Steadfast in Honor: The Gist-Bible Nt

By The B.O.L.I.M. Group

This Gist-Bible is a paraphrase of the New Testament of the Bible, it is not a verse-by-verse paraphrase, or a paragraph-by-paragraph paraphrase; we may have made a full page out of one short paragraph, or a short paragraph out of a full page. It was a team effort. Winner Torborg, the president of Bread of Life International Ministries has noticed how people get confused so easily from basic translations of the Bible. Many translations have a clear rendering of most of the Scriptures; but in others they seem to mislead, unintentionally of course. The translators did not mean to mislead, they just could not put in English what the original Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic said. Winner and his team prayed and listened and wrote this Gist-Bible to help you to grasp the truth. This is not meant to take the place of a Bible; it is a Bible aid, to help you to understand what you read.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 6, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483638652

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Copyright © 2013 by The B.O.L.I.M. Group.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Rev. date: 06/03/2013

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Contents

Note From B.O.L.I.M.

The Story Of Big J

The Continuation By Joshua’s Followers (Acts)

Letter To The Roman Churches

Paul’s First Recorded Letter To The Churches At Corinth

Paul’s Second Recorded Letter To The Churches

At Corinth

Paul’s Letter To The Galatians

Paul’s Letter To Ephesus

Paul’s Letter To Philippi

Paul’s Letter To The Church

At Colossae

Paul’s First Letter

To Thessalonica

Paul’s Second Letter

To Thessalonica

Paul’s First Letter To Timothy

Paul’s Second Letter

To Timothy

Paul’s Letter To Titus

Paul’s Letter To Philemon

Part Of The Letter

To The Hebrews

Letter From James

The First Letter From Peter

The Second Letter From Peter

The First Letter Of John

The Second Letter Of John

The Third Letter Of John

Letter From Jude, Half-Brother Of Big J

The Revelation Given To John

A Project of BOLIM Credentials

Everyone who has given input for this project is well qualified. Some have been in the ministry for over 27 years, some have been serving in their church all their life, and some have had great and undeniable life changing experiences.

Message to The Reader

In this book we tried to make the truth about the Bible easy to read; we put it in everyday language, not necessarily with correct spelling, so you can read it as if someone were talking to you.

This is, in no way, supposed to take the place of your daily Bible reading. The way that I would suggest you should use this book, after you read it initially, is read it along with your favorite Bible version, and do that with guidance from the Holy Spirit.

NOTE FROM B.O.L.I.M.

The paraphraser of the story of Jesus decided to do a comparison of the four synoptic gospels. Therefore, you will not find four different books, but only one with prayerful insights.

John 1:1-4

Before anything existed the Word of Big G was; this Word and Big G are always one and the same and they have created everything that we call reality. The true light and true life of mankind originated from the Word of Big G.

John 1:14

This Word became a man and made his dwelling among mankind and here is a record of him.

THE STORY OF BIG J

Birth of John Foretold

Luke 1:5-25

About 400 years after Malachi walked the Earth, during the reign of King Herod, king of Judah, a priest named Zechariah was in the Temple doing his priestly duties. Suddenly, an angel of Big G stood before him; he was awestruck to say the least. The angel said to him, Hey there, Zech, don’t be afraid, the Lord is here. Hey, you and your wife, Elizabeth, have found favor in Big G’s eyes. You’ve been praying for a son and, congratulations, you’re going to have a son. Now, Zechariah was an old man and his wife, Elizabeth, was barren.

But, sir, we are old and Elizabeth is barren. Yes, we’ve been praying for a son but I just don’t see how that can happen, Zechariah argued.

Hey! Are you calling God a liar? I am Gabriel and I stand before God; He doesn’t lie. Or don’t you remember what He did for Abraham in his old age? Don’t question the omnipotent God’s abilities! But, since you already had, you are going to be mute until the boy is born and you call him John. He will never drink wine nor any fermented drink, he will take the Nazarite vow, and he will be filled with the Spirit of God even from birth. Now, we just can’t have you messing up the plan of God with your mouth.

When Zechariah exited the temple the other priests were waiting, and he tried to make hand signals to tell them what had happened.

