Day 352 of My 4th Bible Study Journey

Day 352, 17 December 2023 - 24th Day of Advent  

1) 2 Peter 1, 2 Peter 2, 2 Peter 3, Jude

2 Peter 1

Salutation

1 (Titus 2:13; Ro 3:21-26; 1:1) Simon Peter, a servant and apostle
of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith as precious
as ours through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 (Jn 17:3; 1Pe 1:2) Grace and peace be multiplied to you through
the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

[1] Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have
obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and
our Saviour Jesus Christ:
[2] Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and
of Jesus our Lord,

The Christian's Call and Election

3 (1Th 2:12; 2Th 2:14) His divine power has given to us all things that
pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge
of Him who has called us by His own glory and excellence,
4 (Heb 12:10; 1Jn 3:2) by which He has given to us exceedingly great
and precious promises, so that through these things you might become
partakers of the divine nature
and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 (2Pe 3:18; Php 4:8) For this reason make every effort to add virtue
to your faith; and to your virtue, knowledge;
6 (Ac 24:25; 2Pe 1:3) and to your knowledge, self-control; and to your
self-control, patient endurance; and to your patient endurance, godliness;
7 (Ro 12:10; 1Co 13:1-8) and to your godliness, brotherly kindness;
and to your brotherly kindness, love.
8 (Jn 15:2; Col 3:16) For if these things reside in you and abound,
they ensure that you will neither be useless nor unfruitful
in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 (Eph 5:26; Heb 9:14) But the one who lacks these things is blind
and shortsighted because he has forgotten that he was cleansed
from his former sins.
10 (2Pe 3:17) Therefore, brothers, diligently make your calling
and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.
11 For in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly provided for you.
12 (Php 3:1; 1Jn 2:21) Therefore I will not be negligent to always
remind you of these things, though you know them and are established
in the truth that is present with you.
13 (2Pe 3:1; 1:14) I consider it right, as long as I live in this body,
to stir you up by reminding you,
14 (2Ti 4:6; Jn 21:18-19) knowing that soon I will take off this body,
even as our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me.
15 And I will also be diligent to make sure that after my death you
will always remember these things.

[3] According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain
unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to
glory and virtue:
[4] Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by
these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the
corruption that is in the world through lust.
[5] And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to
virtue knowledge;
[6] And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience
godliness;
[7] And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
[8] For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall
neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[9] But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and
hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
[10] Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and
election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
[11] For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the
everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
[12] Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of
these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.
[13] Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you
up by putting you in remembrance;
[14] Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our
Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.
[15] Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have
these things always in remembrance.

Christ's Glory and the Prophetic Word

16 (1Ti 1:4; Lk 9:28-32) For we have not followed cleverly devised myths
when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.
17 (Mk 9:7; Mt 3:17; 17:5) For He received honor and glory from God
the Father when a voice came to Him from the majestic glory, saying,
"This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
(Mt 17:5; Mk 9:7; Lk 9:35.)
18 (Mt 17:6; Ex 3:5) And we ourselves heard this voice, which came
from heaven, when we were with Him on the holy mountain.
19 (Rev 22:16; Ps 119:105; Rev 2:28) And we have a more reliable word
of prophecy, which you would do well to follow, as to a light that shines
in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises
in your hearts.
20 (2Pe 3:3; Ro 12:6) But know this first of all, that no prophecy
of the Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation.
21 (1Pe 1:11; Lk 1:70; 2Sa 23:2) For no prophecy at any time was produced
by the will of man, but holy men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

[16] For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known
unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were
eyewitnesses of his majesty.
[17] For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came
such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in
whom I am well pleased.
[18] And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him
in the holy mount.
[19] We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye
take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn,
and the day star arise in your hearts:
[20] Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private
interpretation.
[21] For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men
of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

