This week Bro. Leo continues a series of Bible study’s to learn what God’s part of our sanctification/spiritual growth according to the scriptures by studying the scriptural definition of God’s Rest.

In Hebrews 4:10-11 we find the definition of God’s rest.  The Hebrew writer defines God’s rest as ceasing fleshly efforts.  To enter into God’s rest we must depend solely on God to perform or accomplish the work.

To illustrate his point, the Hebrew writer uses Moses and the Israelite’s 40 year journey in the wilderness (Heb.3:18-19).  In Numbers 13 and 14 we given the account of Moses and the Israelite’s journey.  Notice in Num. 14:22-23 we are told exactly why they could not enter into God’s rest.  They could not enter in because they were not trusting in God to do the work, but instead were trusting in their own strength which they knew was not enough (Num. 13:31-33).

We enter into God’s rest daily the very same way we enter into salvation.  We 1)believe  2)trust  3)depend  4)expect.  It is our total faith in God to sustain us in every circumstance of life that allows us to enter into His rest.  Therefore, the only thing that will prevent us from entering into His rest is our sin of unbelief (Heb. 3:19).  Any time we are not trusting God we are rebelling/sinning against God (Num.14:9,  Heb.3:7-12).

Scriptures used in today’s study:

Heb 4:10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
Heb 4:11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Heb 3:18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
Heb 3:19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
Heb 3:7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
Heb 3:8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
Heb 3:9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
Heb 3:10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
Heb 3:11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
Heb 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

Num 14:29 Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me,
Num 14:30 Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.
Num 14:32 But as for you, your carcases, they shall fall in this wilderness.

Num 13:25 And they returned from searching of the land after forty days.
Num 13:26 And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land.
Num 13:27 And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it.
Num 13:28 Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.
Num 13:29 The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan.
Num 13:31 But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.
Num 13:32 And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature.
Num 13:33 And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

Num 14:8 If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.
Num 14:9 Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.
Num 14:22 Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;
Num 14:23 Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it:
Num 14:9 Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.
Num 14:10 But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.

Heb 3:17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
Heb 3:18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
Heb 3:19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

Heb 4:1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
Heb 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
Heb 4:3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
Heb 4:10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
Heb 4:11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Mat 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

This week Bro. Leo continues a series of Bible study’s to learn what God’s part of our sanctification/spiritual growth according to the scriptures by studying the scriptural definition of God’s grace and our need for His grace in our everyday life.

God’s grace has two attributes according to the scriptures.  1) attitude of grace=His loving kindness towards us (Eph.2:7)  2) actions/power of His grace=gifts and miracles He brings into our lives (Eph.2:8).

There are two principles of God’s grace presented in the scriptures.  1) His grace is always presented in the scriptures as specific, such as salvation or dealing with a specific circumstance, and is never presented as a general term (Eph.2:8, Col. 2Cor.12:7-10).
2)  We are suppose to live our lives in God’s grace (Col.2:6, Rom.1:17).

The scriptures clearly instruct us to rely on God’s grace not only for our salvation but also for our every need in our daily life.  God’s grace in our daily lives does not come to us automatically or by default just because we are Christians.  Like our salvation, we must realize our need for God’s grace, seek His grace and have faith that He will give us His grace.

Scriptures used in today’s study:

Col 2:5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
Col 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
Col 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

2Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
2Co 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2Co 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

2Co 3:4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
2Co 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God

Mar 6:35 And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed:
Mar 6:36 Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat.
Mar 6:37 He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?
Mar 6:38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
Mar 6:39 And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.
Mar 6:40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.
Mar 6:41 And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.
Mar 6:42 And they did all eat, and were filled.
Mar 6:43 And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.

Mar 8:1 In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them,
Mar 8:2 I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:
Mar 8:3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.
Mar 8:4 And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?
Mar 8:5 And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.
Mar 8:6 And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people.
Mar 8:7 And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them.

