Christianity

God of the Living

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Then came to Him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked Him, saying, “Master, Moses wrote unto us, ‘If any man’s brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.’ There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.  And the second took her to wife, and he died childless.  And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.  Last of all the woman died also.  Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? For seven had her to wife.”
And Jesus answering said unto them,
“The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: but they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.  Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.  For He is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto Him.”
Then certain of the scribes answering said, “Master, Thou hast well said.”                     Luke 20:27-39

Those who do not believe in the resurrection asking a question of how marriage works for those who are in the resurrection. It may have been a sincere question, but not likely. Most likely they; the Sadducees; were trying to trick Jesus into error of His thoughts.

Something we can learn form Jesus’s words is that first of all one must be accounted worthy to obtain the world of those who will receive the resurrection of life. Secondly, Jesus says  that those in the resurrection will be similar to the angels, and like the angels will never die, but are the children of God.

We are assured by the words of Jesus that there is a resurrection of the Just when He says that “He is the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. He is not a God of the dead, but of the living…”

Now, who are those who are counted worthy of this eternal life?  Only those who believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, that He was buried, and that He rose from the dead, and is alive forevermore. Believe what He says, repent of your sins and be saved.

The Self Righteous and the Sinner

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And He spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
“Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank Thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, ‘God be merciful to me a sinner.’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”                                         Luke 18:9-14

The Bible tells us in Romans 3:10 that “There is none who are righteous, no not one,” and in verse 23 “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” I write this because there are far too many people who think, “Well, Jesus died for sinners, and I am a righteous person. I love God, and I love my neighbor, so I need no savior.” That thought puts them at odds with God. Actually making God and the Scriptures their enemy.

One man, a Pharisee, a greatly religious man considered himself better than the other. Being full of himself he prayed “with himself”. Did you notice how Jesus said that. God did not hear that man’s prayer. Full of himself separated from God.

The other man, a publican, to us a tax collector, despised by the Jewish people, because these men were Jews themselves taking their people’s money for the Roman government. He came to the temple to pray, and prayed simply, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” He knew his need of forgiveness and cleansing, and he left the temple “Justified,” but not the Pharisee.

The way to forgiveness and cleansing of sin is by way of the cross of Jesus Christ. The only way of forgiveness of sin is because Jesus died for us, was buried and He rose again.

The Psalmist wrote, “A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise” (Psalm 51:17).

Best Investment

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And one of the company said unto Him, “Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.” And He said unto him,
“Man, who made Me a judge or a divider over you?”
And He said unto them,
“Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
And He spake a parable unto them, saying,
“The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: and he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?’ And he said, ‘This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.’ But God said unto him, ‘Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?’ So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”                                                            Luke 12:13-21

Division in a family is not a good thing, especially when it comes to financial or material things. A man has come to Jesus seeking aid from Him in dividing an inheritance for this family. Jesus uses the opportunity to teach of the dangers of covetousness. A person’s life is not measured by the things we possess; but rather by our relationship with God.

Jesus tells a story of a man who was so well off that he decided to tear down his old barns and build new ones; probably better and bigger to hold his possessions. It is not that what he did was wrong, but what was wrong is that he never gave any accounting to God.

Do you measure your life by the money or things you possess? Now, I am not a financial adviser, I am however a follower of Jesus Christ, and I know that my life cannot be measured by what I possess, but rather by the fellowship I have with God through His Son Jesus Christ.

The best investment we can ever make does not cost a dime, but realizing that He invested His life for us when He died on the cross, was buried and rose again.

Jesus Taught Out of a Boat

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And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon Him to hear the word of God, He stood by the lake of Gennesaret, and saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.  And He entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And He sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.                    Luke 5:1-3

O, how I would have loved to have been there that day. Seeing Jesus, hearing Him teach, listening to every word He was speaking. Jesus was sitting in a fishing boat, with many people on the shore of the Sea of Galilee (“Lake of Gennesaret”), and He had their attention. Some of them would hear Him on this day, believe His word, and would follow Him.

