A Life Under Control

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And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
Ephesians 5:18-21

Many people have no control of their lives, or they feel like other people or things, or troubles, sickness or something else controls them. I hope you are not one of them.

The Bible text of Ephesians 5:18 and following verse 20 of chapter 6, is speaking of a Christian having and living a life filled with the Holy Spirit of God. What does verse eighteen say about control, “Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit…” that is, do not be controlled by any thing other than the Spirit of God Himself. You notice the behavior of those who get drunk on alcohol, and/or drugs,  they have no control of their own actions. They stumble around, and many times fall. If they drive a car, they can hit another car or pedestrian on the side of the road, a not even realize what they have done.

When the Christian is filled with the Spirit of God, which is Christ in you, you have the heart to sing song of melody, Psalms of praises and adoration to the Lord. In your marriage and in your family you will follows the principles between the husband and the wife (5:22-33).

The children will follow the principles of chapter 6:1-4.

We are even given the filling of the Holy Spirit in our place of employment. These verses are applicable to the work place chapter 6:5-9. The employer is  also included, that if he is a Christian man he is by the filling of the Holy Spirit treat his employs right, paying them rightly, and treating them like brethren.

Lastly, but finally, we are to get suited up daily for the battles of the day ahead. It is the filling of the Spirit that encourages us to do this everyday, “Put on the whole armor of God.” That includes the committing our selves to soaking up the word of God, hiding His word in our hearts that we might not sin against Him (Psalm  119:11).

If you desire to have control of your life, give your life to the One who died for you. His name is Jesus. He died for our sins on a cross, was buried, and He rose from the dead. When He ascended a few days later He sent His Spirit to live in all those who will believe in Him. That same Spirit will guide you, and He will fill you to overflowing. Call on His name in faith.

Also read Galatians 5:16-26.

 

Another Jesus?

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What is this “Another Jesus” all about? What does the Apostle Paul mean by being jealous over these Christians in Corinth? Let’s look and see from our text and others.

Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.  For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.  But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.  For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
2 Corinthians 11:1-4

The Apostle Paul loved the Corinthians Christians with great love, and did not want them to be drawn away from the Christ that he preached of. The Jesus Paul preached, and the Jesus some preached were two different people.  For instance consider these…

  1.  The true Jesus is the Son of God – the Incarnation of God; the other Jesus is not;
  2.  The true Jesus was crucified on the cross dying for our sins was buried and rose again; the other Jesus died and was buried, but did not rise again.
  3.   The true gospel is that we are saved by grace alone, by faith alone; the other gospel you are saved by law and grace.

If the Jesus you worship, trust in, and is all love, and does not hate sin, neither condemns sin, that is not the Biblical Jesus. You are worshiping a god of your own minds doing..

Jesus Christ, born as a baby, became a flesh and blood man, who gave His life for us sinners. He is the Son of God, God the Son, and He was the perfect sacrifice for sin fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. That same Jesus is returning, and I am praying, “Come Lord Jesus,” because I greatly desire to meet Him face to face.

How about you? Do you know the true Christ who died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose again to life?

The Gospel Is Hidden

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Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;  but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.  But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.  For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:1-6

The gospel is many times rejected, because the god of this age; who is Satan; has blinded the eyes of those who are lost. Most of the time that is due to the fact of their ignorance of God, and of God’s word.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is Light in the darkness.  It shows us what is holy, righteous, just and true; and changes the lives of those who believe. The gospel is this – That Jesus Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again. To believe this and trust in this great work for our salvation, will lead you to Himself, and you will call on His name, and He will hear your cry, and He will deliver you from the darkness of death into His glorious light.

The Resurrection’s Promise

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The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not only truth, it is historical truth, and the evidence is in those who witnessed the Person of the resurrected Christ. There were, in all more than 500 witnesses.

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.  For since by man came death, by Man came also the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at His coming.  Then cometh the end, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.  For He must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet.  The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.  For He hath put all things under His feet. But when He saith all things are put under Him, it is manifest that He is excepted, which did put all things under Him.  And when all things shall be subdued unto Him, then shall the Son also Himself be subject unto Him that put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.
1 Corinthians 15:20-28

The Apostle Paul was one of those witnesses. He met Jesus on the road to Damascus with orders from the high priest of Judaism, to capture and even to torture and kill any who professed faith in the risen Lord. However, when he  met Jesus he had his life completely turned around (Acts 9).

