The Word: Episode 0327 1 Thess 2: 9-12

“They All Left Him…”

December 31, 2017

“They All Left Him…”

Blessings folk!

Jesus stopped the physical response to His arrest.
He fixed the damage done…healed the slave ear.

Next?

Mar 14:46-50
They laid hands on Him and seized Him.

But one of those who stood by drew his sword,
and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear.

And Jesus said to them,
Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me, as you would against a robber?

“Every day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me;
but this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures
.”

And they all left Him and fled.

Jesus questioned Judas and the crowd.

Why were they treating Him as a robber?
Someone who would sneak in.
Someone who deceived.
Jesus was with them daily in the temple teaching.
They could have seized Him then.

Why now?
Why this way?

Jesus tells them why?
That the Scripture might be fulfilled…Ps. 22, Ps. 68, Is. 53, etc.

The last verse is interesting…”and they left Him and fled.”

Who?
The disciples.

They had boldly stated they would not deny Him.
Jesus told them they would.
Now, when they hear that what was occurring was fulfillment of Scripture, they fled.
Just as He said.

Even today, fulfillment of the Word causes some to fear and run.
Do not.

http://dalemoore.podbean.com

The Word: Episode 0326 Luke 2:5-8

“A Sword, A Slave, An Ear”

December 30, 2017

“A Sword, A Slave, An Ear”

Blessings folk!

Jesus is seized and arrested.

What was the reaction of the disciples?
What did those who proclaimed they would never deny Him do?

Mar 14:46-47
They laid hands on Him and seized Him.

But one of those who stood by drew his sword,
and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear.

Apparently one of the disciples decided to physically defend Jesus.
He struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear.
Missed his head?
Likely.
An armed slave?
Perhaps.
The armed men did come from the chief priest, scribes and elders.

Luke gives more complete detail.

Luk 22:49-51
When those who were around Him saw what was going to happen, they said,
“Lord, shall we strike with the sword?”

And one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear.

But Jesus answered and said, “Stop! No more of this.” And He touched his ear and healed him.

The disciples asked permission to strike with the sword.
One went ahead of a response.
Wonder who the impetuous one would have been?
John tells us.

Jhn 18:10-11
Simon Peter then, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s slave,
and cut off his right ear; and the slave’s name was Malchus.

So Jesus said to Peter,
“Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?”


Jesus’ response?

“Stop! No more of this!”
“Put the sword into the sheath.”
“Shall I not drink the cup Father has given to me?”

Jesus then touched the ear of the injured slave and healed him.

Imagine the moment.
Imagine the scene.
Imagine the thoughts of the slave.

I suspect we will see him in glory…

Imagine the thoughts of the disciples…

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The Word: Episode 0325 Luke 2:1-4

“Rabbi! Kiss…”

December 29, 2017

“Rabbi! Kiss…”

Blessings folk!

Jesus had come with purpose.

Now it was time to complete it.

Jesus had just told His disciples…

“It is enough…
The hour has come…
Behold…
The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners…
Get up…
Let us be going…
The betrayer is at hand.”

Who was the betrayer?
What were they to do?

Read…

Mar 14:43-46

Immediately while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who were from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.

Now he who was betraying Him had given them a signal, saying,
“Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him and lead Him away under guard.”

After coming, Judas immediately went to Him, saying, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

They laid hands on Him and seized Him.

Judas!
One of the twelve.
He was the betrayer.

While Jesus was still speaking to the disciples, Judas appeared.
He came with a crowd.
An armed crowd.
Note where the armed crowd was from…
Yep.
The religionists…chief priests, scribes and elders.

As planned, Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss.

Judas was “feeling his oats”.
He was commanding…instructing…
“Seize Him”.
“Lead Him away under guard”.

Where did Judas receive this authority?

I suspect the religionists were just letting him play the big role.
Soon they would dispose of him.

Judas feigned love…”Rabbi!”…then the kiss.

Then the laying on of hands to arrest.
Then the seizing of Jesus.

So many do the same today…
Feign a relationship with Jesus…when they have none.

Do not make that mistake.

http://dalemoore.podbean.com

The Word: Episode 0324 Luke 2:1-2

“Are You Still Sleeping…?”

December 28, 2017

“Are You Still Sleeping…?”

Blessings folk!

Jesus prayed, asking Father if there was another way other than “the cup”.

Jesus then went to see the disciples.
They were asleep.

Jesus exhorted them to pray rather than sleep.
Keep watching.
Keep praying.

Why?
That they may not come into temptation.
The spirit is willing.
The flesh is weak.

Jesus went away again.
Alone.
To pray.
To pray the same thing…asking Father…

Mar 14:39
Again He went away and prayed, saying the same words.

Jesus returns again to the disciples.
Watch what He finds and what occurs…

Mar 14:40-42
And again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy;
and they did not know what to answer Him.

And He came the third time, and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough; the hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.

“Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!”

Three times Jesus found them asleep.

I suspect that is the status of most of the professing Body or Christ.
We are asleep.
Will there be true faith when the Lord returns? Will His Body be asleep?