Birth of Big J Foretold

Luke 1:26-38

Six months later Big G sent Gabriel to Nazareth in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary, a descendant of Aaron the priest and a second cousin of Elizabeth. Now, Mary was engaged to be married to a carpenter name Joseph, a man of the line of King David.

The angle said, Hey there, Mary, don’t be afraid, the Lord is here. I bring you good news; you’re going to have a son. This is all part of God’s plan.

I’ll go for that, she said, you know I love children. But, sir, how is it going to happen since I’m a virgin?

Good question; I think I can answer that. The Spirit of God, Holy is His name, is going to plant in your womb a seed. That seed will be holy, and the Son born to you will be the Son of God. Oh, and you are to give Him the name Joshua; Big J, He will be called.

Wow! she said, Hey, I’m a servant of the Lord, so be it just as you have said. Big J is Lord.

Oh, before I go, the angel said, I must tell you more good news. You cousin, Elizabeth, she is in her sixth month; she’s having a son too.

Mary Visits Liz, Mary’s Song

Luke 1:39-56

So, right away Mary packed up and took a journey to go see Elizabeth. When she entered the house and called out for her the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaped at the sound and Liz knew at that moment about Mary.

Mary, my cousin, you who are blessed so highly! But why should the mother of my Lord come to an insignificant such as me? Elizabeth exclaimed.

Then Mary said, "I praise and give glory to Big G and continually rejoice because of what He has done. Everyone, from now on, will call me blessed when they see or hear of the wonderful things the Lord has done for me. Big G has great mercy on those who fear Him, from all generations. His acts of might are legendary. But woe to the proud, with self-pride, for they are like dust in the wind; He resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. He fills the hungry with good but those who trust in riches are sent away empty. He has remembered to honor his people Israel with mercy and help the seed of Abraham.

Birth of John

Luke 1:57-80

When Elizabeth was due, she had a son. On the eighth day when he was circumcised the men in authority in her village wanted to name the boy Zechariah after his dad. But Elizabeth strongly objected, No! His name is John!

John!? Wait a minute, they said, there is no one in your line, nor Zech’s, named John. No, we’ll call the boy Zechariah.

Elizabeth remained strong, Before you do that let’s ask his dad.

So they gave Zechariah a tablet and asked him what the boy should be called. Zechariah wrote, Call him John! And with that his mouth was opened and he shouted, My son is John!

Then Zechariah prophesied, calling things to happen, Praise the Lord, the only true God of all, because He has redeemed us from destruction. Salvation has come from the line of David, salvation from our true enemy, the one who hates all life. He remembers His covenant that He had struck between Himself and our father Abraham. Now we can worship and serve our God, without fear of our enemies, forever more. Then Zechariah prophesied to his son, And my son, John, is a prophet of God to prepare the way for our Lord. You will teach our people about the salvation through the forgiveness of sins. Because of our God’s mercy He has sent His Son to shine on us and on those living in spiritual darkness and under the shadow of death. And you will guide us in the path of peace.

As the boy grew he was to go out and live in the wild until his public appearance before all of Israel.

Joseph’s Sign

Matthew 1:20

Mary stayed with Zechariah and Elizabeth for three months to help out with the birth before returning home. When she returned home she was showing a little. Joseph found out and was planning on sending her away in secret so she wouldn’t be stoned.

Then one night an angel appeared to him in a dream and said, Whoa, Jo, don’t send Mary away. Go ahead and marry her. The baby in her was put there by God, she is still a virgin. This baby is the Immanuel that Isaiah talked about, give him the name, Joshua and nickname him Big J.

Birth of Big J, Angels

Luke 2:8-19

Augustus, the current Caesar of the Roman empire at the time, called for a census of his entire territory. Therefore, everyone in Israel had to go to the town of his ancestral birth. Mary went with her new husband, Joseph, to Bethlehem because his ancestor, King David, was born in Bethlehem.

Now, Mary was fat to the point of bursting with child and every innkeeper said there was no room in their inn. But one innkeeper showed them a stable where there was room and plenty of straw, so even though it stunk and was lower than low class and they weren’t animals they took it. That night she delivered and had a son.

Around that area there were open fields where shepherds watched their sheep. That night an angel appeared to them and said, "Hey guys, don’t be afraid, the Lord is here. Over in Bethlehem the Son of God has come, born as a baby. This will be the Anointed One. And this is how you will find him, he is wrapped in swaddling cloth and in a manger."

