In Studying the matter of the letter of the Laodiceans, Col 4:16 KJV And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. In Studying the matter of the letter of the Laodiceans, I purpose it was not a letter specifically addressed to the Laodiceans, but was a general letter there, being passed around, these congregations shared their revelations with other congregations: this is just to allow us to understand they passed the written letters, from congregation to congregation. It was not a letter addressed to Laodicea but was the current letter being read by the reader of the congregation. Father please confirm your truth in us in Jesus of Nazareth's name amen.

Matt 5:10-12, blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when men shall revile you and persecute you and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad for great is reward in heaven for so persecuted they the prophets which ere before you… 1 Cor 4:12-13, …and labor working with our hands being reviled we bless and being persecuted we suffer it, being defamed we entreat we are made as the filth of this world and the off scourge of all things unto this day. 2 Cor 4:8-9, we are troubled on every side yet not distressed we are perplexed but not in despair, persecuted but not forsaken, cast down but not destroyed. 2 Pet 2:13, nevertheless we according to His promise look for new heavens and new earth wherein dwells righteousness Rev 21:1-5, and I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away, and there was no more sea. And I john saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, behold the tabernacle of God is with men and he will dwell with them and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away. He that sat upon the throne said, Behold I make all things new and He said unto me Write for these words are true and faithful When the devil gets you down, get on your knees and look up. Pray for those that despise you and reject you. Bless those that curse you and do good to those that do you evil. The devil will try to get you to play on his terms saying get even and by God’s wrath, render a tooth for a tooth and an eye for an eye, but follow after the ways of God, for He hath said, vengeance is mine I will repay. How do you know if you are fighting against God by following your imagination that you are God instrument for wrath? For the very person you strike back maybe the someone God will lead to His Son through your prayer and works of righteousness. The wisdom of this world is to fight back but God has said to not grow weary in well doing. Put your eyes on Heaven above and make yourself fit for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ by following His words that make you wise unto salvation and a fool unto this world and its wisdom. We are not of this world and we must act in accordance to being citizens in the Kingdom of God. Father, please be our vindication and vengeance in Truth and Spirit, in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen.

Introduction: 1. Little Johnny, came home from Sunday school and his mom asked what did you learn. Little Johnny says, we read about Moses and the Egyptian army. How that Moses was in battle and running from the Egyptians, when they had to helicopter a bridge to go over the Red Sea. Then they blow up the bridge with the Egyptian Army on it and won”. The mom says, Little Johnny is that really how the story went?” He said no but if I told it like my teacher then you would never believe it.” Little Johnny had the right idea concerning wanting to make people believe but failed to realize that adding to God’s word was wrong. When we say that Christmas is a Holy day or a part of the Christian’s life we make a mistake. 2. All of us keep some form of memorials. We all have anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, and other such special occasions we keep as tradition. Christmas is one such holiday, in which there is no religious authority given by the Bible to celebrate, yet many of us celebrate it as a religious memorial. Today I want to talk about the greatest Bible memorial given to us as Christians: The Lord’s Supper. 3. When the Israelites were being held in bondage as slaves after the time of Joseph. God sent the Pharaoh of Egypt 9 plagues before He told Moses of the final plague, the first borne. He warned the Israelites of the 10th and final plague. He told them to kill a perfect Lamb without blemish and put its blood on the doorposts and lintel of their houses. Because the Lord was going to take all of the 1st borne children except those with the Lamb’s blood. 4. When the Jews or Israelites came out of Egypt and were set free, God instituted a memorial feast. Each year the Jews had to participate in the Passover Feast. God wanted His people to remember what great things He did in order to redeem them from the Egyptian bondage. It is human nature to forget and we, especially us guys forget important stuff like birthdays, anniversaries, and so on. We all forget and when we do not take time to remember our commitments, our goals, our family, and then sometimes we forget why we are doing things. 5. God knows that and He instituted a Memorial feast to cause the Jews to remember being delivered out of physical slavery. As Christians today, God has done the same for us. We have been given the Lord’s Supper to help us remember and treasure being delivered from Spiritual bondage or slavery. In this lesson, I want to talk about the Institution, The Significance, The Frequency, and the Focus of the Lord’s Supper. I. Institution A. The Time of the Jewish Passover 1. It was during the time of the Jewish Passover that the Lord instituted the Lord’s supper 2. The Jewish Passover Explained a. The Passover was one of the 3 great feasts for the Jew (Passover, Pentecost, Booths or tent) b. Accompanying the Passover was the feast of unleavened bread which was a 7 day observance. On the 14th day of Nisan was the paschal meal observed. (Nisan was the Jewish month that relates to our time period of mid-March and mid-April 30 days total) 3. The order of Events (Ex 12:1-14) a. The Lamb without blemish was sacrificed in the Temple (The Law required the Lamb be slain between the evenings, which were from 3pm to Sunset and from Sunset to 9am). b. It then was roasted and cooked c. Unleavened loaves were made (unleavened = without yeast) d. Wine was prepared e. Herbs were provided f. They would eat the Paschal Meal which was prepared and eaten around sunset. B. The Lord’s Command 1. The Passover for the Jew was a reminder to their freedom of their physical bondage a. It was a shadow of the Lord’s Supper or an anti-type. It was a deliverance from death by a sacrificial Lamb and was a symbol for the real thing to come in the future. 