Blessed Revelations From God's Word

Learn How Calvary And The Tomb Of Jesus Was

Discovered In 1883 by General Charles Gordon

     Two men named Horatio Spafford and the British General Charles Gordon were influential in discovering Calvary and the tomb of Jesus. Horatio Spafford (1828-1888) who wrote the hymn It Is Well With My Soul decided to move from Chicago, Illinois to Israel and built a home. Mr. Spafford started an American colony in Israel holding weekly church services. 

     One day General Gordon visited Horatio Spafford's home. While sitting on Mr. Spafford's porch, General Gordon noticed a hill to the north of Jerusalem that looked like a skull. He told Horatio Spafford "That hill looks like a skull protruding out of the rubble." The next day General Gordon wrote a letter to his family saying "I think we've found Calvary." Then General Gordon and many men began removing the dirt around Calvary and discovered Golgatha.

     Golgatha is called the place of the skull where Jesus was crucified. The bible tells us that after David slayed the giant Goliath of Gath, David took Goliath's skull to Jerusalem where Jesus would be crucified. 1 Samuel 17:54 says And David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armour in his tent. This is why Calvary is called Golgatha (Gol-Goliath Gatha-of Gath). Jesus was crucified above the skull of the devil Goliath and the foot of Jesus bruised the head of the devil while the devil bruised the heel of Jesus. Look closely at the picture above of Calvary discovered by General Gordon and you will see the skull of Goliath laughing at David before he died. Goliath was a big giant and David took his big head to Jerusalem so Jesus could trample on the head of the devil proclaiming that Jesus' death on the cross has destroyed the devil forever.

     Now after General Gordon discovered Calvary, he said that there has got to be an empty tomb where Jesus was buried near Calvary covered by rubble and dust carved in stone that is empty. After General Gordon cleared the rubble around Calvary, he found a 10 foot by 14 foot tomb carved into solid rock filled with dust and debris. 

     Being convinced that this was the very spot where the body of our Lord Jesus did lie, General Gordon had his men clear the dirt with great care. They gathered all the debris and shipped it to the Great Britain Scientific Association. Every part of the debris was microscopically analyzed. But there was no trace detected of human remains whatsoever. 

No Bone Fragments, No Pieces Of Hair, Nothing But Dirt

Rejoice And Say What The Angel Proclaimed

He Is Not Here: For He Is Risen, As He Said

     Now take a look at the picture above of the tomb of Jesus and notice the crack in the rock six feet above Jesus ' tomb. This crack was caused by the earthquake that rolled away the stone in front of Jesus' tomb. When Jesus was crucified two earthquakes occurred in three days. The first earthquake occurred when Jesus died on the cross and the veil was rent in two from top to bottom. The second earthquake occurred at the tomb of Jesus that rolled away the stone allowing Jesus to rise from the dead and live forevermore. 

     Now take a second look at the picture above of the tomb of Jesus and notice the gully or trough in front of the tomb of Jesus. The trough or gully was dug in the front of Jesus' tomb by Roman soldiers so a stone could be rolled in front of Jesus' tomb to block the entrance. But the stone was rolled away by the angel of the Lord who told the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for his is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

     Today you can travel to Calvary and Jesus' empty tomb in Jerusalem. You can walk inside the empty tomb of Jesus and see a sign posted that says He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Thousands of people have visited Jesus' empty tomb. DL Moody and Charles Spurgeon have preached at the empty tomb of Jesus. And every day there is always someone preaching about Jesus to multitudes of lost sinners trying to win souls at the empty tomb of Jesus. 

     I just had to add this blessed story about the tomb of Jesus. When Jesus was buried in Joseph's tomb, the Father went through the tomb and told Jesus Son you did everything I told you to do. Fold up the napkin and neatly place it in a separate place and get rid of the graveclothes. Here's some new clothes. Now let's get out of here. And Jesus and the Father left the tomb descending to paradise to free the old testament saints and ascending up to paradise heaven (note that paradise is now up because Paul got caught up to the third paradise heaven at 2 Corinthians 12:4). Note that the angel of the Lord didn't roll the stone away for the people to see Jesus but to tell the people that He is not here: for He is risen, as He said (Matthew 28:6).   

