Don't Be Excluded

A Story About Four New Fathers

     Before today's lesson, I wanted to tell you a story about four fathers in a hospital waiting room pictured above because their wives were having babies. A nurse tells the first father, Congratulations, you're the father of twins. He answers, that's strange; I work for the Minnesota Twins. Then a nurse tells the second father, Congratulations, you're the father of triplets; He answers, that's odd; I work for the 3M Company. Then a nurse tells the third father, Congratulations, you're the father of quadruplets. He answers, wow, I work for the four seasons hotel. Then the fourth father started saying, Oh no, Oh no, Oh no; Everyone asked what's wrong? He replied, I work for 7 Up. 

     OK, today we look at the parable of the ten virgins pictured above looking for the return of the bridegroom Jesus. Let's learn why five of the foolish virgins were excluded from heaven. Matthew 25 tells us Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins which took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them. But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

     Then Matthew 25:5 says While the bridegroom (Jesus) tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made; Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet Him. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered saying, Not so, lest there be not enough for us and you; but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

     And Matthew 25:10 says And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and they that were ready went in with Him to the marriage, and the door was shut. Afterward, came also the other virgins, saying Lord, Lord, open to us. But He answered and said Verily, I say unto you, I know you not.

     Now why were the foolish virgins excluded from heaven? The five foolish virgins appeared to be pure and virgins ready for Jesus' return. But, the foolish virgins lacked a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus which is required to go to heaven. Salvation is not in a plan; Salvation is in a person named the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said at John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me. Don't be foolish and be excluded from heaven. Right now get saved and repent, make a decision to stop sinning, confess that Jesus is God, and believe daily that Jesus died for you on the cross, was buried, and rose again.

     The foolish virgins were like the church of Sardis pictured above (alive, but dead spiritually). Jesus said to the church of Sardis at Revelation 3:1 I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Today, like the church of Sardis, there are billions of professing foolish virgin so called christians whose outward life and conduct are pretty clean compared to the lost sinners of this world. They appear to be clean and attend church weekly, carry a King James bible, get baptized, sing the songs, and put money in the plate; but they are lost and not saved.

     Today, these billions of lost foolish virgin professing christians attend huge churches that like Sardis are only large mausoleums that are dead spiritually and never preach about Jesus, the blood of Jesus, or the cross of our Lord Jesus. The only thing you hear at these dead mausoleums is that God loves you and if you give me your money you will be blessed. These spiritually dead churches have forgotten to preach about repentance and that the only way to overcome the devil is by the blood of the Lamb (our Lord Jesus) and by the Word of our testimony.

     These foolish virgins who exist today are dead spiritually because they have no life and a personal relationship with Jesus who is our life. These foolish virgins represent the many counterfeit christians today who display a fake religious facade. It takes more than church membership to get saved. If I go into a garage, that doesn't make me a car. If I go into a barn, that doesn't make me a mule. If I go into a bakery, that doesn't make me a donut. I might look like one, but that doesn't make me a donut. And if I go into a church, that doesn't make me a christian.

     Walking down a church aisle and shaking a six foot spiritual icicle's hand wont save you; doing good works and answering some questions wont' save you; getting dunked in the pool, and blending in with the crowd won't save you. We need to have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus to be saved. Truly, William Booth (the founder of the Salvation Army) pictured above was correct when he said in 1868, I consider that the chief dangers which shall confront the 20'th Century will be:

1) Religion without the Holy Spirit

2) Christianity without the Christ

3) Forgiveness without regeneration

4) Morality without God

5) Heaven without hell

     Alright, let's compare the two bible verses pictured above to see what is required to be saved and enter heaven. Jesus will tell many christians who reject Him Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Now doing the will of the Father does not involve works; it involves believing by faith unto salvation that Jesus is God who died for you on the cross, was buried, and rose again. This is proven by John 6:40 which defines the will of God saying And this is the will of Him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son (Jesus), and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. You see that the will of God is to believe in Jesus unto salvation and does not involve works.

     Many foolish virgins will boast about their works to Jesus saying Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I (Jesus) profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Good works won't save anyone. Saving faith though produces good works. But good works do not produce saving faith. Instead of religion and it's works, we need regeneration and salvation from Jesus.

     Works come after salvation to shine Jesus to this lost world. 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. But we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them (Notice good works come after salvation at Ephesians 2:10). The good works of saints after salvation shine Jesus to this lost world, and saints will be rewarded for their good works at the bema judgment seat after they are caught up to be with Jesus in the clouds.

