Category: Uncategorised

Almighty God was showing the Israelite people the danger and evil of sin. He also showed them that He would send His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, as the only true sacrifice for the sins of His people. 

All of the above. The Tabernacle was a very big tent (a type of Church building) that could be moved easily with the Israelites when they travelled from place to place. The Israelites used to meet with Almighty God in these tents. Today we gather in Church buildings to meet with, and worship, the same glorious Almighty God who the Israelites met with in their tents all those years ago! Isn’t that amazing?

“How amiable are thy tabernacles. O LORD of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.” Psalm 84 Vs. 1&2

The High Priest was the only person God allowed to enter into the smaller tent called the Holy of Holies, and this only once each year on the Day of Atonement. If anyone else dared to enter into this tent, they would instantly be killed because of their sins. This taught the people that they could not come into Gods presence with their sins unforgiven.

The curtain or veil represents sin, and how it forms a barrier between us and God. We cannot come into Gods Holy presence if our sins have not been forgiven.

“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear you.” Isaiah Ch.59 V.2

The High Priest had to sacrifice (kill) certain animals as an offering to God for the sins which he and the Israelite people had done. Only after this had been done could he safely enter into the presence of God.

The only way which we can enter in the presence of Almighty God is to repent, that is to turn away from our sinful lives, and believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for us on the cross and took the punishment for our own sins.

Jesus Christ was the greater and true sacrifice for sins. The animals only ‘represented’ a sacrifice for sins. It was a sign to the people that blood had to be shed for their sins to be forgiven. This helped them to understand the seriousness and danger of their sin and how much it offended a Holy God. The sacrifice of the animals didn’t actually take away the sins of the people, but showed them one day a Saviour (Jesus Christ) would come as a true sacrifice for the sins of His people.

“..the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing.” Hebrews Ch.9 Vs.6 to 8

It shows the wonderful forgiveness of God. It symbolizes the guilt of all Israel’s sins being put onto the goat which was then set free to run away and never be seen again. If we truly repent, and believe that our sins were put upon the Lord Jesus Christ, God will forgive us and never remember our sins again. What an amazing thought!

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin.” 2 Chronicles Ch.7 V.14

Moses had the amazing privilege of receiving God’s instructions directly and receiving the 10 commandments written in God’s own hand.

Even though the Israelites knew that God hated sin, they gave in to temptation, just wanting to enjoy themselves, regardless of the consequences.

Paying for the sinful idols of this world is very expensive, not just in terms of money, but damage to our lives and character.

Could a golden image of an animal really replace the true and living God? Never!

They turned their back on God’s ways and all the gifts of intelligence, reason, and self-control that He had given them and became more like animals.

God created us to worship Him and follow his laws because that is what will bring us long term joy. When we think we know better than God, we fall into sin, which eventually will make us sad and unhappy and lose our place in heaven.

Moses was very angry that the people had allowed such a great sin to get the better of them. God had created them in His image, but they had chosen to behave like animals, turning their backs on God’s great love. God hates sin.

None of us can live a life without sinning. Jesus is the only one to have lived without sin and He gave his perfect life to take the punishment for our sins. If we truly repent, ask for forgiveness and believe that Jesus can save us, He has promised to save us and take us to heaven to be with Him.

Yes, the angel told Mary that she would have a baby that grow up to be the Saviour of the world. Mary and Joseph did not doubt the angel but trusted that this was God’s great plan.

Yes, the shepherds did not delay but left straight away to see the Saviour. We should follow their example and turn to him today.

Yes, the Centurion knew he had committed many sins and was not worthy to have the perfect Son of God in his house. He also believed that the Lord Jesus had great power and could heal his servant with just a word. The Lord Jesus knew this man’s heart and praised him for his great faith. Have we realised our own sinfulness? Do we believe that Jesus has power to save all who repent and believe?

Yes, Mary realised that listening to the words of the Saviour was the most important thing she could be doing.

Yes, Zacchaeus was a very corrupt man. He stole large amounts of money from people and became very rich whilst they were left very poor. After meeting with the Lord Jesus, he realised how wicked and sinful he had been. Zacchaeus repented and trusted in Jesus. His heart was changed, and he no longer wanted to steal from people. He gave back all the money he had stolen.

Yes, the woman wanted to show the Lord Jesus how much she loved Him and how thankful she was for the forgiveness He had shown her. Jesus will forgive us too if we truly repent and believe.

The Lord Jesus can see our hearts and our true thoughts. The Lord will forgive all those who truly repent and believe.