2. The Event (Mat 26:26-29) a. Took unleavened bread and blessed it, broke it, and then gave it (unleavened due Passover requirements) (26) b. This is my body, took the cup and gave to those there 3. This is the blood of the New Testament a. It was an Eastern practice to confirm a covenant with blood (Ex 24:6-8) b. Jesus represents Himself as the victim to which the blood was taken as a seal c. The fruit of the vine represents the sealing blood of the covenant of man and God d. The Forgiveness of sins shows us the purpose of the Lord being our Paschal Lamb e. Luke 22:19 adds, “This do in remembrance of me” II. The Significance A. The Representation for us to remember 1. It reminds us of the shedding of blood for our own sins a. It is a reminder that Jesus took our pain and suffering so we could live. 2. The Bread is a reminder of Jesus physical body being beaten, bruised, and slain a. Jesus took our punishment on the chin, so you and I would not be punished. 3. The Fruit of the Vine is the symbol for His atoning blood shed for us a. Heb 10:1-4, says that the blood of bulls and goats could never fully remove sin b. Jews had to offer up yearly the blood of bulls and goats for sins c. Jesus being more perfect offered His blood once for all time and for all of mankind B. It Proclaims the Lord’s Death until He comes (1 Cor 11:26) 1. Each time the Christian takes of the Memorial Feast, he says the Lord died for me! a. Each time we participate, we say the Lord is the One that died so I could be forgiven 2. When the non-Christians see the observance, they ask questions. a. They will want to know what is going on. Then once understood, they realize Christians are remembering and reliving the sacrifice Jesus made for them. 3. By participating the Christian is saying thank you Jesus for dying for me C. It is a time of Self-Examination (1 Cor 11:28-29) 1. The Memorial if for those who are Christians only a. For those who have not obeyed the Gospel of Christ, it is a time to think about Jesus and why He died. b. It is a chance to take seriously, the death of Jesus. To reflect on their sins and weigh the question, Did Jesus do that for me and do I want to be forgiven? 2. The Christian before he takes needs to examine Himself a. The Lord died in order to forgive us and cleanse us. When a Christian is not living like a Christian then we are laughing at what Jesus did for us. We disrespect the greatness of a sacrifice the Lord made to save us. b. It is a time to remember the punishment and power of our personal sins. He died so I could live a better life, why then I am living like those in the gutter? 3. Our Self-Examination causes us to Love the Lord More a. By remembering the sacrifice, we realize each time we have sinned, we have put the stripes on his back and the nails in his flesh. b. It creates a sense of conviction of sin and a commitment to avoid sin at all costs c. It causes us to repent of any un-confessed sin and seeking to be forgiven. d. We can say I may have sinned, but because I became a Christian I have been forgiven III. The Frequency A. The Apostles Teaching 1. After the church was established on Pentecost they continued in breaking of bread (Acts 2:42) a. The Apostles clearly taught the observance of the Lord’s Supper (vs. 42, and also had fellowship meals vs. 46). The 1st Christians observed the Lord’s Supper. 2. The Approved Example of When to Observe the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7) a. The first day of the week. Sabbath was the day of rest and was the last day of the week b. Sunday is the first day of the week. c. The Disciples came together to break bread and Paul preached d. They were having church service 3. Since we have an example of an Apostle and the disciples observing we do the same a. The Apostles taught to observe the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor 11. Acts 2, and Acts 20) b. This is the only example of which day they observed it on and so that is why we come to service on Sundays because it is the first day of the week. c. Since there is a first day of the week, each and every week: We meet every Sunday to observe and remember the Lord’s Supper and Sacrifice for our sins. IV. The Focus A. It is a time to look up to God 1. We remember God and His Love for us (John 3:16-17) a. It shows that we are worthy in God’s eyes. God counts you so worthy that He was willing to die for you. b. God loves us and wants what is best for us that is why He died for you. Because you are worthy of His love and sacrifice. 2. It is a time of communion with Jesus and our Father a. We can all look up to God and realize that He thinks we are precious to Him B. It is a time to look inward 1. Time to take self-inventory and evaluate a. Again we can see if we are living up the price paid for our freedom b. We can re-position our lives back at the foot of the cross 2. Time to look inward at our love for God and His love for us a. We can thank God in gratitude for the second chance on our spiritual lives b. The church of Christ is the hospital for the sin sick and Jesus gives us all a second chance on life. We should be grateful for the opportunity to be an heir of eternal life. C. It helps us to look forward 1. As we participate we know one day the Lord will come back and take us home a. The day is coming when the Lord will come and measure out justice and vengeance on them, that do not know the Lord and obey not the Gospel of Christ(2 Thes 1:7-8) b. For those who are prepared and living right it is day to look forward to and pray for. c. For those who are not it is day to run from and be fearful of. 2. It helps build expectation and hope of the Day of the Lord a. The Christian builds his hopes on things eternal. As we participate in the Lord’s Supper it is a time to realize the value of eternal life and the punishment of sin Conclusion: 1. The Lord’s Supper causes us to be reminded of the value God places on each Christian. It shows the Love of a Savior and the need of the sinner. It reminds of how we would end up if Christ had not died for us. 2. It carries us back to the cross: a. Jesus was mocked by the courts, Annais, and Caiaphas b. Where Jesus said I am the Son of God (Mark 14:62) and because of that was then Struck by the officer of the High Priest, after having false witnesses accuse Him Then Was delivered to Pilate as an evil doer though He was innocent. c. In front of Pilate He was accused of: (1) Forbidding to pay tribute (Mk 12:17) (2) Making himself a king, Jesus was the spiritual king and never intended to be a physical king. d. Sent from Pilate to Herod,who wanted to see a sign and then sent back to Pilate e. Then was scourged f. Given a crown of thorns, purple robe, and a reed to be mocked as king by Roman soldiers that hit and spit on Him g. The robe then taken off ripping the dried blood off from the scourging h. Due to the loss of blood fell beneath the load of the cross as he carried it to the place of His death i. Hung Him to an open shame by nailing His feet and hands to the cross. j. Then Jesus suffocated for our sins. Our sins caused Jesus to no longer breathe and in agony He died for our sins. 3. Jesus suffered more than we will ever know. It is God’s will for us to live for Him and not ourselves. Jesus died for you because you are worthy of His love and sacrifice. Let us all take hold of eternal life before it is too late.

