STEADY as a ROCK

 

Ephesians 2:19-20

King James Version

19 Now therefore 

ye are no more strangers and foreigners, 

but fellowcitizens with the saints, 

and of the household of God;

20 And are built upon the foundation 

of the apostles and prophets, 

Jesus Christ himself 

being the chief corner stone;

Being a follower of JESUS means you're steady as a rock.

You are not moved, or swayed, by the ways of the world.

As born again, your foundation is in CHRIST.

Called the "Rock".

1 Corinthians 10:4

King James Version

4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: 

for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: 

and that Rock was Christ.

And "cornerstone".

Psalm 118:22-23

King James Version

22 The stone which the builders refused 

is become the head stone of the corner.

23 This is the Lord's doing; 

it is marvellous in our eyes.

Your focus is on JESUS alone.

Expect to become unpopular.

Expect all kinds of temptations.

Expect to be mocked, reviled, shunned.

Your life is as nothing, to unbelievers.

JESUS knew that early on:

John 7:7

King James Version

7 The world cannot hate you; 

but me it hateth, because I testify of it, 

that the works thereof are evil.

It's a cross we must bear as well.

This thing about being scorned at.

Luke 9:23

King James Version

23 And he said to them all, 

If any man will come after me, 

let him deny himself, 

and take up his cross daily, 

and follow me.

Notice JESUS said we must take up our cross "daily".

It's not just for some special occasion, or for show.

We bear the cross daily, in all faith, and diligence.

Our task as followers is to share the gospel of CHRIST.

To believe in, and to alert them to the RAPTURE.

Which can happen any time.

To warn people.

That we may all come to CHRIST.

Ephesians 4:12-13

King James Version

12 For the perfecting of the saints, 

for the work of the ministry, 

for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, 

and of the knowledge of the Son of God, 

unto a perfect man, 

unto the measure of the stature 

of the fulness of Christ:

Ephesians 4:14-15

King James Version

14 That we henceforth be no more children, 

tossed to and fro, 

and carried about with every wind of doctrine, 

by the sleight of men, 

and cunning craftiness, 

whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, 

may grow up into him in all things, 

which is the head, even Christ:

1 Thessalonians 5:23

King James Version

23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; 

and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body 

be preserved blameless 

unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It takes a certain kind of discipline, to be a follower of JESUS.

But, through JESUS, we can accomplish it.

Philippians 4:13

King James Version

13 I can do all things through Christ 

which strengtheneth me.

John 15:5

King James Version

5 I am the vine, 

ye are the branches: 

He that abideth in me, 

and I in him, 

the same bringeth forth much fruit: 

for without me ye can do nothing.

But, what if you're not born again?

Well, it's time to be one.

That you may be instructed by SPIRIT.

And receive the knowledge that is GOD's.

Related material:

Born Again WARRIOR's CREED

It's ALL preparation NOW

SOLDIER of CHRIST

CHRIST's soldier

BORN AGAIN articles

END times

Image: Need Pix

POWER given APOSTLES

 

Matthew 16:24

King James Version

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, 

If any man will come after me, 

let him deny himself, 

and take up his cross, 

and follow me.

What were the 12 apostles tasked with?

What did JESUS teach them to do?

Scripture tells us more.

Matthew 4:19

King James Version

19 And he saith unto them, 

Follow me, 

and I will make you fishers of men.

Matthew 10:1

King James Version

10 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, 

he gave them power against unclean spirits, 

to cast them out, 

and to heal all manner of sickness 

and all manner of disease.

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.

Matthew 19:28

King James Version

28 And Jesus said unto them, 

Verily I say unto you, 

That ye which have followed me, 

in the regeneration when the Son of man 

shall sit in the throne of his glory, 

ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, 

judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Matthew 28:19-20

King James Version

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 3:13-15

King James Version

13 And he goeth up into a mountain, 

and calleth unto him whom he would: 

and they came unto him.

14 And he ordained twelve, 

that they should be with him, 

and that he might send them forth to preach,

15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, 

and to cast out devils:

Mark 16:14-20

King James Version

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.

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 24:44-53

King James Version

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,

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.

