Archive for September 2008

His Glory!!!

30. September 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Hello:

This scripture has me just screaming this morning. With everything happening in our economy and the battle over Walstreet and Mainstreet and us feeling it with our homes, our savings, our retirements, our children’s college funds, our businesses and the list goes on and on, you have to just ask God what does it all mean.

This is such a great time to be a Christian. What a wonderful season this is we’re in spiritually. God is in control and all is still well.

In the midst of it all you have to ask God though what does it all mean and this scripture came to mind.

John 11: 40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”

Ohhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!! That scripture is really blessing me.

Stay encouraged!!!!

God Bless!!!!

Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Answers to Disciples Test

29. September 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Hello: 

Below are the answers to the test.  Some of you did really well and others well……………. Let’s just say, I am so proud that you took it.  Many of you thanked me for changing up the devotional a bit and making it as a study course with a quiz.  You are welcome.   In the near future, I hope to continue to do things to help you retain and learn the scriptures.  If you don’t know by now, I am on a mission to equip God’s people with the word of God.  I’ll talk a little bit more about that on tomorrow.  I have a wonderful story to tell you that I hope will motivate you to study God’s word even the more. Okay,  Here are the answers!!!!!!!! 

 

1.     List the 12 disciples. Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.” 

2.     These disciples were apart of Jesus inner circle.  List them.   Peter, James, John 

3.     There were two sets of brothers among the disciples.  List them.  Peter and Andrew;  James and John 

4.     Disciple that betrayed Jesus:  Judas  

 

5.     Disciple that denied Jesus three times:  Peter 

6.     Disciple that is sometimes confused with another evangelist in the new testament with the same name.  Philip 

7.     Disciple that was upset because of the anointing by the woman with the alabaster box of oil.  Judas 

8.     Disciple that brought his brother to Jesus.  Andrew9.     Which disciples witnessed Jesus at the transfiguration?  Peter, James, John 

10.                       We talked about This disciple and how with his question invoked a powerful and controversial (to this day) phrase from Jesus.   Answer the following concerning this event.a.    Name of Disciple:  Thomasb.    What did he ask Jesus:  Show us the wayc.    What was Jesus’ response:  I am the way the truth and the life and no man cometh to the Father but by me.   

11.                       When Jesus called the twelve to him what was their assignment.  Gave them authority To cast out demons, to heal every disease and sickness. 

12.                       Another name for the feast of Unleaven bread.  Passover 

 

13.                        This disciple is the one that actually encourages the others to go along with Jesus when Lazarus is raised from the dead.  Thomas 

 

14.                       Which disciple (s)  was accredited with writing one of the New Testament Gospels.    Matthew and John.   The gospels only include the books Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.   

15.                       Which disciple was labeled a thief.  Judas 

 

16.                        Matthew was also called: Levi 

17.                       Who was the name of Matthew’s father:  Alphaeus 

 

18.                       These three disciples were all from the same hometown a.    What are the names of the three:  Peter, Andrew, Philipb.    What is the name of this town.  Bethsadia 

19.                       These disciples were all business partners.  List them.  Peter, Andrew, James, and John 

20.                       List at least two of the disciples that we know nothing about we simply have their names listed among the disciples.   Any of the following: Bartholomew, Thaddeaus,  James the son of Alphaues, Simon the Zealot 

 

21.                       When the woman came to anoint Jesus with the alabaster box of oil, answer the following concerning this event.a.    Whose home was Jesus in:  Lazarusb.    Why was he there:  dinner was given in his honorc.    List at least four people who were in attendance:  Mary, Martha, Lazarus, Judasd.    What Jewish holiday was fast approaching:  Passovere.    How much was the perfume worth that was used on Jesus:  a year’s  worth of wages 

22.                       Disciple who doubting that Jesus had risen from the dead and needed proof by thrusting his hand in his side.  Thomas 

23.                        Disciples that wanted to sit at the right hand of Jesus. James and John (brothers) 

 

24.                       Disciple that preached to the first Gentile person.  Peter 

25.                        What was the name of that Gentile person in the question above.   Cornelius 

26.                       Disciple that was a tax collector.  Matthew 

 

27.                       How much money was paid to the disciple that would betray Jesus.  30 pieces of silver.28.                       At what event did Jesus identify the disciple who would betray him.  Last supper 

29.                        Four disciples shared the same names.  Who were they?Simon Peter, Simon Zealot, James brother of John, and James, son of Alphaues 

30.                       Name of Judas father:  Simon Iscariot 

31.                        What was Jesus doing right before his betrayer came.  In the

garden of

Gethsemane praying.   

