Millions of professing Christians around the Globe are celebrating Holy week! Why is it Holy? Simply put, Jesus Christ was and is our Sacrificial Lamb! He was Sacrificed on a Roman Cross and Shed His sinless Blood to Wash Away your sins and mine! That is why it is Holy! To top if off, God Raised His Son from the Dead on the third day. After He was placed in a borrowed tomb! Hallelujah, CHRIST IS RISEN! He IS RISEN INDEED! Why don’t you believe? Why don’t you honestly look at the evidence and quit doubting! Do you Know Jesus? Are you known by Jesus? May I introduce Him to you? Some of you may be familiar with the following, some, not so much! Here goes:
The Bible Says: MY King is the King of the Jews.
He is the King of Israel.
He is the King of Righteousness.
He is the King of the Ages.
He is the King of Heaven.
He is the King of Glory.
He is the King of Kings.
He is Lord of Lords.
That’s MY King! I wonder… Do you know Him?
MY King is a Sovereign King.
No means of Measure can define his Limitless Love.
He is Enduringly Strong.
He is Entirely Sincere.
He is Eternally Steadfast.
He is Immortally Graceful.
He is Imperially Powerful.
He is Impartially Merciful.
Do you know him?
He is the Greatest Phenomenon that has ever crossed the Horizon of this World.
He is God’s Son.
He is the Sinner’s Saviour.
He is the Centerpiece of Civilization.
He is Unparalleled.
He is Unprecedented.
He is the Loftiest Idea in Literature.
He is the Highest Personality in Philosophy.
He is the Fundamental Doctrine of True Theology.
He is the ONLY One Qualified to be an ALL Sufficient Saviour.
I Wonder if You know Him today?
He supplies Strength to the Weak.
He is Available for the Tempted and the Tried.
He Sympathizes and He Saves.
He Strengthens and Sustains.
He Guards and He Guides.
He Heals the Sick. He Cleansed the Lepers.
He Forgives Sinners. He Discharges Debtors.
He Delivers the Captive. He Defends the Feeble.
He Blesses the Young. He Serves the Unfortunate.
He Regards the Aged. He Rewards the Diligent.
And He Beautifies the Meek. Uh..
I Wonder if you Know Him?
He is the Key to Knowledge.
He is the Wellspring of Wisdom.
He is the Doorway of Deliverance.
He is the Pathway of Peace.
He is the Roadway of Righteousness.
He is the Highway of Holiness.
He is the Gateway of Glory.
Do you know him??
Well….
His Life is Matchless!
His Goodness is Limitless!
His Mercy is Everlasting!
His Love NEVER Changes!
His Word is Enough!
His Grace is Sufficient!
His Reign is Righteous!
And
His Yoke is Easy! And
His Burden is Light!
I wish I could describe Him to ya!
He is Indescribable!
He is Incomprehensible!
He is Invincible!
He is Irresistible!
Where You Can’t Get Him Out of Your Mind!
You Can’t Get Him Off Your Hand!
You Can’t Outlive Him!
And You Can’t Live Without Him!
The Pharisees Couldn’t Stand Him!
But They Found Out That They Couldn’t Stop Him!
Pilate Couldn’t Find Any Fault in Him!
Herod Couldn’t Kill Him!
Death Couldn’t Handle Him!
And The Grave COULDN’T Hold Him!!
THAT’S MY KING!!
THAT’S MY KING!!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Word became Flesh!