2 Peter 2

False Prophets and Teachers

Jude 4-13
1 (2Pe 2:3; Jude 1:4; 1Co 6:20) But there were also false prophets
among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you,
who will secretly bring in destructive heresies,
even denying the Lord who bought them,
bringing swift destruction upon themselves.
2 (Ro 2:24; Ac 16:17) And many will follow their destructive ways,
because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.
3 (Dt 32:35; Ro 16:18) And in their greed they will exploit you
with deceptive words. Their judgment, made long ago, does not linger,
and their destruction does not slumber.
4 (Jude 1:6; Mt 25:41; Rev 20:10) For if God did not spare the angels
that sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains
of darkness to be kept for judgment;
5 (2Pe 3:6; Heb 11:7) and if He did not spare the ancient world,
but saved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others,
when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;
6 (Jude 1:7; Nu 26:10; Dt 29:23) and if He condemned the cities of Sodom
and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, making them
an example to those afterward who would live ungodly lives;
7 (Ge 19:16; 19:29; 19:7-8) and if He delivered righteous Lot,
who was distressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked
8 (Ps 119:136; 119:158) (for that righteous man lived among them,
and what he saw and heard of their lawless deeds tormented
his righteous soul day after day);
9 (1Co 10:13; 2Pe 3:7) then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trial,
and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the Day of Judgment,
10 (Ex 22:28; Jude 1:10) especially those who walk after the flesh in pursuit
of unclean desires, and despise authority.
They are presumptuous and arrogant, and are not afraid to slander
the angelic beings.
11 (Jude 1:9) Whereas angels, who are greater in power and might,
do not bring slanderous accusations against them before the Lord.
12 (Jude 1:10; Jer 12:3) But these people are like irrational animals,
born to be captured and destroyed. They speak evil of the things that
they do not understand, and in their corruption they will be destroyed.
13 (Ro 13:13) They shall receive the wages of unrighteousness. They count it
a pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes
who revel in their own deception while they carouse together with you.
14 (Eph 2:3; 2Pe 2:3) They have eyes full of adultery that cannot cease
from sin. They entice unstable souls. Their hearts are trained in greed.
They are cursed children!
15 (Jude 1:11; Rev 2:14) They have forsaken the right way and have gone
astray. They follow the way of Balaam the son of Beor,
who loved the wages of wickedness,
16 (Nu 22:21-33) but who was rebuked for his iniquity.
The mute donkey speaking with a man's voice constrained
the madness of the prophet.
17 (Jude 1:12-13) These men are wells without water and clouds that are
carried by a storm, for whom the gloom of darkness has been reserved forever.
18 (2Pe 1:4; 2:20) For when they speak arrogant words of vanity,
they entice by the lusts of the flesh and by depravity those who barely
escaped from those who live in error.
19 (Jn 8:34; Gal 5:13) Although they promise them freedom, they themselves
are slaves of corruption, for by that which a man is overcome, to this
he is enslaved.
20 (2Pe 1:2; 2:18) For if after they have escaped the defilements of the world
through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and they are again
entangled in them and are overcome, the latter end is worse for them
than the beginning.
21 (Eze 18:24; Lk 12:47) For it would have been better for them not to have
known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then turn back
from the holy commandment that was delivered to them.
22 (Pr 26:11) But it has happened to them according to the true proverb,
"The dog returns to his own vomit,"(Pr 26:11.)
and "the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mud."

[1] But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall
be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies,
even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift
destruction.
[2] And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way
of truth shall be evil spoken of.
[3] And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise
of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation
slumbereth not.
[4] For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to
hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto
judgment;
[5] And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a
preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the
ungodly;
[6] And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them
with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live
ungodly;
[7] And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the
wicked:
[8] (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing,
vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
[9] The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to
reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
[10] But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness,
and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not
afraid to speak evil of dignities.
[11] Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing
accusation against them before the Lord.
[12] But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed,
speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish
in their own corruption;
[13] And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it
pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting
themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
[14] Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling
unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed
children:
[15] Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the
way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
[16] But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's
voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
[17] These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest;
to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
[18] For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through
the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean
escaped from them who live in error.
[19] While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of
corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in
bondage.
[20] For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the
knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled
therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
[21] For it had been better for them not to have known the way of
righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy
commandment delivered unto them.
[22] But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is
turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing
in the mire.