All of the sudden the sky was filled with angels singing and praising God saying, To the Most High give glory, and to all men on Earth, God isn’t mad at you.

After the angels had gone some of the shepherds went to see this baby. So they ran and ran to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph and the baby just as the angel said so they told them, and anyone else who would listen, what the angel said.

On the eighth day, according to the Law of Moses, they went to Jerusalem and had the boy circumcised and named him Joshua.

There was an old man in the town of Jerusalem named Simeon. The Holy Spirit was on this man and God had told him that he would not die until he came to see the One to be the Anointed One.

When the baby was brought in Simeon held him and said, Thank you, Lord, for now I have seen the One who is to be the Anointed One. He is to be the light in a dark world and a praise to the people of Israel.

And to the child’s Mother he said, This child will mark the fall and rising of many, he is a sign to many and is spoken against. And a sword will pierce your very soul also. Secret things of the heart will be revealed.

There was an old prophetess named Anna who spoke of Big J to everyone who was hoping for rescue from this sinful life.

And so the word which was in the beginning with Big G, the word which was Big G himself, became flesh and made His habitat among mankind. This is the very word which was used to create everything that exists.

Circumcision

Luke 2:21-38

8 days after Joshua was born His parents did the normal thing according to the law; they presented Him in the temple and had Him circumcised, and offered the obligatory sacrifices.

There was a man named Simeon, a man of God’s Word, devout to the teeth, Sitting around the temple. The Spirit revealed to him that he wouldn’t die until he saw the promised One; he had been waiting for many years. That day, Simeon had a push by the Spirit to go into the temple, where he saw the baby. With Joseph and Mary’s permission, Simeon took the baby in his arms, looked skyward, and said to Big G, I praise You, my God, for now I see the salvation of Your people. And, not only is this salvation for the Jews, but also for the Gentiles. Now, I may go in peace. And as he was giving the boy back to Mary he said, This child shall grow and become a springboard for the fall and the rise of our people, Israel. But, Mary, a sword will pierce you soul. Then he left.

There was also a woman present; her name was Anna. She was the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher and she was a prophetess. She never left the temple, but fasted and prayed all the time. When she heard about Joshua she gave thanks and spoke of Him among all those who were waiting for God’s salvation.

Astrologers Visit

Matthew 2:1-23

Astrologers (wise guys appointed to the kings) from countries in the east noticed a new star in the heavens and perceived that a new king was born. They noticed that the star shown over the land of Israel so they followed it. After their long trek they entered the palace of King Herod to give him the obligatory greeting and to ask about the child who was to be the new king.

The kings wise men found a saying of Isaiah that directed them to Bethlehem so the king bade them to go and find the child then bring him word so that he might go and worship the lad; secretly, Herod wanted to kill the boy. The astrologers left there and found the boy in Bethlehem and brought out their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Then, being warned not to go back to Jerusalem, the men returned to their lands by a different direction.

An angel told Joseph, in a dream, to take the boy and his mother and flee to Egypt, King Herod has plotted to have the boy killed. So, that very night, Joseph woke up and took his young family and fled to Egypt.

News of what the astrologers did came quickly to Herod’s ears so Herod, being incensed and overcome with rage, gave an order to have all male children up to 2 years of age slaughtered.

After a time Herod’s outrage caught up to him and he died a terrible death; his son, Archelaus, became the king in the land of Judea. Joseph was told by an angel to move his family to Nazareth in Galilee; out of Egypt God called His Son. The child grew in strength and wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him wherever he went.

The Child, Big J

Luke 2:41-52

Every year the family would go up to Jerusalem at the time of Passover. When Big J was about 12 or 13 years of age and the family was in Jerusalem the lad went missing, and the parents didn’t even notice, because of the crowd, until they were well on their way home. They came back to Jerusalem and cased the city for Big J. When they found him he was speaking to the religious teachers about God’s Word. His mother asked him why he wasn’t with the crowd that was traveling back to Nazareth and he answer, Mother, didn’t you know that I am to be about my Father’s business. Prompted by the Father, Big J went back to Nazareth with his parents and stayed obedient to them. But Mary kept all these events concerning Big J in her heart. Now, Big J grew more in wisdom, broadened his understanding, and won great favor with God and man.