 

32.                       What was the signal arranged by the betrayer to identify Jesus to his captors.  A kiss 

33.                        Immediately Jesus was captured and turned over to who:  Pontius Pilate.  

 

34.                       When the disciple that betrayed him found out Jesus had been condemned to death what was his response:  He was remorseful and hanged himself  

35.                       What happened to the money that the disciple got for betraying Jesus?  Bought potters field 

 

36.                       What Old Testament prophet prophesied about what would be done to the money that was given for betraying Jesus.  Jeremiah.   

37.                       List the names of the disciples that were in the upper room on the day of Pentecost.  All of them except Judas Iscariot.  

 

38.                       What does the Greek name Zealot mean:  to be emulator, zealous admirer or follower.     

39.                       What does the Hebrew form of the name Zealot mean;  one that is zealous on behalf of God.   

 

40.                       Which disciple was labeled as a Zealot:  Simon 

41.                        Explain who the zealots were:  a military group whose desire was to overthrow the existing government and restore the ruler ship to

Israel.   

 

42.                       The zealots were listed among 3 other major Jewish sects.  Name those other three Jewish sects.  Essences, Pharisees, and Sadducees.  

43.                       Concerning one of the disciples it was speculated that he may be the brother of Matthew.  What was the name of this disciple and what made people think that he could possibly be the brother of Matthew.    James, their fathers both shared the same name.   

 

44.                       This disciple had a surname called Thaddeaus:  Lebbaeus 

45.                       Thomas was known for three other names, list all three.  Doubting Thomas, Didymus,  

 

46.                       This disciple is always named in the company of Philip, Bartholomew.  

47.                       Which disciple did Jesus enter into his house for dinner after his call and many publicans and sinners followed him and the religious leaders got upset.  Matthew the tax collector 

 

48.                        These disciples were called the sons of thunders.  List the name of the disciples.  James and John (the brothers)  

49.                         Sons of thunder comes from what name.  Boargnes 

 

50.                         Jesus asked these disciples to watch and pray when he was in the

garden of

Gethsemane. His inner circle, Peter, James, and John. 

 

Stay encouraged!!!!!!!!

 

God Bless!!!!!!!!!!

 Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

Second Chance

26. September 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Hello:

 Yes, I received your requests for extra time.  Since the posting was so late on yesterday,  I will not review the test until Monday.  For those of you who have just joined us, please feel free to do the study on the disciples and submit your test.

 Try the test from memory and if that is not working too well, then make it an open book.   Taking a test like this and doing the answers can be a tremendous help in retaining the information.

Please have a wonderful weekend.

In the words Of Bishop Paul Morton’s Song Be Blessed:

Be Blessed my brother, Be Blessed My sister

Be Blessed wherever this life leads you.

Let me encourage you, let me speak life to you, You can depend on God to see you through. 

You can depend on me to pray for you.

You might be hurting, you might be crying, you might be worrying and frustrated too.  Let me encourage you , let me speak life to you. You can depend on God to see  you through.  

I see you in the future, and you look better.  I see you walking in favor and prosperity too. 

Let me encourage you.  let me speak life to you.  YOu can depend on God to see you through.

 I’ll  pray for you,    

 you pray for  me  and watch God change things.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Stay encouraged.   Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

Disciples Test

25. September 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Hello: 

TEST TIME!!!!!!!!!! So sorry for the delay.   My day was crazy and I wanted to be thorough.  I know many of you have been waiting for this. (lol) 

For those of you that will be taking it, here are your instructions. 

If you printed out notes or took notes, please put them away.  I SEE YOU!!!!!  (lol) Print the test out, it will be easier.  You can either hit the reply button and post your answers (should you want the world to see) or you can email me personally at bernice@bernicedavisministries.org.    

