The Caldwell Commentaries Podcast

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 174b: The Way of the Cross - Part II {It is Finished II}

An extremely serious lesson (continuation of Lesson 174a)!  

BE BLESSED!

Life of Christ Lesson 174a: The Way of the Cross - Part I {It is Finished I}

You do not want to miss this two-part study (see also Lesson 174b) on the Lord's "Way of the Cross"!  We promise you will be blessed!  

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

Life of Christ Lesson 173b: Satan’s Hour of Darkness - Part IV

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

A number of prophecies were fulfilled during "Satan's Hour of Darkness" - in this lesson, Isaiah 49:7, 53:3, and First Samuel 8:5, which all predicted Israel's rejection of her King/Messiah, were fulfilled.  Also, the Lord's own prediction in Mark 10:34 and Matthew 27:30 that He would be spat upon by the Gentiles was fulfilled.  Isaiah 50:6b, which Jesus mentioned in Mark 15:19, was fulfilled.  It said that the Messiah would not hide His face from shame and spitting!  

Life of Christ Lesson 173a: Satan’s Hour of Darkness - Part III

Matthew 27:23b-30; Mark 15:15-19; Luke 23:23-25; John 19:12-16

In this third part of our look at "Satan's Hour of Darkness," we look at a four-point outline (some in this lesson and the rest in the lesson to follow - 173b):  (1) The Demand of the Crowd, (2) The Denouncement of a Coward, (3) The Death Sentence of the Christ, and (4) The Depravity of a Cohort.

Life of Christ Lesson 172b: Satan’s Hour of Darkness - Part II

Satan's enmity against God was manifested throughout the Old Testament era by his continual striving to prevent the Christ from being born!  Satan sought to eliminate the ancestral line from which He (the Saviour) was prophesied to come.  When he failed in that mission, Satan attempted to eliminate Him shortly after He was born by using Herod the Great's horrific "Bethlehem Massacre".  God intervened, and the old dragon was again foiled in his quest.  Then, repeatedly throughout the Lord's earthly life, Satan continued in his attempts to destroy Him - either through temptations to sin or premature death.  Again, he was always hindered by the Lord from accomplishing his mission.

But during Christ's trials and crucifixion, God no longer hindered the powers of darkness.  The hour had arrived when the serpent would bruise the Saviour's heel (Genesis 3:15).  Satan fully availed himself of his opportunity to persecute, mock, and kill his age-old Enemy (his very Creator), which he did through his human dupes.

Life of Christ Lesson 172a: Satan’s Hour of Darkness - Part I

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John 19:1-5 SCOURGED.  MOCKED.  EXHIBITED.  HATED.  The horrible atrocities heaped upon the One Who came into the world to seek and to save that which was lost went beyond the bounds of reasonable human understanding.  Where was the divinely inspired, Scripturally-based justice of Israel in the Jews' dealings with Jesus?  Where was the much praised Roman justice when it came to His civil trials?  Why was a bound Prisoner scourged and mocked and condemned to die when "the judge" repeatedly declared His innocence?  Why was the Lord Jesus treated in a way that unparalleled the treatment of any other person in history?  What is the secret of His gross mistreatment and injustice?

The answer is that divine restraint was removed so human depravity was permitted to demonstrate itself in all its deceitful fulness as representatives of both Jews and Gentiles crucified the Son of God Who came to save them.  We are also told by Christ Himself that His unparalleled mistreatment was due to the fact that it was "Satan's Hour of Darkness" (see Luke 22:53).  The "hour" had arrived when the serpent would bruise the Saviour's "heel" (Genesis 3:15).

Learn about this "hour" in both this and the following two lessons.  

Life of Christ Lesson 171b: The Lamb Before His Shearers - Part II

Matthew 27:15-21; Mark 15:6-11; Luke 23:17-19; John 18:39, 40

In this second half of our study on "The Lamb Before His Shearers" (see Lesson 171a), we do not so much look at the silence of Christ as we did when He stood before His accusers and before Herod Antipas, but we look at the selection of the crowd.  Pilate presented the crowd assembled around the Praetorium with a "Passover Bargain".  They could choose to free one prisoner, and the choice was between Jesus and Barabbas, a robber, murderer, and insurrectionist against Rome.

We also discuss "Mrs. Pilate's Precautionary Dream" - one her husband should have paid great attention to!  Thirdly, we then look at "The Multitude's Providential Choice".  Sadly, they chose to free Barabbas instead of Jesus - but, of course, Jesus was the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world!

Life of Christ Lesson 171a: The Lamb Before His Shearers - Part I

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Matthew 27:12-14; Mark 15:3-5; Luke 23:5-16

This is the first of a two-part study entitled, "The Lamb Before His Shearers," speaking of the Lord Jesus, the True Lamb of God sent to redeem mankind from our sin, as He appeared before the official representatives of Rome in a three-phased "civil" trial.  After having failed to find a legitimate indictment against Jesus, the Jewish Sanhedrin Council accused Him of blasphemy when He truthfully claimed to be "the Christ, the Son of God".  The condemned Him to die.  However, since the Jews did not have the legal authority to exact the death penalty themselves, they had to turn to Rome (although this didn't stop them a little later when it came to stoning Stephen to death).  They really wanted Jesus crucified because the Old Testament declared any one who hung from a tree to be "cursed"!  They figured this would surely disqualify Him as the Messiah in the eyes of the people.  Little did they know how He literally became the curse of sin for you, me, and for them!

