“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow
to the point of death.”

We often use words as expressions of our thoughts and feelings because they seem to sound good. But how often do you really think about what you are saying or seriously mean it when you say it?

“If you don’t…, I’m going to kill you”, is often said with absolutely no intention of doing so. How about, “I’m dying of thirst” or “I could eat a horse”? Of course we know that neither of these are true but how often do we say things that express a thought but don’t communicate the actual thought.

Just moments before He was to be betrayed by Judas, Jesus said, …“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.”

When Jesus said that, He wasn’t talking carelessly. He knew that in less than 24 hours, He would be dead and He didn’t really want to die. Jesus knew that in approximately twelve hours, nails would be driven through His hands and feet and He would have to endure the excruciating pain and feeling of that foreign object present in His body, suspending Him between Heaven and earth until death finally took over and relieved Him or His life on this earth and the pain finally ceased.

Jesus wanted to live, but knowing what was ahead, but also knowing that this was what must take place in order to obey His Father’s will, Jesus needed some time alone. He needed some time with His Father to prepare Him to endure the pain, agony, rejection, disrespect, hatred… that was ahead. He needed to focus on why He was enduring this inhumane act. He needed to gather up the internal strength and resolve to face what came, not turn back, but suffer what He is going to have to suffer, even die for those who hated Him, rejected Him and were trying to get Him killed.

“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” I can only try to imagine, knowing what I know Jesus knew at this point, how He felt. Like a criminal on death row or someone captured by an enemy or felon who has indicated that he is going to kill them, Jesus has to come to grips that death is inevitable. He has to face the horror that His death is going to be long, slow, full of ridicule, abuse, mocking, shame, exposure, humiliation, PAIN, rejection by man and by God the Father.

He loved you so much that He prepared His mind and then He went forward to be arrested, tried, beaten, mocked, ridiculed, condemned and crucified FOR YOU!

When you say, “JESUS”, what do you mean by that word? Are you declaring Him whose “…soul was overwhelmed…” for YOU as your Lord and Savior or are you mocking Him and using His name as a by word?

When you say, “Oh My God!”, are you really declaring God as yours or are you treating Him, who loved you so much that He sent His only Son to die for your sins, as a casual byword?

When you see the trouble that this world, our nation, your state, your city, your neighborhood is in, do you think about what Jesus did for you and ask God to help you communicate by your work, words and ways, so that others will see Jesus in you and want to follow Him?

Consider carefully the words of Jesus as He poured out His heart for YOU! “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” He was speaking the truth of how He felt, not just verbalizing some phrase of exasperation. He was overwhelmed by His having to pay for what you and I have done.

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Why I am not a Liberal

Why I am not a Liberal
In the discussion below, I am much more concerned about being a Christian than being a conservative or a liberal. Jesus is the King of a Kingdom that is older, bigger, more powerful and longer-lasting than all of the governments that have ever existed on this earth. My purpose is not to deal in politics but to stand up for Jesus Christ and what He teaches about right and wrong. Sometimes I may get caught up in condemning the sin, but my desire is to lead the sinner to repent, not label him as incorrigible. If we truly believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, we are saved by His grace, not by whether we label ourselves one way or another. That said, here is why:

I am not a liberal -
1. Liberals believe that government should and can control everybody in an effort to make things equal. However, they repeatedly show that they can’t even control themselves and they obviously can’t control anyone else. Otherwise they could tell criminals to stop committing crimes and there would be no more crime. If God isn’t in control, no one is in control. Most liberals don’t acknowledge God’s supremacy.

2. Liberals advocate "the government taking from the rich and giving to the poor". I have noticed several rich liberals who are not giving any of their money to the poor. To me, that is hypocrisy. Jesus NEVER taught that the government should force redistribution of wealth. He did teach that I, as an individual, should give according to my means and my heart's desire to help those less fortunate. Giving to the poor should be an individual thing, out of love and compassion, not a government mandated thing, giving to people or cause that violate my strongly held Christian beliefs.

