Saturday, November 8, 2014

Sad new for all Robert's friends and family

Hi everybody, my name is Barbara, I am Robert's sister. It is very sad for me to announce that Robert died peacefully in Kigali Rwanda in June 2014. For this reason I am disabling all the comments on this blog, but in his memory I've decided to keep the blog content as it is in it's current form.
God bless you all.
-Barbara Iafrate

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

FBF JUNE 2014 UPDATE - THE MISSION THRIVES HERE IN E AFRICA... GLORY TO GOD!



GREETINGS FROM  FBF SONS OF THUNDER
GOSPEL ACTIVISTS ARE WELCOME HERE


Living in Rwanda has certainly had a good effect on me... the ministry thrives here in E Africa, and I have gotten used to living in the tropics where everything grows here and it is all naturally organic!  You would find it good too.  You are welcome to come visit anytime, as Rwanda is safe, clean, quiet and enjoyably refreshing... also cheap/ comparatively speaking!  There are 5 star hotels here for reference... Radisson, Casa Blanca, Hilton...etc....

Having been working in and with African missions now for the best part of 10 years has it’s advantages.  Now, FBF is in 16 nations... working on 3 others... with over 3000 churches and ministries in advancing the Kingdom of God!  We have been teaching a strictly simple gospel that reflects the Book of Acts Church which we have as actual Church history.  We teach a non-denominial church... with all the leaders becoming ‘tent-makers... I have been involved with investments in telecommunications which has supplied some of my needs since August.
FBF works with the homeless, street-children left behind from long periods of war, aids, genocide, etc... because they are ubiquitous here.  In my own neighborhood There several widows with small children who have no home and depend on selling fruit daily for sustenance... they know me well by now...  and there are about 8 or so street boys who come around frequently... because most do not help them.   If you should so be inclined, be a part of this mission by keeping them in your prayers and or support.  There is never enough on this end.
Hope Vocational Training Centre
New Class of 2014-2015   All are present for morning bible study at 7:30
~   Graduating class of 149 students Feb 2014   ~
This is Rwanda’s Future... which, we have a direct hand in!
FBF also is involved in putting together Vocational Training Centres... with 3 in Kenya, one start in Tanzania, one in planning phase in Kampala, Uganda... and one in Kabuga, Rwanda, where I worked daily for 4.5 months in administrations and overseeing 3 building projects... along with preaching in churches, market places, bus terminals (which are big here like airports in the western world)... and city centres.  All the while teaching and discipling men in the Open Air Preaching, new church plants for all the fruit of revival activities, and helping the local churches to get financing from local businesses and leaders for their operation and the care of their local poor.  There is much work to do in these areas... but, this IS THE GOSPEL and CHURCH work of Jesus Christ where ever we are... Amen?   The work is very fulfilling here at this time.  Again, we at FBF thank you all for your faithful praying and support, as every nickel helps with the bigger picture.  There are many concerns regarding transportation, training, evangelistic tools (banners, megaphones, clothing, food for the poor and underprivileged) ... and the many printing needs for local language bible/ New Testament/ tracks/ card needs.
Discipleship and the Open Air Preaching is on going at all times.  Revival is here and this keep us busy... It’s more than exciting!

This is Bro Emile... a recent disciple and very good at working in the streets.
He is here seen learning how to use a megaphone...
We had been working in this market place all afternoon.  There was a
tremendous response in 3 places!

This is what your mission is doing for you & THE GOSPEL in E Africa.
Thank you for your faithful prayer support.



Monday, August 5, 2013

1ST QUARTER MISSION UPDATE & Pastoral Letter 2014........................ ~ GOSPEL ACTIVISTS 'WELCOME' HERE ~

SEEKING FIRST THE KINGDOM,
& HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS

Pv 1:20-21    Mk  16:15-16     Is 58:1     Matt 6:33
In this issue:
*  KABUGA MARKET PREACH
*  KISUMU VOC TECH FOR STREET BOYS TO MAKE GOOD - BRO JAMES
*  AMAZING GRACE RADIO - REACHING INTO 5 NATIONS / KIMIRONKO MKT RADIO Mon's
*  SOURCE OF DELIVERANCE - LOCAL CHURCH
*  HOPE VOC TECH - KABUBA - 200 STUDENTS         
*  WRITE INS APPRECIATING THE MINISTRY
*  MATT 20 – EXPOSITION CONTINUES 
                                     



KABUGA MARKET PREACH

Every Tues and Fri mornings we go out...  the whole town expects it now...

