1.Mark 9 Jesus transfiguration, Jesus heals a boy, Jesus explains first and last, Jesus explains who is for us, Jesus loves children, Jesus commands us to be salty Six Days Later Or Preterism, erchomai has come, dunamis power, metamorphoo transfigured, Will Christians know each other in heaven, Sukkot Tabernacles, Why Pray, Rewards According To Deeds, Universalism, TV, Television, Salted With Fire, Pyramid Of Responsibility Aerial of the Great Salt Lake in Utah. PHOTOGRAPH BY PAUL ZAHL, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

2. BIBLE IN FIVE Pastor Dave Kooyers Valley Bible Fellowship Box 433 Boonville CA 95415 http://www.slideshare.net/dkooyers www.ValleyBibleFellowship.org (707) 895-2325 God bless you as you examine His Word, Your servant in Christ, 2Cor. 4:5, Dave 3. Lets open our Bibles to Mark 9:1-13 Jesus transfiguration Jesus heals a boy Jesus explains first and last Jesus explains who is for us Jesus loves children Jesus commands us to be salty 4. SYNOPTIC GOSPEL PARALLELS bible.org A. Mark 9:2-8 is paralleled in Matt. 17:1-8 and Luke 9:28-36. B. Mark 9:9-13 is paralleled in Matt. 17:9-13 and Luke 9:36. C. Mark 9:14-29 is paralleled in Matt. 17:14-20 and Luke 9:37-43. D. Mark 9:30-32 is paralleled in Matt. 17:22-23 and Luke 9:43-45. E. Mark 9:33-37 is paralleled in Matt. 18:1-5 and Luke 9:46-48. F. Mark 9:38-50 is paralleled in Matt. 18:6-14 and Luke 9:49-50. https://bible.org/seriespage/mark-9 5. Mark 9:1-13, WOW!!!!! How would like to have been there? 1 John 3:2 when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. KJV John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. Peter was there, yet. 6. Mark 9:1-13, WOW! Yet Prophecy Is Better 2 Peter 1:17 For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, "This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased "-- 18 and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19 So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. 20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. 7. Mark 9:1-2, Six Days Later Mark 9:1 And He was saying to them, "Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who shall not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power." 2 And six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up to a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; Chapter and verse divisions are of human origin 8. Matthew 17:1 Mark 9:1-2, Six Days Later Or Preterism? Chapter and verse divisions are not Divine, Huge problems have erupted from this; Matthew 16:28 "Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who shall not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom." NAS Matthew 17:1 And six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John Folks who fail to read this in context try to argue for preterism and say His kingdom had to start in the 1st. Century, before they died. Instead of His kingdom was revealed in power to them six days later. 9. Mark 9:1, after it has come Mark 9:1not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power." verb from *GING+1. comea. in a literal sense Mt 8:9; Mk 7:1, 31; Lk 19:5; J 10:10; Ac 16:37, 39; Ro 9:9; 2 Cor 13:1; Hb 6:7; Rv 18:10. Appear, come before the public Mt 21:9; Mk 9:11; Lk 3:16; 7:33; J 7:27, 31; Ac 1:11; 1 Cor 4:5; 1 Ti 1:15. In a hostile sense Lk 11:22 v.l.b. in a nonliteral sense Mt 23:35; Lk 15:17; J 18:4; Eph 5:6. . . have suffered persecution Rv 7:14. . submit to judgment J 5:24. result in furthering Phil 1:12.2. go Mt 16:24; Mk 11:13; Lk 15:20; J 21:3. [pg 78] 10. Mark 9:1, with power Mark 9:1it has come with power. . Nounfrom [GING] , , power, might, strength, force Mt 14:2; 22:29; Ac 1:8; Ro 1:4; Col 1:11; 2 Ti 3:5; Hb 7:16; 2 Pt 1:3. . = God Mk 14:62. Ability, capability Mt 25:15; 2 Cor 1:8; meaning 1 Cor 14:11. Specialized senses deed of power, miracle Mt 11:20f; Mk 6:5; 2 Cor 12:12; Hb 2:4. Force in a military sense Mk 13:25; Lk 21:26. Power as a divine being or angel Ac 8:10; Ro 8:38; 1 Cor 15:24. [dynamite] [pg 52] I think He came in Power as a divine being or angel Heb 2:14, 2 Cor 4:4, Eph 2:2, John 18:36 11. Mark 9:2, Transfigured Mark 9:2 He was transfigured [Passive] before them; 3339 metamorphoo {met-am-or-fo'-o} Meaning: 1) to change into another form, to transform, to transfigure 1a) Christ appearance was changed and was resplendent with divine brightness on the mount of transfiguration Usage: AV - transfigure 2, transform 1, change 1; 4 5681 Tense - Aorist (See 5777) Voice - Passive (See 5786) Mood Indicative DLK adds, We get metamorphism, Butterflies, tadpoles 12. Mark 9:4, Elijah and Moses Mark 9:4 Elijah appeared to them along with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. Revelation 11:3 "And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth." 13. Mark 9:4, Is Enoch One Of The Two Witnesses? gotquestions.org Q. Re: Hebrews 9:27: And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. This verse makes me think that it will be Enoch in the tribulation, not Moses. If these witnesses die in the tribulation like the Bible says then Moses would have died twice and