3. Liberals advocate abortion is a woman's right to end an unwanted pregnancy. I contend that abortion is only a cover up that she and some man have had sex outside of marriage and they know it was wrong so they kill the baby in an attempt to cover up their sin. I have a problem with “women’s rights” not advocating the right to say, “NO” to sex outside of marriage. Sex outside of marriage is wrong. When liberals start advocating abstinence and stop promoting immorality, they we will have more in common.

4. Liberals advocate homosexual immorality is okay. They believe that homosexuality is a “race” not a choice. Science has not found a “homosexual” chromosome because there is none. God does not make mistakes. If He gave you male sex organs, then you are not a female. Too many homosexuals have left that lifestyle for me to believe that they were “born that way”. The Bible teaches that any kind of sex outside of marriage is sin.

5. Although there are many liberals who are Christians, most liberals tend to be less respectful of God, Jesus Christ and Christians than conservatives. The prevailing liberal ideology does not recognize God and His Word as final and authoritative.

I am a conservative –
1. I am a conservative because I believe that most conservative policies adhere more to the teachings of the Bible more than most liberal policies.

2. I am conservative because I believe that we are freer with less government interference.

3. I am a conservative because I would rather teach a man how to fish and give him a fishing pole than give him a fish.

4. I am conservative because most conservatives recognize that marriage is the union of one man and one woman and that sex is between one husband and one wife for life. Most conservatives do not condone sexual immorality of any kind.

5. I am conservative because I realize that the Bible teaches that homosexuality, abortion and a host of other sexually immoral actions are wrong and destructive to those who engage in them and to victims who are impacted by their behavior.

This is by no means complete and conclusive, but an attempt to communicate my thoughts on the items discussed above.

Regardless of how you choose to label yourself, I pray most of all that you will endeavor to read and study every event in the life and teachings of Jesus and build a more passionate, personal and powerful relationship with Him.

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The Madness of Materialism

The Madness of Materialism
It is sad to see how many people have been duped into thinking they can buy a favor with God by giving. Jesus has something to say to us about pursuit of worldly materialism.

Welcome to the Getting To Know Jesus weekly devotion. I’m Glen Copple, Minister of the Word.

This week’s thought comes from lesson 063 which is found in “Getting To Know Jesus” – Volume 05. Our Scripture text is found in: John 6:25-29.

25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”
26 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”
28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”
29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

The Madness of Materialism
How many times have you heard people say that if you give to God, He’s going to give back to you more. They will even back their statement with Scripture. However, have you noticed that there are a lot of Christians who give of their means (some even beyond their means) and the only one who is getting richer is the person to whom they are giving?

That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t give to support God’s work. He designed it so His Church would need our financial support so we would have to put our money where our heart is. If you truly love Jesus and what He did for you, giving is a pleasure and an act of worship of God (over your money).

However, too many well-meaning Christians have been told that if they give more, God will bless them with more than they give. The bottom line is that they are giving in hopes of getting more back (of what they are giving) from God. They are not giving merely because the love Jesus and want to build His Church/Kingdom. They are being told that this giving will make them richer.

Jesus confronted the people who chased Him down after seeing Him feed over 5,000 with a young boy’s lunch. They didn’t care about forgiveness of sin and living eternally with God. They simply wanted free food, without having to work for it. In other words, they wanted a free handout (welfare) more than they wanted eternal life.

We need material things to live on this earth, but most of us do have more than we really need. Life is not about acquiring, but about giving what we have to help those who do not have.

We have given Getting To Know Jesus on CD format to over 200 ministries in 39 countries outside of the United States. Your gifts to us are helping us add more ministries to that list.

Don’t get caught up in materialism, but seek God’s Kingdom and live righteously before Him. Believe in the one who God sent to pay the penalty for our sins and you will have eternal life. Make God your god and not money. Use the money God provides through your job and resources to further His Kingdom – not so He will give you more, but because you love Him and want to see the Church/Kingdom increase.