In these verses of Scripture is evidence also of a promise of God, of rapture of the Church of Jesus Christ. Paul gives us information that things are in order as it cannot be confusion. So here is the order of events that take place after the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

  1.  Jesus Christ is raised first, and His ascension into the heavens;
  2.  Then those who are His at the time of His coming for the purpose of getting His own;
  3.  Then the end when He has delivered the kingdom of God, even the Father, and He puts down all rule, authority, and powers;
  4.  He must reign till all enemies are put under His feet; the last enemy being death.

The Father will put everything under His feet, except Himself. When all other things are under His feet the Son will be subject to the wholeness of the God head. That God may be all in all. Then there will be universal peace, and no disagreement that God is sovereign over all.

There is a resurrection in type that take place when you come to faith in Jesus Christ. You are dead in sin, then when you receive Christ as your Lord and Savior you are no longer dead, but alive to God, and your will, and selfish desires are no longer important to you.

In Christ Jesus we have the promise of the resurrection to come. In that resurrection we shall forever be with the Lord. If you have not received that promise, all you need to do is call on His name confessing your sin, turn from  it, believing in the work of Christ on the cross, His burial, and resurrection. You will receive salvation and have eternal life.

Bought and Paid For

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Sometimes we purchase things without paying for them, except on credit. That is probably not the best way to buy things, but sometimes necessary to get what one needs.

Our topic for today does not anything to do with finances. It does have to deal with our bodies. Here is our Scripture text for today –

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.  What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20

This letter of First Corinthians was written to a wayward, thought they were loving congregation who closed their eyes to those who were sexually immoral. In chapter 5 Paul mentions one in the church, a young man, is having sex with his father’s wife. The Corinthian Church was doing nothing about it. It was evidently well known to all the congregation.

Paul tells them if a man joins himself with a harlot, then he becomes one with her. The Apostle, then speaks those words, “You were bought with a price.” He tells us that we are not our own.  Which means that as Christians this body we have is not ours to do with as we please. Being sexually immoral hurts your body and mind.

“What? Know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?” Quite clearly the apostle Paul is speaking to people he saw was Christians. So Christian, how is your life with the Lord? Are you living outside of God’s direction? Are you living with someone outside of marriage, the only place where sex is beautiful, and sanctified by God.

As a Christian we have been purchased by God with the shed blood of Jesus Christ. He gave his life that we might be freed from sin. He did not give us freedom to sin. Sexual immorality is harmful to all who participate in  it. You have no right to destroy your body, then your mind and soul.

Since we have been bought with the tremendous price of the blood of Jesus, then let us glorify God in our body and spirit which are God’s own possession.

The Revelation of the Mystery

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Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:  To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
Romans 16:25-27

These verses are a doxology to the Lord. Words of a hymn or praise to Him. What about the mystery? There is the revelation of the mystery, and that revelation is how the Gentiles can be saved by God, only partly, and mostly the whole counsel of God.

There is much in the Gospel of Jesus Christ that is revealed to us through the knowing of Christ such as the Incarnation of God – God became flesh and dwelt among us, The Trinity – the Holy Triune God. God becoming Man that He might die for His enemies, then to be buried, then to prove it all He is raised from the grave, which proves that all that He said, and taught is truth (Romans 1:4). It also proves all the words of Moses, the prophets, and the wisdom books of the Old Testament.

I am thankful that He has revealed Himself to me through His Spirit, by the Old and New Testaments.

If you will call on the name of Jesus through faith, believing that He died for your sins, was buried, and He rose from the dead you will be saved (Romans10:9-10).

Living Sacrifice

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This a call for Christians to give their lives for the cause of Jesus Christ,

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.   And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:1-2

The Christian is called to be dead to sin, but alive to righteousness and holiness; acceptable to God. The only way for us to be acceptable to God is through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. There is no other way.

This is not a call to martyrdom it is a call to living for Christ as a devoted, committed follower of the Christ who died for our sins. We cannot conform to the world, but to be transformed by the renewing of the mind, and that means, for myself at least, every day; maybe more than once a day, through the means of prayer, the reading and study of the word of God, by living as a true witness of the Lord Jesus. By the renewing of our minds and being a faithful witness of Jesus we prove what is that good and acceptable will of God. We will always accept the perfect will of God

Be a living sacrifice for Jesus Christ

A Storm In Life

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We all face storms in our lives. Actual storms in weather patterns and in day to day life and living. God’s people, followers of Jesus Christ, are not immune to any of these storms either.

