What was the last act that Jesus did on this earth? If you look at the above scripture you will discover that Jesus' last act on this earth was to save a lost sinner who was the thief by Him on the cross. The Lord Jesus fulfilled what He spoke at Luke 5:32 that says I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Look at the words of the thief by Jesus at Luke 23:42 that says And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Note that the Lord Jesus took time to witness and save the lost thief while he ignored the weight of sin that He carried from billions of sinners at the cross of Calvary. Like Jesus, ignore the troubles of this world and witness Jesus everywhere. Look to Jesus and you will find strength to overcome any trouble in this world. Hebrews 12:2 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. For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. Like Jesus, to give your life purpose and meaning, witness Jesus everywhere and win lost sinners to the Lord Jesus.
The thief got saved by repenting and calling Jesus Lord at the cross of Calvary. The thief was drycleaned when he got saved, not needing to be baptized in water for salvation. Just by calling Jesus Lord at the cross of Calvary with repentance and believing the gospel gave the thief salvation. The thief got saved by remembering Joel 2:32 that says And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord (Jesus) shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call. Like the thief, 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.
The following scriptures prove that faith in the Lord Jesus without works saves people. 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. Ephesians 2:8 says For by grace are ye saved through faith (in Jesus alone); and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. You don't work to be saved. You work because you are saved. I would not work my soul to save for this my Lord has done but I would work like any slave for love of his dear Son. We do good works after salvation to let others see Jesus where later at the bema judgment seat after the rapture we will receive rewards for our good works. Ephesians 2:10 says For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Galatians 5:6 tells us that faith worketh by love. The greatest love happened when Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross of Calvary and died to save lost sinners. John 15:13 says Greater love hath no man than this, that a man (Jesus) lay down His life for His friends. Love happened with Jesus Christ died on the cross of Calvary. Everyone wants to be loved. Preach about Jesus Christ crucified and people will have faith which worketh by love to overcome this troubled world. Jesus said at Mark 9:23 If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
People have said Brother Bob how do you know that the unnamed woman at Simon's house that anointed Jesus with spikenard was Mary Magdalene? In response I tell people to read Luke's account of this story at Luke 7:36 to the end of the chapter. Then notice at Luke 8:2 we see that after Mary Magdalene anointed Jesus with spikenard at Simon's house, Mary Magdalene was healed of evil spirits and infirmities and followed Jesus. Luke 8:1 says And it came to pass afterward, that He (Jesus) went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him. And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils (the bible tells us that Mary Magdalene was the woman healed at Simon's house that followed Jesus). And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto Him of their substance.
Let's learn a lesson from Mary and her kind act to the Lord Jesus. Don't wait to say kind words about a person after that person is dead and gone. Like Mary, give your bouquets and flowers to a person while he or she lives and not later place your bouquets and flowers over that person's grave. Right now make up your mind to be like Mary and daily write and make phone calls saying kind words of prayers to encourage and bless people. May the Lord Jesus bless you while we follow Mary's example of showing kindness to the poor daily, thereby blessing Jesus.
Notice the picture above of the beautiful sequoia trees. The sights in the kingdom of God are so much more spectacular than any sight we could witness on this earth. When you look at the picture above of the giant sequoias, let me quote DL Moody who wrote You might see many beautiful trees on this earth like the tall cedars and giant sequoias, but you must get saved with the Lord Jesus to see the most magnificent tree of life ( who is Jesus) in the kingdom of God. Jesus said at John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
You might look upon beautiful mansions and elegant palaces on this earth, but you must get saved with the Lord Jesus to see the mansions that Jesus has prepared for his saints in the kingdom of God. You may see 10000 beautiful things in this world, but the new Jerusalem that displays unspeakable glory that Paul and Abraham as pilgrims and sojourners caught a glimpse of shall never be seen by a person unless he or she gets saved with the Lord Jesus. You might view the spectacular fading crowns that Napoleon and Caesar wore on this earth, but you must get saved with the Lord Jesus to receive your own incorruptible crown that will never perish away.
Notice the two pictures above of Niagara Falls and Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria. Schonbrunn Palace is considered one of the most expensive palaces on the earth and Niagara Falls is considered to be the most phenomenal waterfall to be seen in any nation. But the sights in the kingdom of God are more spectacular and glorious than Niagara Falls and Schonbrunn Palace. Paul said that words can not describe the beauty of the kingdom of God that is infinitely more magnificent than the most scenic place on this earth. 2 Corinthians 12:4 says How that he (Paul) was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Notice the picture above and how the Lord Jesus rules nature when the fig tree withered at just a word from Jesus. Jesus is God and rules nature. When God in Genesis 1 spoke to nature, nature obeyed God. God said let there be light and there was light. God said Let the waters bring forth and the waters brought forth abundantly. Jesus is God because the Lord Jesus spoke to nature like the fig tree and the fig tree withered and obeyed the Word of God who is Jesus.