Do it for Jesus.

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These comments are taken from the “Getting To Know Jesus” Bible study series are supported by your gifts.

By partnering with us in the financial needs of this Ministry, you are participating in fulfilling the Great Commission – taking the Gospel to the whole world via Internet technology.

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Thank you for partnering with us as we fulfill the Great Commission.
God bless you and have a great week.

New Hope GOSPEL Ministries
http://www.gettingtoknowjesus.org/

Thank you for partnering with us as we fulfill the Great Commission.

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A REAL SUPER HERO!

SuperHero

By Glen M. Copple

Hebrews 1:1-13

Do you watch Saturday morning cartoons? Have you seen the current movie – Captain America?
People are constantly looking for a “Superhero” as an example, influence, ideal or idol to rescue them from their troubles and solve all of their problems.

Who are some of our supposed superheroes?
Superman, Transformers, Spiderman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?
Do you follow a sports figure, entertainer, actor, politician, celebrity and consider them a hero? - Mickey Mantle, Mickey Mouse, Mickey Rooney, or Mitt Romney
Remember that people followed Hitler, Stalin, Lenin, Castro, Chavez, Hussein, Bin Laden and considered them heroes at one time.

No person can provide what we are seeking and need in a superhero.

Jesus is our SUPERHERO and we should worship Him.

1. He’s my SUPERHERO because He’s REAL – not artificial. Hebrews 1:1-3

Jesus is not like the Greek or Roman gods who were figments of man’s imagination and limited in their imagined power. They are more likely to hurt those who don’t appease them than to love and care for those they “rule” over.

Jesus is not like modern cartoon characters that are also figments of man's imagination and wishful thinking. Most of them engage in fighting some enemy over and over again. But their power is limited to the imaginations of the writers.

Jesus exists. His friends and enemies testify that He exists – John 7:32; Acts 2. He is a real person who was able to do far more than any other "hero". Our calendars acknowledge His birth over 2,000 years ago. John 20:30-31; 21:24-25. His actions were beyond His audiences imaginations.

2. He’s my SUPERHERO because He’s SUPER – not fictional - Hebrews 1:3-4

Jesus needs no belts, rings, ropes or minerals or chemicals for His power. His power is not limited to man’s imagination. He has power over every kind of sickness or disease, seas, weather, water, fish, trees, hunger, even over death and Satan.

By His words, He can control crowds – Luke 14:1-6; Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5-7; John 7:32-46.

He even orchestrated and controlled His own crucifixion in order to pay for our sins.

3. He’s my SUPERHERO because He’s a HERO – none greater - Hebrews 1:8-12

Jesus saves us from our sins – I John 2:1-2. That is far greater than just saving my life.

Other supposed superheroes can only conquer a physical enemy for a moment. (Most of those enemies return in sequels to harrass some more.)
Jesus conquered Satan and sin once and for all – Romans 6:10; Hebrews 9:26; I Peter 3:18
He died in my place – Romans 5:8
He arose from death – Luke 24:1-7; John 20:26-29
His resurrection guarantees eternal life to all who believe, repent of their sin, follow and are immersed into Him – Romans 6:3-5

“I heard my name as the trophy was hoisted in my direction in the midst of this surreal scene of crazed underdog fans mixed with those disappointed at the fall of their champion, I reached for the trophy feeling both like a hero and a villain.

“I was being anointed by a world obsessed with putting people on a pedestal. And when a man receives it, he receives, unbeknownst to him, the public exposition that comes from the inevitable great fall.

“We live and perform on a stage before a sick voyeuristic media, of hidden faces hiding in the shadow of each tragic demise.

“…no man was made for a pedestal. That spot had been reserved before the beginning of time for one. No man can carry the glory, nor is he supposed to. All champions fall when talent fails to hold up under the pressure or when age or death prevails in this mortal state. But when it happens, early or late, another is anointed and the cycle proceeds.