One of the storms of my life has been, since September 22, 2023 I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and it  is not a pleasant thing to deal with. God is so good. He has given me a family: my wife, our sons and daughters and their spouses have been so helpful in helping in so many ways. This is the storm I am dealing with, as it seems sometimes to be getting worse. I still mow our yard. I can still drive, but I do not know how much longer I should. I am not scaring my wife yet. Well that is enough about that.

When Paul was on a ship headed to Rome, he had warned them of danger if they left Crete at that time scheduled. When they had been in the storm for fourteen days, here are the apostle’s words,

But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, “Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.  And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.  For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, saying, ‘Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.’  Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.  Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.
Acts 27:21-26

The Lord had sent an angel to Paul, and told him to “Fear not”, there would be no loss of life, they would be grounded, the ship being destroyed, and that the Lord had given him all those who were on the ship with him, including the ship master, the soldiers guarding him and the other prisoners.

Storms are sometimes very frightening. It is always comforting and encouraging to know that God has these things in His Almighty hands. Even when that storm is your feet feeling like they are slipping, and they are not. Even when you balance is gone awry. When you are falling down more than you ever did. Even when it feels as though you are losing your strength, and you have no energy to go on. Have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not be afraid. “Fear not,” said the angel of the Lord to Paul; and to you and me.

Christ Jesus died so that we might be forgiven all our sins. He was buried in a borrowed tomb. He rose up out of that tomb, and came out alive forever more. Through Him we too are alive forever more. Believe Him, and be saved.

Preaching Jesus To The Scriptural Illiterate

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Paul the apostle to the Gentiles is in Athens, Greece at the time of this message. He is standing and walking through an area where there were many altars to the gods that they worshiped there. When the people asked him what this new doctrine (teaching) he shared Jesus with them without the Scriptures, and spoke to them through the altar they had to “The Unknown God.”

“Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.  And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised him from the dead.”  And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, “We will hear thee again of this matter.”
So Paul departed from among them.  Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
Acts 17:29-34

Paul’s sermon begins at verse 22, and continues through verse 31; a very short, yet powerful testimony of the good news of Jesus Christ. He uses their worship to the Unknown God, to point to the name of the One true God, whose Son Jesus Christ showing that through Him only will come judgment on the whole world. This was a different culture, and they were not knowing of the Jewish and Christian God, but they heard of it from Paul.

God calls for all people to repent of their sins. The time of God’s overlooking sins of the Gentiles is over. He tells then that God has given assurance to all that He has raised His Son from the dead. When Paul mentioned the resurrection of the dead we are told that some mocked, and others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.” There were also some who believed and went with him when he departed.

Maybe we a Christians need use the knowledge God has given us about Himself, and of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the times we live in, to point people to  Jesus. We must know the Scriptures. We must know Jesus most of all. There is no room for Biblical or Scriptural ignorance, or illiteracy.

Many of us are ignorant of a lot of things, some of which we do not need to be knowledgeable of. The Bible is one we need to be knowledgeable  of. You will never know the Scriptures if you never read it, and you cannot know God and His Son Jesus except through the word of God; the Scriptures.

Not Only Forgiven, We Are Also Justified

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And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath.  Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.  And the next Sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.  But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.  Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.  For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, ‘I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.’ ”  And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
Acts 13:42-48

On the Acts 13 and verses 38 through 52 “Through the Bible Day by Day,” by F. B. Meyer, Meyer has written…

The doctrine of justification by faith, so closely associated with the work of Paul, is here stated for the first time. In Jesus there is forgiveness. For those who trust in Him past sins are absolutely put away, never to be named again, never to be brought up at any future judgment day. Our record is as clear as the sand which has been swept smooth by the ocean waves. We are not only forgiven, but justified. We are treated as though we had never sinned, and are justified from all things. It is a present fact. You may not feel justified or forgiven, but if you are trusting in Jesus, you are at this moment as certainly and as fully justified as have been the saints in heaven.
Pride, as well as jealousy of the Gentiles who were crowding into the fold, stirred the Jews to antagonism, but they could not eradicate the seed which had been so profusely scattered. Large numbers believed, and as they experienced salvation in Christ, they discovered that they were in line with an eternal purpose. This is the meaning of ordained in Act_13:48. If with such slight opportunities, the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit, Act_13:52, should we not possess the same experience?

The Gospel of Jesus Christ was first to be taken to the Jewish people, but we can see that many rejected. Then the Gospel was given to the Gentiles. All people in any nation on earth can call on the name of Jesus Christ and be forgiven and Justified.

