from every area of their lives.

     Finally notice the judgment that the prophet Isaiah pronounced against Sennacherib after his evil threats to Israel. 2 Kings 19:22 says Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah proclaimed that Sennacherib was reproaching the Lord Jesus and not Hezekiah. God fought for Israel and that same night 185000 enemies were destroyed by just one angel.

     Whenever christians pray, the Lord Jesus sends angels who are very powerful to fight our battles and always give us the victory over the devil. Because of Hezekiah's prayers, Sennacherib's army of 185000 men was destroyed by only one angel (note that in one night only one angel and not a legion of 6826 angels killed 185000 enemies) and Sennacherib fled to his homeland where his own two sons killed him, while another son took over his throne, while the other two sons escaped to Armenia.

     The story of Sennacherib's defeat pictured above is recorded at 2 Kings 19:35 and says And it came to pass that night (God answered Hezekiah's prayer quickly that same night), that the angel of the Lord went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians 185000: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses. So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh. And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.

     For my last picture today we see a little Jew standing on a sand dune in Israel shaking his fist at the Arabs and telling the Arabs to leave Israel alone. The Arabs said send 10 men to that sand dune and kill that little Jew. After the Arabs heard screaming and hollering on the other side of the sand dune, the little Jew got up again on the sand dune and said I told you Arabs to leave Israel alone. The Arabs then sent 100 men to the sand dune to kill the little Jew and the same result occurred and the little Jew again got up on the sand dune and said I told you Arabs to leave Israel alone. Finally the Arabs said send over an army of 10000 Arabs to silence that little Jew and after more screaming and hollering, two little Arabs climbed the sand dune and said go back go back there's 2 of them. You see God was fighting the battle for the little Jew and the Lord Jesus will always defend little Israel.

     Psalm 122:6 says Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Pray that your country will defend Israel and God will bless your country because Israel is God's country. If you bless Israel and the Jews, you will be blessed. If you curse Israel and the Jews, you will be cursed. Genesis 12:3 says And I will bless them that bless thee (Israel and the Jews), and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. 

     When any nation fights against Israel, that nation fights against God and will lose. Zechariah 12:9 says And it shall come to pass in that day, that I (the Lord Jesus) will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. God will always protect little Israel no matter how many large Arab countries surround and try to conquer Israel. When you get a chance watch the movie against all odds, in search of a miracle and watch how God saved the Israeli soldiers by creating a wind that uncovered thousands of mines in a field, allowing the Israeli soldiers to walk safely through the mines. This movie proves that God defends Israel. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

     The Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and the Romans are gone. But Israel and the Jews remain because Jesus is a Jew and will be king during the kingdom of heaven on this earth for 1000 years during the millennium. Jesus and his saved saints will rule and reign with a rod of iron at Mount Zion in Jerusalem on this earth for 1000 years. Remember when any nation fights against Israel, they fight against God and will lose. 

Click this youtube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh_L82tmm9g

To watch the move Against All Odds In Search Of A Miracle

     I pray in Jesus name that this bible study blesses multitudes everywhere with great joy, peace, and strength. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 746-7071. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name.