“When you walk in your purpose, a trophy pales in comparison to the fruit of your wake.” – David Cook – Seven Days in Utopia

Jesus is far more than just a SUPERHERO.

One Solitary Life –
He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman.
He grew up in still another village, where He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty…
Then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a house. He didn’t go to college.
He never visited a big city, He never traveled two hundred miles from the place where He was born. He did none of the things one usually associates with greatness.
He had no credentials but Himself. He was only thirty-three when the tide of public opinion turned against Him. His friends ran away. He was turned over to His enemies and went through the mockery of a trial.
He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. While He was dying, His executioners gambled for His clothing, the only property He had on earth.
When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.
Twenty centuries have come and gone, and today He is the central figure of the human race and the leader of mankind’s progress.
All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man on this earth as much as that ONE SOLITARY LIFE. - author unknown

Jesus is God who became man, lived and died to pay for our sins, that we might live through Him.
He is Lord, Savior, King, role model and so much more.

He wants to be your SUPERHERO, save you from the eternal consequences of your sins and give you eternal life in a perfect world free of sin and suffering!

Believe – Repent – Confess – Be immersed – Live for Jesus.

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Bigotry is Blind

Bigotry is Blind
This week’s thought is taken from part of lesson 056 which is found in “Getting To Know Jesus” – Volume 05. To follow along in your Bible, our Scripture text is found in: Matthew 9:32-34.

32 While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. 33 And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”
34 But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.”

It has been said that you should never talk about religion and politics. A large part of the reason for that is that most people are unwilling to be open-minded. Instead, they attack the other person’s viewpoint – actually, they often attack the other person with words of hatred, blind bigotry and fierce opposition. Occasionally, those words lead to physical conflict and someone gets physically hurt.

Even Jesus was subject to such bigotry. Here, the Pharisees, who are so opposed to Him that they will not say anything good about Him, try to deny His goodness and make a false accusation in hopes of getting others to hate Him instead of follow the Son of God. In their fear that Jesus is disturbing their status quo, they go on the attack. In their sin and selfishness, they say things about Jesus that are untrue and that they cannot prove. They don’t care whether it is true or not, but only that they discredit the miracle worker.

What kind of person are you? Do you say hateful things about others without considering whether your words are true of fair? Or do you consider what you are about to say and modify your comments to be respectful, truthful and reflective of Christ in your life?

We can disagree with another person’s views and express our differences in love. We don’t have to attack, say false and hateful things. To do so is not what Jesus would do.

Don’t be like the Pharisees. Don’t allow bigotry blind you from being loving, respectful and truthful in what you say about others with whom you disagree.

If you must speak against a person’s viewpoint, be honest, Christ-like, loving and fair in expressing your differences.

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Being God’s Man – Faith in the Tuff Times

The Childless Will Have a Child! - 004
Being God’s Man – Faith in the Tuff Times

Most people look forward to having a baby. If my wife is expecting, I’m calling Abraham to try to find out what to do next! She’ll be calling Sarah or Elizabeth! Actually, we’re content to be grandparents! Are you childless and wanting to have one? Being childless can be a source of great longing. Do you know a married couple that wants to have a child of their own and has not been able to? Do you have faith that God can do the impossible, even in your life? We are in Luke 1:5-25.

1. Live a Righteous Life – Luke 1:5-6
Herod “the Great,” is another man with a big ego. Just because you call yourself some sort of title doesn’t mean you measure up! He is a powerful, ruthless, ungodly and murdering ruler! It is a sad day when a leader is not humble, but flaunts his power!

Zechariah & Elizabeth are righteous followers of God who have no children. Good people. Sometimes bad things happen to good people! Zechariah is a priest (one who is still serious about serving God). Not all priests are hypocrites! This is a statement of the importance of maintaining your integrity.
To be truly pleasing to God, we must do what is right by God’s standards, not by our own. We can’t make up our own rules as we go along without reaping painful consequences for our choices. Having faith in tough time’s means trusting that by doing what is right, we will reap God’s rewards, not the world’s consequences for wrong behavior.