2 Peter 3

The Promise of the Lord's Coming

1 This is now, beloved, the second epistle I am writing to you, in which
I am stirring up your sincere minds by way of reminder,
2 (Lk 1:70; Jude 1:17) that you should remember the words that were spoken
previously by the holy prophets and the commandment of our Lord and Saviour
spoken through us, the apostles.
3 (Jude 1:18; 2Pe 2:10; Isa 28:14) Know this first, that there shall come
scoffers in the last days who walk after their own lusts,
4 (Jer 17:15; Mal 2:17) and say, "Where is the promise of His coming?
For since the fathers fell asleep, all things have continued as they
were since the beginning of the creation."
5 (Ge 1:6; 1:9) For they willingly ignore that, by the word of God
the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed standing
out of the water and in the water,
6 (2Pe 2:5) by which the world that then existed was flooded with water
and perished.
7 (2Pe 3:10; 3:12; Mt 10:15) But by the same word, the heavens and the earth
that now exist are being reserved for fire,
kept for the Day of Judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
8 (Ps 90:4) But, beloved, do not be ignorant of this one thing, that with
the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9 (1Ti 2:4; Hab 2:3; Heb 10:37) The Lord is not slow concerning His promise,
as some count slowness. But He is patient with us,
because He does not want any to perish, but all to come to repentance.
10 (Mt 24:35; Rev 21:1; 2Pe 3:7) But the day of the Lord will come like
a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with
a loud noise, and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat.
The earth also and the works that are in it will be burned up.
11 (1Pe 1:15) Seeing then that all these things are to be destroyed,
what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,
12 (2Pe 3:10; Ps 50:3; Isa 34:4) while you are waiting for and desiring
the coming of the day of God, in which the heavens will be destroyed
by fire and the elements will be consumed by intense heat?
13 (Isa 65:17; 66:22; Rev 21:1) But, according to His promise, we are waiting
for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
14 (1Co 15:58; 1Th 3:13) Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these
things, be diligent that you may be found by Him in peace, spotless
and blameless.
15 (Ac 15:25; 2Pe 3:9) Keep in mind that the patience of our Lord means
salvation, even as our beloved brother Paul has also written to you according
to the wisdom given to him.
16 (Heb 5:11; 2Pe 2:14) As in all his letters, he writes about these things,
in which some things are hard to understand, which the unlearned
and unstable distort, as they also do the other Scriptures,
to their own destruction.
17 (1Co 10:12) You therefore, beloved, since you know these things beforehand,
beware lest you also fall from your own firm footing,
being led away by the deception of the wicked.
18 (Col 1:10; Eph 4:15) But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory, both now and forever. Amen.

[1] This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir
up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
[2] That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy
prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
[3] Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers,
walking after their own lusts,
[4] And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers
fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the
creation.
[5] 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:
[6] Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
[7] 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.
[8] But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with
the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
[9] The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count
slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should
perish, but that all should come to repentance.
[10] But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which
the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt
with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be
burned up.
[11] Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of
persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
[12] Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the
heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with
fervent heat?
[13] Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a
new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
[14] Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent
that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
[15] And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as
our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath
written unto you;
[16] As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which
are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and
unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own
destruction.
[17] Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest
ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own
stedfastness.
[18] But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 

Jude

The general epistle of Jude was written by Jude, a half-brother
of Jesus Christ, in the mid AD 60s. The place of authorship is unknown.
The purpose for this epistle is to exhort believers to stand firm for
the faith. Jude is filled with apocalyptic nuances and imagery.
A reading of the Old Testament is a prerequisite before delving
into this lofty letter. There are some very encouraging exhortations
as well as some sobering ones. Read this epistle with reverence
and a humble heart. Refer back to the Old Testament Scriptures
that are enveloped within its confines.

Salutation

1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James,
To those who are sanctified and called by God the Father
and preserved in Jesus Christ:

2 May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.

[1] Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that
are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:
[2] Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.

Judgment on False Teachers

2Pe 2:1-17

3 Beloved, while I diligently tried to write to you of the salvation
we have in common, I found it necessary to write and appeal
to you to contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints.
4 For there are some men who secretly crept in, who were marked long ago
for this condemnation. They are ungodly men, who pervert the grace of our God
into immorality and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.
5 Now I want to remind you, though you already know, that the Lord saved
the people out of the land of Egypt and afterward destroyed those
who did not believe.
6 Likewise, the angels who did not keep to their first domain, but forsook
their own dwelling, He has kept in everlasting chains under darkness
for the judgment of the great day.
7 Just as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the surrounding cities in like manner,
gave themselves to immorality and went after different flesh, they serve
as an example by suffering the punishment of eternal fire.
8 Likewise, these ungodly dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority,
and slander celestial beings.
9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil in a dispute
about the body of Moses, did not dare to pronounce upon him
a railing judgment. But he said, "The Lord rebuke you!"
10 But these men slander those things that they do not understand.
But they destroy themselves in those things that, like unreasoning animals,
they know by instinct.
11 Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily after
the error of Balaam for a reward, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.
12 These are the ones who are stains on your love feasts as they feast with
you irreverently and care only for themselves. They are clouds without water,
carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, uprooted;
13 raging waves of the sea, which are foaming up their own shame;
wandering stars for whom the gloom of darkness has been kept forever.
14 Enoch, the seventh generation from Adam, also prophesied of these men,
saying, "Look! The Lord is coming with ten thousand of His holy ones,
15 to execute judgment on everyone, and to convict all who are godless
of all their wicked deeds that they have committed, and of all the terrible
words that godless sinners have spoken against Him."
16 These men are grumblers, complainers, who walk after their own lusts.
Their mouths speak arrogant words, and they flatter others to gain profit.

