you may believe, jesus is son of god, because for you become life by your faith in jesus.
John 20:31 , John 11:1-44

Wednesday 31 March 2010

Jesus said sternly. "Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.

Luke 4:33-35 In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, "Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!" "Be quiet!" Jesus said sternly. "Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. (NIV)


Jesus had already encountered the devil. After His baptism and before His ministry started, the Saviour met Satan to challenge his evil authority, and 'put him on notice' that his wicked rule over people had no legitimacy and would be crushed. That desert encounter (Luke 4:1-13) set the scene for the rest of His earthly ministry: culminating in the cross (where Satan hoped to win), and then the resurrection (where Jesus demonstrated His victory).

In today's passage, Satan uses a demon to mock Jesus in public. This demon behaved like a virus in taking over the personality of the man and speaking through his mouth. Everybody who had come to worship at the synagogue could hear as the dignified atmosphere was shattered by the shouting. Jesus (a common name in those days) was clearly identified as 'Jesus of Nazareth', and His Divine identity as 'the Holy One of God' was broadcast. But the fearful demon also knew that Jesus had the authority to destroy him.

It was a challenge. What would Jesus do? In a simple sentence, Jesus commanded the voice to be silent, and the demon to come out of the man. The demon was powerless against Jesus; there was no physical activity from the Master, just the word of command. Satan's agent had to obey but, like a wild youth, sought to do some damage as he left. Even that was ineffective for although the man fell to the ground, he was totally unharmed.

So many people misunderstand the purpose of Jesus' earthly life. They think He came to set a good example ... to show people how to love each other ... to provide a template for good citizenship in the Sermon on the Mount. There is some truth in those ideas but they are not the reason He came. He had come to deal with evil: as Heb 2:14-15 says, "Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death - that is, the devil - and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death."

If you are trusting in Jesus, you have accepted the voice of the One who dethrones the authority of Satan. God's Word has power to unmask the lies of the devil; and the Name of Jesus is authority enough for the tempter to be dismissed. There is no longer any need to be terrorised by the 'oppressor of souls'. You do not have to live under his curse and there is no need to fear the grave because all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus. Our responsibility is to live in confidence that Satan does not have ultimate power over us; and to announce that Jesus is the only one who can release people from the grip of evil.

Prayer: Sovereign Lord. Thank You that Jesus has demonstrated His full authority over Satan. Forgive me when I accept the devil's lies and live without trusting in Jesus. Please cleanse me from all my sin: I reject Satan's words and works in my life. Help me to live in the power of the Holy Spirit, and help me to announce the freedom which Jesus won through His death and resurrection. In His Name. Amen.
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Tuesday 30 March 2010

Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All power is given to me in heaven and in earth.

at the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene, along with the other Mary, came to see the tomb.

2 And behold, a great earthquake occurred as an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

3 His countenance was like lightning, and his garment was as white as snow.

4 And in fear of the angel, the guards trembled and became like dead men.

5 And the angel said to the women, "Fear not, for I know that you seek Jesus, who was crucified.

6 He is not here. For he is risen, as he said he would rise. Come, see the place where the Lord was laid.

7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and behold, he goes before you into Galilee. You shall see him there. Behold, I have told you."

8 So the women departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy and ran to take his disciples word of the events.

9 As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "All hail." And they came and held him by the feet and worshipped him.

10 Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go into Galilee, and there they shall see me."

11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the guards from the tomb went into the city, and told the chief priests all the things that had occurred.

12 And when the priests had assembled with the elders and had discussed it, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers,

13 Saying, "Say that His disciples came by night, and stole him away while you were sleeping.

14 And if the governor hears of this, we will explain this to him to keep you safe."

15 So they took the money, and did as they were ordered; and this story is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

16 Now the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had instructed.

17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted.

18 Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All power is given to me in heaven and in earth.

19 Therefore go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit;1

20 Teaching them to observe all the things that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the world."2 Amen.

Monday 29 March 2010

Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is to say, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Now when the morning had come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death.

2 And when they had bound him, they led him away and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

3 Then Judas, who had betrayed him, when he saw that Jesus had been condemned, regretted his actions and sought to return the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

4 Saying, "I have sinned in that I have betrayed innocent blood." And they said, "What is that to us? See to that yourself."

5 And he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hung himself.

6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, "It is not lawful for us to put the money into the treasury, because it is the price of blood."

7 So they took counsel, and bought the potter's field to bury strangers in with the silver.

8 Therefore that field has been called, the Field of Blood to this day.

9 Then it was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, "And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him on whom a value had been set by the children of Israel;

10 And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me." [Zech 11:12-13]

11 Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" And Jesus said to him, "It is as you say."

12 And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.

13 Then Pilate said to him, "Do you not hear how many things they witness against you?"

14 But he never answered a word to him, so that the governor marveled greatly.

15 Now at that feast the governor, by custom, released a prisoner to the people, whomever they wished.

16 And they had a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas, at that time.

17 Therefore when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you wish me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?"

18 For he knew that they had delivered him because of envy.

19 Also, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent [a message] to him, saying, "Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him."

20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

21 And again the governor said to them, "Which of the two do you wish that I release to you?" And they said, "Barabbas."

22 Then Pilate said to them, "What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" And they all said to him, "Let him be crucified."

23 And the governor said, "Why, what evil has he done?" But they cried out all the more, saying, "Let him be crucified."

24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail with nothing, but that he was only creating violent agitation [in the crowd of people], he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, "I am innocent of the blood of this righteous person; therefore you suffer the consequence of the injustice."

25 Then all the people answered, and said, "His blood be on us, and on our children."1

26 Then Pilate released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered around him the whole band of soldiers.

28 And they stripped him, and put a scarlet robe on him.

29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand. And they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!"

30 Then they spit on him, and took the reed and hit him on the head.

31 And after they had mocked him, they took the robe off him and put his own clothes on him, and led him away to crucify him.

32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name and compelled him to bear his cross.

33 Now when they had come to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, The Place of a Skull,

34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall, but when he had tasted it, he would not drink it.

35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments by casting lots so that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, 'They parted my garments among them, and cast lots for my clothing.'

36 And sitting down they kept watch over him there;

37 And set up over his head the accusation written against him, THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

38 There were two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.

39 And those who passed by reviled him, wagging [shaking] their heads,

40 And saying, "You who can destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself. If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross."

41 Likewise also the chief priests, scribes, and elders mocked him, saying,

42 "He saved others, but he cannot save himself. If he is the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.