Life is short and like a

A thin footprint on a sea lashed shore

The stay of a postman

The glimpse of a passing ship

A quick burst of music down a crowded street

     Time is short on this earth and James 4:14 pictured above says Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. Make the most of your time on this earth and witness about Jesus to multitudes all over this earth. Use this internet to witness to lost souls and win them to the Lord Jesus Christ. 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. Psalm 39:5 says Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.

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 

Pictured Above We See Herman Who Fell Asleep At Church

Herman Placed The Following Note On His Shirt Sleeve For All To Read

Now I lay me down to sleep

The sermon's long, the subjects deep

If he gets through before I awake

Please give me a little shake

What should you do when people fall asleep in the church?

Somebody ought to wake up the preacher.

A preacher told a man to wake up his friend who was sleeping in church

The man told the preacher, "You put him to sleep, you wake him up."

A preacher told little Johnny I'll give you a dime 

if you keep grandpa awake every Sunday in church

Johnny kept grandpa awake for a month but then grandpa slept again

Johnny told the preacher, "Grandpa gave me 15 cents so I let him sleep."

     Don't be like Herman. Wake up, go to church, and stay alert when you listen to any preacher's sermon. 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. Time is moving quickly and only what we do for Jesus will last. Wake up and tell everyone on this earth about our Lord Jesus and win souls everywhere. RG Lee said life moves so fast it's like a thin footprint on a sea lashed shore, the stay of a postman, the glimpse of a passing ship, and a quick burst of music down a crowded street. Make the most of every moment of your life by preaching Jesus everywhere.

     And remember the warning stated at 1 Corinthians 15:33: Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners (in other words don't waste time by texting evil communications on facebook and twitter with cellphones). Notice that in the next verse at 1 Corinthians 15:34 God says that instead of wasting time gossiping with evil communications, get your face out of a cellphone, look around, and Awake to righteousness, and sin not (because there are billions of lost sinners all around us needing to hear about Jesus and get saved); for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

     Lord Jesus strengthen us all to obey Romans 13:11: And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. Let's all obey Jude 22: 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. 

Instead of facebook, put your face in the right book (the bible)

Instead of getting many friends on facebook

Be like Abraham and be a friend of God

God has no cellphone, but I talk to Him

God has no facebook, but He's always my friend

God has no twitter, but I follow Him

Parakletos Proves That Jesus Is God And The Holy Ghost

     For our final revelation today let's compare two bible verses where we see the word parakletos and find that Jesus is God and the Holy Ghost. First we learn that Jesus is our parakletos advocate lawyer at 1 John 2:1 that says My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate (called parakletos) with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

     Now let's compare the second bible verse where parakletos is also called the Comforter Holy Ghost at John 14:26 that says But the Comforter (also called parakletos), which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

     Now like putting the pieces of a puzzle together, let's compare the word parakletos in 1 John 2:1 and John 14:26. We learn that our advocate lawyer Jesus is also God and the Comforter Holy Ghost because parakletos means both advocate and Comforter. Note that when anyone gets saved and receives the Lord Jesus, they also receive the Holy Spirit that is one with the Lord Jesus. 

     Titus 3:5 says Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost (This bible verse says when anyone gets saved they also receive and are renewed with the Holy Ghost). It's wrong teaching when someone tells you that you need to work to get the Holy Spirit after you are saved. 

     And finally note one of God's names called The God And Father of our Lord Jesus Christ proving that Jesus is one with God and Jesus is the Lord God. Take time to read the following bible verses where this blessed name of God appears. Ephesians 1:3 says Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3 says Blessed be the God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort. And finally 1 Peter 1:3 says Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 

     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. 

Where Are You Looking?