[3] Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common
salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye
should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the
saints.
[4] For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old
ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God
into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus
Christ.
[5] I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how
that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward
destroyed them that believed not.
[6] And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own
habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the
judgment of the great day.
[7] Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner,
giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are
set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
[8] Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion,
and speak evil of dignities.
[9] Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed
about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation,
but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
[10] But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they
know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
[11] Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily
after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of
Core.
[12] These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you,
feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried
about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead,
plucked up by the roots;
[13] Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars,
to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
[14] And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying,
Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
[15] To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly
among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and
of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
[16] These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and
their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in
admiration because of advantage.

Warnings and Exhortations

17 But, beloved, remember the words that were previously spoken
by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.
18 They said to you, "In the last days there will be scoffers
who will walk after their own ungodly desires."
19 These are the men who cause divisions, sensual, devoid of the Spirit.
20 But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith.
Pray in the Holy Spirit.
21 Keep yourselves in the love of God while you are waiting for the mercy
of our Lord Jesus Christ, which leads to eternal life.
22 On some have compassion, using discernment.
23 And others save with fear while pulling them out of the fire,
hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

[17] But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the
apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
[18] How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who
should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
[19] These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
[20] But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith,
praying in the Holy Ghost,
[21] Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord
Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
[22] And of some have compassion, making a difference:
[23] And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even
the garment spotted by the flesh.

Benediction

24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you
blameless before the presence of His glory with rejoicing,
25 to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty,
dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.

[24] Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you
faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
[25] To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and
power, both now and ever. Amen. 

2) Our Daily Bread for 17 December 2024 
<a href="https://odb.org/2024/12/17/the-rescue-2"> 
Jesus Our Rescuer </a>

Matthew 1:18-25

The Birth of Jesus Christ

Lk 2:1-7

18 (Ge 3:15) Now the birth of Jesus Christ happened this way:
After His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, before they came together,
she was found with child by the Holy Spirit.
19 (Dt 22:21-24; 24:1-4 )Then Joseph her husband, being a just man
and not willing to make her a public example, had in mind to divorce
her privately.
20 (Mt 1:18; 2:13) But while he thought on these things, the angel
of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying,
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,
for He who is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
21 (Lk 1:31; Ac 4:12) She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS,
for He will save His people from their sins."
22 (Mt 2:15; 2:23) Now all this occurred to fulfill what the Lord
had spoken through the prophet, saying,
23 (Isa 7:14; 9:6-7; Mt 28:20) "A virgin shall be with child,
and will bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,"
[Isa 7:14.] which is interpreted, "God with us."
24 Then Joseph, being awakened from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord
had commanded him, and remained with his wife,
25 (Mt 1:21; Lk 2:7) and did not know her until she had given birth
to her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.

[18] Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary
was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child
of the Holy Ghost.
[19] Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her
a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
[20] But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord
appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to
take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the
Holy Ghost.
[21] And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS:
for he shall save his people from their sins.
[22] Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of
the Lord by the prophet, saying,
[23] Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and
they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
[24] Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had
bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
[25] And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he
called his name JESUS.
  
What began as a normal cable car ride across a Pakistani valley turned into a 
frightful ordeal. Shortly after the ride began, two supporting cables snapped,
leaving eight passengers-including school children-suspended hundreds of feet 
in the air. The situation sparked an arduous twelve-hour rescue operation by 
the Pakistani military, who used ziplines, helicopters, 
and more to rescue the passengers.

