The Life of Jesus Christ- Part 3

After Jesus temptation, He went back to His people with a specific mission. He was going to choose 12 men to personally train. They would become known as His disciples.
John 1:35-39-  Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.
As Jesus was walking  where John the Baptist was preaching, John was doing his job of pointing out the Messiah. Two of the men who were learning from John saw who he was talking about and followed Him.
Jesus saw that they were following, and asked them what they wanted.
They said they wanted to see where he lived. Perhaps, they were curious about who this man was. Or, maybe they wanted to know why John spoke so highly of Him.
Jesus knew that these two men would become part of the 12 men that He would choose to train. So, he told them to come and see. They went to where Jesus lived and stayed with him the rest of the day because it was already 4 PM (the Jewish day ends at 6 PM, so they stayed with Jesus for 2 hours).
John 1:40-42- One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
One of the things that followers of Jesus are called to do is to tell others about Jesus. One of the men that heard John the Baptist talking was named Andrew. Andrew already had a missionary heart; the first thing he did was find his brother and tell him about Jesus.
This brother would be one of the most drastic characters to ever follow Christ! His name was Peter. Peter would do things that the other disciples never dreamed were possible, and in time he would become the leader of the disciples.
Jesus gave Peter a nickname- Cephas. This means stone.
But, Jesus needed 12 men, and this was only three.
John 1:43- The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.
Jesus called another man named Philip. Philip also had a missionary's heart.
John 1:44-46- Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
Philip went and found his friend, Nathanael, and told him about Jesus, the Messiah. Philip couldn't believe it! Jesus was from Nazareth. Nathanael thought, "What good could ever come from that city?"
But, he was curious enough to follow Philip and find out.
John 1:47-51- Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
When Jesus saw Nathanael he commented on the man's character. Perhaps Nathanael had been told this thing about himself before, or maybe he was just curious why Jesus would say this when they had never met.
But, then Jesus told him that He knew where Nathanael was sitting when Philip went to get him. Nathanael was amazed that Jesus knew this and yet was no where near where Philip had found him.
This was all it took for Nathanael to believe.
I guess this struck Jesus as curious. Nathanael would see more amazing things in the next three years! Nathanael is given a new name by Jesus. He is only referred to by his name Nathanael is the book of John.
So far, Jesus had chosen five men. But, he still needed more.
The first few men that Jesus chose were fishermen. They came and saw and talked with Jesus, and then went back to their profession. But, Jesus had chosen them, and they were going to have to leave their jobs and follow him!
Jesus began His ministry teaching, and healing, and trying to show His people the love of God. These six men were about to see just a glimpse of what their lives would be like with Jesus.
Luke 5:1-11-  And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:  And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
Jesus went out into the boats that belonged to Peter, Andrew, James, and John. He used them like a plat form to be able to preached to the multitude of people that had gathered. The fishermen had tried to catch fish all night long, but they came up empty-handed.
After preaching, Jesus told them to throw their nets back into the water. He was going to teach them a lesson.
They did as they were told and were amazed that now their nets caught so many fish that their ships began to sink and their nets began to break!
Simon Peter was amazed! He knew that he was a sinful man, and he thought that he was unworthy to be used by the Lord.
But, Jesus had chosen him. Isn't it wonderful that Jesus will use us even when we think we are unusable?
Mark 1:16-20-  Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.
Simon Peter and Andrew went back to fishing. But, Jesus went the next day and searched them out, along with another two fishermen, James and John.
Now, there were six. But, He wasn't done yet!
Jesus went and found two men who were collecting taxes. It appears that these men were in the same city doing the same job.
Matthew 9:9- And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