43 He trusted in God, let him deliver him now if he will have him; for he said, 'I am the Son of God.'"

44 And the thieves who were crucified with him, derided Jesus the same way.

45 Now from the sixth hour to the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land.

46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is to say, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

47 Some of those who stood there, when they heard that, said, "This man calls for Elijah."

48 And immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar and put it on a reed, and offered it to him to drink.

49 But the rest said, "Leave him alone, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him."

50 Then, Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up his spirit.

51 And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks split;

52 And the graves were opened and many bodies of the saints who slept arose,

53 And coming out of the graves after his resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

54 Now when the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, "Truly this was the Son of God."

55 And many women were there watching from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him;

56 Among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee's children.

57 Now when the evening came, a rich man of Arimathea2 came there, named Joseph, who also had been one of Jesus' disciples.

58 And he went to Pilate, and pleaded for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered to Joseph.

59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,

60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock; and he rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and departed.

61 And Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting over against the tomb.

62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation [for the Sabbath], the chief priests and Pharisees met together with Pilate,

63 Saying, "Sir, we remember that while he was still alive, that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.'

64 Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, in case his disciples come at night and steal him away and then say to the people, 'He has risen from the dead,' so the last error shall be worse than the first."

65 And Pilate said to them, "Take a guard with you to make the tomb as secure as you can."

66 So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone, and placing a guard of soldiers there to watch.

Sunday 28 March 2010

Jesus said to him, "Put up your sword into its place, for all those who take up the sword will perish with the sword.

when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the mount of Olives.

31 Then Jesus said to them, "You will all be offended because of me this night, for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.'

32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee."

33 Then Peter said to him, "Though all men are offended because of you, yet will I never be offended."

34 But Jesus said to him, "Truly I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times."

35 Peter said to him, "Though I should die with you, yet will I not deny you." And all the disciples said likewise.

36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane and said to the disciples, "Sit here, while I go and pray over there."

37 And he took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee with him and began to be very sorrowful and burdened.

38 Then he said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, almost to death; stay here and watch with me."

39 And he went a little farther and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, "O my Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as you will."

40 And he came to the disciples, and found them asleep, and said to Peter, "What, could you not watch with me one hour?

41 Watch and pray that you do not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

42 Then he went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, "O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me unless I drink it, your will be done."

43 And he came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy.

44 And he left them and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

45 Then he came to his disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting. Behold, the hour is at hand when the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

46 Rise, let us be going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand."

47 And while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a was great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

48 Now he who betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, "Whomever I kiss, he is the one; hold him securely."

49 And he immediately went to Jesus and said, 'Hail, master!' And kissed him.1 [It is not what you say that makes Jesus your Lord or Master, but your deeds — your obedience to his teachings and commands. By your deeds you either acknowledge him or deny him as your Lord and Master.]

50 And Jesus said to him, "Friend, why have you come?" Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested him.

51 And behold, one of those who was with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.

52 Then said Jesus to him, "Put up your sword into its place, for all those who take up the sword will perish with the sword.

53 Do you think that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he will quickly give me more than twelve legions of angels?

54 But how then will the scriptures be fulfilled, which they must be?"

55 In that same hour Jesus said to the multitudes, "Have you come out with swords and staves with which to arrest me as you would against a thief? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and you did not seize me.

56 But all this was done, so that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples abandoned him and fled.

57 And those who had seized Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.

58 But Peter followed him at a distance into the high priest's palace, and went in and sat with the servants to see the end.

59 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witnesses against Jesus, to put him to death;

60 But they found none. Yes, though many false witnesses came, yet they found none. At last two false witnesses came forward,

61 And said, "This fellow said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.'"

62 And the high priest arose and said to him, "Do you answer nothing? What is it that these witness against you?"

63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest said to him, "I charge you by the living God, that you tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God."

64 Jesus said to him, "You have said so. Nevertheless I say to you, in the future you will see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven."

65 Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, 'He has spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? Behold, now you have heard his blasphemy.

66 What do you think?" And they said, "He is guilty of death."

67 Then they spit in his face, and struck him; and others slapped him with the palms of their hands,

68 Saying, "Prophesy to us, you Christ, Who is it that slapped you?"

69 Now Peter sat outside of the palace, and a young woman came to him, saying, "You were also with Jesus of Galilee."

70 But he denied it before them all, saying, "I don't know what you are talking about."

71 And when he had gone out onto the porch, another maid saw him, and said to those who were there, "This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth."

72 And again he denied with an oath, "I do not know the man."

73 And after awhile, one of those who was standing there came to Peter and said, "Surely you also are one of them; for your speech shows you [to be from Jesus' region of Galilee]."

74 Then he began to curse and swear, saying, "I do not know the man." And immediately the cock crowed.

75 And Peter remembered the words of Jesus, when he had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Saturday 27 March 2010

Jesus took bread and blessed it and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body.

ished saying all these things, he said to his disciples,

2 "You know that two days from now is the feast of the Passover, and the Son of man will be betrayed to be crucified."

3 Then the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, assembled together at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,

4 And plotted how they might take Jesus by subtlety, and kill him.

5 But they said, "Not on the feast day, for fear that there would be an uproar among the people."

6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,

7 A woman came to him with an alabaster box of very precious ointment and poured it on his head, as he sat eating.

8 But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, "To what purpose is this waste?

9 For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor."

10 But Jesus, being aware of this, said to them, "Why do you trouble this woman? For she has done a beautiful thing for me.

11 For the poor are always with you, but you will not always have me.

12 By pouring this ointment on my body, she has prepared it for my burial.

13 Truly I say to you, Wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will be told as a memorial of her."

14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests,

15 And he said to them, "What will you give me, if I deliver him [Jesus] to you?" And they made an agreement with him for thirty pieces of silver.

16 And from that time he sought an opportunity to betray him.

17 Now the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus, saying to him, "Where do you wish us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?"

18 And he said, "Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, 'The Master says, my time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.'"

19 Then the disciples did as Jesus had instructed them; and they prepared for the passover.

20 Now when the evening had come, he sat down with the twelve.

21 And as they were eating, he said, "Truly I say to you, one of you will betray me."

22 And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and everyone of them began to say to him, 'Lord, is it I?'

23 And he answered and said, "He who dips his hand with me in the dish, the same will betray me.

24 The Son of man goes as it is written of him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born."

25 Then Judas, who betrayed him, said, "Master, is it me?" He said to him, "You have said it."

26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread and blessed it and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body."

27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks and gave it to them, saying, "Drink all of it.

28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

29 But I say to you, from this time forward, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."

Friday 26 March 2010

jesus said, the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit upon the throne of his glory.

When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit upon the throne of his glory.

32 Before him will be gathered all nations; and he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.

33 He will set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

34 Then the King will say to those on his right hand, 'Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you took me in.

