Bible Pathways - Oct. 12, 2007
In Today's Scripture Reading:
Judas' suicide; Jesus before Pilate; Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and resurrection; Great Commission
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 (Spirit): Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you (Matthew 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 (Spirit) becomes our indwelling Sanctifier, Comforter, and Guide throughout life (John 14:26; 16:13). This confirms the Trinity of the Godhead and proclaims One God expressed in Three Persons.
Being born again (3:3,7) by His Spirit is a supernatural experience which changes the heart and transforms the life to one of daily worship and service to the Lord. This does not mean that we will reach perfection in this life; but as Peter urged: Desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby (I Peter 2:2). The Lord has provided just one Book and His Holy Spirit to tell us how to live and what He expects us to do. Titus proclaimed: With all authority . . . 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 (Philippians 3:13-14).
Word Studies:
27:15 wont =b> accustomed; 27:16 notable =b> notorious; 27:24 tumult =b> uproar, riot; 27:48 straightway =b> immediately, without delay.
Cross References:
For Matthew 27:5-10: See Zechariah 11:12-13. Matthew 27:34: See Psalm 69:21. Matthew 27:35: See Psalm 22:18. Matthew 27:39: See Job 16:4; Psalm 109:25; Lamentations 2:15. Matthew 27:43: See Psalm 22:8. Matthew 27:46: See Psalm 22:1.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Al Joslyn Jr • Government Officials: Gov. Dave Freundenthal (WY) and Rep. Edward Royce (CA) • Country: Malawi (10 million) in southeastern Africa • Major languages: English and Chichewa • Religious freedom • 34% Protestant; 23% Roman Catholic; 16% Muslim; 16% animist; 4% cults • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that your words and thoughts will be pleasing to the Lord (Psalm 19:14).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:6