Luke 5:27-29- And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. And he left all, rose up, and followed him. And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.
Levi was a wealthy man with a good job. He not only left his wealthy job, but he made a great feast and invited many of his tax collector friends to this feast so they could meet Jesus. Matthew also attended this feast.
Matthew 9:10-12- And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
The religious leaders didn't understand why Jesus would choose such rough men like fishermen, or such seemingly dishonest men like tax collectors.
No one likes tax collectors, especially in Jesus time! Tax collectors were known for overcharging people and keeping the extra money to make themselves rich! They also worked closely with the Romans, and the Jews didn't like their Roman oppressors.
 But, Jesus knew that these were just the men that He could use! Jesus didn't look at their jobs or their clothes; He looked at their hearts!
The Bible only tells us about how Jesus chose eight of the men. But, it tells us that He ended up choosing a total of 12.
Luke 6:13-  And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
Mark 3:14-19-  And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: And Simon he surnamed Peter; And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite, And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.
Some people think that it's a mistake that there are different names mentioned here. But, they forget that Jesus often gave His disciples new names; and then there are also those with nick names.
Simon Peter and Andrew were two brothers, the sons of Jona, who followed Jesus. They were fishermen by trade. Simon Peter, also called Cephas, wrote the books of I Peter and II Peter in the New Testament.
James and John were also brothers, the sons of Zebedee, that Jesus nicknamed "The sons of Thunder". They must have been really rough! They were also fishermen. John is also known as John the Beloved, and he wrote the Gospel of John as well as I John, II John, III John, and the book of Revelation in the New Testament.
Philip, Matthew, and Levi were tax collectors, also called publicans. 
Matthew wrote the book of Matthew in the New Testament.
Levi, the son of Alphaeus was given a new name, James the son of Alphaeus. This James wrote the book of James in the New Testament, and became one of the leaders of the church in the book of Acts.
This James-Levi had a brother named Judas, who was sometimes called Thaddaeus or Lebbaeus. This man wrote the book of Jude in the New Testament of the Bible.
Bartholomew is another disciple that Jesus chose, but he doesn't have much mentioned about him.
Another Simon, who Jesus called "Zelotes", and he was a Caananite. I think that this man was Nathanael, because Nathanael was from Cana of Galillee,and he was one of the first disciples. Nathanael was with Peter, James, John, and Thomas when they were fishing after Jesus arose, maybe because they were some of the first disciples together? But, that is my guess work.
Whether Nathanael was another name for Simon Zelotes or Bartholomew, God put how he was called in the Bible for a reason! And if God thought enough of it to put it into the Bible, we shouldn't ignore it!
Then, there was a man known as "doubting" Thomas, also called as Didymus.
And last of all, Judas Iscariot, the man who would betray Jesus!
These twelve men would go with Jesus throughout His ministry, and they would become the Apostles that helped to spread the gospel through the known world after Jesus death. But, for now, they were going to follow Jesus and learn from Him.
Matthew 4:23-25- And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.