The story about the picture above is at Mark 11:13. And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, He came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. Now notice the result at Mark 11:20 that says And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
Jesus is God and can speak to nature and have nature obey His word. The wind and sea obeyed the word of the Lord Jesus at Mark 4:39. And He (Jesus) arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And He said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him? The Lord Jesus spoke to devils, and the devils fled. The Lord Jesus spoke to the grave when He said Lazarus come forth, and the grave obeyed Him and Lazarus was resurrected from the grave.
If nature obeys the word of Jesus, christians should also believe and obey every word of the KJV bible spoken by the Lord Jesus. 1 Samuel 15:22 says And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. Like nature, let's immediately obey and respond to the Word of God's instructions to receive blessings from the Lord Jesus who is the Word of God.
Genesis 15:1 tells us that the Lord Jesus can protect christians better than anything on this earth. After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. DL Moody said that I'd rather have Jesus the God of heaven as my Protector than all the armies of this world. Romans 8:31 says What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Hebrews 13:6 says So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Isaiah 59:19 says So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard (called Jehovah Nissi where the devil will disappear and flee quickly) against him.
The thief got saved by repenting and calling Jesus Lord at the cross of Calvary. The thief was drycleaned when he got saved, not needing to be baptized in water for salvation. Just by calling Jesus Lord at the cross of Calvary with repentance and believing the gospel gave the thief salvation. The thief got saved by remembering Joel 2:32 that says And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord (Jesus) shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call. Like the thief, 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.
When we think about the thief that got saved by Jesus, let's remember Romans 4:5. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Notice that the thief did not have to do good works to be saved. All the thief had to do was repent, confess that Jesus is God, and believe the gospel that Jesus died on the cross for him, was buried, and rose again. DL Moody wrote that the thief had nails through both hands so that he could not work and a nail through each foot so that he could not run errands for the Lord. He could not lift a hand or a foot toward his salvation and yet Jesus offered him the gift of God and he took it. Jesus threw the thief a passport and took the thief with Him to paradise.
The following scriptures prove that faith in the Lord Jesus without works saves people. 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. Ephesians 2:8 says For by grace are ye saved through faith (in Jesus alone); and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. You don't work to be saved. You work because you are saved. I would not work my soul to save for this my Lord has done but I would work like any slave for love of his dear Son. We do good works after salvation to let others see Jesus where later at the bema judgment seat after the rapture we will receive rewards for our good works. Ephesians 2:10 says For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Galatians 5:6 tells us that faith worketh by love. The greatest love happened when Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross of Calvary and died to save lost sinners. John 15:13 says Greater love hath no man than this, that a man (Jesus) lay down His life for His friends. Love happened with Jesus Christ died on the cross of Calvary. Everyone wants to be loved. Preach about Jesus Christ crucified and people will have faith which worketh by love to overcome this troubled world. Jesus said at Mark 9:23 If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
The following scriptures tell us that Jesus Christ crucified is love. 1 John 3:16 says Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down his life for us (this refers to the Lord Jesus dying on the cross of Calvary for sinners): and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.1 John 4:10 says Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son (Jesus) to be the propitiation for our sins (when Jesus died on the cross of Calvary for sinners to satisfy God's wrath).
The Lord Jesus did the work at the cross of Calvary and destroyed the devil for ever. Hebrews 2:14 says Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil. Therefore to have faith and love where all things are possible, get saved and tell the devil I am crucified with Jesus Christ and with Jesus' stripes I am healed. Look by faith with your heart to the cross of Calvary that is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever and you will overcome the troubles of this world. Thank you Lord Jesus for dying for sinners on the cross.
Notice the picture above of a blessed woman named Mary Magdalene blessing the Lord Jesus with spikenard to preserve Jesus' body for burial. Mark 14:3 speaks about Mary Magdalene anointing Jesus with spikenard at Simon's house and says And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on His head. Jesus said at Mark 14:8 She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she has done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.
Jesus also said at Matthew 26:12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. At the cross of Calvary, the sweet smelling spikenard's odour remained and was greater than the foul odour of vinegar mingled with the poisonous gall (hemlock plant) drink that Jesus tasted but did not drink, preserving Jesus' body from decay for burial and is a witness about Jesus' resurrection from the dead with eternal life.
