Matthew 3 - What We Can Learn?

SF, Stagecoach, NV

Dear Brothers, Sisters, Prodigals and Unsaved

   Starting with Matthew Chapter 3 today and the Lessons within it, How John the Baptist Preaches, and the Baptism of Jesus.  All within verses 1-17 a short chapter for all of us, but much to think about. 

Verse  NOTE: ALL meanings are from Strong's Concordance.

1-2         God [Abba]: was determine to send Jesus' cousin, John the Baptist - 6 months ahead of Jesus, to prepared His way, and acceptance that Jesus was the true Messiah and Deliverer to ALL people of the earth.

3            Lesson: Isaiah the Prophet, said in [Isaiah 40:3 NKJV] "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the LORD; Make straight in the desert A highway for our God.

              Prepare means, to turn and do, or to turn and look; look back at, after, or for.

              Straight means, to be; right, straight, level, upright, just, lawful, and smooth this would mean, make sure when you stand for something - you're standing for what is right, lawful and seeking justice [both with God First then man's law].  Be careful not to get on a bumpy road - stay on the smooth and level roads that are in agreement with Abba's Word.

              Highway means, a thoroughfare (as turnpike), literally or figuratively; specifically a viaduct, a staircase:—causeway, course, highway, path, terrace.  So whatever you are doing, be sure it's for the Lord, KNOWING that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are with you - for they ARE!  They SEE exactly what you're doing and know the intention of your heart.

4-6         Lesson: John didn't worry about what he wore, ate, or needed, Abba provided; food, clothing and helpers.  Priests were so corrupt in those days lying to themselves, just as the unsaved today will tell you there is no God. God wouldn't heal you or help you in any way.  He doesn't exist.  LIES, LIES and more LIES - you need to ignore them, because you are the light of the world and if YOU do not preach the Gospel, who will?

            How can YOU be like John?  You must ask the Holy Spirit [HS] to tell you, who you should share Jesus with today, then listen for His voice, because He knows who to send you to.

            Example:  I once picked-up a female hitchhiker [not something I would normally do], but the HS told me to - so I obeyed.  He had me talk about the difference between LOVE and the perversion of "sex" the twerp [satan] has created and how I confused the two, but learned the truth.  The twerp's way is not Love, but feeding the flesh, with no long term satisfaction.  I dropped her off, and asked the Lord to bless her, since she didn't want prayer and never saw her again.

              [Luke 10:2 NKJV] "Then He [Jesus] said to them, "The harvest truly [is] great, but the laborers [are] few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.

              Has Jesus been calling you to tell others about Him?  You can be a Missionary anywhere - you don't have to sell your house, or move to an island.  You can tell someone while your shopping at Wal-Mart, Lowe's or any store.  Ask them if they would like you to pray for them.  If yes, then pray for their needs.  If no, bless them, as you walk away.

              Like John, we only need to speak about Jesus and let the HS minister to their hearts.  He is the one who convicts them of their sin - NOT US!

              YOU TOO can be a laborer for Jesus.  Just tell Him your willing to be a light for Him.  Ask HS to show you, who you could light up today.

7-10       Lesson: [verse 7-9] John had a love for God and mankind, but he didn't play games, with the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he called them a "brook of vipers," saying who warned you to flee from the wrath to come.  Not exactly soft or loving words, but John was really trying to warn them where they were going to end up, unless they brought a gift of fruit in keeping with repentance.  Don't believe just because your sons of Abraham, because God is able from stones, to raise up children to Abraham for salvation.

              Gift of Fruit meaning: "Bearing Fruit" is a Biblical concept used to describe the thoughts, words, and deeds produced by someone's soul. To obtain eternal life, a soul must prove it has repented of sin by bearing the Good Fruit of Love"  That's what John warned them they had to do, if they sincerely meant to receive "redemption, then salvation" from Jesus.

              [Matthew 21:43 NKJV]  "Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it."

              In other words, it doesn't matter if your parents are saved and following Jesus - unless you make your commitment as well, Jesus will say "I knew you NOT"!  Each individuals name is written in the Book of Life.  When judgment day comes - let's HOPE your name is there.

              If your name is NOT in the Book of Life, then verse 10 says the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; every tree therefore, that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

11          John could not save anyone, he could only baptize in water for their repentance, but told them he was not good enough to tie Jesus' sandals.  Jesus, who is mightier than John, would baptize you with the Holy Spirit [HS] and fire.

              Truthfully, today I don't think we baptize our people for their confession of REPENTANCE, unless you consider going down in the water is the death of the "old man" and arising is the "NEW you in Christ," I know many pastors who believe this - so do I, but I think they should admit it to the congregation, before they are baptized.

              It's not that they are baptizing wrongly, but it seems the Word is watered down [no pun intended].  Because without confession of sin [not each individual sin, but as a sinner], are you truly admitting you need a Savior?  I've been baptized 2x's, once, not really wanting to on Lake Michigan in Illinois and once on the Jordan River, Israel.  1st time I sincerely asked and confessed Jesus as Lord, the second time, I wanted to be baptized where Jesus was baptized.

12          As in the Old Testament, they used a tool like a pitch fork, they called a "winnowing fork" that would separate the wheat from the chaff [a weed that grew with the wheat].  Jesus will keep the wheat in His barn, but burn the chaff with unquenchable fire [hell].

              What is a fruit of repentance?  It's sincerely being sorry for your actions, knowing they were against Abba.  And being willing to change your ways to align with the Word of God.

              NOTE: This also proves that Abba does not want one to perish, even the worst of any sinner on earth - Jesus always leaves a door open for them, otherwise an AX is already laid at the root of their tree. [Trees often refer to people in the Bible.]

13-15     Lesson: John told Jesus, He didn't need to be baptized, but Jesus said "permit it this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness."  Then John baptized Jesus.

              Why did Jesus mean to fulfill?  As we've heard for years, it was mandatory that IF Jesus was the TRUE MESSIAH, He had to fulfill every prophecy written in the Bible about Him, which was in "right standing" with the Father, and proved to mankind HE IS our Savior!

              How can we fulfill this?  We fulfill on earth, because we have the same purpose, coming as men/women and need to obey Scripture becoming more righteous [right standing] in our lives.  This is our first desire in becoming saved, then continued study, to a mature Christian - being a doer of His will naturally.

16-17     Lesson:  This is why Abba opened the Heavens, speaking to those there, that Jesus was His Beloved Son and was pleased with Him.

            Why?  As Jesus was the Son of God, we are too, plus I believe Abba wanted us to know "how pleased" He is with us.  This is probably why the Angels REJOICE for anyone, who accepts Christ as their Lord and Savior, joining the Body of Christ.

    As usual, I'll close with this prayer 4 U:    Father, in Jesus' Name I come before You asking that You give more FAVOR, PEACE and BOLDNESS to those who are now prepared and that they will continue the work You've set before them  -  In Jesus' Name - AMEN! and AMEN!

Blessing to ALL, see you Sunday

Sandy F.

The Lord's Servant

FYI:  Evidently, the Feast of Trumpets is not finished yet.  Since the Israelite's do not read the New Testament, their date of Trumpets is off watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0VhczXddBk just so you know, Jesus IS COMING SOON - aren't you glad you're ready?