Okay, here we go.  Close your notebooks and ready,….  Begin!!! 1.     List the 12 disciples.

2.     These disciples were apart of Jesus inner circle.  List them

3.     There were two sets of brothers among the disciples.  List them.

4.     Disciple that betrayed Jesus

5.     Disciple that denied Jesus three times

6.     Disciple that is sometimes confused with another evangelist in the new testament with the same name.

7.     Disciple that was upset because of the anointing by the woman with the alabaster box of oil.

8.     Disciple that brought his brother to Jesus.

9.     Which disciples witnessed Jesus at the transfiguation

10.    We talked about This disciple and how with his question invoked a powerful and controversial (to this day) phrase from Jesus.   Answer the following concerning this event.

a.    Name of Disciple

b.    What did he ask Jesus.

c. What was Jesus’ response

11.        When Jesus called the twelve to him what was their assignment.

12.                       Another name for the feast of Unleaven bread.

13.                        This disciple is the one that actually encourages the others to go along with Jesus when Lazarus is raised from the dead.

14.                       Which disciple (s)  was accredited with writing one of the New Testament Gospels.

15.                       Which disciple was labeled a thief.

16.                        Matthew was also called

17.                       Who was the name of Matthew’s father

18.                       These three disciples were all from the same hometown

a.    What are the names of the three

b.    What is the name of this town.

19.                       These disciples were all business partners.  List them.

20.                       List at least two of the disciples that we know nothing about we simply have their names listed among the disciples.

21.                       When the woman came to anoint Jesus with the alabaster box of oil, answer the following concerning this event.

a.    Whose home was Jesus in

b.    Why was he there

c.    List at least four people who were in attendanced.    What Jewish holiday was fast approaching

e.    How much was the perfume worth that was used on Jesus

22.                       Disciple who doubting that Jesus had risen from the dead and needed proof by thrusting his hand in his side.

23.                        Disciples that wanted to sit at the right hand of Jesus.

24.                       Disciple that preached to the first Gentile person.

25.                        What was the name of that Gentile person in the question above.

26.                       Disciple that was a tax collector.

27.                       How much money was paid to the disciple that would betray Jesus

28.                       At what  event did Jesus identify the disciple who would betray him.

29.                        Four disciples shared the same names.  Who were they?

30.                       Name of Judas father

31.                        What was Jesus doing right before his betrayer came.

32.                       What was the signal arranged by the betrayer to identify Jesus to his captors.

33.                        Immediately Jesus was captured and turned over to who

34.                       When the disciple that betrayed him found out Jesus had been condemned to death what was his response

35.                       What happened to the money that the disciple got for betraying Jesus?

36.                       What Old Testament prophet prophesied about what would be done to the money that was given for betraying Jesus.

37.                       List the names of the disciples that were in the upper room on the day of Pentecost.

38.                       What does the Greek name Zealot mean

39.                       What does the Hebrew form of the name Zealot mean

40.                       Which disciple was labeled as a Zealot

41.                        Explain who the zealots were

42.                       The zealots were listed among 3 other major Jewish sects.  Name those other three Jewish sects.

43.                       Concerning one of the disciples it was speculated that he may be the brother of Matthew.  What was the name of this disciple and what made people think that he could possibly be the brother of Matthew. 

44.                       This disciple had a surname called Thaddeaus

45.                       Thomas was known for three other names, list all three.

46.                       This disciple is always named in the company of Philip

47.                       Which disciple did Jesus enter into his house for dinner after his call and many publicans and sinners followed him and the religious leaders got upset.

48.                        These disciples were called the sons of thunders.  List the name of the disciples.

49.                         Sons of thunder comes from what name.

50.                         Jesus asked these disciples to watch and pray when he was in the garden of

Gethsemane.

Stay encouraged!!!!!!!!

God Bless!!!!!!!!!!

Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

Disciples Review

24. September 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Hello: 

 

Okay, let me give you some quick tips for the test.  I told I was serious.  (lol). 

