The Caldwell Commentaries Podcast

Acts Lesson 24: Stephen’s Message VII {The Temple}

Acts 7:44-50; Stephen's defense against the charge that he had blasphemed the Temple.  Tensions are beginning to rise in the Council members listening to his powerful message!  He is coming close to his conclusion.  Stephen had evidently spoken a lot (in his past debates in the Greek-speaking synagogues) about the One (Jesus) Who was greater than the Temple, which is why he was accused of blaspheming the Temple.  In his sermon, Stephen stressed how the Tabernacle (later the Temple) served as a witness of that which was Greater!  It was a picture-type witness of the day when the Messiah would tabernacle with men and open the way for God to bring a redeemed people boldly into His holy Presence to tabernacle (dwell) with Him forever!

Stephen's point was that he was not blaspheming the current Temple by his understanding that its purpose was ended, and it would give place to the next stage: God dwelling in His people.

Acts Lesson 23: Stephen’s Message VI {The Law}

In Acts 7:38 to 43, Stephen shifted from demonstrating his respect for Moses to demonstrating his respect for the Law.  He was again claiming "not guilty" to the charge brought against him that he blasphemed the Law.  He affirmed his absolute faith in the Law by declaring God was its Author and Moses its recipient.

In summarizing the final 40-year period of Moses' life, Stephen went on the offensive.  He reminded the Council how quickly Israel had turned her heart back to Egypt and her "gods" once Moses ascended Mount Sinai.  With him out of sight, they readily dismissed the very one who delivered them.  Stephen's point was that this was exactly what Israel's religious rulers did.  The One Who came and did the work of deliverance for them was now also "out of sight" - for He had ascended much higher than Mount Sinai!  They turned from the Prophet like unto Moses, their Messiah, and were, in effect, clinging to the works of Aaron's hands, pictured by their whole priestly system of Judaism.  With the completed atonement work of Christ, Judaism was a dead religion.  The reality had come, so the patterns and shadows were no longer needed.  But the hearts of Israel's leadership were focused on the world (Egypt) - and Stephen said, they "rejoiced in the works of their own hands" (Acts 7:41).  They did not worship God; they worshipped a "god" of their own making.

It was the members of Israel's High Court who broke the Law, just as their forefathers had done at Sinai and throughout their entire history!

Acts Lesson 22: Stephen’s Message V {Moses' Divine Commission. Also how the Burning Bush Symbolizes Israel}

In Stephen's historical narrative regarding Moses, he came to his Divine Commission at the Burning Bush.  Learn how the thorny bush is a picture of Israel!

Stephen's message about Moses was powerfully applied to the Lord Jesus and Israel's rejection of Him when he got to verses 35 to 37.  Dr. John Phillips wrote that Stephen "skillfully dropped his brush and pallet and picked up his sword" as he brought home to the Council all he had been saying about Moses in light of Jesus!  With Moses, God honored the one Israel had rejected.  He sent them the very one they had rejected to be their ruler and deliverer.  His implication was that the Jews had done to Jesus what their forefathers did to Moses.

It is often said, by Jewish people today and others, as well, that if Jesus was their Messiah, the leaders of Israel would have known and recognized Him.  However, that would not be consistent with her spiritual leaders throughout her history.  This was the point Stephen was making in Acts 7.  It was their typical response NOT to accept the men God sent to deliver them, as exemplified with Joseph and Moses - and how God's prophets were treated.  What they did to Jesus was exceedingly more serious, for in having rejected Him, they rejected the Great I AM of the Burning Bush - they only One Who provides spiritual deliverance!

Acts Lesson 21: Stephen’s Message IV {Moses; Two Deliverances}

As Stephen did with Joseph, he likewise did with Moses - he preached Christ (without mentioning His name) by his selective summation of Moses' life (his initial rejection and eventual acceptance as Israel's deliverer).  He wanted them to see that Jesus was very much the Fulfillment of Moses' words about the Messiah being "a Prophet . . . like unto me" (Deut. 18:15).

In this lesson, Stephen got into the second phase of Moses' life (his second 40-year life segment), when he made his first "visit" to his people as their deliverer and was rejected and then vanished from sight (presumed dead) as he lived with the Gentiles (Midianites).

Stephen's underlying message to the Jews of his day was that unless they wanted to continue to follow the pattern of their forefathers, who betrayed and rejected the ones (Joseph and Moses) who God providentially "raised from the dead" to be their deliverers, they should repent for having done exactly the same with Jesus!

Acts Lesson 20: Stephen’s Message III {Moses, the Deliverer Delivered}

In the first 16 verses of his amazingly brilliant sermon, Stephen covered Israel's history from Abraham in Mesopotamia to Joseph in Egypt (a fascinating way to attack the Jews' proud obsession with the land, as well as their arrogance toward Jews who lived outside the land).  In his second sermon "division," he dealt with the historical period of Moses and the Law.  In verses 17 to 43, he actually covered the circumstances prior to the birth of Moses all the way to the time of the Babylonian Captivity.

As Stephen did with Joseph (Lesson 19), Israel's first deliverer, he did likewise with Israel's next historical deliverer, Moses - he used them both as types of Christ (which they are).  He knew the Jews would not interrupt him as he spoke of Moses, for they thought of no one more highly than him (they elevated him far too much).

The whole idea of picture-types of the Messiah having been prophetically revealed in the lives of their most honored historical figures was a completely new concept to the Jews.  Stephen showed them, via his summary-narration of the life of Moses, that the similarities between Moses and Jesus are nothing short of having been divinely orchestrated.

Take out your Christ-colored glasses as we take a train-ride (not a jet-tour as with Joseph) through the life of Moses!

Acts Lesson 19: Stephen’s Message II {Jet-Tour of Life of Joseph}

In his purposely selective account of Jewish history (which kept the attention of the Council members, for they loved their own story), Stephen was making his defense against the accusations that he had blasphemed Moses, God, the Temple, and the Law.  In doing so, he was also (unknown to them, at first) building his case of indictment against his Jewish audience!  He was exposing their unjustified physical obsession with the land (Israel), the Law, and the Temple.  Rather than humbly acknowledging these were great privileges to be used wisely for God's glory in their witness of Him to the rest of the world, they proudly turned them into their false triune "god"!  They had come to view them as pillars of proof for their heavenly security!