36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'

37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and gave you drink?

38 When did we see you as a stranger and take you in? Or naked and clothe you?

39 Or when did we see you sick or in prison, and come to you?'

40 And the King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you that as you have done so to one of the least of these my brothers, you have done so to me.'

41 Then he will say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.

42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food. I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink.

43 I was a stranger and you did not take me in. I was naked and you did not clothe me. I was sick and in prison, and you did not visit me.'

44 Then they will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to you?'

45 Then he will answer them, saying, 'Truly I say to you that by your not ministering to one of the least of these, you did not minister to me.'

46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal.

Wednesday 24 March 2010

kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and entrusted his property to them.

the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and entrusted his property to them.

15 To one he gave five talents, [gold coins] to another two, and to another one; he gave to every man according to his own ability, and he immediately left on his journey.

16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with the money, and made five more talents.

17 And likewise he who had received two, he also gained another two.

18 But he who had received one went and dug into the earth, and hid his lord's money.

19 Now after a long time the lord of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.

20 And he who had received five talents came and brought his other five talents, saying, 'Lord, you entrusted five talents to me. Behold, I have gained five talents more than the original five.'

21 And his lord said to him, 'Well done, you good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'

22 Then he who that had received two talents also came and said, 'Lord, you entrusted two talents to me. Behold, I have gained two talents more than the original two.'

23 And his lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'

24 Then he who had received the one talent, came and said, 'Lord, I knew you that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed.

25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the earth. See, you have what is yours.'

26 His lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and slothful servant; you knew that I reap where I have not not sown, and gather where I have not scattered.

27 Therefore you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and then at my coming I would have received my own with interest.

28 Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.

29 For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.2

30 And cast the unprofitable servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

Tuesday 23 March 2010

Jesus said, kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.

kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.

2 Five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

3 And those who were foolish took their lamps, but took no oil with them.

4 But the wise took oil in their flasks along with their lamps.

5 When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

6 And at midnight a cry was made, 'Behold, the bridegroom comes; go out to meet him.'

7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

8 And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; for our lamps have gone out.'

9 But the wise answered, 'No we can't; for fear that there is not enough for us and you; rather you go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'

10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came. And those who were ready went in with him to the marriage; and the door was shut.

11 Afterwards the other virgins also came, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open the door for us to enter.'

12 But he answered and said, 'Truly I say to you, I do not know you.'1

13 Watch therefore, for you do not know either the day nor the hour in which the Son of man comes.

Monday 22 March 2010

Jesus said, Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple; and his disciples came up to him to show him the buildings of the temple.

2 And Jesus said to them, "Do you see all these? Truly I say to you that there will not be left here one stone upon another, that will not be thrown down."

3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things occur? And what will be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the world?" [Note! In verse 34 below Jesus says: ALL of the next discourse of end times prophecies will be fulfilled before that generation died, proving his 2nd appearance, the tribulations, the end of the world, and the Kingdom are all a personal experience of the purified believer!]

4 And Jesus answered and said to them, "Take heed that no man deceives you.

5 For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am Christ;' and will deceive many.

6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famines and pestilences and earthquakes in many places.

8 All these are only the beginning of sorrows.

9 Then they will deliver you up to be afflicted, and will kill you; and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake.

10 Then many will be offended, and will betray one another, and hate one another.

11 Many false prophets will rise, and will deceive many. [Christendom's ministers are the false prophets Jesus warns about. Deceiving billions, they promise heaven to anyone who believes, leaving them slaves to their sins until destructive death. When you see how Christendom is nothing but Babylon, you will be both sad and angry: Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy out of their own imagination, 'Hear the word of the LORD,' Because they have seduced my people saying, 'Peace!' when there is no peace. .. you have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad, and have strengthened the hands of the wicked, so that he does not return from his wicked way, by (falsely) promising him life.]

12 Because iniquity [sin] will increase, the love of many will turn cold.

13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world for a witness to all nations; and then the end will come.

15 Therefore, when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place, (whoever reads, let him understand),1

16 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountain [Christ].

17 Let he who is on the housetop not come down to take anything out of his house.

18 Neither let he who in the field return back to take his clothes.

19 And woe to those who are with child, and to those who are nursing in those days!

20 But pray that your flight is not in the winter or on the Sabbath day.

21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be again.

22 And except those days should be shortened, no flesh would be saved, but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened.

23 Then if any man says to you, 'Lo, here is Christ,' or 'There he is;' do not believe it. [Or they say, "Come to our sect; the Spirit is strong here."]

24 For there will arise false Christs and prophets, and will show great signs and wonders; so much that, if it were possible, they would deceive the very elect.

25 Behold, I have told you before.

26 Therefore if they say to you, 'Behold, he is in the desert,' do not go forth; or 'Behold, he is in the secret chambers,' do not believe it. [Or, they say, "he is in our sect's building; come join our sect."]

27 For as the lightning comes out of the east, and shines to the west; so also will the coming of the Son of man be. [And so (like we heard God's voice from heaven on the mount) we have the more sure prophetic word [the word in your heart]; to which you do well to pay attention, as to a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 2 Pet 1:19. I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. Rev 22:16. If you extend your soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light shall rise in darkness, and your darkness will be like the noon day. Isa 58:10.]

28 Wherever the dead body is, there the vultures will be gathered together.

29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

30 Then the sign of the Son of man will appear in heaven. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

31 And he will send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

32 Now learn the parable of the fig tree: When its branch is still tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.

33 So likewise, when you shall see all these things occur, know that it is near, even at the doors.

34 Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass, until all these things are fulfilled.2

35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

36 But of that day and hour no man knows, no, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

37 As the days of Noah were, so also will the days be at the coming of the Son of man.

38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage - until the day that Noah entered into the ark,

39 They had no idea of pending trouble until the flood came and took them all away; so also shall the coming of the Son of man be.

40 Then two people will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.

41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and the other left.

42 Watch therefore! For you do not know at what hour your Lord comes.

43 But know this, that if the owner of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.

44 Therefore you also be ready; for in an hour you do not expect, the Son of man comes.

45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has made ruler over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?

46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord finds so doing when he comes.

47 Truly I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.

48 But if that evil servant says in his heart, 'My lord is delayed in his coming;'

49 And begins to strike his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;

50 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he does not look for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,

51 And he will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

Sunday 21 March 2010

Jesus said, you must not be called masters (leaders), for you have one Master (Leader), the Christ.

Then spoke Jesus to the multitude and to his disciples,

2 Saying "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat.

3 Therefore, do whatever they command you, but do not imitate their works; for they talk of what is required, but they fail to practice what they preach.