2. Continue Your Daily Responsibilities – Luke 1:8-10
Zechariah is praying in the temple for all of the people, which is a rare opportunity. Since each priest took turns doing this, once per year, it is possible that this was the only time he ever did this. He enters the Holy of Holies to make intercession for the people, and while performing his duties, an angel comes to tell him that he is going to be a father. (Interlude) Jews are expecting the Messiah. Signs of the times tell them it is near! Don’t stop living because some “sign” of the future is evident.

We don’t have to break routine or do something special to get God’s attention. God is not manipulated by religious behavior or actions. If we are walking in faith, we can proceed with our daily duties and know that God will accomplish His plans for our life. Just make sure what you are doing is in agreement with what the Bible teaches and you will have God’s blessing.

3. Pray Concerning Your Situation – Luke 1:11-17
We gather by the nature of the conversation that Zechariah and Elizabeth are still praying for a child. Because of their prayers and faith, they are told that they going to have a baby boy! He will be healthy, grow to be a man who will be faithful in serving God! Don’t stop praying until God answers your prayer! Many babies die, but Zechariah is assured that his baby is going to live to adult hood and do something great for God. People are proud to claim a son, daughter, brother, sister or relative who is in ministry!

How would you feel if you and your spouse were childless and had almost given up on having a child and you got news like that? The angel gives Zechariah some strong instructions about the upbringing of this child! All parents should have some serious instructions (possible restrictions) in the upbringing of their children! It is no secret what God can do for those who are truly seeking to follow Him and trusting in His guidance and provision.

4. Don’t Doubt God – Luke 1:18-23
Zechariah doesn’t disbelieve the angel’s message, but he does seek a “sign” as proof that this is from God. He is introduced to the meaning of speechless! Gabriel Calling! Gabriel means “God’s Power.” This is only the start of God manifesting His power among men. We will see another example of that power in the next lesson! Don’t challenge God’s authority. HE WILL WIN!

Meanwhile, the crowd is waiting for a “final blessing” and wonders why Zechariah is taking so long. Don’t leave without your blessing or you won’t be blessed! Sometimes God may be slow according to our wishes and we may think we have been waiting forever, but Like Zechariah and Elizabeth, we never want to doubt God or give up on what we sincerely and Scripturally believe that He is going to do. God is constantly looking for and testing His servants to see who is faithful, trusting and ready to serve Him.

5. Praise God for the Results – Luke 1:24-25
When Zechariah finally exits the Temple, the people perceive that something extraordinary has happened to him while he was in there. Now, for them to hear what has happened is more important than leaving! What’s Elizabeth going to think when Zechariah gets home? She can talk all she wants and he can’t interrupt! It’s going to get very interesting as her pregnancy starts to show.

God has given you special talents and abilities. He also has a job tailored just for you and will bless you as you do it. There may be testing or disciplining to prepare you for the job, but as you truly believe in and trust God, you are going to have more opportunity to praise Him for His faithfulness and blessings than you will have time to do it. God likes to reward those who are sincerely faithful to Him.

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Being God’s Man – Know Your Style

Introducing the Bible Text – 003
Being God’s Man – Know Your Style
Have you ever told a story that you had to introduce before you could actually tell it? Did you need to set the stage? Good News always brings excitement. What is the most recent good news that you have heard? What is the best news that you have ever heard?
If you were to write a title for your life, what would you like for it to be? How would you like to be remembered after you are gone? Have you studied your family tree to learn about where your ancestors came from?

In this lesson, we are going to observe how each writer begins his Gospel. Each has his own style of writing and unique audience. Knowing your style will be helpful to you as you seek to tell others about Jesus.

Mark’s Title – name given to a literary work. – Mark 1:1
It is the title to the story about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ! Mark’s Gospel is addressed TO THE ROMANS! Even though Jesus was with God the Father in the act of creation, His life on this earth has a beginning. Gospel comes from the Greek word, “Euanggellion.” It means “Good News”. Jesus is the good news about God reaching down to establish an eternal relationship with man! Is there any greater news than being set free from our sins? Mark is the only writer to use the word “Gospel” in his book.