There is the key. To hear Him, believe Him, and follow Him. To follow Him is not merely with our words, “I will follow Jesus”, but it is leaving all, forsaking all other things for His sake, and doing His will at all cost.

I must ask myself this question, “Am I following Jesus as it really means to follow Him?” I believe I have. He is my Lord and Savior. Everything under my feet to the very computer that I am writing at today is His. He is my portion; and I am His.  I know and practice that I am only a steward of all in my hand. I pray that I am always faithful to this, but I know that sometimes I fail, and sin against Him.

He is always faithful to renew and restore me and get me back to where He wants me to be.

Do you know the One who went to the cross and paid the price for our sins? He died on the cross, was buried, and He rose again for our justification. He is teaching us today through His word and the power of the Holy Spirit. Hear Him and believe.

Keeping Watch…

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…There were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them,
“Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.”  And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.  And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.  And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.  But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.                                Luke 2:8-20

It is that season of the year when Christians are remembering the coming of Messiah; the Lord Jesus Christ; to do His work among His people. It is a very special thing to remember His birth. His birth shows us that He is the incarnation of God; and first of all that God loves the world (John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9) .

Though, I do not believe that Jesus was born in December, this is the time His birth is remembered so I will give Him the praise and glory for such remembrances. I believe lambs were born mainly in the Spring of the year, weeks before the Passover, and there would be many lambs offered for the sin sacrifice for each family. I cannot be dogmatic about that, but it seems quite clear in my thoughts and heart.

Jesus was the ultimate Passover Lamb who would die to take away our sins (John 1:29); and He did.

As we think of the shepherds, they were the lowest of the people of Israel. It is said that they could not even testify at trials and such as that. This the people God chose to reveal the birth of His Son to as first witnesses. Who better to reveal the Lamb of God to but the shepherds; and what better place for a lamb to be born than in a stable, laid in a manger.

Let us remember Him as the Baby in a manger; never forgetting He is the crucified, buried, and resurrected; ascended and coming King of kings. No longer a baby, meek and mild, but the Judge of all the earth.

 

The Blessed

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And Mary said, “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.  For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.  For He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is His name.  And His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation.’
‘He hath shewed strength with His arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.  He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.  He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He hath sent empty away.  He hath holpen His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy; as He spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to His seed for ever.”  Luke 1:46-55

Mary was a blessed woman, a virgin who conceived a Son by the Holy Spirit of God. She is not a redeemer, neither a co-redeemer with Jesus. She is not an intercessor between sinners and Jesus, and He to the Father.

Mary was a sinner in need of a Savior, and that Savior is the Son she brought into the world. Mary says so in the words above, “…my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior”.

Mary was a sinner chosen by God to bring His Son Jesus into this world as a baby, and she would remain a virgin only until after her First Born Son, Jesus was born. She then had more sons and daughters by her husband Joseph (Matthew 12:47; 13:55-56), to teach otherwise is not of the Scriptures.

I am sure that if Mary could speak to people today she would tell us that Jesus Christ alone is her Redeemer, Savior, and Lord; and in Him alone is salvation. He alone went to that old cross, was nailed to it, bled on it, and He alone suffered the wrath of God for all the sins of the world, and He died there; then was buried and He rose again.

Jesus Christ alone is our Redeemer. Any supposed other redeemer is a lie spawned right out of the depths of hell.

Turn to Jesus Christ. He is the one calling out to you. Hear Him. He alone is your Mediator between God and men (1 Timothy 2:5).