John Preaches

Matthew 3:1-12, Mark 1:1-8

After fifteen years since Archelaus had become king in Jerusalem, though in name only, Big G moved on John to begin his ministry. John had been living in the wilderness, living off the land. So, as the Lord God directed, John went over to the Jordan River and began a ministry of baptism with the message, Israel has left their first love, God Almighty. Turn back and be reconciled to him by repenting of your sins and being baptized. Clear a path for Him and open your hearts to His glory.

The prophet Isaiah had spoken about John when he said, This is he who will come first to clear a path for the Lord. He will come out of nowhere and begin baptizing a baptism of repentance.

The Pharisees went out to him and asked him, Who do you think you are to be preaching?

I am a voice of one man calling in the desert, ‘Clear a path for Him.’ I know that you are wondering if I think I am the Anointed One. I am not Him, He is coming though, and very soon. So clear a path for Him and open your hearts to His glory.

We don’t need you, an uneducated man, to tell us what to do.

John turned back to the crowd that was listening and began teaching them. He said, "Now, I want you to understand that God loves you, but people don’t call Him Big G for nothing, He is a just God. So, show fruit and keeping with repentance. Let none of you think to yourself, ‘We have Abraham as our father, so we can rely on his righteousness.’ No, you can’t. You are responsible for your own righteousness.

One thing you need to start doing is giving. I’m not telling you to give two shirts if you only have two, but you can give one.

Some tax collectors came to be baptized and they asked him, What kind of fruit would reveal our repentance? We know that we are doing something wrong.

Simple, said John. If you who are required to collect ten percent, don’t take any more than ten. And get rid of the false counterweights.

And what able us? asked some soldiers.

Be content with your pay and don’t use force or fear to steal from the people. Don’t go around thinking of yourselves as more important than the common people.

Still other people were wondering, actually hoping, if John was the One to be their savior. He said to the crowd, I know what you are thinking, but I am not the One. Soon, though, He is coming and you will see Him. I don’t consider myself as even worthy enough to untie His shoes. But be prepared, He is the Lord of glory and He is justified in His actions. He will separate the good from the bad.

Joshua’s Baptism

Matthew 3:13-17

A few years later Joshua, otherwise known as Big J, who was working in His dad’s, Joseph’s, carpentry shop heard from His true Father, Big G, and began His ministry. He had heard that His cousin John was baptizing in the Jordan, and being directed by Big G went out there to be baptized.

When John saw Joshua coming he said to the crowd, Many years ago I spoke of the One who will be the savior, here He comes. This is the Lamb of God, this is the One who will take away the sins of the world.

Big J went right down to John in the shallow spot where John was baptizing, He went down to be baptized. You are my cousin, John, born to Elizabeth and Zechariah. I come to be baptized.

John softly objected, My Lord, it is I who should be baptized by you. So, why do you come to me to be baptized?

John, evidently this is how Big G wants it, so let’s do it. Will you baptize me?

John said ok and under Joshua went, when he came up God baptized him in the Holy Spirit, evidenced by a dove landing upon Him and vanishing.

Temptation of Big J

Matthew 4:1-11

When Big J was leaving the area the Spirit of Big G led Him into the wilderness for a period of fasting and praying. After forty days of fasting and praying Big J was hungry. Satan took advantage of this opportunity and passed the thought to Him, Ha, you say you’re the Son of God, then turn these stones into food.

Hold on, snake dude; it is written, mankind lives not on natural food alone, but mankind needs the words of Big G.

Then Satan took Him, whether physically or in a vision, to the highest spot of the temple and said, Hey, I know that you have to be famous. Throw yourself down. After all, it is written, His angels will catch you and won’t let you get hurt.

Satan, you obviously don’t understand that it is also written, don’t test God.

Then Satan, in a vision, took Joshua to the peak of a very high mountain and showed Him all the cities of the world, You see all this, it was given to me. I will give it all to you if you just bow down to me.

Wrong! Now, look here, devil, you get lost because it is also written, worship and serve the Lord, Big G only.

