King James Bible Study – “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.” – Mark 8:34
Date: Friday, October 02, 2020
Chapters: Matthew 1, Luke 2:1-38
Message: The Substance of Faith
Hello My Friend,
We talk a lot about faith, many people do not even believe in faith, but fail to recognize that whatever it is that they believe in, that is their faith. I tell you what, it takes much stronger faith to believe that you evolved from a monkey than it does to believe you were created by an all powerful and omnipotent supernatural being that controls the universe. It is quite sad really, but without faith it is impossible to know, and please God, [Hebrews 11:1-3,6 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.]
The Gospel of Matthew was written by Matthew to all believers, as with all four Gospels, each one is addressed to a specific group of people, Mathew is directed to the Jews to teach them that Jesus is their long awaited Messiah. The purpose of the book was to present the ministry of Jesus, stressing His role as King of the Jews. What we are to learn from the book is, the Gospel of Christ is to be preached in all the world until He returns. Matthew begins by listing the generations of Judah, including David and Joseph. To be a father to a son is of the highest respect to a Jew, In fact, each time a son was born they all had hopes that he would be the Messiah. So you can image how Joseph must have felt, he was about to help Mary raise the very Messiah. Talk about fear and love? Joseph had his doubts at first, like everyone else, how could his fiance be pregnant without her being unfaithful, but he came around and married Mary as he had planned to.
[Matthew 1:18-21,24-25 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.]
[And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son:] You see, Joseph was reminded of God’s promise, and right away his doubts turned into faith in God. We do not need a lot of faith to believe, we just need to believe a little bit, and God will move mountains for us. Mary and Joseph were devout Jews also, which meant they followed the Law of the LORD, and even government laws. Every year the males had to go to Jerusalem to pay taxes, he took Mary, who was about to give birth at any time.
[Luke 2:1-7 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.]
[And she brought forth her firstborn son,] Mary was blessed to have been given the privilege to carry God’s Son, I often wonder what she thought of the whole time she carried Him, perhaps if she were doing or even thinking the right things and what was going to happen after He was born. The reason I believe that believers looked to the cross that was to come is what happened after He was born. Immediately after she had given birth angels appeared and told the Good News to nearby shepherds.
[Luke 2:8-12,16,20-21 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.]
[his name was called JESUS,] Both Mary and Joseph did what any other Godly couple would do, they followed the Law, and raised Jesus according to the Law. Jesus was circumcised eight days later, Mary had undergone her own purification for thirty-three days, and now she was about to enter the temple to offer the required sacrifices. While there, a man approached her and Joseph, he picks Jesus up and reveals a great prophecy.
[Luke 2:25-35 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; 35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.]
[that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.] It is that piercing in our heart of knowing that we are a sinner that reveals our heart. When Simeon spoke to them, Mary and Joseph were astonished by what he was saying, after all, no one knew they were raising the Son of God. Jesus, the anointed one, sent from God to be the Saviour or all, the Light that will bring all believers to the cross. No matter who we are, everything we do rises or falls upon our faith. The consolation of Israel is also known as the Comforter, the one who would come to give peace of death. I do not care who you are, everyone fears death. However, once we see the Saviour for who He truly is we no longer fear death or hell because we are saved from that. It is the Holy Spirit who teaches us about Jesus, but we must be willing to accept Him by faith, [I John 4:13-16 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.]
Today’s Prayer: God, It is predetermined for man to die once, unless you send Your Son before that time, You have given us all a choice on whether or not we die a second time, and that choice is Your Son, Jesus. We understand that He is our consolation. Thank You for giving us a way to permanent salvation, and for sending Your Son to die for us. As much as we would like to change the fate of all, it is up to each person to make that decision. Lord, lead me and guide me, give me Your power, wisdom, guidance, mercy, and grace to follow Your will and make the choices You want me to make. Open my heart and let Your Word be a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I ask these things in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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