Luk 18:8
“I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly.
However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”

Jesus had received an answer.

How do I know?
Because of His response.
“It is enough…
The hour has come…
Behold…
The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners…
Get up…
Let us be going…
The betrayer is at hand.”

Action derived from an answer!

May we move in such boldness at the behest of the Lord.

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The Word: Episode 0323 1 Thess 1:8-10

“Could You Not Keep Watch…?”

December 27, 2017

“Could You Not Keep Watch…?”

Blessings folk!

Jesus cried out asking Father to remove the cup from Him…

Mar 14:36
And He was saying, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me;
yet not what I will, but what You will.”

Yet, Jesus wanted Father’s will, not His own.

Father did not respond Immediately.
How do I know?

Watch what Jesus did…

Mar 14:37-39
And He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep?
Could you not keep watch for one hour?

“Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation;
the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Again He went away and prayed, saying the same words.

Jesus arose from praying.
He went and found the disciples.
He found them asleep.
Remember, He had told them to pray while He prayed.

I’m sure they began to pray…yet now, they slept.
Sounds like us today. Most Believers are “spiritually sleep walking” their way through life.

Jesus confronted them through Simon (Peter).
Are you asleep?
Could you not keep watch (pray) for one hour?

He told them…
Keep watching
Keep praying.
Do so to keep from falling into temptation.
Know the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Jesus then went away to pray…saying the same words.

The “same words”?

He continued to petition Father.
He waited…

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The Word: Episode 0322 1 Thess 1:1-7

“What You Will”

December 26, 2017

“What You Will”

Blessings folk!

Jesus was with HIs disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane.
He was deeply grieved.
He knew the time had come.
He prayed.

Give close attention…

Mar 14:33-36
And He took with Him Peter and James and John,
and began to be very distressed and troubled.

And He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death;
remain here and keep watch.”

And He went a little beyond them,
and fell to the ground and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by.

And He was saying, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You;
remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.”

Jesus declares some things here.

He declared God as Abba…Father.
His Father.
Again, the Wondrous Mystery of Father/Son/Spirit as One.
The Triune nature of God.

Jesus declares that all things are possible for God.
Father is limited in no manner.
Nothing is impossible with Him.

Jesus declares His desire that this “cup” be removed from Him.
He knew why He had come.
He knew why He had “stepped into time and His creation”.
He knew what He was about to face.
He asked Father to remove this “cup”.
He doubted not.

Jesus declares that He does not want HIs will.
He wants Father’s will.

This is the crux of the moment.
For Jesus.
For us.

Do we want the will of Father?
Or do we want “our will” guised in religious pursuits.

Jesus wanted the cup removed, but His ultimate desire was the will of Father.

May we live likewise, always desiring the will of Father.

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The Word: Episode 0321 1 Thess 1:1-5

“He Came. He Will Come Again”

December 25, 2017

“He Came. He Will Come Again”

Blessings folk!

Christmas!

It is a day that we as Believers have chosen to remember and celebrate the coming of the Messiah.

The Scripture/Lord does not command/instruct us to do celebrate Christmas day.

We are told to remember why He came and what He did for us.

Here is why He came…

Mar 14:32-35

They came to a place named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples,
“Sit here until I have prayed.”

And He took with Him Peter and James and John,
and began to be very distressed and troubled.

And He said to them,
“My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.”

And He went a little beyond them,
and fell to the ground and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by.


He came to suffer and die for the sin of man.

What are we to do?

Believe.
Repent.
Confess.

1Co 11:25-26
In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying,
“This cup is the new covenant in My blood;
do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup,
you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.

Remember!
Remember He came.

Proclaim!
Proclaim the Lord’s death…His death, burial and resurrection…the heart of the gospel.

Anticipate!
Remember and proclaim until He comes again.

Christmas reminds us of His coming and stirs us to anticipate His return.

Jhn 14:3
“If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself,
that where I am, there you may be also.

He came, in totally fulfillment of hundreds of prophecies.
Hallelujah!

He is coming again, fulfilling even more prophecies.
Are you ready?

http://dalemoore.podbean.com

The Word: Episode 0320 Act 17:6-13

“Jesus…Emotional…”

December 24, 2017

“Jesus…Emotional…”

Blessings folks!

The disciples declared they would never deny the Lord.
Peter stated vehemently and constantly that he would not deny.
They never thought they would deny Him.

Jesus said they would.

They continued to walk…

Mar 14:32-35

They came to a place named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples,
“Sit here until I have prayed.”

And He took with Him Peter and James and John,
and began to be very distressed and troubled.

And He said to them,
“My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.”

And He went a little beyond them,
and fell to the ground and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by.

They arrived at Gethsemane.
Jesus pointedly told the disciples to sit in a specific place and await Him while He prayed.
We have no account of any of them jumping up and desiring to go with Jesus…

Jesus then took Peter, James and John with Him.

They experienced something unlike anything they had seen before, unlike anything we have seen.

They saw Jesus very distressed.
They saw Jesus very troubled.
They saw Jesus’ soul grieved to the point of death.

What must that have looked like?
We have some hints…later.

Jesus told them to remain where they were…then He went further.
He went beyond them.
He was alone.

Eight disciples in one place.
Three in another.
Jesus alone.

Jesus is grieved.
He knows what awaits Him.
He falls to the ground.
He prays.

Why?
He is praying, that if possible, what is about to occur might pass Him by.

A human response.

Even in the midst of the most intense of human experiences, Jesus was communing with Father.

So should we…

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The Word: Episode 0319 Acts 17:1-5

“I Will Not Fall”

December 23, 2017

“I Will Not Fall”

Blessings folk!

Jesus had told His disciples that they all would fall away from Him.

Think on that.

After being together for more than three years…
After hearing Him day by day…
After watching Him day by day…
After experiencing the Kingdom…every moment…

All of them would now turn away from Him.

How did the disciples respond to this?

Mar 14:27-31

And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, because it is written,
‘I WILL STRIKE DOWN THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP SHALL BE SCATTERED.’

“But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.”

But Peter said to Him, “Even though all may fall away, yet I will not.”

And Jesus said to him,“Truly I say to you, that this very night, before a rooster crows twice, you yourself will deny Me three times.”

But Peter kept saying insistently, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!”
And they all were saying the same thing also.

Of course, impetuous Peter was the one to speak.
He was the one who led forth.
He declared he would never fall away.
Even if all the others did.
A less-than-subtle slam at the others.

He was incorrect.

When Jesus told Peter what would happen, Peter still refused to believe.
Jesus was very precise…

  • this very night
  • Before a rooster crows twice
  • You yourself…double emphasis!…will deny Me three times

One night - that night.
Two sounds of warning - a rooster.
Three denials - by Peter.

Peter “doubled-down”.
Even if it caused his death he would not deny.

He trusted in his ability in the flesh…as we do.
He was wrong.

By example Peter led the rest to think likewise…as we do.
They were wrong.

Peter and the disciples made the mistake we do.
We can not call Him “Lord” and then say “no” to Him or disagree with Him.

They thought they would stand firm…
Even though the Lord said otherwise.
Even though the Word said otherwise.

Who will we believe?
The Lord?
Ourselves and our abilities?

http://dalemoore.podbean.com

The Word: Episode 0318 1 Thess 1:1

“Fall, Raised, Go Ahead”

December 22, 2017

“Fall, Raised, Go Ahead”

Blessings folk!

Jesus and His disciples had a meal.
Jesus told them that someone would betray Him.
Jesus then made a new covenant with them…eat His flesh, drink His blood.

They then left.
Watch what Jesus says next…

Mar 14:26-28

After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, because it is written,
‘I WILL STRIKE DOWN THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP SHALL BE SCATTERED.’

“But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.”

They went to the Mount of Olives, apparently one of Jesus’ favorite places.

Not only would one betray Him, now He tells them that they all would fall away.

ALL!

It had been prophesied…

Zec 13:7

“Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd,
And against the man, My Associate,”
Declares the LORD of hosts.
“Strike the Shepherd that the sheep may be scattered;
And I will turn My hand against the little ones.

Jesus reveals the prophetic fulfillment of this Zechariah passage.
He would fulfill it.

They would fall away.

But, there is hope!

“After I have been raised…”

Jesus had been telling them that He was about to die at the hands of the religionists…and that He would be raised.

Mar 8:31
And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

 Mar 9:31
For He was teaching His disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed, He will rise three days later.”

 Luk 9:22
saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised up on the third day.”


Now He is telling them again that He would be raised from dead.

Not only would He be raised again, He would go ahead of them to Galilee.

There was more to occur after His death!

He would arise!
He would go ahead!

These are truths we must remember.
He has risen
He has gone ahead of us.

As we remember and celebrate His coming the first time…His birth…may we aggressively await His coming again.

He has gone ahead, He will return.

Jhn 14:1-3

“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.

“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places;
if it were not so, I would have told you;
for I go to prepare a place for you.

“If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself,
that where I am, there you may be also.


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The Word: Episode 0317 Luke 2:36-40

“Take, Eat, Drink”

December 21, 2017

“Take, Eat, Drink”

Blessings folk!

Jesus and His disciples, the twelve, were having a meal…breaking bread together.
It was not the Passover meal proper.
It was at the beginning of Nisan 14, the day of preparation.
The Passover lamb would be killed later in the day at 3 pm.

Jesus had just told the disciples that one of them would betray Him.
Then, Jesus does this…

Mar 14:22-25

While they were eating, He took some bread, and after a blessing He broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is My body.”

And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it.

And He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.

“Truly I say to you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

Jesus presented the symbolism of the new covenant.
The covenant prophesied by Isaiah, Jeremiah, et. al.

Many have sought to align elements of the Jewish Seder with these actions.
Though similar - bread, drink - they are not the same.
Jesus was in the process of fulfilling the Word of the Lord as to the New Covenant.

The bread pictured His Body which would soon be broken.
The cup pictured His blood of the covenant which would be poured out for many.

His Body.
His Blood.
For many.

Eat of His Body.
Drink of HIs Blood.

John 6:53
So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves.

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The Word: Episode 0316 Luke 2:25-35

“Betrayer In the Midst of 12”

December 20, 2017

“Betrayer In the Midst of 12”

Blessings folk!

Jesus and His twelve disciples were having a quiet evening meal.
It was the beginning of Nisan 14, Passover.
It was the day of preparation.
The room had been/would be/in process of being ritually cleaned.
The food was procured to be prepared for later in the day.
The sacrificial lamb would be killed at 3 pm.
None knew that Jesus would be the ultimate sacrifice that day.

Jesus reveals a devastating truth…

Mar 14:17-21
When it was evening He came with the twelve.

As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said,
“Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me.”

They began to be grieved and to say to Him one by one, “Surely not I?”

And He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who dips with Me in the bowl.

“For the Son of Man is to go just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”

A betrayer was in their midst.
But, betrayal related to what?
“Theological” understanding?
Plans for the next “road trip”?

It would be one eating with Him.
A close friend.

They were grieved, save one.
They inquired, “surely not I?”
Jesus told them directly.
It was one of them, one of the twelve.
The one who dips with Him in the bowl.

Jesus declares that this is as prophesied.
But woe to him that betrays.
It would be better that he never existed.

Many will there be who have a fraudulent faith.
Many will there be that operate in the spirit of the betrayer.
Many will think they are moving the Kingdom agenda along, yet they are betraying.
Be not them.

http://dalemoore.podbean.com

The Word: Episode 0315 Luke 2:21-24

“Jesus Reclining and Eating…”

December 19, 2017

“Jesus Reclining and Eating…”

Blessings folk!

Once again…

Mar 14:17-18

When it was evening He came with the twelve.

As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said,
“Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me.”

Here is my current understanding as to the previous questions.

Jesus is the Passover Lamb.
Jesus was died at 3 p.m. on Nisan 14.

The Passover meal would have been as sundown at the beginning of Nisan 15, the first day of the feast of unleavened bread.

Therefore, the meal that Jesus has here In Mark 14 (and parallel passages) is a “regular” meal, though He did use it to establish the new covenant!

This meal is at the beginning of Nisan 14, at sunset.

This is in the same manner that we may have a special Thanksgiving meal, yet we eat the night before.

Many have tried to explain away the simple observation of the Word.

Why is this important?
Why not be accurate?
Why not be correct?

Jesus died on Nisan 14, as foreshadowed in the Passover.
Jesus was in the heart of the earth three days and three nights, as He prophesied…


Mat 12:39-40
But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet;

for just as JONAH WAS THREE DAYS AND THREE NIGHTS IN THE BELLY OF THE SEA MONSTER, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.


Three complete days.
Three complete nights.

He died on Wednesday, 3 p.m.
Taken off the cross before sunset.

Sunset - evening/morning, Thursday, Day 1
Sunset - evening/morning, Friday, Day 2
Sunset - evening/morning, Saturday, Day 3
Sunset - the Lord is resurrected, Sunday…discovered gone at daybreak.

Again, if we can not honor these truths, why should folk believe us related to anything else?

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The Word: Episode 0314 Matthew 2:19-23

“Christ, Our Passover Lamb”

December 18, 2017

“Christ, Our Passover Lamb”

Blessings folk!

Jesus is our Passover Lamb!

1Co 5:7
Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened.
For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.

How could He perform the role of Passover Lamb…executed “between the evenings” (3 p.m) on Nisan 14…and still seat down with His disciples for a “passover meal”?

Exo 12:6
And ye shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month;
and the whole congregation of the assembly of Israel shall kill it between the two evenings.

How could Jesus eat the Passover proper if He was the Passover?


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The Word: Episode 0313 Matthew 2:13-18

“Passover Meal?”

December 17, 2017

“Passover Meal?”

Blessings folk!

Jesus sent two disciples out to prepare for the Passover meal.

Mar 14:16-18
The disciples went out and came to the city, and found it just as He had told them;
and they prepared the Passover.

When it was evening He came with the twelve.

As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said,
“Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me.”

They were reclining at the table and eating.

Was this the Passover meal?

I actually had a typo related to this a couple of days ago….anyone catch it? LOL
…to be continued…


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The Word: Episode 0312 Matthew 2:7-13

“Just As He Had Told Them”

December 16, 2017

“Just As He Had Told Them”

Blessings folk!

So, we are paying close attention to timing elements.
Now, read again.
Note what Jesus says/does.

Mar 14:12-16

On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was being sacrificed, His disciples said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare for You to eat the Passover?”

And He sent two of His disciples and said to them,
“Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him;

and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher says,
“Where is My guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”’

“And he himself will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; prepare for us there.”

The disciples went out and came to the city, and found it just as He had told them;
and they prepared the Passover.

The disciples had questioned Jesus as to Passover preparations.

Jesus answered by sending two of His disciples to prepare.

He did not just tell them “what to do”.
He told them “what would happen”.
Jesus knew.
Prophetic preparation.

They would go into the city.
A man carrying a pitcher of water would meet them. (Hummm…did not the women usually carry the water?)
They were to follow the man.
Wherever the man entered they were to speak to the owner of the house.

Jesus gave them the exact phrasing.
“The Teacher says ‘where is My guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples.’”

The disciples would then be shown a large furnished upper room.
The room was ready.
They were to prepare there.

They found all to be as the Lord has said.

Do we live in such expectation?
To hear from the Lord in detail?
To know the mind of the Lord?
To abide in Him?
To obey?
To trust?


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The Word: Episode 0311 Matthew 2:1-6

“First Day of Unleavened Bread”

December 15, 2017

“First Day of Unleavened Bread”

Blessings folk!

The religionists were seeking to kill Jesus.

Jesus pressed on in the Kingdom.

Give close heed…

Mar 14:12-16

On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was being sacrificed, His disciples said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare for You to eat the Passover?”

And He sent two of His disciples and said to them,
“Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him;

and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher says,
“Where is My guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”’

“And he himself will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; prepare for us there.”

The disciples went out and came to the city, and found it just as He had told them;
and they prepared the Passover.

It is very important to give close attention to the timing the Word gives us.

“On the first day of Unleavened Bread when the Passover lamb was being sacrificed…”

The Old Testament gives us the Law that defines the timing.

Passover was to occur on Nisan 14.
On that day they Passover lamb was to be sacrificed “between the evenings” - 3 p.m.

At sunset on Nisan 14 the next day begin, Nisan 15.
Remember, the Jewish day begins at sunset.

Nisan 15 was the first day of the seven day Feast of Unleavened Bread.

By Jesus’ time Passover/Unleavened Bread were often referred to as Unleavened Bread, much like we say “the holidays” speaking of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years.

It was on Nisan 13 that Jesus’ disciples asked where they were to go and prepare to eat the Passover.

This is really important.
We will see why…

http://dalemoore.podbean.com

The Word: Episode 0310 Matthew 1:18-25

“Betrayal Today”

December 14, 2017

“Betrayal Today”

Blessings folk!

Mar 14:10-11

Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve,
went off to the chief priests in order to betray Him to them.

They were glad when they heard this, and promised to give him money.
And he began seeking how to betray Him at an opportune time.

Think on this.

Judas was “one of the twelve”.
He was not an inferior disciple in status.
He was one of them.
He was called of the Lord.
He lived and travelled with Jesus.
He was as the others.
He heard all of Jesus’ teachings.
He saw the miracles, etc.

Yet something happened.

I believe that he sought to force Jesus’ hand.

Judas was more interested in the kingdom of the world rather than the Kingdom of God.
Things were not “moving fast enough” for him.

He decided to betray Jesus.
He did so, in his mind, to further Jesus’ agenda.

Know this.
God does not need our help!

So, Judas and the religionists worked a deal.

Judas would get the money he wanted…we learn later the price of a slave…and the religionists would get Jesus…to kill Him.

Judas began seeking the opportunity to betray Jesus.

The same occurs today.

Far too many “professing believers” (especially in “leadership&rdquoWinking have a heart of Judas and the religionists.

They seek their own desires.
They feign holiness and righteousness.
They fake the spiritual walk.

Look.
It can be seen everywhere.

Most would be amazed at the utter lack of prayer, Bible study, koinonia, seeking the mind of the Lord, exhortation, encouragement, etc in the “leadership” of the church.

Many (most?) are simply faking it for the salary.

Now is the time for repentance and seeking the Lord.
Now is the time to do the true work of the Kingdom.
Now is the time to reject the fraudulent busy-ness of the organizational institution.

A time is coming when all will be revealed.
The false will be uncovered.

Repent.
Change before it is too late…

http://dalemoore.podbean.com

The Word: Episode 0209 Matthew 1:1-20

“Judas…”

December 13, 2017

“Judas…”

Blessings folk!

The woman had anointed Jesus for burial.
She had extravagantly poured out expensive nard over Jesus’ head.

Jesus received what she had done.
Others were offended.

Mar 14:4-5

But some were indignantly remarking to one another, “Why has this perfume been wasted?

“For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii,
and the money given to the poor.” And they were scolding her.

Shock, shock!

Jesus set them straight.
The poor would always be among them.
He would not be among them much longer.

Still, I suspect that some did not receive His correction.
Why do I think that?

Mar 14:10-11

Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve,
went off to the chief priests in order to betray Him to them.

They were glad when they heard this, and promised to give him money.
And he began seeking how to betray Him at an opportune time.

It was after this moment that Judas betrayed the Lord.

Judas kept the money bag of Jesus and His disciples.

Jhn 13:29
For some were supposing, because Judas had the money box,
that Jesus was saying to him, “Buy the things we have need of for the feast”;
or else, that he should give something to the poor.

I suspect Judas was one of the “indignant”.
Judas was mad.
He decided to force Jesus’ hand.
It would not turn out well for Him.

http://dalemoore.podbean.com

The Word: Episode 0308 Luke 2:8-20

“She Has Done What She Could”

December 12, 2017

“She Has Done What She Could”

Blessings folk!

Read the account again.