The Life of Jesus Christ series coloring pages

The Life of Jesus Christ- Part 2

Jesus had been baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. This was the first step in beginning His earthly ministry. But, there was another step that He had to accomplish.
Luke 4:1; Matthew 4:2- And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,  And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
Jesus went into the wilderness to face temptations by the devil.
Satan, himself, was going to try to get the human part of Jesus to sin. If he could accomplish that, then all God's plans for the salvation of mankind would be ruined.
Jesus went into the wilderness and was there for 40 days without food.
We don't know what He was doing there. Perhaps He was praying, or maybe He was being tempted or mocked by the devil the whole time! The Bible doesn't say. It only tells us about three specific temptations that the devil used to try to get him to sin.
Matthew 4:3- And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
Remember, Jesus hadn't eaten anything for over a month! He was certainly very hungry!
Is it a sin to eat? No. But, there was something about this that would have been a sin if Jesus had done it.
But, Jesus was stronger than his appetite.
Matthew 4:4- But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Jesus knew that even though food was important for the human body, the Word of God was much more needful! It was more important for Him to pass the temptation than it was for Him to eat.
Luke 4:5-7- And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.
The devil knew that Jesus prophesied to rule the world. The Old Testament had promised this to the Jews many times. The devil showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. The devil said that he would allow Jesus to rule over them all if He would bow down and worship.
The devil is called the god of this world. He did have the power to set Jesus up as a king. Didn't the Bible promise that Jesus would rule the entire world? Yes, but giving worship to anyone but the Lord God Almighty is a sin, that's the first commandment written on the tables of stone given to Moses for the Hebrew children when they came out of Egypt.
Luke 4:8- And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Jesus knew that was the first commandment. It's always wrong to worship the devil, even if it means doing something that seems good.
The devil had just struck out twice!
Now, he would try another thing.
Luke 4:9-11-  And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
The devil took Jesus to the very top of the temple. Then, he questioned Jesus about being the Son of God. He said that the angels wouldn't allow Jesus to be harmed even if He jumped off a high building.
Well, if Jesus had jumped and the angels had caught Him and set Him down carefully, then everyone in Jerusalem would have seen and known that He was truly the Messiah.
Wasn't that why He came? To show His people that He was their Messiah?
Yes, but there was something even more important that He had to do first.
Luke 4:12-  And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
Jesus knew that His first mission was to live a holy, sinless life so that He could pay for the sins of the world. Had He shown that He was the Messiah in the manner, the religious leaders would have accepted Him and crowned Him king! But, no one would ever be able to be saved from their sins.
Jesus was willing to wait for God's timing in all things!
Matthew 4:11- Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
The devil went away, probably mad that he couldn't get Jesus to sin. And, angels came and ministered unto Him- that means they probably fed Him and comforted and encouraged Him.
Hebrews 4:15- For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
But, why did the Bible mention these temptations? How could Jesus be tempted in all points, or areas, like we are tempted?
I John 2:15-16- Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
The Bible tells us that all that is in the world is tainted with sin. Every time we sin, it's because of loving something more than God.
The lust of the flesh is when we love or desire something more than God. Eve was tempted by the fruit in the garden when she thought that it was good for food. Jesus was hungry. Eve sinned because she wanted the fruit more than she wanted to obey God, but Jesus wanted to obey God more than He wanted to eat.
The lust of the eyes is when we see and want something more than God. Eve was tempted by the fruit in the garden when she saw that it was pleasant to look at. Jesus saw the glory of the kingdoms of this world and all the possibilities that were available if He would have ruled over them. Eve sinned because she thought something looked better than God's promises, but Jesus wanted God's promise of redemption for all mankind more than He wanted to do a little good right at that moment.
The pride of life is when we think of ourselves more highly than we think of God. Eve was tempted by the fruit when she dreamed of being as wise as God. Jesus could have had the people He loved accept Him as their Messiah and King right then and there. Eve sinned because she didn't believe God knew what was best, but, Jesus knew that God's plan for salvation would enable both the Jews and the Gentiles to accept Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lord.
Jesus felt the same things that we feel when we get tempted by the devil, or our flesh. But, Jesus didn't sin when He was tempted. And, He tells us that we don't have to sin when we are tempted.
I Corinthians 10:13- There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Jesus promises that He will help us not to sin. He will provide a way that we can withstand the temptations. And, He promises us a reward if we follow His direction and don't sin.
James 1:12- Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
All we have to remember is to love the Lord God Almighty more than what we desire or see or how we want to be viewed by others, and we will get a crown!
How awesome is that!?!?
Did you know that the devil never stopped tempting Jesus while He was on this earth?
Luke 4:13- And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.
He only departed for a season. The devil was going to try everything he could to stop Jesus from accomplishing what God wanted.
Luke 4:14; Matthew 4:13-17- And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Jesus was determined to complete the task that God had given to Him. He went to His people and started to preach the same message that John the Baptist was sent to preach- Repent! The time of God fulfilling promise is happening!

