Feast of Trumpets 2018 – Glory of God

Feast of Trumpets 2018 – Glory of God                         September 10, 2018

The Feast of Trumpets represents the return of Jesus Christ to the earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords and to establish the Kingdom of God forever.

We find that a very small number of scriptures describe the actual return and appearing of Jesus Christ.  

Jesus’ well-known Olivet Prophecy contains probably the most familiar description of Christ’s return:  Jesus spoke of how He will be returning to the earth with the clouds of heaven or the clouds of the sky. 

When Jesus spoke to His disciples of the day of His return He said that His sign will appear in the sky, on the Clouds of Heaven.

Matthew 24:30 "Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.

Other Scriptures describing this event

After He had been arrested Jesus was brought before the high priest to be charged and the high priest asked Him if He was the Christ, the Son of God.  Jesus responded,

Matthew 26:64  "You have said so," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."

As if to make sure that we heard the message, Mark and Luke recorded Jesus making those same statements about those clouds in his gospel.

Mark 13:26 "At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.

*Mark 14:62 "I am," said Jesus. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."

*Luke 21:27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

John did not mention Jesus coming with the clouds in his gospel but he made that statement in his book of Revelation.  He said,

Revelation 1:7 "Look, he is coming with the clouds," and "every eye will see him, even those who pierced him"; and all peoples on earth "will mourn because of him." So shall it be! Amen.

Those clouds are also mentioned in the Old Testament scriptures.  Daniel mentioned them, saying,

Daniel 7:13-14 "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.  (14)  He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Ezekiel wrote:

Ezekiel 30:3 For the day is near, the day of the LORD is near— a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations.

Zephaniah wrote:

Zephaniah 1:15-16 That day will be a day of wrath— a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness—  (16)  a day of trumpet and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the corner towers.

A cloud is mentioned at His ascension, and the clouds are mentioned at His return.  What was the common element in these verses, the mention of clouds.

The “clouds of heaven” was a phrase often used when referring to the appearance or intervention of Jesus on behalf of his people or in judgment. 

For example

The ‘Pillar of Cloud’ in the wilderness wanderings (Exo 13:21-22; 14:19-20,24)

Psalms 78:14 He guided them with the cloud by day and with light from the fire all night.

The cloud in which Jesus descended or hovered over the tabernacle, When Moses erected the tabernacle

Exodus 40:34-35 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.  (35)  Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

Exodus 40:38 So the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the Israelites during all their travels.  (Num. 9:15-22; Deut. 31:15, Exo 19:9);

The cloud associated with the temple (Ezek. 10:3);

1 Kings 8:10-11 When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the LORD.  (11)  And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled his temple.   {enter once a year}

The cloud in Ezekiel’s vision;

Ezekiel 1:4 I looked, and I saw a windstorm coming out of the north—an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal,

It’s important to remember that “coming with/on the clouds of heaven” was not an ancient form of space travel but a powerfully, symbolic way of referring to divine intervention, judgment, or preservation of his people.

When we look at those scriptures and put them together, we can begin to see some interesting things. One thing has to do with what happened when Christ ascended into heaven.  

Acts 1:9,11 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.  (11) "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

If a saint who has died will be returning with Jesus, are brought to life and then changed to Spirit.

Christ will send forth His angels

Matthew 24:31 And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

Paul tells us about how Jesus will be returning.  He did not mention Jesus returning in clouds or with the clouds of heaven but he did say that He would be coming

1 Thessalonians 3:13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones.

In the next chapter Paul says that when Christ returns, "God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 4:14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

Paul is saying the same thing that Jesus said when He said that He would be returning with the clouds of heaven and returning with the Saints.  He says the Lord will descend and the dead in Christ will rise first.

1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

1 Thessalonians 4:17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever

It would seem reasonable that if Christ will be returning in His glory,   and we will be with Him and be like Him in the clouds,

Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, and then you also will appear with him in glory.

Matthew 17:5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"

The Shekinah Glory (Glory of God) used to dwell in the physical Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. But God’s Holy Spirit now dwells in “temples made without hands.”  You and me.

Ezekiel 10:4 Then the glory of the LORD rose from above the cherubim and moved to the threshold of the temple. The cloud filled the temple, and the court was full of the radiance of the glory of the LORD.  {Rev 15:8, 21:23 – Glory of God}

Romans 8:10-11 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.  (11)  And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

1 Corinthians 3:16 Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?

The cloud is used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit because clouds provide life-giving water.

To understand the significance of clouds, consider what a cloud is and does. By way of definition, a cloud is “a visible mass of droplets of water or frozen crystals, suspended in the atmosphere.” 

Sometimes clouds bring rain, which can be either a blessing or a curse depending on the circumstances, but other times they pass by without sharing a drop. Nevertheless, there is one thing a cloud will always do, if it has any size at all: It will blocks light, such as the light of the sun or the moon. Since it is clothing Jesus Christ, this cloud filters some of His breathtaking glorious radiance.  Even angels face can shine.

