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"It is the wonder of angels…"

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“It is the wonder of angels that the love of Jesus should be set upon poor, lost, guilty men. Each believer must, when filled with a sense of Jesus’ love, also be overwhelmed with astonishment that such love should be lavished on an object so utterly unworthy of it.

Knowing as we do our secret guiltiness, unfaithfulness, and halfheartedness, we are dissolved in grateful admiration for the matchless freeness and sovereignty of grace. Jesus must have found the cause of His love in His own heart; He could not have found it in us, for it is not there.

Even since our conversion we have been poor, though grace has made us rich. Most tender and faithful Husband of our souls, pursue Your gracious work of conforming us to Your image, until You will present even us in our poverty to Yourself without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.”

–Charles H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, ed. Alistair Begg (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2007), 294.

Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening devotional is among many available FREE at Blue Letter Bible. Feel free to check in everyday!

Comments

  1. Matthew Henry Luke 2
    http://mhcw.biblecommenter.com/luke/2.htm

    …
    “…All the good we have, or hope, is owing to God’s good-will; and, if we have the comfort of it, he must have the glory of it. Nor must any peace, and good, be expected in a way inconsistent with the glory of God; therefore not in any way of sin, nor in any way but by a Mediator. Here was the peace proclaimed with great solemnity; whoever will, let them come and take the benefit of it. It is on earth peace, to men of good-will (so some copies read it), en anthroµpois eudokias; to men who have a good-will to God, and are willing to be reconciled; or to men whom God has a good-will to, though vessels of his mercy…”

    Praying: All glory to God in the Highest! Unto us was born Our Savior. We pray with all our hearts to see Him. Our redeemer and intercessor!

    Thank you God the Father for sending your only begotten Son to us as a remission of our sins. Jesus will come to earth again in full glory and power.

    In the name of Jesus, our Savior.

    Amen!

  2. 15 Reasons Why Jesus Came
    http://www.ecclesia.org/truth/why_jesus.htm

    Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners.

    1 Timothy 1:15, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”

    Jesus Christ came into the world to call sinners to repentance.

    Mark 2:17, “When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

    Jesus Christ came into the world to seek and save the lost.

    Luke 19:10, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

    Jesus came into the world to demonstrate the true purpose of life and give Himself a ransom.

    Matthew 20:28, “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

    Jesus Christ came into the world to be a King and bear witness to the truth.

    John 18:37, “Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”

    Jesus Christ came into the world to do the Will of His Father.

    John 6:38, “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.”

    Jesus Christ came into the world to be a Light in the world.

    John 12:46, “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.”

    Jesus Christ came into the world that men might have the Abundant Life.

    John 10:10, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

    Jesus Christ came into the world to Judge the world.

    John 9:39, “And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.”

    Jesus Christ came into the world to Proclaim or preach the Good News about the Kingdom of God.

    Mark 1:38, “And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.”

    Jesus Christ came into the world to die on the cross.

    John 12:27, “Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.”

    Jesus Christ came into the world to fulfil the law.

    Matthew 5:17, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.”

    Jesus Christ came into the world to be a Divider of men.

    Matthew 10:34, 35, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.”
    (Christ makes it necessary to choose between relatives and the truth. This choice often causes division.)

    Jesus Christ came into the world as a demonstration of God’s Love.

    1 John 4:10, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

    Jesus Christ came into the world because the Father sent Him.

    John 20:21, “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”

    a. The Father SENT Jesus to be the Propitiation (atonement) for our sins.
    1 John 4:10, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

    b. The Father SENT Jesus and gave Jesus as the Saviour of the world.
    John 3:16-18, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

    c. The Father SENT Jesus to bless us by turning us from our iniquities.
    Acts 3:26, “Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.”

    d. The Father SENT His Son to redeem us from the curse of the law.
    Galatians 4:4-5, “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”

    e. God SENT His Son to make possible a new power in the hearts of men, a power to enable him to fulfil the righteousness of the law.
    Romans 8:3,4, “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

    What other reasons can we think of why Jesus came?

    • Hello Pat G.

      15 most wonderful reasons well written! I loved it.

      One other reason was brought to mind as I read the 15 reasons. Thank you Jesus for all these reasons.

      Jesus came into the world to baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
      Luke 3:16 So John said to all of them, “I baptize you with water, but someone is coming who is much greater than I am. I am not good enough to untie His sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
      Hallelujah.