Not only is there forgiveness of sin through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, those who believe are Justified, declared righteous by God Himself.

The Power Of The Confession of Faith

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Confession of faith in Jesus Christ, and His finished work on the cross.

Then the Spirit said unto Philip, “Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.” And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, “Understandest thou what thou readest?”  And he said, “How can I, except some man should guide me?” And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the Scripture which he read was this,

“He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened He not his mouth:  In His humiliation His judgment was taken away: and who shall declare His generation? for His life is taken from the earth.”

And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, “I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? Of himself, or of some other man?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same Scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, “See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” And Philip said, “If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Acts 8:29-38

The place where the eunuch was reading was Isaiah 53 and verse 7. He was probably reading the whole book, but at that moment chapter 53.

The man in the chariot was struggling with understanding what he was reading. Philip shows up, and the man asks him to join him in the chariot. Philip does and begins explaining that those Scriptures dealing with Jesus Christ. Most everything written in the Old Testament is about Jesus the Messiah who was going to come. Now He has come, and something happened that no one expected; He died on a cross for our sins. He was buried, and He rose up out of that grave alive forever more.

The eunuch sees a pool of water, and asks Philip, “What is there keeping me from being baptized?” Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart yo may.” He very quickly responded with, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” That is a powerful confession of faith in Christ Jesus, and Philip and the eunuch got out of the chariot, and both of then went into the water. Philip baptized the man.

In order for a soul, and individual to be delivered from sin and iniquity, and become a child of God, that must be one’s confession; Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.  Peter’s confession in Matthew 16 and verse 16 was “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Is that your confession today?

This Book and Eternal Life

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And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.
John 20:30-31

John loved  the Lord Jesus. He believed the words Jesus spoke, the life He lived, and he believed in the death of Jesus, His burial, and in His resurrection. After the empty tomb was discovered by Mary Magdalene and the others that were with her, Peter and John raced to the tomb, where John beat Peter to the empty grave John stopped, and Peter went on in, finding the head covering wrapped in a place alone, but the linen burial clothes were like the body of Jesus disappeared within them.

John notes that many other signs and miracles were done by Jesus before His death, but they are not all written in this book. This book is written so that in the reading of it that the reader would believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. All four of the Gospel accounts -Matthew, Mark, Luke,  and John – show His Deity, but none so clearly and powerfully as John.

This is the first one of the Gospels I suggest that a new believer read, study and hear. Do not begin in the Old Testament you will get bogged down, and lose interest. Read John’s Gospel account, and then read First, Second, and Third John. Then you can read the other three Gospel accounts, and the other New  Testament book of Acts, all the other Letters [Epistles], and the Revelation. Just a suggestion,  but whatever you do if you are new to the faith of Christ Jesus, read the word so you will be empowered and led by the Spirit of God. After this you can read the Old Testament,  and be greatly blessed reading Genesis through Malachi.

These words of John were written so that those who believe will have eternal life. Life in and through the Lord Jesus begins the moment you believe Him. Believe Him, and you will live forever with Him.

The Prayer of Jesus

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Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.  And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one:  I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved Me.
John 17:20-23

In chapter 17 of the Gospel of John we have the longest prayer Jesus has recorded in Scripture. The only other prayers He prayed are those that were prayed when was asking the Father to raise the dead Lazarus or to heal a certain individual.

The so called “Lord’s Prayer” was an instruction of how we ought to pray.

What catches my attention in this seventeenth chapter of John is; not only is He praying for Himself His praying for His followers – those who believe in Him – as well. He was not only praying those present day followers but for all who would believe through their preaching and teaching His word.

He prayed for us all to be one as He and His Father are One. If there was ever a day when the people of God needed to be one in Christ Jesus it is now. All politics within Christ people must stop. All hatred and bitter talk must come to a swift end, or there will be  even greater division.

Notice also that God loves us, as He loves His only begotten Son.

The Baptizers Testimony of Who Jesus Is

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John the Baptizer was the messenger who introduced the Lamb of God, and prepared the way for the Messiah ‘s coming.  The Jews and some of John’s disciples were asking John about purification, and then asking him about Jesus also baptizing people as if to cause a rift between John and Jesus.  John’s response was who God says He is.

He must increase, but I must decrease.  He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: He that cometh from heaven is above all.  And what He hath seen and heard, that He testifieth; and no man receiveth His testimony.  He that hath received His testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.  For He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him.  The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into His hand.  He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
John 3:30-36

Notice, that John is not envious about Jesus baptizing others.  “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Then he says that Jesus has given testimony of what He has seen and heard, and no one receives His testimony, and that those who do receive Him seals the proof that God is true.