We are a Team of 4-5      30-80 come to Christ at every session... thank the Lord Jesus for His miracle working power!  there is much prayer for individuals as the team is working the crowds all the time... and someone is always preaching loud and clear!  Just a continuation of the Book of Acts Church with healing, deliverance, counsel, and so forth... FBF continues to bring the Church to the Market Place free of charge!  The people love the fact that we don't ask for money and pass the buckets like the western muzungu do!

We have baptisms at two local churches... as we like to be responsible in our teaching and preaching... and give place for discipleship for those who want to press in. 

The Gospel properly PROCLAIMED is very attractive!
1 Thess 1:5    Rom 1:15-16


 ~  FBF VOC TRAINING  ~ 
3 facilities in Kisumu for street boys
Bro James Samo - FBF E Africa Regional

Dear Rev Robert,
Thank you my dear brother for this wonderful email to me I love you too and always pray for you and the spiritual ministry you have that touches the heart of mankind. I am sad to hear the news of Ben since the purpose of Christ is not to break the fellowship He brought to us through His redemption. I know Ben will remember the first love and restoration. We pray for him to REPENT ASAP!

Please I have attached few photos of the street boys we are reaching out to their lives all over Kenya with two centres in Nairobi and Nyanza Chapter province.  Photos were taken were most of them went to the field work. We are targeting a hundred in each centre for our 6 centres. In Nairobi we have Brother Edward and his team and in Nyanza chapter we have Brother Amos both specialize these boys and girls who are hopeless with mechanics,welding,barber shop,tailoring,business enterprises and farming trainings. What we are praying and trusting God for are equipment and machines to help the work easier running.
Please finally are you still willing that we come with your sister Alice? Have your couple friends come to visit from America as you suggested? I calculated the cost though it's a reasonable amount of money.  WE as FBF move forward!

Thank you and God bless abundantly.
      Brother James.       
 E Africa Regional Director / Attache` 





AMAZING GRACE RADIO

REACHING INTO 5 NATIONS








Amazing Grace Radio - on the Air pix 

Jesus hooked me up this Amazing Grace Christian Radio, FM 105.1 and they asked me to speak on their best spot last week... for 1 hour!!!  FREE!  

After a chance meeting at a restaurant, the owner and manager of the station decided to ask me to speak on their radio.  Jesus paid it all!  Amen.

We talked about the Pope, his re-introducing ‘indulgences’ for all the youth who sign up for the Papal Tweets!!!!   (shame on that devil!)
And now, as you know... he sounds just like Obama... and gives support to homo’s!  At least Benedict knew right from wrong on that one!

And then ALL the money that was taken away from the orphans, widows and the needy... that he preached on... the list goes on...
 (40,000,000 Euros for the Pope and his pope-mobile, wardrobe, staff, flights &c.
Another 500 million US for survellience aircraft, army, police, hotels, 3 slick stage set ups... the biggest at the Casacabana Beach Club where sex rock groups like the Rolling Stones recently played... & more)

They asked me to come back for part 2 and other subjects on occasion... PTL!
These are very interesting days that we live in!  We should be always prepared IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON for opportunities to PROCLAIM ALL the Jesus has DONE!  Amen!  

Let us look up... for our Salvation draweth near!

BLESSINGS!

______   *   ______

KIMIORONKO RADIO - MARKET PREACH
EVERY MONDAY AT 4-5 RADIO TIME

FBF/ SONS OF THUNDER/ SHELTER MISSIONS
HAS ALSO BEEN GIVEN, BY THE PROVIDENCE
OF YHWH GOD--SPEAKING PRIVILEGES ON THE 
RADIO OF THE BIGGEST AND THE BEST MARKET IN RWANDA!

