18 Part Follow Christ Bible Study

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Jesus (Yeshua) Showed Compassion and Pity for The Masses: [o]

INTRODUCTION:

Jesus (Yeshua) had great compassion and pity for the down trodden masses. His compassion and pity were not only shown in his many healing miracles, but in his pity for their terrible spiritual state which was due to their priest and teachers misleading them to further their false doctrines and traditions, and personal agendas.

Their religious leaders were not properly instructing them in the Bible just like most religious leaders of our day. Reality is not what either the Bible or the Bible knockoff the Qur'an actually say, but how religious leaders be they priest and/or imams or muftis or what ever teach the people is the interpretation of what is written either in the Bible or the bible knockoff the Qur'an that matters and governs actions. It matters not what the Bible and/or the Bible knockoff really say. People go by what they are taught by their religious leaders. Take the genocide committed by the Roman Catholic Church at the direction of their supreme religious leader, the pope, what mattered was not that the Bible clearly said at Exodus 20:13, "Thou shalt not kill." (Authorized King James Bible; AV), but what their religious leaders told them. Therefore, it is the religion at fault, irregardless of what their particular holy book, be it the Bible or the Bible knockoff the Qur'an may say. Neither is so called Christianity or in Islam are most individuals actions really governed in any way by what their particular holy book really says, but they are governed by the interpretation of their religious leaders. Thus, knowing this reality, one would be either just plain stupid and/or dumb to even bother looking at a particular religion's holy book and expect the members would conform to it. Take the Rig Vede and find me for example a Hindu actually conforming to it instead of the interpretation given to it by his religious leaders, like looking for a needle in the haystack per K.S. Lal, India's greatest historian.

Jesus (Yeshua) sought to make disciples and to accurately teach the masses which of course was entirely different from their religious leaders. His compassion for these spiritually deprived masses. Jesus (Yeshua) clearly said at Luke 4:43, "But he said unto them, I must preach the good tidings of the kingdom of God to the other cities also: for therefore was I sent." (ASV).

JESUS (YESHUA) MOVED WITH PITY:

Often while preaching to the masses, Jesus (Yeshua) would see many with great needs such as being healed o***rievous disease or other suffering, and he would be moved with pity and compassion to either heal them and/or provide other means for rectifying their grievous condition. The inspired word of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, Almighty God (YHWH), the Bible contains many accounts of Jesus (Yeshua) performing miracles such as healings, resurrections, etc.

One such account of blind beggars sitting by the road waiting for charity who were healed by Jesus (Yeshua) is found at Luke 18:35-43, "And it came to pass, as he drew nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: 36 and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. 37 And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. 38 And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. 39 And they that went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried out the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. 40 And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, 41 What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. 42 And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight; thy faith hath made thee whole. 43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God." (ASV).

Of course this was no isolated case, and Jesus (Yeshua) performed many miracles as felt pity for the masses as war foretold in prophecy at Psalm 72:13-14, "He will have pity on the poor and needy, And the souls of the needy he will save. 14 He will redeem their soul from oppression and violence; And precious will their blood be in his sight:" (ASV).

Jesus was a man of deep empathy, and he identified with and shared in their feelings and circumstances per Hebrews 4:15, "For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." (ASV).

When Jesus's (Yeshua's) friend Lazarus died, he was deeply touched by the sorrow of this two sisters although he knew that he was about to resurrect Lazarus - even his eyes brimmed with tears as recorded at John 11:33-44, "When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping who came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, 34 and said, Where have ye laid him? They say unto him, Lord, come and see. 35 Jesus wept. 36 The Jews therefore said, Behold how he loved him!
37 But some of them said, Could not this man, who opened the eyes of him that was blind, have caused that this man also should not die? 38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus saith, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time the body decayeth; for he hath been dead four days. 40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou believedst, thou shouldest see the glory of God? 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou heardest me. 42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the multitude that standeth around I said it, that they may believe that thou didst send me. 43 And when he had thus spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 He that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave-clothes; and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go." (ASV).

JESUS (YESHUA) EXERCISED AUTHORITY WITH CONSIDERATION FOR THE FEELINGS OF OTHERS:

Jesus (Yeshua) was a man of deep empathy, and identified with and shared in the feelings of the oppressed who were suffering per Hebrews 4:15, "For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." (ASV). He clearly testified to this fact at Matthew 11:28-30, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (ASV).

