RightDivision

The lesson on September 15, 2024 was part 7 of “The Book of Matthew” study. Wayne dived right into Matthew 5 to teach on the context of the Sermon on the Mount. The disciple Matthew is showing us the select things out of Jesus’s life that doesn’t focus on the chronology of the events. Right away in Matthew 5:1 we are seeing the multitudes. This connects us to Matthew 4 where Jesus began his ministry of light. No matter where you are in God’s plan and the inheritance you have, there is light from Jesus Christ as opposed to the darkness you have with the devil. In Matthew 4:17 we see the ministry of the Kingdom of Heaven started. We don’t have the twelve disciples called yet, but there is Simon Peter and Andrew his brother who responded to follow Jesus immediately as they would become fishers of men. Jesus went about Galilee healing all manner of sickness and disease and at the end of chapter 4, there was a great multitude of people that were the target of this message of the Kingdom of Heaven proclaimed on this mountain. We don’t know which mountain it was but it is similar to what Moses had received on that mountain. We took time to learn how this message is a result of the promise to Israel of inheriting the promised land as told to Abraham in Genesis 15:8 KJV. We looked at the word “blessed” which means happy and was given a concourse of where this is used (Matt. 5:3-11; 11:6; 13:16; 16:17; 24:46; Lk. 1:45; 6:20-22; 7:23; 10:23; 11:27-28; 12:37-38, 43; 14:14-15; 23:29; Jn. 13:17; 20:29; Acts 20:35; 26:2; Rom. 4:7-8; 14:22; 1 Cor. 7:40; 1 Tim. 1:11; 6:15; Tit. 2:13; Jas. 1:12, 25; 1 Pet. 3:14; 4:14; Rev. 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7, 14). We learned the the word “meek” doesn’t mean “weak” but rather a condition of humility. Being humble vs. being arrogant. We looked at Psalms 37:11 KJV “11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”. Jesus Christ was the perfect example of being meek and finished with references showing this from Matthew 5:5; 11:29; 21:5, and 1 Peter 3:4 KJV. We finished with a comparison of our calling in Ephesians 3:1-6 KJV. This is a different inheritance than what was promised to Israel. This is the gospel of the unsearchable riches of Christ. The scripture reading was from Matthew 5:1-7 KJV “1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”

The lesson on September 8, 2024 was part 6 of “The Book of Matthew” study. Wayne reviewed what we learned in the previous lesson, particularly the calling of Jesus Christ into his ministry by the baptism from John at the end of chapter three. In transitioning to Matthew 4:1 KJV we immediately see the temptations from the Devil who is desiring to deter Jesus from being obedient to God’s will. Jesus is impeccable. There is no temptation of the Son of God that tarnishes the sinless ministry he maintained. We, on the other hand are peccable. When we are called to do God’s will, no doubt the minute you engage, Satan or his demons will be at your doorstep to tempt you away and be taken off course. We have our sinful nature that provides a way for the tempter to cause us to sin. Jesus was sinless and that is why he was impeccable. The three temptations the devil made was to take Jesus off the path of obedience that he stayed on from birth until the crucifixion. The Devil knew who Jesus was. Just like the demon in Matthew 8:29 KJV. The scripture reading was from Matthew 4:21-25 KJV “21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. 22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him. 23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. 24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. 25 And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.”