Revelation 10:1 Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars.

Job 38:9 when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness,

Luke 9:34-35 While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. (35) And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!"   {the cloud came around them?} John 5:37

We can thus see why Jesus being surrounded by clouds is an act of mercy on God’s part: Mere men cannot see the Jesus so pure, holy and Glory.

Jesus dwells in “unapproachable light” and that no man can see Him. He implies that no man can see Him and live, not just that He is invisible

1 Timothy 6:16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.  {Cannot look on His true self - Glory}

Remember Moses

Exodus 33:20, 22-23 But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live."  (22)  When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by.  (23) Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen."

Exodus 34:35 they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the LORD.

So, when Jesus deals with human beings, He clothes Himself with the clouds, allowing mankind to continue existing.

Zechariah 14:12 This is the plague with which the LORD will strike all the nations that fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh will rot while they are still standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths. {rot – consumed away}

Most prophecy buffs says this will be a nuclear war in the future.  But what if Jesus removes the cloud from Himself to destroy those who decided to fight against Jerusalem, to see His face.  The Glory of God. Would this statement explain what happens.  Just wondering.

Finally, Again, as I said at the first, The Feast of Trumpets represents the return of Jesus Christ to the earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords and to establish the Kingdom of God forever and we will be with Jesus when He returns.

Baptism Service

Baptism Service                                                           September 8, 2018

You have seen certain things in your life you are not happy with that goes against the teachings that Jesus teaches, instructions, commands and His Word.  The Scriptures says you notice sin in your life and you want to turn around your life from doing this, which is called repent.  

You Believe and realize you need help and only the Holy Spirit can lead you in your walk with Jesus.  That is why you are doing the baptism and laying on hand now.

After you receive the Holy Spirit, nothing is going to feel different, but as you go on, the Spirit is going to start showing you, you’re hidden, little sins in your life.  We know the Holy Spirit will lead us in all things.

We are here together to celebrate one of the most meaningful experience in our Christian Life.  Even the Angels celebrate this event.  Let’s look at what the Scriptures tell us about this.

Luke 15:7 NIV  I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.   Attitude.  

Luke 15:10 NIV  In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

The Angels are rejoicing over those who repent of their sins and turn to God’s love and forgiveness. 

The reason of this joy and rejoicing by the angels is because these are individuals rescued out of the hands of Satan and his demons and is added as a child and heir, and born and will be changed into the family of God and to become a Priest and King in Jesus’s Coming kingdom. 

Baptism and Laying on of hands is one of the 7 main doctrines of the Church (body).

Hebrews 6:1-2 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, (2) of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

What are we to do about this?

Baptism is only on outward sign to others and the Laying on Hands is the covenant (receiving the Holy Spirit) with the Father because He called us to be His children.

But first, what is baptism:  Strong:  Greek: baptizō; bap-tid'-zo; to make whelmed (that is, fully wet); used only (in the New Testament) of ceremonial ablution (- an act of washing oneself.), especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism: - baptist, baptize, wash

1 John 3:1-2 NIV  See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.  (2)  Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

Galatians 3:26-27 NIV  So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith,  (27)  for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

We are to be baptized into Jesus.

Jesus was baptized as an example for us with the Holy Spirit.

Mark 1:9-11 NKJV  It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.  (10)  And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove.  (11)  Then a voice came from heaven, "You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (John5:37) 2 Timothy 1:6  Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  {around 67 A.D.  Paul wrote}

Acts 2:37-39 NKJV  Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"  (38)  Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  (39)  For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."

Acts 8:12 ISV But when Philip proclaimed the good news about the kingdom of God and about the name of Jesus the Messiah, men and women believed and were baptized.

Acts 8:14-17 NIV  When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. (15) 

When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, (16) because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.  (17)  Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 19:5-6  On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.  (6)  When Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began to speak in tongues and to prophesy. 52 A.D. around

There are two actions that Jesus himself ordained that we should practice until His return.  Baptism and Passover.

Baptism is a seal that seals our union by faith with Jesus’s death, burial and resurrection, the Gospel.  Water baptism doesn’t save anyone, but it is the biblical and outward sign that our sins have been washed away by the blood of Jesus, and that we’ve been united with Christ in his death and resurrection when we receive the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:11 NIV  And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Romans 6:3-5 NIV  Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  (4)  We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.  (5)  For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.

It also seals that fact that we’ve begun a new life in Christ

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

We are filled with the joy of knowing that our sins have been completely forgiven through the sacrifice of his Savior.  We put to death our old self by baptism (burial in water) and raised as a new person.  A covenant is made. 

