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All Lessons were outlined by Bro. Danny Taylor or former Pastor Fred Bryant from Grace Baptist Church in Wichita Falls Texas, except where otherwise noted in lessons.
 John – Chapter 3 Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net Introduction: In the last part of Chapter 2 we saw Jesus drive out the moneychangers from the temple. Jesus had been sent from God to save those who would believe, and Jesus was very much against the way that organized religion had turned the Lord’s House into a place of profit. Overview of John 3: The first portion of John 3, Jesus explained the new birth to Nicodemus. He then proceeded to present clearly the gospel. John sets forth one of the clearest most concise summaries of the gospel to be found in the Bible. He concludes this section with piercing insight as to why unsaved men reject and even hate the truth. I. The New Birth John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: John 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Several things should be noted about Nicodemus. First, he was a very religious man. Nicodemus was a leader of Israel. He was a member of the Sanhedrin, the ruling body of the land. His name is of Greek origin, meaning ‘conqueror.’ and he was a member of the Pharisees which was a ‘party’ of Judaism. As a rule, they were the theological conservatives of the day. Though they were doctrinally orthodox, they were steeped in pride, self- righteousness, and practical legalism. One of the Pharisees, one of the strongest religious groups that were very serious about religion. I think this is highly important, in that this man would seek out our Lord. The average man on the street many times does not have a lot of theological training, so he might believe something that was not of God as truth. But a man who had much training, one that was a ruler of the Jews, this man saw that Jesus was no ordinary teacher. He calls him “Rabbi”, showing respect, and states that “Thou art a teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” Nicodemus was right … Jesus was far more than a man, He was the Messiah. Is it not true that sometimes those most trained in religious matters can become entangled in the worst snares. The Pharisees boasted that they were the only interpreters of the law as if they possessed the marrow and hidden meaning of Scripture. If anyone claims to be the only one who can interpret the Word of the Lord, know that they are not teaching the truth. The Holy Spirit will open our eyes to the truth if we but let Him work in our lives. 2 Pet 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 2 Pet 1:21 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. It is also important to note that Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, probably fearing the reproach of the other religious leaders if they say him talking to Jesus. It has been speculated that he came at night to avoid being recognized by others. That being presumed, he evidently was more concerned with the respect of men than of God. Though it is not noted in John 3, he evidently was born again. In John 7:50, he is found defending Jesus before the attacks of the high priest and other Pharisees. Moreover, when Jesus was crucified, Nicodemus participated in the burial, along with Joseph of Arimathea, (John 19:39). John 19:39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. John 19:40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. His address of Jesus as Rabbi is also significant. It was a term reserved for the formally schooled Jewish teachers, which Jesus from rural Galilee was not. Nicodemus realized Jesus’ teaching was accredited by the miracles he had recently witnessed. They validated him as a “teacher come from God. For no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” Those that fear to be seen in the light with Christ fear reproach, or they are more concerned with the praise of man. You can always tell preachers who are concerned about the praise of man, they do not preach with Power of the Lord. They are tentative and fear man. We should fear God, not man. John 12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: John 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Here Jesus tells one of the elite religious leaders of the day that not only will he not enter into the kingdom of God, he will not even see it if he is not born again. Give Nicodemus credit, he had dropped the false mask of the Pharisees and came straight to Jesus to find the truth. He hears about something that he has never heard before “Be born again.” The words “Verily, Verily” are translated from the, at times, non-translated word (amhn) amen. The Greek word amen derives directly from the Hebrew (Nma) amen which means ‘verily,’ ‘truly,’ or ‘so be it.’ When preceding a statement, it has the sense of ‘truly.’ Jesus set forth the exclusivity of the new birth. “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John used the term “kingdom of God” only twice in all of his writings. Both are found in John 3:3 and 3:5. 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 John Chapter 2 Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net e-mail: KjvBibleStudiesM[email protected] Introduction: We continue our study this week on the book of John. In the last 2 weeks, our studies of John have make it vividly clear that Jesus was in the beginning with God and all things that were made were created by Him. The theme of John’s account centers around the Deity of our Savior. In chapter 1, we saw John the Baptist come on the scene as “the voice crying in the wilderness” proclaiming that Jesus was coming soon. And we ended the chapter with Phillip telling Nathanael that they had found the Messiah spoken of by Moses and the prophets. At first he did not believe, but before Jesus was through talking with Nathanael, he not only acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah, but called him the Son of God and the King of Israel. This week we see the first of the many miracles performed in Jesus’ public ministry. Overview of John 2: This chapter presents the earliest days of Jesus’ ministry. Two events are described: (1) His first miracle at the marriage of Cana of Galilee; and, (2) Jesus’ first recorded adult visit to Jerusalem and the Temple during Passover. I. The Marriage at Cana John 2:1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there: John 2:2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. We see Jesus accompanying his mother to this wedding. In the study of John by John Calvin, he noted that perhaps this was a relative of the family that was being married since both Mary and Jesus were in attendance. Irregardless, Jesus brought also his disciples to the marriage. One day, when Jesus takes his Bride which is the church, there will be a great marriage supper and all the saved of all time will be in attendance. Not all will be in the bride, but all the saved will be at the wedding feast. We see that it was the third day when there was a marriage. We know that it was three days and three nights that Jesus lay in the grave before He came forth in the resurrection. We know that marriage is a divine institution of God. God established the family and marriage before he established the church. The beginning of the institution of marriage began with the first man and woman on earth, Adam and Eve. The church was not formed until the Lord established it in his earthly ministry. We see that Jesus was called and invited to be there. If you and I want to have a successful and happy marriage, we had better invite the Lord to be with us all the time. Jesus is essential to a successful marriage. The marriage in Cana of Galilee took place on the third day of the week, the traditional day when Jewish virgins were wed. It may be presumed that at least one of the wedding party was a close friend or relative of Mary. She seemed to be involved in the details of the reception banquet. It may also be presumed Joseph was deceased. He does not interact at any time in Jesus’ ministry. Continue reading in PDF:
 John Chapter 1 Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net e-mail: [email protected] Introduction: We begin a new study this week on the book of John. The Gospel attributed to John is unique from the previous three gospels. They, in considerable degree, parallel each other as they present the life and ministry of our Lord. John, on the other hand, presents aspects of Christ’s life and ministry nowhere else recorded. One reason may be that John wrote later than the other three gospels. Historians have generally taken the position that the Gospel of John was written between A.D. 85 and 90. As the Holy Spirit led him, he presented aspects of Christ’s ministry the others did not. Because John had more than a half a century to reflect upon and understand the transition having been there thru it all. This gospel is perhaps the most spiritually mature. This is particularly so in respect to his clear presentation of salvation. The theme of the Gospel is clear in the initial paragraphs. Jesus Christ is the incarnate Son of God. He is the eternal Word and, in fact, is God. His advent was through His incarnation, a revelation of God as man. The other resounding theme is how one might have eternal life through Christ by trusting Him as Savior. Two words are prominent throughout: “believe” and “life.” Overview of John 1: The synopsis of the entire book is contained therein: (1) Jesus clearly is God. (2) He is Creator, life, and light. (3) Through faith in Him comes salvation. (4) He is the incarnation of the eternal Word. The Apostle then continues his introduction of the life and ministry of Christ. He begins with the ministry of John the Baptist as the forerunner of Christ. More detail is given concerning the incarnate Logos, including John’s description of Him as the Lamb of God and His baptism. Albert Barnes had this to say in the introduction of his study about the book of John. John, the writer of this Gospel, was the son of Zebedee and Salome. His father was a fisherman of Galilee, though it would appear that he was not destitute of property, and was not in the lowest condition of life. He had hired men in his employ as recorded in Mark 1:20. Salome is described as one who attended our Saviour in his travels, and ministered to his wants. Jesus commended his own mother Mary, on the cross, to John, and he took her to his own home (John 19:26,27), with whom, history informs us, she lived until her death, about fifteen years after the crucifixion of Christ; and John was known to Caiaphas, the high-priest, Joh18:15. From all this it would seem not improbable that John had some property, and was better known than any of the other apostles. He was the youngest of the apostles when called, and lived to the greatest age, and is the only one who is supposed to have died a peaceful death. He was called to be a follower of Jesus while engaged with his father and his elder brother James mending their nets at the Sea of Tiberias. I. Christ, the Eternal Word. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God. We see in the start in verse 1 of this account of the Gospel, the words "In the Beginning". This is the same "In the beginning" that is mentioned in Genesis 1:1. Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Jesus was there with God the Father and the Holy Spirit when all things were created. The Word, which is mentioned in verse one, is Jesus Christ. Note verse 14 makes that perfectly clear. John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. The term translated as Word is the Greek (logov) logos. Verse 14 makes it clear in what sense John used it. There it is recorded, “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” Without question “the Word” is none other than Jesus Christ. In verse 2, “The same” is direct reference to the Word who was in the beginning with God. (1) The Word was present when the beginning began. (2) The Word was in fact God. (3) The Word was with God. What is clear is not only the Deity of Jesus Christ, but also the fact that He is coequal of a plurality within the Godhead. Continue reading in PDF:
 Ezra Chapter 10 Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net e-Email: [email protected] Introduction: In this final chapter, Ezra demanded separation in verses 1-5. He assembled the people in verses 6-14; and separation was implemented in verses 15-44. I. The People Confess Their Sin Ezr 10:1 Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore. Further insight into the intensity of Ezra’s prayer is noted in that he had “confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God.” One thing that stands out is that Ezra had a great understanding and fear of God’s holiness. Because of his adherence to God’s holy nature, he himself was deeply vexed by the sin he had discovered. Upon rising from prayer, he found others of Israel, “a very great congregation of men and women and children,” had joined him and with him “wept sore.” A large number of God’s people joined in the godly sorrow over sin in their ranks. Ezr 10:2 And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing. Ezr 10:3 Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law. Ezr 10:4 Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it. Evidently, some of those who joined with Ezra in penance were guilty parties. One named Shechaniah stood and likewise confessed the sin of the people. Exactly who Shechaniah was is not clear. In chapter 8:3-5, the sons of Shechaniah are mentioned among those who returned with Ezra. Implied is he was of that party. However, he uses the first person plural we in confessing the sin. Whether that is an editorial we or whether he himself was involved in the sin is not clear. In any event, he saw hope in the matter. Shechaniah proposed putting away all the alien wives and even the children born of them. This presents many issues. First, what he proposed would be of profound emotional distress. Yet, he was willing to do something very difficult in order to return to a holy and right position before God. Moreover, he proposed how this be “done according to the law” (i.e., of Moses). This leads us to the difficult matter of divorce. What he may have had in mind is Deuteronomy 24:1 where in the law of Moses, divorce was allowed if and only if there was found “uncleanness” in the woman. (It was a patriarchal culture with the man holding the majority of the rights.) Continue Reading in PDF:
 Ezra Chapter 8 Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net e-Email: [email protected] Introduction: Chapter 8 details of the actual expedition to Jerusalem are briefly detailed, to include the companions of Ezra in verses 1-20, Ezra beseeching God’s blessing in verses 21-23, and the funds appropriated to the priests in verses 24- 30, and Ezra arriving at Jerusalem in verses 31-36. I. Genealogy of Those Who Returned with Ezra Ezr 8:1 These are now the chief of their fathers, and this is the genealogy of them that went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king. Ezr 8:2 Of the sons of Phinehas; Gershom: of the sons of Ithamar; Daniel: of the sons of David; Hattush. Ezr 8:3 Of the sons of Shechaniah, of the sons of Pharosh; Zechariah: and with him were reckoned by genealogy of the males an hundred and fifty. Ezr 8:4 Of the sons of Pahathmoab; Elihoenai the son of Zerahiah, and with him two hundred males. Ezr 8:5 Of the sons of Shechaniah; the son of Jahaziel, and with him three hundred males. Ezr 8:6 Of the sons also of Adin; Ebed the son of Jonathan, and with him fifty males. Ezr 8:7 And of the sons of Elam; Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him seventy males. Ezr 8:8 And of the sons of Shephatiah; Zebadiah the son of Michael, and with him fourscore males. Ezr 8:9 Of the sons of Joab; Obadiah the son of Jehiel, and with him two hundred and eighteen males. Ezr 8:10 And of the sons of Shelomith; the son of Josiphiah, and with him an hundred and threescore males. Ezr 8:11 And of the sons of Bebai; Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him twenty and eight males. Ezr 8:12 And of the sons of Azgad; Johanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him an hundred and ten males. Ezr 8:13 And of the last sons of Adonikam, whose names are these, Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah, and with them threescore males. Ezr 8:14 Of the sons also of Bigvai; Uthai, and Zabbud, and with them seventy males. Ezra lists the men (and their families) who would make the journey back to Jerusalem with him. Only men are noted, though it is clear entire families were involved from verse 8:21. Ezr 8:21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. The number of men noted totals 1,496 (not including their families and some presumed servants). The total migration no doubt therefore totaled well over five thousand people. II. Ezra Sends for the Levites. Ezr 8:15 And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava; and there abode we in tents three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi. Ezr 8:16 Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding. Ezr 8:17 And I sent them with commandment unto Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia, and I told them what they should say unto Iddo, and to his brethren the Nethinims, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring unto us ministers for the house of our God. Ezr 8:18 And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen; Ezr 8:19 And Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, his brethren and their sons, twenty; Ezr 8:20 Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all of them were expressed by name. The Nethinims: all of them were expressed by name. As the expedition assembled for departure, they met along the river Ahava (somewhere in the region of Babylon). They tarried to get organized for final departure, Ezra discovered that there were no Levites with them. He therefore sent word back to what evidently was a place where many Levites lived (Casiphia) and sought for volunteers to join with them. As a result, a total of 38 Levites agreed to go. Also two 220 Nethinims (official servants of the Levite and the Temple) volunteered to go. (This was in addition to the numbers mentioned above.) Continue Reading in PDF:
 Ezra Chapter 7 Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net e-Email: [email protected] Introduction: Chapter 7 presents the actual coming of Ezra to Jerusalem. Again, there is remarkable evidence of God’s providential intervention in prospering His work. God put into the heart of another Persian king to underwrite, protect, and further strengthen God’s people and work. There is some conflict among commentators concerning the historical placement of events. Some take the position chapters seven and eight are about a year after the events of the chapter six and the completion of the Temple. Contextually, that certainly is plausible. However, others based upon historical details pertaining to the kings of Persia place this time approximately 58 years later or about B.C. 458. The conflict centers around exactly who is the Artaxerxes mentioned. Part of the problem rests in how the name Artaxerxes had become a generic title of Persian kings similar to the Roman use of the name/title, Caesar. Most recent commentators take the position this Artaxerxes was one who ruled later than at the time in chapter 6 and that's why the interval of 58 years. Insight into understanding these two chapters is in noting that the first ten verses of chapter 7 present a summary of the greater mission which is detailed in the rest of chapter 7 and through chapter 8. From Ezra’s perspective, the first six chapters of this book are historical. The final four are autobiographical. I. Ezra Sent to Teach the People Ezr 7:1 Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah, Ezr 7:2 The son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub, Ezr 7:3 The son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth, Ezr 7:4 The son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki, Ezr 7:5 The son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest: Though the context would seem to suggest a rather short interval after chapter six, we will proceed with the assumption that these proceedings took place 58 years later. Ezra here presents his priestly pedigree, establishing his lineage back to Eleazar the son of Aaron. Continue reading in PDF:
 Reflections on Living a Christian Life As time flies by, it is good to stop and think on all the blessings God has given to us. I want to share a few of the truths I have learned in my 62 years since I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior at the young age of 12. I want to share some of the successes and wisdom I have gained from all these years walking with Jesus Christ and being led by the Holy Spirit. Probably the greatest advantage a person can have in this life is to know Christ as their own personal savior. Once the Holy Spirit comes inside and dwells with you, never again are you truly alone. Christ is there to help us each day and to pick us up when we fail. And due to our fleshly condition, we will fail. I was blessed to have Christian parents. No one ever loved her children any more than my mother did, and my dad was excellent in teaching us to be disciplined and to work hard. To learn discipline is crucial to success in life. I believe that living a disciplined life is the strongest form of self-love. God’s word provides instructions on the right way to live. I start my day in the word of God and I end it in reading the word. No matter the situation, God speaks to me through his word. I have learned that no matter what happens, you need to just trust God. Don’t question him, just trust Him. He has a reason for all things that happen to you. Psa 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Be careful to live a free life. There are thousands of ways to be under bondage, but to walk with Christ and to live His way is total freedom. I want to be free of sin and the ways of the world which are not to my good. 1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1Pe 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 1Pe 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Do All to the Glory of God 1Co 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 1Co 10:24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. 1Co 10:25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: 1Co 10:26 For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. The world teaches us to look out for yourself. We are told that we are number 1 and you must concentrate on what you want. After years of living like that, I have learned it is not true at all. As a matter of fact, putting others first is God’s way of living. Base you life on the example of Jesus Christ. He had nothing in this world, but lived the exact perfect life in the will of the Father. For years I believed that if I followed the world’s teachings and got the right credit score and the right credit cards, I would have success. All of that is a lie from Satan. Freedom comes from doing things God’s way. We do not need to do things based on worldly teachings. Satan knows our weaknesses and will use them against us. We are bombarded with advertisements that we must have ‘their thing’ to be happy. We must shut out the noise and listen to God. For years I heard that the normal person could never retire well, or that you will always have a house payment and a car payment. That might be true for some, but with God’s help and some financial control, we now have a paid for home and haven’t had a car payment in 25 years. But I didn’t do it on my own. It took some guidance and faith in the Lord. When I was 49 years old, I started hearing Dave Ramsey talk about finances on the radio. Many people hate his teachings, as he believes a person should do things God’s way and pay for things in cash. He is not shy in explaining how that financial issues are due to the person in the mirror. Some don’t like his direct teachings, but being hardheaded and stubborn, I needed that. It was me causing the problems in my younger years. No one was going to come