     Today, I ask the question Where are you looking? If you look around it's bad; if you look back it's worse; but if you look up and lift up your head to the Lord Jesus, things are looking pretty good. In other words The outlooks bad, the downlooks worse, but the uplook is looking pretty good. And if you have the right uplook, you'll have the right outlook and win souls to Jesus. Our Lord Jesus said at Isaiah 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: For I am God, and there is none else. In other words, look at Jesus who is God crucified daily to be saved all the ends of the earth. It's simple friends; just a look of faith at Jesus crucified on the cross will save you.  Right now, get saved, repent, stop sinning, confess that Jesus is God, and believe the gospel that Jesus died on the cross for you, was buried, and rose again.   

      In the second picture we remember that Moses placed a brasen serpent on a pole for the people to look at to be healed after the serpent devil bit them. All the people had to do was to look by faith at the brasen serpent on the pole to be saved and healed. And Jesus said at John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up (Jesus was lifted up on a cross). In other words Jesus told us to look by faith daily at the cross to receive victory and healing over any trouble. Note that Jesus said at John 12:32-33 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This He said, signifying what death he should die (proving that Jesus was lifted up from the earth when he died on the cross for our sins). The Lord Jesus is saying all you have to do is look by faith at Jesus Christ crucified instead of a brasen serpent on a pole to be saved and healed. 

     And notice that Isaiah 45:22 speaks to all the ends of the earth saying Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: For I am God, and there is none else. This offer of salvation is to the backside of China, to the outpost of Russia, to the North Pole, to the South Pole, to the east, and to the west. No nation or nationality is excluded from God's salvation. Just look by faith with your heart to the Lord Jesus crucified to be saved (not to Allah, Buddah, Gandhi, Confucious, or Muhammad who are all dead). Look to Jesus our God who is alive forevermore to be saved. And notice that the prophet Isaiah said that there is no other God (none else) to save you beside Jesus. Acts 4:12 tells us Neither is there salvation is any other: for there is none other name (Jesus) under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.   

     Remember don't look around to people to get blessed. It's discouraging to look to any person for a blessing. Keep your eyes on Jesus and off the people. 2 Corinthians 10:12 warns us For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. Instead, look up to Jesus your redemption for your blessing. Luke 21:28 pictured above tells us And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up and lift up your heads; for your redemption (Jesus) draweth nigh.

     When anyone says why can't I have the same blessing like my neighbor or coworker and be equally treated it's discouraging. Instead look up to Jesus who can bless you greater than any man. Remember Psalm 75:6 says For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south (this means no man or attorney to the east or west around you and no devil to the south under you can bless you). But God is the judge (north above your head) (All blessings come from our Lord Jesus): He putteth down one, and setteth up another. Be still and let the Lord Jesus fight your battles. Right now say Hebrews 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

     Let's get our eyes off earthly things and look at Jesus saying Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, and not on things on the earth. Right now look up to the hills and when you look up you'll see our Lord Jesus because Psalm 121:1 says I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

     OK, let's join the two pictures above and say Titus 2:12-13  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should "live" soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; "Looking" for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Notice the two quoted words live looking and say I need to live looking for the blessed hope that is the glorious appearing of our Lord Jesus in the air that we will soon see when we are caught up to live with Him in the clouds in the air. Are you rejoicing in this blessed hope? Romans 5:1 tells us to rejoice in this blessed hope saying Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom we also have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in (the blessed) hope of the glory of God (when Jesus appears in the air during the rapture of the saints).