All should emulate Jesus (Yeshua), unfortunately the religious leaders of today do not as previously mentioned in the Introduction. However, we should ask if we were in the condition of less fortunate, how would we feel? The Bible at 1 Peter 3:8 specifically tells us, "Finally, be ye all likeminded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tenderhearted, humbleminded:" (ASV).

Jesus (Yeshua) often showed us by example to show compassion and empathy to others, and showed we should be true friends to our neighbors and be concerned about them, and contrasted it to how the religious leaders do not show compassion and also inbreed this into some of their flock by an illustration at Luke 10:29-37, to one of these, "But he, desiring to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor? 30 Jesus made answer and said, A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho; and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance a certain priest was going down that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And in like manner a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he was moved with compassion, 34 and came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on them oil and wine; and he set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 And on the morrow he took out two shillings, and gave them to the host, and said, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, I, when I come back again, will repay thee. 36 Which of these three, thinkest thou, proved neighbor unto him that fell among the robbers? 37 And he said, He that showed mercy on him. And Jesus said unto him, Go, and do thou likewise." (ASV).

JESUS (YESHUA) SELECTED HIS APOSTLES FROM THE COMMON FOLKS:

He showed by example his being impartial as shown at, Matthew 9:9-13; and 23:23, "And as Jesus passed by from thence, he saw a man, called Matthew, sitting at the place of toll: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. 10 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Teacher with the publicans and sinners? 12 But when he heard it, he said, They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick. 13 But go ye and learn what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." (ASV); and, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye tithe mint and anise and cummin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law, justice, and mercy, and faith: but these ye ought to have done, and not to have left the other undone." (ASV).

And he was unmoved to hide his impartiality even when he was with religious leaders of the people as shown at Luke 7:36-50, "And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he entered into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. 37 And behold, a woman who was in the city, a sinner; and when she knew that he was sitting at meat in the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster cruse of ointment, 38 and standing behind at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee that had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him, that she is a sinner. 40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Teacher, say on. 41 A certain lender had two debtors: the one owed five hundred shillings, and the other fifty. 42 When they had not wherewith to pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most? 43 Simon answered and said, He, I suppose, to whom he forgave the most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. 44 And turning to the woman, he said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thy house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath wetted my feet with her tears, and wiped them with her hair. 45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but she, since the time I came in, hath not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but she hath anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. 48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. 49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that even forgiveth sins? 50 And he said unto the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace." (ASV).

CONCLUSION:

We should be moved to pity and compassion for others and also be careful with our speech so as not to thoughtlessly use the tongue to hurt the feelings of others per Proverbs 12:18, "There is that speaketh rashly like the piercings of a sword; But the tongue of the wise is health." (ASV); and Proverbs 18:21, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." (ASV). Hate, greed, and a lust for violence define one as not walking in the path of Jesus (Yeshua) and his heavenly Father, Almighty God (YHWH).

We should always take the initiative to help others and show compassion to them, and try to imitate Jesus (Yeshua). One way we can do this is by preaching the good news to them in keeping with what Jesus (Yeshua) said at Luke 4:43, "But he said unto them, I must preach the good tidings of the kingdom of God to the other cities also: for therefore was I sent." (ASV). All genuine (true) followers have a commission, the responsibility to do likewise as stated at Matthew 28:19-20, "Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: 20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (ASV); Likewise we must assist those being miss-taught and mal nourished and starving spiritually per Isaiah 55:1-2, "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness." (ASV).

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Christ Loved His Disciples to The End:

INTRODUCTION:

Jesus (Yeshua) had prepared his disciples well for his departure. He even spent his last precious moments teaching them very important lessons to give them strength to remain faithful. Jesus (Yeshua) words shared with his disciples/apostles were warm and most intimate, and he was most forgiving of their human imperfections. In fact, decades later the Apostle John wrote of the events of the last Passover meal he celebrated with them just before his execution at John 13:1, "Now before the feast of the passover, Jesus knowing that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto his Father, having loved his own that were in the world, he loved them unto the end." (American Standard Version; ASV). But Jesus (Yeshua) did not wait until that night to demonstrate love for his own disciples, he did so continually throughout his ministry.