The Life of Jesus Christ series coloring pages

The Life of Jesus Christ- Part 1

It has been around 30 years since the wonderful news was first sung to the shepherds. And, it's been about 28 years since the horrible slaughter of the children of Bethlehem.
The Roman Empire was still in power. Just the men who ruled had changed. Tiberius Caesar was ruling over the entire empire. Pontius Pilate was over the entire land of Judah, and two brothers were ruling over smaller sections inside of Judah. One was Herod, and the other was Philip.
It was in Herod's region of Galilee that God would break the silence that has shadowed the Jews for about 400 years.
Luke 3:1-2- Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
John had been given a command from the Lord. And, he was going to obey and spread God's message to all of Herod's domain.
Matthew 3:1-3-  In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
John was called by God to prepare the way of the Messiah. That means that he was going to help people see the darkness of their sins and their need for a Savior, the light of the world.
John 1:6-8- There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
Those who believed what John was preaching were baptized by him. This baptism didn't save their souls, it was just a picture of them accepting that they were sinners. Once they humbled themselves and were baptized, they were better able to hear the voice of God, and they were better able to see the Messiah as their Savior.
Matthew 3:4-6- And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
Not everyone wanted to accept John's words. He was a rough man! He lived in the wilderness. The sun had probably weathered his skin and the blowing sands had hardened it. He wore camel skins instead of cotton or wool like the people of his nation. And, he ate locust and wild honey.
Imagine seeing a man like this in the wilderness grabbing honey from a tree surrounded by a swarm of angry bees, or chasing locusts to catch for his dinner! The well refined religious leaders didn't want to accept what this seemingly crazy wild man was saying!
Matthew 3:7-8- But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
John the Baptist was not pulling any punches when he told the religious leaders to repent. He knew they came to see what he was doing. They didn't think they needed to repent, but they were very wrong!
Matthew 3:11-12- I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
You see, there were two types of people here- those who would accept the Messiah and those who would reject Him. The ones who would accept the Messiah would be baptized with the Holy Ghost, that means that once they were saved they would be sealed with the Holy Spirit who would take them to heaven when they died. But, the ones who would reject the Messiah would be baptized with fire, that means they would go to hell when they died.
John 1:19-20, 24-27- And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
John knew that the Messiah was coming, but God had not yet told him who the Messiah was. Up until this point, Jesus was raised and treated like any other Jewish man.
John 1:29a, 32-34- The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him,  And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
As John was out baptizing people, Jesus came to where he was, and John watched as something that looked like a Spirit floated down from heaven and encompassed Jesus. John knew that God would reveal the Messiah to him in that manner.
What a shocker! The cousin that he had grown up knowing was the Christ, the Son of God!
Matthew 3:13-15- Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
Jesus told John that he needed to be baptized. John said that it was Jesus who needed to baptize him! But, Jesus knew that part of fulfilling the law was humbling himself and allowing John to Baptize him.
When those hard-hearted religious leaders stand before God to give an account of their actions, they're going to realize that their Messiah allowed himself to be baptized, yet they were too self righteous!
Matthew 3:16-17-  And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
When Jesus came out of the water, the people that were baptized by John saw the same sign that John had seen earlier. They saw a Spirit floating down from heaven and landing on Christ. At the same time, they heard God speak from heaven.
But, those that wouldn't submit themselves to John's baptism heard something different- either they heard the rumble of thunder and no discernible words, or they heard nothing.
I say this because another time when God spoke from heaven some people heard thunder and others heard what they thought was an angel.
John 12:29- The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
So, Jesus was baptized by John and was revealed unto men at the very beginning of his earthly ministry when he was around 30 years old.
Luke 3:23- And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age,

The Life of Jesus Christ series coloring pages

Faith Of A Little Seed (song)

The New Song (poem)

There is a song I want to sing--
Or want to learn to sing;
It is a song of praise to Thee,
Jesus, my Lord and King.

Oh teach me all its varied notes,
Its hidden melody,
Till I have learned to sing by heart,
This song of praise to Thee.

I want to sing, while yet on earth,
The tender, thankful strain
Of saints, who gladly near Thy throne,
Make Thee their song's refrain.

For though I am not yet a saint,
And though my praises ring
From an encumbered earthly soul,
I love the strains to sing.

And well I love, I know I love,
Though truly not as they,
Thee, blessed Jesus whom I praise
Feebly on earth to--day;

While there's a song I want to sing--
Or want to learn to sing;
A blessed song of love to Thee,
Jesus, my Lord and King.