MY FIENDS, THAT IS POWER!
THIS WAS NOT KNOWN OR SOUGHT AFTER!
IT WAS YET ANOTHER DOOR TO OPEN 
FOR US TO WALK THROUGH

AND PROCLAIM THE KINGDOM OF GOD
HAS COME!
ENTER IN AT THE NARROW GATE!
WHILE YOU ARE STILL ABLE...
FOR COMES AN HOUR WHEN NO MAN SHALL WORK

WORK WHILE YOU HAVE THE LIGHT!

WE ARE EXPERIENCING THE VERY LAST DAYS
AS WE SPEAK!

PLEASE... SHARE OUR JOY AT WHAT YOUR PRAYERS
HAVE BEEN MIRACULOUSLY FINANCING
THROUGH THE WILL & THE PROVIDENCE OF THE 
MOST HIGH GOD ~ EL ELYON!

WE THANK YOU WITH ALL OUT HEARTS!

ALL GLORY TO JESUS WHO HAS MADE THE WAY... AND THE GREAT BLESSING OF PREACHING
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN ON 2 RADIO STATIONS!
AMEN!

WE MAKE NO APOLOGY FOR GETTING VERY EXCITED!

ONLY HE COULD DO SUCH A THING... 
AS 'HE' WAS THE ONE WHO BROUGHT THIS TO US!
WE WERE NOT LOOKING!

HALLELUYAH!

LET HIS ECCLESIA PRAISE THEIR KING!




 


SOURCE OF DELIVERANCE

HOME CHURCH IN GISOZI / KIGALI

Source of Deliverance - we have 4 Elders

Where we Tabernacle with Jesus - Sons of Abraham

New families are coming in every week... we are about 350 now..


Source of Deliverance meets in a tent... 
...like the Sons of Abraham





 KABUGA MARKET TEAM PREACH
2 DAYS A WEEK









These two sisters just had to came up to us saying:
WE WANT TO GET SAVED NOW!
Picture taken AFTER they came through!  
You can SEE the Holy Spirit in them!
Amen!


FBF SONS OF THUNDER
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PREACHERS

UNLESS YOU BECOME AS A LITTLE CHILD...
... YOU CAN NOT ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD




HOPE Vocational Training Centre 

MORNING CHAPEL 7:30

TRAINER ALEX - WELDING

TRAINER INNOCENT - MASONRY/ CONSTRUCTION

TRAINER JOHN - WOOD SHOP/ FURNITURE


TRAINER JEAN PIERRE - FURNITURE MAKING/ CARPENTRY

TRAINER GEO DEN - SALON

TRAINER ANNE MARIE - TAILORING



STUDENTS ENJOY THEIR BREAKS TOGETHER

THE CHOIR TAKES A BREAK



This 3 classroom building is now finished
thanks to all the masonry students!
    
MORE PIX LATER



E Uganda 
Bro Wachana gives Testimony 
      
To Brother Robert and all Faithful brethren in Christ Jesus.
I give thanks to our father (Jesus) who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.
Therefore we may walk worthy in the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and long sufferings with joy.

Even though the work of God in Arua is difficult, we pray God to enable us to make a conference there next week. Please Brother Robert continue to stand with us in prayer on the side of transportation and meal.
I remain yours in Christ.
Rev. Wachana.


Yours in Christ,

Rev. Wachana Bonventry.




My Beloved Brethren... be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, for as much as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the LORD.  
1 Cor. 15:58

         


Bro Scott  receives mission FIRE
Shares a heart of Gratitude for FBF


Shalom and Greetings! 

It is so very refreshing to hear from you! I am amazed to see the abundant fruit that the Holy Spirit is producing through you and FBF in East Africa! Keep preaching and reaching! 

I have been continuing to teach the Hebrew roots of Scripture. A friend of mine wants me to come down to Canton, Ohio to teach a men's group in his congregation . They are very hungry for the word and were even having a Jewish Rabbi come and teach from the Scriptures. 

A friend of mine has been telling me about an internet radio station here in Cleveland which broadcasts internationally. I am prayerfully considering stepping into the arena of radio broadcasting, only as Adonai leads. 

