The Monthly Mission Messenger Volume IV, No. 46 April 2018 Roy Matlock Ministries http://www.pastorroymatlock.com royamatlock@gmail.com The Messenger is free for those who love to study God s Word. The Messenger is supported by free love offerings from those who wish to help spread the Word. Go to web page for purchases or donation. Roy Matlock May God Bless You. My friends, Please send this link to all your contacts. The Monthly Mission Messenger is available on site with all other materials written by Pastor Roy. THE THIRD DAY HE SHALL RISE There were Three Crosses, - Three Men - Three Deaths - One resurrection. Text. John 19:16-18 Then he delivered him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew, Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two others with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. Jesus said: John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. THERE WERE THREE CROSSES One was a man dying in sin. He did not accept Jesus. One was a man dying to sin. He trusted Jesus as his Savior. On the middle cross was a man dying for sin. He could die for others because He was God s Son and had no sin of His own. The center cross made all the difference for those two men hanging beside Jesus. The whole world is represented by those two thieves and their response to Jesus. We see in the three crucified individuals a picture of the sinner, the saint and the Savior. Luke 23:32-33 And there were also two others, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. 33. And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. ONE MAN DIED IN SIN Luke 23:39 And one of the malefactors who were hanged railed at him, saying, If you are Christ, save yourself and us. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Not all people will accept Christ and be saved. ONE MAN DIED TO SIN 42. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom. 43. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto you, Today shall you be with me in paradise. John 3:36 He that believes on the Son has everlasting life: and he that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him. Rom. 6:2...How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer in it? ONE MAN DIED FOR SIN Rom. 5:8 But God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Rom. 5:6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.. Matt. 27:26-31 Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. 1
27. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. 28. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. 29. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! 30. And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and struck him on the head. 31. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off of him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him away to crucify him. Matt. 27:34-36 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. 35. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and for my clothing did they cast lots. 36. And sitting down they watched him there; Matt. 27:45-46 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. 46. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Matt. 27:50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up his spirit. THE RESURRECTION Matt. 28:1-8 At the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher. 2. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow: 4. And for fear of him the guards did shake, and became as dead men. 5. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not: for I know that you seek Jesus, who was crucified. 6. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there shall you see him: lo, I have told you. 8. And they departed quickly from the sepulcher with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. Yes! Three men died but one arose. Believers recognize that resurrection the world over on Easter. By believing in the death of Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins, and His resurrection with the promise that He will draw all men to Him, all can believe and be saved. Conclusion Hebrews 9:11-12,24-28 But Christ being come a high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12. Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 24. For Christ has not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25. Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26. For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the age has he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28. So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. WILL YOU BELIEVE IN HIM TODAY 2
STUDIES IN THE BOOKS OF EZRA AND NEHEMIAH In our last study we discussed the return of Ezra to Jerusalem during the 7th year of the reign of King Artaxerxes (Ezra 7:6-9). This was about the time the temple was completed by Zerubbable (Ezra 6:14-15). After Ezra s trip, and upon his arrival at Jerusalem, the first thing he found was the disobedience of many of the Jews. They had intermarried with the non-jews of the land, which was an abomination (9:1-3). Chapter ten records the repentance of those involved. Ezra s mission as a priest was to get the people on the right track of serving God in their land. You are encouraged to read the complete books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai and Zechariah in connection with this study. The book of Nehemiah gives us the record of his trip from Persia to Jerusalem. The first thing we want to do is determine the time period of the book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament time-line. We already know that it is after the end of the 70 years that God told Israel they would be in bondage to Babylon. We already know that the captivity began at the Post Adam date of 3430. (Biblical Chronology of Man, P.11. By this Author.) 70 years added to that would give us the date of 3500 P.A. when King Cyrus allowed the Jews to return and build the temple led by Zerubbable. Next, we note that Nehemiah begins with the 20 th year of the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia. Neh. 2:1 And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I (Nehemiah) took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had never been sad before in his presence. King Artaxerxes and King Ahasuerus are sometimes recognized as the same person. Ahasuerus, an ancient king of Persia, sometimes is identified with EXRXES the Great. (Compton s Encycl. Vol. 1, p. 629). The story of Esther is told in the Book of Esther in the Old Testament. She was a beautiful Jewish heroine who risked her life to save her people from destruction. The Jews still celebrate their deliverance in the feast of Purim, a joyous festival. The story takes place in Sushan, the royal winter residence of the kings of Persia. Esther lived there with Mordecai, a relative who had adopted her. The king of Persia was Ahasuerus, (Probably the Hebrew name for the Great XERXES). Ahasuereus dismissed his queen, Vashti, because she had refused to come to h im a t h is command. (Compton s Encycl. Vol. 4, p. 487). If it is true that this ARTAXERXES is the same as AHASUERUS, then the record of Nehemiah is 17 years after the time of the Book of Esther. Esther 1:1-3 Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus who reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over a hundred and seven and twenty provinces:) 2. That in those days, when king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the citadel, 3. In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the powers of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him: Neh. 2:1 stated: And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes (Ahasuerus) the king. So we notice that from the third to the 20th year of his reign is 17 years between Esther and Nehemiah. The above being true, then the time of ZERUBBABEL, who led in the expedition to rebuild the temple was long before the time of ESTHER and NEHEMIAH. They were building the temple during the reigns of Kings Cyrus & Darius. Nehemiah hears of the conditions that prevail in Jerusalem and hearing this report about the condition of the people and the condition of the city of Jerusalem broke his heart and he wept and fasted and prayed to God. 3