Life of Christ Lesson 170b: Christ Before Pilate {Pilate with the Prisoner}

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This is the continuation of our study of the Lord's first "civil" trial, which was before Pontius Pilate (see Lesson 170a and our discussion of Pilate's conversation with the prosecutors of Jesus, the Jews).  

In this lesson, we learn why Pilate suspected the Jews' accusations against Jesus to be false (Luke 23:2).  We discuss why Jesus answered Pilate's first question with a question of His own (John 18:33,34).  We see WHO was really the one on trial, and it wasn't Jesus!  We find out what the religious rulers said to Pilate that actually fulfilled the prophecy of Genesis 49:10, proving that Shiloh (Messiah) had come!

We also learn of the "proof" Jesus gave Pilate that His Kingdom was "not of this world" and, thus, no immediate threat to political Rome.  Then, too, we discuss Pilate's famous question (asked sarcastically and rhetorically, not expecting an answer), "What is truth?"  Little did he know - or care to know - that Truth incarnate was standing before Him (John 14:6)!  

Life of Christ Lesson 170a: Christ Before Pilate {Pilate with the Prosecutors}

A two-part study that covers:  Matthew 27:11; Mark 15:2; Luke 23:1-4; and John 18:28-38

The Lord's prediction of Matthew 27:2 that the Jewish leaders of Israel would turn Him over to the Gentiles (Mark 10:33) came to pass.  The Sanhedrin Council and its two corrupt, co-reigning high priests (Annas and Caiaphas) decided it was expedient for them that "one man should die for the people" (John 11:50), so they condemned Him to death and sent Him to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, to execute Him.

There is a great deal of important dialogue to discuss in all that transpired as the Lord's three "civil" trials (they were anything but civil) began.  We only cover part of His first appearance before Pilate in this lesson (Part I), so be sure to also listen to Part II (Lesson 170b)!

Life of Christ Lesson 169c: The Alarm Cock Sounds - Part III

This lesson concludes our three-part study of Peter's three-part denial of Christ prior to the three cock crows (as the Lord predicted Peter would do earlier that night).  It must have pained both the Lord's and Peter's hearts as the two made eye contact right after Peter's third denial.  The good news is that Peter repented and was later fully restored by the grace of the resurrected Lord of glory!  We discuss the difference between Judas and Peter; between regret and true repentance, among other things.

Life of Christ Lesson 169b: The Alarm Cock Sounds - Part II {Oh, Peter, Peter}

This is the continuation of the biblical narrative concerning Peter's three denials of Christ the night of the Lord's arrest and trials.

Life of Christ Lesson 168c Christ Before Caiaphas {Terrible Mock} & Lesson169a The Alarm Cock Sounds - Part I

In the first part of this audio, we finish our look at Christ's second religious trial, which was before the corrupt high priest Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin Council.  We discussed in the past two lessons (168a and 168b) the trial deadlock and the testimony shock (the wonderful truth of His identity from Christ).  Sadly, the trial ended with a terrible mock.  

To the fantastic news of Christ's identity, the members of the highest court of Israel revealed their "true coIors" in the way they treated their "Prisoner".  It was the highest insult a Jew could give, and they did it to the Son of the Living God!  They began by spitting in His face!  Little did they realize they had just fulfilled a Messianic prophecy - see Isaiah 50:6!  Wow!  No matter what they did, they simply kept reaffirming Who He is! 

In the second half of this lesson (Matthew 26:71-75; Mark 14:69-72; Luke 22:58-62; John 18:25-27), we discuss the fulfillment of a prophecy the Lord Jesus spoke earlier that night, which was that before the cock crew three times, Peter would deny Him three times (Matthew 26:34; Mark 14:3).  Of course, Peter adamantly refuted the prediction, and yet . . .

Life of Christ Lesson 168b: Christ Before Caiaphas {Testimony Shock}

Matthew 26:63b-68; Mark 14:61b-65; Luke 22:63-65

The Lord Jesus gave a prediction regarding His Second Coming that absolutely shocked everyone listening at His second trial!  He affirmed His Deity, calling Himself the Son of God.  He likewise affirmed His Messiahship, calling Himself the Son of man by associating Himself with two well-known Messianic passages of Scripture (Psalm 110:1 and Daniel 7:13.  His statement was also a prediction of His resurrection, ascension, and return!