My wife was just recently accepted into a certificate program through Case Western Reserve in the area of Clinical Research Administration. The program also provides credits towards a Masters in Clinical Research and Administration. 

This Thursday I also have an interview with Progressive Insurance. I pray that I get the position because the shift is Monday through Thursday and you work 40 hours in four days leaving you with Friday, Shabbat and Sunday off. My wife and I are also planning to visit a Messianic congregation here in Cleveland which coincidentally is named, Sar Shalom. 

I love you and thank you for sharing you help ignite the missionary fire in my heart! I will continue to keep you and East Africa in my prayers! Also as the Lord continues to provide I will send in more financial seed!
                                                                                                Barak HaShemm Adonai    - Bro. Scott  


                                                                         

Pray request for Bro John...

 ... A faithful Brother and productive servant of the Lord, with a good testimony and a wonderful wife and family... a Brother who has been a strong encourager to me when I really needed it... and one who does not quit a brother, even when there are tough things going on.
Please, we ask for your prayers for his business, which has taken some hits lately.  He has employed many people.  Bro John, as an elder, has always supported many local ministries and this poor preacher.   We know that the Lord Jesus is working a deeper work at this time... to enlarge faith, for success in these last days.  Amen.   Please, thank you for standing with him.

Good to hear from you, Robert.  I am glad to hear that things are going well for you. 
Actually, Cindy and I are in Greenville, SC with Suzanna and her family.  She just had her first baby last April.  Its great to be here with her. 
Things seem to be changing with our business.  We have had a couple of tough breaks lately.  It would probably be better to explain it more, with a phone call some other time.  Lets try to do that soon.
Congratulations on your success with your ministry lately.   Sounds like you're busy.   What a blessing to be used by our Lord for His work.
All the best!
John






    Bro Robert   FBF Staff


FBF would like to Thank you again for your prayers and encouragements as the Teams in East, Central, South and Western Africa are experiencing many advances and serious revival that continues in the East and Central sections... all Glory to God!  East India continues to open up new territories with the Gospel, and the Open Air preach continues in the US.  All teams are training new recruits at this time.  We thank the LORD for the good work of participating with His Kingdom advance... and with all His Church Bride who is eagerly awaiting His soon return.  This is the hour for all of God’s children to ‘rise up’ for the gospel of Jesus Christ!  It’s TIME to do all we can in Christ.  His return is more certain than ever before!    Amen.

The focus of the Pastoral Letter (PL) is along the lines of generally edifying and encouraging Preachers to establish more of Christ in our lives, promoting the Kingdom of God where ever we go, Establishing God fearing Churches, mission updates (Africa, India, US), missions reports, focus points, teaching, exposition, a short list of mail-ins (with some excerpts).  We are committed to the Great Co-Mission for all, as being salt and light are not an option in the church of Jesus Christ. Matt 5:13-16 ...  We continue to bless all those who are at work in the advancement of the Kingdom of God... for Jesus sake.  We continue to call all men to Jesus, and to the simplicity of Christ that we find in the Book of Acts Church...   to His Glory and Praise!
Acts 2:42, 46-47,   Mark 16:15-16
May the LORD leave His richest blessings upon each one of you as you Press On with Jesus!


"'Not called!' did you say? 'Not heard the call,' I think you should say. Put your ear down to the Bible, and hear Him bid you go and pull sinners out of the fire of sin. Put your ear down to the burdened, agonized heart of humanity, and listen to its pitiful wail for help. Go stand by the gates of hell, and hear the damned entreat you to go to their father's house and bid their brothers and sisters and servants and masters not to come there. Then look Christ in the face — whose mercy you have professed to obey — and tell Him whether you will join heart and soul and body and circumstances in the march to publish His mercy to the world.
                                                        ~William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army