The lesson on August 25, 2024 was part 5 of “The Book of Matthew” study. Wayne reviewed what we had learned in the previous lesson and proceeded to present Matthew chapter three to us. We are introduced to John the Baptist in verse 1. We looked at the Greek word for baptist “ὁ βαπτιστής, ” and was provided a list of verses where this is used (Matt. 3:1; 11:11-12; 14:2, 8; 16:14; 17:13; Mk. 6:24-25; 8:28; Lk. 7:20, 28, 33; 9:19). As those who follow right division of scripture, we know the prophecy that John was fulfilling from Isaiah 40:1-11 which was the Voice from the Wilderness. There was a 400 year span between the end of Malachi and John the “gift of Jehovah”. In Matthew 3:2 KJV we see John is saying “Repent ye:” This work in the Greek is “Μετανοεῖτε” and it means to turn around. A good example of how it should be interpreted is from Zechariah 1:3 KJV “Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.” There are many examples in scripture water is used to identify a cleansing and turning a new direction (+Gen. 18:4; 24:32; Exod. 29:4; 30:18, 20; 40:12, 30; Lev. 1:9, 13; 14:8-9; 15:5-8, 10-11, 13, 16, 21-22, 27; 16:4, 24, 26, 28; 17:15; 22:6; Num. 8:7; 19:7-8, 19, 21; Deut. 23:11; Job 9:30; Jn. 13:5). The prophets show it to from Isaiah 1:16 , Zechariah 13:1 and Ezekiel 36:25 KJV. John was testifying that the Kingdom of Heaven was near. The scripture reading was from Matthew 3:1-6 KJV “1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 4 And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, 6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.”

The lesson on August 4, 2024 was part 4 of “The Book of Matthew” study. This lesson finishes chapter two but looks at several important topics that this chapter provides us. Wayne does review what we learned in the last lesson of how God spoke to man through the prophets and how prophecies had a future fulfillment and a local fulfillment. We then get into looking at the name of Jesus and how it was reflecting the trinity of God. We looked at four passages in the Old Testament that spoke of the trinity in Deuteronomy 6:4; 32:6; Isaiah 9:6; 2 Samuel 23:2-3. In the New Testament we have very specific verses that speaks of the Trinity if you have a King James bible. New bibles have dropped some of these verses. 1 John 5:7,8 KJV says “7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.” That makes it very clear. We looked at several passages that speak to the class of sorcerer that existed that may be like the wise men who visited the young child Jesus. They were ones who studied the stars and learned of the Messiah from the gospel in the stars. Wayne wrapped up looking at how Jesus was called a Nazarene and how everyone rejected those who came from Nazareth as it was foretold in prophecy from Psalms 22:6 KJV and Isaiah 53:2 KJV. The Scripture reading was from 1 John 5:7-8 KJV “7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.”

The lesson on July 28, 2024 was part 3 of "The Book of Matthew" study. Wayne quickly reviewed what we had covered in the previous lesson before he started teaching us the content for this lesson, as we are looking at King Herod and the events surrounding him. Specifically in Matthew chapter one, looking a Joseph, he was dealing with the fact that Mary was with child. The hard decisions he was going to have to make was changed by the Angel of the Lord appearing to him in a dream explaining the situation to him as said in Matthew 1:18-22 KJV. Wayne suggests that the Angel of God is still speaking in verses 22 and 23 and Matthew starts his commentary in verse 24. Wayne takes us back to Isaiah 7:14 KJV to research how God speaks to people. We learn how God gives a sign. When God spake it was through a prophet so in Matthew 1:22 we see that a greater fulfillment was spoken of the Lord by the prophet. We were taken to the commentary in the Companion Bible for Matthew 1:22 KJV. An example was looked at in 2 Kings 18:1-2 KJV and 2 Chronicles 29:1 to study the name Abijah which means "My father is Jehovah". Then we look at the wise men that visited the young child in a house. These wise men addressed Harod the king before they paid their respects. These wise men had knowledge from the gospel in the stars! The next lesson will look further into these wise men. Herod had asked to be informed where they found him so he may worship as well. Being warned by an angel, they did not return unto Herod so he had all the children put to death that were under two years of age. The scripture reading was from Matthew 2:1-10 KJV "1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. 7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. 9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy."

The lesson taught on July 14, 2024 was part 2 of “The Book of Matthew” study. We continued to dive into the genealogy of Jesus Christ and the 14 generations detail. In the gospel of Luke, we see women included from all backgrounds. Jesus Christ is the seed of the woman. In Romans 5:12 KJV “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” This was the original sin mankind inherited from Adam. Since Mary was a virgin and conceived by the Holy Ghost, “that holy thing” which shall be born of her shall be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35 KJV). There are three blocks of generations 3 X 14 = 3 x 2 x 7 = 6 x 7. There is still 1 x 7 needed for completeness. That will be fulfilled in Revelation! The scripture reading was in Matthew 1:21-25 KJV “21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.”