Jesus speaks the word of because He cannot do otherwise, because He Himself is Truth.

John testifies that Jesus is the Son of God, that the Father loves the Son, and has put all things in His hand. “All things were made by Him, and without Him was not everything made that is made.” John 1:3.

John gives us the testimony also that; the ones who believe on the Son has everlasting life, and that those who do not believe on the Son shall not see life. Those who do not believe on the Son have the wrath of God abiding on them.

When we believe the Father, we believe the Son; when we believe the Son we believe the Father (1 John 2:23-24). Jesus Himself tells us, “I and My Father are One” John 10:30.

Who do you say Jesus Christ is ? Your answer matters for where you will spend eternity.

A Tree For Each Of The Three

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And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on Him, saying, “If Thou be Christ, save Thyself and us.”  But the other answering rebuked him, saying, “Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?  And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this Man hath done nothing amiss.”  And he said unto Jesus, “Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom.”  And Jesus said unto him, “Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with Me in paradise.”
Luke 23:39-43

Each of these three were hanging on their own cross, and each cross was made from the wood of a tree.  The man on the right of Jesus was guilty. The on the left of Jesus was guilty, but Jesus the Man in the middle not only innocent of the charges brought against Him, He was innocent in all His living. He never sinned.

It is evident that the Man in the middle was an innocent Man. How?  You may ask. He never, while being nailed to the tree cursed those who had accused Him, neither did He speak vile words to those who nailed His hands and feet to that tree.  Instead He said, “Father forgive them they know not what they do” Luke 23:34.  Another example is in our text for the day. One of the condemned men, who had previously mocked Jesus on the cross, had realized that He [Jesus] was not a sinner, but the Savior.  Now, he is calling on Him to save Him; not from the cross but for the kingdom’s sake, he said, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom,.” How do you suppose he expected Jesus to do this since He was hanging on a tree? He recognized Jesus as the Messiah.

The response of the Man on the middle cross was given, and it was one of forgiveness. You could call the mans salvation, “A death bed confession and faith” because that is what it is.  Was that guilty man saved? Will he be in glory with the Lord Jesus Christ?  Most definitely He will. How do I know that?  Because of the  words of Jesus, the Man on the middle cross said to him, “Truly I say unto you, Today, you will be with Me in paradise.” That very day Jesus and that man went to paradise together.

One guilty man wanted Jesus to deliver them from the cross, one asked to be remembered in the kingdom that is coming, and one Man gave salvation to the who asked. It should have been me dying on that old cross, not Jesus the innocent One, who knew no sin. It should have been you who was hanged there, but just as Jesus took murderer, and insurrection leader’s place He took my place and yours.

Two men hanging on a tree on opposite sides of Jesus; one died in peace, knowing his eternal destination, the other died with darkness, and empty expectations, and is in eternal darkness, and burning flames. What made the difference?  The One on the tree in the middle.  His name is Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God. Yes He died on that tree for our sins. He was buried. He rose again and He lives eternally in a new body of flesh and bone (Luke 24:39).

Those Who Sit Down In The Kingdom of God

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And He said unto them,
“Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.  When once the Master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open unto us;’ and He shall answer and say unto you, ‘I know you not whence ye are:’ then shall ye begin to say, ‘We have eaten and drunk in Thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets,’ but He shall say, ‘I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from Me, all ye workers of iniquity.  There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.  And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.  And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.
Luke 13:24-30

There are many who are seeking to enter the kingdom of God, however they are wanting to enter in their own way, by their merit, by their own works, goodness, kindness or mercy; and God has given us only one way into His kingdom.

That one way is God’s way. If your sin debt is not paid there is but one thing you need to do, and it is not doing good deeds. We cannot earn a spot in the kingdom of God it is a gift of God. Your sin debt was paid for by the Perfect Lamb of God who is Jesus Christ, so He is the only way to God and into the kingdom.

People from all over the world – from the east, the west, north and south will come and sit down in the kingdom of God. Will you be one of them?

Put your trust and your life into the hands of the Christ who gave His life a sacrifice for our sins, dying on a cross, then being buried, and was raised up from the grave. Because He lives we live to receiving eternal life with Him in His glory.