     Now notice in the picture above that the foolish virgins were excluded from heaven because they had no oil in their vessels. The oil represents the Holy Spirit of God in a saint's vessel or body. This is proven at 1 Samuel 16:13 where after Samuel anointed David with oil, the Holy Spirit of the Lord came upon David. A person is required to have the Holy Spirit to be saved. The foolish virgins lacked the oil of the Holy Spirit and were not saved. The foolish virgins' lamps looked good with beautiful brass casings, fine glass shelves, and nice thick wicks, but they lacked the oil of the Spirit that is required to be saved.

     And when anyone gets saved, they receive the Holy Spirit the same time that they get saved. The following scriptures prove that when a person gets saved, they receive the Holy Spirit the moment they are saved. You don't have to work to get the Holy Spirit after you get saved. Romans 8:9 says But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. And 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. In other words, when we got saved, we also were renewed with the Holy Ghost.

     Alright, also notice that the foolish virgins tried to buy oil to get to heaven instead of believing in Jesus (who is the Holy Spirit oil). Today, like these foolish virgins, many Hollywood stars with millions of dollars are trying to buy their way to heaven. After they give $100,000 to a charity like Big Brothers they say that will get me in good standing with God and let me go to heaven. No it won't; You need to repent, decide to stop sinning, believe Jesus is God, and believe daily that Jesus died for you on the cross, was buried, and rose again to go to heaven.

     Like these foolish virgins, a man named Simon thought he could buy his way to heaven by purchasing the Holy Spirit with money from Peter. Simon was not saved because he did not have the Holy Spirit by faith. Peter told Simon at Acts 8:20 Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

     OK, notice that another reason the five foolish virgins were excluded from heaven pictured above was because they slept while Jesus the bridegroom tarried. Matthew 25:5 says that While the bridegroom (Jesus) tarried, they all (even the five wise virgins) slumbered and slept.

     Unfortunately, today most people are like these foolish virgins and are spiritually insensible and sleeping while multitudes of lost souls around them are perishing and going to hell. These professing foolish virgin so called christians don't want to talk about Jesus or the bible. And when you try to wake them up and talk about Jesus, they say well that's good for you, just go away. Most people are overcharged and too busy texting on their cellphones and looking at facebook and instagram, failing to witness to lost sinners around them all over this earth about the Lord Jesus.

     Today, saved saints are asleep like Jonah while unbelievers around them are perishing without the Lord Jesus. When a saint named Jonah was on a ship in a storm sleeping, Jonah 1:6 says the shipmaster came to him and said unto him What meanest thou? O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God. If so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.

     In other words, the shipmaster told Jonah, Jonah you're the only believer on this ship. Please wake up and stop sleeping; Please pray to God for the lost sinners on this ship so the storm doesn't sink the ship. Saints, unlike Jonah, wake up and start witnessing to lost sinners all over this earth about our Lord Jesus. Tell everyone to say daily I am crucified with Christ and covered by the blood of Jesus. Let everyone know that there is a place called the cross of our Lord Jesus to give your problems to. And once your problems are on the cross, they are destroyed forevermore because the blood of Jesus has overcome and defeated the devil.

     Also see that the foolish virgins thought they could obtain the oil from the wise virgins. They failed to realize that the only way to receive the oil Holy Spirit was to have faith in our Lord Jesus. Only Jesus (and not any person) could give them the saving oil of the Holy Ghost. The bible says one plants, one waters, but God giveth the increase. When we witness we are just seed sowers and water boys and girls, but God giveth the increase. I wish I could personally save millions of lost sinners by myself, but only each person's faith in the Lord Jesus can save them.

     Finally, we see that the foolish virgins found a closed shut door and were not allowed to get caught up with the church to be with Jesus. I believe that the foolish virgins represent billions of people on this earth that will be left behind after the bride church and its saints get caught up in the rapture to live in peace with Jesus.

     Friend right now the door of grace is open to you to be saved. 2 Corinthians 6:2 says I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation. But soon after the church is caught up in the rapture, like in the days of Noah this door of grace will be shut and billions of lost souls will have to endure to the end of a seven year tribulation period while they face a cruel antichrist ruler. In addition to believing in the Lord Jesus, these left behind billions will have to endure to the end of the seven year tribulation and not take the mark of the beast to be saved. People will not be able to buy or sell food or necessities without the mark of the beast. But if they take the mark of the beast they will be damned in hell forever.

     The foolish virgins remind me of the lost sinners during Noah's day. After Noah and his family went into the ark, God shut the door and it was too late for the lost sinners to ride safely on the ark. Those left behind faced mass chaos and the wrath of God. Genesis 7:16 says And they (Noah and his family) that went in, went in male and female of flesh as God had commanded him, and the Lord shut him in. Notice God shut the door and when the people yelled to Noah for help, Noah said I can't help you because God shut the door.  Wow, soon there is coming a time when God shuts the door of salvation during this age of grace; This is why you need to get saved right now. Like the picture above, Brother Bob tells everyone all over this earth, The door is still open, like in the days of Noah, but we don't know the time when it will shut. Will you come in now?