I desire the Deep things of God. I am not satisfied with the basics of Biblical Christianity, even though I am compelled to preach the basics, because many of God's children seem to be illiterate and still sucking on the bottle. By this I am stating that many if not most in the Church today cannot even tell a seeker why they are lost, not to mention how they might be Saved. One of the Deep things of God is the Person-hood of Christ. Who is He? Is He Deity? Just a prophet? Just a Spirit filled man? Is He God in the Flesh? Does it really matter what God’s Word says? Does the Bible only speak to the people mentioned in the Bible? Does Jesus ever claim that He is God? Does Jesus ever claim to be the Messiah? These questions were raised and discussed at Bible Study recently and I wanted to share the Scriptures that clearly speak to the Character of Jesus. I have heard many preachers and teachers that deny that Jesus claimed to be the Christ (Messiah) and say that Jesus was not God in the flesh. So I will simply say, what does Jesus say? Let us hear Him speak and the Holy Spirit speak through the prophets and Apostles. We need not the opinions of man, but the opinion of God! So is Jesus God in the flesh? Our very Salvation Depends on the Deity of Jesus Christ! If Jesus is not Divine, we are still lost in our sins because a Holy God requires a Holy Sacrifice to Atone for sins!
Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
John 5:18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
John 8:51 I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.”
52 At this the Jews exclaimed, “Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that if anyone keeps your word, he will never taste death.
53 Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?”
54 Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.
55 Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word.
56 Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.”
57 “You are not yet fifty years old,” the Jews said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!”
58 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”
59 At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.
Exodus 3:13 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”
14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. {14 Or } This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
15 God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, {15 The Hebrew for sounds like and may be derived from the Hebrew for in verse 14.} the God of your fathers– the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob– has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was with God in the beginning.
Revelation 19:13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.
John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, {14 Or} who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Jesus indeed existed before the Creation, not just as a thought or plan!
John 17:1 ¶ These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
Matthew 26:60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward
61 and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”
62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?”
63 But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.”
64 “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
65 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.
66 What do you think?” “He is worthy of death,” they answered.
67 Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him
68 and said, “Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?”
Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. (NIV)
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (KJV)
There is but One God and His Name is Jesus! You may ask, how Can God Die? Well very Simple. God is a Spirit. Jesus through the Incarnation, became flesh. John 1:1 ¶ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God.” John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” Who is the Word? Revelation 19:13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.” When He died on the Cross it was only His Flesh that died. 1Pe 2:24 “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” Jesus is God in the flesh and His flesh died and paid for our sins and He arose by His own Spirit on the third day to secure Eternal Life to all who would Repent of their sins and believe in His Sacrificial Death and Resurrection! Hallelujah! I am sure many will deny the Deity of Jesus Christ and will suffer the consequences. I Trust it will not be you dear reader! Don't Listen to mans opinion about who Jesus is or is not, Read the Inspired Word!
Last exhortation in closing:
Jude 1:3 ¶ Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (KJV)
3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. (NIV)
4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV)
4 For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. (NIV)
Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
John 5:18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
John 8:51 I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.”
52 At this the Jews exclaimed, “Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that if anyone keeps your word, he will never taste death.
53 Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?”
54 Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.
55 Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word.
56 Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.”
57 “You are not yet fifty years old,” the Jews said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!”
58 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”
59 At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.
Exodus 3:13 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”
14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. {14 Or } This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
15 God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, {15 The Hebrew for
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was with God in the beginning.
Revelation 19:13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.
John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, {14 Or
Jesus indeed existed before the Creation, not just as a thought or plan!
John 17:1 ¶ These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
Matthew 26:60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward
61 and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”
62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?”
63 But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.”
64 “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
65 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.
66 What do you think?” “He is worthy of death,” they answered.
67 Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him
68 and said, “Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?”
Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. (NIV)
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (KJV)
There is but One God and His Name is Jesus! You may ask, how Can God Die? Well very Simple. God is a Spirit. Jesus through the Incarnation, became flesh. John 1:1 ¶ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God.” John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” Who is the Word? Revelation 19:13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.” When He died on the Cross it was only His Flesh that died. 1Pe 2:24 “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” Jesus is God in the flesh and His flesh died and paid for our sins and He arose by His own Spirit on the third day to secure Eternal Life to all who would Repent of their sins and believe in His Sacrificial Death and Resurrection! Hallelujah! I am sure many will deny the Deity of Jesus Christ and will suffer the consequences. I Trust it will not be you dear reader! Don't Listen to mans opinion about who Jesus is or is not, Read the Inspired Word!