The most important thing Stephen was accomplishing (yet unknown) in his powerful sermon was presenting the High Council of Israel with evidence for faith in Jesus!  He did this by using several key figures from Israel's history: Joseph and Moses.  In this lesson, which is Stephen's jet-tour account of the life of Joseph, the Council members heard for the first time the Biblical account of Joseph used as a graphic illustration of their own evil, envious betrayal and murder of Jesus!

Acts Lesson 18: Stephen’s Message I {Abraham of Mesopotamia}

Stephen had "an irresistible ministry"!  He was a Scripture-scholar, extremely skilled and astute in using the Old Testament to defend his faith in Jesus.  He was a Christian apologist ("apologia" is a Greek word that refers to "a speech in defense of something").

Stephen's POWERFUL message of Acts chapter 7 was basically a last major appeal to the leadership of Israel (the Sanhedrin Council) to accept Jesus as the long-promised Messiah.  Stephen was brought for trial before the Council, falsely accused of four things: speaking blasphemous words (1) against Moses, (2) against God, (3) against the Temple, and (4) against the Law.  While he stood before his opponents and their lying accusations, his face was glowing with the righteousness of truth and the glory of God!  Amazing.  By visibly putting His "glory stamp" on Stephen's face, the Lord Jesus was showing forth His approval of the message he had been proclaiming in the synagogues and which he was about to proclaim in Acts 7.

Stephen's message was his response to the evil high priest's question, "Are these things so?" - referring to the four accusations against him.  In verses 2 to 50, he managed to keep his hostile listeners' attention by talking about their favorite subject: themselves and their heritage!  Yet, as he reviewed the major periods of Jewish history, he indirectly was responding to the false and accusations against him and building his case against them!   His sermon is brilliant on so many levels!  It was completely irrefutable, and cost him his life.  

In this lesson, Stephen began his "history lesson" regarding Israel's period of the patriarchs by speaking about Abraham.  You have to listen to how absolutely clever Stephen was in using "father" Abraham to convict the Jews of their own sinful prejudices!

Acts Lesson 17: Stephen’s Ministry

This is the first of ten messages on one of the most influential men for the furtherance of the Gospel of Christ who ever lived, Stephen.  There is a reason why more information is recorded in the eternal Word of God on the martyrdom of Stephen than any other man's death except the Lord Jesus - that reason is twofold.  First, Stephen's words and witness had an IRRESISTIBLE impact on the heart, soul, and mind of Saul of Tarsus (who became Paul, human author of about half of the New Testament).  Second, it was Stephen's martyrdom that resulted in the great First Century persecution of the Church in Jerusalem, which forced Christians into the next two regions of Christ's Great Commission, Judea and Samaria.

Stephen is my ultimate hero when it comes to understanding the importance of using the Old Testament to preach Jesus Christ!  He is my hero when it comes to boldness in proclaiming Christ to a very hostile audience!  He is my hero when it comes to giving his all for his Lord and Saviour and doing it with grace and forgiveness of those who killed him.  Stephen well deserved the STANDING OVATION he received from the Lord Jesus!  I cannot wait to meet him one day.

Acts Lesson 16: Growing Pains and Gains

The Early Church grows both in numbers and in spiritual maturity, which is not without it's "pains"! 

With growth by multiplication comes “growing pains”; more potential problems arise whenever bigger numbers of people are involved.  With growth, there is always the need to make adjustments; there is the need for the spiritual leadership to wisely delegate the workload of the ministry with others who are spiritually qualified. As Moses learned through the wisdom of his father-in-law Jethro, he could not single-handedly “do it all” (Exodus 18:13-26), so the twelve Apostles discovered they could and should not attend to all the multi-faceted aspects of the ministry alone. Fortunately, the Early Church was led by twelve Spirit-filled men, who rightly handled the first threat to the beautiful unity of the Church with God-given wisdom. 

What the problem was and how the Apostles took care of it is the subject matter of this lesson, entitled, “Growing Pains and Gains”. The outline for this look at Acts 6:1-7 consists of two parts:  I.  “Slighted Widows” (6:1-4) and II. “Seven Workers” (6:5-7).

The Resurrection Reality - Part II {More Events, Evidences, and Excitement Regarding Resurrection Sunday} RECENT STUDY

Why did the Apostles not believe the report of the resurrection of Jesus they received from the two groups of women who had been to the empty tomb and talked with angels? One of those two groups even met Jesus Himself in His glorified body - yet, the men did not believe them.  They thought they were full of "silly talk"! Nor did the men believe the report that came later Sunday afternoon from the two disciples who met the resurrected Christ on the Road to Emmaus!  In fact, they did not even believe Jesus had resurrected bodily when He first appeared before them in the Upper Room! 

We discuss why the dramatic change in the Apostles from adamant disbelief and despair to absolute conviction to the point of martyrdom is a very strong proof of His resurrection!  How many post-resurrection appearances did Christ make (that are at least recorded in Scripture)? To whom did He make them?  

Also included is our discussion on the divinely inspired account of one of the most emotionally charged scenes in Scripture - where Mary Magdalene finally . . . on her third trip to the tomb . . . comes to believe in the resurrection of Christ.  A beautiful poem (by Katherine Caldwell) about Mary's experience is shared at the end of this lesson and it may bring you to tears.

The Resurrection Reality - Part I {Events, Evidences, Excitement of Resurrection Sunday!} RECENT STUDY

In-depth commentary/study books to ACCOMPANY EVERY STUDY on our podcast are available through Amazon.com and scripturetruth.com (Search under Katherine Caldwell Commentaries)

This passionate one-hour study is on the many and often confusing events and circumstances concerning the Sunday when Jesus Christ rose bodily from His tomb three days and three nights after His death - just as He had predicted and promised on at least seven Biblically recorded occasions! 

You will hear nuggets of truth you very likely never thought of before - comparisons with things concerning Christ's birth and His death; with Josephs and Marys and the Magi and the rich gifts lavished on Jesus at the time of His death. What would be the value in today's economy of the aloes and myrrh lavished on Jesus for His burial? Who was Joseph of Arimathea? How did he unknowingly fulfill prophecy? What was the "Valley of Corpses"?

In this lesson, we discuss many proofs of Christ's resurrection that were providentially provided by God and, ironically, by the Lord's greatest enemies! What does the Scripture actually tell us about those mysterious grave clothes and rolled-up head napkin  in the tomb?!