     In conclusion, Brother Bob says Job 22:21 Acquaint now thyself with Him (Jesus), and be at peace; thereby good shall come unto thee. Remember to avoid exclusion from heaven, get saved and enter heaven by having a personal acquaintance with our Lord Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit which is a necessity for eternal life with Jesus in glory above. Instead of being a foolish virgin left behind facing a seven year tribulation period, get saved with our Lord Jesus and experience a blessed honeymoon and glorious marriage to our Lord Jesus.

     I pray in Jesus name this little bible study blesses multitudes all over this earth. 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) 604-7133. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name.

When It Doesn't Make Sense

When it doesn't make sense on the shore of life 

And you obey Jesus

You will win multitudes to our Lord Jesus

When it doesn't make sense on the ship of life

And you obey Jesus

You will receive your miracle

When it doesn't make sense during the storms of life

And you obey Jesus

You will see Jesus' majesty

     Today we look at three times in Peter's life when things didn't make sense. Peter had to obey Jesus to be blessed and overcome troubles during these three times. First on the shore pictured above Luke 5:1 says And it came to pass that as the people pressed upon Him (Jesus) to hear the Word of God, He (Jesus) stood by the lake of Gennesaret. And saw two ships standing by the lake but the fishermen were gone out of them and were washing their nets. And He (Jesus) entered into one of the ships which was Simon's and prayed him, that he would thrust out a little from the land and He sat down and taught the people out of the ship.

     Luke 5:4 goes on to say Now when He had left speaking, He said unto Simon launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto Him, Master we have toiled all the night and have taken nothing, nevertheless at thy Word I will let down the net. 

     In other words, Peter the fisherman told Jesus he knew all about the Sea of Galilee. He said Jesus I'm a trained professional fisherman. I've been on the Sea of Galilee for many years making a successful living catching fish. I've fished all night long at a fishing hole where I know fish lounge, move, and bite. Jesus I've toiled all night and caught absolutely nothing. I've been picking up the heavy fishing net and pulling it back all night long and I'm exhausted, tired, hungry, and disgusted. I haven't even caught a minnow and nothing has happened. Peter told Jesus it doesn't make sense to fish during the day because the waters are shallow at night and fish bite at night. When the sun appears after the night, fish swim deep and no longer bite.

     But Jesus told Peter to be quiet and launch out into the deep and let down his nets for a draught (multitude of fish). Jesus said Peter we have to launch out because the multitudes of people are thronging me and pushing me into your boat and the water. Peter thought, it doesn't make any sense to fish during the day, but nevertheless Lord Jesus at thy Word, I will let down the net and obey what you say. Like Peter friends when it doesn't make sense, we need to say nevertheless Lord Jesus at thy Word we will obey you forevermore. Just obey Jesus because His ways are past finding out. Romans 11:33 says O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out.

       Pictured above Luke 5:6 goes on to say And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. Luke 5:10 then says Jesus said unto Simon Fear not from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they brought their ships to land, they forsook all and followed Him.  

     Even though it didn't make sense, Peter launched out into the deep and cast out his net to catch a multitude of fish. Peter ignored his brothers James and John who laughed at Peter for fishing during the day with Jesus. But, because Peter obeyed Jesus and cast his net into the water during the day, he caught so many fish that his boat began to sink. And Peter called to James and John saying Hey Help I'm going under; there's so many fish. 

     And James and John rowed out in their boat quickly to assist Peter and gather all the fish. And the bible says that there were so many fish that when James and John cast out their nets, all the boats began to sink because of the large amount of fish. Truly friends if we obey Jesus on the shore of life when it doesn't make sense great blessings will happen. Ephesians 3:20 says Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. 

     Now note the first thing Jesus told Peter, James, and John when they got to the shore. Jesus said boys you're not gonna be catching fish anymore; Fear not from henceforth thou shalt catch men. Jesus said at Matthew 4:19 pictured above Follow me and I will make you fishers of men. In other words, Jesus said cast out the gospel net and be fishers of men saving multitudes all over this earth. 

     Like Peter, even when it doesn't make sense to cast out the net and try to catch lost sinners in the gospel net, keep preaching and casting the gospel net. Keep telling people everywhere to be saved, repent, decide to stop sinning, confess that Jesus is God, and believe the gospel that Jesus died for them on the cross, was buried, and rose again. Like Peter, keep preaching and casting the gospel net to lost sinners, and when it doesn't make sense, keep preaching and casting the gospel net to lost sinners again and again. One plants, one waters, but God will give the increase and because of your determination to keep preaching Jesus by casting the gospel net over this internet, millions of innumerable lost souls will be saved and live eternally in peace with our Lord Jesus in the kingdom of God.