Paul converted some gentile and people from Jerusalem claiming to be with the church, in Jerusalem said they had to obey Moses. There was a meeting and this was the end result of the meeting, instructions on the minimum requirements of Christianity: Act 15:28-29 KJV For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; (29) That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. This instruction was inspired and given to the newly converted gentiles. This was all they had to do after being baptized into Christ (Gal 3:27). a. No idolatry: no eating anything offered to an idol (stay faithful to Jesus) b. No drinking blood, or things strangled c. No fornication and adultery is a type of fornication (stay faithful to your spouse) Do you want pure religion? Jas 1:26-27 KJV If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. (27) Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. Purest form of religion to take care of or to visit in times of affliction widows. Orphans and widows have none to help them except God upon who they call on for provision. So when you help one of these, then you have helped God feed and take of one that has Him as their only hope. To visit means to supply their needs in times of affliction. If one helped orphans and widows, then stayed faithful to Jesus or kept himself unspotted, then this man would be called pure religion. Do you want to be instructed as if you were about to be persecuted or were questioning your faith? Rom 12:1-3 KJV I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (3) For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. The Roman Christians were told to present their bodies as a living sacrifice. They were about to be persecuted and some even burned at the stake, when the persecution began. This being their reasonable service: To stay faithful during a trial of death or any other trial, stay faithful to Jesus. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by renewing your mind. Do not think I am dying but think I will be in heaven! Change the way you think. Prove what is good acceptable and perfect will of God. Will this send me to heaven? Or to Hell? You have test things and try things in order to prove it true or false. There is only one way to beat the devil, not wanting what the world offers you, Jesus has got to be your only source. Father, we pray Jesus would be our only desire and source, please meet our souls deepest needs and heal our souls that we may be forgiven and whole, in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen.

Have you ever made a commitment to Jesus before? I have and I am glad I did, becoming a Christian is the best thing I ever done. Being a Christian makes me have a purpose to become like my Creator, the Father of all things. Did you know Jesus will never ask you to do a wrong thing and will show you how to do right by God and your fellow man? It is written, Mat 5:6, blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled. Do you want to be right with God? and your neighbors? and your family? and everyone else? Yes or No? Will you work a plan of reconcilliation with God and your fellow man? Will you work a plan of redemption and salvation for yourself and others? Would this hunger and thirst for being right give you a plan and purpose and when your done you could shake everyone's hand and look them in the eye. Jesus said I am the way the truth and the life, in John 14:6. Jesus said in John 8:31-32, if you continue in my word then you are my disciples indeed and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. Jesus said, if you love me then keep my commandments John 14:15. The inpsired record as it is written, 2Jn 1:9 KJV 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. Heb 5:8-9 KJV Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; (9) And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Are you fulfilling a plan and a purpose? Jesus of Nazareth can give you a righteous plan and purpose. Jesus will never ask you to do a wrong thing and Jesus died and was raised on the third day, so all your wrongs can be forgiven. Jesus died so you would never have to do a wrong thing again. Do you hunger and thirst after being righteous? Then call on Him? Act 22:7-8 KJV And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? (8) And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. Father, please help us to be wise unto salvation for ourselves and others, please meet our souls' deepest needs, and forgive us our sins, we forgive those who done us wrong and ask you would heal our souls' deepest wounds and cover us in grace, mercy, peace, joy, and love in Jesus of Nazareth's name amen.

Jesus of Nazareth said, as it is written in Matthew 9:12-13, “But when Jesus heard this, He said, "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion , and not sacrifice ,' for I did not come to call the righteous,, but sinners." Did Jesus of Nazareth say, he desires compassion not a sacrifice? Yes or No? Did Jesus also say, He came to call the sinners to repentance? Yes or No? Jesus of Nazareth said this to religious leaders, as it is written Matthew 23:23-14, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.” Did Jesus say, treating people with right judgement, mercy and faith, was more important that giving money? Yes or No? Jesus of Nazareth said these words as it is written, John 3:3-5, “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” Did Jesus of Nazareth say you cannot enter into the kingdom of God, unless you have been born again of water and the Spirit? Yes or No? Jesus of Nazareth said these words as it is written, Mark 16:15-16, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Did Jesus of Nazareth say, he that believes and is baptized will be saved? Yes or No? Do you want to be saved and go to heaven? Yes or No? What do you think is Jesus of Nazareth’s will for you to do today? Jesus of Nazareth said these words as it is written, John 8:31-32, “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Jesus of Nazareth said these words as it is written, Mat 11:28-30, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls . For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Did Jesus of Nazareth say, if you take His yoke and learn from Him, then you find rest for your souls? Yes or No? Did Jesus of Nazareth say, His yoke is easy and His burden light? Yes or No? Do you want rest for your souls and a light and easy yoke in this life? Yes or No? Jesus of Nazareth said these words as it is written, John 6:35, “Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” Did Jesus of Nazareth say if you come to Him, you will never hunger or thirst? Yes or No? Jesus of Nazareth said these words as it is written, Mat 6:30-34, “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?' or ‘What will we drink?' or ‘What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Did Jesus say we have to seek first His kingdom and righteousness to have all these things added to you? Yes or No? Jesus of Nazareth said these words as it is written, Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Act 22:8, "And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you persecute."