 

The Vineyard

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And He began to speak unto them by parables.
“A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard. And they caught and beat him, and sent him away empty. And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled. And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some.’
‘Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, ‘They will reverence my son.’ But those husbandmen said among themselves, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.’ And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard. What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others. And have ye not read this Scripture; ‘The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes’?”
And they sought to lay hold on Him, but feared the people: for they knew that He had spoken the parable against them: and they left Him, and went their way. Mark 12:1-12

Jesus is speaking here of the vineyard called Israel. They have rejected God’s ownership of the vineyard, the nation. They have rejected His servants that He sent to receive from them what is due Him and that is their love, respect, and obedience to His word. Also see Isaiah 5:1-7.

The last show of grace and mercy God would give to them was by sending His only begotten Son (John 3:16), and they rejected Him, beating Him and finding nothing in Him worthy of death sentenced Him to die on the cross; the cruelest means of death, by the Romans.

Dear reader, today that show of grace and mercy of God’s Son Jesus; His dying on the cross; was for the redemption of all people who will hear Him, believe His word, and call on His name. He died for you, was buried, and He rose from that grave and came out alive. All who come to Him, He gives eternal life with Him. Reject Him no more. Believe Him.

He Opens Blind Eyes

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And He cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto Him, and besought Him to touch him. And He took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when He had spit on his eyes, and put His hands upon him, He asked him if he saw ought. And he looked up, and said, “I see men as trees, walking.”
After that He put His hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. And He sent him away to his house, saying,
“Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.”                         Mark 8:22-26

For those who desire to see; He will open blind eyes.

Voice of Approval

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And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.  And straightway coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, “Thou art My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”          Mark 1:9-11

To fulfill the will of God the Father Jesus presented Himself to John the Baptizer for baptism, to fulfill righteousness (Matthew 3:15), and upon doing so fitted Himself to the service and will of the Father.

The Father speaks from heaven His approval of His Son, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” It is a command from God that when we come to faith in Jesus Christ, we testify of our faith by way of baptism showing His death, burial and resurrection by immersion. The submerging of the whole body under water; a testimony to others of our faith in Him. If you fail in obedience to baptism, you will fail in your faithfulness to Him.

Believe the voice of the Father concerning the Son. Believe the voice of Jesus that He and the Father are One (John 10:30).

Being Ready

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Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, “Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.” But the wise answered, saying, “Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.” And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, “Lord, Lord, open to us.” But he answered and said, “Verily I say unto you, I know you not.”
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh.                  Matthew 25:1-13

Without being too complicated, and I do not believe Jesus intended the understanding of this parable to be hard to understand; I will keep this short and simple without trying to explain every item within it. There is one simple message to the parable of the ten virgins. I will state it in one sentence.

The Lord Jesus is coming again for His bride, which is the Church, and if an individual does not have the Holy Spirit abiding in them, they will not make it.

If you are not ready with the Holy Spirit in you (Romans 8:9) then you will find yourself standing outside the door of the Savior crying “Lord, Lord” and He will not let you in. You receive the Holy Spirit by repenting of your sin, calling on the name of Jesus as your Lord and Savior in faith, knowing that He died on the cross for your sins, He was buried, and He rose again. Call on Him today.

The Wedding is Ready

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And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,
“The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.
Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, ‘Tell them which are bidden, ‘Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.’ But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: and the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
Then saith he to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.’ So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: and he saith unto him, ‘Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless.
Then said the king to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
For many are called, but few are chosen.”                                   Matthew 22:1-14

I share with you the writing thoughts of F. B. Meyer…

THE PENALTY OF SLIGHTING THE INVITATION
We have here a continuation of our Lord’s teaching on that last great day in the Temple. This day seems to have begun with Mat_21:23, and it continued to Mat_25:46. What wonder that His strength was prematurely exhausted, and that He succumbed so soon under the anguish of His cross!
In this parable He describes His union with His people under the symbolism of marriage. This must have suggested the allusions of Eph_5:23-32, where the Apostle tells us that Christ loved the Church as His bride; and of Rom_7:1-4, where He encourages us to believe that we may be married to Him who was raised from the dead. We can never forget Rev_21:2; Rev_21:9. Messenger after messenger was sent to the Hebrew people, but as they would not come, the Church was called from the highways and byways of the world to occupy the vacant space. But let us see to it that we are clothed in the spotless robe of His righteousness, in which alone we can stand in the searching light of eternity.  FROM eSword