In showing love to his disciples, he had to show great patience and long-suffering per 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, "Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil; 6 rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth; 7 beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." (ASV). In fact, Jesus (Yeshua) needed a lot of patience when dealing with his disciples. Why? For one thing they often got into foolish arguments such as who was the greatest among them, this even happening on his last evening with them per the accounts at Luke 22:24-30, "And there arose also a contention among them, which of them was accounted to be greatest. 25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles have lordship over them; and they that have authority over them are called Benefactors. 26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is the greater among you, let him become as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. 27 For which is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am in the midst of you as he that serveth. 28 But ye are they that have continued with me in my temptations; 29 and I appoint unto you a kingdom, even as my Father appointed unto me, 30 that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom; and ye shall sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel." (ASV); and Matthew 20:20-28, "Then came to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, worshipping him, and asking a certain thing of him. 21 And he said unto her, What wouldest thou? She saith unto him, Command that these my two sons may sit, one on thy right hand, and one on thy left hand, in thy kingdom. 22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink the cup that I am about to drink? They say unto him, We are able. 23 He saith unto them, My cup indeed ye shall drink: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left hand, is not mine to give; but it is for them for whom it hath been prepared of my Father. 24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation concerning the two brethren. 25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 Not so shall it be among you: but whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister; 27 and whosoever would be first among you shall be your servant: 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." (ASV); and Mark 9:33-37, "And they came to Capernaum: and when he was in the house he asked them, What were ye reasoning on the way? 34 But they held their peace: for they had disputed one with another on the way, who was the greatest. 35 And he sat down, and called the twelve; and he saith unto them, If any man would be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all. 36 And he took a little child, and set him in the midst of them: and taking him in his arms, he said unto them, 37 Whosoever shall receive one of such little children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever receiveth me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me" (ASV). So we can see he had to exercise great patience with them; yet, they recorded this fact in their eye witness accounts with great candor clearly showing they were writing under inspiration and not for self ego.

CARING FOR THEIR NEEDS:

Jesus (Yeshua) cared for the spiritual needs and physical needs of his apostles. Why? Because love is evidenced by unselfish deeds as shown by 1 John 3:17-18, "But whoso hath the world's goods, and beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how doth the love of God abide in him? 18 My Little children, let us not love in word, neither with the tongue; but in deed and truth." (ASV); and that we should not only look out for our own interest per 1 Corinthians 13:5, "doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil;" (ASV). Jesus (Yeshua) was moved by love to care for them, and when they were tired, he suggested they go to a lonely place to rest a little per Mark 6:31, "And he saith unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while. For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat." (ASV). He likewise fed them and many others who were hungry, by a miracle, as recorded at Matthew 14:19-21, "And he commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes. 20 And they all ate, and were filled: and they took up that which remained over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. 21 And they that did eat were about five thousand men, besides women and children." (ASV); and Matthew 15:35-37, "And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground;
36 and he took the seven loaves and the fishes; and he gave thanks and brake, and gave to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes. 37 And they all ate, and were filled: and they took up that which remained over of the broken pieces, seven baskets full." (ASV).

In fact the Sermon on the Mount was especially delivered for the benefit of his disciples as shown at Matthew 5:1-2 and 13-16, "And seeing the multitudes, he went up into the mountain: and when he had sat down, his disciples came unto him: 2 and he opened his mouth and taught them, saying," (ASV) and "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house. 16 Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (ASV).

In doing these things, Jesus (Yeshua) showed consideration for his Apostles by preparing them for the coming terrible things he must endure and for the trials and tribulations they would experience per Matthew 20:17-19, "And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples apart, and on the way he said unto them, 18 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests and scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, 19 and shall deliver him unto the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify: and the third day he shall be raised up." (ASV); and warning them he had per John 16:12, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now." (ASV).

JESUS (YESHUA) SHOWED THE NEED TO WILLINGLY FORGIVE:

Jesus (Yeshua) showed the need to forgive and Colossians 3:13-14 show forgiveness is a facet of love, "forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: 14 and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness." (ASV). He urged his followers to forgive one another and emphasized this at Matthew 18:21-22, "Then came Peter and said to him, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? until seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times; but, Until seventy times seven." (ASV); and he showed the need for repentance at Luke 117:3-4, "Take heed to yourselves: if thy brother sin, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he sin against thee seven times in the day, and seven times turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him." (ASV).

Jesus (Yeshua) emphasized the importance for forgiveness at Matthew 6:14-15, "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (ASV). He then used an illustration to drive home this point that is found at Matthew 18:23-35, "Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, who would make a reckoning with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, that owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But forasmuch as he had not wherewith to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 And the lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. 28 But that servant went out, and found one of his fellow-servants, who owed him a hundred shillings: and he laid hold on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay what thou owest. 29 So his fellow-servant fell down and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee. 30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay that which was due. 31 So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were exceeding sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32 Then his lord called him unto him, and saith to him, Thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou besoughtest me: 33 shouldest not thou also have had mercy on thy fellow-servant, even as I had mercy on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due. 35 So shall also my heavenly Father do unto you, if ye forgive not every one his brother from your hearts." (ASV).