     Friends, there's gonna be times in our ministry when like Peter we cast the gospel net to various countries over the internet and win no one to Jesus. Noah experienced this when he preached for 120 years and won no one to the Lord outside of his family. But Noah kept working on the ark and was saved from the flood for his faithfulness. Like Noah keep preaching even when no one responds. And have the attitude that if you just win one person to Jesus that hears, reads, or sees you preaching, it's a blessing to preach about Jesus.  Luke 15:10 says Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. We should all win at least one person to our Lord Jesus every year.

     Truly when it doesn't make sense on the shore of life, if we obey Jesus and keep preaching and telling people how to be saved with Jesus, we will win multitudes to our Lord Jesus. Proverbs 11:30 says The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. Friends reading this everywhere, keep preaching Jesus and the gospel to lost sinners over this internet even when no one responds and it doesn't make sense, and somewhere down the road, God will give the increase of a harvest of saved souls beyond your expectations. 

     Take time to read this powerful testimony from the boxer George Foreman pictured above when God told George to preach when it didn't make sense. When George Foreman was a kid, his dad left him on a foggy rainy night. George didn't know where his dad went and did not see him for years. 

     Then George became a professional boxer and made 32 million dollars. After fighting Jimmy Young and almost dying, George Foreman got gloriously saved and made Jesus his Lord. Then George decided to start preaching and opened a little storefront church in Houston, Texas. 

     One late Saturday night, George was walking down a Houston street thinking about Jesus. There wasn't a soul on the street. And God told George, I want you to start preaching. George said this does not make sense Lord Jesus. I don't have a pulpit and there's no one here to sing a song. There's no one on the street to preach to. There's no one in any direction anywhere.

     But George told the Lord Jesus, even though it doesn't make sense, nevertheless at thy Word Lord Jesus, I'll start preaching. And George Foreman preached for an hour late Saturday night on a Houston, Texas street corner that apparently was abandoned without a soul. George thought I'm casting out the gospel net and nothing is coming back. 

     Then the next day on Sunday morning at his storefront church, George told his congregation how he obeyed God and preached late Saturday night on a deserted Houston street corner. Then a visiting man in the back of the church raised his hand saying George, there was somebody listening to you last night. 

     The visiting man said I was coming out of a liquor store with a fifth of whiskey in a bag, and I heard somebody yelling Jesus saves. This man said George you didn't see me because I was standing in the shadows. When I heard you preaching, I said "There's got to be more to life than being a loser and a drunk." Tears started streaming down my face while I listened to you preach.

     The visiting man then said George you thought that you were casting out an empty gospel net, but God had me standing in the shadows listening to you preach. And George would you lead me to Jesus this morning. I want to become a christian. And George Foreman testified that he not only led this man to the Lord Jesus Christ, but after he hugged him and rejoiced that he was saved, George found out that the visiting man was his dad. Wow, because George Foreman kept casting out the gospel net even when it didn't make sense, his dad got saved.

     Friends, there's gonna be times that you preach at churches and over this internet and say Why am I wasting my time? No one is looking at my website and no one is coming to hear me preach. My family keeps rejecting me and many people are persecuting me; Why should I witness any more to my family? Why should I invite people to hear me preach? Why should I keep praying for people that reject me? 

     Brother Bob responds to the above questions saying because the next time you cast out the gospel net and preach one more time anywhere, even if you don't feel like it and it doesn't make sense, God will save your lost dad; God will save your lost mom; God will save your lost son or your lost daughter; God will save your lost friends. Keep casting out the gospel net when it doesn't make sense like George Foreman on the shores of this life and you will win your family and multitudes all over this earth to the Lord Jesus. 

     Next, pictured above we see that after Peter left the shore, he learned that when it doesn't make sense in the ship of life, if we obey Jesus, we will receive our miracle. Matthew 14:24 says But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 

     Matthew 14:28 goes on to say And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water; And He said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 

     In other words, it did not make sense that Jesus was walking on water. And then it did not make sense that Jesus said Peter come to me and walk on the water. And wow, Peter stepped out by faith and walked on the water to Jesus. His ankles didn't even get wet. Peter holds the record for being the only man to walk on water. 

     Friends everywhere, like Peter, we are all just one step away from our miracle. Just believe God when it doesn't make sense in the ship of your life, and step out by faith and receive your miracle. I pray in Jesus name, people will step out by faith and preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus on this internet and in many churches all over this earth, seeing many miracles. Everyone it's time to walk on water and receive your miracle. Remember when man says no, God says yes; All things are possible with our Lord Jesus. Philippians 4:13 says I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.    