Be sure you are dressed for the Wedding with the garment of the Righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Forgiving Forgiveness

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Then came Peter to Him, and said, “Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times?” Jesus saith unto him,
“I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.’ Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me that thou owest.’ And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.’ And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, ‘O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?’ And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
So likewise shall My heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”                Matthew 18:21-35

When I have been forgiven all my debts – my sin debt; how can I not forgive those who have wronged me? Even those I have the perception of doing wrong to me? I can, and will forgive, because I have been forgiven so much more than any debt owed to me.

The wonderful grace of God in His Son Jesus paying my sin debt, and yours, dying on the cross for our sins, in His burial, and in His resurrection. Receive His forgiveness and receive that forgiveness that forgives.

The Greatness, and Supremacy of Jesus Christ

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This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.  And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.  John 21:24-25

Today, I will not make much comment on the above verses but I am sharing some verses that have come to mind that answers to the above.

For instance;

They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:9

and,

For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.  Habakkuk 2:14

also,

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  1 Corinthians 2:9

He is the Supreme One. In Him alone is there salvation, sanctification, peace, joy and eternal life.

Dead On The Cross

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All Thy works shall praise Thee, O LORD; and Thy saints shall bless Thee. They shall speak of the glory of Thy kingdom, and talk of Thy power; to make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of His kingdom.
Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.  Psalm 145:10-13

But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced His side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.  And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.  For these things were done, that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “A bone of Him shall not be broken.”  And again another Scripture saith, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”        John 19:34-37

The Psalm tells us that the works of God shall praise Him. As far as Adam’s race is concerned the great gift of God, the great work of God is the sending of His Son Jesus to be the  propitiation for the sins of Adam kind. Jesus said it, “This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent”  (John 6:29). This is the great work or God that ought, I say, that ought to get our attention; and partly because of the above verses of John 19:34-37.

The verses of John prove that Jesus was dead. He was not faking His death; not swooning as some call it. He died. He was dead on the cross. He showed that His death was under the power of His Father, that no man could take His life from Him; He gave it Himself. Why do I say that? His legs did not get broken a fulfillment of Psalm 34:20. The two who were crucified with Him had their legs broken to cause their near immediate death; but the death of Jesus was in the Father’s power.

They did not break His legs because He was already dead. Romans knew dead when they seen it. The one soldier took his spear and pierced the side of Jesus and out flowed blood and water fulfilling another Scripture prophecy in Zechariah 12:10; also see The Revelation 1:7.

John wrote this as he was witness to the death of Jesus. His testimony was true when he wrote it, and it is true today and for all eternity. He tells us why he wrote it as well. He wrote this testimony that we might believe.

The death of Jesus on the cross was the payment for our sins, Jesus becoming sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21); His burial was another evidence that He was dead and that He took our sins far away; and His resurrection was for our justification and evidence that all the words that Jesus had spoken were indeed truth and power of who He is.

Believe Him today.

Bread of Life

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And Jesus said unto them,
“I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen Me, and believe not.
All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me.      John 6:35-38

On this Thanksgiving Day, in the United States of America, let us first give thanks for the “Bread of Life” who is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. By Him all things were made (Genesis 1:1-3; John 1:1-5; Colossians 1:16-17). It is also by Him that all who believe Him have everlasting life (John 3:16).

He Himself said above, “I am the bread of life” and all who come to Him shall never be in want (Psalm 23:1). There is an endless supply of the bread of life. The thing about this bread is the more you eat the more you desire it. Or to put it another way, the more you get of Jesus, the closer you get to Him in fellowship and worship, the more you desire Him. You are never lacking, never wanting, and He is always present.

