God Became A Servant To His Creation

 The Servant's Arrival

Book of Mark Chapter 1

If we are familiar with the New Testament, we know this disciple Mark, is called John Mark in many places.

Mark was not one of the twelve disciples who became the Apostles.

John was his Hebrew name and Mark was his Roman name.

Mark was led to the Lord by the Apostle Peter and is said to have spent a lot of time with Peter and this is where he learned most of his doctrine and where he learned about the Lord because of Peter's close relationship with the Lord.

We can see the struggles of the Apostle Peter in the New Testament but we can also see that when Peter finally understood the Lord Jesus Christ, Peter became steadfast and dependable and a true Saint of God.

The Apostle reminds us our own struggles in the life of becoming a Christian.

We know that Mark also spent some time with the Apostle Paul and Barnabas and was kin to Barnabas.

The Book of Mark was written before the destruction of the Jewish Temple as we can tell because of what was written.

It may have been written around 50 AD.

Some say it was written to the Roman world which means it was written to the Gentile world.

The purpose of the Book of Mark is to show that Jesus is unquestionably the Son of God!

Mar 1:1  The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; 

Mar 1:2  As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 

In the Book of Mark, our Lord Jesus is declared to be the Son of God at His baptism.

In the Book of Mark, our Lord Jesus is declared to be the Son of God at His transfiguration both times by the Heavenly voice of His father.

Our lessons in this quarter will teach us of the Lord Jesus Christ as God's Heavenly Servant come to this earth to save all those who believe the truth of the Messiah.

Mark wrote that even the demons said that Jesus was the Son of God.

Mark wrote that even at the end of the life of Jesus, even a Roman Centurion said that Our Lord Jesus was the Son of God.

Mark wrote that Jesus Himself said that He was the Son of God!

I do not know about you, but I believe the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God, a third part of the Holy Trinity!

Still one God, but in three persons.

These lessons from the Book of Mark are intended to help our learning more about our Savior who came as a Servant.

The Bible begins by teaching us that God created us in His image and this was true until sin entered into the world.

The Lord Jesus spent His life teaching us, that He will remove the curse of sin and we can once again be created in the image of God our Savior!

The Lord Jesus is our example in all things and Mark begins with the baptism of the Messiah!

There is no salvation that comes from baptism, but it seems that baptism is still essential if we are to walk in the ways of our Lord Jesus Christ!

The Apostle Peter wrote:

Act 2:38  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

Act 2:39  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 

The Apostle Paul:

Rom 6:3  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 

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 6:5  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 

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.

Again, we are not saved by baptism, but it is included in our walk with the Lord Jesus.

If we pay attention, we will see that our baptism should be a full immersion if we are to be like Christ.

Buried and then raised to a new life.

In the baptism of our Lord Jesus we get a picture of what happens when we decide to totally submit to the Lord.

Joh 13:17  If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. 

*****Mar 1:9  And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. 

Nazareth was a small town where Joseph and Mary came to raise Jesus.

The word Nazareth means separated.

Joseph and Mary wanted a place where the Lord Jesus would be safe, as Herod had already tried to murder the Lord.

The Lord Jesus had grown up in peaceful seclusion, but in this time nearly thirty years, He had grown in favor with God and man.

Luk 2:52  And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

The town of Nazareth was not mentioned in the Old Testament.

Our Lord Jesus left the city of Nazareth to be baptized and then He began His ministry of salvation.

The Lord Jesus was immediately recognized by His forerunner John the Baptist.

Mat 3:13  Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 

This is the first place that our Heavenly Father made the world to know that the Lord Jesus was His Son.

Luk 3:21  Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, 

Luk 3:22  And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

The Lord Jesus left all behind to begin the ministry He had come from Heaven to perform.

He left a cheerful home.

He left a close nit family.

He left behind a good profession; He was a carpenter.

He left his childhood friends.

Many a missionary will do these same things.

Many servants of God have to do these same things.

Many believers have to do these same things today.

He began His ministry to save this wicked world.

He had only thirty-six months to complete His mission.

1Pe 2:21  For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 

1Pe 2:22  Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 

1Pe 2:23  Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 

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.

We should understand that the decision we make to follow the Lord Jesus, is an important decision probably the greatest decision we will make all our lifetime.

It involves surrendering our all and sacrificing ourselves completely to the Lord, but a decision not to follow the Lord will lead to a tragic life that is wasted on sin.