LAST JESUS (YESHUA) DEMONSTRATED HIS TRUST IN HIS APOSTLES:

Jesus (Yeshua) demonstrated his trust in his apostles as 1 Corinthians 13:7 says with respect love, "beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." (ASV). He demonstrated his willingness to trust his apostles despite their human imperfections, and freely forgave when they fell short of perfection.

For example, the Apostle Peter denied him three times out of fear of a crowd as testified to at Matthew 26:69-75, "69 ¶ Now Peter was sitting without in the court: and a maid came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus the Galilaean. 70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. 71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and saith unto them that were there, This man also was with Jesus of Nazareth. 72 And again he denied with an oath, I know not the man. 73 And after a little while they that stood by came and said to Peter, Of a truth thou also art one of them; for thy speech maketh thee known. 74 Then began he to curse and to swear, I know not the man. And straightway the thingy crew. 75 And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, Before the thingy crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly." (ASV), but Jesus (Yeshua) after is resurrection appeared to Peter to comfort and reassure him as recorded at Luke 24:34, "saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.[Peter]" (ASV); and 1 Corinthians 15:5, "and that he appeared to Cephas; [another name for Peter] then to the twelve;" (ASV) to show he still love and trusted him and forgave him for denying him.

Further, to reassure Peter, he let him take the lead in giving a witness to the crowds in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost per Acts 2:14-40, "But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spake forth unto them, saying, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and give ear unto my words. 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose; seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16 but this is that which hath been spoken through the prophet Joel: 17 And it shall be in the last days, saith God, I will pour forth of my Spirit upon all flesh: And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, And your young men shall see visions, And your old men shall dream dreams: 18 Yea and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days Will I pour forth of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. 19 And I will show wonders in the heaven above, And signs on the earth beneath; Blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke: 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the day of the Lord come, That great and notable day. 21 And it shall be, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. 22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God unto you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you, even as ye yourselves know; 23 him, being delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye by the hand of lawless men did crucify and slay: 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pangs of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. 25 For David saith concerning him, I beheld the Lord always before my face; For he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: 26 Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; Moreover my flesh also shall dwell in hope: 27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul unto Hades, Neither wilt thou give thy Holy One to see corruption. 28 Thou madest known unto me the ways of life; Thou shalt make me full of gladness with thy countenance. 29 Brethren, I may say unto you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us unto this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins he would set one upon his throne; 31 he foreseeing this spake of the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he left unto Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus did God raise up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he hath poured forth this, which ye see and hear. 34 For David ascended not into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 35 Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet. 36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified. 37 ¶ Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do? 38 And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call unto him. 40 And with many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation." (ASV).

And last as testified to at Luke 22:31-32, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat: 32 but I made supplication for thee, that thy faith fail not; and do thou, when once thou hast turned again, establish thy brethren." (ASV). Clearly showing his great capacity to forgive and not hold human weaknesses against his apostles.

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Christ Proved His Great Love For Mankind: [q]

INTRODUCTION:

In Proverbs 8:30-31 the inspired word of Almighty God (YHWH), the Bible showed Jesus (Yeshua)delighted in mankind, "Then I was by him, as a master workman; And I was daily his delight, Rejoicing always before him, 31 Rejoicing in his habitable earth; And my delight was with the sons of men." (American Standard Version; ASV).

During his ministry on earth, great crowds followed him around and he did many healings and other miracles including resurrections. Even in the few days before he was wrongly arrested and executed, when he entered into Jerusalem, he was hailed by the crowds during his triumphal entry into Jerusalem as the divinely appointed king. The common folk loved him greatly due to compassion, wonderful speech, and his many moracles.