4 For they bind heavy burdens which are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not lift one of their little fingers to help them.

5 They do all their works to be seen by men. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels on their garments.

6 They love the uppermost rooms at feasts and the most important seats in the synagogues,

7 They love to be greeted in the markets and to be called by men, 'Rabbi' [teacher, master, Reverend, Father, Pastor, Dr.].

8 But do not be called 'Rabbi' [teacher]; for you have one teacher1, and you are all brothers.

9 And do not call any man 'father' [as a religious title] upon the earth; for One is your Father, who is in heaven.

10 And you must not be called masters (leaders), for you have one Master (Leader), the Christ.

11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.

12 And whoever exalts himself will be abased, and he who will humble himself will be exalted.

13 But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.2

14 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers. Therefore you will receive the greater damnation.

15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make one convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.3

16 Woe to you, you blind guides, who say, 'Whoever swears by the temple it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath!'

17 You blind fools; which is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifies the gold?

18 And you say, 'Whoever swears by the altar it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is upon the altar, he is bound by his oath.'

19 You blind fools; which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift?

20 Therefore whoever swears by the altar, swears by it and by all things on it.

21 And whoever swears by the temple, swears by it and by him who dwells in it.

22 And he who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by him who sits on it.

23 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law: judgment, mercy, and faith. You ought to have done these without neglecting the others.

24 You blind guides, who strain at a gnat and swallow a camel.

25 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.

26 You blind Pharisee! First cleanse what is within the cup and platter, so that the outside of them may be clean also.

27 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which indeed appear beautiful on the outside, but within are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness.

28 Even so, you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but within you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity [sin].

29 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous,

30 And say, 'If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have been partakers with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.'

31 Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves, that you are the children of those who killed the prophets.

32 Fill up then, the measure of the sins of your forefathers.

33 You serpents, you generation of vipers, how can you escape the damnation of hell?

34 Therefore, behold, I send to you prophets, and wise men, and scribes; and some of them you will kill and crucify; and some of them you will flog in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city.

35 So that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you killed between the temple and the altar.

36 Truly I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.

37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those who are sent to you, how often would I have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you would not [come to me and believe me]!

38 Behold, your house is left to you desolate.

39 For I say to you, You shall not see me from this time forward, until you shall say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'"

Saturday 20 March 2010

Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.

And one of them, who was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, saying,

36 "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?"

37 And Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'

40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."2

41 Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,

42 Saying, "What do you think of the Christ? Whose son is he?" They said to him, "The son of David."

43 And he said to them, "Then how does David in spirit call him Lord, saying,

44 'The LORD said to my Lord, sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool?'

45 If David calls him Lord, how is he his son?"3

46 And no man was able to answer him a word, nor from that day forward did any man dare to ask him any more questions.

Friday 19 March 2010

they ask jesus about Master, Moses said, 'If a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up children for his brother.

the Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,

24 Saying, "Master, Moses said, 'If a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up children for his brother.'

25 Now there were seven brothers with us; and the first, when he had married a wife, died, and having no children, left his wife to his brother.

26 Likewise the second also, and the third, to the seventh.

27 And last of all the woman also died.

28 Therefore in the resurrection, whose wife of the seven will she be, for they all had her [as a wife]?"

29 And Jesus answered and said to them, "You err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.

31 But in regard to the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying,

32 'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?' God is not the God of the dead, but of the living."

33 And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.

34 But when the Pharisees heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they gathered together.

Thursday 18 March 2010

Jesus perceived their wickedness and said, "Why do you tempt me, you hypocrites?

Then the Pharisees assembled and consulted how they might entangle him in his talk.

16 And they sent out to him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, "Master, we know that you are true, and teach the way of God in truth, neither do you show partiality for any man; for you do not regard the position of men.

17 Tell us therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to give tribute [taxes] to Caesar or not?"

18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness and said, "Why do you tempt me, you hypocrites?

19 Show me the tribute money." So they brought a penny to him.

20 And he said to them, "Whose is this image and inscription?"

21 And they said to him, "Caesar's." Then he said to them, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's."

22 When they heard these words, they marveled, and left him and went their way.

Wednesday 17 March 2010

Jesus said, The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king, who made a marriage for his son

Jesus spoke to them again by parables and said,

2 "The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king, who made a marriage for his son,

3 And sent forth his servants to call those who were called to the wedding, and they would not come.

4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, 'Behold, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fattened cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the marriage.'

5 But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his business.

6 And the remainder took his servants, treated them spitefully and killed them.

7 And when the king heard of it, he was angry, and he sent forth his armies and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

8 Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy.

9 Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you can find, invite them to the marriage.'

10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together as many as they found, both bad and good; and the wedding was furnished with guests.

11 But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man who did not have on a wedding garment.

12 And he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here and not have a wedding garment?' And he was speechless.1

13 Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, and take him away and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

14 For many are called, but few are chosen."

Tuesday 16 March 2010

Jesus said to them, Truly I say to you, that the tax collectors and prostitutes will enter into the kingdom of God before you.

when Jesus had come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching and said, 'By what authority do you do these things? And who gave you this authority?'

24 And Jesus answered and said to them, "I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things.

25 The baptism of John, from where did it come? Did it come from heaven or from men?" And they reasoned with themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven;' he will say to us, 'Then why did you not believe him?'

26 But if we shall say, 'Of men,' we fear the people, for all regard John as a prophet."

27 So they answered Jesus and said, "We cannot tell." And he said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.

28 But what do you think? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go work today in my vineyard.'

29 And he answered, 'I will not;' but afterward he repented and went.

30 And he came to the second and said the same thing. And he answered, 'I will go, sir;' but did not go.

31 Which of those two sons did the will of his father?" And they said to him, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly I say to you, that the tax collectors and prostitutes will enter into the kingdom of God before you.2

32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him; but the tax collectors and prostitutes believed him. But you, after you had seen it [his righteousness], did not repent afterwards and believe him.

33 Listen to another parable: There was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard and hedged it around, and dug a winepress in it, and built a tower, and rented it out to some farmers and went into a far country.

34 When the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the farmers, so that they might receive the fruits of it.

35 Then the farmers took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another.

36 And again, he sent other servants, more than the first time, and they did the same to them.

37 But last of all he sent his son to them, saying, They will reverence my son.

38 But when the farmers saw the son, they said among themselves, 'This is the heir; come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.'

39 So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him.

40 Therefore, when the lord of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those farmers?"

41 And they said to him, "He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will rent out his vineyard to other farmers, who shall pay him the fruits in their seasons."