US – Bro Emmanuel/ Founder ERM      Dream being realized

Hi my dear brother!
Exciting to hear all goods news! Praise to God!
We need to see pictures!!!
I was wondering what happened to you as you were so quiet:(! but I know, the internet is not facilitating our communications as we wish to have it:(!
Anyhow, great updates! I know you'll enjoy my homeland country of Rwanda! Opps! Our homeland country now!!!
We need to start a chapel at Kabuga my brother, that is what I need to see happening at our site, starting a chapel and planting a church form there what do you think??
Thank you Lord for these 41 babies born!!! I'm very excited to see what our Lord God gonna do! Good things on our way for sure!
We gonna seat down and plan for sure when I'm there in one month, God's willing!
I'll be praying for your safety travels, and your contacts in Burundi, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.
What is your impressions with Hope Vocational Training Center in Kabuga? I need to hear from you in details.
Hope you're doing well and I'm very thankful to my brother Innocent!
May god continue to use you and bless you, may our Lord protection be with you in all.
I have a big dream! Opening Living Faith Chapels as churches plants! Starting by Kabuga:)! What do you think???
In His Grace,
Emmanuel


 



 MATTHEW 20: AN EXPOSITION

(Matthew 20:1-2)  For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

This parable, a furtherance of the sermon on rewards at the end of chapter 19, explains the truth that while all true disciples will be rewarded, the order of rewards will be determined by the spirit in which the disciple served.  The parable describes a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire labourers to work in his vineyard. These men contracted to work for a denarius a day, a reasonable wage at that time.  Let us say they began to work at 6:00 a.m.

(Matthew 20:3-4)  And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.

At 9:00 a.m. the farmer found some other unemployed labourers in the market place.  In this case there was no labour-management agreement.  They went to work with only his word that he would give them whatever was right.

(Matthew 20:5-7)  Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.

At noon and at 3:00 p.m. the farmer hired more men on the basis that he would give them a reasonable wage.  At 5:00 p.m. (one hour short of quitting time) he found more unemployed men.  They were not lazy; they were willing to work but hadn't been able to find work.  So he sent them into the vineyard without any discussion of pay.  It is important to notice that the first men were hired as a result of a bargaining agreement; all the others left the matter of pay to the landowner.

(Matthew 20:8)  So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.

At the end of the day, the farmer instructed his paymaster to pay the men, beginning with the last hired and working back to the first.  In this way the earliest men hired saw what the others received.

(Matthew 20:9-12)  And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.

It was the same pay for all—one denarius.  The 6:00 a.m. men thought they would receive more, but no—they too got one denarius.  They were bitterly angry; after all, they had worked longer and through the heat of the day.

(Matthew 20:13-14)  But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.

In the farmer's reply to one of them we find the enduring lessons from the parable.  The farmer did not do anyone wrong.  He gave to everyone that which was bargained for.
The first bargained for a denarius a day and got the wage agreed on.  The others cast themselves on the farmer's grace and got grace.  Grace is better than justice.  It is better to leave our rewards up to the Lord than to strike a bargain with Him. 

(Matthew 20:15)  Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?

The lesson, of course, is that God is sovereign.  He can do as He pleases.  And what He pleases will always be right, just, and fair.  The farmer added, “Or is your eye evil because I am good?” This question exposes the selfish streak in human nature.  The 6:00 a.m. men got exactly what they deserved, yet were jealous because the others got the same pay for working fewer hours.  Many of us have to admit that it seems a bit unfair to us, too.  This only proves that in the kingdom of heaven we must adopt an entirely new kind of thinking.  We must abandon our greedy, competitive spirit, and think like the Lord. The farmer knew that all these men needed money, so he paid them according to need rather than greed.  No one received less than he deserved, but all received what they needed for themselves and their families.  The lesson is that the person “who thinks to bargain about final reward will always be wrong, and God's loving-kindness will always have the last unchallengeable word.”  The more we study the parable in this light, the more we realize that it is not only fair but very beautiful.  Those who were hired at 6:00 a.m. should have counted it an added reward to serve such a wonderful master all day.