     We should be looking for the Christ and not the antichrist. Most people reject the God who became a man named Jesus and will soon believe a man who claims to be God called the antichrist. Hebrews 12:2 is yet another scripture that tells us to look to Jesus Christ crucified and says Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Look unto Jesus and be blessed because John 6:40 says And this is the will of Him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son (and looks at Jesus crucified by faith), and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

     Like Moses, we should look by faith at our invisible Lord Jesus and not be afraid of our enemies around us. We overcome fear by looking to Jesus Christ crucified that is perfect love. 1 John 4:18 says There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear. Jesus Christ crucified is perfect love that casteth out fear because Jesus is perfect and no greater love is there than when Jesus died on the cross for us (John 15:13). If you look by faith to Jesus crucified when you face your enemies you will not be afraid. Also if you have to speak before large numbers of people, try looking to Jesus Christ crucified and you will not be afraid or nervous because perfect love (Jesus Christ crucified) casts out all fear. 

     And when you look to Jesus Christ crucified it's impossible to think a bad thought because the blood of Jesus blocks the devil from putting any bad thoughts in your head. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought (all bad thoughts) to the obedience of Christ (by seeing the bad thought crucified with Jesus). Try looking to Jesus Christ crucified by faith and I guarantee you that it is impossible to think a bad thought when you see Jesus Christ crucified by faith.

      Greater is He (Jesus) that is within us than he that is in the world. Hebrews 11:27 says By faith he (Moses) forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing Him (Jesus) who is invisible. Today claim Proverbs 28:1 and say The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. I ain't chasin the devil and my enemies, but they run away anyway. Right now rejoice and say Psalm 68:1 Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate Him flee before Him.

      Like Moses, don't look at earthly things that you see but look at Jesus who you don't see and be blessed. 2 Corinthians 4:18 says While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. The things on this earth are temporary and pass away but Jesus and the Word of God are eternal and last forever.

     Instead of the fading riches of this world that we see, choose Jesus and the blessed eternal riches in the kingdom of God that are not seen. We'll be walking on a street of pure gold transparent glass in a jasper city of pure gold clear glass surrounded by the precious rainbow gemstones in the foundation of the kingdom of God living in our own mansions that last forever. And the riches of this earth won't even be remembered when Jesus burns up and destroys this earth with just the brightness of His face before He creates new heavens and a new earth. Isaiah 65:17 says For, behold, I (Jesus) create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. Revelation 20:11 tells us And I saw a great white throne, and Him (Jesus) that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 

     Just look at Jesus Christ crucified and receive the peace that passeth all understanding. It's better to have peace with Jesus when you sleep at night and all through the day than all the money and earthly treasures of this world. Hebrews 2:8 says Thou hast put all things in subjection under His feet. For in that He put all in subjection under Him, He left nothing that is not put under Him. But now we see not yet all things put under Him (Jesus). But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man. In other words it's good enough to just look at Jesus Christ crucified by faith now and soon we will be rewarded when we see the devil and all our enemies placed under our feet. Romans 16:20 says And the God of peace (Jesus) shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

     Take heed to the warning stated at Psalm 101:3: I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes. They asked my friend Billy Mitchell what's worse TV or radio. Billy said TV is worse than radio because the bible mentions the lust of the eyes and not the lust of the ears. If David just heard the pouring of water, he wouldn't have committed adultery with Bathsheba. But David saw Bathsheba bathing with his eyes and committed adultery and killed Bathsheba's husband Uriah. Instead, let's say Psalm 16:8 I have set the Lord (The Word Of God) always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Truly Lord Jesus your Word is Spirit and it is life. Live looking daily to Jesus crucified and the Word of God.

     Isaiah 26:3 promises Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord (Jesus) for ever: for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength (the Hebrew definition of strength is Rock) (In other words the Lord Jesus is the everlasting Rock of Ages). Truly let's claim the promises of Psalm 18:2 and say The Lord (Jesus) is my Rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

     I pray in Jesus name that this bible studies blesses multitudes 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. 

Ahab And David's Reactions To Elijah And Nathan's Rebukes

A TALE OF TWO SINFUL KINGS

AND HOW THEY REACTED TO TWO PROPHET'S REBUKES

AHAB AND ELIJAH, DAVID AND NATHAN

     Let's learn how two kings (Ahab and David) pictured above who sinned reacted to two prophets (Elijah and Nathan) who rebuked their sins. How we react when God corrects our sins by the Word of God determines if we are blessed or cursed. Brother Bob's worst enemy is Brother Bob and I have to decrease and let Jesus increase in my life. When God corrects and chastens us for sin, we should stop sinning and live instead of dying in the pleasure of sin. Hebrews 12:11 says Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. 