Enoch not at all. If it is Enoch then everyone that has ever lived would have died once. what do you think? A. In my study titled The Two Witnesses of Revelation I show how the ministries of the two witnesses and the miracles they perform are reminiscent of Moses and Elijah. I also explain that Hebrews 9:27 is a principle not a rule. Several biblical figures have died more than once. Elijah raised a boy from the dead (1 Kings 17:22), Jesus raised several: Jairuss daughter (Mark 5:40-42) the widow of Nains son (Luke 7:14-15) and Lazarus (John 11:43-44), and Paul raised a man who had fallen out of a third story window and died (Acts 20:7-12). I also believe that Paul himself was raised from the dead (Acts 14:19-20). These people all died again later. And if you believe that in Matt. 17:12 Jesus said that John the Baptist was Elijah, then Elijah died, too.I remain persuaded that the two witnesses in Revelation 11 are most likely Moses and Elijah. [DLK adds; Matthew 17:3 Luke 9:30 Mark 9:4 Hebrews 9:27 Revelation 11] 14. Mark 9:4, Will Christians know each other in heaven? Christ was recognized (eventually) after the resurrection At the Rapture we will get new bodies Our new eternal bodies will be like Jesus' resurrected body In Luke 16, all the people in paradise and the place of torment (Abraham, Lazarus, and the rich man) , seemed to recognized each other and communicated with each other, and remember 15. Mark 9:5, Peter Slighted Again? Mark 9:5 Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah." Mark 9:7 Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is My beloved Son, listen to Him! Jesus is not equal to Moses and Elijah, He created them Hebrews 1:1 God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. 16. Mark 9:5, Make Three Tabernacles Mark 9:5 let us make three tabernacles I think Peter is thinking of the temporary booths of the holiday of Sukkot, Feast of Booths (Festival of Tabernacles). 4633 skene {skay-nay'} Meaning: 1) tent, tabernacle, (made of green boughs, or skins or other materials) 17. Mark 9:5, Tabernacles, Feast of Booths Photograph taken by Win Robins portrays the waving of the four species taken on the holiday of Sukkot (Festival of Tabernacles) Ezra 3:4 Nehemiah 8:14 Zechariah 14:16 Leviticus 23:34 John 7:2 Mark 9:5 Luke 9:33 Matthew 17:4 Micah 4:2 18. Mark 9:9, Keep Quiet Is A Different oikonomia Mark 9:9 As they were coming down from the mountain, He gave them orders not to relate to anyone what they had seen, until the Son of Man rose from the dead. Matthew 9:30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them: "See that no one knows about this! Matthew 8:4 And Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one This is a different oikonomia than the church age, Matthew 16:20 Then He warned the disciples that they should tell no one that He was the Christ. Matthew 8:4, 9:30, 16:20, Mark 5:43, 7:36, 9:9 19. Lets read Mark 9:14-32 Jesus transfiguration Jesus heals a boy Jesus explains first and last Jesus explains who is for us Jesus loves children Jesus commands us to be salty 20. Mark 9:18, He Could Break His Teeth Mark 9:18grinds his teeth Roxane Malecek relates, My second grader, Rachel, recently discovered that when one of her friends lost a tooth, the friend received ten dollars from the tooth fairy. When Rachel realized the tooth fairy only gave her two dollars, she asked her friend's mother, "Mrs. Kraft, would you mind doing me a big favor? Would you please call my mom and tell her which tooth fairy you use? 21. Mark 9:23, God's Omnipotence Mark 9:23 And Jesus said to him, "'If You can?' All things are possible to him who believes. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. J. Hudson Taylor said, How often do we attempt work for God to the limit of our incompetency, rather than the limit of God's omnipotence? Psalm 57:2 I will cry to God Most High, To God who accomplishes all things for me. 22. Mark 9:29, GML Was Asked Why Pray? Mark 9:29 And He said to them, "This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer. QUESTION FOR THE DAY, Dear Compass, If Predestination is true, then what is the purpose of prayer? In particular, intercessory prayer? If the outcome of the situation being prayed for has already been determinedwhat is the value of my prayer? Do prayers ever produce a result different from what would have happened anyway? In the case of a miracle healing, if predestination is at work, then theoretically, the "miracle" would have occurred regardless of the prayers. Or does predestination only refer to our salvation and no other areas of our lives? ANSWER: Prayer changes things. How and under what principle God doesn't reveal to our understanding, other than that He's God and can do what He wants. Most likely the problem of understanding the predestination application to prayer lies in our attempt to decipher a limitless God with limited understanding. But any way you slice it, prayers are certainly not fruitless: For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears attend to their 23. Mark 9:29, GML Was Asked Why Pray? prayer . . . 