     Finally, we see that Peter learned that when it doesn't make sense in the storms of life, if we obey and trust in Jesus, we will see the majesty of Jesus. Mark 4:37 tells us And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And He (Jesus) was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow; and they awake him, and say unto Him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace be still. And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

     In other words, Peter and the disciples learned that when it doesn't make sense during the storms of this life, ask Jesus to help you. When there's nothing you can do to stop a storm, just ask Jesus by faith to calm your storms and give you peace. And Jesus will say to your storm peace be still and the storms will cease.

     Note that after Jesus said peace be still to the storm, the raging waves laid down like sleeping dogs at Jesus' feet and the winds howling like maniacs began to whisper softly like babes in sleep. Also, the dark clouds rolled back and curled away like a scroll in the sky, the birds began to sing, and the trees were waving Hallelujah on both sides of the banks of the Sea of Galilee. This made the disciples say at Mark 4:41 What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?

     I close this bible study by writing about a lunatic in an insane asylum who kept blessing our Lord Jesus even though his life didn't make sense. Pictured above in 1940 Frederick Lehman wrote only two verses to a song entitled The Love of God. Songs would not be published though until they had three verses. It took Frederick Lehman 8 years to discover the third verse for the song The Love Of God. 

     In 1948, Frederick Lehman found the last verse for his song The Love Of God while preaching at an insane asylum. Mr. Lehman was cleaning out a man's few possessions he had left behind after expiring in an insane asylum. This man had been forsaken by his family; never visited by a preacher; and was not loved by anybody outside or inside the doors of his mental ward.

     Upon this man's death, they called his family and they came to pick up his few belongings. One of his granddaughters slid his little cot away from the wall. When she did, on the wall of an insane asylum from a forsaken man that nobody wanted they found these words scratched on the wall:   

Could we with ink the ocean fill

And were the skies of parchment made

Though every stalk on earth a quill

And every man a scribe by trade

To write the love of God above

Would drain the ocean dry

Nor could the scroll contain the whole

Though stretched from sky to sky

     Truly, even though this insane man's life didn't make sense, he kept casting out the gospel net and praised the Lord Jesus for his love. The result is the completion of a blessed song that gives multitudes all over this earth peace and joy. Remember when it doesn't make sense on the shore of this life, obey Jesus and bless the multitudes. When it doesn't make sense in the ship of this life, obey Jesus and receive your miracle. And when it doesn't make sense during the storms of this life, obey Jesus and see the majesty of Jesus.

     I pray in Jesus name that this little bible study blesses multitudes all over this earth. 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) 604-7133. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name.

A Message About Faucets

     Today we will learn that saints are like faucets pictured above that need to send the life flowing water about our Lord Jesus to the ends of this earth. Become a willing faucet today and get saved and repent, stop sinning, accept Jesus as your God, and daily believe that Jesus died for you on the cross, was buried, and rose again. Then become a willing vessel and faucet that sends the message of the gospel about Jesus Christ to the ends of this earth.

     Alright, let's learn more about how faucets work by reading about Lawrence of Arabia pictured above and his arab shiek friends. Arab sheiks helped Lawrence of Arabia defeat the Ottoman Turks. After a blessed victory against Turkey, Lawrence brought some arab sheiks back to England and offered them anything they wanted to take back to their desert homes.

     The sheiks took Lawrence to the bathrooms of the hotel rooms that they were staying at. The sheiks pointed to the faucets in the bathtubs and said we want boxes of faucets to take to our desert homes so that we'll have running water in our tents. The sheiks failed to realize that the faucets had no power to produce water. The faucets received power to produce water from a pump connected to an outside water source. Saints are like these faucets that need to allow Jesus to flow through them to be the power source to save and reach lost sinners all over this earth.

     The arab sheiks learned that faucets were like branches that were useless unless they were connected to a power source of water or a vine. The faucets could be 24 carot gold, but if they were not attached to the water supply, they were useless. Saints, we are like these faucets; if we are not connected to the vine Jesus (our power source), we are useless and can do nothing. Pictured above 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.

     We must daily remember that we need Jesus to work through us to reach lost sinners all over this earth and avoid sinning. Without Jesus we can do absolutely nothing. Daily, yield yourselves by faith, saying I am crucified with Christ and allow Jesus to work through you. Instead of trying to fix a problem on your own, let your requests be made known to Jesus through prayer and supplication. In other words let go and let God. Philippians 4:6 tells us Be careful for nothing (defined as don't worry), but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

     Without the power source Jesus, we are all just useless faucets. We might look good on the outside as beautiful faucets, but if Jesus is not working through us, we are worthless and of no use. Pictured above 2 Corinthians 4:7 tells us But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We need to say like John the Baptist at John 3:30 He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease. Friend, right now be willing to deny yourself and be a willing faucet that sends the life flowing message of our Lord Jesus all over this earth.