The lesson on July 7, 2024 was part 1 of “The Book of Matthew” study. After the introduction in the previous lesson, this time we look in depth at the genealogy of Christ, the Son of David. Since Jesus’s father was God, the problem we are presented with is if Jesus had no earthly Father how could he be in the lineage of Judah or David etc. to legally be an heir to David’s Throne? Can a son only inherit from his biological father? Wayne takes us through several ways that a son can do this. One way was a Levirate Marriage. Another way was through adoption. Further, we learned that if a Father die with no sons, then his inheritance passes to his daughter. This was showing in 1 Chronicles 2:34-41 KJV. In that passage, tribal affiliation is listed under Judah. We learned of a curse that was lifted via a signet in Jeremiah 22:24, 28-30. KJV and Haggai 2:23 KJV and in 1 Chronicles 3:16-19 KJV. The genealogy in Luke 3:31 shows the genealogy coming through the seed of the woman. “31 Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David, (Lk. 3:31 KJV)” The scripture reading was in Jeremiah 22:24-30 KJV”24 As I live, saith the Lord, though Coniah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah were the signet upon my right hand, yet would I pluck thee thence; 25 And I will give thee into the hand of them that seek thy life, and into the hand of them whose face thou fearest, even into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of the Chaldeans. 26 And I will cast thee out, and thy mother that bare thee, into another country, where ye were not born; and there shall ye die. 27 But to the land whereunto they desire to return, thither shall they not return. 28 Is this man Coniah a despised broken idol? is he a vessel wherein is no pleasure? wherefore are they cast out, he and his seed, and are cast into a land which they know not? 29 O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord. 30 Thus saith the Lord, Write ye this man childless, a man that shall not prosper in his days: for no man of his seed shall prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling any more in Judah.”

The lesson taught on June 30, 2024 was an introduction to a new study in Matthew’s gospel. In this introduction, we learned that in this book, the Lord is presented as Jehovah’s King so the royal genealogy is presented from Abraham and David downward. Mark’s gospel presents the Lord as Jehovah’s servant, hence no genealogy is required. In Luke’s gospel, the Lord is presented as Jehovah’s man. Last, in John’s gospel, the Lord is presented as Jehovah Himself, where no genealogy is required. This study will focus on showing how Jesus ministry from birth to His baptism in water. The threefold temptation in the wilderness to the time he began to preach the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. We will learn how His ministry changed to show how He would suffer, die and be resurrected. Their is evidence in the Greek manuscripts showing why this is the first Gospel. Each lesson will go into detail using right division to bring clarity to the student of scripture. The scripture reading was from Matthew 1:1-6 KJV “1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren; 3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; 4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; 5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; 6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;”

The lesson on June 23, 2024 was part 32 and the final lesson in this “Wisdom” study. Wayne briefly covered what we learned in the prior lesson but proceeded into the last chapter of Proverbs. We looked again at the structure of the book in whole where we reviewed what the Companion Bible notes showed us. Proverbs opened up with “The Words of the Wise” for Solomon. For a Prince and A King. It ends with “The Words of Agur” and “The Words of Lemuel”. For Solomon. For A Prince and a King. Proverbs 1:1-9 covers the warnings for leadership in regards to women and wine. Proverbs 31:10-31 gives examples for leadership with the description of the model woman. These 22 verses formed an Acrostic of the Hebrew alphabet. The first word in each verse starts with the Hebrew letter from 1 thru 22. We also are reminded that Solomon didn’t apply this wisdom because we learned from 1 Kings 11:4-8 KJV “4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6 And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father. 7 Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. 8 And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.” The lesson ended with looking at the model woman. Proverbs 31:10-12 KJV says “10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.” The scripture reading was from Proverbs 31:1-10 KJV “1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. 2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? 3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: 5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. 6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. 7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. 8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. 9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. 10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

