Be Christian. Not having everything you want, but wanting everything you have. Our natural inclination is to dispense with God’s rules and do life our way.  We make our fences to protect the commandments and we make our fences to avoid doing what is commanded.  Servants obey.  When we meet those who “…walk not with us…” love them anyway. Christians have the power to suffer wrongfully, to forgive and to live humbly. Our goal is regeneration.

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Chapter 39: Jesus Defends His Disciples for Eating with Unwashed Hands

Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23

Certain Phari...

Seventy years of captivity was the Jews' punishment for ignoring the Sabbath commandment for 490 years. As a result, they overcorrected by building fences (traditions) to protect the Sabbath.  In reality, they made keeping the Sabbath onerous and complex.  Once a day of rest, it became an encyclopedia of dos and don’ts wielded with precision and penalties; all the while, the intent of the commandment was lost.  God knows we need a day off, a day of fellowship with Him, in order to meet the demands of life with justice, mercy and humility. Compare the tenants of your faith to th...

The message of John the Baptist and of Jesus to the people and the church-leadership was "[Change]! Repent.” The Kingdom of God is at hand.  The Jews murmured at this because Jesus didn't fit their ideas.  This is also true in our generation.  Jesus instructed people to look for the anti-Christ, tribulation, persecution, death - and resurrection.  He did not speak of “a rapture escape” or of going-to-heaven-when-we-die.  Don’t take offense.  Repent. Change.

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Ch. 38 - Jesus Speaks of the Bread of Life

John 6:22-71

The next day the people on the shore he h...

Dedicate to becoming Christian. It takes time to build the character to stand. We must know and use the Scriptures as the foundation to test traditions. False doctrines must be discarded to hear the message of "The Word of God." The people of Israel missed John-the-Baptist [Elijah] and Christ because of tradition

As you go through this podcast series examine your Jesus, your Messiah, to determine if He is the Savior of the Scriptures. The anti-Christ is coming. It will take understanding to reject him.

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Ch. 38 - Jesus Speaks of the Bread of...

Jesus did not come to make us prosperous. He came to make us into people of character who will not perish, come what may. Listen as Jesus parallels physical concepts with spiritual concepts. Though it's not written here the often heard cry recorded in the New Testament resounds, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." "...there is a friend sticks closer than a brother. " He wants to help.

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Ch. 38 - Jesus Speaks of the B...

There is an amazing story in the Bible. Jesus, the Son of God, left his Father and came to interact with mankind. Faith is required to believe and to figuratively step out of the boat of convention. Movies, Sunday school, and traditions lend an inconvenient familiarity in thought to the story. Imagine if you can being in the boat with the disciples, being in the crowd on the shore or standing in the distance watching the scenes in the Scriptures - not knowing "the back of the book". Jesus came to reveal the Father and to teach us His...

The challenge for modern Christianity is to apply logic and consistency to our traditions. It requires bravery to examine established theological ideas and sacraments. However, to assure we worship the God of the Scriptures in accordance to the Son of God, this work is mandatory. Creeds, counsels and belief statements which require arbitrary obedience to the church over Christ creates a disconnect with the Scriptures. These false notions must be erased to make room for the doctrines Jesus came to reveal.

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Ch . 37 - Jesus Walks On The Sea

Matthew 14:24-33; Mark 6:47-52; John 6:16...

It takes the revelation of the Spirit of God to understand the message of Jesus.  We tend to try and simplify; to segregate “church-life” from “real life.” This segregation leads to a lukewarm Christianity. Important matters are discussed and resolved when we spend time with one another.

Proverbs 27:17

“Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”

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Ch. 36 - Jesus Feeds Five Thousand

Matthew 14:13-23; Mark 6:30-46; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:5-15

When the apostles, whom Jesus had sent forth to spread the word, returned, they told him...

Preach the message of repentance. Evangelism should not be asking questions in an attempt to educate or proselytize. Rather be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies in you. The gospel message is simple, but not easy. Jesus said, "Many are called, few are chosen."

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Ch. 35 – JESUS COMMISSIONS, EMPOWERS, AND SENDS FORTH THE TWELVE DISCIPLES

JESUS went about among cities, villages, and in the country, teaching in the synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing sicknesses, diseases, and infirmities among the people.

When he saw the gr...

"Hear ye! Hear ye! The Kingdom of God is at hand."

The message of Jesus was not popular with religious leaders; the same message preached by his disciples will not be popular either. Change is difficult. Listen closely to the instructions of Jesus.