-Elizabeth Prentiss ~  from Golden Hours: Heart-Hymns
   of the Christian Life

5 Steps To Sin (video sermon)

A Theory On Melchizedek

This is not for the faint of heart. It's not so much a devotional, as it is a Bible study which compares Scripture with Scripture to get you to search your Bible for yourself.
To get to the point of my theory, I must start out with some explanation as to how I came to this conclusion.
First, I present the gap theory:
The gap theory states that there was an earth before the adamic one was formed by God in Genesis 1.
The verse used is Genesis 1:2. Let us look at the verses of Genesis 1:1-2- In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
If we move through the rest of the verses in Genesis we see that on day one God made light. On day two God made the firmament. On day three God brought the dry land out of the waters, and brought forth vegetation. On day four, God made the sun and moon and stars. On day five God makes fish and birds. On day six God makes animals and man. The seventh day God rests.
Notice that he never created the earth. The earth was already present in Genesis 1:2, so when exactly was it created? It had to be before day 1.
Next, I must look at the fall of Satan:
Isaiah 12:13-14 tells us about Satans fall. How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
Before the devil fell, however, he had a different image and a different job title and a different name- Lucifer.
Ezekiel 28 gives us the tale of Lucifer under an assumed name- the king of Tyrus. Ezekiel 28:12-16- Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.
Lucifer's original image was an anointed cherub. He was a beauty musical creature who covered the throne of God. But, his pride got the best of him and he so God casts him out of heaven.
The most interesting thing that I've been stumped by was the stones of fire. Where are the stones of fire that he walked up and down in. It's given in the past tense, like his being in the Garden of Eden, so I would assume the stones of fire are something from long ago.
Jesus makes mention of hell and says that it was created for a reason. Matthew 25:41- Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
When was this created? I would say after the devil sinned. But, when the Bible talks of creation it says the angels sang for joy- I would think they wouldn't be so joyful if they knew a place of destruction had been created for their doom.
Job 38:4-7- Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
God created the world, yes. But, when? Was there an original that was rendered wicked and destroyed?
Job 22:15-20- Hast thou marked the old way which wicked men have trodden? Which were cut down out of time, whose foundation was overflown with a flood: Which said unto God, Depart from us: and what can the Almighty do for them? Yet he filled their houses with good things: but the counsel of the wicked is far from me. The righteous see it, and are glad: and the innocent laugh them to scorn. Whereas our substance is not cut down, but the remnant of them the fire consumeth.
This sounds like it could refer to Noah's flood. But, it says they were cut down out of time as if something has been erased from history. The flood is in the Bible, as well as in many different cultures around the globe.
And, it states that the remnant of them the fire consumeth. Could this be the stones of fire that Lucifer was mentioned walking among?
Psalms 104:5-6-  Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever. Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains.
The foundations were not removed for ever even though they were covered with the deep. Could this be why the earth was without form and void? Because, there was an earth before the one we live on?
II Peter 3:5-7- For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
What are they willingly ignorant of? Anyone who believes the Bible will believe in Noah's flood. I believe that they are ignorant of a world before the one we call Earth.  God destroyed that world and then buried it in a deep.
Stick with me, I'm know it's getting long!
Now, may I introduce the main character, Melchizedek:
Melchizidek is only mentioned twice in the Old Testament.
The first time is after Abraham comes back from war. He is only mentioned in three verses as a king and a priest of the most high God. Whether Abraham knew him before this encounter, or no, he seemed to understand there was something different about this man and offered him tithes.
Genesis 14:18-20- And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
The next time we see his name is in the book of Psalms. God is promising someone an everlasting priesthood. It's an oath that He is making and He's using Melchizidek as an example (perhaps because it was an oath that He has made before?).
Psalms 110:4- The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
The next time we hear the name Melchizedek is over a thousand years later in the book of Hebrews. In fact, Paul makes reference to him more through Hebrews chapter 5 through 7 than he is ever mentioned in the Old Testament.
Hebrews 5:5-7- So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