John 21:15-17

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.

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.

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.

More articles here.

Image: Free Bible Images

The 12 apostles

 

Matthew 4:19

King James Version

19 And he saith unto them, 

Follow me, 

and I will make you fishers of men.

Who were the first apostles?

How did they become followers of JESUS?

Scripture has a lovely story to tell, from the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John:

Matthew 10:2-4

King James Version

2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; 

The first, Simon, who is called Peter, 

and Andrew his brother; 

James the son of Zebedee, 

and John his brother;

3 Philip, 

and Bartholomew; 

Thomas, 

and Matthew the publican; 

James the son of Alphaeus, 

and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;

4 Simon the Canaanite, 

and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

Mark 3:16-19

King James Version

16 And Simon he surnamed Peter;

17 And James the son of Zebedee, 

and John the brother of James; 

and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, 

The sons of thunder:

18 And Andrew, 

and Philip, 

and Bartholomew, 

and Matthew, and Thomas, 

and James the son of Alphaeus, 

and Thaddaeus, 

and Simon the Canaanite,

19 And Judas Iscariot, 

which also betrayed him: 

and they went into an house.

Luke 6:13-16

King James Version

13 And when it was day, 

he called unto him his disciples: 

and of them he chose twelve, 

whom also he named apostles;

14 Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) 

and Andrew his brother, 

James and John, 

Philip and Bartholomew,

15 Matthew and Thomas, 

James the son of Alphaeus, 

and Simon called Zelotes,

16 And Judas the brother of James, 

and Judas Iscariot, 

which also was the traitor.

John 1:34-51

King James Version

34 And I saw, 

and bare record that this is the Son of God.

35 Again the next day after John stood, 

and two of his disciples;

36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, 

he saith, 

Behold the Lamb of God!

37 And the two disciples heard him speak, 

and they followed Jesus.

38 Then Jesus turned, 

and saw them following, 

and saith unto them, 

What seek ye? 

They said unto him, Rabbi, 

(which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) 

where dwellest thou?

39 He saith unto them, 

Come and see. 

They came and saw where he dwelt, 

and abode with him that day: 

for it was about the tenth hour.

40 One of the two which heard John speak, 

and followed him, was Andrew, 

Simon Peter's brother.

41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, 

and saith unto him, 

We have found the Messias, 

which is, being interpreted, 

the Christ.

42 And he brought him to Jesus. 

And when Jesus beheld him, 

he said, 

Thou art Simon the son of Jona: 

thou shalt be called Cephas, 

which is by interpretation, 

A stone.

43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, 

and findeth Philip, 

and saith unto him, 

Follow me.

44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, 

the city of Andrew and Peter.

45 Philip findeth Nathanael, 

and saith unto him, 

We have found him, 

of whom Moses in the law, 

and the prophets, did write, 

Jesus of Nazareth, 

the son of Joseph.

46 And Nathanael said unto him, 

Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? 

Philip saith unto him, 

Come and see.

47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, 

and saith of him, 

Behold an Israelite indeed, 

in whom is no guile!

48 Nathanael saith unto him, 

Whence knowest thou me? 

Jesus answered and said unto him, 

Before that Philip called thee, 

when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.

49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, 

Rabbi, 

thou art the Son of God; 

thou art the King of Israel.

50 Jesus answered and said unto him, 

Because I said unto thee, 

I saw thee under the fig tree, 

believest thou? 

thou shalt see greater things than these.

51 And he saith unto him, 

Verily, verily, I say unto you, 

Hereafter ye shall see heaven open,

 and the angels of God ascending and descending 

upon the Son of man.

We all know Judas betrayed JESUS.

Who took his place?

Who became the 12th apostle?

These verses tell us what we need to know:

Acts 1:23-26

King James Version

23 And they appointed two, 

Joseph called Barsabas, 

who was surnamed Justus, 

and Matthias.

24 And they prayed, 

and said, 

Thou, Lord, 

which knowest the hearts of all men, 

shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, 

from which Judas by transgression fell, 

that he might go to his own place.

26 And they gave forth their lots; 

and the lot fell upon Matthias; 

and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

The next post tells of what JESUS ordained the apostles to do.