Mark describes to us what happened on the day of His baptism.

*****Mar 1:10  And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: 

Mar 1:11  And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

We can only imagine what it means to say that the heavens opened up.

The Lord Jesus was being commissioned and set apart by Heaven itself.

The Spirit of God came down from Heaven in the actions of a dove not looking like a dove.

Watch how a dove lands as it ends its flight to see this.

It is different from all other birds.

This event identified the Lord Jesus as the promised Messiah.

This event declared that the Holy Spirit of our Heavenly Father brought His power down from Heaven to do the work God had promised written in the Scriptures.

Notice the Holy Spirit descended upon our Lord not inside of Him.

**We should know that when we are called to the work of God and we accept that calling, we are also empowered by our Heavenly Father to do the work given to us by God Himself.

The only difference being that the Holy Spirit will move into us and abide in us forever, if we show faith in the work that the Lord Jesus has done to save us.

Before the Lord Jesus we had an evil spirit. After accepting the Lord Jesus Christ, that evil spirit is replaced with the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit will not share His existence with an evil spirit inside us!

First, we must decide to submit to the Lord Jesus Christ and the work He has done for our salvation. This is where our faith becomes so important. We must be willing to surrender all we have, even our own life.

Mar_8:34  And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

**Second, as we begin that work, He has given to us, we must identify with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Luk 10:16  He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. 

Most of us lack the commitment to serve the Lord! 

We just do not identify ourselves with the Lord and the world never sees us as a follower of Christ Jesus.

That word "opened" means that God ripped the heavens apart to give His Son this message.

The baptism of Jesus involved God's approval and also God's encouragement!

Remember the Lord Jesus was one hundred percent God, but He was also one hundred percent human.

The Lord Jesus Christ had to pay an enormous price to serve His Heavenly Father!

As a human He needed the perfect assurance of God just as we do.

Psa 2:7  I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

Isa 42:5  Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: 

Isa 42:6  I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

Again this is where our faith comes in.

God will see to it that we know His will for us, but we can also have the assurance that we are in His will for us!

God will speak to our hearts and give us signs of His approval.

Once the Holy Spirit was upon the Lord Jesus, He drove Him straight into the wilderness.

He had to be tested. We should understand that without a test we will never have a testimony!

*****Mar 1:12  And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. 

Mar 1:13  And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him. 

Without a doubt, we are going to face temptation all the days of our lives!

We must have a good understanding of just what temptation is!

We should study this time of temptation of our Lord Jesus to learn all we can.

Why had the Lord Jesus been sent to earth?

1Jn 3:8  He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 

1Jn 3:9  Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 

Because the Lord Jesus had come to destroy the works of the Devil then, the first thing that Jesus did was to enter into the conflict with the Devil.

This means we are wrong if we do not inform Satan that we are the "born again" children of God!

We cannot be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

We do not have to challenge Satan, but we do have to stand our ground against him!

Satan is our true enemy, but we should have no fear of him!

We see that the Lord Jesus allows Satan to tempt Him for forty days and nights.

The Devil could not have victory over the Lord Jesus and therefore he left, but he had plans to continue to tempt the Lord Jesus all the days He remained upon this earth.

Luk 4:13  And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. 

We should understand that the temptations we go through are steppingstones and not stumbling stones.

They are simply opportunities for the Holy Spirit to make us stronger and earn rewards.

When we are stronger, we are more able to do the things that God requires of us.

When we face temptation, we need to sit down with God and seek His power to overcome that temptation.

Remember, the battle with Satan is the Lord's battle, we must not allow ourselves to be drawn into the middle of it!

Satan will do everything he can to arouse our flesh to sin, and we must use the strength of the Holy Spirit block him.

John the Baptist had completed his job as forerunner and it was time for him get out of the way, so the Lord Jesus could begin His own ministry which was far more important.

John had told his own disciples it was time he got out of the way of the Lord Jesus the Messiah.

Joh 3:28  Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. 

Joh 3:29  He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. 

Joh 3:30  He must increase, but I must decrease. 

It may not seem fare for John to be put in prison, but we must cling to our faith that God always does the right thing.

It was not God who caused the arrest of John the Baptist, but He did allow it to take place.

*****Mar 1:14  Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 

Mar 1:15  And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 

In the process of time, at least a complete year had passed between verse 13 and verse 14.

John the Apostle gives us most of the information that Mark leaves out during this period of time.