     Pictured above John 7:38 proves that saints are faucet vessels that need to allow rivers of living water about Jesus flow through them to lost sinners all over this earth. Jesus said at John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. God wants to flow the life giving water of His Holy Spirit through us to lost souls all around us.

     Friend reading this anywhere, are you a willing faucet and vessel that will allow Jesus to flow blessings of living water from the Word of God through you to multitudes all over this earth? God said at Ezekial 22:30 And I sought for a man among them that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land; that I should not destroy it; but I found none. I pray in Jesus name we can all respond like Isaiah to God's question at Isaiah 6:8 Whom shall I send and who will go for us by saying Here am I, send me.

     You see God needs you and I as faucets and willing vessels to reach multitudes of lost sinners on this earth with the message of our Lord Jesus. It's incredible that God chooses to work through frail human instrumentality to save lost souls on this earth. Jesus is looking for willing faucets and vessels to proclaim his gospel everywhere. And note that Jesus doesn't look at our financial gains and losses; Jesus is not prejudice or partial; judging or grudging; sassy or brassy; Jesus is just looking for willing vessels; not qualified vessels. Jesus says to all my friends; Just come as you are and the blood of Jesus will wash away all your sins and make you worthy to be a blessed vessel that proclaims the message of Jesus everywhere.

     The reason God uses unworthy vessels that the world rejects to flow His water of life to lost sinners is so God only gets the glory. Take time to read this list of unlikely frail human vessels that God used to bless multitudes so God only got the glory. Remember the blood of Jesus washes away all our sins, and God can use anyone to give glory to our Lord Jesus.

Moses stuttered and was a murderer, Jacob was a liar

Solomon was too rich, Abraham was too old, David was too young

Jonah ran from God, Gideon and Thomas both doubted

Noah got drunk, Elijah got burned out

Jeremiah was a bullfrog (just kidding) but he got depressed

Amos was just a herdman that gathered sycomore fruit 

Martha worried, Miriam was a gossip, and Naomi was just a widow

     I end this bible study today by reminding my friends that our power source is Jesus and we all are useless faucets and vessels without Jesus. We learn this lesson from two stories listed above. First we see that certain vagabond Jews tried on their own without Jesus to cast out a devil. They forgot that Jesus was their power source. 

     Acts 19:15 pictured above says the evil spirit told them Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them. so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. Don't be like these vagabond Jews; tell the devil; I'm occupied by Jesus and no vacancy. Jesus lives by faith in my vessel and in Jesus name devil you must flee to the pit of hell because the blood of Jesus has overcome you forever.

     In the second picture we see that because Jesus' disciples could not cast out a devil, Jesus had to cast out the devil from a little boy. Jesus told the disciples that they needed to allow Jesus to be their power source to cast out devils. Jesus said that He becomes our power source when we fast and pray. Remember don't try to fix problems on your own. First pray and tell Jesus about the problem and ask Jesus to send His angels to deliver you and cover your life with the blood of Jesus.

     My prayer today for my friends everywhere is that we all remember that Jesus must be exalted to save people and bring us all together. In Jesus name, don't let people exalt any person except the Lord Jesus. Like Paul let's say Romans 7:18 For I know that in me that is in my flesh dwelleth no good thing. And let's remember our Lord Jesus' words at John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from all the earth, will draw all men unto me. That according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

     I always enjoy writing these bible studies that I pray in Jesus bless multitudes everywhere with 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) 604-7133. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name.   

It's Blessed To Fear God

     Today let's learn why it's blessed to fear God. Fearing God is a respect and holy reverence for the Almighty Lord Jesus. If we can respect and reverence our earthly fathers, we need to respect and reverence our Heavenly Father Jesus Christ. If we fear God, we'll receive many blessings and benefits.

     Pictured above, Psalm 34:7-9 says if we fear God the angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man that trusteth in Him. O fear the Lord, ye his saints; for there is no want to them that fear Him. This promises if you fear God and stop sinning, you will not lack anything and all your needs will be provided.

     This bible study will list many bible scriptures from the Proverbs and Psalms about the many blessings we receive by fearing the Lord Jesus. If you want to become blessed daily with innumerable blessings, fear God who is Jesus and get saved right now. Repent, decide to stop sinning, make Jesus God of your life, and daily believe that Jesus died for you on the cross, was buried, and rose again. 

 

     Alright, first we learn that fearing God is the starting point of becoming wise. Take time to say the two scriptures pictured above. Say Job 28:28 And unto man He said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding. And say Proverbs 1:7 the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction. And also Proverbs 15:33 tells us The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before honour is humility.

