Category: John the Baptist

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #92

Sunday, August 23, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

The Book of 1 John addresses Israel (cf. Galatians 2:9; Matthew 10:2,5-7): “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (1 John 1:6-10).

John understands there is believing Israel and there is unbelieving Israel. Read 1 John 2:12: “I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.” Even in 1 John, 1 John 1:9 is not a daily practice of believers, but an expression of moving from unbelief to faith. First John 1:9 is an appeal to lost Jews, Jews so self-righteous they suppose they have no sins to confess (cf. Luke 7:29,30; cf. Matthew 3:6,9; Mark 1:4,5; Luke 3:3,8). The Apostle John writes 1 John 1:9 to unsaved Jews, for believing Jews have already confessed their sins under John the Baptist’s ministry and now possess forgiveness (1 John 2:12).

Today, it is assumed we need to confess our sins to obtain forgiveness. Here, the “Our Father” Prayer is quoted: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors…. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:12,14,15). To repeat, this is part of Israel’s national Kingdom restoration (Leviticus 26:40-42), confession of sins an admission they need the New Covenant (cf. Jeremiah 31:31-34) because they can never measure up to the demands of the Old Covenant (cf. Ezra 9:1–10:1; Daniel 9:3-20; Matthew 3:6; Mark 1:5)….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #91

Saturday, August 22, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

First John 1:9 explains, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Alas, this has been so mindlessly repeated and misused in religious circles for centuries that it means practically nothing now. Not only should we believe the verse, we should also believe the context.

Confession of sins is in perfect accordance with the Law of Moses, which directed disobedient Israel suffering punishment to confess (admit) their national sin of violating the Old Covenant: “If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me; And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity: Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land” (Leviticus 26:40-42). Israel’s national restoration to the LORD God involves confession of sins.

Firstly, Ezra confessed sins in Ezra 9:1-15: “Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore” (Ezra 10:1). Secondly, Daniel did it in Daniel 9:3-19: “And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God;…” (Daniel 9:20). Finally, John the Baptist’s converts did the same. “And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins” (Matthew 3:6). “And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins” (Mark 1:5). John the Baptist made ready a people prepared for the Lord (Luke 1:13-17), and the Apostle John is doing likewise in 1 John 1:9….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #69

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Just about everyone in Christendom has no grasp of why Christ was water baptized. Apparently, all they can manage saying is, “If you want to be Jesus’ disciple, you need to obey God by following Him in ‘believer’s baptism!’” Instead of supporting a manmade institution by mindlessly parroting some cliché they heard in church, it would be far better if they carefully searched the Holy Scriptures they claim to know and esteem. They will thus understand the purpose of water baptism and gain some spiritual enlightenment and maturity.

Water baptism is a sign, the representation of the Davidic Covenant (just as physical circumcision symbolizes the Abrahamic Covenant). It accompanies the preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom, as Israel is to become a kingdom of priests and must therefore undergo a washing with water like the Levitical priests at their installation. Water baptism signifies a purification, the defilement of idolatry being washed away. If so, then why was Jesus water baptized? Observe! Friend, if we are going to adopt the Bible-believing view, here are four reasons for His own water baptism.

Firstly, since water baptism is needful for priests (Exodus 29:4; Leviticus 8:6), and Christ is repeatedly designated as Israel’s “high priest” (Hebrews 2:17; Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 4:14,15; Hebrews 5:5,10; Hebrews 6:20; Hebrews 7:26; Hebrews 8:1; Hebrews 9:11; Hebrews 10:21), He was water baptized and that “to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:13-17; cf. Mark 1:9-11). Secondly, the Lord Jesus needed water baptism to be manifested to Israel as Messiah/Christ, the Son of God (John 1:29-34). Thirdly, Christ was water baptized to identify Himself with believing Israel (“Little Flock;” Luke 12:32) that was likewise water baptized (Luke 3:21,22—to wit, He blends in with “all the people [believing Jewish remnant coming to John the Baptist’s water baptism]”). Fourthly, by Jesus being water baptized, He was exposing as lost (unbelievers, or, not His people!) those Jews who had refused to be water baptized of John (Luke 7:29,30).

We reiterate. For believing Israel (and for believing Gentiles in prophecy), water baptism is necessary as an outward indication of inward cleansing. Let us see yet another sign in God’s purpose and plan for the nation Israel….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #68

Monday, July 27, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Water baptism has been fittingly titled “religious TNT.” Fiery, explosive arguments have arisen because, instead of letting the pure Word of God have preeminence, individuals have isolated verses from their contexts to uphold denominations. Precious few understand that water baptism is not a New Testament ordinance, but an Old Testament one.