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Ch. 35 – JESUS COMMISSIONS, EMPOWERS, AND SENDS FORTH THE TWELVE DISCIPLES

JESUS went about among cities, villages, and in the country, teaching in the synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing sicknesses, diseases, and infirmities among the people.

When he saw the great multitudes who fo...

The Words of Jesus make demands for our perfection. We expect ranking in tournaments or levels in video games but we tend to apply a magical interpretation to Christianity which ignores the instructions given by Christ. The mystery of the Kingdom of God is revealed as we obey; we are forgiven as we forgive; we are saved as we repent (change). We expect challenges in life. We should expect challenges in the Kingdom of God.

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Ch. 35 – JESUS COMMISSIONS, EMPOWERS, AND SENDS FORTH THE TWELVE DISCIPLES

JESUS went about among cities, villages, and in th...

A change in direction happens in an instant; however, arriving at the destination you desire requires action. Daily action. It takes time to overcome the mess of living in error for years. Be patient. Keep the commandments. Never violate your conscience. Take time everyday to hear the voice of God. The discipline of change may be difficult, embrace it; knowing a relationship with God is worth every sacrifice you make. Lay down your life.  In the Scriptures Jesus says, “Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me.”

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Ch 34. - JESUS HEALS A LONG-SUFFERING WOMAN

...

Excerpted Scriptures formulated into "if, then" statements can hide the message Jesus came to reveal. It's the story of the gospel. We are privileged to have the testimonies of others in the Bible.  We can read the stories of those who succeeded in their walk of faith and of others.  We are called to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. We can say we believe and we are Christians; however, what we truly believe is revealed by what we do.

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Ch 34. - JESUS HEALS A LONG-SUFFERING WOMAN

AS JESUS had pas...

Jesus is not like us. We must take caution to mold our lives after Jesus; not mold Jesus after us. Examine the mind of Christ through his words and actions. Prophets were given for the time when communication with God was limited. Jesus instructed, "Keep my commandments and my Father and I will teach you from the inside." No hierarchy in the Kingdom of God.

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Ch. 33 - JESUS RAISES JAIRUS' DAUGHTER

JAIRUS, a ruler of the synagogue, came and threw himself at Jesus' feet. He besought his aid, saying:

"My little...

Tradition is not truth. Examine "Who told you that." Historical Jesus, Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Son of God, "All-knowing, all-powerful, all-present" - Is that true? Our job as Christians is not to evangelize through education and/or declarative statements. Jesus says, "My church is built on revelation." Our witness is our life. We must strive to meet the expectations of Jesus. Our hands are His hands in the earth. Be honest. Be faithful.

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Ch. 32 - JESUS HEALS A GADARENE

JESUS AND HIS disciples came to the other side of the Sea of Galilee...

The reward of no effort is atrophy.  This is true physically, mentally and spiritually.  The result of effort in exercise is strength; in relationships is sustainability; and in obedience is regeneration.  We must strive to achieve the promises offered by God. The opportunity is not something we can earn but our effort is required to bring the promises to completion. Actions and inaction bring consequences. Jesus asked this question, "Why do you call me LORD and not do what I say?" Jesus did his part to open the door; we must do our part by entering in. Spiritual victories in...

Revelation 14 - "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." 

The Spirit of God has not ceased to speak to His people since the Voice of God walked with Adam in the Garden of Eden. The Scriptures record some of these conversations. God spoke to the people through Moses, through the Prophets, and through His Son (the Word made flesh). Jesus continued this communication to our day with the instruction, "Keep my commandments and the Father and I will come inside and lead and gui...

Jesus came to reveal His Father, not to replace Him; and to restore communication to an internal, individual matter. No longer would a physical temple or a Levitical priesthood be required for people to meet with God. The plan of Jesus was to put his commandments into our heart.  Our obedience (keeping the commandments) opens communication with the Spirit of God. Man is where the Spirit of God desires to reside.  Jesus Christ, our High Priest, always obeyed His Father – we should do the same.

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Ch. 30 - Jesus Teaches the Kingdom in Parables

A NE...

Effort is required to obtain the salvation we seek. We should expect opposition. Our obligation is to dispense with false doctrines to make room for the doctrine of Jesus Christ. The exercise of power [grace] that makes the Christian super-human in this world should not give us a false notion that we are righteous enough to receive such power, or even loved enough to receive the privilege, but we should see it as our duty to exercise it. Our obedience opens the communication of daily instruction. In this way, we work hand-in-hand with our God on His redemption plan. <...