However, most of the religious leaders of the day hated him, and all the more so as they could not deny his miracles. Their jealousy and hate of him grew very great, and they conspired together to get rid of him. He was interfering with their personal agendas and showing their doctrines and traditions ran counter to the word of God, the Bible. In this, they are the same as the religious leaders of our day that give lip service to their respective "holy book," but who teach their own traditions and personal agendas. Those who think that their religious leaders are teaching them from either the Bible or the Bible knockoff the Qur'an are in error. No! The religious leaders be they priest and/or imams or muftis or what ever teach the people only an incorrect, personal agenda, interpretation of what is written either in the Bible or the bible knockoff the Qur'an that matters and governs actions. It matters not what the Bible and/or the Bible knockoff really say. People go by what they are taught by their religious leaders. Take the genocide committed by the Roman Catholic Church at the direction of their supreme religious leader, the pope, what mattered was not that the Bible clearly said at Exodus 20:13, "Thou shalt not kill." (ASV), but what their religious leaders told them. Therefore, it is the religion at fault, irregardless of what their particular holy book, be it the Bible or the Bible knockoff the Qur'an may say. Neither in so called Christianity or in Islam are most individuals actions really governed in any way by what their particular holy book really says, but they are governed by the interpretation of their religious leaders. Thus, knowing this reality, one would be either just plain stupid and/or dumb to even bother looking at a particular religion's holy book and expect the members would conform to it. Take the Rig Vede and find me for example a Hindu actually conforming to it instead of the interpretation given to it by his religious leaders, like looking for a needle in the haystack per K.S. Lal, India's greatest historian.

In ancient Jerusalem, the religious leaders wipped the crowds into an angry anti-Jesus (Yeshua) mob and gathered outside the governor's palace at dawn on Passover of 33 CE per John 18:28-19:15, "They lead Jesus therefore from Caiaphas into the Praetorium: and it was early; and they themselves entered not into the Praetorium, that they might not be defiled, but might eat the passover. 29 Pilate therefore went out unto them, and saith, What accusation bring ye against this man? 30 They answered and said unto him, If this man were not an evildoer, we should not have delivered him up unto thee. 31 Pilate therefore said unto them, Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law. The Jews said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: 32 that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying by what manner of death he should die. 33 Pilate therefore entered again into the Praetorium, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? 34 Jesus answered, Sayest thou this of thyself, or did others tell it thee concerning me? 35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? 36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. 37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end have I been born, and to this end am I come into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. 38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find no crime in him. 39 But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? 40 They cried out therefore again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.) 1 ¶ Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. 2 And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and arrayed him in a purple garment; 3 and they came unto him, and said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they struck him with their hands. 4 And Pilate went out again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him out to you, that ye may know that I find no crime in him. 5 Jesus therefore came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple garment. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold, the man! 6 When therefore the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him! Pilate saith unto them, Take him yourselves, and crucify him: for I find no crime in him. 7 The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by that law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God. 8 When Pilate therefore heard this saying, he was the more afraid; 9 and he entered into the Praetorium again, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 Pilate therefore saith unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? Knowest thou not that I have power to release thee, and have power to crucify thee? 11 Jesus answered him, Thou wouldest have no power against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath greater sin. 12 Upon this Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou release this man, thou art not Caesar's friend: every one that maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. 13 When Pilate therefore heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment-seat at a place called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the Preparation of the passover: it was about the sixth hour. And he saith unto the Jews, Behold, your King! 15 They therefore cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him! Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar." (ASV).

Jesus (Yeshua), however, with dignity and courage endured the humiliation and suffering without complaint showing his willingness to submit to a painful death on a torture stake per John 19:17-18, "They took Jesus therefore: and he went out, bearing the cross for himself, unto the place called The place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha: 18 where they crucified him, and with him two others, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst." (ASV).

WHY WAS IT NECESSARY FOR JESUS (YESHUA) TO SUFFER AND DIE?

First consider what Jesus (Yeshua) said at John 15:13, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (ASV) showing the ultimate with respect love of neighbor in accordance with Matthew 22:39, "And the second is like it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (ASV).

As the foretold Messiah, Jesus (Yeshua) well knew what was to take place as he was aware of the many prophecies concerning in detail what the Messiah would suffer and of the painful death of the Messiah such as Isaiah 53:3-12, "Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out his soul unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors: yet he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." (ASV); and Daniel 9:26, "And after the threescore and two weeks shall the anointed one be cut off, and shall have nothing: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and even unto the end shall be war; desolations are determined." (ASV); etc.

In fact, on his way to Jerusalem for his final Passover, he specifically told his apostles at Mark 10:33-34, "saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests and the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him unto the Gentiles: 34 and they shall mock him, and shall spit upon him, and shall scourge him, and shall kill him; and after three days he shall rise again." (ASV).