2Co 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
2Co 9:9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
2Co 9:10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

This week Bro. Leo continues a series of Bible study’s to learn what God’s part of sanctification/spiritual growth according to the scriptures, with part III covering our present day walk as a Christian.

The scriptures in today’s study clearly teach that the sanctification/spiritual growth of a Christian is not accomplished via the flesh-his/her own efforts-the law, but by the power and grace of God working in the Christian.  The works of the flesh equate to us having a desire to commit a sin, but choosing not to because we know it is unlawful/sin.  The works of God’s grace and power keeps us from committing that same sin by completely removing our desire for it.  The ‘law’ says we have to accomplish it, Grace says ‘Jesus will do it for us’.

We receive God’s grace and power (living water) daily the same way we received His grace and power for our salvation, we seek Him and believe He will give it to us daily.

Scriptures used in today’s study:

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Col 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

Php 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ

Gal 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
Gal 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Gal 3:3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Gal 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Rom 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Rom 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Rom 6:9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
Rom 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Rom 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Rom 6:10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
Rom 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Rom 5:17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

1Co 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
1Co 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
1Co 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Joh 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
Joh 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
Joh 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

Jer 2:13 For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

1Co 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
1Co 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1Co 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Col 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
Col 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

This week Bro. Leo starts a new series of Bible study’s to learn what God’s part of sanctification/spiritual growth according to the scriptures.

To set the basis of this study we need to understand God’s part in the beginning and end of our salvation, the day we were saved and the day we will be raptured.  Ephesians 2:8-9 explains that we are saved by God’s ‘grace’, which is a gift from ‘God’, and we did absolutely no work to earn salvation.  Col. 1:12-14 tells us that God ‘delivered’ us from sin.  Grace is a gift and a gift is free and can not be earned.  Salvation is a free gift wholly and exclusively based on Christ’ work on the cross.  We had absolutely no part in the work accomplished on the cross 2000 years ago.

Work and grace are mutually exclusive (Rom 11:6).  To receive salvation we simply acknowledge and confess what Jesus did on the cross, which is something that we couldn’t do for ourselves (Rom. 10:9-10, Rom 8:3,8).  Rom. 4:4,5 tells us that we can not earn salvation, because if we could earn our salvation it would ‘not’ be grace.

1Thess.4:16-17 explains that it will be God doing all the work during the rapture.  Nothing during the rapture will be accomplished by us.

In the coming weeks Bro. Leo will continue this study to learn God’s part in our sanctification (Rom.6:14).  Under Law requires our works, Under Grace is totally God’s work.

Scriptures used in today’s study:

Eph 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Col 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Col 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Col 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Rom 5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Rom 5:16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.

Col 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Col 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Rom 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Rom 8:3 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
Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Joh 6:25 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?
Joh 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
Joh 6:28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
Joh 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

Rom 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Rom 4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

Php 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ

1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Rom 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Rom 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Rom 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Rom 6:6 ………. that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Rom 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
Rom 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

In today’s study Bro. Leo teaches the very specific Biblical principles for observing the NT Church ordinance of The Lord’s Supper.

• Participating in The Lord’s Supper is to publicly proclaim that you believe the historical crucifixion took place, that you believe and are waiting for Jesus’ second coming.  You are proclaiming publicly that you believe in the death, resurrection and return of Jesus.  In 1Cor. 11:26 the phrase “ye do shew” is translated from the Greek word “kataggellō” which means to declare, proclaim, tell plainly, openly and publicly.
• The bread and the cup are symbolic of Jesus body and blood (1 Cor. 11:26, 1Pet. 2:24, 1:18-19).  By participating you are publicly proclaiming that Jesus’ broken body and shed blood cleanses you from all sin and therefore you have committed yourself to Jesus, you are a disciple of Jesus.
• Participating in The Lord’s Supper is also publicly proclaiming you have experienced His Holy Spirit indwelling you, you have had a born again experience.  Only those who have been born again should participate in The Lord’s Supper (1Cor. 11:27-30, Gal.4:4-6, John 6:50-54, Eph. 2:2, Rom.8:9-11).  Before participating in The Lord’s Supper you should examine yourself and be certain that you have had a born again experience ( 2Cor. 13:5-7).  In 2Cor. 13:5 the word “reprobate” is translated from the Greek word “adokimos” and it means unapproved in this context which is supported by vs.7.
• By participating in The Lord’s Supper you are proclaiming Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
   

