Saturday, May 25, 2024

The CHOSEN vessel

 

Acts 9:20

King James Version

20 And straightway 

he preached Christ in the synagogues, 

that he is the Son of God.


Is it possible for wicked people to change?

We only need to look to the story of apostle Paul.

Who is greatly respected for his devotion to CHRIST.

But he once persecuted followers of the LORD.

Acts 9:1-2

King James Version

9 And Saul, 

yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter 

against the disciples of the Lord, 

went unto the high priest,

2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, 

that if he found any of this way, 

whether they were men or women, 

he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.


But one day, all that changed.

Acts 9:3-9

King James Version

3 And as he journeyed, 

he came near Damascus: 

and suddenly there shined round about him 

a light from heaven:

4 And he fell to the earth, 

and heard a voice saying unto him, 

Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

5 And he said, 

Who art thou, Lord? 

And the Lord said, 

I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: 

it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

6 And he trembling and astonished said, 

Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? 

And the Lord said unto him, 

Arise, 

and go into the city, 

and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, 

hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

8 And Saul arose from the earth; 

and when his eyes were opened, 

he saw no man: 

but they led him by the hand, 

and brought him into Damascus.

9 And he was three days without sight, 

and neither did eat nor drink.


The LORD also appears to Ananias, a disciple in Damascus:

Acts 9:11-12

King James Version

11 And the Lord said unto him, 

Arise, 

and go into the street which is called Straight, 

and enquire in the house of Judas 

for one called Saul, of Tarsus: 

for, behold, he prayeth,

12 And hath seen in a vision 

a man named Ananias coming in,

 and putting his hand on him, 

that he might receive his sight.


Ananias remembers who Saul is.

Acts 9:13-14

King James Version

13 Then Ananias answered, 

Lord, I have heard by many of this man, 

how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests 

to bind all that call on thy name.


But the LORD states:

Acts 9:15-16

King James Version

15 But the Lord said unto him, 

Go thy way: 

for he is a chosen vessel unto me, 

to bear my name before the Gentiles, 

and kings, 

and the children of Israel:

16 For I will shew him how great things 

he must suffer for my name's sake


That sealed the destiny of apostle Paul.

We also learn that he authored 13 books of the Bible.

I discovered that Paul has a lovely way of greeting others.

Click this link for the next post.


Image: Free Bible Images


Sunday, March 31, 2024

MEAL at GALILEE

 

John 21:1

King James Version

21 After these things Jesus shewed himself again 

to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; 

and on this wise shewed he himself.


The previous post showed the first three gospels.

Wherein JESUS gave His farewell instructions.

Before He ascended to heaven, sitting at the right hand of GOD.

We create a separate post for John's gospel here.

JESUS dines for the last time, with His apostles, by the Sea of Galilee.

Here's what the Bible says:

John 21:2-3

King James Version

2 There were together Simon Peter

and Thomas called Didymus

and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, 

and the sons* of Zebedee

and two other of his disciples.

3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. 

They say unto him, We also go with thee. 

They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; 

and that night they caught nothing.


John 21:4-6

King James Version

4 But when the morning was now come,

 Jesus stood on the shore: 

but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

5 Then Jesus saith unto them, 

Children, have ye any meat? 

They answered him, No.

6 And he said unto them, 

Cast the net on the right side of the ship, 

and ye shall find. 

They cast therefore, 

and now they were not able to draw it 

for the multitude of fishes.


John 21:7-9

King James Version

7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved 

saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. 

Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, 

he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) 

and did cast himself into the sea.

8 And the other disciples came in a little ship;

 (for they were not far from land, 

but as it were two hundred cubits,) 

dragging the net with fishes.

9 As soon then as they were come to land,

they saw a fire of coals there, 

and fish laid thereon, and bread.


John 21:10-11

King James Version

10 Jesus saith unto them, 

Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.

11 Simon Peter went up, 

and drew the net to land full of great fishes, 

an hundred and fifty and three: 

and for all there were so many, 

yet was not the net broken.


John 21:12-13

King James Version

12 Jesus saith unto them, 

Come and dine. 

And none of the disciples durst ask him, 

Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.

13 Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, 

and giveth them, and fish likewise.




John 21:14

King James Version

14 This is now the third time 

that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples,

after that he was risen from the dead.


John 21:15

King James Version

15 So when they had dined, 

Jesus saith to Simon Peter, 

Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? 

He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; 

thou knowest that I love thee. 

He saith unto him, 

Feed my lambs.


John 21:16

King James Version

16 He saith to him again the second time, 

Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? 