      So if you fear God you will become wise. Now notice that the bible says Jesus is wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:30 says wisdom is a person named Jesus by declaring But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. And Proverbs 3:14-17 says if you receive Jesus and make Jesus your God, you will become wise with riches, honor, length of days, pleasantness, and peace. And note that King Solomon said at Proverbs 3 that wisdom with Jesus is better than silver, gold, rubies, or anything that you could desire.

     OK let's continue to walk through the book of Proverbs and learn why it's blessed to fear God. Pictured above say Proverbs 9:9-12 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning; The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding. For by me (wisdom who is a person named Jesus) thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself, but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.

     According to this scripture, when you fear God and worship Jesus as your Lord daily, your days and years of life will be increased with blessings. Jesus promised at John 10:10 I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. And pictured above, Proverbs 10:27 promises the fear of the Lord prolongeth days; but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

     Wow, fearing God is coupled together with good health and you'll live longer if you fear God. But the years of the wicked shall be shortened because they live carelessly, recklessly, and do not fear God. Truly, King Solomon was correct when he said Proverbs 15:16 pictured above Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith. It's better to be a poor pauper with two nickels living in a cardboard shack fearing God, than to be a rich wealthy millionaire living in an extravagent palace that does not fear God. Proverbs 15:17 says Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. Proverbs 17:1 says Better is a dry morsel and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.

     And note that Proverbs 9:12 says If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself; but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it. You can't be wise for other people. Everyone has to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. I wish I could personally save millions of people all over this earth. But, each person has to be wise for themselves and make the choice to get saved. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink. One plants, one waters, but God gives the increase. Like Brother Bob, plant and water lost sinners with the seed of the Word of God by preaching the bible over this internet, and in Jesus name we believe that God will give the increase and win multitudes of lost souls all over this earth to our Lord Jesus.

     Daniel Webster pictured above feared God and wrote the above noted masterpiece. Take time to say Daniel Webster's quote: If we work upon marble  it will perish; If we work upon brass, time will efface it; If we build temples, they will crumble to dust. But, if we work upon men's immortal minds and hearts, enduing them with high principles and the just fear of God and love of fellow man, we engrave on tablets something which time can not erase.

     And Benjamin Franklin also feared God. Pictured above Ben said Fear God, and your enemies will fear you. Read the following words of Benjamin Franklin about the fear of God that he wrote before he died as a christian. Money never made a man happy, yet nor will it. There is nothing in its nature to produce happiness from this world. The more a man has, the more he will want. Instead of money filling a vacuum, money creates a bigger vacuum. If it satisfies one want, it doubles and triples that want another way. That was a true proverb of wise Solomon; Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith (Proverbs 15:16).

     Next we see that the fear of God makes us confident and secure. Proverbs 14:26 says In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. Truly when you fear God, you will not be afraid and have strong confidence and peace. 1 John 4:18 says There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear; because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

     This means if you fear God and look to Jesus crucified daily, you will not be afraid of anything. Try this when you have to face your enemies. Look at perfect love that is Jesus crucified by faith with your heart and I guarantee you that fear will disappear and you will have boldness to face your enemies.

     Proverbs 1:33 promises that if you fear God, you will dwell safely saying But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. Truly we all can proclaim Psalm 4:7-8 Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: For thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.

     And also note that fearing God will bring you into the deep knowledge of God's Word to understand mysteries and be able to teach multitudes about our Lord Jesus. Proverbs 2:1 says My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.

     OK, next we see that fearing God is good for your physical and spiritual health. In other words, fearing God is so beneficial and blessed that it is off the charts. Take time to say Proverbs 14:27 pictured above The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. And say Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the Lord tendeth to life (abundant life with Jesus): and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

     And note the promises of Proverbs 3:5-8 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel (defined as calm your nerves), and marrow to thy bones (defined as refreshing like a cold cup of water). Truly it's worth fearing God and receive these unlimited blessings of peace. Today get saved and fear God: Repent, decide to stop sinning, confess that Jesus is God, and believe the gospel that Jesus died for you on the cross, was buried, and rose again.

     Now let's look at a blessed Olympic runner pictured above named Eric Liddell who was called the runner that feared God. In 1924 Eric Liddell, an American Olympic runner was the favorite to win the gold medal in the men's 100 meter race. But, when Eric, a faithful christian learned that his race would be run on a Sunday, he announced to the Olympic Committee that he could not participate in the race; Eric said I'm sorry but I fear God and I do not believe that I can race on the Lord's day and honor Jesus.