Last exhortation in closing:
Jude 1:3 ¶ Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (KJV)
3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. (NIV)
4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV)
4 For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. (NIV)
Monday, January 24, 2011
Time is ticking away!
What! My time is precious! I never thought to much about time, until recently it hit me square between the eyes! Is it even possible that I am having a mid-life crises? That's for old people, right? Not so much. The Bible says that “life is but a vapor” it is here today and gone tomorrow! Time is ticking away whether we realize it or not. So why am I writing about something that is a vapor? To keep it short, so I don't waste your time, let me share a few thoughts with you because time is ticking! We have all heard the cliche', “we are what we eat.” Well, we think and become that which we spent our time consuming! Our physical bodies react to what we feed them. Consume donuts, fatty, greasy, sugary drinks, fast food and so forth, our bodies respond. So our spirit man responds to what we feed upon! If we spend our time watching TV, news, sports, read negative books, negative blogs, nasty websites....and spend our precious time around negative lost people who care nothing about your spirit, well your spirit man responds negatively! Time is wasting, which is most important to you? I can tell you from experience that we become just like the people we spent the most time with, really without even knowing it! Time well spent is not a waste of time! Time slothfully spent is the biggest waste of time! If I am a Christian (follower of Jesus Christ), then my desire should be to spend time with the Lover of my soul! In fact the more time I spend with My Father in Heaven through the relationship with His Son Jesus, the more I become like Him! The less time I spent with Them, the less I ….well you know! I want to share a few Scriptures to culminate this idea of time well spent. Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. That will certainly take time to put into practice! Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, Ecclesiastes 3:14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him. 15 Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account”. Psalm 37:39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. Hosea 10:12 Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you. Proverb 20:4 A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing. You see, all this takes time! We all spend time with those we love, but what about our Creator? Do we spend time with Him? Romans 6:19 I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. 20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness.
21 What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
There is a cause and effect for every action we take. Every moment of time in our lives has had its effect upon us, whether good or bad! I guess the Biblical Principle is “we reap what we sow!” Here are a few more timely passages to consider; 1Peter 4:3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do-- living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.
1Peter 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? Revelation 3:3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. Revelation 22:10 Then he told me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near. 11 Let him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is vile continue to be vile; let him who does right continue to do right; and let him who is holy continue to be holy." 12 "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.”
I trust this was not a waste of your time? We all have a short time in the flesh, our spirit man is not bound by time, so let us not grow weary in doing good with our time! The Father in Heaven loves for His children to take time to be with Him! Hug Him, love Him and spend time listening to Him! I promise He will speak to you, if you believe in His Son Jesus Christ! Thanks for your time!
21 What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
There is a cause and effect for every action we take. Every moment of time in our lives has had its effect upon us, whether good or bad! I guess the Biblical Principle is “we reap what we sow!” Here are a few more timely passages to consider; 1Peter 4:3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do-- living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.
1Peter 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? Revelation 3:3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. Revelation 22:10 Then he told me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near. 11 Let him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is vile continue to be vile; let him who does right continue to do right; and let him who is holy continue to be holy." 12 "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.”
I trust this was not a waste of your time? We all have a short time in the flesh, our spirit man is not bound by time, so let us not grow weary in doing good with our time! The Father in Heaven loves for His children to take time to be with Him! Hug Him, love Him and spend time listening to Him! I promise He will speak to you, if you believe in His Son Jesus Christ! Thanks for your time!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Discipleship through Spiritual Gift of prophecy!
When you think of the Church (the individual believers in the Work of Jesus Christ) and the Great Commission to Go and make Disciples of all Nations, what does that mean? Most Christians first think of Evangelism! While preaching the Gospel is our message and the Holy Spirit moves upon the unrepentant, unbelieving heart, there is another aspect of Evangelism that I desire to share. Listen to this passage and ask yourself this question; does my Church practice this type of evangelism and discipleship? 1Corinthians 14:19 “But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. 20 Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.
21 In the Law it is written: "Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me," says the Lord. 22 Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.