“Jesus” is Greek for “Joshua” which means, “God is salvation.” Christ is Greek for “anointed one” (the Hebrew word is Messiah)! Romans understand “gods” as beings of power so Mark focuses on the power of Jesus as God the man. JESUS IS THE POWER! Mark takes the Roman’s quest for power and presents Jesus as the ultimate solution. We can likewise take the power of the Gospel to change the lives of others so they can find that power in their lives as well.

We can use Mark’s style to reach those around us who are seeking real power in their life. You can also develop that power in your life as you go through “GETTING TO KNOW JESUS.” You will become better equipped to handle the trials and challenges that we all face and you exercise the strength God has given you to deal with those situations.

Luke’s Preface – An introductory statement to start the story. – Luke 1:1-4
Luke employs the style of contemporary historical and technical writers. Luke acknowledges that he is not the first or only person to write about Jesus. He simply sets out to tell the accurate and true story. Luke seeks to inform THE GENTILES! Luke writes to “most excellent Theophilus” which means, “God lover.” This could be a person or anyone who loves God! “Most excellent” recognizes the person as one worthy of honor! Are you a “Theophilus?”

Luke seeks to give his readers a researched and thorough accounting of what Jesus did and taught. By “GETTING TO KNOW JESUS” you are developing an accurate understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus so that you can tell others. Those who love god will love Jesus and are honored!

John’s Prologue – preliminary action foreshadowing a greater event. The Prologue sets the stage so that he can tell you the real story! – John 1:1-18
John’s prologue is more of a theological statement than an introduction. A prologue is an introduction foreshadowing a greater event! John’s Prologue is comprised of three parts which are divided by statements about John the Baptist. John seeks to reach THE LOST! Before time existed, Jesus is! He is the Logos means WORD of God. JESUS IS THE WORD OF GOD! He is present before creation. He is cause, not effect. Jesus is the SON means He is the light who has come to change men’s lives! He changes men’s lives for the better!

John the Baptist is mentioned as an immediate forerunner to proclaim the coming of the Messiah! Jesus gives us the REAL POWER to become sons of God!

The oppression of the church will fail, but Christ’s Church shall prevail! We are born as children of God when we accept Jesus as God’s Son and our Lord and Savior! God, God’s WORD – Jesus has come and lived among us! We are recipients of God’s grace, first by Moses, but far more so by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ!

Matthew’s Genealogy – chart or recorded history of descendents. – Matthew 1:1-17
Jesus has a very important genealogy! Matthew writes to prove Jesus as Messiah TO THE JEWS! Matthew and Luke give the genealogy of Jesus. Matthew follows the legal lineage via Joseph. This will show that Jesus is a true descendant from David. Luke follows the physical lineage of Jesus through Mary. He traces it all the way back to Abraham and Adam. (We are all connected to Jesus.) Matthew mentions Tamar (who prostituted herself with her father-in-law), Rahab (a prostitute and foreigner), Ruth (a foreigner) and Bathsheba (with whom David had an adulterous affair). God can accomplish His divine will even out of man’s fallen state! Matthew shows 3 sets of 14 generations. Jesus’ lineage is an important step in proving that He is the Messiah! It proves He is a descendant of David and Abraham as prophesied.

In similar manner, your genealogy is an important part of your identity. The most important part of your genealogy is whether or not you are a part of the family of God. “GETTING TO KNOW JESUS” will help you grow as a member of God’s family.

CONCLUSION
We are only getting started in our adventure of “Getting To Know Jesus”!

This is only a commentary on the one of the lessons from the Getting To Know Jesus Bible Study Series. To get the full lesson, including the Bible text, commentary and discussion questions, go to http://www.gettingtoknowjesus.org/ and order Getting To Know Jesus - Volume 01

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