Satan couldn’t take it anymore, it left and angels tended to Big J.

First Followers

Mark 1:14-20, John 1:35-42

As Big J was walking through Galilee heading toward Nazareth He passed by the Jordan where John was baptizing. John called out that it was Joshua and two of the followers of John decided to run after Big J. They ran up to the teacher and asked to follow Him, We are Andrew and Bartholomew. May we come with you?

Big J entered a synagogue and preached and many liked what they heard. The word about Him spread fast among the people of that area. Because of His newly acquired fame a great crowd grew around Joshua to listen to Him. When He drew near to Capernaum the crowd around Big J was getting out of hand; they were pressing in on the big guy, so much that He ran up to a fisherman named Simon and asked to use his boat to sit in. Simon was washing his nets after a bad night of fishing when he caught absolutely nothing, not even a minnow; so he, almost reluctantly, said okay. As Simon pushed the boat out to shin deep and anchored it he noticed his brother, Andrew, in the crowd, which was why Andrew wasn’t there to help fish last night.

When Big J had finished preaching and the crowd had dispersed He told Simon, Let’s go fishing.

Simon looked at Joshua as if looking at a crazy man, Come on, we’re tired, we were out there all night and came up dry, then he noticed a confidence that was uncanny in Joshua’s eyes, but I believe your words will work. So, let’s go. So Big J and Simon and Andrew got into the boat and cast out from the shore, Simon took an old net with him because he figured, ‘this net might have just one last use. This guy thinks he can catch fish while I, being a professional fisherman, caught nothing all night. But, at the same time, there is something different about this guy.’ They got to a certain spot about 150 feet from shore and Big J told Simon, That’s far enough. Cast you net out for a haul.

Simon cast out the net and, WHOA! The catch was more than Simon and Andrew could handle by themselves. Simon called to shore for James and John, who were their partners in the fishing business, to come and help. They came out and filled their boat with fish; it was a wonder that that old net could even hold that many fish, it was ripping and tearing but at least it caught enough fish to fill both boats.

When they got back to the dock and were cleaning up and celebrating, Simon walked up to Big J and said, Lord, what would you want with me? I am a man full of sin.

Joshua replied, No worries, Simon, your sins are forgiven. Follow me and I will teach you how to fish for mankind.

Big J left that area with Simon and Andrew; Bartholomew was waiting where Big J told him. They were talking and joking, having a good time, when a man name Philip met them. He said to Joshua, Teacher, may I come with you?

Philip, as Joshua placed His hand on his shoulder, go get your friend and come follow me.

So Philip ran and told Nathanael, I have found Him; the Lord. Come see Him.

When Philip brought him Big J said to him, You are Nathanael. I saw you sitting under the fig tree.

You truly are the Lord, Nathanael responded.

You are a true Jew; and you believe because I said that I saw you? You will see greater things because of your faith.

Nazareth

Luke 4:16-29

Upon their trek through Galilee, Big led His friend to Nazareth, His hometown. They went to the synagogue on the Sabbath and the scroll was given to Him to read, it was the scroll of Isaiah. When Big J unrolled it He found in it the portion of scripture that said, God’s Spirit is upon me, He has anointed me to reveal the good news to all. God has sent me to show the bound how to be free and to bring sight to the blind, to bring release to those whom the devil has oppressed and to make known the forever-year of God’s favor."

He rolled up the scroll and handed it back to the synagogue ruler. As He sat down everyone in the place was eying Him expectantly. He began speaking to them, I’m here and the scripture is come true.

As the Jews of that era did, they inquired of each other about Him, Ain’t he Jo’s boy? Yeah, his sisters are still here and so are his brothers. One of them quietly said to another, Let’s see if he can do what I heard that he did in Capernaum.

Joshua said, You probably want me to do some great feat like you heard I did at Capernaum. You must have heard it said, somewhere, that a prophet is not honored as a prophet in his own town. Do you recall how many widows there were in Israel during the drought of Elijah’s time? Yet, Elijah wasn’t sent to one of them, not a one; but to a widow in the country of Sidon. And how many lepers were in Israel when Elisha was prophet? But, who was cleansed? Naaman, a general from Syria. Why? Because Naaman came to Elisha a—

When they heard that a Syrian got healed by a Jew the congregation got hot. They tried to push Joshua off the cliff on which the town was built. But Big J just walked off, it was like He was just Holy Spirited away.