      Aaah! I just read a newspaper article in the NZ Herald today 20 December 2011 titled ‘Complex Occasion, Simple message.’
      How I wish the writer a vicar had read your ’15 Reasons Why Jesus Came’ and stood purely on scripture as you have just done.

      Blessings in our Lord Jesus Christ Pat G.

      • Hi Mark!

        I’ve been thinking upon our Savior coming again.
        And also the circumstances of His first coming.

        Imagine this perhaps. If the Angel of the Lord came to the Virgin Mary this time of year to tell her that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and that God the Father would send his only begotten Son to humanity through her. A daughter of the Priestly and King David lines. The lineage is given in Luke.

        Jesus will come again to earth when we need Him most. A time that seems the world is getting so dark. To bring us His light to shine forever here visible to all. We await patiently.

        Jesus is the light of the world. Our most treasured one.

        We wait upon Him with unbounding hope and great joy!

        I can imagine the Angels singing now to us of Jesus.

        Oh how truly fortunate for us who believe. To spread the wonderful news of our Savior to all we encounter. To greet fellow Christians reminding each other of the love God has for us. This makes our Christian greetings from one to another so special.

        Praying: Thank you Father for your Son. God with us. In the name of the precious Jesus Amen.

          • For a beautiful telling of the birth of Jesus go here. A look through the journey of the most blessed yet humbliest of women of all, The Virgin Mary.

            Read the Scriptures as you go.

            Blue Letter Bible Glimpses of Glory Women’s Ministries >

            http://www.blueletterbible.org/wm/

            Resources >

            The Women of the Scriptures Edited by H. Hastings Weld >

            Text Commentaries >

            THE VIRGIN MARY MRS. CLARA LUCAS BALFOUR

            In part:

            …
            “…With grateful homage they told the wondrous story of the angelic vision, and, full of joyful faith, communicated the glad tidings, to the astonishment of many. Mary, the contemplative Mary, “kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” (Luk 2:19.) Nothing was mentioned, nothing forgotten, that related to the mission of her Divine Son; too sacred for words, it was food for holy contemplation and devout thought. A distinguished modern poet has beautifully described the visit of the shepherds to the Babe of Bethlehem and his Virgin mother.

            “The shepherds went their hasty way,
            And found the lowly stable‐shed
            Where the Virgin mother lay:
            And now they check’d their eager tread,
            For to the Babe that at her bosom clung
            A mother’s song the Virgin mother sung.

            “They told her how a glorious light,
            Streaming from a heavenly throng,
            Around them shone, suspending night!
            While, sweeter than a mother’s song,
            Blest angels heralded the Saviour’s birth,
            Glory to God on high! and peace on earth.

            “She listened to the tale divine,
            And closer still the Babe she press’d;
            And while she cried ‘The Babe is mine!’
            The milk rushed faster to her breast.
            Joy rose within her like a summer morn,
            Peace, peace on earth!—the Prince of Peace is born.

            “‘Thou mother of the Prince of Peace,
            Poor, simple, and of low estate!
            That strife should vanish, battle cease,
            Oh, why should this thy soul elate?
            Sweet music’s loudest tone, the poet’s story,
            Didst thou ne’er love to hear of fame and glory?’

            “‘Oh, wisely is my soul elate,
            That strife should vanish, battle cease.
            I’m poor, and of a low estate,
            The mother of the Prince of Peace.
            Joy rises in me like a summer’s morn:
            Peace, peace on earth!—the Prince of Peace is born.’”

            …”

    • 1 John 3-8;For this purpose the Son of God was manifested , that he might destroy the works of the devil.

  3. It is the Xmas season again and it is time for full blown materialism. The parking lots at most shopping centers are full. The local mall is like an adult Disneyland. Despite the volatile economy, and with nearly 13 million people out of work, Americans have already set new records in spending this season.

    The twisted thinking of this holiday spirit leads people to believe that not giving a gift is equated to not caring. Observers feel that it would be absurd to not fulfill a child’s wish list and purchasing those “just right” items for friends and family becomes the focal point of millions during this time.

    Ironically, one enterprising group has developed a unique alternative. It is the buy nothing christmas. The information kit lists important reasons to avoid the spending frenzy and how people can deal with not spending money on this holiday. It gives examples of wonderful things to do for people and asks them to consider all of the things we should already have like love, friendship, appreciation, health, beauty, happiness and good times.