23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24 But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, 25 and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!" Now I am not at this time going to debate Speaking in Tongues verses prophesying, for the text indicates both Spiritual gifts. I am going to point out the verses 24 and 25! The Greek word for prophesying is propheteuo, which means to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office. Can you imagine what would happen in our Churches if this Spiritual gift was sought and practiced in our Churches today? If the Spiritual gift was practiced and given by the Holy Spirit to men who are an inspired speaker, unbelievers who visit would be “convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, 25 and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!" Is your Preacher inspired by the Holy Spirit to exercise this gift in your Church? I have preachers and laymen exclaim to me all the time, “where is the power in the Church like that in the early Church”? Well maybe it is because belief in the Power of the Holy Spirit and the use of Spiritual gifts are not sought by believers! Evangelism and Discipleship are brothers. One cannot exist without the other! Both should be and must be implemented in the Church in order to fulfill the Christ mandate to Go! We all want to see lost people come into the Church and “fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!" I for one love to see the Transformation take place in the hearts of lost and unbelieving souls! Let us all stop and pray the Holy Spirit bestow the gift of prophesying in our Church for the Glory of Jesus Christ!
21 In the Law it is written: "Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me," says the Lord. 22 Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.
23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24 But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, 25 and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!" Now I am not at this time going to debate Speaking in Tongues verses prophesying, for the text indicates both Spiritual gifts. I am going to point out the verses 24 and 25! The Greek word for prophesying is propheteuo, which means to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office. Can you imagine what would happen in our Churches if this Spiritual gift was sought and practiced in our Churches today? If the Spiritual gift was practiced and given by the Holy Spirit to men who are an inspired speaker, unbelievers who visit would be “convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, 25 and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!" Is your Preacher inspired by the Holy Spirit to exercise this gift in your Church? I have preachers and laymen exclaim to me all the time, “where is the power in the Church like that in the early Church”? Well maybe it is because belief in the Power of the Holy Spirit and the use of Spiritual gifts are not sought by believers! Evangelism and Discipleship are brothers. One cannot exist without the other! Both should be and must be implemented in the Church in order to fulfill the Christ mandate to Go! We all want to see lost people come into the Church and “fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!" I for one love to see the Transformation take place in the hearts of lost and unbelieving souls! Let us all stop and pray the Holy Spirit bestow the gift of prophesying in our Church for the Glory of Jesus Christ!
Friday, December 17, 2010
The Gift of Christmas!
The life of Jesus the Christ(Messiah) is one of Miracles. Hundreds of Prophecies are fulfilled with His Birth.
Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between yo u and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
This was the first Prophecy of the LORD God sending His Son to crush the head of Satan. When Jesus was born of the virgin Mary, died on the Cross and rose from the Dead, this verse was partially fulfilled. It will totally be fulfilled at Christ Return!This was promised several thousand years before He was Born!
Isaiah 7:13-1 4 Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house o f David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Fulfilled totally when Jesus was born some 700 years after this prophecy.
Matthew 1:20-23 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you ar e to give him the name Jesus , because he will save h is people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” –which means, “God with us.” Luke 1:30-35 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” If the Angels Proclaimed His Glorious Birth we should as well!
Isaiah 9: 6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He w ill reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and up holding it with justice and righteousness from tha t time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
The fulfillment of this prophecy is in Luke 2:11-35 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to m en on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived. When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Have you received the True Gift of Christmas? You do know it is rude and arrogant to have a gift given to you and you not receive it. God’s Gift is being offered to all mankind. Hear is how you can receive the Gift of Redemption, Eternal Life: Good News! Gospel means good news. Here it is; everyone is a sinner and deserves Hell, but God sent His Son Jesus to the Cross to pay our sin debt in full. Then He Rose His Son from the dead to seal the deal for Eternal Life. Here is the part that many reject; in order for the Gospel to save you from Hell the sinner must turn away from sin and trust in the work of Jesus. Have you ever heard of better news than that? What a deal! Ask Jesus to save you, He will you know? This Gift from God is free. Jesus paid our sin debt in Full! Ephesians 2:8&9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith– and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– not by works, so that no one can boast. Romans 5:8&9 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! Receive this Gift Today!