The barrier in communication is not linguistic, Jesus spoke the languages of His day. The barrier is our ability to understand. We are handicapped by our sins, the sins of society, and the corruption in modern Christianity. The good news is the way is still open, understanding still obtainable, communication still possible.

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Ch. 30 - Jesus Teaches the Kingdom in Parables

A MUSTARD SEED (Matt. 13:31, 32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18, 19)

            Then Jesus, speaking another parable, likened the kingdom of God to a mustard seed that grows from a small grain into a large plant:

      ...

The goal is to reinforce Christianity with the wisdom and words of Jesus. Examine His life, His friends, and His relationship with His father as recorded in the four gospels of the Scriptures. These written accounts are a gift from God; called to the remembrance of the apostles. Here's what Jesus said,

"...If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keeps not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not m...

It is our privilege and responsibility to participate in our salvation. We must provide the environment which allows the seed of Christ to grow to maturity. Being born again is not instant. The forgiveness we receive must be reciprocated in all our relationships. The exercise of keeping the commandments lets God know we are serious about going His way. Taking time to listen every day builds the discipline we need to be servants to our Lord. We are not entering the democracy of God. We are entering a kingdom. We have a Lord, if we obey him.

*** <...

Jesus did not come to condemn the world; the world was already condemned. He came to save us; however, our effort is required. Faith, obedience and trust are required. God will not prove Himself to us. Obedience and trust are the evidence of faith. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

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Ch. 30 - Jesus Teaches the Kingdom in Parables

THE SEED (Mark 4:36-29)

            Jesus spoke another parable, saying:

            “So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day...

We don't know what we don't know. At least we should know there are things we don't know. To have the instruction of the Spirit of God, we are required to keep the commandments, to never violate our conscience, and to take time every day in meditation to hear.

"He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."

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Ch. 30 - Jesus Teaches the Kingdom in Parables

THE TARES (WEEDS)  (Matt. 13:24-30; 36-43)

THEN JESUS told another parable, saying:

            “The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed go...

If what you believe is not true, do you want to know it? We have established conventional wisdom and answers that may not coincide with the responses of Jesus. Hold your beliefs in an open hand. The Spirit of God may reveal surprising details that will change our opinions. Commit to a longer-view when judging a present condition. Some circumstances are within our ability to change. Some things will require the intervention of God. The removal of our enemies will be difficult for us. Trust Him.

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Ch. 30 - Jesus Teaches the Kingdom in Parables

"...Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given."

Things have not always been the way they are now. The world was created good. Bad things happen, expect it. Don't look for someone to blame. Some actions are required to open the doors of communication:

1) Keep the 10 Commandments.

2) Never violate your conscience.

3) Spend 20 minutes in silence every day to hear from God.

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Jesus came to heal the rift between God and man. However, much of modern Christianity is based in paganism and tradition. When it comes to Christianity, the Scriptures often reveal a different view of God. For example, consider how many times this occurs when you read the Bible, Jesus says, "don't". We do. Jesus says "do". We don't. It is worthwhile to examine our actions and beliefs in the light of Scripture.

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Ch. 30 - Jesus Teaches the Kingdom in Parables

The Tares (Weeds)  Matt. 13:24-30; 36-43

THEN JESUS told another parable, s...

One and done attitudes have harmed personal development and perfection. We do not inherit the characteristics of Christ via osmosis or via church attendance. Nor is there any instantaneous occurrence, other than the change from pursuing our way to going God's way (repentance). Our salvation and our perfection take place over time. We are required to participate in this process through obedience. Keep the commandments; never violate your conscience and take time every day to hear the voice of God. Our walk with God is accomplished by revelation, not education. The Scriptures contain valuable insights and lessons; not to...

"What you hear..." is to be considered, especially when you begin your Christian walk. But, there is another harbinger to be considered as well, "Take heed how you hear." How-we-hear is a mystery. One is our teacher, even Christ. Christians are given a new way to understand, to know beyond the words that are written or spoken (led and guided by the Spirit of God).

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Ch. 29: AND JESUS ADDED:

            “Take heed what ye hear. With what measure ye mete, it shall me be measured to you; and unto you that hear shall more be given.  Fo...

Are you better off today than you were last week? Last month? Last year? You should be. Obedience to the Word of God always makes us better. Don't limit your self-evaluation to financial gains. There are many gifts (self-control, patience, forgiveness, etc.) that lead to a better life and success - come what may.