There is no divorce as a perfect pattern, Jesus and the church. If a Christian then leaves Christ and becomes a Buddhist, then decides buddha is not worthy to serve, and want to come home to Christ, He has not run into a divorce, but into the loving arms of a faithful love of Jesus. Jesus said clearly let no man separate, hence even the two married. This is the perfect pattern. A man is supposed to present his wife spotless before the throne of God, just as Christ loves the church. Each divorce is a tolerated means of keeping peace and salvation. Even though allowed each divorce is technically an adulterous relationship, because no man can separate the first marriage. However, remarriage is tolerated, and although as David the man after God's own heart, had many wives, and thus committed adultery with all of them, although it was tolerated as his right as a king, and David is the man after God's own heart. Jesus said there could be a remarriage if peace with God and faithfulness were not found in the marriage. Each remarriage is a tolerated adultery, but allowed due to unfaithfulness, to keep from fornication. It is a doctrine of a devil to forbid marriage, but we are indeed told it is between a male and female. In essence, one should never betray his or her vows, but in the case were there is unfaithfulness to the vows and one leaves, then how can three people contracts be keep by two people? Marriage is a contract between God, and the man, and the woman, a three party agreement that only God can terminate, although men and woman get divorced all the time, because of selfish and unfaithful actions. If a man has become a Christian, and his wife is a devil, (for giggles), he cannot participate in her idolatry or pay for her sins, but can only remain at peace with an enemy of God, by setting a good example, watching and praying, more than likely, one will convert their spouse. If not God will drive out the devil for peace and salvation, or as it is written if the unbeliever depart, there is no bondage. If the Christian cannot remain faithful to Jesus and then has to leave the marriage to remain faithful to Jesus, the Christian must remain unmarried. However, if the Christian remains faithful to Jesus, then God will drive the devil out. However the Christian must remain faithful to their vows without being unfaithful to Jesus, and try to achieve peace in the marriage by setting the example of Jesus and try to achieve reconciliation with God and each other. 1 Timothy 4:1-3 But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron; 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by them that believe and know the truth. 1 Corinthians 7:10-16 But unto the married I give charge, yea not I, but the Lord, That the wife depart not from her husband 11 (but should she depart, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband); and that the husband leave not his wife. 12 But to the rest say I, not the Lord: If any brother hath an unbelieving wife (a devil ,lol), and she is content to dwell with him, let him not leave her. 13 And the woman that hath an unbelieving husband (a devil lol), and he is content to dwell with her, let her not leave her husband. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the brother: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. 15 Yet if the unbelieving (devil lol) departeth, let him depart: the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us in peace. 16 For how knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O husband, whether thou shalt save thy wife? Matthew 19:3-10 And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one's wife for any cause?” 4 He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” 7 They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?” 8 He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” 10 The disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.”

Biblical Authority of Direct Command, Approved Example, and Necessary Inference: Proof Text: Luke 10:25-37 Luke 10 25:37, “And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? 37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.” Outline of Argument I. What did Jesus do and teach to inherit eternal life? A. He gives an answer to a question 1. Jesus knows this is to trip Him up in doctrine but loves the man anyways a. He knows this guy wants to see Him fail and prove Himself false b. He knows he is a lawyer and does not want to change but for things to stay the same c. Jesus realizes there is hope and so loves this lawyer trying to destroy his influence 2. He is asked, not out of sincerity but the man wanted to justify himself a. The man gives and receives all the right answers but then carries the conversation to a different level by justifying himself with this question who is my neighbor b. He takes care of those he knows or that take care of him (as all men do) c. Jesus tells a story to illustrate it is not about teaching the law but doing the law that matters if you seriously want to inherit eternal life you will have to love your neighbor as yourself. 3. Jesus loves the man as himself and teaches him a higher truth a. He gave an example of loving your neighbor and asks a question to check understanding. b. Justifying himself, he learned to help the needy, c. Jesus tells a lawyer to practice the law and not teach the law. His neighbor may be the vilest thing but if he has need then love him. B. He gives an example to lay alongside the higher truth 1. He tells a story of a man beaten and robbed of every thing except the life he clings to a. He gave an example of a man (real or unreal), perhaps this had happened earlier that day, but this man had been beaten robbed of everything but his life that he was clinging on to. b. These thieves don’t check pedigree, or status other than if you have money. They have seriously injured a man and overtook him and his possessions. 2. He tells of a priest, Levite, and a Samaritan half breed meet the injured man a. The Priest, in that day your connection to God, walks by an ignores the robbed man. b. The Levite, the modern minister deacon, etc. take care of the church duty keeper, walks by and ignores the situation. c. A half breed less than human, walks by and helps supply everything he needs. 3. The less than human, loves the man and saves him from further destruction a. Picks him up- he has personal contact with a sinful man God did not protect b. Pours in Oil – he bandaged this guy up best he could an takes him to a place of comfort. c. Anything more – he says help to the inn keeper, he may need a few more days, if he stays any longer or needs anything else I will repay. He bore another’s burden. C. He gives a direct command to obey an approved example 1. He gives a direct command to go and do likewise. a. He had to love his neighbor as himself to inherit eternal life to the level of the example of helping a half human back to health. b. He used a “sinner” example of the Samaritan, to teach a lawyer how to love the “undesirables”. c. This lawyer must help sinners in need if he wants to inherit eternal life, not teach law. 2. The example of Jesus proves the direct command, necessary inference, and approved example doctrine as true here in this parable and example of Jesus. a. Jesus commanded to obey an approved example (Approved Example) b. Jesus gave a direct command expecting obedience (Direct Command) c. Jesus inferred he would have to supply another needs from what he has (Necessary Inference) 3. What did Jesus make binding on this insincere man, in order to answer his original question What must I do to inherit eternal life? A direct command An approved example A Necessary inference Please respond with questions and comments... Father, we pray you would confirm this truth to us and remove anything that hinders us from obeying the Author of salvation Jesus of Nazareth, your son may it be so. #anopenbiblestudy In Ephesians 1, Which is another context for approved example, for we are told it is written, to the Saints in Ephesus and to all those faithful. To us today: we are faithful and this the instruction to Ephesians Christian applies also to all those faithful today also. Listen: Eph 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: In essence we are instructed by scripture to follow the instructions given to Saints (Gal 3:27) in Ephesus, we are told to follow the same rules, and thus follow their example. Hence approved example principle to follow the faithful instructions given to the faithful Christians.