Spikenard was used to anoint the body of the deceased to delay decomposition and mask the odour of decay during the period between death and burial. The spikenard was a witness that Jesus' body would not decay. Instead Jesus' body would become glorified, resurrected, and be preserved forever with eternal life. Like Jesus, saved saints bodies won't ever decay, will become glorified, and will be preserved with eternal life. Romans 8:11 says But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you. 2 Corinthians 4:14 says Knowing that He which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. Jesus said at John 6:40 And this is the will of Him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
As a side note, it's remarkable that Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Psalm 69:21 that says They gave me also gall (a poisonous hemlock plant) for my meat; and in my thirst they gave vinegar to drink. Matthew 27:34 says They gave Him (Jesus) vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, He would not drink. In other words no man could kill Jesus. Jesus said at John 10:17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
People have said Brother Bob how do you know that the unnamed woman at Simon's house that anointed Jesus with spikenard was Mary Magdalene? In response I tell people to read Luke's account of this story at Luke 7:36 to the end of the chapter. Then notice at Luke 8:2 we see that after Mary Magdalene anointed Jesus with spikenard at Simon's house, Mary Magdalene was healed of evil spirits and infirmities and followed Jesus. Luke 8:1 says And it came to pass afterward, that He (Jesus) went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him. And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils (the bible tells us that Mary Magdalene was the woman healed at Simon's house that followed Jesus). And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto Him of their substance.
Let's learn a lesson from Mary and her kind act to the Lord Jesus. Don't wait to say kind words about a person after that person is dead and gone. Like Mary, give your bouquets and flowers to a person while he or she lives and not later place your bouquets and flowers over that person's grave. Right now make up your mind to be like Mary and daily write and make phone calls saying kind words of prayers to encourage and bless people. May the Lord Jesus bless you while we follow Mary's example of showing kindness to the poor daily, thereby blessing Jesus.
You might look upon beautiful mansions and elegant palaces on this earth, but you must get saved with the Lord Jesus to see the mansions that Jesus has prepared for his saints in the kingdom of God. You may see 10000 beautiful things in this world, but the new Jerusalem that displays unspeakable glory that Paul and Abraham as pilgrims and sojourners caught a glimpse of shall never be seen by a person unless he or she gets saved with the Lord Jesus. You might view the spectacular fading crowns that Napoleon and Caesar wore on this earth, but you must get saved with the Lord Jesus to receive your own incorruptible crown that will never perish away.
Notice the two pictures above of Niagara Falls and Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria. Schonbrunn Palace is considered one of the most expensive palaces on the earth and Niagara Falls is considered to be the most phenomenal waterfall to be seen in any nation. But the sights in the kingdom of God are more spectacular and glorious than Niagara Falls and Schonbrunn Palace. Paul said that words can not describe the beauty of the kingdom of God that is infinitely more magnificent than the most scenic place on this earth. 2 Corinthians 12:4 says How that he (Paul) was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
DL Moody said that you might see beautiful rivers and waterfalls like Niagara Falls on this earth, but you must get saved with the Lord Jesus to see the pure, clear, crystal, river of water of life proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. You might visit kings and queens in palaces on this earth, but you must get saved with the Lord Jesus to see Jesus the King of kings and Lord of lords. You may be invited to many marriage feasts on this earth, but you will never attend the marriage supper of the Lamb during the millennium unless you get saved with the Lord Jesus.
Notice the picture above and how the Lord Jesus rules nature when the fig tree withered at just a word from Jesus. Jesus is God and rules nature. When God in Genesis 1 spoke to nature, nature obeyed God. God said let there be light and there was light. God said Let the waters bring forth and the waters brought forth abundantly. Jesus is God because the Lord Jesus spoke to nature like the fig tree and the fig tree withered and obeyed the Word of God who is Jesus.
The story about the picture above is at Mark 11:13. And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, He came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. Now notice the result at Mark 11:20 that says And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
Jesus is God and can speak to nature and have nature obey His word. The wind and sea obeyed the word of the Lord Jesus at Mark 4:39. And He (Jesus) arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And He said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him? The Lord Jesus spoke to devils, and the devils fled. The Lord Jesus spoke to the grave when He said Lazarus come forth, and the grave obeyed Him and Lazarus was resurrected from the grave.
If nature obeys the word of Jesus, christians should also believe and obey every word of the KJV bible spoken by the Lord Jesus. 1 Samuel 15:22 says And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. Like nature, let's immediately obey and respond to the Word of God's instructions to receive blessings from the Lord Jesus who is the Word of God.
Genesis 15:1 tells us that the Lord Jesus can protect christians better than anything on this earth. After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. DL Moody said that I'd rather have Jesus the God of heaven as my Protector than all the armies of this world. Romans 8:31 says What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Hebrews 13:6 says So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Isaiah 59:19 says So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard (called Jehovah Nissi where the devil will disappear and flee quickly) against him.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment