Bible Pathway - Oct. 12, 2010
Highlights:
Read Matthew 27
Pilate's question — what will you do with Jesus (Matt. 27:22)? The horrifying crucifixion of our Lord, His death (27:32-65), and His resurrection (28:1-15). Go . . . teach . . . them to observe all things (28:18-20) .
The resurrection of Jesus gave His disciples the key to understanding that their King and His Kingdom were both eternal. Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power (authority) is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go . . . therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you (Matt. 28:18-20).
When we are baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Spirit), we proclaim the fullness of the Godhead. Thus, by public baptism, we confess to the world that God is our Heavenly Father. The phrase and of the Son is our witness to the world that Jesus is now Savior and Lord of our lives. Upon our confession, the Holy Ghost becomes our indwelling Sanctifier, Comforter, and Guide throughout life (John 14:26; 16:13). By this we confirm and bear witness of the Trinity of the Godhead and proclaim One God expressed in Three Persons.
Being born again (3:3,7) by His Spirit is a supernatural experience which changes the heart and like newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby (I Pet. 2:2). This does not mean that we will reach perfection in this life. His Word transforms our lives to one of daily worship and service to the Lord. The Lord has provided just one inspired Guide — the Bible and His Holy Spirit to teach us how to live and what He expects us to do. Titus was guided by the Holy Spirit, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity (lawlessness), and purify unto Himself a peculiar (special) people, zealous of good works (Titus 2:12-15). Without exception we all at times fail the Lord but, let us say with Paul: Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark (goal) for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:13-14).
Thought for Today:
Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in Thy Word (Ps. 119:114).
Word Studies:
27:15 wont =ccustomed; 27:16 notable =otorious; 27:24 tumult =proar, riot; 27:48 straightway =mmediately, without delay.
Cross References:
For Matt. 27:5-10: See Zech. 11:12-13. Matt. 27:34: See Ps. 69:21. Matt. 27:35: See Ps. 22:18. Matt. 27:39: See Job 16:4; Ps. 109:25; Lam. 2:15. Matt. 27:43: See Ps. 22:8. Matt. 27:46: See Ps. 22:1.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Betty Forwerck • Assistant to the Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Terry Hall • Government Officials: Rep. Steve Austria (OH), Gov. Dave Freundenthal (WY), and Rep. Edward Royce (CA) • Country: Cyprus (754,000) in the Middle East • Major languages: Greek and Turkish • No open evangelism or conversions to Christ • 75% Greek Orthodox; 19% Muslim; 1% Protestant; 1% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord with all of your heart, and tell others of the marvelous things He has done (Ps. 73:28).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:33