The lesson on June 16, 2024 was part 31 of the "Wisdom" study. Wayne quickly reviewed what we learned in the previous lesson and then focused on Proverbs 30. We looked at the structure of the chapter from the Companion Bible, where it shows 30.1-33 THE WORDS OF AGUR. In Proverbs 30:1 "The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal," The meaning of these names in some cases is uncertain. Agur = “gathered”; Jaker = “blameless”; Ithiel = “God is with me”; Ucal = “devoured”. The Hebrew word for "the man" is "geber" when means "Strong man". It continues in Proverbs 30:2-3 "2 Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man. 3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy." What do we know of this "man"? Verse 4 brings it all together. 4 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell? (Prov. 30:4 KJV). Every word of God is pure... the Hebrew word for pure means "to refine". Proverbs 30:6 says " 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. This ties in the study we have covered "Bible Inspiration and Preservation" which is a huge problem in Christianity today. You can't have two bibles where one is teaching something and the other is saying something else or not at all! "6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. "7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever." (Psalms 12:6-7 KJV). We looked at some passages that covered inspiration and preservation. The scripture reading was from Proverbs 30:1-6 KJV "1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,2 Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man. 3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy. 4 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell? 5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar."

The lesson taught on June 2, 2024 was part 30 of the “Wisdom” study. As usual, Wayne reviewed what we had learned in the previous lesson, and then proceeded to Proverbs 29. In this chapter, we learned about the stubborn nature of man in that when he is reproved, he stiffens his neck. In doing so, he is suddenly destroyed without remedy. The word “remedy” in Hebrew is מַרְפֵּֽא׃ or “marpay”. That word appears in these passages (2 Chr. 21:18; 36:16; Prov. 4:22; 6:15; 12:18; 13:17; 14:30; 15:4; 16:24; 29:1; Eccl. 10:4; Jer. 8:15; 14:19; 33:6; Mal. 3:20) A majority of them are in Proverbs so we took time to look at all of them. Wisdom is associated with healthy scripture, or sound words. Jesus Christ is known as the “great physician”. In Matt. 11:2-5 (KJV) Jesus said to tell John the Baptist, who was in prison, to witness to him all the things that he had done… blind receiving site, lame walking, lepers being cleansed, deaf hearing, and dead rising up. Paul often wrote of using the form of sound words in 2 Timothy 1:13 (KJV) “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” We need to be healthy by understanding scripture, rightly divided. The scripture reading was from 2 Timothy 2:1-10 KJV “1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. 6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. 7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. 8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.”

The lesson taught on May 26, 2024 was part 29 of the “Wisdom” study. We are in Proverbs 28 and Wayne took a few minutes to recap what we learned in the previous lesson then opened up with a verse by verse approach again. We looked at Proverbs 28:1 saying “1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” The guilty are always watching their back and fleeing just because they are avoiding those that may be in pursuit. Conversely, the righteous are like a lion. There is strength in truth. Even though a lion may appear to be lazy, when it comes time for setting things straight, watch out. When a country transgresses, it is from poor leadership over time. Great leadership makes a country have staying power. Poor leadership is like poor nourishment that is whey they praise the wicked. Those that keep the law contend with them. They that seek the Lord, understand “all things”, particularly the general rules on how to govern. Just like on a Air Craft carrier, it is governed by a set of laws and principles that those who are onboard have to follow for it to run smoothly. The scripture reading was from Matthew 23:23,24 KJV “23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.”

The lesson taught on May 19, 2024 was part 28 of the “Wisdom” study which covered Proverbs 27. Wayne jumped right into the chapter and started with Proverbs 27:1 “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” We are reminded that we don’t know what tomorrow will bring but we are to trust in the Lord, who does. If we are taken tomorrow from this Earth, so be it, we are ready. Wayne continues the lesson, going verse by verse and commenting on the wisdom each verse provides us. The scripture reading was in Proverbs 27:1-10 KJV “1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. 2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. 3 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both. 4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? 5 Open rebuke is better than secret love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 7 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. 8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place. 9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel. 10 Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.”