1 Peter 3:12. . . The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16 . . . the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick . . . James 5:15 Praying . . . that God may open up to us a door for the word . . . Colossians 4:3 Therefore, when God instructs us to pray, we should pray.Devote yourselves to prayer . . . Colossians 4:2 . . . in everything by prayer . . . let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 . . . pray at all times . . . Ephesians 6:19 . . . devoted to prayer . . . Romans 12:12 (Jesus) was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray . . . Luke 18:1 Keep watching and praying, that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41 www.compass.org, Good Morning Lord 24. Prayer And Fasting Mark 9:29 Matthew 17:21 25. KJV Mark 9:29, Prayer And Fasting KJV Mark 9:29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. There is a manuscript variant here. Only the KJV family has the prayer and fasting Our Mens Group did a free car wash in front of the church. When we didnt have any customers waiting, I pulled my filthy dirty up to get a free wash, Pete shook his head and said, This kind only comes clean by prayer and fasting. 26. Lets read Mark 9:33-37 Jesus transfiguration Jesus heals a boy Jesus explains first and last Jesus explains who is for us Jesus loves children Jesus commands us to be salty 27. Mark 9:35, First Or Last Mark 9:35 Sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, "If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." When the game is over, the King and the pawn go into the same box. -- Italian proverb 28. Mark 9:35, Be A Good Servant 29. Mark 9:35, Be A Good Servant Mark 9:35 be last of all and servant of all." 1 Timothy 4:6 In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus Romans 14:4 Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 30. Lets read Mark 9:38-41 Jesus transfiguration Jesus heals a boy Jesus explains first and last Jesus explains who is for us Jesus loves children Jesus commands us to be salty 31. Mark 9:40, Who Is Against Us Mark 9:40 "For he who is not against us is for us. Matthew 12:30 "He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters. Jesus puts a high value on evangelism! 32. Mark 9:41, Rewards According To Deeds Mark 9:41 he will not lose his reward. Matthew 16:27 "For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Romans 12:19 "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. 2 Thessalonians 1:6 For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, Luke 6:23 , your reward is great in heaven 33. Mark 9:41, Rewards According To Deeds 1 Corinthians 3:8each will receive his own reward according to his own labor...14 he shall receive a reward. Hebrews 11:24 By faith Moses26 considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. 2 John 1:8 Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward. Revelation 11:18the time came for the dead to be judged, and the time to reward Your bond-servants the prophets and the saints and those who fear Your name, the small and the great Revelation 22:12 My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. 34. Mark 9:41, Smile if youre not going to lose your reward Psalm 39:13 "Turn Your gazethat I may smile again I had to take this out of context, because this is the only NAS use of smile 35. Lets read Mark 9:42-48 Jesus transfiguration Jesus heals a boy Jesus explains first and last Jesus explains who is for us Jesus loves children Jesus commands us to be salty 36. Hell, Eschatology The Return Of Christ Page 379 Paul Enn's, Moody Bible Handbook 37. Mark 9:44, Is Universalism / Universal Salvation Biblical? gotquestions.org Question: "Is universalism / universal salvation biblical?" Answer: Universalism is the belief that everyone will be saved. There are many people today who hold to universal salvation and believe that all people eventually end up in heaven. Perhaps it is the thought of men and women living a life of eternal torment in hell that causes some to reject the teaching of Scripture on this issue. For some it is an over-emphasis on the love and compassion of Godand the neglect of the righteousness and justice of Godthat leads them to believe God will have mercy on every living soul. But the Scriptures do teach that some people will spend eternity in hell. First of all, the Bible is clear that unredeemed men will dwell forever in hell. Jesus own words confirm that the time spent in heaven 38. Mark 9:44, Is Universalism / Universal Salvation Biblical? gotquestions.org for the redeemed will last as long as that of the unredeemed in hell. Matthew 25:46 says, Then they *the unsaved+ will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life. According to this verse, the punishment of the unsaved is just as eternal as the life of the righteous. Some believe that those in hell will eventually cease to exist, but the Lord Himself confirms that it will last forever. Matthew 25:41 and Mark9:44 describe hell as eternal fire and unquenchable fire. How does one avoid this unquenchable fire? Many