Related post:

AGENTS of GOD

Image: Free Bible Images

JOHN as ELIJAH

 

JESUS on John the Baptist:

Matthew 11:14

King James Version

14 And if ye will receive it, 

this is Elias, 

which was for to come.

What did the LORD mean, when He declared that verse about John the Baptist?

That "this is Elias, which was for to come"?

Let's turn to other Bible versions for an explanation:

Matthew 11:14

21st Century King James Version

14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elijah, who was to come.

Matthew 11:14

Amplified Bible

14 And if you are willing to accept it, John himself is [the fulfillment of] Elijah [as the messenger] who was to come [before the kingdom].

Matthew 11:14

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

14 And if you are willing to receive and accept it, John himself is Elijah who was to come [before the kingdom].

Matthew 11:14

Christian Standard Bible

14 And if you’re willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who is to come.

Matthew 11:14

Common English Bible

14 If you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come.

Matthew 11:14

Complete Jewish Bible

14 Indeed, if you are willing to accept it, he is Eliyahu, whose coming was predicted.

Matthew 11:14

Contemporary English Version

14  And if you believe them, John is Elijah, the prophet you are waiting for.

Matthew 11:14

Disciples’ Literal New Testament

14 And if you are willing to accept it, he himself is Elijah— the one going-to[a] come.

Matthew 11:14

Easy-to-Read Version

14 And if you believe what they said, then John is Elijah.[a] He is the one they said would come.

Matthew 11:14

Evangelical Heritage Version

14 If you are willing to receive it, he is the Elijah who was to come.

Matthew 11:14

Good News Translation

14 and if you are willing to believe their message, John is Elijah, whose coming was predicted.

Matthew 11:14

International Children’s Bible

14 And if you will believe the things the law and the prophets said, then you will believe that John is Elijah. The law and the prophets said he would come.

Matthew 11:14

International Standard Version

14 If you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come.

Matthew 11:14

J.B. Phillips New Testament

For the Law and all the prophets foretold it till the time of John and—if you can believe it—John himself is the ‘Elijah’ who must come before the kingdom.

Matthew 11:14

Lexham English Bible

14 and if you are willing to accept it,[a] he is Elijah, the one who is going to come.

Matthew 11:14

Living Bible

14 and if you are willing to understand what I mean, he is Elijah, the one the prophets said would come at the time the Kingdom begins.

Matthew 11:14

The Message

Looked at in this way, John is the ‘Elijah’ you’ve all been expecting to arrive and introduce the Messiah.

Matthew 11:14

New Catholic Bible

14 And if you are willing to accept it, John is the Elijah who was destined to return.

Matthew 11:14

New Living Translation

14 And if you are willing to accept what I say, he is Elijah, the one the prophets said would come.

Mattityahu 11:14

Orthodox Jewish Bible

14 And, if you are willing it to be mekabel (accept, receive), he is the “Eliyahu,” who is to come [MALACHI 3:23].

Matthew 11:14

The Voice

14 If only you could see it—John is the Elijah, the prophet we were promised would come and prepare the way.

In SUMMARY, "this is Elias, which was for to come" means:

this is Elijah, who was to come

John himself is [the fulfillment of] Elijah [as the messenger] who was to come [before the kingdom]

John himself is Elijah who was to come [before the kingdom]

he is the Elijah who is to come

he is Elijah who is to come

he is Eliyahu, whose coming was predicted

John is Elijah, the prophet you are waiting for

he himself is Elijah— the one going-to[a] come

John is Elijah.[a] He is the one they said would come

he is the Elijah who was to come

John is Elijah, whose coming was predicted

John is Elijah. The law and the prophets said he would come

he is Elijah who is to come

John himself is the ‘Elijah’ who must come before the kingdom

he is Elijah, the one who is going to come

he is Elijah, the one the prophets said would come at the time the Kingdom begins

John is the ‘Elijah’ you’ve all been expecting to arrive and introduce the Messiah

John is the Elijah who was destined to return

he is Elijah, the one the prophets said would come

he is the “Eliyahu,” who is to come

John is the Elijah, the prophet we were promised would come and prepare the way

The next post is on how JESUS gathered His 12 apostles, and who they were.