Now, why was it necessary for Jesus (Yeshua) to suffer and die? Specifically there are three main reasons as follows:

First - He needed to prove his integrity and uphold Almighty God's (YHWH's) sovereignty to answer the false claim of Satan the Devil made at Job 2:1-5, "Again it came to pass on the day when the sons of God came to present themselves before Jehovah, that Satan came also among them to present himself before Jehovah.
2 And Jehovah said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered Jehovah, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. 3 And Jehovah said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? for there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and turneth away from evil: and he still holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. 4 And Satan answered Jehovah, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. 5 But put forth thy hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will renounce thee to thy face." (ASV). In this challenge, Satan was saying that humans serve Almighty God (YHWH) out of selfish interest and Jesus (Yeshua) had to prove him a liar by him, a perfect man, showing that this was not the case. As shown at Philippians 2:8, Jesus (Yeshua) gave the most conclusive answer to this baseless charge, "and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross." (ASV).

Second, So his death could provide an atonement for the sins of others per Isaiah 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."; and Isaiah 53:10, "Yet it pleased Jehovah to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of Jehovah shall prosper in his hand." (ASV); and Daniel 9:24, "Seventy weeks are decreed upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy." (ASV). This attoning sacrifice of Jesus (Yeshua) opened up the way for us to have an approved relationship with Almighty God (YHWH) per 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." (ASV).

Third, Also, by enduring all types of sufferings and hardships, Jesus (Yeshua) was thoroughly tested and can sympathize with our weaknesses per Hebrews 2:17-18, "Wherefore it behooved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted." (ASV); and Hebrews 4:15, "For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." (ASV).

UNSELFISH COURSE OF JESUS (YESHUA):

Jesus (Yeshua) outlined his unselfish course at Matthew 16:24-26, "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever would save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26 For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? or what shall a man give in exchange for his life?" (ASV).

He lead by example by giving up his life on our behalf and being subject to intense suffering and a painful death per Philippians 2:5-7, "Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men;" (ASV); clearly showing he emptied himself of his superior position in heaven in the spirit form the same as Almighty God (YHWH) and took the form of a man who would die as a ransom sacrifice for all of us.

He was not concerned about himself but was filled with intense love for his heavenly Father, Almighty God (YHWH) as showed in his Sermon on the Mount at Matthew 6:9, "After this manner therefore pray ye. Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name." (ASV); he wanted his Father's name to be sanctified or hallowed - not his own. He well knew that his integrity would play a major part in the sanctifying of his Father's great name as shown at 1 Chronicles 29:13, "Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name." (ASV).

JESUS (YESHUA) WAS SELF-SACRIFICING:

As followers of Jesus (Yeshua), we must have lave among us per John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; even as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (ASV). and Jesus (Yeshua) made this ever clearer at John 15:12-13, "This is my commandment, that ye love one another, even as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (ASV).

Now why is self-sacrificing a worthwhile course? Well, Mark 10:23-30 says, "And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 26 And they were astonished exceedingly, saying unto him, Then who can be saved? 27 Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for all things are possible with God. 28 Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. 29 Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or mother, or father, or children, or lands, for my sake, and for the gospel's sake, 30 but he shall receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life." (ASV).


We should imitate Jesus in showing self-sacrificing love as pointed out at, 1 John 3:17-18, "But whoso hath the world's goods, and beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how doth the love of God abide in him? 18 My Little children, let us not love in word, neither with the tongue; but in deed and truth." (ASV). One way of doing this is by not engaging in warfare when the nations go to war and thus bringing injury and death to others per John 17:14-16, "I have given them thy word; and the world hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them from the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world even as I am not of the world." (ASV); and 1 John 3:10-12, "In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. 11 ¶ For this is the message which ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another: 12 not as Cain was of the evil one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his works were evil, and his brother's righteous." (ASV).

Whereas, the religious leaders of this world teach and inbreed in their followers, not the words of the Father of Jesus (Yeshua) per John 12:49-50, "For I spake not from myself; but the Father that sent me, he hath given me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is life eternal: the things therefore which I speak, even as the Father hath said unto me, so I speak." (ASV). Instead of inbreeding love for fellow man, these religious leaders of this world inbreed false doctrines and traditions and their own personal agendas. Some religious leaders in Islam not only inbreed their personal agendas, but inbreed hate, greed, and a lust for violence. Almost every day in the world news you hear of an Islamic suicide bomber blowing himself/herself up and trying to take as many with him/her as possible - inbreed extreme lust for violence. In fact, one well known Sheik, [in Islam, a. A religious official. b. A leader of an Arab family or village. c. Used as a form of address for such an official or leader. Per The American Heritage(r) Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition.] said on a video tape played on Al Jazzera TV station that there was no greater honor for Islam than for one to commit suicide and take as many infidels with him/her as possible [Sheik Usama bin Ladin]. This clearly shows the hate, greed, and a lust for violence that many religious leaders are inbreeding in their members and the world news daily confirms this - many however deny reality.

