Bible Pathways 10/12/04
October 12
Read Matthew 27 - 28
In Today's 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 spoke to them, saying, All power (authority) is given to 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 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 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 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 you may grow thereby (I Peter 2:1-2). The Lord has provided just one Book and His Holy Spirit to tell us how to live and what He expects us to do. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Titus proclaimed: 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 Savior Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity (lawlessness), and purify to 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 to 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 = accustomed; 27:16 notable = notorious; 27:24 tumult = uproar, riot; 27:48 straightway = immediately, right away, without delay.
Cross References:
For Matthew 27:9-10: See Zech. 11:12-13. Matt. 27:34: See Psa. 69:21. Matt. 27:35: See Psa. 22:18. Matt. 27:39: See Job 16:4; Psa. 22:7; 109:25; Lam. 2:15 Matt. 27:43: See Psa. 22:8. Matt. 27:46: See Psa. 22:1.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Gov. John Engler (MI) and Rep. Edward Royce (CA) · Country: Togo (5 million) in western Africa · Major languages: French and several African languages · Limited religious freedom · 41% belief in false gods and voodoo; 32% Roman Catholic; 19% Muslim; 8% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Bow before the Lord in godly reverence as you pray and worship (Exodus 34:8).
Memory Verse for the Week: I Corinthians 2:14