Another thing to thank Him for is that any one who comes to Him He will never cast out. That includes you. When you come to Him trusting in His finished work on the cross of death, burial, and resurrection, then You are His for all time and eternity.

Have a great and blessed Thanksgiving Day and let us be thankful every day of our lives.

When the Light Went Out

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And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, He said,
“Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit:”
and having said thus, He gave up the ghost.                        Luke 23:44-46

This event of the darkness happened around noon. Some commentators say that this was and solar eclipse. I tend to disagree, but cannot prove or disprove either way. I think the darkness was world wide; not just a local event, thus it would be a supernatural event. The Light of the world had just became sin for us (John 9:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21). He was taking the wrath of God upon Himself, for the sins of the world.

When the veil of the temple was torn in two, and right  down the middle from the top to the bottom God was showing that the way into the holiest of all places; the very throne of God was open for all who would believe coming to Him through the death of His Son on the cross, His burial, and resurrection.

Jesus in commending His spirit to the Father is not sending the Holy Spirit (though the spirit of Jesus Christ is holy), but His own human spirit. In His living spirit throughout His life as a Man He has been faithful to do His Father’s will, being sinless, spotless, without blot or blemish; holy unto the Holy One. In His spirit He has gone all the way to the sacrifice of Himself for sin, in obedience to His Father. Now, as He is near to death of the body, He sends His eternal spirit back to the Father who gives spirit to all of Adam’s race.

When we realize our lostness, our condemnation, the guilt of our sins and realize that we need a Savior, and only Jesus Christ can save us; we can call out to Him in faith, believing Him, asking forgiveness, and He hears, He saves and gives us eternal life.

When You Find Yourself Up A Tree

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And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who He was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see Him: for He was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up, and saw him, and said unto him,
“Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.”
And he made haste, and came down, and received Him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, “That He was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.” And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” And Jesus said unto him,
“This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”            Luke 19:1-10

When I was in High School I had a Vocational Agriculture teacher who would take some of us coon hunting in the Ozark hills here in southwest Missouri. It was beautiful walking and often running through the woods in the darkness, and listening to the dogs as they got on the trail of a racoon and then know that certain baying sound when they had one up a tree. That was several years ago; probably 44 to 47 years ago.

When those coons were up a tree they were not always caught or killed. Sometimes they got away.

Zacchaeus found himself up a tree. Of course, it was not for the same reason of those coons; or was it? He was wanting to see Jesus. We are not told that he was seeking Jesus, but that, “He sought to see Jesus who He was.” We are told that Jesus was seeking Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus found himself up a tree because he was not a very tall man.

Jesus does not seek one because of one’s stature, their beauty or lack thereof. He seeks those who are lost. He seeks those who are lost in the depths and darkness of sin. Do you find yourself up a tree today looking, wondering who Jesus is?

Jesus is the Son of God, the Son of Man, and He has come and died for our sins, was buried and He rose again. Just like Zacchaeus, when Jesus comes into your house He will make a change in your heart, mind and life. Believe Him.

Two Foundations

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And why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to Me, and heareth My sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: he is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.                                                         Luke 6:46-49

Jesus is speaking of two different hearts.  Everyone who says, “Lord, Lord” will not enter His kingdom (Matthew 7:21). Just because one professes “Jesus is Lord” does not make it so.

Doing what He says is the fruit of our confession of Jesus. Believing Him and doing is the work of God which brings forth fruit of salvation, and Jesus is Lord of one’s life.

The one who lays the foundation of faith in Him, plus nothing, minus nothing, will have the faith that stands the test and trials of every storm, wind and rain, and flood.

If we say “Jesus is Lord” then let us build on that foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11). He is the exclusive way, the only way to God the Father, eternal life, peace and joy (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).

Gain the World and Lose Your Soul

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And when He had called the people, with His disciples also, He said unto them,
“Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of Man be ashamed, when He cometh in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:34-38

When the culture and the world around us is promoting self, “Love yourself”, and as I mentioned yesterday, “Me too”, the Bible, Jesus still says, “Deny yourself”.