When we take of the Passover each year, we renew our covenant with the Father.  We think about the last year, we examine ourselves, as we are told to do.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 NIV  For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread,  (24)  and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me."  (25)  In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me."  (26)  For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

Matthew 26:28 NIV  This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

John 6:44 NIV  "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.

1 Thessalonians 5:24 ISV The one who calls you is faithful, and he will continue to be faithful.

Remember, The Father is the One who calls each of us and He gives the gift of His Holy Spirit.  Those who lay hands on the individuals are only instruments to be used by the Father.  The Father is the One who gives the gift of His Holy Spirit, not those who lay their hands on the individual.

Let us sing a song before we leave for the Baptism service.  “Nothing but the Blood - # 114 - Robert Lowry wrote in 1876, refers to the blood of Jesus Christ washing away our sins and this “Oh! Precious is the flow.  That makes me white as snow.

Baptism Service  

Wear appropriate clothing (bathing suit and pull over shirt).

Short prayer, asks God’s blessing on this joyous occasion.

Ask: I ask you, Have you repented of your sins and accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior

Ask: By the authority of our Lord and Creator, Jesus, our Messiah, I ask you, "Do you believe.

Enter the water

Ask the individual to clasp the elbow of one arm with the hand of the other, and hold the nose with the free hand.

Once you are sure the person is comfortable,

Place one of your hands behind the back of the individual, and grasp a shoulder with the other.

Bend at the knees to assist in supporting your own weight.

Then gently lower the person into the water and quickly bring them up again.  Have a towel on hand

In water, I say:  As a result of your repentance and acceptance of our Lord’s sacrifice for your sins, I baptize you, not into any sect or denomination but into the body of Christ, by His authority and in the name of Jesus Christ.

Ceremony with laying on of hands

After a baptism, it will be followed by the laying on of hands and prayer to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

Now we lay hands on the newly baptized person. God is the One who gives the gift of His Holy Spirit, not those who lay their hands on the individual. 

Do the anointing with oil with prayer to receive the Holy Spirit.

Mark 8:34-38, 9:1-13 The Transfiguration

Mark 8:34-38, 9:1-13  The Transfiguration        September 01, 2018

Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus

Mark 8:34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

*Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

*Luke 9:23 Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

We to, must follow him to cross.  We know that the cross was a way to execute people.  When we carry a cross, we know that we couldn’t save ourselves.  Are we carrying our cross to the Hill, walking with Jesus.

Denying self is not the same as self-denial. We practice self-denial when, for a good purpose, we occasionally give up things or activities. 

But we deny self when we surrender ourselves to Christ and determine to obey His will.”

*1 Corinthians 15:31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

*Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Mark 8:35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.

*Matthew 16:25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

Mark 8:36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?

*Matthew 16:26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

*Luke 9:25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?

Mark 8:37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

Just wondering, does it feel funny if you tell a total stranger that you are a follower of Jesus and even use His Name.  

Mark 8:38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."

*Matthew 16:27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. 

*Luke 9:26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father's, and of the holy angels.

*Daniel 7:13-14  "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.  (14)  He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Mark 9:1 And He said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power."    {some disciples standing there}

*Matthew 16:28 Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom."

*Luke 9:27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God."

Sometimes a lesson given by a leader needs a special emphasis. It takes faith to receive and put into practice the various lessons on discipleship, so a week later the Lord provided a dazzling proof that God does, indeed, transform suffering into glory.

A remarkable statement. Yet, a week later the disciples will experience an unforgettable surprise...The unveiling of Jesus’ glory in the presence of 3 disciples.

The Transfiguration, Jesus is transfigured before His disciples, which mountain did this happen on.  See attachment.  After this, they journey from the mount of Transfiguration and passed through Galilee to Capernaum.  {Mark 9:30,33} What Peter said in his letter.

*2 Peter 1:18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.  {2 Pet 1:16-21}

Mark 9:2 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them.     {why go up the mountain, and – the inter circle }

*Luke 9:28 Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray.   {8 days were inclusive}

*Matthew 17:2 His appearance was changed in front of them, his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.

*Exodus 33:20-23 NKJV But He said, "You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live." (21) And the LORD said, "Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. (22) So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. (23) Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen."

*Exodus 34:30 So when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him.

*Exodus 34:33 And when Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face.

A lot of different theories where the mount is located, but was Probably Mt. Hermon: 9,000 ft above sea level (Almost 11,000 ft above the Jordan valley).

This made a profound life experience on John, James and Peter. For a brief time, Jesus took on an appearance more appropriate for the King of Glory than for a humble man.

Transfigured”: to change into another form, to transform, from which we get the Greek term metamorphosis, a comprehensive change from within;

An example of course is the caterpillar: emerging from a cocoon as a beautiful butterfly.  Same word.

A total change from inside out is what being called for

*2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, {Moses Face} beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Mark 9:3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.