He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; 

thou knowest that I love thee. 

He saith unto him, 

Feed my sheep.


John 21:17

King James Version

17 He saith unto him the third time, 

Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? 

Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, 

Lovest thou me? 

And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; 

thou knowest that I love thee. 

Jesus saith unto him, 

Feed my sheep.


John 21:18-19

King James Version

18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 

When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, 

and walkedst whither thou wouldest: 

but when thou shalt be old, 

thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, 

and another shall gird thee, 

and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

19 This spake he, 

signifying by what death he should glorify God. 

And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, 

Follow me.


John 21:20-23

King James Version

20 Then Peter, turning about, 

seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; 

which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, 

Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?

21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, 

Lord, and what shall this man do?

22 Jesus saith unto him, 

If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? 

follow thou me.

23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, 

that that disciple should not die: 

yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; 

but, If I will that he tarry till I come, 

what is that to thee?


Apostle John attests to the truth of the gospel.

John 21:24

King James Version

24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, 

and wrote these things: 

and we know that his testimony is true.


And adds the last, thought-provoking verse.

John 21:25

King James Version

25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, 

the which, if they should be written every one, 

I suppose that even the world itself could not contain 

the books that should be written. 

Amen.


Herein ends the gospel of John.

The apostle whom the LORD "loved".


*NOTE:

The sons of Zebedee:

-- James the Greater

-- John the Apostle

Matthew 4:18-22

King James Version

18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, 

saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, 

and Andrew his brother, 

casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

19 And he saith unto them, 

Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

20 And they straightway left their nets, 

and followed him.

21 And going on from thence, 

he saw other two brethren, 

James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, 

in a ship with Zebedee their father, 

mending their nets; and he called them.

22 And they immediately left the ship 

and their father, and followed him.


Images: Free Bible Images


JESUS instructs His APOSTLES

 

John 20:21-22

King James Version

21 Then said Jesus to them again, 

Peace be unto you: 

as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

22 And when he had said this, 

he breathed on them, and saith unto them, 

Receive ye the Holy Ghost:


We know what happened after JESUS died.

We know how the LORD's burial was.

We know what happened when He was resurrected.

We also know how He appeared to His disciples.

Now, it's time to hear the LORD's last instructions and fellowship with His apostles before He ascended to heaven.

Let the three first gospels tell us:


Matthew 28:16-20

King James Version

16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, 

into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: 

but some doubted.

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, 

All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, 

baptizing them in the name of the Father, 

and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things 

whatsoever I have commanded you: 

and, lo, I am with you always, 

even unto the end of the world. 

Amen.


Mark 16:15-20

King James Version

15 And he said unto them, 

Go ye into all the world, 

and preach the gospel to every creature.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; 

but he that believeth not shall be damned.

17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; 

In my name shall they cast out devils; 

they shall speak with new tongues;

18 They shall take up serpents; 

and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; 

they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, 

he was received up into heaven, 

and sat on the right hand of God.

20 And they went forth, 

and preached every where, 

the Lord working with them, 

and confirming the word 

with signs following. 

Amen.


Luke 24:46-53

King James Version

46 And said unto them, 

Thus it is written, 

and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, 

and to rise from the dead the third day:

47 And that repentance and remission of sins 

should be preached in his name among all nations, 

beginning at Jerusalem.

48 And ye are witnesses of these things.

49 And, behold, 

I send the promise of my Father upon you: 

but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, 

until ye be endued with power from on high.

50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, 

and he lifted up his hands, 

and blessed them.

51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, 

he was parted from them, 

and carried up into heaven.

52 And they worshipped him, 

and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:

53 And were continually in the temple, 

praising and blessing God. 

Amen.


In John's gospel, we witness the LORD having a last meal with His apostles by the Sea of Galilee.

Click here for the next post.


Image: Free Bible Images


JESUS appears before His disciples

 

John 14:27

King James Version

27 Peace I leave with you, 

my peace I give unto you: 

not as the world giveth, give I unto you. 

Let not your heart be troubled, 

neither let it be afraid.


We know what happened after JESUS died.

We also know how the LORD's burial was.

Similarly, we know what happened when He was resurrected.

We know He spoke to Mary Magdalene.

And she told His apostles JESUS was risen.

How did JESUS show up before His apostles?

How did they react upon seeing Him alive?

What did He tell His disciples?

The four gospels tell us more:


Matthew 28:9-15

King James Version

9 And 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 said Jesus unto them, 

Be not afraid: 

go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee

and there shall they see me.