people believe that all roadsall religions and beliefslead to heaven, or they consider that God is so full of love and mercy that He will allow all people into heaven. God is certainly full of love and mercy; it was these qualities that led Him to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to die on the cross for us. Jesus Christ is the exclusive door that 39. Mark 9:44, Is Universalism / Universal Salvation Biblical? gotquestions.org leads to an eternity in heaven. Acts 4:12says, Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). In John 14:6, Jesus says, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 3:16, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. If we choose to reject Gods Son, we do not meet the requirements for salvation (John3:16, 18, 36) With verses such as these, it becomes clear that universalism and universal salvation are unbiblical beliefs. Universalism directly contradicts what Scripture teaches. While many people accuse Christians of being intolerant and exclusive, it is important to 40. Mark 9:44, Is Universalism / Universal Salvation Biblical? gotquestions.org remember that these are the words of Christ Himself. Christians did not develop these ideas on their own; Christians are simply stating what the Lord has already said. People choose to reject the message because they do not want to face up to their sin and admit that they need the Lord to save them. To say that those who reject Gods provision of salvation through His Son will be saved is to belittle the holiness and justice of God and negate the need of Jesus sacrifice on our behalf. Recommended Resources: Logos Bible Software and Four Views of Salvation in a Pluralistic World by Dennis L. Okholm & Timothy R. Phillips. http://www.gotquestions.org/universalism.html 41. Mark 9:47, The Eye Matthew 5:29 "If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 42. Mark 9:47, TV, Televisionwww.compass.org. QUESTION FOR THE DAY, Dear Compass, I am a teenager in high school and I'm concerned about my parents. They have the TV on all the time, even if they are not watching it. They are Christians, go to church, and otherwise have a good testimony. They don't think there is anything wrong with it being on. I think this might be a blind spot. I have tried to suggest keeping it off, but if I don't turn it off, it's on! We have a family Bible study once a weekcan you point me to some verses to discuss? ANSWER: There are benefits to television as a whole. The problem comes when ungodly programming is watched. If your parents are keeping the TV turned on to network prime time programs, there is almost a 100 percent chance they have ungodly attributes being proclaimed throughout the house. If so, try presenting these verses in your 43. Mark 9:47, TV, Televisionwww.compass.org. Bible studyin a way that is honoring to your parents: I will set no worthless thing before my eyes. Psalm 101:3 The lamp of your body is your eye; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Luke 11:34 . . . whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything is worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8 if your eye causes you to stumble, cast it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes, to be cast into hell. Mark 9:47 Also, you might ask your parents if they would have the television on if Jesus were coming overand then remind them He is already there :-). 44. Lets read Mark 9:49-50 Jesus transfiguration Jesus heals a boy Jesus explains first and last Jesus explains who is for us Jesus loves children Jesus commands us to be salty 45. Mark 9:49, Salted With Fire Mark 9:49 "For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 "Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another. Luke 14:34 "Therefore, salt is good; but if even salt has become tasteless, with what will it be seasoned? 35 "It is useless either for the soil or for the manure pile; it is thrown out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear. Colossians 4:5 Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person. 46. Matthew 5:11, Salted With Fire Matthew 5:11 "Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. 12 "Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again? It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. 47. 1 Corinthians 3:11, Salted With Fire 1 Corinthians 3:11 For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man builds upon the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. 