Three Crosses of Calvary Introduction: 1. Luke 23:32-43 KJV, [32] And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. [33] And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. [34] Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. [35] And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. [36] And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, [37] And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. [38] And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. [39] And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. [40] But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? [41] And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. [42] And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. [43] And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. 2. You are on one of these three crosses. You are the first thief and condemned when death crosses your door, knowing you will face hell fire and judgement for your crimes against God and mankind, regretting that you got caught not that you sinned. OR you are the second thief on the cross, You crimes have found you out and you wishing you listened to Jesus and done what He said, you knowing you facing death and judgement in the electric chair, but you decide to reconcile with God in your remaining seconds of life. OR you are on the cross with Jesus already, baptized into Christ, knowing that Jesus took care of your burdens needed to reconcile you to God, so that in the judgement when you die God sees you clothed in the likeness of His sinless son, Jesus of Nazareth. 3. Which are you? If you were to die today, then would you rejoice in Heaven knowing you have done all to obey Jesus, or would you die never knowing the forgiveness of God, or would you die reconciling your ways to Christ for salvation? I. Jesus View of the three Crosses A. Jesus realizes there is a chance for salvation with the second thief 1. Jesus is the Author of salvation; He saved the thief (Heb 5:9) a. Jesus had power to forgive sins (Matt 9:6) b. Jesus preached message: repent for the kingdom of God is near. (Matt 4:17) c. Jesus taught obedience is better than sacrifice (Matt 12:29-34) 2. Jesus is looking for those that are obeying God and reconciling their ways a. Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost (Luke 19:8-10) b. Jesus did not come to seek the righteous (Matt 9:12-13) c. Jesus looks for those seeking God in Spirit and Truth (John 4:23-24) 3. Jesus message he preached before the cross a. Luke 7:22, when reminding John the Baptist, Jesus answering, “Go your way and tell John what things you have seen and heard, how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.” b. Matthew 4:17, “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say: Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand”. c. Matthew 13:15, “for this people’s heart have waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and should understand with their heart and should be converted and I should heal them”. B. Jesus suffocating because of sin gives opportunity to a sinner 1. Jesus knowing, he must die and be raised, is bearing His cross a. Foretold: Matthew 20:18-19, Jesus said…, “behold, we go up to Jerusalem and the son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes and they shall condemn him to death and shall deliver him to the gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him and the third day he shall rise again” b. Jesus as a Jewish man sought God and asked if there was another way. c. Matthew 26:42, “he went away again the second time, and prayed, saying O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me except, I drink it, thy will be done.” 2. Jesus had never chosen evil and lived under the law of the knowledge of good and evil a. Hebrews 5:8-9, “though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered and being made perfect, He became the Author of Salvation to all them that obey Him”. b. Matthew 5:17-18, “think not that I come to destroy the Law and the prophets, I am not come to destroy but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or tittle shall in no way pass from the law until all be fulfilled” c. 1 Timothy 2:5-6, “for there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ, who gave himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time” 3. Jesus greatest deliverance prayer ever was forgive them they know not a. Jesus being crushed by satan and suffocated for our sins, prayed forgive them b. Jesus taught is to bless our enemies c. Jesus said do good to those that do you wrong. Do you obey Him? C. Jesus suffers the railing and snatches a thief out of hell fire 1. Jesus hears the railing against Him a. Jesus responded last time the same action from satan, with a it is written, you shall not put your God to the test, but remains silent before this railed sinner. b. When you pray, do you give God instructions or report for duty? This thief wanted God to exercise a powerful miracle for his own desires. The thief expected God to obey him rather than trusting in Jesus to do what is best. c. Jesus knows this thief needs forgiveness, but he asks for extended life without reconciling with God, no remorse for his crimes. 2. Jesus sees the second thief’s actions a. Jesus, I imagine, is hearing the second thief’s heart as it says, I wish I had listened to you before I got judged and nailed to the cross. b. Jesus sees the second thief speak up and defend Him when He is literally without help. c. Jesus recognizes that the repenting thief obeyed His message. 3. Jesus pronounced judgment on the obedient repenting thief a. Luke 23:40-43, [40] But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? [41] And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. [42] And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. [43] And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. b. Jesus savior looking at the wise actions of the thief, says that’s what I am looking for and blesses him. c. None to comfort Jesus, forsaken, yet He manages to work salvation hung to a tree. II. The first thief’s cross A. He is convicted and tried according to man law and has death sentence 1. When your deeds have brought you to death sentence (hopeless) a. “for godly sorrow works repentance to salvation not to be repented of but the sorrow of the world works death.” 2 Cor 7:10. b. Worldly sorrow is sorry I got caught and will have to face punishment c. Godly sorrow causes self-reflection saying sorry God I will not do it again because you say it is wrong. 2. The world is saying: “the world is better with you not in it”. a. 1 Cor 15:32, “if after the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? if the dead be not raised, let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die” b. Have you ever faced the electric chair? 3. He is filled with indignation that he got caught and must own up to his deeds. a. Ephesians 4:18, “…having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the Life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the blindness of their heart” B. He realizes judgement, but instead schemes a way to live his previous life 1. Facing death, a grave, hell and judgement, he schemes a way of living a. He is facing his electric chair and there is no escape b. He is worrying about how to avoid death and judgement 2. He realizes Jesus has done great things and dares him to prove his Godship a. He committed crimes in or around Jerusalem, and wanted free to live again b. Being from around here, he heard about Jesus and instead of obeying Him… c. He rails or testing God 3. He does not believe and trust in Christ words, but rails against him a. Jesus being tempted by the devil, when faced with same temptation, said, it is written, you shall not put the Lord your God to the test (Matt 4:7). b. He is not looking for a chance to never sin again, instead he is looking for a longer life of days. c. Do you want to be free from sin? Yes or No? C. He tests God as if daring Him to prove His existence 1. His heart is so wrong he thinks God will obey his wish to save him a. Who tells God what to do? b. The thief is testing God for his release as a condemned dying thief. 