REMEMBER:
Jesus is Better than Santa
Santa lives at the North Pole.
JESUS is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year
JESUS is an ever- present help.
Santa fills your stockings with goodies
JESUS supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited
JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.
You have to stand in line to see Santa
JESUS is as close a s the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn’t know your name, all he can say is “Hi little boy or girl, W hat’s your name?”
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too . He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
JESUS has a heart full of love.
JESUS offers health, help and hope.
Santa says “You better not cry”
JESUS says “Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.
Santa’s little helpers make toys
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle but
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree,
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.
It’s obvious there is really no comparison. We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.
We need to put Christ back in Christmas. Jesus is still the reason for the season. May the Lord Bless and Watch over you and your loved ones this Christmas
And may He prosper and bless the work of your hands in the New Year.
Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between yo u and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
This was the first Prophecy of the LORD God sending His Son to crush the head of Satan. When Jesus was born of the virgin Mary, died on the Cross and rose from the Dead, this verse was partially fulfilled. It will totally be fulfilled at Christ Return!This was promised several thousand years before He was Born!
Isaiah 7:13-1 4 Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house o f David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Fulfilled totally when Jesus was born some 700 years after this prophecy.
Matthew 1:20-23 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you ar e to give him the name Jesus , because he will save h is people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” –which means, “God with us.” Luke 1:30-35 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” If the Angels Proclaimed His Glorious Birth we should as well!
Isaiah 9: 6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He w ill reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and up holding it with justice and righteousness from tha t time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
The fulfillment of this prophecy is in Luke 2:11-35 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to m en on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived. When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Have you received the True Gift of Christmas? You do know it is rude and arrogant to have a gift given to you and you not receive it. God’s Gift is being offered to all mankind. Hear is how you can receive the Gift of Redemption, Eternal Life: Good News! Gospel means good news. Here it is; everyone is a sinner and deserves Hell, but God sent His Son Jesus to the Cross to pay our sin debt in full. Then He Rose His Son from the dead to seal the deal for Eternal Life. Here is the part that many reject; in order for the Gospel to save you from Hell the sinner must turn away from sin and trust in the work of Jesus. Have you ever heard of better news than that? What a deal! Ask Jesus to save you, He will you know? This Gift from God is free. Jesus paid our sin debt in Full! Ephesians 2:8&9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith– and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– not by works, so that no one can boast. Romans 5:8&9 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! Receive this Gift Today!
REMEMBER:
Jesus is Better than Santa
Santa lives at the North Pole.
JESUS is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year
JESUS is an ever- present help.
Santa fills your stockings with goodies
JESUS supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited
JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.
You have to stand in line to see Santa
JESUS is as close a s the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn’t know your name, all he can say is “Hi little boy or girl, W hat’s your name?”
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too . He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
JESUS has a heart full of love.
JESUS offers health, help and hope.
Santa says “You better not cry”
JESUS says “Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.
Santa’s little helpers make toys
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle but
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree,
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.
It’s obvious there is really no comparison. We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.
We need to put Christ back in Christmas. Jesus is still the reason for the season. May the Lord Bless and Watch over you and your loved ones this Christmas
And may He prosper and bless the work of your hands in the New Year.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Favorite Quotes
I had a friend on facebook who copied and pasted these quotes from my profile to hers as a way to share with her friends. I have many favorites and thought some of you might like to read my selection of quotes.