Strive to enter into the narrow gate. Remember, our walk toward salvation is a process. There is no way to stay in the same place. We get better or we get worse. Every gift has a responsibility attached. If we receive revelations or...

If what you believe is not true, do you want to know it? We have been sold a bill-of-goods when it comes to the requirements of residency in the Kingdom of Heaven. Every man and woman will be judged based on what they did - according to the will and way of God. We must strive, indeed, we must earn, our place in the Kingdom. Not everyone is called.

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Ch. 29: JESUS TELLS A PARABLE OF A SOWER

THE SAME DAY that his mother and brothers had come to see him, Jesus want down...

Jesus came to save the nation of Israel. Sadly, Israel rejected Jesus. Things were forever changed. Faith is now required of everyone.

Jesus came to save the world (Israel); His own people rejected him. However, to those who received HIM - gave He grace (power to become) a son of God. If they say I'm in a secret place (I'm not there). Those who are of me hear my voice. Remember the Scriptures, "Let them hear... unto you it is given."

The first Parable: Sower sows the Word. Disobedience to the commandments blocks understanding. Make...

Jesus came in humility and meekness to be received of His people. Jesus always obeyed His Father and earned God's approval. Jesus yielded to become a suffering servant to provide a way of reconciliation for mankind. This sacrifice, this service, did not make our Savior Jesus or our King Jesus into our beck-and-call God. God is sovereign. We must strive individually for our perfection. "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him..." 2 Chronicles 16:9

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Ch. 29...

Mysteries have been hidden since the foundation of the world for the edification and understanding of those who have ears-to-hear. Surface principles have been taken from the Bible and applied to modern Christianity in a way not intended by God. The desire for knowledge, the desire to teach, the desire for hierarchy have supplanted the principal outlined in the gospel. Specifically, "One is your teacher, even Christ." Jesus taught in parables to facilitate revelation by God to the hearts of men.

"Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God..."

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Ch. 29...

Jesus did not teach universalism. Jesus said, "Many are called, few are chosen." While teaching the disciples the first parable, Jesus reveals foundational understanding required to become part of the Kingdom of God.  God hides things from people who are not called – blessed are ye who hear.  The implementation of God's will has been turned over to His people. God’s will is done when God's people do it. Strive to enter in.  The kingdom of God contains both judgment and reward.

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Ch. 29: JESUS TELLS A PARABLE OF A SOWER

THE SAME DAY that hi...

Who is my mother? 

"Whosoever does the will of my Father is my brother, my sister and my mother.” Being born again is a process.  There is conception (a seed is planted), then, gestation and finally birth. 

Strive to be a vessel for duplication of Christ. This mystery has been hidden since the foundation of the world. How far along are you in the process? Look at your works. Works are the measure of our faith. What we believe, we do.

"Hear and Do" equals building your house on the rock. It always comes...

Here's your sign. The last sign. "Three days and three nights" Don't let the instructions of tradition and dogma rob you of the sign given by Messiah. Syncretism has hidden this sign. Our job is to worship in Spirit and Truth.

Offer: Reconciling the Resurrection DVD - Free.

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Ch. 27: JESUS REFUSES TO GIVE A SIGN OF HIS AUTHORITY

CERTAIN of the scribes and Pharisees came to Jesus and said:

            “Master, we would see a sign of thee.”

            Jesus answered:

            “An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign b...

"When the Messiah comes will He do more works than this man?"

In order to mature in the faith, we must discern the thoughts and intents of our hearts. How can we? By simply listening to what we say (our hearts leak through our mouths). Conversion takes time. Hear what you say and make changes. Those unable to hear and unwilling to obey create doubt by making accusations. The undeniable signs of healing where remarkably discredited. The crowds believed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God.

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CHAPTER 26: JESUS HEALS A DUMB...

Jesus, our Redeemer, came to minister to small and great with the same love and unerring truth. John 3:17-18, "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." 

Offer: "The Red Letter Questions" by Don C. Harris. Email don@thinkredink.com to request a free "The Red Letter Questions" audio book on cd or...

"Have the mind of Christ." But, how? Jesus said, if you keep my commandments the Father and I will move in and lead and guide you from the inside. The Father and the Son; it's a package deal. Salvation is a process. Knowing the Bible is not enough to hear guidance from God. Jesus said, "My burden is light."

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Ch. 24 - JESUS INVITES ALL MEN TO GOD

Jesus explained to the multitude how they could reach the Father through the Son, saying:

            “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, becaus...