*Luke 9:29 As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening.

These garments appeared to be glowing with a brilliancy such as no worker in linen or other material for apparel could produce.  This shining comes from the inside out.

Why did Jesus do this, and why at this time? Because Jesus just told His disciples that He was going the way of the cross (Death - Mar 8:31), and spiritually they should follow Him in the way of the cross.  They know now that Jesus will be rejected and killed, but He is still in control.

Important, we are to carry the cross, but the goal isn’t the cross.  The cross is the path to the goal, and the goal is the glory of God we are to have when we are changed at Jesus coming. 

Mark 9:4  And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.   {is this really true}

*Luke 9:30 Suddenly, two men were talking with him. They were Moses and Elijah.

*Matthew 17:3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.

Elijah and Moses show up, so there are now 6 people there.  Wonder what they were talking about. Jesus and the 3 disciples.  Moses would seem to represent the Law; Elijah, the prophets. He was a major prophet from the Old Testament.  Also, they might represent those:

Unknown Mystery:  Why did Michael contend with Satan for the body of Moses?  I do not have an answer to this.  There must be something about the body of Moses that stands out.  {his face shinning} 

Who have died (Moses – remember what Jude said about Moses body)

*Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!"  {insight about the death of Moses, would not know about}

*Deuteronomy 34:5-6 So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. (6) And He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth Peor; but no one knows his grave to this day.

And those who will be raised as Elijah was taken away in a chariot. 

*2 Kings 2:11 Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

*1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

Ok, what were they talking about?  This to me is a confusing, hard understanding.  We have some clues what they said.  Have you heard this before?

The verb tense according to authorities indicates that this was an extended conversation they were talking with Jesus.  Now to add something.

Luke 9:31 They had a glorified appearance, and were discussing Jesus' departure that he would shortly bring about in Jerusalem.

They were talking about Jesus death and departure which would happen in Jerusalem.  This inter group of Disciples was treated to this experience.  A religious discussion.  It was just like a Staff Meeting – connected with 2^nd coming. 

Remember, the cross was not a tragedy, not an accident, not a disaster.

It was what Jesus came into this world for.  It was not an afterthought.  It was the fulfillment of Psalms 22 and Isaiah 53 and virtually all of the rest of Scripture.   It is a big deal.

I personally believe that there is not a passage in the Bible that you can disconnect from Jesus Himself:  His mission, His destiny, His glory.  Jesus would be found on every page of the Bible.

The three disciples had fallen asleep during Jesus’ prayer and almost missed seeing Moses and Elijah and Jesus in His glory! Mark does not record this about the disciples falling asleep.

*Luke 9:32 But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him.    {climbing mountain and at night?}

*Matthew 17:4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

Matthew indicates that the three heard the voice from heaven and “fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. ‘Get up,’ He said, ‘Don’t be afraid.’” 

*Matthew 17:6-7 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. (7) But Jesus came and touched them and said, "Arise, and do not be afraid."

Mark 9:5 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah"--

Mark 9:6 because he {Peter?} did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid.

*Luke 9:33 Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah"--not knowing what he said.

This was probably about the time of the year during Feast of Succoth, of Feast of Booths or called Feast of Tabernacles. 

Jesus is the issue, not Moses or Elijah,

Mark 9:7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"

{ The voice from the cloud of glory makes it clear that Jesus is the beloved Son - so Hear Him!}

*Luke 9:34-35 While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. (35) And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!"   {the cloud came around them?}

*Matthew 17:5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!"

*Exodus 19:9 And the LORD said to Moses, "Behold, I come to you in the thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and believe you forever." So Moses told the words of the people to the LORD.

When did this happen before, at Jesus baptism.  Is this the Father speaking.

The Father interrupted Peter’s suggestion, and focused their attention, not on the vision, but on the Word of God: “Hear Him.” 

Mark 9:8 Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves.

*Luke 9:36 When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone. But they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.

*Luke 9:37 The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him.  {did not travel far}

*Matthew 17:8 When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

Mark 9:9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

*Matthew 17:9 Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, "Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead."

Jesus just told the 3 that He is going to die and be raised from the dead.

A confidential thing that happen to them.  The three men were not to tell the other nine.  

Mark 9:10 They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what "rising from the dead" meant.

Their confusion is understandable. That’s a tough concept, even today.  The women seems to be the only ones who gets that Jesus will die and be raised from the dead.

Mark 9:11 And they asked him, "Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?"

*Matthew 17:10 And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"

*Malachi 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.

Mark 9:12  Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected?

*Matthew 17:11 Jesus answered and said to them, "Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things.

The confusion concerning Elijah continues even today. They knew the prophecies and it was widely recognized that these would be fulfilled before the Messiah appeared. 

Mark 9:13 But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him."

*Matthew 17:12 But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands."

*Matthew 17:13 Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.