    These people have a pretty good idea. They have focused on a vital truth that we should already know and it is this. Most of us have our needs taken care of and yet we are made to feel as though we do not have enough.

    Because of its origin, Christians certainly should not get caught up in any part of this holiday. While the Church of God does not celebrate this morphed version of the Saturnalia, many have become influenced by the materialism it spreads. We must not allow the spirit of this season to influence our perspective of what brings happiness and prosperity. As Paul continued to write to Timothy:

    And having food and raiment let us be therewith content (1 Tim. 6:8).

    As the world becomes more and more materialistic, equating happiness with what kinds of gifts they receive, we need to make sure that we don’t get caught up in this mockery of peace and love. We have something far more valuable than anything money could buy. We have been called to be a part of God’s family! We need to keep this perspective as we live and work in a world that is filled with materialism.

    – A message from the Eternal Church of God.

  4. We are giving a food card as well as charitable contributions.

    There are other ways to have Jesus as our rememberance also and ways we can serve others. I will post if anyone is interested.

    I ran into an atheist site by accident looking for a Christian site on about.com

    They were celebrating that some Christians do not acknowledge to each other Christ was born.

    I now know the difference now on Pagan vs. the Sabbath. Jesus is our Sabbath. We rest in Him. We Tabernacle with Him. Jesus is our Tabernacle.

    I spread this message to all who are receptive to research on their own.

    Christ may likely have been born during the Feast of Tabernacles. Putting hints together in the OT and NT seems to indicate this real possibility. If that be the case makes his conception by the Holy Spirit this month.

    Not to greet Christians with brotherhood and praising God for sending His son to this world any day of the week seems not in keeping that ALL days belong to Jesus.

    Just my thoughts. We no longer participate in shopping other than above. Giving necessities and finding ways to serve others we think is the way to go.

    I don’t want anything materially. I do NEED Jesus.

    I am so very thankful to God for a shelter, food, minimum of clothes, and heat. I seek to divest myself of as many other items that I can as I walk that are wants and not needs.

    Praise be to the Lord God Almighty! Thank you!

    Just some thoughts.

    Any others from all reading?

    How have you changed your opinions now that you are born from above?

    Blessings to all this day. Be of good cheer. Christ has overcome the world. Each day is a good day in the Lord.

  5. Victor where is this group located?

    * Ironically, one enterprising group has developed a unique alternative. It is the buy nothing christmas. The information kit lists important reasons to avoid the spending frenzy and how people can deal with not spending money on this holiday. It gives examples of wonderful things to do for people and asks them to consider all of the things we should already have like love, friendship, appreciation, health, beauty, happiness and good times. *

    Our family has given each other the gift of not giving gifts. As adults we really don’t need much. If we need anything we buy it as we go. It is a real freeing experience to give that gift.

    No more wading through crowds where more than a few aren’t exactly peaceful and serene.

    Blessings to all. Christ was born for us.

    See the post above and add your own reasons why He was born.

  6. I have to say these folks have a novel idea. I did find some rather ummm well questionable Biblically words and concepts so beware of these …

    http://www.buynothingchristmas.org

    http://www.buynothingchristmas.org/alternatives/index.html

    However some of these ideas may help people with alternatives to malls.

    I can remember growing up our Grandmother always bought us slips for Christmas. At the time I really didn’t appreciate this gift. Back then girls had to wear dresses to school but could come home and change into play clothes.

    I look back in rememberance now and if she were here I would thank her profusely.

    Living through the Depression as an adult she came to appreciate practical items. Food, a limited amount of clothing, water, a residence, heating in winter. My mother and aunt had 2 dresses a piece. One to wear and one clean and ready to wear. 2 slips and a few bloomers.

    My mother’s uncle was fortunate enough to have a teaching position at a University. He bought each girl a pair of shoes
    every year. A nickle perhaps to buy a coke.

    My grandmother was gifted with a lovely contralto voice. She sang for weddings and funerals. She did solos in the choir. Her voice was never recorded so I missed hearing her in voice.

    My how things have changed. The older I get the more I appreciate the above.

    S T U F F now chokes me. Stupid Things Unnecessary Frequently Fragile and not necessary.

    If it were up to me alone there would be far less in this home. I have managed to donate many of my personal items or passed along to my nieces.

    Have a fine season that should extend all year long. Praising God for what we have as necessities. Giving away goods to people who need them.