(Matthew 20:16)  So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

There will be surprises in the matter of rewards.  Some who thought they would be first will be last because their service was inspired by pride and selfish ambition.  Others who served out of love and gratitude will be highly honoured.  Many who have prominent places will someday find themselves demoted.  And many who often find themselves at the end of the line will find themselves promoted to the head of the line.  Since all these day-labourers received the same pay the question might rightly be asked: “Are rewards the same for all, or do they differ in degree?”  In this parable each servant got the same pay even though each had worked a different number of hours.  Yet in other places, the Bible speaks of different degrees of reward in heaven, depending on our faithfulness to Christ on earth (cf. 1 Cor. 3:11–15; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 22:12).  The point of the parable in Matthew 20 is not that all rewards will be the same, but that all rewards are by grace.  It is to show that God rewards on the basis of opportunity, not simply on accomplishment. Not all the servants had the opportunity to work for the master the same amount of time, but all, nevertheless, were given the same pay.  God looks at our disposition as well as our actions and judges accordingly.

(Matthew 20:17-19)  And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.

It is apparent that the Lord was leaving Perea for the trip to Jerusalem via Jericho (see v. 29).  Once again He took the twelve disciples aside to explain what would happen after they reached the Holy City.  He would be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes — an obvious reference to the betrayal of Judas.  He would be condemned to death by the leaders of Jews.  Lacking authority to inflict capital punishment, they would turn Him over to the Gentiles (the Romans).  He would be mocked, scourged, and crucified.  But death would not keep its prey—He would rise again on the third day.  It is a sad commentary on human nature that, immediately after the third prediction of His passion, His followers were thinking more of their own glory than of His sufferings. Christ's first prediction of suffering gave rise to Peter's protest (Mat 16:22); the second was soon followed by the disciples' questions, “Who is the greatest ... ?”  So here, we find the third capped with the ambitious request of James and John.  They persistently closed their eyes to warnings of trouble, and opened them only to the promise of glory—so getting a wrong, materialistic view of the Kingdom.

(Matthew 20:20-21)  Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.

The mother of James and John came to the Lord asking that her boys might sit on either side of Him in His kingdom.  It is to her credit that she wanted her sons near Jesus, and that she had not despaired of His coming reign.  Perhaps she had heard Jesus say His disciples would be seated on thrones (Mat 19:28), and she, with typical motherly pride, felt her sons deserved the two best locations.  Mark says that the sons made the request themselves (Mark 10:35).  It is clear that both the mother and her sons came to Jesus to make the request, since Matthew 20:20 declares “the mother … came to Him with her sons.  It is possible that the mother spoke first with the two sons closely following to repeat the request.  So this was not a case of the mother embarrassing her two sons.  There is therefore no contradiction between Matthew and Mark’s accounts. 

(Matthew 20:22)  But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.

Jesus answered frankly that they did not understand what they were asking.  They wanted a crown without a cross, a throne without the altar of sacrifice, the glory without the suffering that leads to it.  So He asked them deliberately, “Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?”  We are not left to wonder what He meant by the cup; He had just described it in verses 18 and 19.  He must suffer and die.  James and John expressed ability to share in His sufferings, though perhaps their confidence was based more on zeal than knowledge.

(Matthew 20:23)  And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.

Jesus assured them that they would indeed drink of His cup.  James would be martyred and John persecuted and exiled to the Isle of Patmos.  James died a martyr's death; John lived a martyr's life.  Then Jesus explained that He could not randomly grant places of honour in the kingdom; the Father had determined a special basis on which these positions would be given.  They thought it was a matter of political support, that because they were so close to Christ, they had a special claim to places of promotion.  But it was not a question of personal favouritism.  In the counsels of God, the places on His right hand and left hand would be given on the basis of suffering for Him.  This means that the chief honours in the kingdom are not limited to first century Christians; some living today might win them—by suffering.

(Matthew 20:24)  And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.

The other ten disciples were greatly displeased that the sons of Zebedee had made such a request.  They were probably angry because they themselves wanted to be greatest and feel bitter about any earlier claims being made by James and John!

(Matthew 20:25-27)  But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

This gave our Lord the opportunity to make a radical statement concerning greatness in His kingdom.  The Gentiles think of greatness in terms of mastery and rule.  In Christ's kingdom, greatness is manifested by service.  Whoever seeks greatness must become a servant, and whoever desires to be first must become a slave.