     When you are tempted to sin, to live and stop sinning remember the following scriptures. Romans 8:13 says For if you live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Romans 6:23 says For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. When you quote these scriptures you will stop sinning and realize that sin causes death but to live holy with Jesus causes blessings and life. 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.

     First, let's look at Ahab's reaction to a rebuke of his sin. Ahab had his wife Jezebel kill an innocent man named Naboth to acquire his vineyard. Ahab took down a sign that said Naboth's vineyard and replaced it with a sign that said Ahab's acres. 

     Pictured above, one day Ahab was walking proudly with a glint of self satisfaction and unholy gratification through his new vineyard. As he walked, he was surprised to see the prophet Elijah whom he thought had died under a juniper tree afraid of Jezebel's murderous threats. Elijah told Ahab at 1 Kings 21:19 Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? Thus saith the Lord, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.

     Now notice Ahab's response to Elijah's rebuke. 1 Kings 21:20 says And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? Ahab did not repent when Elijah confronted him about his sin of killing an innocent man to obtain his vineyard. Instead 1 Kings 21:25 says But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all things as did the Amorites, whom the Lord cast out before the children of Israel. 

     Now let's compare how David pictured above responded when the prophet Nathan rebuked him for killing an innocent man named Uriah the Hittite to commit adultery with his wife named Bathsheba. King David was sitting on his throne one day when the prophet Nathan showed up. David said Nathan tell me a story because I love your blessed illustrations.

     Nathan told David about two men. One was very wealthy and the other was very poor. The poor man only owned one little ewe lamb and the wealthy man had many flocks of sheep. One day the rich man had his servant take the poor man's little lamb even though he had many flocks of sheep. David told Nathan that this was wrong and he said I'll have this rich man pay fourfold for his sin. Then Nathan pointed his finger at David and said Thou art the man. You had many women but took poor Uriah's wife Bathsheba for yourself and had Uriah killed.

     Now notice David's response to Nathan when he was confronted about his sin. David said unto Nathan at 2 Samuel 12:13 I have sinned against the Lord. This was totally different from Ahab's response to Elijah who said Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? David's reaction to Nathan's rebuke was total repentance that resulted in blessings while Ahab's reaction to Elijah's rebuke was scorn with a desire to continue sinning that resulted in death and trouble.

     Take time to read Proverbs 9:8 pictured above. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. How anyone reacts to God's rebukes from God's Word will determine if they are a scorner or a wise man. 

     David was a wise man who repented and stopped sinning when confronted about his sins by Nathan the prophet. Because David repented God blessed him with a son named Solomon who built a glorious temple unto the Lord. Ahab was a scorner and foolish man who kept sinning when confronted about his sins by Elijah the prophet. Because Ahab scorned Elijah and kept sinning, he died three years later, his body pierced by an arrow in a war chariot where the dogs licked his blood as Elijah had said. David is remembered as a wise man after God's own heart but Ahab is only remembered as a symbol of scorn.

 

     Notice that Ahab and David blamed others for their sins. Ahab blamed his wife Jezebel for killing Naboth to get his vineyard. David sent Uriah himself with a message that condemned him to death by having Joab put him in the front lines of a battle. David blamed Joab for killing Uriah.

     Most people like Ahab and David when confronted about their sins blame others and say it's his fault, it's her fault, it's their fault, it's the preacher's fault, it's the churches fault, or it's my parent's fault. But God says your problems are your fault. Pictured above God says at Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins (and blames others for his or her faults) shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

     When Adam pictured above was confronted about his sin by God, he blamed Eve for his sin. Adam told God at Genesis 3:12 The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 

     A preacher told a story that after Adam and Eve got kicked out of the garden of Eden for sinning and eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, Cain, Abel, and Adam were working one day near the fence surrounding the garden of Eden. Angels were guarding the fence and did not allow them to enter the garden of Eden because of Adam and Eve's sin. 