Mar 14:3-9
While He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining at the table, there came a woman with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard; and she broke the vial and poured it over His head.

But some were indignantly remarking to one another, “Why has this perfume been wasted?

“For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii,
and the money given to the poor.” And they were scolding her.

But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me.

“For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them;
but you do not always have Me.

“She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial.

“Truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world,
what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.”

A woman enters.
Unexpectedly.
Boldly.
Aggressively.

She broke a vial of expensive perfume of pure nard.
An odorous moment.
A loud moment.
Not subtle at all.

She then proceeded to pour the nard over Jesus head.

What was the response of those gathered?

Some were indignant.
What a waste of perfume.
What a waste of resources they thought.
It could have been sold to “help the poor”.
They scolded the woman.
The greedy and self-centered are always “concerned for the poor and children.”
(We have an entire political party based upon such.)

Jesus’ response?
Leave her alone.
Do not bother her.
He knew what was happening.
She was anointing Him for burial.

The Religionists were seeking to kill Jesus.
He was now being anointed for burial.

The woman did the correct thing.
She gave abundantly, extravagantly.
She did what she could with what she had.
Her act is memorized in the Word.

May we do likewise.


http://dalemoore.podbean.com

The Word: Episode 0307 Luke 2:1-7

“The Leper”

December 11, 2017

“The Leper”

Blessings folk!

The Religionists were seeking a time to kill Jesus.
Religionists always seek to destroy truth.

Mark’s account continues…

Mar 14:3-9
While He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining at the table, there came a woman with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard; and she broke the vial and poured it over His head.

But some were indignantly remarking to one another, “Why has this perfume been wasted?

“For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they were scolding her.

But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me.

“For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me.

“She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial.

“Truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.”

One point for today…
Note where Jesus was.
In Bethany.
In the home of Simon the leper.

People did not associate with lepers.
The disease was too contagious.

So, why was Jesus there.
Simon had been healed.
Though still referred to as “the leper,” he was free of leprosy.

Jesus is in Simon’s home reclining at the table.
They were breaking bread.

In comes a woman…

Know that the most significant things/opportunities will come at unexpected moments.

http://dalemoore.podbean.com

The Word: Episode 0306 Luke 1:67-80

“By Stealth…”

December 10, 2017

“By Stealth…”

Blessings folk!

Jesus had an intense encounter with the scribes, Pharisees (he called them hypocrites).

Upon leaving the Temple after the encounter, some of His disciples had asked questions.
That is what we have seen in Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21.

We continue through Mark.

Chapter 14 gives timing elements that help us to see when all of this was occurring.

Mar 14:1-2

Now the Passover and Unleavened Bread were two days away; and the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to seize Him by stealth and kill Him;

for they were saying, “Not during the festival, otherwise there might be a riot of the people.”

Two day until Passover and Unleavened Bread.

These are two of the seven feasts that the Lord gave to Israel.

Passover is the first of the seven.
It occurs on Nisan 14…in the spring our March/April.

Unleavened Bread begins at sundown on Nisan 15.

These are important.
Knowing the truth about the feasts will allow us to have a proper understanding of all the Lord has done, i.e. that the Lord was dead three days and three nights, not just a portion thereof.

Two days from these special days and what were the religious rulers doing?

Seeking how to seize Jesus by stealth and kill Him.

Well, there’s a righteous bunch.

The only thing that kept them from killing Jesus was there fear of the people.

Religionists today are the same way.

They fear the people more than they fear the Lord.

They still move in stealth seeking how to destroy the move of God.

Beware of them.

http://dalemoore.podbean.com

The Word: Episode 0305 Luke 1: 57-66

“Be On the Alert”

December 9, 2017

“Be On the Alert”

Blessings folk!

We must give heed to what Jesus says.

Especially if Jesus says it three times in a conversation…

Mar 13:33-34

“Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come.

“It is like a man away on a journey, who upon leaving his house and putting his slaves in charge, assigning to each one his task, also commanded the doorkeeper to stay on the alert.

“Therefore, be on the alert—for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning—

in case he should come suddenly and find you asleep.

“What I say to you I say to all, ‘Be on the alert!’”

Take heed!
Pay attention!

Three times in this passage Jesus tells us to “be on the alert”.

Why?

Because we do not know the appointed time of the end of all things.

Jesus gives an example.
It is like a man on a journey.
The man left his slaves in charge of his house.
The slaves do not know when the man will return.
The doorkeeper is commanded to be alert.

The Lord commands us likewise.

We must be alert at all times in all things,
We do not know when He will return.
We will know the season.

We do not want to be found asleep…unprepared…unready.

Most are not alert and ready…even true believers.

Most, at best, give feigned interest to the return of the Lord.

Some even belittle the call to be ready.

They say “we don’t know the future”…untrue.
The Lord tells us much.

They say “it is frightening, scary…don’t worry about it”…a fatal position.

They say “there is nothing we can do”…untrue.
Jesus tells us that we are to…

  • See to it that no one mislead us
  • See to it that we are not frightened.
  • Be on guard
  • Not worry about what we will say
  • Be ready
  • Take heed
  • Be on the alert

It is time to take heed.
It is time to quit ignoring the Word in our teaching, “preaching”…life.

It is time to be ready.

http://dalemoore.podbean.com

The Word: Episode 0304 Luke 1:49-56

“Be On Guard, Keep Alert”

December 8, 2017

“Be On Guard, Keep Alert”

Blessings folk!

Luke’s gospel also has an account of Jesus’ parable of the fig tree.
More details are provided.

Luk 21:29-36

Then He told them a parable: “Behold the fig tree and all the trees;

as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near.

“So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near.

“Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place.

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.

“Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap;

for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth.

“But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

You see that Jesus called us to behold the fig tree…and all the trees.
The idea is that in the same way we can discern the seasons by what we see in nature, we will be able to discern the coming of the Lord.
No, we will not know the day nor hour.
But, we can know the season.

Jesus tells us to do some things.

  • Recognize that the Kingdom of God is near…when you see all these things.
  • Be on guard….
    • So that your hearts will not be weighted down by dissipation and drunkenness nor the worries of life
    • That Day will come on us suddenly if we are distracted
  • Keep on the alert
    • At all times
    • Pray that you have strength to escape all the things to take place
      • We can escape!
      • We need the strength of the Lord.
    • We will stand before the Son of Man…

If we remain faithful!
If we press in.
If we press on.


Be on guard…refers to the internal issues of the heart/spirit.
Keep alert…refers to external things happening about us.

Be ready!

http://dalemoore.podbean.com

The Word: Episode 0303 Luke 1:46-49

“My Words Will Not Pass Away”

December 7, 2017

“My Words Will Not Pass Away”

Blessings folk!

Let us look at Matthew’s account of Jesus’ fig tree parable…

Mat 24:32-36

“Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near;

so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door.

“Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven,
nor the Son, but the Father alone.

In the same way that we know that summer is approaching by the state of the fig tree…

We will know that Jesus’ return is right at the door.

It will be “when we see these things”…cosmic disturbances.

We learn this from Jesus:
Heaven and earth will pass away.
His Words will not pass away.

That begs a question:
Who will we believe?
The Word of the Lord?
Or, the word of man?

These things will occur.

We do well to know what the Lord has told us about these days.

http://dalemoore.podbean.com

The Word: Episode 0302 Luke 1:41-46

“Take Heed, Keep Alert”

December 6, 2017

“Take Heed, Keep Alert”

Blessings folk!

As was His habit and style, Jesus now gives more insight to His answers through parables/comparisons,

Mar 13:28-33

“Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near.

“Even so, you too, when you see these things happening, 
recognize that He is near, right at the door.

“Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.

“But of that day or hour no one knows,
not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.

“Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come.

Jesus is saying this…

We will not know the day nor the hour of His return.
But, we will be able to discern the season!

When the sun and moon go dark…
When the stars fall from the heavens…(which is possible Happy&hellipWinking
Then we will know He is right at the door.

The generation that sees such will not pass away until it is accomplished.

What are we to do?

“Take heed.”
“Be on the alert.”

Jesus tells us much about the future.
Therefore, when someone says “we don’t/can’t know the future”, then you know they do not know the Word.

Jesus tells us much to do…
“See to it that no one misleads you…”
“See to it that you are not frightened…”
“Be on guard…”
“Do not worry about what you will say…”
“Take heed…”
“Be on the alert…”

So, when someone says that “there is nothing we can do”, you know they do not know the Word.

Be prepared…

http://dalemoore.podbean.com

The Word: Episode 0301, Luke 1:34-41

“Coming On the Clouds"

December 5, 2017

“Coming On the Clouds"

Blessings folk!

Jesus continues to answer the disciples questions.

Mar 13:26-27

“Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN CLOUDS with great power and glory.

“And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven.

Jesus will return.
In the clouds.
With great power.
With glory.

Often people speak of “the return of the Lord” or “the second coming of Jesus”.

What is usually not clear is the exact moment of which they speak.

The “coming of the Lord” consists of many different elements and events.

In the same way that the birth of Jesus consisted of many things, i.e. prophecies, Zacharias/Elizabeth, Magi, Herod, Mary/Joseph, shepherds, angels, etc. …the Lord’s return consists of many events.

In this passage we see Him coming in the clouds.
At this time He will send forth His angels to gather the elect form the four winds.
From the farthest end of the earth (note that the earth has an end) and the farthest end of heaven (and that heaven has an end).

The elect?
True Believers.

Remember how the disciples had asked what the “sign” of His coming again would be?

Read this!!

Mat 24:30-31

“And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky,
and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory.

“And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.

The Sign is the Son of Man - Jesus - appearing in the sky!

He will send His angels with a great trumpet…not just a trumpet. A great trumpet.

The reaction of man?
The tribes of the earth will mourn when they see Him.
They will see Him coming in the clouds!

There is more…

Man will be dismayed, perplexed and fainting from fear.

Luk 21:25-28

“There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves,

men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world;
for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

“Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN A CLOUD with power and great glory.

“But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads,
because your redemption is drawing near.”