42 Then Jesus said to them, "Have you not read in the scriptures, where it is said: 'The stone which the builders rejected, the same has become the cornerstone; this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?'3

43 Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God shall be taken from you and given to a people who will bring forth the fruits of it.

44 And whoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken; but on whomever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder."

45 And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spoke of them.

46 But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they believed him to be a prophet.

Monday 15 March 2010

Jesus answered them, If you believe, whatever (all things) you ask in prayer, you will receive.

when they drew near Jerusalem, and had come to Bethphage, to the mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples,

2 Saying to them, "Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tied, and a colt with her; loose them and bring them to me.

3 And if any man says something to you, you shall reply, 'The Lord has need of them; and will quickly return them.'"

4 This happened to fulfilling what was spoken by the prophet, saying,

5 "Tell the daughter of Zion, 'Behold, your King comes to you, meek and sitting upon an ass, upon a colt, the foal of an ass.'"

6 And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,

7 And brought the ass, and the colt, and placed their clothes on them, and then they set Jesus on the ass.

8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strewed them in the way.

9 And the multitudes that went ahead of him, and those who followed, cried, saying, "Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest."

10 Now when he came into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, "Who is this?"1

11 And the multitude said, "This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee."

12 Then Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all those who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of those who sold doves,

13 And said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer; but you have made it a den of thieves.'"

14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.

15 But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple and saying, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they were very displeased,

16 And said to him, "Listen to what these people are saying?" And Jesus said to them, "Yes; have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings you have perfected praise?'"

17 And he left them and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.

18 Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he grew hungry.

19 And when he saw a fig tree on the way, he came to it and found nothing on it, except leaves, and said to it, "Let no fruit grow on you from this time forward." And the fig tree soon after withered away.

20 And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, "How quickly has the fig tree withered away!"

21 Then Jesus answered them, "Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but also if you will say to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' it will be done.

22 If you believe, whatever (all things) you ask in prayer, you will receive."

Sunday 14 March 2010

they cried out to jesus, and saying, "Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David.

For the kingdom of heaven is like a man who is a landowner, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard.

2 And when he had agreed with the laborers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

3 Now he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,

4 And said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.' And they went their way.

5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.

6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle the whole day?'

7 And they said to him, 'Because no man has hired us.' Then he said to them, 'You also go work in the vineyard; and whatever is right, that you shall receive.'

8 So when the evening had come, the lord of the vineyard said to his steward, 'Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning from the last to the first.'

9 And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, every one of them received a penny.

10 But when the first came, they supposed that they would received more; but like the others, they received a penny.

11 And when they had received only a penny, they murmured against the good man of the house,

12 Saying, 'These last have worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden and heat of the day.'

13 But he answered one of them and said, 'Friend, I do you no wrong, did not you agree with me for a penny?

14 Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as I have given to you.

15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my own money? Is your eye evil, because I am good?'

16 So the last will be first, and the first last; for many are called, but few are chosen."

17 Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples apart on the way and said to them,

18 "Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes, and they will condemn him to death,

19 And will deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him; and the third day he will rise again."

20 Then the mother of Zebedee's children came to him with her sons, and kneeling down, asked a favor of him.

21 And he said to her, "What do you wish?" And she said to him, "Grant that these my two sons may sit, one on your right hand and the other on the left, in your kingdom."

22 But Jesus answered and said, "You do not know what you ask. Are you [James and John] able to drink of the cup of which I shall drink, and to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able."

23 And he said to them, "You shall indeed drink of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on my right and left hand, is not mine to give, but it will be given to those for whom it is prepared by my Father."

24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brothers.

25 But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the princes of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them.

26 But it will not be so among you. But whoever desires to great among you, let him minister [serve] to your needs;

27 And whoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant;

28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered to, but to minister, and to give his life as a ransom for many." [Jesus washed the feet of the disciples to show how a minister should be a humble servant and not lord it over his congregation.]

29 Now as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.

30 And behold, two blind men sitting by the wayside, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, "Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David."

31 And the multitude rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they cried all the more, saying, "Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David."

32 Then Jesus stood still and called them and said, "What do you wish me to do for you?"

33 And they said to him, "Lord, that our eyes may be opened."

34 So Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes; and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

Saturday 13 March 2010

Jesus did not say to the man, you have eternal life, because you believe in me.

What must I do to inherit eternal life? If you will enter into life, keep the commandments. Notice Jesus did not say to the man, you have eternal life, because you believe in me. Rather, Jesus said to enter into life, (the eternal life of God, directed and energized by his Spirit), you must keep the commandments. And then he lists those he must keep: You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness. Honor your father and your mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself. He listed the moral core of the law that is on every man's heart. Then he told him he must sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow him. So where is instant salvation by saying a prayer, getting wet, and eating grape juice and bread? Not only must we keep the commandments, we must follow Jesus. How do we follow Jesus? We silently listen and obey him teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and how to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; so he will redeem us from all iniquity and purify us to become his special people, zealous for good works; good works as directed by him to his glory. These verses should stop the mouths of all who say, "just to believe in Jesus is enough." There is no arguing around this; Jesus has told us that to be saved, one must keep the moral core of the commandments, take up your cross, and follow him.

2 So what should a rich man do to enter the Kingdom? He must liberally give from his excess. He cannot hold on to his riches, without sharing with those who lack the necessities of life — the poor, which does not include giving to sects or tithing. The wrong is to have excess, over and above what you need to live, while being aware of people, wherever they are, in need of the necessities of life without contributing to their relief. Perhaps you have to look beyond the borders of you own country to find those people and/or charities with genuine needs. But there is need throughout the third world for life-sustaining contributions. (Note! People in need, does not include those who refuse to take available jobs and chose to beg instead, pretending they have needs.) When you close your ears and heart to the poor, you have closed your heart to God. When you give to the poor, you have given to God. What you do for the least of mankind, you have done for God, Mat 25:32-45.

There is a generation whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from the earth, and the needy from among men. Prov 30:14.
The righteous considers the needs of the poor; but the wicked decides not to recognize what condition they are in. Prov 29:7.
He that oppresses the poor, reproaches his Maker; but he that honors Him, (his Maker), has mercy on the needy. Prov 14:31.
Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself; but shall not be heard. Prov 21:13 .