How many Roman soldiers would have stood guard at the tomb? How was the tomb sealed? What was the punishment for falling asleep on duty for a Roman soldier? What would be the value in today's economy of the aloes and myrrh lavised on Jesus for His burial? 

What is illogical about the "Theft Theory" or the "Wrong Tomb Theory" or the "Swoon Theory" or the "Telepathy Theory"? These are all ideas invented by Bible skeptics in their futile efforts to discredit the Lord's literal, bodily resurrection, but none of them work at all - find out why!  Much more . . . so "tune in"!!

Passion Week Chronology {Crucifixion Day? Was it Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?}

https://podnews.net/podcast/1500410875/episode-links 

In this lesson, we discuss the Lord's final week of His public ministry on earth.  It is commonly referred to as His "Passion Week," and it began on Palm Sunday.  We briefly talk about the events of each day of that most significant week, but the primary emphasis of this study is on the day of His crucifixion.  There are three main views on this debate.  They are the (1) Wednesday view, (2) the Thursday view, and (3) the Friday view (of which there are two).  We discuss each view and its pros and cons. 

The conclusion reached is that the Bible best supports a Thursday crucifixion.  Although the most important fact is that Jesus did, indeed, die for the sins of the world, it is still good for believers in Him and His Word to know why they believe what they believe.  Should we simply believe something because it has always been "the traditional" way of things, or should we search the Scriptures to find what best supports our view?  

 

Acts Lesson 15: Happy to Suffer for Jesus!

In this lesson, we are brought back to the issue of whether it is right to obey God when His commandments come into direct conflict with those of men in authority over believers.  Peter and John had asked this question as they stood in trial before the High Court Council of Israel, but it had not been answered.  However, the Lord Himself answered the question through the series of events that followed their release!  When the men, with the other Apostles, returned to "preaching Jesus," all twelve were arrested for their disobedience.  But a God-sent angel released them from prison, and they immediately returned to "preaching Jesus" - plus performing all manner of mighty miracles in His name.   The Lord was providing the answer to the question of obeying Him over men when their commandments contradict!  He also gave a direct answer through the mouth of Peter, who spoke on behalf of all the Apostles, when he said (again standing in trial before the Council), "We ought to obey God rather then men" (5:29).

The high priest and others went into a rage and wanted to slay all twelve men!  God intervened by providentially using one of their own members, Gamaliel.  His words spared the men from being killed, although they were each severely beaten.  What the Council members saw after the men were flogged absolutely amazed them!  The men were beaming with joy!  They were thrilled to have been "rewarded" for knowing (in a small way) the fellowship of Christ's sufferings!  They were "Happy to Suffer for Jesus"!

Find out what the Apostles did right after they were beaten and then released!  It is such a strong testimony to us today!

Acts Lesson 14: Evangelism Explosion

Satan's use of persecution in the arrest of Peter and James by the High Court of Israel had not worked to silence either the Apostles or the Church!  The threats of the religious rulers only succeeded in empowering and emboldening all the early believers even more than before they were persecuted!  Thus, the Evil One tried-on another disguise.  He went from being the roaring lion to the deceiving serpent when he attempted to destroy the unity of purity of the Church from with (the sin of Ananias and Sapphira - see previous lesson).

However, the persecution of the Church by Satan was mightily used by the Lord for her overall good; she was now in possession of great power, great grace, and great fear [of Him] (Acts 4:33, 5:5, 11).  The great fear of the Lord, due to the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira, caused the Early Church to be even more effective for Christ!  The result was that multitudes both of men and women were being added to the Lord!  In other words, there was an "Evangelism Explosion"!

In this lesson, all the Apostles are arrested for disobeying the Council's threat not to preach Jesus!  They are liberated from prison by an angel.  What did they do upon being so miraculously released?  Did they run for cover in the Upper Room?  No!  They went straight back to the Temple where they were arrested, and stood up and preached Jesus!

Acts Lesson 13: Sin From Within {Ananias and Sapphria; Why were they struck dead?}

A very, very interesting lesson!  This is the first recorded serious intrusion of "Sin from Within" the Church!  Learn why this lesson is really "the tale of two men, Barnabas and Ananias"?

What did the married couple of this account do to cause both their lives to be taken by God Himself?  Were they saved (true believers) or unsaved?  How do Ananias and Sapphira compare with Adam and Eve?

Peter's word to Ananias of Acts 5:4a repudiate those who claim the Early Church was practicing communism (no private property; an enforcement of communal property)!  Find out how!

 

Acts Lesson 12: How the Church is to Respond to Persecution

In this important lesson on Acts 4:23-33, we learn, by example, how a Spirit-filled Church responds to persecution!  In the previous lesson, we had an example of how Spirit-filled individual Christians respond to opponents of the Gospel.  Now, we are given the example on how the entire body of believers corporately should respond to the persecution of those in the Body of Christ, which is a threat on all of them.

What is our response to the pressures being increasingly brought on Christians in our world (and nation) today?  Do we magnify the power of the Lord in our responses or do we magnify the enemy?  Are we filled with anxiety and fear and anger and resentment?  If so, we are magnifying evil men way out of proportion to the power and authority and sovereignty of our Almighty God!

Acts Lesson 11: The Persecution Begins {Good Lesson for our Day!}

While Peter (accompanied by John and the healed lame man) was still in the midst of his powerful second sermon (Acts 3:12-26), he was interrupted by the sudden appearance of "the priests . . . the captain of the Temple [guard] . . . and the Sadducees" (4:1).  They came to arrest both Peter and John (likely also the former lame man).  These enemies of Christ were not only furious that His followers were preaching His resurrection, but doing so in broad daylight in the Temple!  Interestingly, in Acts, it is primarily the Sadducees who take the lead in persecuting the Church.  This is because their erroneous theology taught there is no resurrection of the dead!

In this lesson (Acts 4:1-22), we not only discuss the interruption of Peter's sermon (the arrest), but the interrogation he and John faced the next morning before the Sanhedrin Council, the inspiration of Peter's remarkable speech in answer to that interrogation, the immense impression his speech made on the Council, and then their intention to silence them with threats to never speak or teach in the name of Jesus again!

The response of the two Apostles to the threat of those in authority over them to never preach of Jesus was fantastic!!  They would obey the Higher Authority, God!  Anti-Christian governments and powerful institutions are increasingly trying to stop the spread of the Gospel message of Christ Jesus - we need to follow the example of Peter and John!