SELF-SACRIFICING LOVE PLEASES ALMIGHTY GOD (YHWH):

Self-sacrificing love pleases Almighty God (YHWH) as shown at 2 Corinthians 12:15, "And I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?" (ASV). In fact unselfish efforts will also be appreciated by like faithful followers of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ as shown by Philippians 2:29, "Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy; and hold such in honor:" (ASV); and Hebrews 6:10, "for God is not unrighteous to forget your work and the love which ye showed toward his name, in that ye ministered unto the saints, and still do minister." (ASV).

Jesus (Yeshua) proved himself a fine shepherd of his followers as shown at John 10:11-15, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep. 12 He that is a hireling, and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, beholdeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth, and the wolf snatcheth them, and scattereth them: 13 he fleeth because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
14 I am the good shepherd; and I know mine own, and mine own know me, 15 even as the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep." (ASV).

[iris89]

Continue Following Jesus (Yeshua): [r]

INTRODUCTION:

Jesus (Yeshua) before his execution prayed to his heavenly Father, Almighty God (YHWH) at John 17:1-5, "These things spake Jesus; and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that the son may glorify thee: 2 even as thou gavest him authority over all flesh, that to all whom thou hast given him, he should give eternal life. 3 And this is life eternal, that they should know thee the only true God, and him whom thou didst send, even Jesus Christ. 4 I glorified thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which thou hast given me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was." (American Standard Version; ASV).

Now after his execution and subsequent resurrection on the third day after his resurrection recorded at Acts 10:38-40, "even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom also they slew, hanging him on a tree. 40 Him God raised up the third day, and gave him to be made manifest," (ASV), and now he is about to ascend to his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) and his apostles and close friends are with him on the Mount of Olives and he begins to rise from the earth, he gives some kind parting words at Acts 1:6-12, "They therefore, when they were come together, asked him, saying, Lord, dost thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know times or seasons, which the Father hath set within His own authority. 8 But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they were looking stedfastly into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 who also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye looking into heaven? this Jesus, who was received up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye beheld him going into heaven. 12 ¶ Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is nigh unto Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey off." (ASV).

Now his followers are reminded by two angels at Acts 1:10-11, "And while they were looking stedfastly into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 who also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye looking into heaven? this Jesus, who was received up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye beheld him going into heaven." (ASV), that he will return and they have work at hand.

The words that Jesus (Yeshua) spoke to the apostle Peter recorded at John 21:22, "Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me." (ASV), come into play.

JESUS (YESHUA) INDICATED, CONTINUE FOLLOWING ME:

We all need to obey the command that Jesus (Yeshua) gave to the Apostle Peter of continuing to follow him.

Upon Jesus (Yeshua) return to heaven, he presented to his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) the value of his ransom sacrifice per Hebrews 9:11-12 and 24, "But Christ having come a high priest of the good things to come, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation, 12 nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption." (ASV), and "For Christ entered not into a holy place made with hands, like in pattern to the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear before the face of God for us:" (ASV).

Now did his heavenly Father, Almighty God (YHWH) accept it? This was shortly positively answered by the events that occurred a few days after his ascension. About 120 Christians were meeting in Jerusalem in an upstairs room when, Acts 2:1-4, "And when the day of Pentecost was now come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them tongues parting asunder, like as of fire; and it sat upon each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (ASV). This event signified the birth of a new nation as shown by 1 Peter 2:9, "But ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:" (ASV) which was Almighty God's (YHWH's) creation of a new 'chosen race' as a replacement as his chosen people in place of the ancient nation of Israel.

Clearly Almighty God (YHWH) had approved of Jesus (Yeshua) sacrifice as shown by the birth of this new chosen nation; therefore, we should continue to follow Jesus (Yeshua) daily so we can have a bright hope for the future per John 3:16, "And by faith in his name hath his name made this man strong, whom ye behold and know: yea, the faith which is through him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all." (ASV).

Why should we do this? Clearly Jesus (Yeshua) since his ascension to heaven after his resurrection by his heavenly Father, Almighty God (YHWH), he has been given very great authority per Matthew 28:18, "And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth." (ASV). How so? His heavenly Father has appointed him to rule over the genuine (true) Christian congregation per Colossians 1:13, "who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love;" (ASV). To this end, he chose the apostle Paul to be an apostle to the nations charged with spreading the good news far and wide per Romans 11:13, "But I speak to you that are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I glorify my ministry;" (ASV); and 1 Timothy 2:7, "whereunto I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I speak the truth, I lie not), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth." (ASV). Jesus (Yeshua) thus is Head of the Genuine (true) Christian congregation as shown by Ephesians 5:23, "For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, being himself the saviour of the body." (ASV); and 1 Corinthians 11:3, "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God." (ASV).