The Lord Jesus had selected His disciples during this time.

The Lord Jesus had moved His headquarters to Capernaum during this time period.

The Lord Jesus had gone to Jerusalem to observe the Passover Feast.

The Lord had met Nicodemus.

The ministry of the Lord Jesus was moving along at a fast pace for the kingdom of God was truly at hand!

Our own ministries to our friends and family need to move on at a faster pace today, because the kingdom of God is surely at hand today and the return of the Lord.

God saves us for two purposes:

1) To obey Him and He gives us the Bible to know what to obey.

2) To lead others to obey Him and this means people of all nations and all cultures.

God's goal is for all mankind to become His family.

This means those who freely choose to join the family of God!

God calls us children to put us in the right frame of mind so we can learn to obey just as we instill this in our own children.

The Gospel declares that time is fulfilled.

All the things of the Old Testament had brought the people to the time of the Church.

Gal 4:3  Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: 

Jesus the Messiah came to bring salvation to all mankind.

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. 

The law had been in place and had done its educational work.

Rom 3:20  Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 

Gal_3:24  Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Gal_3:25  But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

It was now time for "faith" to take the center stage of our salvation.

Repentance came to the forefront.

Just to repent is not enough!

Payment must be made for the laws that were broken.

This is why we must believe and place our faith in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Lord Jesus lived a sinless life as our example of what it takes to please God.

We have to become sin free to please God.

This is where the Gospel and Grace comes in.

Rom 3:25  Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 

Rom 3:26  To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 

The world was an open door for the spread of the Gospel.

Elijah had come in the person of John the Baptist.

John had moved out of the way so the Gospel could be preached around the world, beginning with the Lord Jesus to the Jews and then the Gentiles and the Apostles to the uttermost parts of the world, which remains our job today.

The Church is now in its last days and the return of Jesus Christ is very near.

And the Lord Jesus shows us how we are to minister.

*****Mar 1:21  And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. 

We see that the Lord Jesus began His ministry with worship, immediately.

That word “straightway” means immediately.

The Jews worshipped on the Sabbath (Saturday) and Jesus chose the synagogue at Capernaum.

To the Jew, the synagogue was the most important institution and it was the center of their worship.

Most of them only went to the Temple three times a year, but to the synagogue they went every Saturday.

The synagogue was also the place of learning and education.

It is like Sunday School of today, where the Scriptures are to be studied by all ages.

The Lord Jesus seized on this opportunity to teach in this synagogue.

See, Jesus was the only One who knew how much time He had left and we know He had only about three years before that cross.

Joh 9:4  I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. 

Joh 9:5  As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. 

We are in those dark days now awaiting the return of the Lord Jesus.

In fact, our nation is becoming darker and we might not have much longer to freely teach the Bible.

What do we do?

We lose time and just allow it to pass by.

We ignore time and just let it pass.

We neglect time with a non-caring attitude.

We abuse time, and do the opposite of what we should be doing.

This sounds harsh, but we have very little time to reach our children and grandchildren and even friends that we know who are lost.

I’m just as guilty as anyone else.

The Lord Jesus seized upon the little time He had left and this is the story behind the Gospels.

The Lord Jesus did not waste time!

None of the average people had a copy of the Scriptures, but there was one in the Synagogue.

In fact, services and discussions were conducted daily in most synagogues.

Even when the Jews were scattered around the world, no matter how small a group of them were, they would build them a synagogue.

In some cities there were more than one synagogue.

It is said that there were more than one hundred synagogues in Jerusalem even in the time of Jesus.

A service in a synagogue would have prayers, Scripture reading, and then discussion.

Distinguished persons, local or strangers, were invited to take part in the service and we see that our Lord Jesus joined in and began to read from the Scriptures.

The Apostle Paul used this same strategy.

*****Mar 1:22  And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. 

These Jews were aroused by the teaching of Jesus Christ because He preached the truth, with authority.

The Scribes taught using tradition of the elders, the oral law with enough Scripture as the source of their authority.

Their teaching was second handed, because they only repeated what the Rabbis taught.

The scribes use the words "it has been said".

Jesus taught with personal authority because He is the Author!

The Lord Jesus used the phrase, "I say unto you".

What is the best time to teach people? When they gather on their day of worship. 

The sabbath for the Jews.

What is the best method of teaching on the day of worship? Preaching.

1Pe 1:12  Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. 

1Co 2:4  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 

1Co 2:5  That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 

1Th 1:5  For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. 