Acts Lesson 10: Second Church Sermon {Peter’s Sharpened Sword}

The healed lame man (see Lesson 9) was not only immediately very public about his over-flowing joy, but also about his praise to God and his thankfulness to the men the Lord used to perform his miracle.  Those men were Peter and John.  The Apostolic sign-miracle was divinely orchestrated to draw a large, very willing-to-listen crowd to whom Peter than had an opportunity to preach "The Second Church Sermon.  The theme of the first sermon was that God made Jesus Who Israel had crucified both Lord and Christ (2:36).  The theme of this second sermon was the God wanted to bless the people through His Son Jesus by turning them from your iniquities (3:26).

In just seven verses, Peter again yielded his new sword (the Word of God), under the leading of the Spirit, to exalt the name of Jesus.  He referred to Jesus as "the Holy One," "the Just," "the Prince of life," "Christ," and a Prophet of the Lord like unto Moses.  The sermon was Christ-centered, Scriptural, highly theological, bold yet compassionately confrontational, and applicational.  Peter's sermon was only seven verses long because it was interrupted by the sudden appearance of the priests with the captain of the Temple guard and the Sadducees.  They came collectively to arrest both Peter and John (and maybe even the former lame man with them).

Acts Lesson 9: Greater Than Silver or Gold {New Life for the Lame}

This lesson is on Acts 3:1-11, Peter's healing (with John) of a lame man (who had never walked) at the Beautiful Gate, begging for alms.  To his plea, Peter spoke the famous words, "Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee.  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk" - and the man who had never stood on his own legs before, much less know how to walk, immediately leaped up, walked, went into the Temple walking, leaping, and praising God!  Isn't it wonderful the former lame man knew to whom the praise belonged?  He did not kiss the hand of Peter; nor did he even praise Peter.  His praise went to the Lord, Who the man knew and understood had done the healing through His servants! 

"The power was Christ's, but the hand was Peter's" (Thomas Walker).  This was the Lord continuing His work on earth through His Church by His Spirit.  This was an Apostolic miracle.  This miracle confirmed the great sermon he had just preached (his first, and the first of the Church Age).  Remember - the miracle confirmed the message, and it was the message that produced the fruit!

 

Acts Lesson 8: Early Church Life {An Awe-some Church}

From Acts 2:42-47, Luke takes us into the early life of the Church; the days and weeks that followed as the 3,120 "charter members" of the Church met together and grew, both in knowledge and in number ("deep and wide")! 

The Book of Acts is the record of the first generation of the Church and how that one generation expanded to the uttermost part of the world at that time.  If we really want to know what the Early Church was like in her character, we look at these verses (2:42-47).  We discuss the desired characteristics of the surrendered Early Church, the divine confirmations of the Spirit-filled Early Church, and the daily consequences of the sanctified Early Church.  

The Early Church had an invigoration and vibrancy that was yet unaffected by the wrinkles, scars, and gray hairs that come from troubles and trials.  She was yet naive about the things that lay ahead.  Like the freshness, wonder, and purity of a newborn, the Early Church had leaders who had a vivid remembrance of Jesus, Who had so recently walked with them.  The Early Church was unified!  She may have been inexperienced and naive in certain ways, but she was a model Church in spirit (not perfect, for she was comprised of sinners saved by grace).  We can benefit greatly by studying the characteristics that made-up the Earthly Church.  

Acts Lesson 7: Early Church Growth {Piercing 3,000 Hearts}

In the previous lesson (Lesson #6), we discussed "The First Sermon" ever preached during the God-designed period of time known as "The Church Age".  I was preached by a completely restored Peter, who now yielded a new sword, the two-edged sword of the Spirit, the only offensive weapon of the Christian warrior.  It was the "fully come" Day of Pentecost - the fulfillment of all God planned it to be when He first gave His prophetic, Messianic, redemptive calendar to His people in Leviticus 23.  It was the day proclaimed through Joel when God would pour-out His Spirit on "all flesh" - whether Jew, Gentile, man, woman, free, or slave.  When the Spirit came, as the Father promised once His Son was glorified, the 120 believers were baptized by Christ with the Spirit into the mystical, spiritual body the Old Testament saints knew nothing about - the Church!

In this lesson, we review Peter's powerful, Spirit-filled, Spirit-led, Christ-centered sermon, and then we discuss the results!  There was: 1. Great Conviction, which was summarized by the people with one question, "What shall we do?"  Then there was 2. Peter's Great Solution, "Repent!  Come to Jesus for the remission of sins!"  3. This was followed with Peter's Invitation (2:40), and the wonderful conclusion was Great Addition!  Much fruit in 3,000 human souls was added to the new-born Church!

Jet Tour Through the Bible! ”What on Earth is Going On?”

In-depth commentary/study books to ACCOMPANY EVERY STUDY on our podcast are available through Amazon.com and scripturetruth.com

Search under Katherine Caldwell Commentaries)

This is a single, one-hour long message that takes the listener from Eternity Past to Eternity Future and God's whole plan for HIS-story and His redemption plan for the apex of His creation, mankind!  

It's a "Jet-tour" through the Bible!  Everybody on Planet Earth needs to understand the substance of this message, for it is the absolute truth about our existence and the meaning of life!

Acts Lesson 6: The First Church Sermon {Peter’s New Sword}

This lesson (from Acts 2:14-36) is our look at the first sermon of the Church Age!  It was preached by Peter, who (amazingly) only 53 days earlier had committed the greatest denial of the Lord Jesus in history (it was the greatest because it was committed by a believer - and one who had the fantastic spiritual privilege of being the leader of the Lord's Apostles).  When we hear what "foot-in-mouth," impetuous Peter preached - now that he had been fully and gracious restored to his position in the Apostolate by the resurrected Lord Himself (John 21:15-19 - see our podcast Lesson #  from the Life of Christ study), we realize the answer to Christ's prayers for Peter (who Satan had desired to sift as wheat).  Peter's Spirit-filled, Spirit-led message was entirely Christ-centered, which is what all preaching should be!  It was also very practical, which all preaching should be!  His sermon is filled with application (what to do with the Truth one learns about Christ).