(Matthew 20:28)  Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

The Son of Man is the perfect example of lowly service.  He came into the world not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.  The whole purpose of the Incarnation can be summed up in two words—serve and give.  It is amazing to think that the exalted Lord humbled Himself to the manger and to the cross.  His greatness was manifested in the depth of His humiliation.  And so it must be for us.  If the sinless Christ, who is literally God in human flesh and Lord of all, would so humble Himself for us, we dare not belittle humility or seek self-respect instead of lowliness... Do you want to be blessed?  Develop a servant’s heart.  If Jesus can step down from His glorious equality with God to become a man, and then further humble Himself to be a servant and wash the feet of twelve undeserving sinners—then humble Himself to die so horribly on our behalf, surely we ought to be willing to suffer any type of humiliation to serve Him.  Jesus Christ gave His life a ransom for many.  Here was the first clue as to what the death of Christ would accomplish.  He had told them on a number of occasions He would die.  But He had not shown the reason for His death.  Now it was clear that His death would be to provide a “ransom” (lytron, “payment”) “for” (anti, “in place of”) “many”.  His death would take the place of many deaths, for only His death could truly atone for sin (John 1:29; Rom 5:8; 1 Pet 2:24; 1 Pet 3:18).  He was the perfect Sacrifice, whose substitutionary death paid the price for sin.  His death satisfied all God's righteous demands against sin.  It was sufficient to put away all the sins of all the world.  But it is effective only for those who accept Him as Lord and Saviour.  Have you ever done this?

(Matthew 20:29-30)  And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.

By now Jesus had crossed the Jordan from Perea and had reached Jericho.  As He was leaving the city, two blind men cried out to Him, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!”  Their use of the title “Son of David” means that, though physically blind, their spiritual vision was so acute as to recognize Jesus as the Messiah.  They may represent the believing remnant of blinded Israel who will acknowledge Him as the Christ when He returns to reign (Isa 35:5; Isa 42:7; Rom 11:25-26; 2 Cor 3:16; Rev 1:7).

(Matthew 20:31-34)  And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

The crowd tried to hush them, but they cried after Him more insistently.  When Jesus asked what they wanted, they didn't indulge in generalities, as we often do when we pray.  They came right to the point: “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.”  Their specific request received a specific response.  Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes.  And immediately they received their sight, and they followed Him.  There are difficulties in reconciling Matthew's account of this incident with Mark 10:46-52 and Luke 18:35-43; Luke 19:1.  Here are two blind men; in Mark and Luke, only one is mentioned.  It has been suggested that Mark and Luke mention the well-known one, Bartimaeus, and Matthew, writing his Gospel especially for Jews, mentions two as the minimum number for a valid testimony (2 Cor 13:1).  In Matthew and Mark, the incident is said to have occurred as Jesus left Jericho; in Luke, it is said to have happened as He drew near the city.  In fact there were two Jerichos, an old Jericho and a new one, and the miracle of healing probably took place as Jesus was leaving one and entering the other.

   FBF Staff - Renier      {Ref sources:  The Holy Spirit, W McDonalds, Walvrood & Zuck, Evidence Bible}








Much emphasis is given by our LORD and the Apostles in their teaching on the importance of the PREACHING or DECLARING the Gospel of Jesus Christ!  It is the POWER of God on earth as given to men (Rom 1.16)... as it provides the most coverage in every area.

The words used for PREACH, PREACHING carry with it the Open Air Proclamation just as a TOWN CRIER!  It is never a 2 way conversation... but a DECLARATION TO ALL!  The Church Bride of Christ is to be the VOICE of the Bride and the Bridegroom in this untoward generation.

It has been, and remains the privilege of this ministry to expose men to this dimension of the Gospel as prescribed by our LORD JESUS CHRIST!   May we present the Truth in Love... as Jesus did.  Amen.
Mark 16:15-16, 1:14,  Matt 9:35, 24:12-14,  Luke 4:18, 4:43, 24:47, 
Acts 5:42, 10:42, 1 Cor 1:18



FBF Admin Staff, Bro Robert edit

FBF - Sons of thunder - Time for Christ


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