Neh. 1:4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven, This is during the 20th year of Artaxerxes the king. Nehemiah s prayer is recorded in chapter one. The account of Nehemiah continues in chapter two. V,2 Therefore the king said unto me, Why is your countenance sad, seeing you are not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very much afraid, V,3 And said unto the king, Let the king live forever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lies waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire? V,4 Then the king said unto me, For what do you make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven. V,5 And I said unto the king, If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you would send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may rebuild it. Here is where Nehemiah makes the request to go to Jerusalem and re-build the city. V,6 And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall your journey be? and when will you return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time. Nehemiah agrees to return to Persia after a set time which is not disclosed in the scriptures. V,7 Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may let me pass over till I come into Judah; V,8 And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress which pertains to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the temple that I shall enter into. And the king so granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me. Nehemiah has trusted in God to direct him in his request from the king. He asks for the king to write letters to the governors who are ruling in the territories on his route toward Jerusalem that they do not disturb his travels. He also asks for a letter from the king to one of the managers of the forest region named Asaph, that timbers be supplied that he will need. The king granted his request and wrote the letters. This would greatly benefit Nehemiah as he began to deal with people who opposed the work he was going to do. V,9 Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me. The king had sent an army with Nehemiah to conduct him along the way. V,10 When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there had come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel. Sanballat was probably of Bethhoron (Jos.16:3,5. 18:13-14), or of Horonaim in Moab. He was a servant of King Artaxerxes in that region. Tobiah was an Ammonite of the descendents of Ammon. They were always against the Jews. V,11 So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days. V,12 And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither was there any animal with me, except the animal that I rode upon. V,13 And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even to the jackal's well, and to the refuse gate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down; and the gates thereof were consumed with fire. Nehemiah had not told anyone what his mission to 4
Jerusalem was. He goes out at night to view the destruction of the city. V,14 Then I went on to the gate of the fountain, and to the king's pool: but there was no place for the animal that was under me to pass. Such rubble, which had been there for over 70 years with no one making an effort to clean it up. V,15 Then went I up in the night by the valley, and viewed the wall, and turned back, and entered by the gate of the valley, and so returned. V,16 And the rulers knew not where I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work. After viewing the conditions Nehemiah determines that it is time to announce his plans. V,17 Then said I unto them, You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we are no more a reproach. V,18 Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work. After hearing about the grace of God granted to Nehemiah, and the grants of the king, the people are ready to begin the work with Nehemiah to rebuild the city. V,19 But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed at us, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that you do? will you rebel against the king? V,20 Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but you have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem. Chapter three (3) next month. BIBLE QUIZ FOR THIS MONTH What was the P.A. Date when the command was given by King Cyrus to go and rebuild Jerusalem? ANSWER TO LAST MONTH S BIBLE QUIZ. Name the two men who returned from Babylon to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Give scripture for your answer. They were Zerubbable and Sheshbazzar. These are the two leaders of the group that voluntarily left to return to Jerusalem to build the temple when King Cyrus asked who would go. This is the beginning of the prophecy by Daniel concerning the 69 weeks from this command to the Messiah. Daniel 9:25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah, the Prince, shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: This is a period of 69 of the 70 weeks of Daniel s prophecy (Dan 9:24-25). These 69 weeks which equal to 483 years, began when King Cyrus made the command to go back and build the temple on the date 3500 PA. It will cover the time period from then through the building of the temple, and the building of the walls and streets of the city by Nehemiah, to the time when Jesus will come on the scene. This will be when Jesus came on the scene at His baptism and the beginning of the New Testament Church. * * * * * * * The Christian Walk A Bible study to help you have a closer daily walk with God. Near the end of our study last month we listed seven passages of scripture which instructed us to read and study the Bible as our guide for Christian living. Let s begin this time with a statement that teaches us that the Bible was given to us by the Holy Spirit. 5