Quotations
Repent for Kingdom of God is Near! -Jesus
If you Love me, obey my Commands! -Jesus
I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no man comes to the Father but through me! -Jesus
If I had three hundred men who feared nothing but God, hated nothing but sin, and were determined to know nothing among men but Jesus Christ and Him crucified, I would set the world on fire. --John Wesley
There isn't anything quite so chilling, quite so disheartening as a man without the Holy Spirit preaching about the Holy Spirit. -Tozer
The Spirit of God first imparts love; he next inspires hope and then gives liberty; and that is about the last thing we have in many of our churches. -Moody
Don't let scoffers laugh you into hell; they cannot laugh you out of it. -D.L. Moody
Set yourself on fire and people will come just to watch you burn! D.L. Moody
This law tells me how crooked I am. Grace comes along and straightens me out. -D.L. Moody
It is a great deal better to live a holy life than to talk about it. Lighthouses do not ring bells and fire cannon to call attention to their shining-they just shine. -Moody
There may be sin in your life which you will never speak to anyone, but there is no sin for which the Blood of Jesus can't wash away! -Charles Spurgeon
There is no sin for which it is worth your while to be damned. -Spurgeon
Plunge into the "fountain filled with blood, drawn from Immanuel's veins," and in an instant you are whiter than snow. Every speck, spot, and stain of sin is gone, and gone forever. -Spurgeon
Trust Christ and you shall live. The bloody sacrifice of Calvary is the only hope of sinners. -Spurgeon
"If sinners will be damned, at least let
...them leap to Hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them
perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell
must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions,
and let not one go their unwarned and unprayed for." - Charles Spurgeon
It is shocking to reflect that a change in the weather has more effect on some men's lives than the dread alternative of heaven or hell. -Spurgeon
True repentance hates the sin, and not merely the penalty; and it hates the sin most of all because it has discovered and felt God's love. -Taylor
Constant complaint is the poorest sort of pay for all the comforts we enjoy. -Franklin
My memory is almost gone, but I remember one thing: that I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior. --John Newton, author of "Amazing Grace"
If Socrates would enter the room we should rise and do him honor. But if Jesus Christ came into the room we should fall down on our knees and worship Him. --Napoleon Bonaparte
Quotations
Repent for Kingdom of God is Near! -Jesus
If you Love me, obey my Commands! -Jesus
I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no man comes to the Father but through me! -Jesus
If I had three hundred men who feared nothing but God, hated nothing but sin, and were determined to know nothing among men but Jesus Christ and Him crucified, I would set the world on fire. --John Wesley
There isn't anything quite so chilling, quite so disheartening as a man without the Holy Spirit preaching about the Holy Spirit. -Tozer
The Spirit of God first imparts love; he next inspires hope and then gives liberty; and that is about the last thing we have in many of our churches. -Moody
Don't let scoffers laugh you into hell; they cannot laugh you out of it. -D.L. Moody
Set yourself on fire and people will come just to watch you burn! D.L. Moody
This law tells me how crooked I am. Grace comes along and straightens me out. -D.L. Moody
It is a great deal better to live a holy life than to talk about it. Lighthouses do not ring bells and fire cannon to call attention to their shining-they just shine. -Moody
There may be sin in your life which you will never speak to anyone, but there is no sin for which the Blood of Jesus can't wash away! -Charles Spurgeon
There is no sin for which it is worth your while to be damned. -Spurgeon
Plunge into the "fountain filled with blood, drawn from Immanuel's veins," and in an instant you are whiter than snow. Every speck, spot, and stain of sin is gone, and gone forever. -Spurgeon
Trust Christ and you shall live. The bloody sacrifice of Calvary is the only hope of sinners. -Spurgeon
"If sinners will be damned, at least let
...them leap to Hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them
perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell
must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions,
and let not one go their unwarned and unprayed for." - Charles Spurgeon
It is shocking to reflect that a change in the weather has more effect on some men's lives than the dread alternative of heaven or hell. -Spurgeon
True repentance hates the sin, and not merely the penalty; and it hates the sin most of all because it has discovered and felt God's love. -Taylor
Constant complaint is the poorest sort of pay for all the comforts we enjoy. -Franklin
My memory is almost gone, but I remember one thing: that I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior. --John Newton, author of "Amazing Grace"
If Socrates would enter the room we should rise and do him honor. But if Jesus Christ came into the room we should fall down on our knees and worship Him. --Napoleon Bonaparte
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Is America still Free?