Cana

John 2:1-11

Over in Cana a friend of Joshua’s natural family was getting married. The family of this friend had invited Big J and his family to the wedding and the big guy brought His followers also.

During the feast they ran out of wine. Joshua went into the kitchen and His mother told Him that there was no more wine. She knew that His words worked since she had seen Him live by His word all His life; she told the servants to obey His word.

There were some stone jars sitting on the floor so Joshua told the servants, Fill those jars with water and you will have your wine. For a second the servants looked at each other but then they took the jars to the well and filled them with water.

When they came back with the water Joshua said, Now, go pour some out for the master of ceremonies and do not doubt. They did what He said and they poured wine into the master of ceremonies’ goblet.

Why is it, the master said, that you wait until everyone is drunk to break out the good stuff; everyone else gives the good stuff first.

John And Herod

Matthew 14:3-5

Now, John, the baptizer, had been speaking out against a morally stupid act from King Herod. Herod lusted after his brother’s wife and he wanted to marry her, John was speaking of the injustice of the act. So, Herod put John in prison and wanted to kill him, but he feared the people who viewed John as a prophet.

Martha, Martha

Luke 10:38-41

Joshua and his crew were near Bethsaida and a woman named Martha opened her house to his; she had a brother named Lazarus and a sister named Mary. While Martha was in the kitchen preparing dinner, Mary was sitting at Joshua’s feet listening to everything He was saying as He was teaching Lazarus and his friends.

In a huff, Martha entered the meeting room and said, Joshua, would you tell Mary to help me?

Big J held up His hand to stop Lazarus from berating Mary, and calmly said to Martha, Girl, sit here. I see that you are frantic about preparing good food for us. But none of that really matters right now. Look at Mary, see that smile. She has chosen to listen to what really matters for life. And, if she lives it, it won’t be taken from her.

Joshua Heals

Matthew 8:14-17

Big J went to Simon’s house and upon arrival He found that Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever. Upon request from Simon, Big J entered the room and laid hands on her and got her healed; she made them dinner.

News about where Joshua was always seemed to get around. That evening, after dinner, many people with demons were tugged to Big J and He dispatched the foul spirits with a simple phrase; he also healed many sick who came to Him. Isaiah talked about this when he said, He took our sicknesses and diseases and removed them.

The Paralyzed Walks

Mark 2:2-12

Upon leaving Simon’s house Big J went to Capernaum for a few days. Upon returning to Galilee Joshua was invited to a house; and word got around that He was there and the house filled up fast with people wanting to hear him and be healed. A small group of four friends carried a paralyzed man on a mat, but there was no room to get him inside. They came prepared; they climbed up on the roof and pulled the mat with the paralyzed man up, (you know his faith was working). They dug a hole in the roof because their faith was telling them that this would work. They lowered the man down right in front of Big J; he saw their faith. He knelt down to the man on the mat and said, Take heart, son, your sins are forgiven.

As always, there were some religious denominational dudes present; they said to each other, Wait a minute, he can’t do that! That’s blasphemy! No one, but God, forgives sins!

Joshua said to them, Why are you debating amongst yourselves and thinking that this boy, pointing to himself, can’t do what I just did? Do you think it would be easier to tell a sin-ridden man to get up and walk, a man who is paralyzed from sin, or to first forgive his sins? Oh, by the way, God has granted that all His children can forgive sins, I am not a religious dude like you. Then he knelt down and untied the man and told the forgiven man to take his mat and go home. His action of obedience brought much applause and praise from those in the house, God is most definitely here. This can’t be denied.

Matthew

Matthew 9:9

After the feast Big J and his friends went back to the Sea of Galilee. On their way they went through a town where Simon lived and paid taxes. Big J saw a tax collector and stopped and looked at him, caught his attention and said, Levi, drop what you’re doing and join us. (Levi was soon to be called Matthew).

They were right near the sea and Big J spotted James and John, former partners of Simon and Andrew before they stopped fishing to follow Joshua. These men were on the dock washing their nets with their father, Zebedee.