    • Do a search for a fine video rendition.

      “Turn your eyes upon Jesus”

      O soul, are you weary and troubled?
      No light in the darkness you see?
      There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
      And life more abundant and free!

      Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
      Look full in His wonderful face,
      And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
      In the light of His glory and grace.

      Through death into life everlasting
      He passed, and we follow Him there;
      Over us sin no more hath dominion—
      For more than conquerors we are!

      Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
      Look full in His wonderful face,
      And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
      In the light of His glory and grace.

      His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
      Believe Him, and all will be well:
      Then go to a world that is dying,
      His perfect salvation to tell!

      Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
      Look full in His wonderful face,
      And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
      In the light of His glory and grace.

      BIBLE REFERENCE:

      I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. Psalms 121:1

      Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every
      weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
      Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the
      cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

      But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from
      glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthian 3:18

      Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy
      conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens
      being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to
      his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 2 Peter 3:11-13

      But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things
      which God hath prepared for them that love him. 1 Corinthian 2:9

      The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what
      the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to
      us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he
      raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality,
      and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that
      which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the
      church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Ephesians 1:18-23

  7. Angels singing raise us up. Imagine what a glorious sound and sight the shepherds witnessed. Songs do lift us up combined with the glorious Scripture announcing Jesus birth.

    Do a video search with these words:

    “You Raise Me Up” “Josh Groban”

    The below address may work.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3pF6YPxGEw&feature=related

    When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
    When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
    Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
    Until you come and sit awhile with me.

    You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
    You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
    I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
    You raise me up… To more than I can be.

    You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
    You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
    I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
    You raise me up… To more than I can be.

    There is no life – no life without its hunger;
    Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
    But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
    Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

    You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
    You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
    I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
    You raise me up… To more than I can be.

    You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
    You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
    I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
    You raise me up… To more than I can be.

    You raise me up… To more than I can be.

    • Act 7:37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.

      In part…

      Day By Day By Grace
      Bob Hoekstra
      December 10, 2011

      Give, the Language of Grace

      I have written more boldly to you on some points…because of the grace given to me by God…I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus. (Romans 15:15 and 1 Corinthians 1:4)

      The grace of God (which produces boldness in those who live by it) is a gift from God. “I have written more boldly to you on some points… because of the grace given to me by God.” In fact, “give” is basic to the language of grace.

      When Paul began his first letter to the believers in Corinth, he emphasized this truth. “I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus.” This is the starting point for all of the work of God in human hearts. The initial work of salvation is by the gift of God’s grace. None of it is produced by the work of man. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). This same pattern of the giving of grace is true concerning every good thing that God wants to accomplish in man. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17).

      What God wants to do in our hearts is accomplished by His grace, which must be given to us. This is true concerning eternal life. “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish” (John 10:28). This also pertains to the Holy Spirit in our lives. “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever” (John 14:16).

      • What does it mean to be raised up? In reality it is humble submission.

        Look to Paul’s ministry. Imagine all the trials and tribulations he faced yet through the grace of God he persisted.

        Selflessness

        In Part:

        Day By Day By Grace
        Bob Hoekstra
        December 12, 2011

        Paul’s ministry was not motivated by self-interest. Rather, it was motivated by the blessings that others could receive and, ultimately, the glory that the Lord would receive. Paul was content to have his service be no more than a spiritual enhancement to the godly service of others. “Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all” (Philippians 2:17). Even more, Paul served for the honor of the Lord Jesus: “according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death” (Philippians 2:20). Such renouncing of self allowed Paul to “finish [his] race with joy.” Thus his final testimony would become, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

    • In regards to Paul, since he never met Jesus and went out and found him long after he ascended to the Father. Has anyone read the following scripture?
      And the warnings from Jesus to not believe anyone who says they have seen him AFTER HE ASCENDS?

      John Smith claims the same things and he is labeled Anti Christ. Both fellas claim to Have seen Jesus after he ascended!

      In additon type in Lying Apostles in this amazing search engine, as it is used in the plural.

      Mat 24:23 Then 5119 if 1437 any man 5100 shall say 2036 unto you 5213, Lo 2400, here 5602 [is] Christ 5547, or 2228 there 5602; believe 4100 [it] not 3361.
      Mar 13:21 And 2532 then 5119 if 1437 any man 5100 shall say 2036 to you 5213, Lo 2400, here 5602 [is] Christ 5547; or 2228, lo 2400, [he is] there 1563; believe 4100 [him] not 3361:

      Blessings from EL the possesor of the earth Gen 18

      • John saw Jesus after he ascended. John was taken to the Yhird Heaven.