Hebrews 5:10-11- Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
My first thought is "how much more would Paul have said if they weren't dull of hearing?".
This is showing that it was referencing the coming Christ in Psalms when the oath was made. Christ became our priest who offered the sacrifice, his sinless blood, upon the altar of mercy to obtain salvation for all those who would ask.
The interesting question is who was crying with strong tears offering prayers and supplications? It could easily be talking about both Christ and Melchizedek.
Hebrews 6:17-20- Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
In the next chapter Paul is telling of God's oath in greater detail. Curiously, he mentions two immutable things- but I'm only seeing one mentioned- His oath.
Hebrews 7:1-6- For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
Again, Melchizedek is reference as the king of Salem and the priest of the most High God, but he is here also called the King of Righteousness and the King of Peace.
Then, an interesting phrase is mentioned- without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days not end of life; but made like unto the son of God. Only Adam and Eve are without father and mother, so that makes Melchizedek a mysterious character.
If we had only the verses in the Old Testament, then we would think that Melchizedek was a mortal man who was doing right and worshiping God around the time that Abraham lived. But, this phrase blows that idea out of the water!
Hebrews 7:11-17- If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Here we see that when Paul is comparing Christ's position as priest that he completely bypasses the Levitical priesthood and goes to Melchizedek. Why?
Well, there are a few hints.
First, Melchizedek was from a different tribe. Tribe in the Bible is used in reference to the Jews. The Gentile people are never called tribes. But when Melchizedek was around there were no tribes.
Christ was not of the Levitical tribe where priests descend, he was of the tribe of Judah from which kings descend.
Next, Melchizedek's priesthood was after the power of endless life, and not the law which brought death. Christ was going to bring eternal life through salvation!
Could this be why Paul mentions two immutable things? God was not referring to "things" but to two different immutable oaths that He had made with two different people.
Hebrews 7:21-22- (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
Is it possible that there is an eternal priesthood before Jesus?
And, the last piece before I give my theory...
Matthew 19:4- And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
This is clearly a reference to Adam and Eve, because Jesus is sourcing the Scriptures!
Mark 10:6- But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
Jesus said that at the beginning of the creation God made male and female, but he never says they were Adam and Eve.
Now, for my theory-
God created the heavens and the earth and put on it a man and a woman. This world wasn't the one we know today, it was created in ancient times and it was called by another name- Salem.
The man was called Melchizedek, and we can only guess at the woman's name. He is mentioned as being without father and mother because he was created by God just like Adam and Eve were. And, he is without beginning and end because this period in history was cut down out of time.
Why?
When Satan was filled with pride and cast out of heaven, he came to this ancient planet and caused the woman to sin. This story has a different outcome because unlike Adam, Melchizedek did not sin.
Melchizedek was truly from a different tribe. And when his wife sinned he offered prayers and supplications with strong cryings and tears to the most high God to not kill him with the rest of his world.
Because he had not sinned, the most high God swore with an oath that he would become a priest forever through the power of an endless life. And, God doesn't lie! So, when that ancient world was destroyed, Melchizedek was not because he was granted immortality and taken to heaven to be a priest forever before God's throne.
Then, God took what was Salem and started again creating what we now call heaven and earth, this time with the center of the earth being hell for the devil and his angels.
Adam and Eve were told to repopulate the earth, because the original population had been destroyed with one man being relocated.
When the humans were tempted they both sinned, and this earth was cursed. More angels fell and the earth was flooded, but not the universe, and a family survived- Noah.
As the populations grew God's plan for the Messiah was put into action and Christ came to die for mankind.
Christ pleads with God not to forsake his soul in hell. He fears, because he will become sin on the cross. And, with the most eternal oath they both know he hears the Father swear after the order of Melchizedek, that eternal priesthood promise that Christ saw was fulfilled so long ago.
How did I come to this conclusion?
Ecclesiastes 1:9- The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
You can agree, or not. As I said it is a theory, which won't be debunked or validated until we stand before God's throne.