11 Now when they were going, 

behold, some of the watch came into the city, 

and shewed unto the chief priests 

all the things that were done.

12 And when they were assembled with the elders, 

and had taken counsel, 

they gave large money unto the soldiers,

13 Saying, Say ye, 

His disciples came by night, 

and stole him away while we slept.

14 And if this come to the governor's ears, 

we will persuade him, and secure you.

15 So they took the money, 

and did as they were taught: 

and this saying is commonly reported 

among the Jews until this day.


Mark 16:11-14

King James Version

11 And they, when they had heard that he was alive, 

and had been seen of her, believed not.

12 After that he appeared in another form 

unto two of them, as they walked,

 and went into the country.

13 And they went and told it unto the residue: 

neither believed they them.

14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven 

as they sat at meat, 

and upbraided them with their unbelief 

and hardness of heart, 

because they believed not them 

which had seen him after he was risen.


Luke 24:11-45

King James Version

11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, 

and they believed them not.

12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; 

and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes 

laid by themselves, and departed, 

wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.

13 And, behold, 

two of them went that same day 

to a village called Emmaus

which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.

14 And they talked together of all these things 

which had happened.

15 And it came to pass, 

that, while they communed together and reasoned, 

Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

16 But their eyes were holden 

that they should not know him.

17 And he said unto them, 

What manner of communications are these 

that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?

18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas

answering said unto him, 

Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, 

and hast not known the things 

which are come to pass there in these days?

19 And he said unto them, What things? 

And they said unto him, 

Concerning Jesus of Nazareth

which was a prophet mighty in deed and word 

before God and all the people:

20 And how the chief priests and our rulers 

delivered him to be condemned to death, 

and have crucified him.

21 But we trusted that it had been he 

which should have redeemed Israel: 

and beside all this, to day is the third day 

since these things were done.

22 Yea, and certain women also of our company 

made us astonished, 

which were early at the sepulchre;

23 And when they found not his body, 

they came, saying, 

that they had also seen a vision of angels, 

which said that he was alive.

24 And certain of them which were with us 

went to the sepulchre, 

and found it even so as the women had said: 

but him they saw not.

25 Then he said unto them,

O fools, and slow of heart to believe 

all that the prophets have spoken:

26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, 

and to enter into his glory?

27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, 

he expounded unto them in all the scriptures 

the things concerning himself.

28 And they drew nigh unto the village, 

whither they went: 

and he made as though he would have gone further.

29 But they constrained him, saying, 

Abide with us: 

for it is toward evening, 

and the day is far spent. 

And he went in to tarry with them.

30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, 

he took bread, and blessed it, and brake,

 and gave to them.

31 And their eyes were opened, 

and they knew him; 

and he vanished out of their sight.

32 And they said one to another, 

Did not our heart burn within us, 

while he talked with us by the way, 

and while he opened to us the scriptures?

33 And they rose up the same hour, 

and returned to Jerusalem

and found the eleven gathered together, 

and them that were with them,

34 Saying, 

The Lord is risen indeed, 

and hath appeared to Simon.

35 And they told what things were done in the way, 

and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

36 And as they thus spake, 

Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, 

and saith unto them, 

Peace be unto you.

37 But they were terrified and affrighted, 

and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

38 And he said unto them, 

Why are ye troubled? 

and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?

39 Behold my hands and my feet, 

that it is I myself: 

handle me, and see; 

for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, 

as ye see me have.

40 And when he had thus spoken, 

he shewed them his hands and his feet.

41 And while they yet believed not for joy, 

and wondered, he said unto them, 

Have ye here any meat?

42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, 

and of an honeycomb.

43 And he took it, and did eat before them.

44 And he said unto them, 

These are the words which I spake unto you, 

while I was yet with you, 

that all things must be fulfilled, 

which were written in the law of Moses, 

and in the prophets, and in the psalms, 

concerning me.

45 Then opened he their understanding, 

that they might understand the scriptures,


John 20:19-31

King James Version

19 Then the same day at evening, 

being the first day of the week, 

when the doors were shut where the disciples 

were assembled for fear of the Jews, 

came Jesus and stood in the midst, 

and saith unto them, 

Peace be unto you.

20 And when he had so said, 

he shewed unto them his hands and his side. 

Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

21 Then said Jesus to them again, 

Peace be unto you: 

as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, 

and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

23 Whose soever sins ye remit, 

they are remitted unto them; 

and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, 

was not with them when Jesus came.

25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, 

We have seen the Lord. 