Related material:

Prophet Elijah

Image: Free Bible Images

The GREATNESS of JOHN the BAPTIST

 

Luke 1:15-17

King James Version

15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, 

and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; 

and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, 

even from his mother's womb.

16 And many of the children of Israel 

shall he turn to the Lord their God.

17 And he shall go before him 

in the spirit and power of Elias, 

to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, 

and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; 

to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

I had no idea the volume of material that would result from this 63rd blog when I first started the blog this morning.

Neither had I any idea I would be writing much about John the Baptist.

But SPIRIT made sure I honored GOD's messenger, who prepared the way for JESUS as well as baptizing Him, before the LORD started His ministry.

John's birth was special, too.

GOD sent His angel Gabriel to tell the good news that Zacahriah and Elizabeth were going to have a son.

Luke 1:13-14

King James Version

13 But the angel said unto him, 

Fear not, Zacharias: 

for thy prayer is heard; 

and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, 

and thou shalt call his name John.

14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; 

and many shall rejoice at his birth.

JESUS thought highly of His cousin.

Matthew 11:7-15

King James Version

7 And as they departed, 

Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, 

What went ye out into the wilderness to see? 

A reed shaken with the wind?

8 But what went ye out for to see? 

A man clothed in soft raiment? 

behold, 

they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.

9 But what went ye out for to see? 

A prophet? 

yea, I say unto you, 

and more than a prophet.

10 For this is he, 

of whom it is written, 

Behold, 

I send my messenger before thy face, 

which shall prepare thy way before thee.

11 Verily I say unto you, 

Among them that are born of women 

there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: 

notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven 

is greater than he.

12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now 

the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, 

and the violent take it by force.

13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

14 And if ye will receive it, 

this is Elias, 

which was for to come.

15 He that hath ears to hear, 

let him hear.

JESUS was saying John is prophet Elijah.

Proof of that will be for the next post.

Sadly, John's life fell into the hands of women who influenced a ruler to do away with him.

Mark 6:17-29

King James Version

17 For Herod himself 

had sent forth and laid hold upon John, 

and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, 

his brother Philip's wife: 

for he had married her.

18 For John had said unto Herod, 

It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.

19 Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, 

and would have killed him; 

but she could not:

20 For Herod feared John, 

knowing that he was a just man and an holy, 

and observed him; 

and when he heard him, 

he did many things, 

and heard him gladly.

21 And when a convenient day was come, 

that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, 

high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;

22 And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, 

and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, 

the king said unto the damsel, 

Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, 

and I will give it thee.

23 And he sware unto her, 

Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, 

I will give it thee, 

unto the half of my kingdom.

24 And she went forth, 

and said unto her mother, 

What shall I ask? 

And she said, 

The head of John the Baptist.

25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, 

and asked, saying, 

I will that thou give me by and by in a charger 

the head of John the Baptist.

26 And the king was exceeding sorry; 

yet for his oath's sake, 

and for their sakes which sat with him, 

he would not reject her.

27 And immediately the king sent an executioner, 

and commanded his head to be brought: 

and he went and beheaded him in the prison,

28 And brought his head in a charger, 

and gave it to the damsel: 

and the damsel gave it to her mother.

29 And when his disciples heard of it, 

they came and took up his corpse, 

and laid it in a tomb.

How did the LORD react, upon hearing of John's death?

Matthew 14:12-14

King James Version

12 And his disciples came, 

and took up the body, 

and buried it, 

and went and told Jesus.

13 When Jesus heard of it, 

he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: 

and when the people had heard thereof, 

they followed him on foot out of the cities.

14 And Jesus went forth, 

and saw a great multitude, 

and was moved with compassion toward them, 

and he healed their sick.

Despite the LORD's grief, He had to continue ministering to others, for people kept seeking Him out.

We can only honor John the Baptist's dedication to JESUS, in these posts:

John the BAPTIST

VOICE in the wilderness

John's RECORD of JESUS

John the Baptist's WARNINGS

We mentioned earlier that JESUS spoke of John, as prophet Elijah.

Let's learn more about that here.

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