1.     Though I gave you the summary of what the disciples did and who they were before I gave you the scripture, make sure you read the scripture carefully, because there will be things included on the test that was not in the body of my summary but in the text itself.2.     Make sure you know the relationships of the disciples if any.3.     Make sure you can identify any of the parent’s names.4.     Make sure you are familiar with some of the famous things that some of them are known for.5.     Make sure you pay close attention to how each one was called. 

 

Okay, enough hints.  Today is review.  Tomorrow I will post the test and please take it without looking at notes and email me your answers.   

On Friday, you will get the results. 

 

Enjoy your review.   

Stay encouraged!!!!!!!! 

 

God Bless!!!!!!!!!!

 Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments »

Judas Iscariot

23. September 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Hello: 

We are on our last disciple.  You know what that means.  Test is coming soon.

 Here is our text that we have been studying with the list of the disciples in them.

Matthew 10:1 “He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. 2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.”

 Our last disciple is the infamous Judas Iscariot.  I think we are all very acquainted with this disciple.  He goes down in our history books as the one who would betray Jesus.  Let’s look at the details of this story.

 We do know that Judas was purposely chosen by Jesus and that he was the son of a man by the name of Simon Iscariot.  This text bellows gives us that information.  This is the story when many of Jesus disciples walked away from him and only the twelve are left.  At the height of Jesus’ ministry, he had acquired many more disciples than the original twelve. 

 John 6:66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. 67 ”You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” 70 Then Jesus replied, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” 71 (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)

Judas also was a thief yet he was the keeper of the money bag for Jesus.  How fascinating is that.   Judas was also the one that objected to the woman with the alabaster box of oil breaking it over Jesus and anointing him.  Let’s look at the story.

 John 12:1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 ”Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

 The following scripture shows the beginning of Judas plot to betray Jesus.

 Matthew 26:14 “Then one of the Twelve–the one called Judas Iscariot–went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. 16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.”

Our remote account of this same incidence is found in Luke and it teaches us that Satan entered the heart of Judas.  Let’s look at the text.

 Luke 22:1 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, 2 and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. 3 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. 4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. 5 They were delighted and agreed to give him money. 6 He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.

 The following text is the discussion at the “last supper” when Jesus acknowledges the betrayal plan.

 Matthew 26:20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.” 22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely not I, Lord?” 23 Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” 25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “Yes, it is you.”

The next text touches my heart every time I read it.  This is the actual betrayal incident.

 Matthew 26:45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” 47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. 50 Jesus replied, “Friend, do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.

 The next story tells of the remorse felt by Judas after he heard that Jesus was condemned to death.  This story too touches my heart.  Some scholars argue that Judas might have been aligned with the zealot party and was trying to deliver Jesus into the hands of his enemy for him to start a revolt and begin a fight to overthrow the Roman government.  Whatever his reason, for the scriptures are silent on this issue, we do know that he was very remorseful for his deeds. Let’s look at the text.

 Matthew 27:3 Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death. 2 They bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate, the governor. 3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. 4 ”I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.” “What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.” 5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. 6 The chief priests picked up the coins and said, “It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.” 7 So they decided to use the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. 8 That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day. 9 Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “They took the thirty silver coins, the price set on him by the people of Israel, 10 and they used them to buy the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.”


Okay, that’s the twelve.  Tomorrow, we will do a review and I will give you some instructions for the test, and on Thursday, we will take the test. (lol).  I really am serious.

 
Stay encouraged!!!!

God Bless!!!!

Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Simon the Zealot

22. September 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Hello: 

 

Welcome back from the weekend.  Oh!!!!!!!!!  I had such a good time at church yesterday.   WOW!!!!!!!!!  Is all I can say.  God is sooooooooo  good. 

We are still studying our disciples.  Today we want to talk about Simon the Zealot. 

Our text is still the same:  Here is a list of all twelve disciples.

 

Matthew 10:1 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was F42 Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Cananite, F43 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.

 The New Testament only mentions Simon the Zealot three times and in each time it is in connection with giving the list of the twelve.   

The last we hear of Simon the Zealot is in Acts when he is listed among the group that is in the upper room on the day of Pentecost waiting for the outpouring of the Holy Ghost. 