  Scriptures used in today’s study:

• 1Co 11:23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
  1Co 11:24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
  1Co 11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
  1Co 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.
  1Co 11:27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
  1Co 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
  1Co 11:29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
  1Co 11:30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

  1Co 11:17 Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.
  1Co 11:18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
  1Co 11:20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper.
  1Co 11:21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.

  1Pe 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

  1Pe 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
  1Pe 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

  Joh 6:50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
  Joh 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
  Joh 6:52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?
  Joh 6:53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
  Joh 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

  Gal 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
  Gal 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
  Gal 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

  Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

  Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
  Rom 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
  Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
  Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
  Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

  1Co 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

  Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

  Gal 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

  1Co 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.
  1Co 11:27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
  1Co 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
  1Co 11:29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
  1Co 11:30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

  2Co 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
  2Co 13:6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
  2Co 13:7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

  1Co 11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
  1Co 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

This week Bro. Leo continues his series on receiving the Word of God.

Recap of last weeks study:

The focus scriptures are 1Pet. 2:1-3 and Bro. Leo emphasizes four points in these verses: 1) spiritual growth comes from studying the Word of God (vs.2),  2) we can not grow spiritually without studying the Word of God (vs.2),  3) only saved folks grow spiritually from studying the Word of God (vs.3),  4) we have to study the Word of God with an open and clear mind desiring to find truth and spiritual growth (vs.1).  It is very possible to read the Word of God and not receive spiritual growth.  If we do not believe in the power of the Word of God to grow us spiritually we will not grow spiritually (2Tim. 3:5).

The more that we study the Bible, believing we will and expecting to receive spiritual growth, the more that we will receive spiritual growth.  In Hebrews 5:14 the Hebrew writer calls this spiritual exercise.  The word “exercise” is translated from the Greek word “gumnazō” which means to train as an athlete, exert, exercise.

We can gauge our spiritual growth by the difficulty or the ease we have in complying with 1Peter 2:1.  The more easily we can comply with vs.1 the more spiritually mature we are.  Likewise in 1John 2:20-27 the more discernment we have the more spiritually mature we are.

Psalms 119:105, 104, 110, 98 tell us that God’s Word will guide us, strengthen us and make us wiser than our enemies if we digest it and store it in our hearts Psa. 119:11.  The word “hid” in vs.11 is translated from the Hebrew word “tsâphan” which means to store in a secret place for future use.

We can go through the motions of reading the Bible and not receive the Word of God or we can seek and expect spiritual growth by studying and receiving the Word of God, 1Tim. 3:1-5 tells us the latter the way we should go.

Scripture used in today’s message:

1Pe 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
1Pe 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
1Pe 2:3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

Heb 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
Heb 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

1Jn 2:21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
1Jn 2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
1Jn 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
1Jn 2:26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.

Psa 119:105 NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psa 119:104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
Psa 119:110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
Psa 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Psa 119:97 MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
Psa 119:98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.

2Ti 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2Ti 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
2Ti 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

1Co 2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
1Co 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
1Co 2:9 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.
1Co 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
1Co 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1Co 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

1Co 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
1Co 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
1Co 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

This week Bro. Leo’s Bible study is about Bible study and what the Bible says about studying God’s Word.