 

Life of Christ Lesson 168a: Christ Before Caiaphas {Trial Deadlock}

Matthew 26:57, 59-68; Mark 14:53, 55-65; Luke 22:63-66; John 18:24

In this lesson, we look at the second phase of the Lord's religious trial, which was held before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin Council of Israel in an informal setting shortly before dawn.  Like the "trial" before Annas, the second one before the co-reigning high priest, was totally illegal.  Yet, even though the trial was illegal and the witnesses brought in to testify were false, yet the Council members still could not gain a charge against Jesus!  They came to a deadlock of frustration, which we talk about in the first part of our outline, "The Trial Deadlock".

The rest of this study is presented in Lesson 168b.

Life of Christ Lesson 167: Tied, Tried, and Denied

John 18-12-23; Matthew 26:58, 69, 70; Mark 14:54, 66-68; Luke 22:54-57

The threefold name for this lesson, "Tied, Tried, and Denied," is based on the threefold outline of the events that took place the night of Christ's arrest recorded in the gospel passages listed above.  We look sequentially at these topics:  (1) Jesus being prophetically tied by His enemies, (2) Jesus being tragically denied by Peter (which He had prophesied earlier that night), and (3) Jesus being illegally tried by Annas (the high priest of Israel).

The Holy Spirit's intention in these passages of alternating the reader's focus from the unfair trials of the innocent Lord Jesus to the shameful, sinful denials of Peter is to emphasize the great need for Christ's redemption by ALL men!  

Learn a lot about how absolutely ILLEGAL the trial of Jesus held by Annas, Israel's high priest, was!  It may shock you, but the illegalities continue throughout the night!  Corruption today is not anything new, is it?

Life of Christ Lesson 166: Guilt and Grace in Gethsemane {A Kiss, A Sword, An Ear, A Rebuke}

Matthew 26:48-56; Mark 14:44-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:10-12

The single outstanding feature of Jesus Christ in this third and final garden scene (Gethsemane), where He was betrayed by Judas with a kiss, disappointed by Peter with a sword, arrested by soldiers, and deserted by His disciples, is His GRACE.  In stark contrast, the one thing that stands out about everyone else in the garden is their GUILT.

This is a loaded lesson with lots of details to learn about matters you may have missed before!

Life of Christ Lesson 165: The Majesty of the Gethsemane King

Matthew 26:47; Mark 14:43; Luke 22:47a; John 18:2-9

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The title for this second lesson on Christ's Gethsemane experience is "The Majesty of the Gethsemane King" because even though that garden on the Mount of Olives was where He was betrayed and arrested, it is also where His divine majesty is displayed in all that took place!  In Gethsemane, we find Jesus as the Victor over and the Designer of the circumstances!  He was not tricked or surprised what happened to Him.  He is the sovereign Son of God Who displayed both His power and authority not only to those who belong to Him (the disciples), but to those who came to arrest Him.

Believe it or not, the Scripture of this lesson reveals the excellencies of the Lord Jesus in a way that few other passages of Scripture do!  

Life of Christ Lesson 164: The Mystery of the Gethsemane Cup

Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46; John 18:1

A VERY IMPORTANT STUDY!!

The three aspects of this study on "The Mystery of the Gethsemane Cup" deal with the Gethsemane Mystery, the Gethsemane Agony, and the Gethsemane Victory!   You will learn about "the Apostles' sleep," "the angelic strengthening," and "the agonizing sweat".  The Lord Jesus really won the victory over sin and death for us in Gethsemane.  At the cross of Calvary, He yielded His body, but in the garden of Gethsemane, He yielded His will.

What the Bible Says About Angels

Angelology - the study of angels!  This lesson contains a lot of information on angels.  There is so much disinformation about angels in the world - everything from thinking that "good" people become angels when they die (totally false) to the blasphemous worship angels! 

When did God create the angelic host?  Did Lucifer fall before or after God's creation of man?  Are the total number of angels set forever or can they perish and/or reproduce?  When was the last time the Bible records angels singing (a question most get wrong)?  Why is it so much better to be a fallen human being than a fallen angel?  Are there ranks among the angels?  What about spiritual warfare in the heavenlies?  How many archangels are there?  What is the difference between cherubim and seraphim?  Are there male and female angels?

A very fascinating study! 

Life of Christ Lesson 163: The Lord’s High Priestly Prayer - Part V {He Prays for Us!}

John 17:20-26

This is the section (verses 20 to 24) of Christ's High Priestly Prayer in which He prayed for all future believers (if you are a believer in Him, this is what Jesus prayed for you)!  What did He pray?  He asked for our witness for Him to be successful on earth and in Heaven; for the world and for His glory.  

In some of the Lord's last words spoken in the presence of His men, the Apostles heard Him pray for yet-unborn people who would believe on Him because of their witness!  He was telling them, through the prayer, that the Gospel would prevail even in the face of the world's hatred and their weaknesses.  In the midst of all their confusion and despair, that must have been a blessed comfort to hear. Facing soon betrayal, arrest, and death, Jesus was not discouraged nor did He sound in any way defeated!  In future vision, He could behold the faces of the millions of people who would swell the ranks of His current little flock!  It was part of the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2)!  I hope that flock includes YOU!