Yes, we shouldn’t find excuses for not coming to the Lord Jesus but turn to him today.

Yes, the Lord Jesus performed a wonderful miracle and brought the widows son back to life. The Bible says that are souls are dead but that the Lord Jesus can bring them back to life through his death on the cross of Calvary.

Yes, the thief’s sins were all forgiven, and he was taken to heaven to be with the Lord Jesus forever. We too can receive this wonderful gift of eternal life if we trust in the Lord Jesus too.

Yes, the Lord has given us a complete Bible which is like a letter He has written to us to tell us all about Himself and how we can know Him as our Lord and friend for all eternity. The Lord’s words in the Bible still teach us today.

Yes, we all deserve to be punished for our sin. We have ALL sinned very badly in God’s eyes (we may not be a thief like these men, but just think how often we are selfish or unkind), and the Bible tells us we deserve to die too.  The amazing thing is that God has given us a way to escape from the punishment we deserve.

The Lord Jesus was in great pain on the cross, and He was mocked by many people.  But when He was on the cross, He suffered all the punishment for all His people, and that was far worse than all the pain and cruelty.  We deserve to be punished, but He was there instead of us.  He was willing to do all that for our sake.

Jesus had the power to get down from the cross, but He would not!  He came to this earth to live and to die to save us from our sins.  If He had come down from the cross, we could never be saved – there is no other way to be saved, except by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sadly, only one thief believed.  The other thief heard everything Jesus said, but he did not care.  We must be like the thief who listened to Jesus’ words, repented of his wickedness and asked Jesus to remember him.

If we want to become a Christian, our prayer can be long OR short. It must be from our heart and in our own words. Remember how short was the thief’s prayer – just a few words – but Jesus heard him, and gave him what he asked.

We must seek the Lord Jesus straight away.  If we put it off, we may never come to Him at all.  And why put it off?  Anyone who comes to the Saviour will receive forgiveness, peace in their hearts, joy, a place in heaven, a Heavenly Friend …. and so many more wonderful things.

Jesus said to him ‘today thou shalt be with me in paradise’ (heaven).  The thief was just about to die physically (that was still going to happen), but now he would be at peace, knowing that in just a few hours, he would be with the Lord Jesus in heaven.

For a Christian death is not something to be afraid of.  It is the time that we leave this world, but it is just the beginning of a new life in heaven with the Lord Jesus, and all our sin and sadness is gone.

Jesus felt sorry for the widow who was very distressed as her only son had just died. He comforted her and told her not to weep, and then miraculously brought her son back to life.

“And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier (frame holding the coffin): and they that bare (carried) him stood still. And He said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise”  Luke Ch.7 Vs. 13&14

All of the above. The widow had no husband and would have relied on her son to earn money so that they could both eat and drink and have somewhere to live. She would naturally have loved her son very much and been left feeling very lonely without his presence in her house. She would have been incredibly thankful that the Lord Jesus had brought her son back to life.

The Lord Jesus just told the man to “arise” and he sat up in his coffin. As simple as that! No long operation in hospital, or lots of medicine. He just commanded him to get up – what amazing power Jesus Christ has.

“But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible”   Matthew Ch.19 V. 26

The crowd of people who witnessed this miracle were absolutely amazed and filled with an awe and reverence towards Jesus Christ. They knew He must be God to have done this as no person has ever raised someone from the dead.

“And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people” Luke Ch.7 V.16

Jesus can give us spiritual ‘life’ when we have been dead in our ‘sins’. We can be ‘born again’ as he tells us in the Bible.

“Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:”  Ephesians Ch.2 Vs.5&6

Eternal Death! If we continue to sin all of our lives and never turn away from them to God (repenting), we will suffer eternal death. Eternal death is a never ending and deserved punishment from God for our sins.

“For the wages (reward) of sin is death..”

But the same Bible verse goes onto say something much more encouraging too:

“but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” Romans Ch.6 V.23

Even though you probably do not realise it, we are all serving Satan unless we become a Christian and serve the Lord God. That is a frightening thought!

“He that commiteth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning.”

1 John Ch.3 V.8

We will spend eternity (forever) with the Lord Jesus in Heaven along with all the other Christians He has saved. Being in the presence of Almighty God in a place where there is no sin or hurt. What a glorious thought! 

“and he will dwell with them (Christians), and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain…” Revelation Ch.21 Vs.3&4

Of course you did!

Even though they knew that Jesus loved children they tried to turn the women and children away, thinking that Jesus had more important people to speak to and spend His time with.