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. With this kind of information every believer can be assured that God has given to us His word to guide us in our effort to please Him. When we are obedient to the word we have peace in our heart that He is pleased with us. Then let s do what He commands and study His word for the truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. With that knowledge let s look more into His commands for Christian living. Ephesians 4:21-32 If so be that you have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22. That you put off concerning the former way of life the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24. And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25. Therefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. 26. Be angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27. Neither give place to the devil. 28. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needs. 29. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, by whom you are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32. And be you kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you. The Apostle Peter, also inspired by the same Holy Spirit, leaves instructions as to how the Christian should live his life. 1 Peter 2:21-25 For even to this were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps: 22. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23. Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judges righteously: 24. Who his own self bore our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes you were healed. 25. For you were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. Peter records this as the way Jesus lived and states that we have been called to salvation and that we should walk following His example. Jesus gave a parable concerning our serving Him as that of using the talents which He bestowed upon us. This shows that we have different abilities to do certain things. Matthew 25:14-23 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his own ability; and immediately took his journey. 16. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made five other talents. 17. And likewise he that had received two, he also 6
gained another two. 18. But he that had received one went and dug in the earth, and hid his lord's money. 19. After a long time the lord of those servants came, and settled accounts with them. 20. And so he that had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, Lord, you delivered unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21. His lord said unto him, Well done, you good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of your lord. 22. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, you delivered unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of your lord. 24. Then he who had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew you that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not spread: 25. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the earth: lo, there you have what is yours. 26. His lord answered and said unto him, You wicked and slothful servant, you knew that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not spread: 27. You ought therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received my own with interest. The third servant was slothful and did nothing with the talent which was given to him. We don t want to be like him and do nothing. God wants us to use our talents, whatever they are, to prosper His cause while we are here on the earth. If you have been saved, tell someone else how you were saved. If you can sing, sing for the honor of the Lord. If God calls you to preach the gospel, then surrender yourself to that cause and preach with all the ability that God gives you. If you love the Bible and study to learn and have the ability to teach others, find your place in His service and teach, teach, teach. My, how God s people need good teachers of the word. Regardless of our different abilities to do different things, God will bless and use our every effort for Him. I am aware of the use of a lot of our space with printed scripture. But what the scriptures state is what we are studying and what we want to know. Therefore, there is no way I can say things about Christian living that will be more important than the scriptures. It is very appropriate that we have this subject of study along with a study about the laws God gave to Israel. God gave a set of laws to the Israelites of the Old Testament that were all fulfilled at the death of Jesus. He then has the writers of the New Testament explain this to the Christians. Paul made a statement that fits so appropriately here Romans 6:15. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. V,18 Being then made free from sin, you became the servants of righteousness. V, 20-23 For when you were the servants of sin, you were free from righteousness. 21. What fruit had you then in those things whereof you are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, you have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Wonderful instructions for the child of God. May He grant us the grace to live for Him as He has instructed. May God bless till next time. 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 7
HELPS AND HINTS FOR DEEPER STUDY OR YOUR SPIRIUAL ENJOYMENT Order info on web page www.pastorroymatlock.com REVELATION COMMENTARY A description of the evil beast. The Antichrist exposed. The woman on the scarlet colored beast explained. Second Coming of Christ. Battle of Armageddon. The Millennial Kingdom. The Holy City and the glories of heaven. THE BIBLE QUIZ Hundreds of Bible questions with an answer section that will guide you to the answers to many things of the Bible. Sharpen your Bible skills. Increase your Bible knowledge. A BIBLICAL CHRONOLOGY OF MAN A detailed study of the scriptural links with dates from Adam to the birth of Jesus. HEAVEN, WHERE IT IS AND HOW TO GET THERE Hell, where it is and how to avoid going there. A study about the eternal Holy City and the Ne Earth, about hell, that place that all unsaved people wish, or hope, doesn t exist. THE AGE OF ACCOUNTABILITY a study of God s plan for younger children who, for some reason may die from infancy through a very young age when they have not made a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. A must for all parents with young children. THE MOST POWERFUL FOUR BIBLE DOCTRINES There are certain fundamental doctrines taught in the Bible that are very important and should be known by all believers. This study covers the four most important doctrines for mankind to know in order to have perfect peace with God. MIRACLES AND TONGUES These teachings go into deep detail about what the Bible teaches on these subjects. They give the Old Testament prophecies concerning them and the New Testament fulfillment of them. There is much confusion in religious circles today about these subjects. A good Bible knowledge about them will remove such confusion. MY JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE Roy Matlock: This will begin when and where I was born and covers the highlights of my life. It covers the growth of my family with pictures all through life; somewhat of an Autobiography. 106 pages, many color pictures: P LAW & GRACE NEW A detailed study primarily of why most Christians do not keep the 7th Day Sabbath, but worship on the first day of the week. A VERSE BY VERSE STUDY NEW OF THE BOOK OF DANIEL. All the Beasts of Daniel explained. The Little Horn on the beasts as the Antichrist of the Tribulation Period, explanation of what will happen to Him. Many End Time Prophecies explained. C D I LL SEE YOU SOON Your editor plays the guitar and sings Country Gospel. We have completed our first recording of a CD entitled I ll See You Soon. This is the first of a series of Country Gospel songs written by your Editor. It somewhat tells the story of me and my wife who went to be with the Lord on March 27, 2012. Available also on the You Tube App.