The focus scriptures are 1Pet. 2:1-3 and Bro. Leo emphasizes four points in these verses: 1) spiritual growth comes from studying the Word of God (vs.2),  2) we can not grow spiritually without studying the Word of God (vs.2),  3) only saved folks grow spiritually from studying the Word of God (vs.3),  4) we have to study the Word of God with an open and clear mind desiring to find truth and spiritual growth (vs.1).

It is very possible to read the Word of God and not receive spiritual growth.  If we do not believe in the power of the Word of God to grow us spiritually we will not grow spiritually (2Tim. 3:5).

In Psa.119 Bro. Leo does a great job of breaking down the Hebrew words that describe how God uses His Word to grow us spiritually.  Take a few minutes and listen to this recording.

When we get saved God equips us with His Spirit to teach us and grow us spiritually as we study His Word (1John 2:20, 27).

Scriptures used in today’s study:

1Pe 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
1Pe 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
1Pe 2:3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2Ti 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2Ti 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
2Ti 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
2Ti 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God

Psa 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Psa 119:15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

Psa 118:1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.

Psa 119:17 GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.
Psa 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
Psa 119:15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
Psa 119:16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

1Pe 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
1Pe 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
1Pe 2:3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

1Jn 2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
1Jn 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

This week Bro. Leo continues his series on Christmas by looking at a couple details of the birth of Jesus.  Every detail written in the Bible has significance.  This study looks at the significance of Bethlehem, shepherds and the three gifts given by the wise men.

Bethlehem was the one exception of the Levitical Rabinical law concerning raising sheep, only sacrificial lambs could be raised there and only there could they be raised.  Bethlehem is the only place Jesus the Lamb of God could be born.

The Levitical shepherds attended every birth of the sacrificial lambs to see their worthiness for the sacrifice of the temple.  This is why the Levitical shepherds were the first folks to visit Jesus.

In this study Bro. Leo discusses his theory of the birth place of Jesus being in a “migdal edar” tower of the flock.  This theory is taken from the prophecies in Micah 5:2-5, 4:7-9.

The three gifts: Gold represented the kingdom and His right to rule,  frankincense  represented the High Priest-sinless, myrrh represented that Jesus was born to die.

The names: Benoni means so or man of sorrow,  Benjamin means son of the right hand.  From the account of Ratchel giving birth to Benoni/Benjamin in the “migdal edar” (Gen. 35:18).

God is in the details and God is in control!

Scriptures used in today’s study:

Luk 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
Luk 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
Luk 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
Luk 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Luk 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luk 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Luk 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Luk 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luk 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
Luk 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
Luk 2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

Mic 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Mic 5:3 Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.
Mic 5:4 And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.
Mic 5:5 And this man shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men.

Mic 4:8 And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem.
Mic 4:7 And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever.
Mic 4:8 And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem.
Mic 4:9 Now why dost thou cry out aloud? is there no king in thee? is thy counsellor perished? for pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail.

Gen 35:16 And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour.
Gen 35:17 And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also.
Gen 35:18 And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.
Gen 35:19 And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem.
Gen 35:20 And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel’s grave unto this day.
Gen 35:21 And Israel journeyed, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Edar.

Isa 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Isa 53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
Isa 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Isa 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Isa 53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

Heb 1:5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
Heb 1:13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?

Rev 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

1Pe 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
1Pe 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
1Pe 1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

This week Bro. Leo continues his series on Christmas by looking at a Rabbi’s (Jesus) view of Christmas.  In this study Bro. Leo uses some quotes from a book called “The Book of Mysteries” by Jonathan Chan to illustrate the Biblical fact that the only path of salvation originates in Christmas.  I do not have a copy of the book in front of me, so I will not attempt any of the quotes.  I will simply say that if religion and or men have told you there are certain steps “you” must take in order to “obtain” your salvation the Rabbi”s (Jesus’) words in the Bible say the opposite.