What is Freedom? Is it worth fighting to keep it for next Generation? What does the Bible say concerning Freedom? What does history teach us about Freedom? Let me start by quoting an American President a few years ago; “If we (America) loose Freedom here, there is no where to escape too, this is the last stand on Earth!” Ronald Reagan I will tell you right up front, this is not political and I could care less if like Ronald Reagan or not! What he said is absolutely True! God is the Author of Freedom and as the Bible says; Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. And again in verse 13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” It should grieve our hearts to the core of our being knowing America is far from practicing this principle set forth in verse 13! If we as Christians do not revere and stand firm on Freedom, No one will! The unsaved and the Worldlings think Freedom is the ability to do whatever they want, when they want and how they want! The fact is, Freedom is Given by our Creator and has responsibilities attached! The Principle responsibility is to do what is Right! Not what I think is right or what you think is right, but what God thinks is Right! Listen again to Scripture; 1Peter 2:16 “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.”
Let us consider for a moment how God feels about how we have handled His Freedom, given by His Son Jesus Christ. His Son Jesus Christ is now mocked and ridiculed by the masses in America! Instead of Christians standing and proclaiming Freedom and forgiveness to all who would repent and believe in Jesus Christ, they sit in their homes and pews and complain and grumble about the Countries Moral decline. Let us consider something else; Is He (God) happy how we have handed over our Freedom for the sake of security? That is exactly what we as Americans have done. Example, look at how much Freedom has been lost since 911. A Freedom loving, law abiding, God fearing citizen gets profiled wherever we go! Bible carrying Christians are now on the spotlight of Home land security. Sounds almost like USSR or China! But Americans have surrendered to the pressure of fear and therefore handed over God's Freedom to other men for protection! If God brought us to something, do you not think He will bring us through it? One of our Founding Fathers warned us about complacency, apathy and giving up Liberty for the sake of security! “If we (Americans) give up Liberty for sake of security, we will loose both.” Ben Franklin It is so very true, if you give a rat a piece of cookie, he will then want some milk!
Is Freedom something to fight for and protect? Absolutely! Do you want your children and grandchildren to live under the oppression of Big Government? I pray not! Do you want your children checking in with the State to see if it is ok to have a Bible Study or even start a mission to help the homeless? I think Not! Then I say Repent of your slumber and immoral attitude towards Freedom and come back to Christ! I will close with this statement of Scripture; "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." Job 1:21
Let us consider for a moment how God feels about how we have handled His Freedom, given by His Son Jesus Christ. His Son Jesus Christ is now mocked and ridiculed by the masses in America! Instead of Christians standing and proclaiming Freedom and forgiveness to all who would repent and believe in Jesus Christ, they sit in their homes and pews and complain and grumble about the Countries Moral decline. Let us consider something else; Is He (God) happy how we have handed over our Freedom for the sake of security? That is exactly what we as Americans have done. Example, look at how much Freedom has been lost since 911. A Freedom loving, law abiding, God fearing citizen gets profiled wherever we go! Bible carrying Christians are now on the spotlight of Home land security. Sounds almost like USSR or China! But Americans have surrendered to the pressure of fear and therefore handed over God's Freedom to other men for protection! If God brought us to something, do you not think He will bring us through it? One of our Founding Fathers warned us about complacency, apathy and giving up Liberty for the sake of security! “If we (Americans) give up Liberty for sake of security, we will loose both.” Ben Franklin It is so very true, if you give a rat a piece of cookie, he will then want some milk!
Is Freedom something to fight for and protect? Absolutely! Do you want your children and grandchildren to live under the oppression of Big Government? I pray not! Do you want your children checking in with the State to see if it is ok to have a Bible Study or even start a mission to help the homeless? I think Not! Then I say Repent of your slumber and immoral attitude towards Freedom and come back to Christ! I will close with this statement of Scripture; "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." Job 1:21
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