But he said unto them, 

Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, 

and put my finger into the print of the nails, 

and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

26 And after eight days again his disciples were within,

 and Thomas with them: 

then came Jesus, 

the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, 

and said, Peace be unto you.

27 Then saith he to Thomas, 

Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; 

and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: 

and be not faithless, but believing.

28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, 

My Lord and my God.

29 Jesus saith unto him, 

Thomas, because thou hast seen me,

thou hast believed: 

blessed are they that have not seen, 

and yet have believed.

30 And many other signs truly did Jesus 

in the presence of his disciples, 

which are not written in this book:

31 But these are written, 

that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ

the Son of God

and that believing ye might have life 

through his name.


Before He ascended to heaven, JESUS left instructions to His apostles.

And that's for the next post.


Image: Free Bible Images


Thursday, January 11, 2024

RAISING the DEAD

 

Matthew 10:5-8

King James Version

5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, 

and commanded them, saying, 

Go not into the way of the Gentiles, 

and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

7 And as ye go, preach, saying, 

The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

8 Heal the sick, 

cleanse the lepers, 

raise the dead, 

cast out devils: 

freely ye have received, 

freely give.


It is only through the SON of GOD, that this is possible.

The matter of raising the dead.

Whether they be dead in body, or dead in spirit.

But for this post, we speak of the former

We know that JESUS could raise the dead.

Scripture testifies of it.

Luke 7:12-17

King James Version

12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, 

behold, there was a dead man carried out, 

the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: 

and much people of the city was with her.

13 And when the Lord saw her, 

he had compassion on her, 

and said unto her, 

Weep not.

14 And he came and touched the bier: 

and they that bare him stood still. 

And he said, 

Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. 

And he delivered him to his mother.

16 And there came a fear on all: 

and they glorified God, saying, 

That a great prophet is risen up among us; 

and, That God hath visited his people.

17 And this rumour of him went forth 

throughout all Judaea, 

and throughout all the region round about.


JESUS would always attribute His power to GOD.

John 5:19-21

King James Version

19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, 

Verily, verily, I say unto you, 

The Son can do nothing of himself, 

but what he seeth the Father do: 

for what things soever he doeth, 

these also doeth the Son likewise.

20 For the Father loveth the Son, 

and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: 

and he will shew him greater works than these, 

that ye may marvel.

21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, 

and quickeneth them; even so 

the Son quickeneth whom he will.


We also learn that JESUS gave the same power to His apostles.

Yes, even including Judas, before the betrayal.

JESUS did promise His apostles:

John 14:12

King James Version

12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, 

He that believeth on me, 

the works that I do shall he do also; 

and greater works than these shall he do; 

because I go unto my Father.


Were the apostles able to raise the dead?

Absolutely.

Proof?


Through Peter.

Acts 9:36-42

King James Version

36 Now there was at Joppa 

a certain disciple named Tabitha

which by interpretation is called Dorcas: 

this woman was full of good works 

and almsdeeds which she did.

37 And it came to pass in those days, 

that she was sick, and died: 

whom when they had washed, 

they laid her in an upper chamber.

38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, 

and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, 

they sent unto him two men, 

desiring him that he would not delay 

to come to them.

39 Then Peter arose and went with them. 

When he was come, 

they brought him into the upper chamber: 

and all the widows stood by him weeping, 

and shewing the coats and garments 

which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

40 But Peter put them all forth, 

and kneeled down, and prayed; 

and turning him to the body said, 

Tabitha, arise. 

And she opened her eyes: 

and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, 

and when he had called the saints and widows, 

presented her alive.

42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; 

and many believed in the Lord.


Through Paul.

Acts 20:7-12

King James Version

7 And upon the first day of the week, 

when the disciples came together to break bread, 

Paul preached unto them, 

ready to depart on the morrow; 

and continued his speech until midnight.

8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber, 

where they were gathered together.

9 And there sat in a window 

a certain young man named Eutychus

being fallen into a deep sleep: 

and as Paul was long preaching, 

he sunk down with sleep, 

and fell down from the third loft, 

and was taken up dead.

10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, 

and embracing him said, 

Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

11 When he therefore was come up again, 

and had broken bread, and eaten, 

and talked a long while, 

even till break of day, so he departed.

12 And they brought the young man alive, 

and were not a little comforted.


Image: Free Bible Images

(Shown above is Paul with Eutychus)


The CHOSEN vessel

  Acts 9:20 King James Version 20 And straightway  he preached Christ in the synagogues,  that he is the Son of God . Is it possible for wic...