That is what the Christian life really is. It is a life of being a blessing to others by living as  God, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit guides us in His word. This adulterous and sinful generation does not need us to be like them. The world and the self loving culture needs to see us losing our lives for the name of Jesus Christ.

If you are thinking, “But no one will like me,” or “No one will promote me,” or “I won’t have any friends;” then, you deny the Lord Jesus and lose your own soul, and the Father and the Son will also be ashamed of you.

The answer is “Take up your cross” that is lay your life down for Him, and follow Him, and you will be blessed by Him.

People and Jesus

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Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.  Psalm 55:22

But Jesus withdrew Himself with His disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed Him, and from Judaea, and from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things He did, came unto Him. And He spake to His disciples, that a small ship should wait on Him because of the multitude, lest they should throng Him.
For He had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon Him for to touch Him, as many as had plagues. And unclean spirits, when they saw Him, fell down before Him, and cried, saying, “Thou art the Son of God.”  And He straitly charged them that they should not make Him known.  Mark 3:7-12

There were many people who had heard of Jesus, and His great works of ministry; healing the sick, lame walk, blind see, even raising some from the dead. Though they saw these mighty things, and some of those experienced them does not mean they believed Him, becoming His followers.

We of Adam’s race love excitement. If it is not for personal entertainment, it is for selfish reasons, such in the above case; personal healing. It is growing in the realm of Christianity that we are drawn to where “Things are happening” and it does not matter if the word of God is being proclaimed or not. If it is proclaimed it is too often ignored, not heard, and God is not glorified.

In this day and age we ought to live to point others to Jesus Christ. Living in this world and living this life is not about you or me. For the Believer, the follower of Christ, it is solely about Him.

We live in a “Me too” culture, which makes it all about “Me”. This life is about Him. He was sent by the Father to die on the cross for our sins, was buried carrying our sins away, and He rose bodily from the grave justifying forever those who believe Him.

I believe Him. How about you? If you have not done so, now is the time to call out to Him in repentance and faith. He will hear and He will save you.

No Need of the Physician

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And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto His disciples, “How is it that He eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?” When Jesus heard it, He saith unto them,
“They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”      Mark 2:16-17

Who is in need of a physician? Any who are sick. Who is in need of healing? The cripple, the blind, the leper. Who is in need of the Savior? All who are lost in the black darkness of sin and its condemnation, and shame.

Jesus is addressing people in the text above who considered themselves already righteous. It is quite obvious they considered themselves so because of their judgment against “Publicans and sinners”.

The publicans were the tax collectors of Israel, who were Jewish collecting taxes for the Roman government. So they were hated and despised because the Jewish leaders and people considered them as betrayers of Judaism. Sinners was those who were prostitutes, thieves, murderers, and ruffians who did not obey the laws of God and in particular the religious leaders definition of the law.

Who is in need of salvation? The point blank answer is all who are of Adam’s race. There are none of us who are righteous in the eyes of God. Those who see themselves as righteous cannot be saved. Not until they have their eyes open to the truth that they need the righteousness of God Himself.

The Bible clearly tells us, “There is none who are righteous; no not one” (Romans 3:10); and that, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

So, no matter who you are, you are unrighteous before God, until He gives to You His own righteousness; and that is through the death of Jesus Christ His Son on the cross, His burial, and His resurrection from the dead.

By calling on the name of the Lord in repentance (turning from your sin to the Savior), and calling on His name you will be saved. “There is no other name by which we can be saved” (Acts 4:12).

 

An Eternal Decision

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I will make Thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise Thee for ever and ever.                            Psalm 45:17

But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, “Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you?” They said, “Barabbas.”
Pilate saith unto them, “What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?” They all say unto him, “Let him be crucified.” And the governor said, “Why, what evil hath he done?” But they cried out the more, saying, “Let him be crucified.”                                    Matthew 27:20-23

It would be the last day of Jesus’s ministry in His physical body on earth. It was why He had came. Yet this was done by evil hearts and minds of individuals who hated Him and the light which He had brought into this world. The light that would drive away the black of the night of sin.