His promise was: if you seek, as your FIRST priority, the Kingdom of Heaven and His Righteousness, all your other needs will be met. We can testify to the truth of his promise, that while seeking the Lord as our first priority in life, He has met all our material needs far in excess of our hopes. Rather than accumulation, your focus should be on giving from your excess; for it is more blessed to give than receive. You must practice generous giving. When you see a need that you can fill from your excess, fill it. Just react to what comes in front of you, or you can give to deserving charities such as our favorites: Boys Town and TheSmileTrain. By giving, you are practicing what you seek - love and death of self; but give in secret, receiving no recognition from man. Only your Father in heaven will know, and your treasure will become eternal. And remember, it is the love of money that is the root of all evil, not money. Rich or poor can love money. Rich or poor can have little regard for money. Remember, it is written, give to the poor, and I will repay you. And, God loves a cheerful giver. Ease of giving comes with practice. Start slow and build as you feel the joy of giving.

Friday 12 March 2010

Jesus said to his disciples, Truly I say to you that it will be hard for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Then little children were brought there to him so that he could put his hands on them and pray, and the disciples rebuked them.

14 But Jesus said, "Allow the little children to come to me, and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

15 And he laid his hands on them, and then departed from there.

16 And, behold, someone came and said to him, "Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"

17 And he said to him, "Why do you call me good? There is none good but one, and that is God; but if you will enter into life, keep the commandments."1

18 And he asked him, 'Which ones?' Jesus said, "You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness.

19 Honor your father and your mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself."

20 And the young man said to him, "I have kept all these things from my youth up, what do I yet lack?"

21 Then Jesus said to him, "If you will be perfect, go and sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, and come and follow me."

22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had many possessions.

23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly I say to you that it will be hard for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven.2

24 And again I say to you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."

25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, "Who then can be saved?"

26 But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

27 Then Peter said to him, "Behold, we have forsaken all and followed you; therefore, what shall we have?"

28 And Jesus said to them, "Truly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of man sits on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

29 And everyone who has forsaken houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit everlasting life.

30 But many who are first will be last; and the last first."

Thursday 11 March 2010

they ask to jesus, Then why did Moses command to give her a certificate of divorce, and then send her away?

when Jesus departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judea beyond the Jordan;

2 And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.

3 The Pharisees also came to him, tempting him, saying, "Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for any reason?"

4 And he answered them, "Have you not read, that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female,

5 And said, 'For this reason shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh?'

6 Therefore they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no man divide."

7 And they said to him, "Then why did Moses command to give her a certificate of divorce, and then send her away?"

8 He said to them, "Because of the hardness of your hearts, Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.

9 And I say to you, whoever shall put away his wife, unless it is for fornication and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced, commits adultery."

10 Then his disciples said to him, "If this is the case of a man with his wife, it is good to never marry."

11 But he said to them, "All men cannot receive this saying, only those to whom it is given.

12 For there are some eunuchs who were born so from their mother's womb; and there are some eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He who is able to receive this, let him receive it."

Tuesday 9 March 2010

Jesus said, where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them.

What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety nine, and go into the mountains, and seek that which has gone astray?

13 And if he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices more about that sheep, than the ninety nine that did not go astray.

14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

15 Moreover if your brother sins, go and tell him his fault when the two of you are alone. If he hears you [and repents], you have regained your brother.

16 But if he will not hear you, then take one or two more with you, so that at the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be established.

17 And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; but if he refuses to listen to the church [and repent], let him be like a heathen or a tax collector to you.

18 Truly I say to you that whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

19 Again I say to you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father who is in heaven.

20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them."

21 Then Peter came to him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?"

22 And Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is likened to a certain king, who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.

24 And when he had begun to settle them, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him.

25 But since he was not able to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made.

26 The servant therefore fell down and begged him, saying, 'Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.'

27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and released him and forgave him the debt.

28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, who owed him a hundred pence; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, 'Pay me what you owe.'

29 And his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, 'Have patience with me and I will pay you all that I owe.'

30 But he would not, and went and cast him into prison until he could pay the debt.

31 Now when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told their lord all that was done.

32 Then his lord, after he had called him, said to him, 'O you wicked servant, I forgave you all that debt because you asked me.

33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, even as I had pity on you?'

34 And his lord was angry, and delivered him to the tormentors, until he should pay all that was due to him.

35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also to you, if each of you from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses."

Monday 8 March 2010

Jesus said,unless you are converted, and become like little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"

2 And Jesus called a little child to him, and set him in the midst of them,

3 And said, "Truly I say to you that unless you are converted, and become like little children,1 you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whoever therefore humbles himself like this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 And whoever receives one little child in my name receives me.

6 But whoever offends one of these little ones who believes in me, it would be better for him that a millstone were hung around his neck, and that he were drowned in the depths of the sea.

7 Woe to the world because of offences! For offences must come; but woe to that man by whom the offence comes!

8 Therefore if your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off, and cast it from you; it is better for you to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than to have two hands or two feet and be cast into everlasting fire.

9 And if your eye offends you, pluck it out and cast it from you; it is better for you to enter into life with one eye, than to have two eyes and be cast into hell fire.2

10 Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I say to you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.

11 For the Son of man has come to save that which was lost.

Sunday 7 March 2010

Jesus said to them, "The Son of man will be betrayed into the hands of men

And while they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of man will be betrayed into the hands of men;

23 And they will kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again." And they were exceedingly sorry.

24 Now when they came to Capernaum, those who received tribute [tax] money came to Peter and said, "Does your master pay tribute?"

25 And he said, "Yes." And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him, saying, "What do you think, Simon, of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute [taxes]; from their own children, or from strangers?"

26 And Peter said to him, "From strangers." Jesus said to him, "Then the children are exempt.

27 Despite that, for fear that we might offend them, go to the sea and cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up; and when you have opened its mouth, you will find in it a piece of money. Take the money and give it to them for me and yourself."

Saturday 6 March 2010

Jesus said to them, for truly I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, nothing will be impossible for you.

when they had come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him and saying,

15 "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is a lunatic, and suffers greatly; for he often falls into the fire, and into the water.

16 And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not cure him."

17 Then Jesus answered and said, "O faithless and perverse generation! How long will be I with you? How long will I bear with you? Bring him here to me."

18 And Jesus rebuked the devil, and he departed out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.

19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast him out?"

20 And Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for truly I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there;' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

21 However, this kind only goes out by prayer and fasting."

Friday 5 March 2010

disciples asked Jesus, Why do the the scribes say that Elijah must come first, before the Christ?

And after six days Jesus took Peter, James and John his brother, and led them up to a high mountain separate from the rest.

2 And Jesus was transfigured before them; his face shone as the sun, and his raiment was as white as the light.

3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah talking with him.

4 Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you will, let us make three booths; one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

5 While Peter was speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him and obey him."

6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were very afraid.

7 Then Jesus came and touched them, and said, "Arise, and do not be afraid."

8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus.

9 And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, "Tell the vision to no one, until the Son of man has risen again from the dead."