     Many who had praised Eric now called him a fool. But Eric stood firm and confident that God would be pleased with his decision. Then when a runner dropped out of the 400 meter race due to injury, Eric was asked to fill the slot and because the race was scheduled for a Thursday, Eric agreed; He said sure I'll try it though he had never run beyond 100 meters in his life.

     When the 400 meter race was run, Eric set a new world's record at 47.6 seconds taking home the gold for America. He later went to China to become a blessed missionary for our Lord Jesus. Eric Liddell will always be remembered as the runner that feared God.

     And now we see that fearing God produces holiness and sanctification of life. Pictured above 2 Corinthians 7:1 says Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiiness in the fear of God. And Proverbs 8:13 says The fear of the Lord is to hate evil, pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

     Finally, Proverbs 16:6 tells us By mercy and truth iniquity is purged; and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil. Note the two step process in Proverbs 16:6 (First sin is removed by Jesus from a lost sinner, then sanctification occurs for the saved saint who departs from evil). In other words first we are saved by grace when we trust in Jesus as God; Next the result is a sanctified holy life of good deeds that will be rewarded for our service at the bema judgment seat when we are caught up to see Jesus soon in the clouds.

     Truly if you fear God, you will not want Jesus to find you sinning when he returns in the clouds to meet us when we are caught up out of this world. In other words fearing God and looking for Jesus' soon return will purify you and stop you from sinning, avoiding death and sorrow caused by sin. This is proven by 1 John 3:2 that says Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.

     OK, here's a blessed story from Dr. E. Stanley Jones about his vacation to a cathedral in Copenhagen Denmark to see Bertel Thorvaldsen's statue of Jesus Christ. Alongside the great walls of the cathedral are lifesize statues of the twelve apostles. At the very front is the magnificent figure of Jesus Christ. As Stanley Jones approached the statue of Jesus, he could not see the eyes of the Lord Jesus. The guide told him that Thorvaldsen sculpted the statue in such a way that you will not be able to see Jesus' eyes unless you first kneel down at His feet (not to a man made statue but by faith to our Lord Jesus in heaven).

     Truly like Dr. Jones, if we fear God and bow down by faith to our Lord Jesus in heaven by faith in reverence, we will live holy lives and stop sinning. And one day soon we will see Jesus face to face and see His eyes. 1 Corinthians 13:12 says For now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then shall I know, even as also I am known (in other words we'll know and recognize each other in heaven).

     And yet another blessing for fearing God stated at Proverbs 22:4 By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life. This proves that by fearing God a person receives riches (material blessings) and honour and life (spiritual blessings). I pray in Jesus name after people all over this earth read this bible study, they realize that it's worth it to fear God and receive these many blessings.

     Recently a John Hopkins University medical research professor who was not saved made an incredible discovery. He found by scientific investigation that fearing God and attending church is proven to be good for your health. I wonder if this man got saved after his discoveries. This man discovered that the risk of heart desease was found to be twice as high in men who do not fear God as it was in those who profess to be God fearing church goers. The professor also discovered that so called clean life associated with regular church goers was found to be statistically related to a much lower incidence of other major illnesses and diseases. This man concluded that fearing God and going to church is without dispute a very favorable factor in healthy physical life. Brother Bob agrees with this John Hopkins University medical research professor and I pray Lord Jesus that you save this professor.

     In conclusion, Brother Bob highly recommends fearing God to receive many many blessings. Two final notes about fearing God. First fearing God will cause you to serve God acceptably. Hebrews 12:28 says Wherefore, we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.

     Yes Jesus is God that we all must serve acceptably with reverence and godly fear. And note that Jesus is a consuming fire that will soon return to touch this earth with his foot at the Mount of Olives in Israel. Now if a meteorite hit the earth as a ball of fire it would be felt. How much more will this earth know when Jesus as a consuming fire touches this earth and creates Mount Zion in Jerusalem that is higher than Mount Everest where Jesus will rule and reign as King of this earth for a glorious 1000 years. Read Isaiah 2 where nations will have to go up to Mount Zion in Jerusalem to worship King Jesus to receive blessings on this earth for 1000 years.

     Finally, fearing God must be constant to please our Lord Jesus. Proverbs 23:17 tells us Let not thine heart envy sinners; but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long. For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off. Truly if you fear Jesus as God and meditate on His Word all day and night, Jesus will fix all your problems. This is promised by Psalm 1 that says But his delight is in the law of the Lord (the Word of God) and in his law doth he meditate day and night (in other words constantly memorize the bible and Jesus will fix all your problems) And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in season, his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

After writing this bible study I state that

Every single doctor in the world 

should have this prescription for every single

patient that they treat

FEAR GOD AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS 

FOR BETTER HEALTH

     I pray in Jesus name that this bible study blesses multitudes on this earth with great 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) 604-7133. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name.