The lesson on May 5, 2024 was part 27 of the “Wisdom” study which covered Proverbs 26. Wayne took time to review what we learned in the previous lesson by reviewing the reverential fear that we should have for God. We can fear God because He is all powerful but the proper fear is one of piety and respecting how God can love and forgive you. This was expressed in Psalms 130:1-8 KJV. We then got into Proverbs 26:1, 4-6, 8, 10-12 KJV. Wayne took time to explain the interpretation of Proverbs 26:2 KJV. Much of this chapter is addressing the fool. In today’s society, we seem to be praising fools. Well, we learned that if a man thinks he is all that (loves his own wise conceit), there is more hope of a fool than for him. The scripture reading was from Proverbs 26:1-12 (KJV) “26 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool. 2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come. 3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back. 4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. 6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage. 7 The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools. 8 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool. 9 As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools. 10 The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors. 11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. 12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.”

The lesson taught on April 28, 2024 was the 26th part of the “Wisdom” study. Wayne briefly covered what we learned in the previous lesson and then started into Proverbs 25. This part of Proverbs 25:1-28 is an admonition to the fear of God and it’s for all of us. Fear improperly used is meant to control you. Similar to the weather teams on TV during severe weather, they put fear in you so you won’t turn away. Or perhaps, the pandemic when they put fear in you to give up your constitutional rights for being controlled. Well, the fear that these passages are talking about is the proper respect and awe of God. We learned in the first verse that Hezekiah and his guild of scribes copied this wisdom for others to have. Proverbs 25:3 is similar to Ephesians 3:18 where PAul is praying that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height. This passage also resonated with what PAul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:19-21. In our calling, we have the responsibility to be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. The scripture reading was from Proverbs 25:1-6 KJV “1 These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out. 2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. 3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable. 4 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer. 5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness. 6 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:”

The lesson taught on April 14, 2024 was part 25 of the “Wisdom” study. Wayne reviewed what we had learned from the previous lesson by reminding us of the structure and overview of Proverbs. If you keep the context of this wisdom that it is teaching, you find some of the wisdom is given to Solomon and some is from Solomon. Some say that the bible is against women. That is wrong. For example, in the context of a nation asked not to follow false gods or idolatry, being affected by the whore to see what she is advertising and being led astray by the strange woman after the mind is disconnected from the spirit of God by excess wine, is what God is against. In this lesson, we look at Proverbs 24 and see personal character being given for Solomon and Princes. In Proverbs 24: 3 it says “Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:”. Well, that is reflecting what strength we will receive if we understand right division. In the current dispensation, the apostle PAul wrote to us after Acts in Ephesians 3:1-8 and PAul prays we would be strong in Ephesians 3:16 “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;”. To be strong and wise with scripture, you must see and understand that Paul had two ministries, one to the Jew, and the other to the Gentile that changed after Acts 28. It is this understanding that the scriptures will open up to you in a way that provides clarity! We must turn to PAul, to receive our wisdom and increase our strength in scripture so we may be a vessel God can use to help others see this truth. The scripture reading was from Ephesians 1:1-9 “1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:”

The lesson taught on April 7, 2024 was part 24 of the “Wisdom” study. Wayne reviewed what we learned from the previous lesson like a good name, how the scriptures have been preserved and in the King James, how even the pronouns teach us correctly. How that no matter what riches or status you have, we all are created equal. Much of that was expressed in the Declaration of Independence. He then was excited to proclaim that Proverbs 23 is the only chapter in Proverbs that mentions the redeemer. This passage covers very personal issues. Proverbs 23:1-21 covers personal character. Proverbs 23:22-25 involves a call to hear. Finally, Proverbs 23:26-33 discusses personal conduct. If you examine anyone’s personal life, they will have failings. This includes our founding fathers. John Adams had a great quote: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other”. Just look at Solomon or David… they all have failings except for the one, Jesus Christ. Proverbs 23:1 starts with your fellowship with a person of power. Wayne shared a story about visiting the King in Austria. They were served 22 courses! Don’t fall for it because it is deceitful food thinking this is the life for you and this is what you need to be satisfied. We learned that Proverbs is written in couplets. Each verse has one section, followed by another. Wayne takes us through each verse and we find the word Ga’al in verse 11, which is the word for the redeemer. He provided a listing where this word is used in scripture and he emphasized Ruth 2:20; 3:9, 12-13; 4:1, 3-4, 6, 8, 14. This is the lesson teaching about Christ being the Kinsman Redeemer. The lesson ends on Proverbs 23:26-33 showing how enticement is achieved thru the disconnection of your will with God’s instruction and ending in failure. The scripture reading was from Proverbs 23:22-25 KJV “22 Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old. 23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. 24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. 25 Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.”