save me from poor financial discipline. Initially I fought to keep doing things my way, but finally gave up after several more years of failures and frustrations. If we trust God, we should trust him in all things. You must pay your tithes to the Lord if you want a happy and contented life. Live within your means, knowing God will supply your every need. Paul explained that in his letter to the church at Philippi and told of how he had learned to live. God's Provision Php 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Php 4:10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Php 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Php 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. God gives rules about money in the bible. These are Dave Ramsey’s basic principles, but they are not accepted by most. The rules are not complex or difficult. Rom 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. Pro 22:7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. As we started down this simpler path of living, things got easier each year. I started studying Minimalism and found it is a good logical way to live. You don’t need to bring in more and more and pay out volumes of money to store extra things in storage buildings. I came across the book Walden by Henry David Thoreau which tells of his study on living simply out on Lake Walden. His book is full of wise quotes. He said that the mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. Never slowing down and thinking things out the way God intended. Henry David Thoreau used a borrowed axe to cut down trees and built a small cabin to live in for under $100. He wanted to show that doing things in a simple fashion could be done with no liability to anyone else. His point is that many people are not free, but the things hold them in bondage. A person with a big farm may look well off, but if the farm controls your life, you are not free. By raising a garden, he found he could live on 13 weeks of wages per year, and have the other 39 weeks to read and relax and do what he wanted. One of his quotes in the book is this: For a man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone. Think on that: For a man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone. But I would say to my fellows, once for all, as long as possible, live free and uncommitted. It makes but little difference whether you are committed to a farm or the county jail. You are still committed. His simple teachings have changed my way of thinking. I read this book once every year to keep my thinking right. And to keep my focus away from the world, I watch Dave Ramsey on You Tube most every night. One last thing to point out. You can’t please everyone. Your focus needs to be on pleasing God and doing your best. The Lord desires for us to get along, but if a person is unreasonable, pray about it and then turn it over to God. Be thankful you have a church where people understand your trials and pray for you and you pray for them. 1Pe 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 1Pe 4:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 1Pe 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. So in summary, I would say my top 5 takeaway pieces of advice are: 1. Trust God no matter what. Lean not to your own understanding but seek God’s wisdom. Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Pro 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Pro 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. 2. Don’t try to keep up with the Jones. Whatever you have, be happy and content in that status like Paul’s example in Philippians. 3. Read and learn. I read that 90% of college graduates don’t read another meaningful book after they graduate. Study and grow, and most of all, study your bible. 4. Think positive thoughts. Your brain has a part that is being programmed every day. One negative thought takes 3 positive thoughts to overcome. Our brain is wired to look for the negative. Overwhelm your mind with the promises of God and don’t let negativity affect you. 4. Don’t trust the world, advertising and lies. Satan is a liar, but God never lies or misleads us. 5. Get right with God every night. FORGET FAILURES and live for God the best you can. I probably have prayed for forgiveness now over 20,000 times. I am not happy with any failure, and try to learn from it and not repeat the same thing. But I don’t stress about it, and I press forward each day to serve God with a peaceful heart and mind. Php 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, Php 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Download a copy of article
 Ezra Chapter 6 Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net e-Email: [email protected] Introduction: In this next chapter, Darius confirms the decree of Cyrus, the work upon the Temple therefore continued to completion whereupon the Passover was conducted at the newly rebuilt Temple. I. The Decree of Darius Ezr 6:1 Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon. Ezr 6:2 And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written: At Achmetha, which was the capitol of Media and the summer palace of the kings of Persia, a roll (scroll) was found. In it was recorded the information which was sought. It should be noted how humanly, it could have been very easy for such a document to be missed. Nevertheless, God undoubtedly providentially intervened and made sure the needed documentation was found. Ezr 6:3 In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits; Ezr 6:4 With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king's house: Ezr 6:5 And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God. Ezr 6:6 Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence: Ezr 6:7 Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place. It is noteworthy how specific details of Cyrus’ original decree not mentioned earlier are here brought to light. Cyrus in fact dictated architectural details noting even the dimensions of the building. It was to be of significant height–sixty cubits (approximately