Since we do not have any information about Simon the Zealot let’s discuss a little about what Zealot means.  The term Zealot comes from a Hebrew word which means one that is zealous on behalf of God.  It’s Greek counterpart means to be emulator, zealous admirer or follower.    The Zealots were a religious group and were constantly in rebellion towards the governing body.    The Zealots believed that

Israel should not be ruled by foreigners and that it was a dynasty that should only be ruled by the kings from the line of David.  They constantly fought Roman control and frequently incited the people to rebel against Roman authority. 

The Zealots were labeled among the four main Jewish sects with the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essences being the other three.   

The Zealots often killed their own Jewish counterparts who they felt were traitors and aligned with the Roman government. 

It is fascinating to know that Jesus had a Zealot among his group.  Often times the disciples would ask him, “Master, when are you going to restore the kingdom back to

Israel.”    They were asking him when he was going to gather an army together and restore the throne to the people of

Israel.     

Having a Zealot on his staff can easily show you how that would have been a major concern of the disciples however it was never the mission of Jesus. 

Stay encouraged!!!!!!!! 

 

God Bless!!!!!!!!!!

 Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

Thomas, James & Thaddaeus

19. September 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Hello: 

 

We are still studying our disciples.  Today we want to talk about Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus and  Thaddaeus. 

Our text is still the same:  Here is a list of all twelve disciples.

Matthew 10:1 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. 

The New Testament only mentions James four times and each time it is in connection with giving the list of the twelve.  There was some speculation that he may be the brother of Matthew since they both were called the son of Alphaeus.  There is no biblical evidence that these two were brothers and is probably not likely since the other accounts do indicate relationship as in the case of Peter and Andrew and James and John.   Most scholars agree that their fathers simply shared the same name. 

Some manuscripts have Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus and other manuscripts just include the name Thaddaeus alone.    Thaddaues is only mentioned twice in the New Testament and in both cases he is simply listed among the names of the twelve disciples.  The scriptures do not give us any information about his personal life or any acts that were attributed to him alone.  He is merely listed as one of the Disciples of Christ. 

Thomas who has been called Doubting Thomas, Judas Thomas and Didymus.    Thomas is probably best known in church history for doubting the resurrected Christ unless he was able to thrust his hand in his side.    Here is that story. 

John 20:19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” 24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.” 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 

 

  Thomas is also included among the disciples when they go to see Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead and Thomas actually is the one that instructs the other disciples to go along.  Here is that account: 

John 11:11 After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” 12 His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” 13 Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. 14 So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 16 Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” 

Thomas is the one that asks Jesus to show them the way and Jesus responds with one the most controversial passages ever written.  Let’s look at that account. 

John 14:1 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” 

The last we hear of Thomas is in Acts when he is listed among the group that is in the upper room on the day of Pentecost waiting for the outpouring of the Holy Ghost. 

Okay, we only have two left to go and then the test. 

Have a wonderful weekend.  If you didn’t get a chance to go see Tyler Perry’s The Family That Preys, go check it out.  I’m going again with my husband this weekend.   

Stay encouraged!!!!!!!! 

 

God Bless!!!!!!!!!!

 Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Technical Difficulties

18. September 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Hello, having problems posting.   It keeps kicking me out.  TOok me forever to just get these couple of lines in.  Will try again later on this evening.  REVIEW for the test (lol)

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

Bartholomew and Matthew

17. September 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Hello: 

 

We are still studying our disciples.  We have learned a little about Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Philip.  Today we will learn about Bartholomew and Matthew.   Below is our text listing all twelve.

Matthew 10:1 “He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. 2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.”

Though Bartholomew is listed among the twelve disciples of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ the New Testament does not record any information about him.  He is always named in the company of Philip.   So let’s begin our study on Matthew. 

The first mention of Matthew occurs in the following verse and his profession is identified as a tax collector.  If you have been following our study on the book of Matthew, we talked about earlier how tax collectors were among the most hated because they overcharged the people for their own gain.  Jesus calls Matthew in the middle of him doing business and goes to his house for dinner as other tax collectors joined them.  This was a major problem for the religious leaders who felt that Jesus should not be hanging out with sinners.  Let’s look at the story. 

Matthew 9:9 “ As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. 10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disci