The Lord Jesus taught that it is easier for children to understand how to become converted than adults.

‘Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven’ Matthew 18 vs 3.

You only have to read the first verse of the Bible to find out the answer: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1 vs 1

No matter how much anyone else wants to forgive our sins, the truth is that there is only one person who can, and that is the Lord Jesus. The amazing thing is that He is not just able to forgive us, but He is also willing to forgive us!

Today, while we are young is the best time to ask the Lord Jesus to forgive us and save us. When we are older our hearts will be harder and we will find it harder to say sorry and trust the Lord Jesus alone.

All of these things, and so much more are given by the Saviour to everyone who He saves.

Joseph asked Pilate for the body of Jesus and then buried Him in his own new tomb. Of course, the Lord Jesus did not stay there for very long! He rose again on the third day.

The Israelites followed new gods – the gods of the surrounding nations – which meant that God left them. They found only trouble and sorrow from their wicked ways, but every time God graciously brought them back to Him again. What a longsuffering, kind and loving God He is!

He told them about the true God Who has made everything, and is the only true ruler of all things. He also told them that God commands everyone to repent because there is a day of judgement coming.

God will remake the earth in sinless perfection for His people to live in with Him for ever. What a future Christians have!

He will make us new creatures. The verse in 2 Corinthians chapter 5 goes on to say, “old things are passed away: behold all things are become new.” In other words, if we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and become His followers, he will make us new people – people who have everlasting life, who are capable of obeying God’s laws and pleasing Him, who have a new heart which is full of joy and peace.

All of these.  Jesus looked like one of us when He lived on earth, but He is truly God. He is the only one who has ever lived, to be perfect.  And He is eternal – He has no beginning, and no end.

Jesus was going to be very poor, all through His life.  But He is King of all the earth!

Even at the time Jesus was born, true Christians were looking forward to the time that, as promised, Jesus would die for His people.

He knew Jesus was to be King – this made Herod jealous and afraid, and he wanted to kill Jesus.  But the wise men were warned by God not to tell Herod anything.

They believed the angels, and were so amazed and happy that they got up straight away – they could not wait to see the Lord Jesus for themselves.

All of these (and more!).  The shepherds knew that this was no ordinary baby, but the Lord Himself, come down from heaven to save us.

We should repent today, and ask Him to be my Saviour. Our nice presents don’t last for ever (they may not last very long at all!).  But if we put our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, He will save us, and will be a wonderful Friend for ever.

It was Jesus who was born all those years ago. The amazing thing is that He is still alive today in Heaven.

Jesus was born in a stable in a little town called Bethlehem.

Jesus earthly parents were Mary and Joseph.

Both answers are correct- God spoke to Mary and Joseph and told them to call their child Jesus when He was born. Jesus was sent down to this earth by His Father (God) in Heaven to save His people (Christians) from their sins. This is why He is called the ‘Saviour’.

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew Ch.1 V.21

All of the above are true – Jesus Christ was very special indeed. He was both man and God at the same time. He committed no sins so that when he was crucified on the cross, He could be a perfect sacrifice for the people He loved and wanted to save. He gloriously took the punishment they deserved for their sins himself, so that they could go to Heaven. What a Saviour He is!

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given….and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah Ch.8 V.6

We must repent of our sins. That is to turn from wilfully living a sinful life to instead living a life for God and hating sin. We must know that we are guilty sinners and have broken Gods laws (commandments). We must admit to God (confess) that we have sinned against Him and ask Him to forgive us. We must also believe that His son Jesus Christ died for us. If you have truly repented and believed, then God will change your life forever and you will want to live for Jesus and to please Him.

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin.” 2 Chronicles Ch.7 V. 14

The best gift anyone could ever receive is the gift of Salvation from Almighty God. To have our sins forgiven and having peace and joy in our hearts, knowing that Heaven awaits us, is an amazing gift. All the money and riches in the whole world is absolutely nothing compared to this glorious gift from God.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Ephesians Ch.2 V. 8

The only way to true happiness all the year round is to be a Christian. To look forward to serving God and to please Him is a wonderful thing. He is the giver of great joy and peace to those that love Him.

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans Ch.15 V.13

Jesus Christ will return on that great day of Judgment. He will come to gather in His people (Christians) so that they can go to be with Him in Heaven forever. BUT He will also come to judge the world for their sins. If you are not a Christian when He comes again, a terrible eternity will await you.

“For the Son of man (Jesus) shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” Matthew Ch.16 V.27