     Cain asked Adam, Why can't we work in the beautiful garden of Eden instead of working in this world of thorns and thistles by the sweat of our brow? It looks a lot better over there in Eden. Adam put the blame on Eve and replied "Son we can't work in Eden because your mother ate us out of house and home."  

     Next notice Psalm 106:15 pictured above that says And He (God) gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. Ahab got his vineyard but he also got a death sentence from Elijah. David got Bathsheba but he also got a rebuke from Nathan and suffered fourfold vengeance from God. Even though David repented, David suffered fourfold vengeance and lost four sons (Bathsheba's first baby, Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah). David also reaped Ahithophel, the grandfather of Bathsheba, who was Absalom's chief advisor in wickedness and rebellion against David. Ahithophel also died because of his bitterness when Hushai the Archite's counsel was chosen by Absalom instead of Ahithophel's counsel. All this occurred because David sowed to his flesh by committing adultery with Bathsheba.

     Sin has consequences. James 1:15 says Sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. According to Hebrews 11:25 the pleasures of sin are just for a season that cause death. I'd rather deny sin and have pleasures forevermore with Jesus according to Psalm 16:11 that says Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence (Lord Jesus) is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

     Realize that there are deadly consequences for one trifling fancy and one fun night of debauchery. A story was told of a man at a church meeting in a wheelchair that kept saying One night, one night, one night, does this equal one night? When asked by the preacher why he said this, the man replied, Does one night in the arms of a woman of the night equal this loathsome disease? Neighbor think before you sin of the consequences. People can die from aids for one fun night of fornication or sodomy. It's not worth getting a disease that causes death for one night of sinful fun.

     Tell people who like Ahab become proud and try to get rich by sinning and harming others the following bible verses. Proverbs 10:2 says Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death. The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but He casteth away the substance of the wicked. Proverbs 13:11 says Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.

     Psalm 37:16 says A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. Proverbs 15:16 says Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith. Proverbs 16:8 says Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right. In other words it is better to be a blessed poor person with two nickels living in a cardboard shack who fears the Lord Jesus than a troubled wealthy millionaire in an extravagant palace who does not fear the Lord Jesus. The peace of God that passeth all understanding with the Lord Jesus is better than all the money and possessions of this world.    

     Note what Jeremiah said about the little bird called a partridge. The partridge will sit on other bird's eggs and then abandon them. Jeremiah 17:11 says As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; So he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool. Like the partridge, a rich fool can not take his money and possessions with him when he dies. Job 27:8 says For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul? It's better to have Jesus and eternal life in heaven where even the street we walk on is pure gold transparent glass.  

     What have we learned from how Ahab and David reacted to Elijah and Nathan's rebukes about their sins. Ahab got mad at Elijah's rebuke and kept sinning and was cursed. David repented at Nathan's rebuke and got right and got blessed.  Remember how you react to God's rebuke of your sin will determine if you are blessed or cursed. Ahab's reaction to keep sinning equals the eternal consequences of disaster and destruction. David's reaction of repentance and stopping sin equals forgiveness, restoration, and eternal life. There's a price to be paid or a gain to be made depending on how you react to an open rebuke against your sin.

     We should rejoice when God uses His Word to correct and chasten us about sins we are not aware of. If we change our ways and stop sinning after God corrects and chastens us, we will receive blessings for living holy. Take time to read how God loves us as children more than our earthly fathers and chastens us to bless us. 

     Pictured above Hebrews 12:5 says And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children. My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but He for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. 

     I encourage everyone to be blessed and say David's prayer of repentance when confronted about his sins by Nathan at Psalm 51:1. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 

     Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all of mine iniquities. 

     Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with they free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.  

      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.