1Co 1:17  For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 

1Co 1:18  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 

1Co 1:23  But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 

1Co 1:24  But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

The Lord Jesus was certain and He was positive.

The Lord Jesus stressed our need for the truth in this world full of Satan's lies.

The Lord Jesus preached on matters of the heart and life. The world only teaches thoughts and rationalism.

The Lord Jesus preached life and life eternal, while all others preached religion, philosophy.

The Lord Jesus practiced and lived what He preached, while others twist and interprets the laws of God to their own liking and live by their own thoughts.

2Jn 1:9  Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 

2Jn 1:10  If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 

2Jn 1:11  For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. 

The Lord preached to make everyone part of His family and all others preached division of family and groups as it is today.

Amen

The Promised Comforter

Jesus Christ Guaranteed Guidance

Book of John 16:1-15

When Jesus says guaranteed guidance what does He mean?

We need to take another look at a verse in last week’s lesson:

Joh 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

Every "Born Again" child of God upon accepting Jesus as their Savior will receive the Holy Spirit to live within them. This is the guaranteed guidance we will receive as another free gift from our Heavenly Father.

We should know that the Holy Spirit will never lead us away from Jesus, but it is also true that the Holy Spirit has free will to change us and to provide gifts as He sees fit.

The one gift we will all receive is the fruit of the Holy Spirit and notice it is fruit single and not fruits plural.

Gal 5:22 But the "fruit" of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Eph 5:9 (For the "fruit" of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

Eph 5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

Notice again that "fruit" is single and not fruits plural.

Every child of God will receive this fruit.

Any other gift of the Holy Spirit comes as Holy Spirit decides!

We should also know a physical talent is not a gift of the Holy Spirit even though He may enhance that talent for God's use!

The Holy Spirit will be our Guide throughout everything we face in our Christian life, even when we go home to be with the Lord because once inside us, He will never leave us!

*****Joh 16:1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.

We live in a dark, dreary, and evil world full of lies and immorality and this world hates everything about the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Lord will test our "faith" but most things that we confront will be because the world hates Jesus Christ, so it will be to anyone who represents Jesus Christ,

We will go through many personal sorrows with our love ones and with dear friends, but we must rest assured we will never be alone again because everywhere we go, we carry with us God the Holy Spirit.

He is certainly a Comforter, but He is also truly God, with all the power of God!

Jesus will explain these things in our lesson today, so we will know to expect them, so we can be prepared when they come to us!

Jesus is explaining these things to His 11 remaining disciples, who are Jews, but these things will also apply to every disciple from that point even into our future and beyond.

*****Joh 16:2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

Joh 16:3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

We know the Lord is addressing these 11 men concerning false religion, using the Jewish system as an example to us all. We need only remember Stephen and Saul before he became a Christian to realize this truth.

Act 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

Act 7:56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

Act 7:57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

Act 7:58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.

Act 7:59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

Act 7:60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Act 9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

Act 9:2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

Act 8:3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

Act 8:4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

It is the same for a Hindu who converts to Christianity.

It is the same for a Muslim who converts to Christianity.

It is the same for most all false religionist who convert to Christianity

Even the Atheist, the Agnostic, and the Non-believer, who persecute Christians today.

As God does, He will take something bad and make use of it!

Act 8:4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

These hardline Jews felt like they were cleansing the Synagogue by cleansing it of, what they called, evil Christians.

Religionists do not see how there can only be one way to God so then Christ Jesus must be a liar, when He is about the truth of God.

Religionists believe goodness must be a trait recognized by God, but it is not.

Religionists believe that Church membership accounts for something, but it does not.

Religionists believe that Jesus was just a good man who was called to be prophet, but Jesus was God in the flesh (Immanuel).

Jesus said they would do these things, because they did not know God the Father in Heaven. nor God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Now if Jesus states that Religionists have no idea of the truth of God, then it must be true because Jesus cannot lie!

Religionists reject anyone who makes demands on their lifestyle and a right to seek freedom and their own desires instead of any God who makes demands of them. They reject that any god should make demands on them period.

Rom 10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

Jesus told these disciples before He was crucified, so that they could prepare themselves after Pentecost.

We should not be surprised when persecution comes to us!

*****Joh 16:4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.

Because Jesus is God the Son, He did not allow persecution to be a problem while He was teaching these men.