Those well-trained rescuers are to be commended, but their work pales in 
comparison to the eternal work of Jesus, whose mission was to save and rescue 
us from sin and death. Prior to Christ's birth, an angel instructed Joseph to 
take Mary home because her pregnancy was from "the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 1:18,
20). Joseph was also told to name his son Jesus, because He would "save his 
people from their sins" (v. 21). Yet, while this name was common in the first 
century, only this child was qualified to be the Savior (Luke 2:30-32). Christ
came at the right time to seal and secure the eternal salvation of all who 
repent and believe in Him.

We were all trapped in the cable car of sin and death, suspended over the 
valley of eternal separation from God. But in His love and grace, Jesus came 
to rescue us and bring us safely home to our heavenly Father. Praise Him!

By:  Marvin Williams

Reflect & Pray

What significant mission would Mary's baby have? 
What does the rescue Jesus secured mean to you?

Dear Jesus, please help me to rejoice 
in the reality that though I once was lost, 
I can now be found because of Your grace.

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 3 - The Remedy

Acts 4:12

12 (Mt 1:21; Jn 3:36) "There is no salvation in any other,
for there is no other name under heaven given among men
by which we must be saved."

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name
under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

"You have cancer", the doctor told his patient. "We need to operate
- as soon as possible. It's the only remedy." The patient, not wanting
to undergo surgery unless it was absolutely necessary, sought out a second
opinion, then a third. When the third round of testing came up with the same
results, she returned to the doctor and submitted herself to the treatment.
Often the remedy for the problems in our lives seems worst than the problems
themselves. We don't want to endure the pain of self-examination, of honest
confrontation with our sin and selfishness. We'd rather live in "blissful
ignorance" than face up to ourselves.
But the Bible tells us there is only one remedy for sin: casting ourselves
upon the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. Submitting ourselves to God's
"treatment" for sin is not an easy matter or a simple decision. We have to
give up on ourselves, on our own striving for self-salvation. We have to come
to the agonising realisation of our sin, the depths to which we have fallen.
Acknowledging sin is not a duty simply for "bad" people who have lived in
rebellion against God. "Good" people - Sunday-school kids, moral parents,
and sweet little grandmothers - may have more difficulty coming to Christ
than swindlers and prostitutes, precisely because their sin is not as
visible - sometimes it is even applauded by church and society.
"Good" or "bad", we all have the same problem: sin. And, because
of the Lord's grace, we all have the same remedy: salvation through Christ.
As we look to him, not to others, and see ourselves in light of his holiness,
we can glimpse the seriousness of our own resistance to him and call upon
his name.

Application

a) What other "remedies" have I tried to use in treating my sin?

b) Why is Jesus Christ the only source of salvation?

c) How can this verse help me to see the "salvation"
of Christ in the daily struggles of life? 


4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

Mark 4:20-25

20 (Mk 4:8; Jn 15:4-5) "Still others are seed sown on good ground,
those who hear the word, and receive it, and bear fruit:
thirty, sixty, or a hundred times as much."

A Light Under a Basket

Lk 8:16-18

21 (Mt 5:15; Lk 8:16) He said to them, "Is a candle brought to be put
under a basket or under a bed and not to be set on a candlestick?
22 (Lk 8:17) For there is nothing hidden except to be revealed;
neither is anything kept secret except to be proclaimed.
23 (Mk 4:9; Mt 11:15)If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."
24 (Mt 7:2) He said to them, "Take heed what you hear.
The measure you give will be measured for you,
and to you who hear will more be given.
25 (Mt 13:12; Lk 8:18) For to him who has will more be given.
And from him who has not will be taken, even what he has."

20 And these are they which are sown on good ground;
such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit,
some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.
21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put
under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested;
neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete,
it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
25 For he that hath, to him shall be given:
and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:

God's Help in Times of Temptation

Hebrews 4:14-16

Jesus the Great High Priest

14 (Heb 6:20; 1:2-3) Since then we have a great High Priest
Who has passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God,
let us hold firmly to our confession.
15 (2Co 5:21; Jn 8:46) For we do not have a High Priest
who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses,
but One who was in every sense tempted like we are, yet without sin.
16 (Eph 3:12; Php 4:6-7) Let us then come with confidence
to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy
and find grace to help in time of need.

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest,
that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God,
let us hold fast our profession.
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.
16 Let us therefore come boldly
unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy,
and find grace to help in time of need.

Remember God's promises when You pray

The Lord's prayer

Matthew 6:9-13 


9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: 
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 
11 Give us this day our daily bread. 
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: 
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.


6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)

The Northern Territories of Canada

Yukon

Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69

In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families
in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,
they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.

Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.