Learn what Peter meant when he quoted from the Prophet Joel in his sermon!  Learn what the terms "day of the Lord" and "prophesy" in his sermon refer to.  Learn, too, about the tremendous fruit from this very first Church sermon in the lesson to follow, Lesson 7, "Early Church Growth".

Acts Lesson 5: A New Birth {The Church is Born}

Learn about the amazing morning when the Church was born in light of its prophetic significance!  It will amaze you how God fit everything the Jews did that day in celebration of the Feast of Shavuot (Feast of Weeks) - like read from the Books of Ezekiel and Habakkuk, which speak of whirlwind and brightness around an amber-colored fire that infolded itself, and a voice of a great rushing wind, and of a time of silence, followed by speech and God remembering mercy in His wrath.

We discuss the difference between the baptism of the Spirit and the filling of the Spirit in this lesson.  We also discuss an interesting comparison/contrast between the work of God at Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) and the work of God on Pentecost (Acts 2:2-13).  We also discuss "the tongues" that the believers in Christ spoke when the Holy Spirit gifted them for the special occasion!  

Acts Lesson 4: A Meaningful Day {The Fully Come Pentecost} SEVEN FEAST DAYS’ OVERVIEW!

A great SUMMARY of the 7 GOD-GIVEN FEAST DAYS, which serve as PROPHETIC PICTURE-TYPES of the MAJOR EVENTS in His OVERALL REDEMPTION PLAN (4 Spring Feasts: Christ's First Coming / 3 Fall Feasts: His Second Coming).  The Feast of Weeks (in Hebrew, Shavuot and in Greek, Pentecost) is the fourth Spring feast given to Israel by God in Leviticus 23.  It comes 50 days after the third Spring feast, the Feast of Firstfruits.  

It was on the 50th day of her "new life" (freedom from her bondage to Egypt) that God, from Mount Sinai, gave Israel the Torah (the Law).  The rabbis declare this to be the "birth" of Judaism.  Is it not fascinating that the same feast day is celebrated by the Jews as the birth of Judaism and by Christians as the birth of the Church!  

The Spirit's arrival on Pentecost 50 days after Christ's resurrection on the Feast of Firstfruits was the fulfillment of the Feast of Weeks.  This is what Luke meant when he wrote, "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come" (Acts 2:1).  A VERY IMPORTANT LESSON FOR THOSE WHO LOVE TO LEARN! 

Acts Lesson 3: A Productive Wait {Selection of Matthias to Replace Judas: Right or Wrong?}

This lesson is on Acts 1:12-26 and what the disciples of Christ did after His Ascension.  They were told by Him to wait in Jerusalem until they received the promise of the Father.  We discuss all those we know were included in the 120 disciples, as well as others we speculate may have been included. We learn about their unified minds (they were all in "one accord") and their passionate prayers and the very high regard they had for the Word of God!  We also discuss the decision of the eleven Apostles to appoint a replacement for Judas, who had betrayed the Lord (and had then hung himself).  

We discuss the three qualifications needed to be one of the Twelve.  We also discuss how it was that Matthias, whose name means "gift of God," was chosen - and if this choice was "of God".  Was not Paul the Lord's choice for Judas' replacement?  Tune in to find out!

Acts Lesson 2: A Last Look {The Ascension - Up, Up, and Away!}

The Lord's final post-resurrection appearance.  It took place in Jerusalem, where He was again with His Apostles, teaching them for the last time about Himself from the Old Testament Scriptures.  When He completed His teaching session, He took His men to the Mount of Olives; the same place He had gone 43 days earlier to pray in Gethsemane and then allowed Himself to be arrested.  It had been the appointed hour for Him to be lifted up on a cross to die for the sins of the world.  Now, in His glorified, resurrected body, it was the appointed hour for Him to again be lifted up, but not on a cross!  This time, He would defy gravity and return to the glory He had with His Father in Eternity Past.  Do you know what the last act of the Lord Jesus was before He left this earth?  He lifted up His forever nailed-scarred hands to bless the men He entrusted with the task of blessing the world with the message of the blessed Gospel of salvation in Him!

Learn about Christ's Ascension, and the important words of two angelic messengers to the Apostles about His one-day Return!  

Acts Lesson 1: The Continuing Work {Linking the 4 Gospels to the Book of Acts}

The Book of Acts is the natural out-flow of the four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).  It is really what we could call the fifth book of the New Testament "Pentateuch"!  Although Acts is not considered a "gospel," it is an extension of them; it supplementary to them; it is an expansion of them.  It is the record of the continuing story of Christ working through His Church (i.e. ". . . the Lord added to the church daily . . ." (2:47).  The One working in Acts is the Ascended Christ, through His Spirit using the "mouths" and "hands" of the Church body.

Acts, the inspired account of the first 40 years of the Lord working through His Church, presents for us a pattern of every other generation of the Church.  It is an historical book, not a doctrinal book.  It is "a pattern" for Christian enthusiasm, testimony, discipleship, mission-work, and church planting.  Although the Lord's work of redemption for sin was finished, His work of evangelism, through His Church, was just beginning!

Life of Christ Lesson 193b: The Grand Finale - Part II

Between the time of Christ's resurrection and His ascension, He met with His eleven Apostles numerous times (not all of them are recorded).  That 40-day period of time was not only a time of fellowship, but, more importantly, of instruction.  Luke 24:44049 contain the last recorded words of Christ in the four gospel accounts, and they were words that (1) opened the Apostles' minds (verses 44-47) and (2) promised the opening of their mouths (verses 48, 49).

On His eleventh post-resurrection appearance, 40 days after His resurrection, the Lord left His men in a dramatic, climactic way they would never forget!  It would motivate them the rest of their lives.  That unforgettable moment was His Ascension!  In the concluding passages of the Mark and Luke, plus Acts 1:9-11, we discuss 3 topics related to Christ's amazing Ascension: (1) His Return to Heaven, (2) His future Return to Earth, and (3) His Disciples' Return to Jerusalem.

This is an exciting, emotional message; very inspirational and motivational.

Life of Christ Lesson 193a: The Grand Finale - Part I

Well, this is it.  After an extensive study of the Life of Christ in which we went chronologically through every step, every word, every miracle, every event of His life as recorded in all four gospel accounts (a study that took 12 years), we come to "The Grand Finale".  In this Part I look at the final verses of Matthew, Mark, and Luke (John was concluded in Lesson 192 called "Peter's Public Restoration"), we discuss Christ's final post-resurrection appearances to believers, His final commissioning statement to them, and (in Part II) His incredible, visible Ascension back to Heaven.