The message on March 31, 2024 was on Easter. In this message, Wayne shared some salient verses about the God Head, essentially the Trinity in relation to the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Wayne particularly covered John 16 - 21. The comforter: John 16:7 It is expedient (to bring together with profit). John 16:13-15 All things that the Father hath are mine. Glory (The work of the Father Son and Spirit): John 17:1 “Glorify thy son”. John 17:3 “The only true God”, Compare Heb. 1:1,5,6,7,8 <- “he saith”. John 17:4,5 With the glory he had before the world was. John 17:22 Glory given Jesus given to his followers. John 18:11 Put up thy sword. John 19:1-3 Smote with hands. The scripture reading was from John 19:19-24 KJV "19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. 21 Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. 22 Pilate answered, What I have written I have written. 23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. 24 They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did."

The lesson taught on March 10, 2024 was part 23 of the “Wisdom” study. This lesson covered Proverbs 22. We see that this part of Proverbs is dealing with Personal Character. Proverbs 22:1 declares right away that a good name is better than riches and loving favor is better than silver and gold. It is so important that parents provide loving favor to their children. Wayne opened up by looking at Biblical Art produced by the Bible Project for Proverbs. This good name that Proverbs is referring to is reflected in Philippians 2:10 KJV “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;”. We took a little side journey to Matt. 23:37 where it shows how children refused to come to the Lord by their free will. This directly refutes the Calvinist TULIP principles of Limited Atonement and Unconditional Election. Continuing in Proverbs 22:2, it declares that the rich and poor meet together and that the Lord is the maker of them all. This resonates with a very important document here in America, called the Declaration of Independence. When the founders wrote “…it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them…” It declared that “…that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” The founding fathers took the wisdom declared in scripture and embodied it into the Declaration of Independence. What a great document that our elected officials should read again. Proverbs 22:6 KJV is a very well known verse.. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” The scripture reading was from Matthew 23:34-39 KJV “34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: 35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. 36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. 37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! 38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. 39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

The lesson taught on March 3, 2024 was part 22 of the “Wisdom” study. Wayne covered Proverbs 21 and it was a continuation of the personal character from chapter 20. We took time to look ahead at Proverbs 30:4 KJV “4 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son’s name, if thou canst tell?” We know the answers! His name is God, Jehovah and His son is Jesus Christ! Even in Proverbs is speaks of Christ. As we dived into chapter 21, we learned that to do what is right with justice and judgment is better than sacrifice. In Prov. 21:2 we learn that man sees himself at doing everything right and that in Prov. 21:4 a high look and a proud heart is not an acceptable sin offering! The ways of man and women and children have not changed. We see that in Prov. 21:9,19 KJV. God clearly does not like lying or false witnesses. We ended the lesson with the wisdom conveyed in Prov. 21:31 that in war, safety is with the Lord because eternal life is with him through the resurrection. The scripture reading was from Proverbs 21:1-7 KJV “1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. 2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts. 3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. 4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. 5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want. 6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. 7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.”