Northwest Territories (NWT)

NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473

The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.
To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million
Islamic Centre.

Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to
spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Nunavut (NU)

NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86

The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.
Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far northern reaches of Canada."

Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel. 

Adding further

30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020

Under the Keep Praying page

When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.

Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."

Peter's Speech at Pentecost

14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'

- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.

- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.

Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."

Ideas for prayer

- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -

Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!

My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity

(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...) 


7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada

http://www.ehc.ca

17th Day of the Month

a) Pray for the safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict an crimes

( Ps 122:7 - 7 Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!

7 Peace be within thy walls,
And prosperity within thy palaces.)

b) Pray for the province of Ontario

I) Pray for the leaders of Ontario,
that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4

1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.

III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus

) 


Advent Day 24

From C.S. Lewis A grand miracle by Joel Heck

"Once more, very many thanks to all your great goodness to me and mine:
and with all best wishes for a happy Christmas."

-C. S. Lewis

(From Letter to Dr. Warfield Firor, Nov. 6, 1948, Lewis' Collected Letters,
II, p. 889.)

Christmas Gratitude

During World War Two and for nearly a decade thereafter,
England suffered from a scarcity of certain foods and other consumables.
Rationing was the only solution, and a victory in the war the only consolation.
During those years, many in England benefited from the generosity of American
citizens almost as much as from the heroic courage of American soldiers.
The Lewis household was one of many to receive packages from the States,
which greatly eased the hardship. In the process, God blessed both the giver
and the recipients.

Dr. Warfield Firor, a physician from Baltimore, sent package after package
for many years. Because of the gift of more than one delicious ham,
Lewis once named him "Firor-of-the-Hams." Lewis had to come up with new
and creative ways of expressing his thanks, so frequent and generous
were Firor's gifts. Finally, Dr. Firor insisted that Lewis not thank
him anymore, but simply write to him about what he was reading, thinking,
or doing at the time. But in a letter in 1948, Lewis paired his gratitude
with greetings for the upcoming Christmas season.

The psalmist, thankful for God's strength, salvation, refuge, and
righteousness, thanks God for being his God. He says, "The Lord is
my strength and my song; he has become my salvation" (Ps. 118:14).
In the Advent season, we think of the salvation that God has sent
in his Son, and we are grateful.

We give thanks to you, 0 Lord, because you are good,
and because you gave us Jesus. Give us truly grateful hearts.

Amen.

You are my God, and I will praise You;
You are my God, I will exalt You.

Psalm 118:28

From Follow The Story by Marva J. Dawn

TUESDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT

John's Qualifications

And the child grew and became strong in spirit, ...

-Luke 1:80a


What do we mean when we assert that certain people have a "strong spirit"?
Usually we are awed by their

passionate convictions or the certainty of their beliefs.
In John the Forerunner's case, we encounter both the culmination of his call
to prepare the way for his Lord and the aftermath of his years of solitude
in the desert when his preeminent teacher was God. Some scholars speculate
that he was associated with the Essenes, who had retreated to the barren
lands to preserve their faith, but we don't know for sure.


Nor do we know how old John was when he withdrew to the wilderness,
but we can surmise that earlier he had benefited from the rigorous
training of Zechariah and Elizabeth.

They had enfolded him entirely in the story of Israel's long­ awaited
Messiah and in his own call to cultivate repentance in preparation for him.
On the bedrock of his parents' proficiencies, God equipped him
in the wastelands to meet the public and testify to them.

prayer

Equip us wholly, Lord, to serve you the best we can. Amen.


Read Luke 1:76-80.

76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
77 to give knowledge of salvation to His people
by the remission of their sins,
78 through the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise from on high has visited us;
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace."
80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit,
and he remained in the wilderness until the day of his appearance to Israel.

From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler

FOURTH TUESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ACCLAMATION!

7 so that, being justified by His grace, we might
become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want
you constantly to affirm, so that those who have believed in God might be
careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to
everyone. TITUS 3:7-8

Christmas is the time for acclamation . . . and so is Advent! This AH-HA
is present throughout our lives in the Lord as we shout. cheer, applaud
and say "AH-HA and hooray" to those around us!
Today's lesson is a great summary of the life in the Lord that we acclaim
daily. We are justified by his grace. which means we live "just as if I'd never
sinned." The Babe born in the manger whom we celebrate these days is
the reason for the reason we are free to acclaim his love and forgiveness
to others ... starting with ourselves!
Ruth Graham, wife of Billy Graham. had it right when she said that a "happy
'marriage is the union of two forgivers." We acclaim that this is what the
Church is all about also---a commUNION of forgivers in Christ!
The Church has not survived for over 2000 years because of our optimism,
idealism or realism, but because the Spirit has empowered his people to
acclaim and witness to the birth, death, and resurrection of the Lord! Our
job is not to fix the world but to forgive the world through Christ Jesus!