Under the Law of Moses, Levitical priests washed with water at their ordination (Exodus 29:4; Leviticus 8:6). Therefore, for Israel to be a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:9), each believing Jew must be water baptized, and that to symbolize purification from idolatry’s pollution: “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you” (Ezekiel 36:25). Water baptism is the sign of the Davidic Covenant. Therefore, John the Baptist, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, was water baptizing in Matthew 3:5-7: “Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”

Water baptism saves believing Israel from God’s end-times wrath. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). “…the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:…” (1 Peter 3:20,21). Moreover, in prophecy, believing Gentiles are also water baptized so believing Israel sees how these Gentiles have forsaken their idols (Matthew 28:19,20).

Now, we address Christ’s own water baptism….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #46

Sunday, July 5, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

“Where is Jesus’ coming to judge and make war with sinners?” People have thus made fun of Christians for 2,000 years—and certain alleged “Christians” (!) even join in on the mockery. Such is proof that the professing church has failed most miserably in “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15) and failed most miserably in clearly communicating what they should have from that rightly divided Word of Truth.

“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?… And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Matthew 3:7,10-12; cf. Luke 3:7,9,16,17).

“As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world…. And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth…. And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 13:40,42,50). “But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people” (Luke 21:23). “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:…” (Matthew 25:41).

Indeed, where is this wrath of which John the Baptist and Christ warned so long ago? Only dispensational Bible study is of power to provide us with an answer….

Possessed with Devils #9

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

“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” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What does the Bible say about devil possession?

As Israel was captive to sin and Satan (pictured by Egypt and Pharaoh), the LORD God commissioned Moses to heal sickness and handle serpents in Exodus chapter 4. Similarly, Father God sent Jesus Christ to redeem Israel yet again—for, the Jewish people had allowed themselves to be contaminated with false religion or devil worship during the 15 centuries between Moses and John the Baptist. Christ therefore healed the sick and cast out devils.

Notice what the Bible remarks about Mary Magdalene. “Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils” (Mark 16:9). “And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,…” (Luke 8:2). “Mary” in Hebrew is “Miriam,” meaning “rebellious.” She represents sinful Israel, filled with devils to maximum capacity (seven is the Bible’s number of completion). Yet, Jesus Christ (“Anointed Saviour”) cured Mary Magdalene of both her sin-problem (“infirmities”) and her devil-problem (“evil spirits… seven devils”). She represents Israel’s kingdom restoration and glorification in the ages to come.

Observe: “And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee” (Mark 1:23-28; cf. Luke 4:33-37). Father God wants Israel to be cleansed of her spiritual filthiness, so the Lord Jesus works with Him in doing just that….

I Just Wanted to Get Away! #13

Monday, September 22, 2025

“And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself” (Genesis 3:10 KJV).

Will sinners “get away” from accountability before God?

In New Testament times, many Jews believed an old fairytale (apocryphal work) written centuries before Christ. Supposedly, Abraham was sinless, and they had inherited his sinlessness. Wherefore, in their “righteousness,” they saw no need for repentance (change in mind) or water baptism under the ministry of John the Baptist. Read Matthew 3:9 and Luke 3:8: “we have Abraham to our father” was their argument John both anticipated and refuted (“say not!”).

Later, when Christ’s own ministry commenced, unbelieving leaders of Judaism boasted they were “Abraham’s seed” and how “Abraham is [their] father” (John 8:33,39). Physically, this was true (and Jesus did not deny this); however, they did not share Abraham’s faith. Moreover, Adam was their father, which automatically rendered them servants of sin. In verse 44, the Lord was candid in finally pointing out, “Ye are of your father the devil!” Convicted as sinners, they tried (but failed) to stone Him to death by chapter’s end!

Even now, many people suppose that, since they have been born into a certain culture (such as a “Christian” home), joined a particular denomination, or faithfully attended church services, they have a home reserved in Heaven. This is good religious tradition, but bad spiritual thinking. Religion attempts to take the old man and reform/rehabilitate/improve it by stopping “evil” and starting “good.” It does not give the Lord Jesus Christ the sole preeminence; neither the sinner’s identity in Adam nor its “works of the flesh” are important.

“Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid [God stop it from happening!!]: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe” (Galatians 3:21,22). Confessing sins, keeping commandments, getting water baptized, and donating money, are somehow believed they can be added to Christ’s crosswork (or, even replace it entirely) to give one a right standing before God. Man’s works, however, have been excluded before God, for no works-religion can give life to dead sinners… though they keep trying to get away from this truth….

The Kingdom of God is Within You #8

Friday, July 18, 2025

“Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21 KJV).

Is there really a “mis-translation” in the King James Bible here?

Believing Israel—the Messianic Church, Little Flock, or believing remnant—received Messiah-King Jesus by trusting Him in their heart (“the kingdom of God is within you”). They had already admitted their sin problem and believed in Him for redemption. However, unbelieving Israel sought mere political deliverance, not spiritual salvation. This was the Pharisees in the context of today’s Scripture. Their self-righteousness did not allow them to believe they had sin or needed spiritual salvation! Now that they refused to trust Him in their heart, He would not reign literally, physically, and visibly (David’s throne restored—see Acts 1:6) until after they formally rejected Him at Calvary’s cross.

Read Luke 7:19-35. John the Baptist, whom King Herod Antipas had imprisoned (Luke 3:19,20), could not understand why the Lord Jesus had not yet rescued him by overthrowing that evil ruler. The answer is simple: apostate Israel’s unbelief postpones God’s literal, physical, visible, earthly, Davidic kingdom. With John the Baptist (Messiah’s forerunner or announcer) about to die by beheading, and Messiah Himself preparing for His crucifixion, there will be no literal, physical, visible, earthly, Davidic kingdom until Messiah returns to His Father in Heaven to bring His kingdom back to Earth at His Second Coming.

Skip ahead to Luke 19:11,12. Jesus declares He is departing to His Father to receive the kingdom but He will come back with it: “And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.” Verses 13-14 cover His ascension (His leaving Earth) all the way to His Second Coming. His return is verses 15-27, with Jewish unbelievers destroyed when He comes back.

The key to today’s Scripture is verse 25: “But first [before His return to rule as King] must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.” Again, the tree of Calvary must precede the throne of David….

Wages #2

Sunday, July 6, 2025

“And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages” (Luke 3:14 KJV).

What can we learn from the Bible about “wages?”

Encouraging his converts to “bring forth fruits meet/worthy [suitable, proper, fitting] for/of repentance [a change in mind]” (Matthew 3:8; Luke 3:8), John the Baptist directed soldiers to treat people decently, not to unjustly blame anyone of wrongdoing, and be happy with their “wages” (today’s Scripture). Historically, the Roman government did not necessarily pay its soldiers in the form of currency or money. Sometimes, it was fish, salt, grain, fruits, or meat. This was what they worked for, their salary. The soldiers would naturally be inclined to complain, but they were to be content with whatever form of payment they received. “Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges [wages]?…” (1 Corinthians 9:7). The soldier does not work for his government for free!

As touching sanctification or being set apart unto God’s purposes, we read of how “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a). Notice how “wages” is plural. Sin has a payday—more than one payday, actually, with more than one type of salary (multiple deaths). Whether a soul’s separation from God that can be remedied by faith in Christ as personal Saviour, or a soul’s separation from God in Hell and the Lake of Fire that can never be reversed, or the Christian life ceasing to function, or a soul’s departure from the body upon physical death, sin will pay back the sinner many times!

Since the Corinthians were carnal (fleshly, worldly), and their false teachers had a tendency to accuse Paul of greediness (the love of money), the Apostle thus took no salary from the Corinthians—though he deserved to be paid as an apostle (check 1 Corinthians 9:1-18). When too busy with ministry work to make tents to support himself in Corinth, he received “wages” or donations from other churches (2 Corinthians 11:7-12). “Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges [wages]? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?” (1 Corinthians 9:7). Again, no soldier works for his government works for free, so neither should an apostle!

Let us expand upon this even more….

Wages #1

Saturday, July 5, 2025

“And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages” (Luke 3:14 KJV).

What can we learn from the Bible about “wages?”

In the context of today’s Scripture, John the Baptist answers various questions: “And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages” (verses 10-14).

Commenting on Christian living, Paul writes in Romans chapter 6: “[19] I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. [20] For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. [21] What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. [22] But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye 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.”

Finally, Paul remarks about being paid for ministry work in chapter 11 of 2 Corinthians: “[7] Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely? [8] I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. [9] And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.”

We shall study this word “wages” in-depth….