The lesson taught on February 25, 2024 was part 21 of the “Wisdom” study. We are transitioning out of the wisdom that is specifically shared to us directly to that that which is sent to Solomon, as a Prince and a King. Proverbs 19:20-27 is a call to hear. Proverbs 19:28-21:1 addresses personal conduct. Chapter 20:1 start out by addressing the use of wine. Traditionally, the thought of drinking wine is evil. Well, we want to have a biblical understanding of wine. Looking at the use of wine in Proverbs it is mentioned in Prov. 3:10; 4:17; 9:2, 5; 20:1; 21:17; 23:30-31; 31:4,6,7 KJV. In these passages, we see proper use of wine and improper uses. Wine is fermented to it is alcoholic. The Apostle Paul addresses Wine in these verses: (All KJV) Rom. 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 1 Tim. 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 1 Tim. 3:8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 1 Tim. 5:23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities. Tit. 1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; Tit. 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;. We looked at a story in 1 Samuel about three people: David, Abigail and Nabal. This story was an excellent view of the proper use of wine. The lesson ended with a focus on Proverbs 20:25 KJV giving wisdom to those about ready to enter into marriage. The scripture reading was from 1 Samuel 25:36-38 KJV 36 And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal’s heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken: wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light. 37 But it came to pass in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart died within him, and he became as a stone. 38 And it came to pass about ten days after, that the Lord smote Nabal, that he died.

The lesson taught on February 18, 2024 was part 20 of the “Wisdom” study. This weeks focus was on Proverbs 19. Verses 1-19 cover wisdom in relation to personal character in regards to humility, meekness, and gentleness. Verses 20-29 cover instructions given to Solomon. Personal walk: Prov. 19:1-3; Living with wealth and poverty: Prov. 19:4,6,7; Personal integrity as a witness: Prov. 19:5,9; Personal wisdom and understanding: Prov. 19:8; Personal discretion: Prov. 19:11,12; Responsibility of parents: Prov. 19:13,14,18; Need for good use of time: Prov. 19:15,16; Responsibility to the poor: Prov. 19:17; Responsibility to control anger: Prov. 19:19. The second portion is for Solomon which covers the remaining of chapter 19 through chapter 24: Prov. 19:20-24:33 KJV. The scripture reading was from Acts 13:6-12 KJV “6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus: 7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. 9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, 10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.”

The lesson taught on February 4, 2024 was part 19 of the “Wisdom” study. The focus was on Proverbs 18 where it covers the personal virtues in social life. We opened by reading Prov. 18:1 KJV and Wayne compared that to a spider. He then proceeded through the rest of the chapter taking time to share how he learned how to respect deep waters. We took the time to read 2 Cor. 12:9 to see how Paul reflected on Proverbs 18:14-21 KJV. The lesson ended by commenting on Prov. 18:22 KJV “22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.” The scripture reading was from Proverbs 18:1-4 KJV “1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. 2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. 3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach. 4 The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.”

The message that was presented on January 28, 2024 was thought of while Wayne was visiting San Francisco on the way to New Zealand for holiday with his family. He opened with a verse from Proverbs 28:4 KJV “They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.” Wayne referred us to these passages from Proverbs (Prov. 1:8; 3:1; 4:2; 6:20, 23; 7:2; 13:14; 28:4, 7, 9; 29:18; 31:5, 26). He then pointed us to Deuteronomy 22:5 KJV where it says “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God. ” He pointed to several movements that just use people and cause great harm. The Apostle Paul describes this in Romans 1:22-28 KJV ” 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;” Later on in Colossians, PAul warns us in Col.2:8 “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” He wrapped up with wisdom from Peter in 2 Peter 3:17 KJV “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.” His challenge to us was to be of contention when things go against what God has established. If Christians don’t push back, then foolishness will prevail.

The message on December 24, 2023 was a message on the birth of Jesus Christ. And His name shall be called JESUS… Wayne takes time to explore how God took on flesh and came to this Earth, so we my have a Savior. We started the message looking at Luke 2:8-15 KJV ” 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. Wayne teaches us that there is no savior beside the LORD! (2 Ki. 13:5; Isa. 19:20; 43:3, 11; 45:21; 49:26; 60:16; Hos. 13:4; Lk. 2:11; Phil. 3:20; 1 Tim. 1:1; Tit. 1:4; 2 Pet. 1:11; 2:20; 3:2, 18) God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. Matthew 1:21-25 KJV “21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. This was our Christmas message for 2023. The scripture reading was from Daniel 9:7-14 KJV “7 O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee. 8 O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee. 9 To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him; 10 Neither have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. 11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him. 12 And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem. 13 As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the Lord our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth. 14 Therefore hath the Lord watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the Lord our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.”