        The Apostles of Jerusalem accepted Paul. He consulted with three of them two of which were John and Peter. Peter refers to Paul in very positive light.

        Paul studied approximately three years being ministered to in Arabia before starting his missionary journeys.

        I am sure there are many studied on this list such as Steve that can quote chapter and verse.

        Steve? Others?

        • I certianly do not like the news at all. However the word is the word. Revelations also praises a church for exposing the lying apostles. WHICH ONES? Satan also has a SEAT or THRONE in the church and also decieves the VERY ELECT. (who are we, working so hard to find the truth)?
          A massive temple is in heaven with JESUS on the THRONE, with the twelve apostles over each entrace door,yet the same scripture follows shorlty thereafter’ THERE IS NO TEMPLE JUST GOD AND HIS SON. Rev 21-22

          ..so which one is it?

          Blessings from EL/GOD/410 the Gen 14:19 And he blessed 1288 him, and said 559, Blessed 1288 [be] Abram 87 of the most high 5945 God 410, possessor 7069 of heaven 8064 and earth

        • Paul was not chosen by Christ..the twelve apostles were APPOINTED and they were to testify and teach of the saviour. The accoutings of Paul meeting Jesus are also contradicting. In one accounting he could see Jesus but not hear him, in another accounting he could hear him but not see him. In additon if you check the light that blinded Paul it is the same base root word for Jesus used to describe Satan when he fell from heaven like LIGHTNING..good luck, I will not bother you again.

        • Have a difference of opinion. Yet if Christians to spread disunity is wrong.

          Therefore will only state what Bible study says personally. Fallibility of interpretation is possible of any Christian as we are human.

          All should check all posters to verify with proving Scripture with Scripture.

          To deny Paul is to nullify Luke. To nullify Luke is to cut out part of Christ’s life story. To deny Luke is to deny Acts. To deny Paul is to deny Mark went on missionary journeys with Barnabus.

          What New Testament is left? Matthew, John, Peter, Jude…

          See the testimony of Polycarp who quoted the epistles of Paul, other Apostles, liberally. Polycarp studied directly under the tutage of St. John. Polycarp was the last of the First Century Early Church Fathers to die. He died a martyrs death.

          Who was Polycarp? The Bishop of Smyrna appointed by St. John. See Rev. Smyrna is completely commended by the Alpha and Omega.

          For an excellent source see: The Christian Classics Ethereal Library.

          http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/anf01.iv.html

          May the peace of the Lord be with all.

          Praying: Father grant mercy and grace, day by day with the grace walk.In the name of Jesus, Y’shuah, Immanuel.

          Amen

  9. Dear Brethren one and all,

    Should I err please correct me in Christian love. I am but a humble bondservant of the Lord.

    This is sufficient. No further posts of the above thread shall I make.

    Blessings to all,

    Praying to the Father:

    Lord Jesus, Your words are the kind of words I want to speak—words permeated with the grace of God. Please forgive me for the many words I have expressed that were corrupted by my own fleshly wisdom or selfish interests. I humbly ask You to season my speech with heavenly righteousness and godly insight. I long to impart edifying grace to all who hear me speak. In Your holy name, I pray, Amen.

  10. Luke is a perfect example of lack of knowledge in what is in the word.
    1; Matthew reveals 28 generations that were BEGOTTEN from DAVID TO JESUS;
    Note; 28 generations from David through his son SOLOMON, down 26 generations to JOSEPH the husband of May who MOTHERED JESUS If you read the previous names from David to Jesus you will find they were all BEGOTTEN.

    42 GENERATIONS BEGAT FROM DAVID THROUGH SOLOMON TO mary and joseph
    28 GENERATIONS BORN OF THE WOMB

  11. I understand I need to be prayed for, and have caused some division but so does my boss.
    Unforutnatley for some of us, we are not of this world..
    Does anyone even really care?

    Rev 2-2;and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles and are not , and hast found them liars :

    1 John 3-8; For this purpose was the son of man made manifest to destory the works of the devil.

    Rev 2-13; I know thy works where Satan has his seat;

    2Th 2:9 [Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders

    Woe unto the men and women who stand in the temple acting as god blessing men and womwen into heaven?