In John 3:3 Jesus tells Nicodemus the only way a man can see heaven is to be born again.  Then Jesus tells him that no man can ascend up to heaven except the man that came down from heaven (John 3:13).  From these two verses we are given the fact that salvation does not originate on earth it originates in heaven and it can not be obtained (we can not “born” ourselves), salvation is received.  In John 6:47 Jesus tells the only way to receive salvation, which is to put our total trust and commitment in Him.  In verse 47 the word translated “believeth” originates from the Greek word “pistis” which means to place complete reliance upon Christ for salvation.

John 1:11-12 further describes salvation in the Christmas story (salvation originating in heaven and descending to us on earth) by comparing lost folks to saved folks and the reason for both.  The lost folks reject Jesus, the saved folks received Jesus.

In “The Book of Mysteries” by Jonathan Chan the author states that salvation is simply the Emmanuel solution, the Hebrew definition being “God with us”.  Mat 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Please take a few minutes to listen to this study.  The quotes from “The Book of Mysteries” by Jonathan Chan do an excellent job of illustrating the Rabbi’s view of Christmas.

Scriptures used in today’s study:

Joh 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
Joh 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Joh 3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
Joh 3:9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
Joh 3:10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
Joh 3:11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
Joh 3:12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
Joh 3:13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

Joh 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
Joh 6:48 I am that bread of life.
Joh 6:49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
Joh 6:50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
Joh 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

Isa 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
Isa 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isa 55:10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
Isa 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Joh 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
Joh 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

Luk 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Luk 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

This week Bro. Leo continues his series on Christmas by looking at the two opposing reactions to Christmas found in the Scriptures and the cause of both.

In Luke 2:20 the shepherds glorified and praised God for the good news of Jesus.  In Matt. 2:16 Herod murders all the children that were in Bethlehem  and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under.  Had the wise men came back to him, he probably would have murdered them also.

In Luke 2:10-16 we see the shepherds get a revelation and invitation from God concerning the birth of Jesus.  In Matt. 2:1-4 we see King Herod get the same revelation and invitation.

A revelation and invitation from God demands one of two responses, 1) we receive and respond in a positive manner  2) we reject or ignore in a negative manner.

The shepherds, in Luke 2:15-16, received and responded in a positive manner to God’s revelation and invitation.  In Luke 2:17, 20 we see the results of the shepherds response to God’s revelation and invitation to them, they shared the revelation/invitation and glorified and praised God.

King Herod, in Matt. 2, rejects God’s revelation and invitation and responded in a negative manner causing the deaths of thousands of children.  King Herod, like many folks today, was threatened by the news of Jesus.  Herod was unwilling to allow Jesus to rule over him.

When confronted with Jesus we are confronted with our evil ways and we must make a decision, either we 1)  receive Jesus and commit our lives to him and reject evil, or 2) we reject Jesus and continue in our evil ways (John 3:17-19).

In John 3:15 the word “believeth” is translated from the Greek word “pistis”.  Pistis doesn’t simply mean believing that Jesus exists, it means to commit your salvation to Jesus.  Bro. Leo gives a great explanation of pistis using a chair.  You see a chair setting in a room and you believe it is a chair, but you aren’t “pistis” in the chair until you commit to actually setting in that chair.

When you believe in Jesus to the point of “pistis” you will be spiritually reborn (John 1:10-13).  Spiritual birth is the same as physical birth in the sense that no mother gives birth to a child without knowing the experience happened, likewise if you have been born again spiritually you will know that you have experienced it.  If you have not experienced it then you have not been reborn and should seek revelation and invitation from God (Hab. 2:1).

Scriptures used in today’s study:

Luk 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Luk 2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

Mat 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.

Luk 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Luk 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luk 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Luk 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Luk 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luk 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
Luk 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
Luk 2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
Luk 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Hab 2:1 I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.

Mat 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Mat 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
Mat 2:3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
Mat 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
Mat 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
Mat 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Joh 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
Joh 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
Joh 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
Joh 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Joh 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Joh 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Joh 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Joh 3:18 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.