Mat_23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

When Jesus returns, He will eliminate all those who have persecuted the Church!

We must understand, that accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior means we will see some persecution, some much more than others.

It has been a special blessing to be born in a Christian nation where persecution has been minor compared to heathen nations though persecution is making its way into our lives by false religion and crooked politicians, who open the door to falsehood.

These 11 men needed to know that the truth of the Scriptures, as was told by Daniel and some others, would certainly take place.

Dan 9:25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

Dan 9:26 "And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off", but not for himself: 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 unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

Dan 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Jesus had to return to Heaven, so the Holy Spirit could begin His new job of putting together the Church, that has the foundation of Jesus Christ!

*****Joh 16:5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?

Joh 16:6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.

What was another reason Jesus had to go back to Heaven, in terms we can understand?

1Jn 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

Not only was the Comforter sent by the Lord, but now the Lord at the right hand of God, will plead our cause to God the Father.

Christ Jesus exhorts, defends, comforts, and prays for us now, from the throne room of God!

What is our job besides being a witness for the Lord?

1Jn 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

1Jn 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

God the Holy Spirit becomes our comforter and sheds His gifts upon us to be able to do the work of the Lord.

God the Son becomes our "Advocate" in the throne room of God.

When we get to Heaven and meet God the Father, He will already know more about us than we know ourselves!

What is the truth? If persecution causes our death, we gain, we do not lose. We go to the Father in Heaven and begin our life in eternity.

We must not allow persecution to cause us to lose our joy of knowing just how wonderful Heaven will be!

As long as we are alive, we will have God the Holy Spirit living within us to guide us through all these things!

*****Joh 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

Another reason we can trust the Lord Jesus, He has never misled us in any way. He has told us the truth of this thing called salvation!

In fact this is the main message that Jesus has had to us all.

Yes Jesus loves us.

Yes Jesus died for us.

If Jesus had not given us His words of truth, that would be all we would have known about salvation.

Even Caiaphas understood salvation but loved his job of High Priests too much to accept the Lord Jesus.

Joh 11:49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,

Joh 11:50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

It amazes me sometime what people will say and then refuse to believe what they said.

We need to understand that we live in a body of flesh that is going to die, but this is not the end of life because our life is not in the flesh!

Our life is in our "Soul" that is like a precious stone to our Heavenly Father!

Our Heavenly Father can give us a new body of flesh at any time, but we can have only one "Soul"!

The Holy Spirit could not do His new work until the Lord Jesus Christ ascended back to Heaven, not like He came but in a "Glorified Body" that He promises to us all!

You see we have no reason to worry because the Holy Spirit is creating a glorified body with every believer!

The Holy Spirit will remain with us all the way to Heaven!

The Holy Spirit also had another work to perform, while He is within us!

*****Joh 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

The fact remains that even after we accept the gift of salvation by God's "Grace", we are still sinners. In fact the only difference between a "Born Again children of God and those who do not have a personal relationship with the Lord, is the "Grace of God"!

If we were not endowed by the Holy Spirit, we would slip back into the misery of a sinner!

The Greek word "parakletos" is translated "comforter" in this verse and "advocate" in another verse, which means One who will plead our cause when we commit sin, which He will also convict us of that sin.

This same "Comforter" will also be with us through the miseries of this world!

The Apostle Paul may have never used the word Comforter nor Advocate but he understood the work of God the Holy Spirit.

Rom 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Rom 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

It is our job to stand up for the Word of God, and God the Holy Spirit is our strength to do so!

Why is our world growing darker in sin? Because the Church has gotten lazy and just wants to wait on the return of Christ when it is within our power, because of the Holy Spirit, to make things better.

We should all be ashamed of taking the Holy Spirit to places that grieves Him!

We hinder the power of God!

Eph 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

Eph 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Eph 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

Since Jesus went back to Heaven, we have an Intercessor in the throne room of God!

Since Jesus departed, we have the presence of the Holy Spirit with us at all times. He will never leave us.

Since Jesus departed, we now have the "Gospel", the "Good News" sent down from Heaven from God the Father!

We should understand, all the sin of man can be forgiven but one:

*****Joh 16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;

Joh 16:10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

Joh 16:11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

By now we know that sin is the one thing that separates us from God and places our soul in the jeopardy of Hell.

The Cross of Jesus Christ was God's method of reconciliation.

When we reject the truth of God, we are defying the love of our Supreme Creator!