10 Then his disciples asked him, "Why do the the scribes say that Elijah must come first [before the Christ]?"

11 And Jesus answered them, "Elijah truly does come first, and restores all things.

12 But I tell you that Elijah has come already, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him whatever they wished. Likewise also will the Son of man suffer from them."

13 Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them of John the Baptist [being the Spirit of Elijah]

Wednesday 3 March 2010

Jesus said to Peter, Get you behind me Satan, you are an offence to me

Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. The Roman sect professes that the rock in this scripture is Peter himself. From George Fox's Doctrine:

"Jesus said to his disciples, 'But whom do you say that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, 'You are Christ, the son of the living God;’ and Jesus answered and said, 'You are blessed Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven; and I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock will I build my church,’ (mark, he said upon this rock, which flesh and blood had not revealed, he does not say upon you Peter), ‘and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it.’ Mat 16:13-18. And Jesus showed to his disciples how he must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 'Then Peter took Christ, and began to rebuke him, saying, 'Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!' Then Christ turned and said to Peter, Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.’ Mat 21-23. Now here you may clearly see that Christ does not build his church upon Peter, as a man of flesh and blood, or that which flesh and blood reveals, but upon that rock which flesh and blood had not revealed unto Peter, but the Father who is in heaven. And so I say again, it is clear, that Christ does not build his church upon Peter and his outward name, as a man of flesh and blood, nor upon that which flesh and blood may reveal, or did reveal unto Peter; but he builds his church upon that rock which the Father who is in heaven had revealed to Peter, which was, ‘You are Christ the son of the living God.’ This is the rock and foundation that the true church is built upon, Christ who bruises the serpent's head, and destroys the devil and his works; so that the gates of hell cannot, nor shall not prevail against Christ's church, and him the rock and foundation, which his church is built upon."

The Lord speaks of this same rock of understanding in Luke: For everyone who comes to Me and listens to My words and does them, I will show you what he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug and went down deep and laid a foundation upon the rock; and when a flood arose, the torrent broke against that house and could not shake or move it, because it had been securely built or founded on a rock. Luke 6:47-48.

Jesus builds his Church on the rock solid foundation of faith by revelation. He builds himself (his church, his temple in your heart) in you on a rock solid foundation of the revelation to you of He who is in you being Jesus Christ; this is the beginning of true faith, the foundation of His church, His temple within your heart . If you go to Him (the word within you), and listen to his words, and then obey them, you have identified the speaker as Christ — just like Peter did in the physical realm, except your identification of Christ is in the spiritual realm within you. And just like Peter, it is your Father in heaven who reveals this truth to you when you hear Christ speak.

2 From George Fox's Doctrine:

"And though Christ blessed Peter in Mat 16:17, after his revelation, yet in the later verse, Mat 16:23, Christ said unto Peter, ‘Get you behind me Satan, you are an offence unto me, for you savor not the things which be of God, but those that be of men.’ So here it is clear, Christ did not build his church upon Peter, nor his outward name Peter, as a man of flesh and blood, nor the revelation of flesh and blood, nor upon Satan, for he bruises Satan the serpent's head; so he was not likely to build his church upon him. Therefore, any who are to succeed Peter, must receive what the Father revealed from heaven, (namely), ‘you are Christ the son of the living God,’ ‘upon this rock will I build my church;’ but when Peter rebuked Christ, saying, ‘Be it far from you Lord; this shall not be unto you,’ (namely, when Christ told him and the rest that he should suffer and be killed, and rise again the third day), Christ called Peter Satan, and told him get him behind him, as before."

So, Peter is still a man of the flesh, his chaffy flesh not yet consumed by the unquenchable fire of the Holy Sprit, which occurred at Pentecost after Jesus was crucified. So first Peter was lauded in idenfifying Christ as the Mesiaah, and then he was rebuked for speaking the words of Satan and not being mindful of the things of God — hardly a state of man that Jesus would build his church upon.

3 For whoever will save his life, shall lose it; and whoever will lose his life for my sake, shall find it. To attain salvation is to be free from sin. To attain slavation is to find the new life in God, to put on the incorruptible, to have become an entirely new creature, to have crucified the old man with his lusts and affections on the inward cross of self-denial. But if you try to please God, while holding onto your pleasures, pastimes, lusts, affections, selfish behaviors, etc., you will lose your sould and be banished from heaven. You must lose your fleshly life, to find life in God. From the Voice of the Lord: "The sacrifice of life has been given to the few who would lose their life to save it"... I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service and worship. Rom 12:1.

4 Notice: In Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus is recorded as saying that some then standing with him, 2000 years ago, would see his glorious coming with the Kingdom before they died. In Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus is recorded as saying that all the end times prophesies would be fulfilled before the generation of 2000 years ago died, (click here to see all). These are six attestations, which prove to us that the kingdom has been available to all generations, but only to those who seize the true hope of seeing him while still living on the earth.

When he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure. (1 John 3:2-3). The heart is purified by faith in the operation of the Spirit, who convicts one of sin, and then removes the desire for that sin from one's heart.

Tuesday 2 March 2010

Jesus said to his disciples, "If any man desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Then the Pharisees and the Sadducees came to tempt him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.

2 And he answered and said to them, "When it is evening, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.'

3 And in the morning, 'It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening .' O you hypocrites, you can discern the face of the sky; can you not discern the signs of the times?

4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeks a sign; and there will no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah." And he left them and went away.

5 Now when his disciples came to the other side, they had forgotten to bring bread.

6 Then Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees."

7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "It is because we have brought no bread."

8 But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves that it is because you have brought no bread?

9 Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets full you gathered up?

10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many remaining baskets you gathered up?

11 How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread, but that you should beware the yeast of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?"

12 Then they understood that he did not command them to beware the yeast of bread, but to beware the doctrines of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

13 Now when Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, "Whom do men say that I, the Son of man, am?"

14 And they said, "Some say that you are John the Baptist, some Elijah; and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."

15 He said to them, "But whom do you say that I am?"

16 And Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

17 Then Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. [We too must recognize the Word of God within our hearts as Jesus by revelation from the Lord.]

18 And I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church;1 and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.

19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

20 Then he charged his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

21 From that time forth Jesus began to show his disciples how he must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

22 Then Peter took him aside, and began to rebuke him, saying, "Let this not be, Lord; this must not happen to you."

23 But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan!2 You are an offence to me; for you do not understand the things that are of God, but only those that are of men."

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any man desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. [To follow Christ you must humbly get quiet to listen for his word within your heart, then you must wait to hear Him, then you must obey Him. To obey is to follow. Self-denial occurs by obeying the Lord's voice instead of your will, (His will, not your will); this is taking up the cross.]