14 If any man's work which he has built upon it remains, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work is burned up, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet so as through fire. 16 Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 1 Cor 3:18 wise, foolish, 19 wisdom, foolishness 20 reasonings, wise, useless 48. Acts 2:1, Salted With Fire Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent, rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance. 49. The Pyramid Of Responsibility By Richard I. Gregory, Page 13, March/April 2014, Voice Magazine 50. The Pyramid Of Responsibility By Richard I. Gregory, Page 13, March/April 2014, Voice Magazine 51. Mark 9:49, Salted With Fire When Jesus says you are the salt of the earth", do you think that He means, "enhancing flavor, creating thirst, drawing out infection, and preserving from decay Engaging in social issues on a variety of levels is necessary in order for people of God to fulfill their role as the salt of the earth Or is it the sting of the Gospel? The Bible shows all of the apostles were executed, martyred for the gospel of Jesus Christ, it has a sting like salt in a wound. Unbelievers don't like to be told that they need a Savior because they are sinners and without the need of a Savior there's no use of the Savior. And without the Savior they are doomed to hell. Thats salty! 52. THE END 53. Mark 9:44, Is Universalism / Universal Salvation Biblical? gotquestions.org Question: "Is universalism / universal salvation biblical?" Answer: Universalism is the belief that everyone will be saved. There are many people today who hold to universal salvation and believe that all people eventually end up in heaven. Perhaps it is the thought of men and women living a life of eternal torment in hell that causes some to reject the teaching of Scripture on this issue. For some it is an over-emphasis on the love and compassion of Godand the neglect of the righteousness and justice of Godthat leads them to believe God will have mercy on every living soul. But the Scriptures do teach that some people will spend eternity in hell. First of all, the Bible is clear that unredeemed men will dwell forever in hell. Jesus own words confirm that the time spent in heaven for the redeemed will last as long as that of the unredeemed in hell. Matthew 25:46 says, Then they *the unsaved+ will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life. According to this verse, the punishment of the unsaved is just as eternal as the life of the righteous. Some believe that those in hell will eventually cease to exist, but the Lord Himself confirms that it will last forever. Matthew 25:41 and Mark9:44 describe hell as eternal fire and unquenchable fire. How does one avoid this unquenchable fire? Many people believe that all roadsall religions and beliefslead to heaven, or they consider that God is so full of love and mercy that He will allow all people into heaven. God is certainly full of love and mercy; it was these qualities that led Him to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to die on the cross for us. Jesus Christ is the exclusive door that leads to an eternity in heaven. Acts 4:12says, Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). In John 14:6, Jesus says, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 3:16, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. If we choose to reject Gods Son, we do not meet the requirements for salvation (John3:16, 18, 36) With verses such as these, it becomes clear that universalism and universal salvation are unbiblical beliefs. Universalism directly contradicts what Scripture teaches. While many people accuse Christians of being intolerant and exclusive, it is important to remember that these are the words of Christ Himself. Christians did not develop these ideas on their own; Christians are simply stating what the Lord has already said. People choose to reject the message because they do not want to face up to their sin and admit that they need the Lord to save them. To say that those who reject Gods provision of salvation through His Son will be saved is to belittle the holiness and justice of God and negate the need of Jesus sacrifice on our behalf. Recommended Resources: Logos Bible Software and Four Views of Salvation in a Pluralistic World by Dennis L. Okholm & Timothy R. Phillips. http://www.gotquestions.org/universalism.html 54. Ezra 3:4 Nehemiah 8:14 Zechariah 14:16 Leviticus 23:34 John 7:2 Mark 9:5 Luke 9:33 Matthew 17:4 Micah 4:2, Tabernacles, Feast of Booths Many nations will go and say, Come, let us go up to the Mountain of the Lord and to the Temple of the God of Jacob, and He will teach us of His ways and we will walk in His paths. Micah 4:2 Jerusalem Inspiration In the times when the Temple stood on the Temple Mount, Jews were commanded by God to appear before Him on the three major festivals: Sukkot (Tabernacles), Passover and Shavuot. Michah describes a time in the future when not only Jews will want to visit the Lord in Jerusalem, but non Jews from around the world will flock to Jerusalem. Are we seeing the fulfillment of this prophecy in our times? Now that you have learned more about the Festival of Tabernacles it's time to introduce your kids to the hottest educational learning program around. Jerusalem Photo Trivia Today's photograph taken by Win Robins portrays the waving of the four species taken on the holiday of Sukkot (Festival of Tabernacles). Do you know which four species are taken? You can look back at the email from the first day of the holiday to remind yourself in case you have forgotten! If you know the answer, email me or post it on Facebook.