Lord, we applaud, praise and acclaim your name. And even when
we do not acclaim your name, we know that you claim us as your forgiven
people! Help us. Lord, to say. like St. Paul, " This is a faithful saying!"
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!

Read Titus 3:4-8

4 (Titus 2:10-11) But when the kindness and the love of God our Saviour
toward mankind appeared,
5 (Ro 12:2; 1Pe 3:21) not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of rebirth
and the renewal of the Holy Spirit,
6 (Ro 5:5; Joel 2:28) whom He poured out on us abundantly through
Jesus Christ our Saviour,
7 (Ro 8:17; Titus 1:2) so that, being justified by His grace, we might
become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 (1Ti 1:15; Titus 2:14) This is a faithful saying, and these things I want
you constantly to affirm, so that those who have believed in God might be
careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to
everyone.

From <a href="https://oneagleswings.ca/"> On Eagle's wings </a>

Called to Serve
18 (Mt 11:5; Ps 146:7-8; Isa 42:7) "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
because He has anointed Me
to preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the broken-hearted,
to preach deliverance to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed; 

[18] The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to
preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the
brokenhearted, to
preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the
blind, to
set at liberty them that are bruised,

Luke 4:18 (NRSV)
 
It was Advent 1983 and the Bishop had phoned to say that he had
been unable to find a priest to send us for Christmas. We were on
our own. I approached Harry, a member of the congregation, who
occasionally read Scripture at our Sunday morning services.
"Sister, I don't mind reading the Christmas Gospel in Cree but I
don't feel qualified to preach."
"Harry, I think the Lord qualifies those he calls to serve; but don't
worry, I will give the reflection after the reading."
When the church bell tolled at midnight on December 25th, the
church was filled. After reading from the Christmas passage of
Luke 2:1-7, I expected Harry to take his seat, when much to my
surprise, he began to speak to the people. "This story says that
Mary and Joseph were turned away when they tried to find a place
for Jesus to be born. Joseph knocked on all the doors in town, and
even the manager of the hotel wouldn't give them a room. Us Cree
people, we can't understand that. We always let people camp in our
house, even strangers. But what about letting Jesus into our hearts?
Jesus knocks and knocks and we often just ignore him. What would
our reserve look like if Jesus were invited into everyone's heart?
This Christmas story is told to teach us a lesson. Let’s all invite
Jesus in and give him a place to be born."
Somehow I didn't feel like I needed to give my reflection. The
Lord had qualified Harry to give the message to his people.
Loving Father, as we prepare for the birth of your Son, give us
the courage to hear and answer the call to serve, knowing that
you will qualify us to bring the Good News to the poor. Amen.

Written by Sr. Bernadette Gautreau, Mexico, ME, 2018
On Eagle's Wings Supporte

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to know the warnings of the Lord as evil increases 
today.

Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, please help me to rejoice 
in the reality that though I once was lost, 
I can now be found because of Your grace."

Pray to the Lord and pray to know That Jesus is the only source of salvation.

Pray to the Lord and pray to be a light of Jesus in this world.

Pray to the Lord and pray to give him all your temptations.

Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.

Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ. 

Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel. 

- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people - 
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims 
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days! 

Pray for the safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict an crimes

We give thanks to you, 0 Lord, because you are good,
and because you gave us Jesus. Give us truly grateful hearts.

Pray: Equip us wholly, Lord, to serve you the best we can. Amen.

Pray: Lord, we applaud, praise and acclaim your name. And even when
we do not acclaim your name, we know that you claim us as your forgiven
people! Help us. Lord, to say. like St. Paul, " The saying is sure!"
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA! 

Pray: Loving Father, as we prepare for the birth of your Son, give us
the courage to hear and answer the call to serve, knowing that
you will qualify us to bring the Good News to the poor. Amen.

Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.

Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
-- 
Member - Liberal International This is [email protected] Ici [email protected]
Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising!
Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ;
Merry Christmas 2024 and Happy New Year 2025