25 For whoever will save his life, shall lose it; and whoever will lose his life for my sake, shall find it.3 [When you continually deny yourself and obey the Lord's commands, you will eventually lose your selfish life, and thereby find Life in union with God.]

26 For what benefit is it to a man, if he should gain the whole world, but lose his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

27 For the Son of man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he will reward every man according to his works.

28 Truly I say to you, There are some standing here, who shall not taste of death, until they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom."4

Monday 1 March 2010

Jesus said,whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.

You hypocrites... This people draws near to me with their mouth, and honors me with their lips; but their hearts are far from me. A hypocrite is someone who talks about religion while still sinning. Their hearts are still full of evil, but they attend religious services, singing, praying, paying, etc. So until you have been cleansed of sin, and then told to whom and what to say about God, or what to write about God, don't; for if you speak or write without his instructions, you will receive his condemnation. You will hear him say: "Who has required this of your hand?" The Lord did not want men to speak about him whose hearts were still full of evil: he did not need any testimony from man, for he knew what was in man, [the evil in their hearts]. John 2:25. George Fox said: "Unless your words are controlled by the Spirit of God, don't even speak the words Jesus or God." After you go to the Lord to hear and obey, repetitively, he will cleanse you and give you a new heart, which will be united with him. Then your worship will be in Spirit and Truth, with words supplied by the Holy Spirit; until then your praying, singing, and praises are abominations to the Lord, for the Father must be worshiped in Spirit and Truth. Abominations for two reasons: 1) your words come from your evil imagination, evil heart, and carnal mind; and 2) because your hypocrisy will be evident to outsiders. Words spoken without being supplied by the spirit will be a stumbling block to the hearers, scattering the true sheep. You scatter the true sheep because he who does not gather with [as under his direction and control] me, scatters. Luke 11:23, Mat 12:30.

2 In vain they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. As today Christendom's worship has man-invented, non-scriptural infant baptism, grape juice and bread, the "Apostle's Creed," the offering, the benediction, sermons, the sinner's prayer, altar calls, confirmation, bible reading, prayers from the preacher, standing to sing, kneeling, bowing to the cross, making the cross with your hand on your body, etc. All are the inventions of man, not scripture-prescribed forms of worship. Besides corrupting worship as described in the Bible, Christendom does not even recognize behaviors that disqualify it members; Christendom has lost sight of sin, calling evil good, good evil, putting light for darkness; Christendom says peace, peace, when there is no peace; Christendom says to the sinner who walks after the imagination of his own heart, "you are righteous because you belong to our sect, no evil shall befall you." From the Voice of the Lord: "Christendom has gutted the teachings of Jesus and have made the Bible an excuse for remaining immersed in their sins." Christendom ignores the Bible's exclusions, requirements, and qualifying conditions. Christendom tells their followers that the law is dead; except of course, they claim you are still required to tithe with your money. Christendom does not understand repentance, the cross, the rest, the light, salvation, or the word; they perish for lack of knowledge. Christendom has changed the covenant - making the blood of Jesus and unholy thing, used to excuse sin in their members. Retribution for this spite of grace looms.

3 Every plant, which my heavenly Father has not planted, will be rooted up. Jesus is speaking of every spiritual plant in a man's heart. The devil has sown his spirit into every man's heart: envy, greed, sexual immorality, pride, anger, profanity, lying, stealing, etc.; and each of these must be rooted out of a man's heart before he can be in the company of God in heaven. Notice, he says every plant WILL BE rooted up: either in this life voluntarily through the inward cross of self-denial, or in the next life's part in the lake of fire.

4 Leave them alone and disregard them; they are blind guides and teachers. In Zechariah, the Lord states his anger against the blind guides: My anger is kindled against the shepherds and I will punished the goat leaders. Zech 10:3. The shepherds of Christendom are all goat leaders. They have deceived their followers to believing a false salvation; so their followers remain sinning goats, rather than sinless sheep. They ignore God's exclusions, his requirements, and his qualifying conditions. The ministers of Christendom think that salvation's Biblically stated requirements of cleansing, purity, perfection, and holiness are impossible. They don't know how to receive the changing power of God. These goat leaders are self-appointed; not appointed by the Holy Spirit for the perfecting of the saints; not taught, perfected, restored, and authorized by the Lord. So the goat leaders of Christendom read the dead letter of the Bible to their followers, rather than speak words supplied by the Holy Spirit, words which give life to their followers, changing them from goats to sheep. The letter kills, the spirit gives life. 2 Cor 2:6; The words that I speak to you are spirit, and the are life. John 6:63. But true shepherds speak words supplied by the Spirit of God; as Paul said: Which things also we speak, not in the words, which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Cor 2:13; and as Peter said: If any man speaks, let him speak as the oracles [words] of God; 1 Pet 4:11. But the goat leaders speak words from their carnal minds and from the evil imaginations of their hearts. Even Jesus did not judge, speak, or act without the Spirit's specific prompting.

By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, John 5:30
whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak. John 12:49-50
the Son is able to do nothing of Himself (of His own accord);
but He [the son] is able to do only what He sees the Father doing, John 5:19
He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory,
but he who seeks the glory of the One who sent him,
that man is true, and there is no unrighteousness is in him. John 7:18.

Any man who speaks of God or Christ without the Spirit's specific promptings is seeking his own glory, and he is estimating himself to be greater than Christ,
for Christ said: The disciple is not above his master, but everyone who is perfect [purified, restored to the spiritual image of God, specifically authorized, and perfected] will be like his master. Luke 6:39-42.

Like the evil shepherds of Israel, the preachers today feed themselves, by taking money from their followers. Preaching for a salary is the error of Balaam, which is spiritual adultery, loving wages and profit - both Peter and Jude had some very grave things to say about those who solicit donations or preach for a salary. Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children - for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. Peter, Paul, and Jesus all spoke strongly against preachers who took money from the flock, feeding themselves at the expense of their listeners; the goat leaders of Christendom. Be you separate, said the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, said the Lord Almighty. 2 Cor. 6:17. Leave them alone and disregard them; they are blind guides and teachers. Come out of her my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues. Rev 18:4-7.

5 Out of the heart proceeds evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies; these are the things that defile a man. If you lie, commit adultery (even by looking at someone with lust), steal (cheat), murder (hate is murder in your heart), or have impure thoughts — according to Jesus, you are defiled. Look at Jesus. Do you think he is going to join with a defiled man? Do you think Jesus is going to want the company of a defiled man? No - I assure you. You must repent. You must be cleansed. You must be purified, before you can have any part of him.