In the Lord's eighth post-resurrection appearance (upon a Galilean mountain), He appeared before more than 500 believers (I Corinthians 15:6), whose reaction was to worship Him (Matthew 28:17).  In this lesson, we discuss the Lord's "Great Commission".  Christianity is not (contrary to what some seem to believe) an entertainment faith.  Nor is it a fellowship faith or a service-projects' faith.  Christianity is a missionary faith!  Everyone of us who call ourselves "Christian" are commissioned to "GO" forth with the Gospel message, sowing its seed, and teaching any and all who will listen!  Amen.

Life of Christ Lesson 192: Peter’s ”Public” Restoration

This is the continuation of the Lord's seventh post-resurrection appearance, which took place on the shore of the Sea of Galilee and was witnessed by seven of His disciples.  This lesson centers on the Lord's "public" restoration of Peter to his role as an Apostle.  This message gives a lot of history about the famous "foot-in-mouth," impetuous, burly fisherman turned Apostle named Simon Peter!  A lot of us can find ourselves revealed in this man!  A very interesting message; you will not be bored listening.

 

Life of Christ Lesson 191: Fishers of Men

John chapter 21 is the epilogue to the Gospel of John, and it is packed with great information.  In the Lord's seventh post-resurrection appearance and His first in Galilee, He either spoke about or illustrated the three specific ministry roles His men and all His followers were to have in the world after His Ascension:  (1) to be fishers of men, (2) to be shepherds over the flocks entrusted to their care (which can include your own children or a nursery class at your local church), and (3) to be disciples (learners and followers) of Him.

In this lesson, we discuss the only post-resurrection miracle of Christ (other than His Ascension), and it was a miraculous catch of fish.  Was it wrong for the seven disciples in this event to have gone fishing while waiting for the Lord to appear?  What about some of the spiritually significant differences between this miraculous catch of fish and an earlier one Luke 5:1-7?  Why did one net break, causing some fish to escape, and the other did not?  Why was there no count of the number of fish in the first miracle, but an exact count of 153 in the second, and is there significance in that number?

How does the seven disciples' morning breakfast with Christ on the shore give a picture of the yet-future Marriage Supper of the Lamb?  Why did the Lord Jesus, for the first time, not bless the bread before they ate?  Along with a lot of great Bible truths, these and other questions are answered in this packed lesson!

Life of Christ Lesson 190: Christ Deals with Doubt {Thomas}

The sixth recorded post-resurrection appearance of Christ took place one week after Resurrection Sunday evening.  Both the Aramaic name "Thomas," and the Greek version, which is "Didymas," mean "twin" (as in "ditto").  Thomas has "twins" all over this skeptical world of ours!  He can be said to symbolize the "scientific approach" to life: "I will only believe what I can test; what I can touch and see and feel".  Sadly, Thomas also has "twins" ("dittos") all over Christendom, for the Lord has many weak children in His family.  Thomas was a true sheep who fell briefly into the trap of insisting on the world's way of "proving" things - which is that seeing is believing.

It took a loving, living, resurrected Saviour to make a special appearance just for Thomas to "resurrect" a buried faith!  He will do it for you, too!  DO YOU KNOW THIS TRUTH - Thomas is the first person in all four gospels to openly confess Jesus as "God"!?  "Doubting Didymas" became the Apostle to give the strongest and most conclusive testimony to the Deity of Jesus!  How's that for the grace of the Good Shepherd toward a wandering sheep? 

Life of Christ Lesson 189: Behind Closed Doors

We take a look at the fifth post-resurrection appearance of the Lord Jesus in this lesson, "Behind Closed Doors".  It was now Resurrection Sunday evening.  All the Apostles, except Thomas, were gathered in the Upper Room with a group of other believers (including the two who had returned to Jerusalem after their journey with Jesus to Emmaus).

Wouldn't you have loved to be in that room when Christ suddenly appeared in their midst, even though they had the door locked and He had not knocked and waited for someone to open it?  They were "terrified and affrighted" and thought He was a ghost!  His first words to them after they had scattered from Him?  "Peace be unto you"!  What a gracious Saviour! 

This is an exciting lesson.  A lot of "meat" and good information.  We also discover what our own resurrected bodies will be like by observing the Lord and what He was able to do in His resurrected, glorified Human body!  Poor Thomas had to go through a whole additional week of disbelief and gloom because he had forsaken the assemblage with the others!

Life of Christ Lesson 188b: Emmaus Road Spiritual Heartburn

THIS IS ONE OF THOSE MESSAGES YOU NEED TO HEAR AND SHARE WITH OTHERS, especially with those who have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour!  There is no doubt He is the True Messiah of Israel and One and Only Saviour of mankind, and this lesson shows that fact from ALL the Scripture, Old and New Testaments.  

 

 

Life of Christ Lesson 188a: Emmaus Road Despondency

This is the account of Christ's fourth recorded post-resurrection appearance; the one that launched us into a study of Old Testament Christology (see Lesson 1 in our Christ in Genesis series).  If it was possible to take a time machine into the past, I personally would join the two disciples on the Road to Emmaus Resurrection Sunday afternoon to hear the unrecognized Lord Jesus preach "the things concerning Himself" from the Old Testament Scriptures.  Having their eyes opened to see how Christ has always been the Subject of Scripture, from Genesis to Malachi (and, of course, the entire New Testament), is what dramatically changed those disciples!  They went from utter despair to the utmost delight during their 7-mile walk with the Greatest-ever Bible Teacher, and we're never the same again!  They became infected with spiritual heartburn and couldn't wait to spread it to others (see Lesson 188b)!

Life of Christ Lesson 187c Resurrection Lies Exposed (Jesus DID Rise from the dead!)

Matthew 28:11-15

Mark Twain once stated that a lie can go around the whole world while truth is still lacing up her boots!  Sinful human nature somehow causes men to prefer to believe lies than truth.  While the women were going about bringing the truth of Christ's resurrection to the disciples (who did not believe them), the soldiers assigned to guard the tomb were bringing their remarkable, eye-witness report to the chief priests.  However, because the priests DID believe what they heard, they paid the soldiers a large amount of money to spread the LIE that Jesus' disciples had stolen His body!