Later, Jesus (Yeshua) was granted even more authority as shown by John 12:31, "Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out." (ASV); and Matthew 24:3-7, "And as he sat on the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4 ¶ And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man lead you astray. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am the Christ; and shall lead many astray. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled: for these things must needs come to pass; but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines and earthquakes in divers places." (ASV).

In fact 1 Corinthians 15:22-28 clearly show that Jesus' (Yeshua's) heavenly Father, Almighty God (YHWH), gave him authority over all except himself for a period of time, "For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ's, at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be abolished is death. 27 For, He put all things in subjection under his feet. But when he saith, All things are put in subjection, it is evident that he is excepted who did subject all things unto him. 28 And when all things have been subjected unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subjected to him that did subject all things unto him, that God may be all in all." (ASV). Therefore it is vital that we take our stand on the side of Jesus (Yeshua), the Messianic King.

BRING YOURSELF IN HARMONY WITH JESUS (YESHUA):

Now the big question is what will help to bring your thinking into harmony with Christ? Let's consider, 1 Corinthians 2:13-16, "Which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth; combining spiritual things with spiritual words. 14 Now the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually judged. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, and he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he should instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." (ASV).

And, In what way do you intend to follow Christ more closely? This should be considered by all, and 1 Peter 2:21, says, "For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps:" (ASV). Remember Jesus (Yeshua) like his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) is by nature happy, he is for sure most unhappy, angry if you will, over all those false religious organizations that falsely claim to represent him. Jesus (Yeshua) showed this anger once when he was about to heal a man and looked at all the religious leaders around him with indignation due to the insensibility of their hearts as shown at Mark 3:1-5, "And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there who had his hand withered. 2 And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him. 3 And he saith unto the man that had his hand withered, Stand forth. 4 And he saith unto them, Is it lawful on the sabbath day to do good, or to do harm? to save a life, or to kill? But they held their peace. 5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved at the hardening of their heart, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he stretched it forth; and his hand was restored." (ASV).

Without doubt, Jesus (Yeshua), today he is thoroughly grieved by the religious leaders of Christendom who are blindly devoted to their traditions and doctrines which are not in agreement with the scriptures. In fact, in many parts of the world, the religious leaders, like those of ancient Jerusalem, also, persecute Jesus (Yeshua) followers. This was foretold at John 16:2-3, "They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the hour cometh, that whosoever killeth you shall think that he offereth service unto God. 3 And these things will they do, because they have not known the Father, nor me." (ASV), and this has proved to be the case.

JESUS (YESHUA) IS PLEASED WITH THOSE WHO ENDURE:

The big question is how will you avoid the danger of cooling off in your love for Jesus (Yeshua)? As Revelation 3:14-18 show we must remain firm and not cool off, "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God:
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art the wretched one and miserable and poor and blind and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold refined by fire, that thou mayest become rich; and white garments, that thou mayest clothe thyself, and that the shame of thy nakedness be not made manifest; and eyesalve to anoint thine eyes, that thou mayest see." (ASV).

In order to do so, we must follow Jesus (Yeshua) example and share the good news with all sorts of people in keeping with 1 Timothy 2:4, "who would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth."(ASV). As Matthew 24:13 says, "But he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved." (ASV). So be sure to keep in mind Jesus (Yeshua) comment at John 21:19, "Now this he spake, signifying by what manner of death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me." (ASV).

CONCLUSION:

Now the question all should ask themselves is, how can you show that you really want Christ to rule over the earth in the near future? And as Revelation 22:17 and 20, say, "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And he that heareth, let him say, Come. And he that is athirst, let him come: he that will, let him take the water of life freely." And "He who testifieth these things saith, Yea: I come quickly. Amen: come, Lord Jesus."

To share in this wonderful blessing we must continue to imitate Jesus (Yeshua) and his Father, Almighty God (YHWH).


To learn more, check out the following:

[1] religioustruths.proboards59.com/ An Educational Referral Forum

[2] www.network54.com/Forum/403209 A Forum Devoted to Exposing The False Religion of Islam

[3] jude3.proboards92.com/ A Free-Speech Forum For All

[4] www.freewebs.com/iris_the_preacher My web site.

Your Friend in Christ Iris89