ninety feet) which was a major building in ancient architecture. The “three rows of great stones” noted in verse 4 may be reference to three rows of columns fronting the edifice. Some have speculated if the “row of new timber” refers to interior paneling or wainscoting of interior walls. That is possible. However, more likely, Cyrus specified how fresh structural timbers which the Aramaic word (ea aw) implies. Though stones could conceivably be reused, fresh structural timber bespoke proper and the best type of reconstruction. Seemingly, Cyrus wanted the job done right. Moreover, the sacred gold and silver vessels and utensils which Nebuchadnezzar had plundered from the Temple were to be returned. Darius therefore straightly ordered Tatnai, Shetharboznai, and anyone under their jurisdiction to stand clear and allow the Jews to proceed with their work. God providentially moved Darius to write, “Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.” Continue Reading in PDF:
 Ezra Chapter 5 Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net e-Email: [email protected] Introduction: After an interval of approximately fourteen years, work resumed on the Temple. Immediately, the local representatives of the Persians king demanded to know by whose authority the work was proceeding. The Jews explained how Cyrus had given a decree for the work and they were in compliance with it. Word was sent to Babylon. The decree of Cyrus was confirmed. I. The Rebuilding Begins Anew Ezr 5:1 Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them. Ezr 5:2 Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them. Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them. The events here synchronize with Haggai and portions of Zechariah. They, through their preaching, urged the Jews to get back to rebuilding their Temple. In the interim, they had built comfortable, nice homes; but the Temple remained in a dismal state and only partially started. Weeds no doubt had grown back up on the site. It was a pathetic testimony of unfinished business. See Haggai Chapter 1. Some claim they don’t have enough time to do needful things. This really is not an excuse. Zig Ziglar said “Lack of direction , not lack of time, is the problem. We all have 24 hr days.” We must be disciplined and make the best use of our time. The record of Zechariah being the son of Iddo when referenced with Zechariah 1:1 describes such. Zechariah was the son of Berechiah and the grandson of Iddo. In any event, these prophets stood and preached it was high time to begin work on the Temple once again. Zec 1:1 In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying, Zec 1:2 The LORD hath been sore displeased with your fathers. It is noteworthy how the decree to cease and desist by Cambyses (a.k.a. Ahaseurus and Artaxerxes) was specifically directed only at the rebuilding of the city and by assumption, its wall. Continue Reading Lesson in PDF
 Ezra Chapter 4 Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net e-Email: [email protected] Introduction: Ezra Chapter 4 covers the opposition the Jews faced as they rebuilt the temple. I. The Adversaries Oppose the Rebuilding of Temple Ezr 4:1 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel; Ezr 4:2 Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither. Ezr 4:3 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us. As the reconstruction of the Temple became evident to the neighboring peoples (Samaritans and neighboring gentiles), they came Zerubbabel and the chief fathers offering to join together in a cooperative effort and help. We have here a clear and developing example of biblical ecclesiastical separation. These were the Samaritans who were not scriptural in their worship of God. These people were involved in idolatry along with a professed worship of Jehovah. They were spiritual compromisers through and through. They were the half Jew, half gentile stock which had been settled in the northern kingdom after the Assyrian deportation in about 722 B.C. (See II Kings 17:24). 2Ki 17:24 And the king of Assyria brought men from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel: and they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof. The response of Zerubbabel and Joshua was essentially, no thanks. “But we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.” Zerubbabel demonstrated a clear example of biblical separation from apostasy. He would not cooperate with those walking outside of the instructions of the scriptures. Ezr 4:4 Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, Ezr 4:5 And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. Spurned (not on personal grounds, but by scriptural principle), “the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building.” Though not specifically recorded, they evidently threatened the workmen, sought to interfere with the delivery of material from Lebanon, and generally opposed the project. The opposition “hired counselors against them.” (The thought is how they apparently retained attorneys to file petitions and injunctions against the project. In short, they went to court to try and stop the work. This went on throughout the remainder of the reign of Cyrus who evidently ignored them. It continued with his successor however, who unfortunately was negatively influenced against the Jewish remnant. The greater picture is so typical of Satan and how he works. He will find any method to undercut and oppose God’s work. These people had a vision to do God’s work. Successful people always have determination about them. Warren Buffett once said “The difference in successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say NO to most everything. While he was speaking of world success in investing, it is true in our service to God. These Jews could have used the other help and made their job easier, but they said “No”. We will build the temple God’s way. We need to lead disciplined lives. Living a disciplined life is the strongest form of Self-Love. Continue Reading in PDF:
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