Since that original lie, many others have been concocted over the passing centuries regarding Christ's resurrection.  In this interesting lesson, we discuss many logical reasons why the chief priests' lie is false, before then showing why many other "theories" (lies) invented by unbelievers wanting to explain away the resurrection are likewise false.  Examples we consider are: "the swoon theory," "the no-burial theory," "the telepathy theory," "the séance theory," "the mistaken identity theory," and "the theft theory".  IT IS IMPORTANT FOR CHRISTIANS TO KNOW HOW TO REFUTE THESE LIES!!

Life of Christ Lesson 187b: Resurrecion Morning Conversations

The resurrected Lord Jesus' first two recorded conversations, which were with Mary Magdalene and the Galilean women, who (like Mary) had an encounter with the living Christ on Resurrection Sunday morning!

Life of Christ Lesson 187a: Firstfruits of the Resurrection!

Matthew 28:9, 10; Mark 16:10, 11; John 20:17, 18

The resurrection of the Lord Jesus is foundational to the Christian faith, for it undergirds the significance of other Biblical truths.  We discuss 8 of these foundational truths that are verified by His resurrection in this lesson.

In this lesson, we learn of the first two recorded conversations Christ had following His resurrection.  One was with Mary Magdalene (who had just come to recognize Him at the end of Lesson #186), and the other was with a group of women who, like Mary, had an encounter with the living Lord on Resurrection Sunday morning.  

 

Life of Christ Lesson 186b: Joy Comes in the Morning!

Mary Magdalene's blinding despair and confusion are turned to blessed joy unspeakable!  

Think of this:  Mary wept for the wrong reason; she wept because she found the tomb empty.  The fact is, because the tomb WAS empty, she had every reason to be rejoicing!  THE SAME IS TRUE FOR YOU AND ME!  

THIS will be one of your favorite lessons! It will fill your cup to over-flowing with joy, love, hope, and true comfort!

 

Life of Christ Lesson 186a: The Empty Grave Clothes! {How they PROVED the Resurrection}

You will want to hear this study to find out how the grave clothes appeared (and the folded head napkin) to give the women invited into the tomb by the angel and the Apostle John instant proof that Jesus had, indeed, RISEN FROM THE DEAD!  

The grave clothes of the Lord Jesus are a very exciting subject. 

 

 

Life of Christ Lesson 185b: Angelic and Ecstatic Activity Re: The Resurrection!

NOTE: Correction to this message - replace Katherine's words about "Thursday evening" with "Wednesday evening".  To understand this change, listen to podcast message entitled, "Passion Week Chronology".

There was so much activity taking place at the Lord's EMPTY tomb early Sunday morning, it is difficult to get the sequence all put together, but it is explained very clearly in this study - and in a very exciting manner!  Bible critics who claim inconsistencies in the accounts of the four gospel authors are addressed and easily answered!  

This is a fascinating lesson!  It is informative in many ways; even humorous in the way the differences between women and men are demonstrated!  Did you know it was a group of three women who first announced the full Gospel message - the death, burial, and resurrection!  To whom did they make that announcement?  The Apostles.  What was their reaction?  Disbelief.  In fact, they thought the women were full of delirious wild talk!  How ironic that when they publicly shared the Gospel on the Day of Pentecost, they were accused of being drunk!  We should not be surprised when people to whom we share the Good News of salvation in Christ think we are narrow-minded, non-woke, backwoods, ignorant fools - should we?  It has always been that way! Nonetheless, the Truth is the Truth and we sow the seed and leave the response of "the soil" to the Lord!

Life of Christ Lesson 185a: The Resurrection Announced

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith.  Without it, there would be no Christian faith:  ". . . if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching in vain, and your faith is also vain . . . and ye are yet in your sins".  Of all the major world religions, only four are based on personalities instead of philosophical propositions.  Of the billions who are Jews, Buddhists, or Muslims, no one claims that their founder came out his grave in a resurrected, glorified body.  Christianity alone makes that claim for Jesus Christ, and for a valid reason: because it is true.

In these messages on "The Resurrection of Christ," we give repeated reasons for its truth from Scripture, logical reasoning, post-resurrection historical circumstances, and absolutely changed lives.  The women disciples of Christ were the first people in the world to hear and share the marvelous message of His resurrection, and that is a wonderful compensation for the mess Eve began!  

Learn, too, about the appearances, messages, and various locations of what we call "the tomb stone angel," "the tomb shelf angel," and "the two standing angels".  The angels gave confirmation of the reality of Christ's resurrection in two ways:  He fulfilled His own predictions about a third-day resurrection, and the empty tomb ("Come, see the place where the Lord lay" (Matthew 28:6).  The women were to compare what they SAW inside that tomb with what the had HEARD from the Lord's own lips - and when they put those two things together . . . BINGO!  They believed, and their sorrow was turned to joy, just as the Lord promised (John 16:20)!

Life of Christ Lesson 184c: Sunday Morning Wonder!

In this study "Sunday Morning Wonder!" we discuss: (1) the astonishment of the Roman guard at the tomb, (2) the amazing tombstone angel (you can't help but love this guy), (3) the arrival of the women and their conversation about how they would move the giant stone to the tomb when they got there, and (4) the incorrect assumption made by the extremely distraught Mary Magdalene, who figured someone had stolen the Lord's body.  It is exciting to travel back in time with us and picture the reaction and responses of the various people just mentioned when faced with the supernatural!  One thing is clear: nobody was expecting the third-day resurrection, despite how many times Jesus predicted it.

Interesting to know is that all four gospel accounts mention the condition of the morning sky ("yet dark," " began to dawn," "very early in the morning," and "rising of the sun"), and they together symbolically picture the salvation experience!  Here's a question for you, "Who first heard the news that Christ had risen"?  This lesson will help you get the Sunday morning chronology of events straightened out in your mind.  

Life of Christ Lesson 184b: Christ’s Proclaimation to Imprisoned Spirits! {What Christ Did While His Body Laid in the Grave}

YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS HEARING THIS LESSON!  Not only do we discuss some of the early Resurrection Sunday morning activities at the tomb, but then we get into a deep discussion about what the Lord's soul was doing while His body rested!  What exactly did Peter refer to when he wrote that Christ "preached unto the spirits in prison" (I Peter 3:19)?  Does this mean unsaved, dead people in Hades were given a second chance for salvation?  Who exactly were "the spirits"?  What is the Greek word for "preached" (it's not what you might think)?  How is this passage connected to some horrific demonic activity that took place before the Flood (Genesis 6)?  Did the Lord's body see corruption in the tomb?  A LOT of INFORMATION you may never have heard explained before!