2. He asked for freedom to live longer, to believe a. He did not ask for forgiveness but for another day freedom from his cross. b. Another day, to do as he pleased 3. He failed to realize we must come to Jesus of Nazareth on His terms not our own a. Jesus of Nazareth is the author of salvation to all those that obey Him Heb 5:9 b. The thief failed to see Jesus Greatness or see His purpose c. Jesus was fulfilling the righteous demands of the law having never sinned and offering His life in place of our own, purchased a new agreement between God and mankind called the New Testament of Jesus Christ. III. The second thief cross A. He too Convicted and tried and found worthy of death sentence 1. He is facing a hopeless situation too, facing death and judgement a. His crimes had landed him in the electric chair, and he was about to die and face God in judgement. b. He knew his crimes deserving of death was being administered. c. He feared God and repented. 2. He, however, is fearing God judgement and wanting a chance at salvation a. He facing judgement has a moment of clarity and remembers the message that Jesus preached, what was his message? Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. b. This thief is thinking how I can repent because I am facing judgement and death. c. He is looking for a way to reconcile with God… 3. He decided to trust in God to provide a way if possible (1 Cor 10:13) a. About to die he thinks: if I could, get right with God I would. b. About to die, he thinks: If I could obey what Jesus preached, I would… c. About to die, thinking if I would die repenting, then I would… B. He is remembering the messages he heard from Jesus (godly sorrow) 1. He is nailed to a cross dying next to Jesus and remembers what Jesus preached a. Repent for the kingdom of heaven is very near… b. He about to die saying yes very near for me… c. Wonders how to repent nailed to a cross… 2. He is looking to reconcile and has godly sorrow in his heart a. An opportunity presents itself and the repenting thief capitalizes. He defends Jesus and His righteous cause and then says remember me when you come into your kingdom, remembering what Jesus had preached earlier... b. His faith rewarded, repentance and reconciliation were His last dying act that resulted in heavenly treasure. c. Jesus the Author of salvation and remission of sins made a way through the repenting thief’s obedience to the word of God, for salvation. 3. He has a hope of redemption and mercy, trusting God a. The thief nailed to the cross, does not doubt the Lord’s words, but was like be it so… b. Today you shall be with me in paradise, c. Jesus rewarded the thief’s actions of faith and obedience to his preached word. C. He is given an opportunity to repent and in one deed of repentance obeys God 1. He is hoping withing himself, hoping a chance to obey Jesus a. Are you filled with godly sorrow for your sinful conditions? b. Are you wanting to be spared like the thief? c. Are you wanting to be reconciled to God and taken to heaven today? 2. Seeing the door of opportunity as a sinful man rails against God a. If God asked you today, want to go to heaven, then would you go? b. When the railed thief charged Jesus to prove himself as God save yourself and us… c. Are you going to repent and obey or rebel? 3. He repents like a champ in full obedience to Jesus a. The second thief repents like a champ. He is granted an opportunity for salvation and defends Jesus and His cause. b. He is also rewarded and accepted his reward by faith… today you will be with me in paradise… c. It is never to late to repent and reconcile with God. Conclusion: 1. Jesus is the Author of salvation to all those that obey Him (Heb 5:9) a. Have you heard the good news that Jesus became a man and was born of a virgin and lived under the law of good and evil and never once choose to do evil. He then laid down his life as a perfect sinless sacrifice in our place and purchased a new agreement between God and mankind called the New Testament of Christ. b. Matt 11:28-30 c. Mark 16:16 2. There were two thieves only one obeyed Jesus while the other railed Him a. Which cross are you on? Jesus cross? 1st thief cross? Or the second thief cross? b. Either you already crucified with Jesus and are sanctified through the redeeming work of Jesus cross, or you are on one of the other crosses. c. Which thief are you? The one that is bitter and rails against God? Or the one that trusts even in certain death there is a way of salvation if man would only obey? 3. If Jesus came back right now where would you spend eternity? a. DO you believe yes or no? b. Are you right with God? Yes or No? c. If God came back right now. Then would you Go meet Him? Or run away?

A Christian sermon recorded titled Three Crosses of Calvary. You will better understand the saved thief on the cross. You and I, are on One of the Three Crosses of Calvary, In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, he that has ears let him hear... Below is a written version of the same sermon, Three Crosses of Calvary Introduction: 1. Luke 23:32-43 KJV, [32] And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. [33] And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. [34] Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. [35] And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. [36] And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, [37] And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. [38] And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. [39] And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. [40] But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? [41] And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. [42] And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. [43] And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. 2. You are on one of these three crosses. You are the first thief and condemned when death crosses your door, knowing you will face hell fire and judgement for your crimes against God and mankind, regretting that you got caught not that you sinned. OR you are the second thief on the cross, You crimes have found you out and you wishing you listened to Jesus and done what He said, you knowing you facing death and judgement in the electric chair, but you decide to reconcile with God in your remaining seconds of life. OR you are on the cross with Jesus already, baptized into Christ, knowing that Jesus took care of your burdens needed to reconcile you to God, so that in the judgement when you die God sees you clothed in the likeness of His sinless son, Jesus of Nazareth. 3. Which are you? If you were to die today, then would you rejoice in Heaven knowing you have done all to obey Jesus, or would you die never knowing the forgiveness of God, or would you die reconciling your ways to Christ for salvation? I. Jesus View of the three Crosses A. Jesus realizes there is a chance for salvation with the second thief 1. Jesus is the Author of salvation; He saved the thief (Heb 5:9) a. Jesus had power to forgive sins (Matt 9:6) b. Jesus preached message: repent for the kingdom of God is near. (Matt 4:17) c. Jesus taught obedience is better than sacrifice (Matt 12:29-34) 2. Jesus is looking for those that are obeying God and reconciling their ways a. Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost (Luke 19:8-10) b. Jesus did not come to seek the righteous (Matt 9:12-13) c. Jesus looks for those seeking God in Spirit and Truth (John 4:23-24) 3. Jesus message he preached before the cross a. Luke 7:22, when reminding John the Baptist, Jesus answering, “Go your way and tell John what things you have seen and heard, how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.” b. Matthew 4:17, “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say: Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand”. c. Matthew 13:15, “for this people’s heart have waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and should understand with their heart and should be converted and I should heal them”. B. Jesus suffocating because of sin gives opportunity to a sinner 1. Jesus knowing, he must die and be raised, is bearing His cross a. Foretold: Matthew 20:18-19, Jesus said…, “behold, we go up to Jerusalem and the son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes and they shall condemn him to death and shall deliver him to the gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him and the third day he shall rise again” b. Jesus as a Jewish man sought God and asked if there was another way. c. Matthew 26:42, “he went away again the second time, and prayed, saying O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me except, I drink it, thy will be done.” 2. Jesus had never chosen evil and lived under the law of the knowledge of good and evil a. Hebrews 5:8-9, “though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered and being made perfect, He became the Author of Salvation to all them that obey Him”. b. Matthew 5:17-18, “think not that I come to destroy the Law and the prophets, I am not come to destroy but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or tittle shall in no way pass from the law until all be fulfilled” c. 1 Timothy 2:5-6, “for there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ, who gave himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time” 3. Jesus greatest deliverance prayer ever was forgive them they know not a. Jesus being crushed by satan and suffocated for our sins, prayed forgive them b. Jesus taught is to bless our enemies c. Jesus said do good to those that do you wrong. Do you obey Him? C. Jesus suffers the railing and snatches a thief out of hell fire 1. Jesus hears the railing against Him a. Jesus responded last time the same action from satan, with a it is written, you shall not put your God to the test, but remains silent before this railed sinner. b. When you pray, do you give God instructions or report for duty? This thief wanted God to exercise a powerful miracle for his own desires. The thief expected God to obey him rather than trusting in Jesus to do what is best. c. Jesus knows this thief needs forgiveness, but he asks for extended life without reconciling with God, no remorse for his crimes. 2. Jesus sees the second thief’s actions a. Jesus, I imagine, is hearing the second thief’s heart as it says, I wish I had listened to you before I got judged and nailed to the cross. b. Jesus sees the second thief speak up and defend Him when He is literally without help. c. Jesus recognizes that the repenting thief obeyed His message. 3. Jesus pronounced judgment on the obedient repenting thief a. Luke 23:40-43, [40] But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? [41] And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. [42] And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. [43] And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. b. Jesus savior looking at the wise actions of the thief, says that’s what I am looking for and blesses him. c. None to comfort Jesus, forsaken, yet He manages to work salvation hung to a tree. II. The first thief’s cross A. He is convicted and tried according to man law and has death sentence 1. When your deeds have brought you to death sentence (hopeless) a. “for godly sorrow works repentance to salvation not to be repented of but the sorrow of the world works death.” 2 Cor 7:10. b. Worldly sorrow is sorry I got caught and will have to face punishment c. Godly sorrow causes self-reflection saying sorry God I will not do it again because you say it is wrong. 2. The world is saying: “the world is better with you not in it”. a. 1 Cor 15:32, “if after the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? if the dead be not raised, let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die” b. Have you ever faced the electric chair? 3. He is filled with indignation that he got caught and must own up to his deeds. a. Ephesians 4:18, “…having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the Life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the blindness of their heart” B. He realizes judgement, but instead schemes a way to live his previous life 1. Facing death, a grave, hell and judgement, he schemes a way of living a. He is facing his electric chair and there is no escape b. He is worrying about how to avoid death and judgement 2. He realizes Jesus has done great things and dares him to prove his Godship a. He committed crimes in or around Jerusalem, and wanted free to live again b. Being from around here, he heard about Jesus and instead of obeying Him… c. He rails or testing God 3. He does not believe and trust in Christ words, but rails against him a. Jesus being tempted by the devil, when faced with same temptation, said, it is written, you shall not put the Lord your God to the test (Matt 4:7). b. He is not looking for a chance to never sin again, instead he is looking for a longer life of days. c. Do you want to be free from sin? Yes or No? C. He tests God as if daring Him to prove His existence 1. His heart is so wrong he thinks God will obey his wish to save him a. Who tells God what to do? b. The thief is testing God for his release as a condemned dying thief. 2. He asked for freedom to live longer, to believe a. He did not ask for forgiveness but for another day freedom from his cross. b. Another day, to do as he pleased 3. He failed to realize we must come to Jesus of Nazareth on His terms not our own a. Jesus of Nazareth is the author of salvation to all those that obey Him Heb 5:9 b. The thief failed to see Jesus Greatness or see His purpose c. Jesus was fulfilling the righteous demands of the law having never sinned and offering His life in place of our own, purchased a new agreement between God and mankind called the New Testament of Jesus Christ. III. The second thief cross A. He too Convicted and tried and found worthy of death sentence 1. He is facing a hopeless situation too, facing death and judgement a. His crimes had landed him in the electric chair, and he was about to die and face God in judgement. b. He knew his crimes deserving of death was being administered. c. He feared God and repented. 2. He, however, is fearing God judgement and wanting a chance at salvation a. He facing judgement has a moment of clarity and remembers the message that Jesus preached, what was his message? Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. b. This thief is thinking how I can repent because I am facing judgement and death. c. He is looking for a way to reconcile with God… 3. He decided to trust in God to provide a way if possible (1 Cor 10:13) a. About to die he thinks: if I could, get right with God I would. b. About to die, he thinks: If I could obey what Jesus preached, I would… c. About to die, thinking if I would die repenting, then I would… B. He is remembering the messages he heard from Jesus (godly sorrow) 1. He is nailed to a cross dying next to Jesus and remembers what Jesus preached a. Repent for the kingdom of heaven is very near… b. He about to die saying yes very near for me… c. Wonders how to repent nailed to a cross… 2. He is looking to reconcile and has godly sorrow in his heart a. An opportunity presents itself and the repenting thief capitalizes. He defends Jesus and His righteous cause and then says remember me when you come into your kingdom, remembering what Jesus had preached earlier... b. His faith rewarded, repentance and reconciliation were His last dying act that resulted in heavenly treasure. c. Jesus the Author of salvation and remission of sins made a way through the repenting thief’s obedience to the word of God, for salvation. 3. He has a hope of redemption and mercy, trusting God a. The thief nailed to the cross, does not doubt the Lord’s words, but was like be it so… b. Today you shall be with me in paradise, c. Jesus rewarded the thief’s actions of faith and obedience to his preached word. C. He is given an opportunity to repent and in one deed of repentance obeys God 1. He is hoping withing himself, hoping a chance to obey Jesus a. Are you filled with godly sorrow for your sinful conditions? b. Are you wanting to be spared like the thief? c. Are you wanting to be reconciled to God and taken to heaven today? 2. Seeing the door of opportunity as a sinful man rails against God a. If God asked you today, want to go to heaven, then would you go? b. When the railed thief charged Jesus to prove himself as God save yourself and us… c. Are you going to repent and obey or rebel? 3. He repents like a champ in full obedience to Jesus a. The second thief repents like a champ. He is granted an opportunity for salvation and defends Jesus and His cause. b. He is also rewarded and accepted his reward by faith… today you will be with me in paradise… c. It is never to late to repent and reconcile with God. Conclusion: 1. Jesus is the Author of salvation to all those that obey Him (Heb 5:9) a. Have you heard the good news that Jesus became a man and was born of a virgin and lived under the law of good and evil and never once choose to do evil. He then laid down his life as a perfect sinless sacrifice in our place and purchased a new agreement between God and mankind called the New Testament of Christ. b. Matt 11:28-30 c. Mark 16:16 2. There were two thieves only one obeyed Jesus while the other railed Him a. Which cross are you on? Jesus cross? 1st thief cross? Or the second thief cross? b. Either you already crucified with Jesus and are sanctified through the redeeming work of Jesus cross, or you are on one of the other crosses. c. Which thief are you? The one that is bitter and rails against God? Or the one that trusts even in certain death there is a way of salvation if man would only obey? 3. If Jesus came back right now where would you spend eternity? a. DO you believe yes or no? b. Are you right with God? Yes or No? c. If God came back right now. Then would you Go meet Him? Or run away?

Jesus of Nazareth said you CANNOT enter the Kingdom of God unless you… Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. A man must be born of the water and the Spirit, in fact we have to have the testimony of the blood (forgiveness), water (baptism), and the Spirit (God in us) (1 John 5:8). We have to surrender to baptism and render obedience like Jesus did with John the Baptist. John the Baptist preached a message of baptism of repentance for the remission of sins and to bring forth fruits worthy of repentance. Jesus needed no forgiveness, nor did He have to repent of anything. Yet, John the Baptist was a prophet from God sent to the Jewish people, to pave the way for Jesus’s message one must be born of the water and the Spirit. Anyway, Jesus did not need to repent or be forgiven, yet had to obey the message of the prophet John, because Jesus was a Jew and had to obey Jewish law. John said I need to be baptized of you, but Jesus said allow it to fulfill all righteousness. Meaning I know, I have no need of obeying the command to be forgiven or to repent, but if I do not obey the prophet’s message, I will sin. SO, although He needed no forgiveness nor repentance, He obeyed the prophets message out of shear obedience. Today, we must be baptized for the remission of sins even out of shear obedience (Acts 22:16). Luk 18:17 Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein. Like a child in diapers cannot clean himself, neither can we. We are completely dependent on God our Shepherd for the basic necessities of life and health. We do not decide what Is true but must conduct ourselves in truth and spirit in all matters revealed. Just like a child says, Daddy, may I? Daddy, can I? Daddy, will you? Daddy look, what they did to me? Daddy, I hurt? So forth and so on, just as a child we depend on and learn to trust in Jesus of Nazareth being our only Shepherd and our only Supply. Therefore, I say Jesus meet our soul’s deepest needs, because we know not what is good for our own souls but You and Your Father and Spirit, in Jesus of Nazareth’s name Amen. Mat 5:20 For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven. Many of the self-righteous think it is up to them to be God in motion, and love to be the authority or boss of matters concerning doctrine. Many quote the scripture and forget the heavier matters of God. I have always striven to major in the majors and minor in the minor things of God. When Jesus gave the parable of the talents, he ended the discourse with an end of time Judgement Scene, only the ones that feed Him, clothed Him, gave Him drink, and visited for Him while He was sick and or in prison were the ones who faithfully used their talents God gives everyman and was granted Life Eternal in Heaven. These are the talents God expects us to use, after Loving God first, the second greatest command is to love you neighbor as yourself. Let us be doers of Jesus word so we can be His hands and feet, let us never take our will over His. So, some people are the rock in the stream of water, ounce broken open they all dry inside, but wet on the outside. We got to let the Truth of Jesus permeate our core. We cannot trust anyone with our souls other than Jesus of Nazareth, He is the only True and Faithful qualified to atone and save from sin. Luk 14:26-27 If any man cometh unto me, and hates not his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. (27) Whosoever doth not bear his own cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. What a tough saying, Jesus demands not to be in heart but to own and rule it. Jesus demands first place, and He will always do what is best for your soul. He job is to get us into Heaven not Harvard. Jesus will be our enough our everything we need nothing but Him for life and godliness. Jesus said if you believe in Him, you will never hunger or thirst. Jesus says if you seek first the kingdom of God, you will have enough. We cannot pay for the sin debts of our family and loved ones, we cannot even pay our own sin debt, we must abide faithful to Jesus alone, even if our mom or dads ask us to do something wrong. Let Jesus be our enough for our spiritual life (godliness) and physical life, Amen. Father, please remove anything that hinders us from entering into the Kingdom of God and help us stay faithful this day, bring to memory any we need to reconcile to You and ourselves, we beg for mercy and forgiveness, and we forgive those who have sinned against us, in Jesus of Nazareth’s name Amen.