Believers reaction?
Straighten up!
Lift up your heads!
(No longer need to hide!)
Your redemption is drawing near!

Rejoice!
Fear not!!

http://dalemoore.podbean.com

The Word: Episode 0300 Luke 1:24-34

“Behold, I Have Told You!”

December 4, 2017

“Behold, I Have Told You!”

Blessings folk!

Let’s review and reflect upon what we have seen to this point in Mark 13/Matthew 24/Luke 21.

Four disciples had asked Jesus some questions.
“When will these things occur?”
“What will be the sign of Your coming again and the end of the age?”

Mat 24:3
As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying,
“Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming,
and of the end of the age?”


Jesus answered.
Directly.
He gave a panoramic answer…Matthew 24:4-14.
He then gave greater detail.

I have heard it said that we do not know what the future holds.
Wrong.
Jesus gave us great detail about what is to come.

Jesus also gave firm, direct commandments and instructions.

See to it that no one misleads you.”

Mat 24:4-5
And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you.

“For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.


See to it that you are not frightened.

Mat 24:6
“You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.


Be on guard.

Mar 13:9
“But be on your guard; for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake,
as a testimony to them.

Do not worry about what you say.” (Upon arrest&hellipWinking

Mar 13:11
“When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit.


Take heed; behold I told you everything in advance.”

Mar 13:23
“But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance.


Therefore, we should not say “this is scary stuff”.
Jesus tells us to not be frightened.

Jesus tells us what will happen.
Jesus tells us how to stand firm.
Jesus tells us what to do.

Yet, we are more enamored with “‘cute’, relevant” stories than with the truth of the Word of God.

Read the Word.
Study the Word.
Learn the Word.
Know the Truth.

Do not give heed to the fear-mongering of men ignorant of the Word of God.
Stand boldly in the Lord and the days to come.
He will glorify Himself.

http://dalemoore.podbean.com


The Word: Episode 0299 Luke 1:18-25

“Dark”

December 3, 2017

“Dark”

Blessings folk!

The great tribulation will be cut short.

The heavenlies will go dark…

Mar 13:24-25

“But in those days, after that tribulation,
THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT,

AND THE STARS WILL BE FALLING from heaven,
and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken.

Some interesting things here.
Things which conflict with our understanding.
Perhaps our understanding is wrong.

Simply believe what is stated.

The sun will be darkened.
The moon will not give its light.
The stars will fall from heaven.
The powers that are in the heavens will be shaken.

The Word simply means what it says.

Many will see how deceived they are…

http://dalemoore.podbean.com

The Word: Episode 0298 Luke 1:18-23

“Shaken Heavens”

December 2, 2017

“Shaken Heavens”

Blessings folk!

False christs.
False prophets.
The man-of-lawlessness (antichrist) persecuting Israel/Jews and the Church.

Jesus forewarned us.

Yet, fear not.
The great tribulation will be cut short.
It will be shortened.
As mentioned before, it will be cut short by the rapture of the church.

Watch what will happen…

Mar 13:24-26
“But in those days, after that tribulation,
THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT,

AND THE STARS WILL BE FALLING from heaven,
and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken.

“Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN CLOUDS with great power and glory.

Mat 24:29-30
“But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

“And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory.

Luk 21:27-28
“Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN A CLOUD with power and great glory.

“But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

This the sign!
This is how we will know.
Cosmic darkening will take place.
The darkness will truncate the tribulation.

So, unless we see the heavens shaken, then Messiah has not return.

Someone claims to be Messiah?
Is the sun still shining?

Someone claims to know where Messiah is?
Is the moon still giving light?

Someone claims the church has been raptured?
Are the stars still in the heavens?

This is the death-knell of “pre-tribulationism” and “imminentcy”.

When “these things’ take place “straighten up and lift up your heard”.
Sounds like Believers might be “laying low”.
Your redemption is drawing near!

Hallelujah!

http://dalemoore.podbean.com

The Word: Episode 0297 Luke 1:1-14

“Do Not Believe Him”

December 1, 2017

“Do Not Believe Him”

Blessings folk!

We saw earlier that Jesus warned His disciples…and us.
See to it that no one misleads you.

He says it again…

Mar 13:19-23
“For those days will be a time of tribulation such as has not occurred since the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will.

“Unless the Lord had shortened those days, no life would have been saved;
but for the sake of the elect, whom He chose, He shortened the days.

“And then if anyone says to you,
‘Behold, here is the Christ’; or, ‘Behold, He is there’; do not believe him;

for false Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders,
in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect.

“But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance.

During the time of the great tribulation there will be many who say “here is the Christ”, “Behold, He is there”.

Jesus tells us to not believe them.

Why?

Because false christ and false prophets will arise.
They will show signs and wonders.
Yes!
The false christ and prophets will do signs and wonders.

Why?

To lead the elect astray…if possible.

Thankfully, it will not be possible.

Still, we are to take heed.

See to it that you are not deceived and misled.

Jesus tells us that He has told us everything we need to know in advance.
There will be no excuse.

How will we know the True Christ?
We will see soon…

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