In this lesson, we discuss the astonishment of the guard over the tomb, the angel of the tomb, and the arrival of the women at the tomb (to further anoint the Lord's wrapped body with spices).  There was a lot of activity at the tomb on that day, and it is only by putting together the accounts of all four gospels (which this study does) that we can learn the proper sequence of events (often not presented correctly).

 

 

Life of Christ Lesson 184a: The Dark Days {While Christ’s Body Lay in the Tomb}

Learn of the post-death actions of several women who remained at the crucifixion site of Christ until He gave up His spirit.  Learn, too, of the tender post-death acts of two very prominent religious rulers (Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, who boldly emerged from his secret discipleship).  

In the early morning hours of the "high day" Sabbath, the chief priests joined with the Pharisees in a further attempt to discredit and destroy the name of Jesus.  He was dead, but they still were not satisfied.  They were so concerned about His continuing influence, they held an illegal Sabbath meeting and decided to again solicit the help of Pontius Pilate.  They wanted to make sure the Lord's followers did not turn His death into something even greater than His life had been.  Ha!  That was an impossible venture on their part!  Find out the extent they went to make sure the tomb was sealed tight (interesting how they did that) and well-guarded - and how all their foolish efforts only backfired on them to be used as further evidence of the reality of Christ's Resurrection!  

 

Life of Christ Lesson 183b: Burial Preparations Fit for a King!

Two formerly secret disciples of Christ emerge just at the right time to provide the most respectable burial for the body of their Lord - and, of course, one that also fulfilled Old Testament prophecy.  If Jesus was not buried in a rich man's tomb, He would not have qualified to be Messiah (see Isaiah 53:9)!  Again, we find the amazing providence of Almighty God at work in such specific ways that ensure His Son was buried as the royal Prince He is, but also to fulfill His prophetic word!

There is so much "meat" found in this study on Christ' burial (the method, the strip wrappings, the 100-pound mixture of costly spices, the head "napkin"), but here is just one truth to whet your hunger:  Wealthy, wise men (Magi) lavished their expensive gifts on Christ early in His life.  Wealthy, wise men (Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus) lavished their rich gifts upon Him at the end of His life!  Though "the world" rejected Him, nonetheless, He was and IS THE KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS.

Life of Christ Lesson 183a: Post-Death Providential Care

There is perhaps no single account in Scripture that gives more evidence of God's providence than the record of the circumstances relating to the after-death care and burial of the Lord Jesus.  This subject is often passed over quickly as something necessary, but not significant when compared to Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, and post-resurrection appearances.  This is a mistake, for the gospel accounts on this matter contain astounding truths that present additional testimony to both the providence of God and the identity of Jesus as His true Son!

If Christ had not given up His spirit when He did, His leg bones would have been broken.  He would not qualify as Messiah, for Exodus 12:46, Numbers 9:12, and Psalm 34:20 would not have been fulfilled by Him.  If He had not have been pierced through with a Roman spear, we would not know the actual physical cause of His death and how it fulfilled Psalm 69:20 (not the normal crucifixion deaths, which were either by exhaustion asphyxia or hypovolemic shock).

Life of Christ Lesson 182: Responses to Christ’s Death {It is Finished XII}

After the Lord Jesus commended His spirit into His Father's hands, there was immediately a series of four responses.  There was God's response by way of three miraculous phenomena: (1) the Temple Veil Tore from top to bottom (SO MUCH SIGNIFICANCE), (2) the earth quaked (HEAVEN'S "AMEN" TO CHRIST'S FINISHED WORK), and (3) certain select graves were opened (FOR THOSE INSIDE TO COME FORTH, LIKE LAZARUS, ON RESURRECTION SUNDAY AFTER CHRIST AROSE).  These were amazing miracles to testify of the magnitude of what had just been completed  by Christ on the cross - redemption for sin!!!

Did you realize there were SEVEN CALVARY-related MIRACLES?  Can you name them?

Also discussed in this lesson are three more reactions; human reactions:  (1) a Roman centurion expresses belief in Jesus as "the Son of God" (the penitent thief, a Jew, and the centurion, a Gentile, were cross-work "fruit" and witnesses of Christ's saving power); (2) the watching multitude were full of fear over all they witnessed.  In fact, they beat their breasts, which was a sign of fear and conviction of sin (good sign).  (3) The third human response came from the group of faithful women disciples of Christ who had remained at the crucifixion site (although "afar off") throughout His Passion.  They were confused and, needless to say, in deep grief.  ALL WOULD CHANGE FOR THEM (and for US) in just a few more days!  Halleluiah!

This study in written form is found in our "Caldwell Commentary" series - "Life of Christ Vol. 8" (available through www.scripturetruth.com).

Life of Christ Lesson 181b: The Victor’s Death {It is Finished Part XI}

In the first part of this lesson (see Lesson #181a), we discussed "The Victor's Declaration" (John 19:30a); we conclude with this lesson on "The Victor's Death".  Included in this great, great study is a look at Christ's final (of seven) cross saying, which, as the first saying, was a prayer.  It was significant, not only because it was His last word before He died, but because His use of the term, "Father," tells us He was back in communion/fellowship with His heavenly Father!  The "cup" He had been given to drink was fully drained; the storm of God's wrath upon the sins of the world was spent.  All was calm.  The darkness lifted.  The Lord quoted one more verse of Scripture (Psalm 31:5) when He said in a loud voice, "Father, into Thine hand I commit My spirit".  He had willingly delivered His body into the hands of His enemies; He now voluntarily delivered His spirit into the hands of His Father.

Discover a number of evidences that NOBODY TOOK CHRIST'S LIFE; HE LAID IT DOWN HIS OWN WAY and ON HIS OWN TIME SCHEDULE (which was exactly the time of day when the Passover lambs were be slain - 3:00 p.m.).  Much "meat" for the spiritually hungry in this two-part study!

This lesson is given in written form in "The Caldwell Commentary" book entitled "The Life of Christ Vol. 8 (available through www.scripturetruth.com).