It is sin that convinces us that we need a Savior, a Deliverer.

It is the Holy Spirit who first convicts us of sin and then convinces us that there is a Remedy!

1Co 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

1Co 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

1Co 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

We have no righteousness ourselves, so the Holy Spirit brings the righteousness of the Lord into our hearts and we will know the truth.

Isa 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD 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 the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

Isa 53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

Isa 53:12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

After our salvation and the gifts of God the Holy Spirit, there is one more thing that has great importance:

The prince of this world is judged, and he has no more dominion on those who believe upon the works of Jesus.

Heb 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

Heb 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

1Jn 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Col 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

Col 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

When Jesus took away all the sin of the past, all the sin of the present, and all the sin of the future by His death on the cross, Satan was eternally defeated.

The only work he can do now is to try to convince those who listen to him, that God is a liar!

What is the truth? My Savior can save anybody, anywhere, at any time and this drives Satan crazy!

We could say Satan is crazy now, but he can only do what God allows to the believer, but God still allows him full access to the unbeliever!

2Ti_2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

There were still many things that Jesus needed to teach these 11 disciples, but He could not at that time.

Many things we must experience under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

For the believer we now have the complete Word of God and Jesus will also talk to us through our prayers!

*****Joh 16:12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

Joh 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

We certainly cannot know everything that Jesus could not tell these 11 men, but what we do know that if Jesus had laid out every detail of His capture, and His beating, and His crucifixion these 11 men would have been too broken to heal.

A wise man once said, a bar of gold is a wonderful thing to have but if you are too weak to carry it, it will not do you much good.

It was the same for the Lord's passion, these 11 men could not have bared that knowledge until it was all over.

Jesus taught them more about His resurrection, which they still did not understand, until it also happened, and 11 men became so bold that nothing could stop them from preaching the "Gospel" of Jesus Christ.

It would only be when they were filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, that these men would understand all things.

Even today, the Bible is a great history book and a book of great knowledge but when the Holy Spirit moves in at salvation, the Bible then becomes the Word of God that the entire world needs, and we can know the great truths that are included in the Word of God!

What is the mark of Satan?

Joh_7:18a "He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory": but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

Joh_8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

What is the mark of the Lord?

Joh_7:18b He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: "but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him".

Joh 12:49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

Joh 12:50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

We must understand that God the Father, God the Son (Christ Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit dwell in each and every believer as our next passage teaches us.

*****Joh 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

Joh 16:15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

It is impossible for the Holy Spirit to put bad thoughts in our head as some believe.

It is only possible for the Holy Spirit to lead us to the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is only possible for the Holy Spirit to teach us the things of Jesus which were given to Him by God the Father.

This is not hard to follow. This is a simple truth which we dare not try to avoid!

Not only does the Holy Spirit leads us the truth of salvation, He will also teach us of the things to come!

We must also remember we are taught by the same Spirit as these Apostles.

We are saved by the same God the Son, Jesus Christ, as these Apostles.

We are to worship the same God, Jehovah, as these Apostles.

The Holy Spirit will glorify the Son, as the Son glorifies the Father.

None of this is so hard that a child cannot understand!

Satan is the father of all lies.

The Holy Spirit is the guide to all truth!

The Holy Spirit(Holy Ghost) is not to be feared, He is to be believed!

Joh 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Another thing we must understand is that if someone comes along teaching anything but Jesus Christ our only Savior, then that person does not have the Holy Spirit living within them and they do not know the salvation of the Lord!

What did the Apostle Paul preach?

Gal 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

Gal 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

Gal 1:9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Gal 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

In truth if we feel like Jesus is not speaking to us, then we are deaf and are not listening, because the Holy Spirit is never silent unless we have cause Him grief!

Solomon was wise in the things of this world, remember, the half has not been told.

The words of Jesus Christ contain all the wisdom of eternal life, all the truth has been told!

Jesus Christ speaks the wisdom of God because He is God!

Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Col 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

Mat 11:27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

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.

Today we live in a materialistic age, our world is the kingdom of who has the most and no one cares about another.

We know that the love of the world is enmity with God.

The world is unwilling to see its wrong!

The world is unwilling to be corrected!

The world is unwilling to be directed in the right manner.

The world says the teaching of a Savior is too spiritual.

The world says a Savior would demand too much from them.

The world says a Savior would interfere with their sensuous desires.

We live in a foolish world!

Amen

Let's Pray!