It was the last moments of His trial. The governor Pilate had given them a question, “Who do you want me to release to you? Barabbas or Jesus?” Now Barabbas was a murderer, of which there was no doubt. Jesus was innocent, pure, spotless, and clean with absolutely no sin in His life. And the crowd yells, “Give us Barabbas.”

Now Pilate gives the people another question, “What shall I do then with Jesus who is called Christ?” This is and eternal question that still rings through every hill, mountain and valley around the world. It is a question every man, woman and child must answer, and the answer is an eternal decision we must make.

If we deny Jesus when He says, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father, except through Me” then we are saying with the above crowd, “Give us Barabbas, and crucify Jesus.” If we deny the Son we deny the Father and there is no truth in us.

I have made the decision. I choose Jesus as my Lord and Savior. He is the only way of salvation. Those who make claims of there being other ways deny the truth of Christ Jesus, deny His word, and deny the Father God.

Your decision is an eternal decision.

Out of Egypt

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And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, and take the young Child and His mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.”
When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night, and departed into Egypt: and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt have I called My Son.”                                       Matthew 2:13-15

Matthew tells us of the angel of the Lord coming to Joseph in a dream saying, “Take the young Child and flee into Egypt” and it was because of Herod. All of this was the fulfilling of Old Testament prophecies concerning the killing of the innocents in verse 18 of this chapter; a prophecy of the prophet Jeremiah chapter 31 and verse 15.

It is also referring to a prophecy of Hosea 11:1, “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.” Though this prophecy is related to God’s gracious deliverance of Israel out of Egyptian bondage it is also pointing to God’s fulfilling His promise to save out of the world all who would come to Him through His Son Jesus.

Egypt is a picture of the world and the wickedness within it. God sent His Son Jesus into the world to show His love for the world, and to deliver out of the world all who would turn from their sin to Him.

It was the wicked world who crucified the perfect Lamb of God, giving Himself willingly dying for our sins, He was buried not only proving His death but also carrying away all our sin, shame and condemnation (Leviticus 16 the scapegoat taken into the wilderness never to be seen again), then on the first day of the week (Sunday) Jesus came out of the grave alive forever more.

He is calling all who will hear Him, out of Egypt. Do you hear. Believe Him

Invitation

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Jesus saith unto them,
“Come and dine.”
And none of the disciples durst ask Him, “Who art Thou?” knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.
This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.                                              John 21:12-14

How marvelous it is to hear our Savior invite is to come to Him. How sweet it must have been for the disciples, after the Lord had revealed Himself, after His resurrection; to hear Him say, “Come and dine.”

Since the fishermen had decided to go back to fishing; probably due to their not knowing what to do; they did what they knew.

When they have gotten back near the shore they see a man, not knowing yet that it was the risen Jesus, and He has told them to cast their net on the right side. They did and caught a great number of fish (153).

Jesus has got them to come ashore, hauling in the great catch, and He has fish cooking on the coals of fire, and gives them a call to come and dine.

When we are busy about our tasks in life, and at times do not think about the Lord, we come to realize the Lord is there waiting for us, and He has the meal, the meat, the grace, the love and mercy already for us to partake.

Hear Him when He says, “Come and dine.”

Know The Father And The Son

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“If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him.”
Philip saith unto Him, “Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.” Jesus saith unto him,
“Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou, ‘Shew us the Father?’ Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works’ sake.”                                                                                  John 14:7-11

What can be said to help in understanding the words of Jesus? If you know Jesus you know the Father also. If you know the Father you know the Son. If you believe the Father you believe the Son. If You believe the Son you believe the Father.

If you see the Son you see the Father. If you see the works of Jesus You see the works of the Father. Believe Him.