Big J did the same thing with them as He did with Matthew, Join us. When He said that the brothers dropped their nets and left their father and follow Joshua and His growing family.

Tax Collectors And Sinners

Matthew 9:10-12

While the group was still in that town Matthew had a big party and invited all his friends and Joshua and his group. According to Pharisaical law it was taboo to associate with tax collectors let alone go into one’s house. But Big J wanted to go anyway so He went; but His group didn’t.

The Pharisees got wind of this and came to badger His group, Doesn’t He know that it is taboo to go in that house or to even associate with a sinner?

Big J heard this because He was standing near the door so He responded, Oh yeah. I want to ask you a question. Who needs a doctor more, a sick person or a well person?

The Pharisees didn’t answer because they knew what He was saying. Then Joshua continued, Go and think about this, Words from God Himself, ‘I desire mercy rather than sacrifice.’

A Man With Leprosy

Matthew 8:1-4

Big J had been preaching, teaching and healing the sick by the Word of God that He spoke and word about Him spread far and wide. As His group was approaching a town a man with leprosy ran to Joshua and knelt before Him, Master, I know about the healings that you have done. You can also heal me if you want to.

Joshua reached out His hand and touched the man, I want to see everyone healed, so be healed and receive it now.

At that very moment the man was healed and the manifestation came almost instantly. Then Joshua whispered to the man, Can you keep a secret? Don’t tell anyone about this. Let them find out for themselves.

But the man obviously could not keep a secret because news of Big J spread all around. Crowds came to Big J to listen to Him and to be healed of whatever was wrong. But still He managed to find time to get alone and pray.

He Chose Him

Matthew 12:15-21

Big J never wanted people telling others that he did these miracles. Prophesy concerning Him said, The man of my choosing is the one I am delighted with, I love Him very much; my Spirit is on Him to speak justly to all. He’s not one to brag and He’s not one to argue. He knows no euthanasia and He will help those of low position; His way is to bring justice to everyone by victory. People will learn to trust Him.

Officials Son

John 4:43-54

Big J and his crew returned to Cana where an official came up to Joshua and knelt to Him, My son is sick. Please come and heal him.

Big J responded, Why is it that you people must see miracles in order to believe that God loves you?

Sir, the official said, He needs your help, he’s dying!

Joshua said to him, He’s healed. Go home.

The official almost lost it but then remembered what others had said about Him, His word works. When he got home he found that his son was healed.

Fasting?

Luke 5:33-35

Some of the followers of John, the baptizer, found Joshua. They asked him about fasting, We fast regularly, something John taught us to do. And we see the Pharisees doing the same. But your guys eat and don’t fast. Why?

Big J said, Tell me, how can the bridegroom’s friends fast while he is with them? It, kind of, seems like they would be celebrating, not fasting. But, mind you, there will come a time when they will be fasting.

Wineskins And Jeans

Luke 5:35-39

Why would anyone cut a patch from a new pair of Jeans to repair an old pair? I mean, come on, wake up. You will have put a big hole in the new pair and, as soon as you wash the old pair again the patch will shrink and ruin the old pair. Really stupid. And who in their right mind would put new wine in old, cracked, dried-up wineskins? The new wine would burst the old skins and they would both be lost. No, new wine is reserved for new skins. But when people have the old wine they tend to like it better than the new stuff.

Lord of The Sabbath

Mathew 12:1-14

As Big J and His followers were walking through a field on the Sabbath, His gang started to pull off heads of grain to eat, they were hungry. The Pharisees, who were always watching Joshua because they were afraid that He was going to steal their following, berated Him because His followers were doing something that was forbidden to do on the Sabbath, according to them.

Big J responded, So, I guess you don’t know that King David raided the temple for the show bread, and he and his followers ate it when they were hungry. Don’t you realize that the Sabbath was made man’s sake, not the other way around? Stop majoring on the minor manmade laws and look at what you’ve got right in front of you.

Man With Crippled Arm

Mark 3:1-6

On the next Sabbath Big J was teaching in a synagogue when He spotted a man who had a crippled arm. Joshua told the man to come forward and face the crowd.

Of course, there where Pharisees there, so Joshua put forth a question to them, "Tell me, is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath or not, to heal or not? Suppose one of you had a son who fell into a well on the Sabbath.