 

Religious Without Jesus

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And the Lord said unto him, “Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.  Ye fools, did not He that made that which is without make that which is within also? But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you. But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.  Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.”
Luke 11:39-44

Religious folks always present a good outward appearance, mostly by using religious terminology of their own making; but on the inside are full of wickedness, and all kinds of evil.

God made both the outside and the insides of every one of us. Both are important. The Pharisees were really strict  on outward matters, working on appearances, maybe trying to change the heart and mind from the outside to the inside. Religion wants to be seen by men. That is certainly the way of most Pharisees. Those words spoken by Jesus in verses 39-44 began after host, who was a Pharisee, questioned Jesus about why He did not wash before eating. It was more a ceremonial thing. They had their traditions to keep. May God help you if you do not keep them, was the Pharisee mindset.

Jesus is the only One who can change the heart and mind. There are many who are religious, but without Jesus. Many of these people go to church worship services faithfully, and say they are alright with God, yet there has been no changing in their hearts and minds. They know about Jesus, but they know not Jesus.

Jesus recognized the Pharisees principles of tithing, but they did not practice the godly acts of a fair, just, and equitable judgment, and the love of God. It is written,  ” If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. ”  James 1:26-27

Religion without Jesus is bondage to rules, laws, and traditions. Those who trust Jesus as their Lord and Savior, are free from sin, death, and hell; we are free to worship God as much as we choose, we have the freedom to live a righteous life to glorify the name of our great God and Savior. We have freedom to live for Him, and to share Him with others who need Him.

He died on the cross for our sins, becoming sin for us, smitten by the Father in His wrath, dying and buried, and rising from the grave the third day, conquering sin, death, and the grave. You can call on His name and be saved unto eternal life.

A Man With A Promise

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The man had been promised by the Spirit of God that he would see the Messiah of God before he would die. When Jesus came into the temple, carried by His mother, at the age of 8 days; and for His naming, and circumcision; the Holy Spirit revealed to him that the Messiah was in the temple. Simeon was the man who had waited for many years, believing God’s promise to him that he would not die until he would see Him come.

Simeon, then spoke these words –

Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Luke 2:29-32

It was about four hundred years since God had spoken, as far as can be told. God had come visiting. Now how would the people respond?

The promises of God are for real. Simeon had received one, and God did not fail to come true.

We have received promise from God as well through His Son, whom Simeon waited for; and it this same Jesus for whom we also waiting to come back, and take us home with Him. Just as the promise was kept by the Lord GOD for His first coming, so will He keep the promise, His promise, “I will come again, and I will receive you unto Myself…”(John 14:3). We must hang on to that promise, and live for Him as if  He was coming today.

Let those of us who are in Christ Jesus, and He in us live in the promise, trusting His word. His word is good. You can stand on it.

By trusting the promise of eternal  life for all who will call on the name of Jesus who died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose again, just as He said; one day He will come and receive us into His glory.

When Will Jesus Christ Come Again?

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This is not date setting question. It can mean that someone is questioning whether the promise; or the prophecy; is even true. It also could be that one wants to know what signs tells ahead of time when He is returning.  Our text for today…

“Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: so ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.  Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.  Heaven and earth shall pass away: but My words shall not pass away.”
Mark 13:28-31

We must understand that no one knows the day or the hour, however we can see signs that His second coming is near. There is a disappearance of all who are Christians, and there are no signs that happening, so we must remain ready to go at any time. That itself will be a sign that His return is very near.

Jesus says, “Now learn a parable of the fig tree” (Mark 11:12,) and the thoughts of the disciples must have brought to mind the fig tree Jesus pronounced death upon in Mark chapter 11 and verses 12 through 14 and 20 through 24. That fig tree had wilted immediately; it was not noticed by the writer of this Gospel until the next day, as they walked by.

The lesson of the fig tree is most likely the rising up of the Nation of Israel again, The fig tree in many instances of Scripture show the prophets and Jesus using the fig tree as an illustration of the nation – a leafed out fig tree with no fruit, and then found dead.

Just to remind the reader, the land of Israel was recognized as a nation by the United Nations on May 14, 1948. That is one of the first signs for this generation.

Jesus stands on His word. The word of God will stand forever. “Heaven and earth will pass away;but My word shall not pass away.” If He said it, and He did, then His word will come to pass. Not one word will fail.  The question now is are you ready to meet Him?

Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins, He was buried to take our sins away casting them as far away as the east is from the west – leaving them there, and then He rose up from the grave giving us eternal life and proving every word He had spoken.

First Witnesses of the Resurrection

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And the angel answered and said unto the women, “Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.  He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.  And go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead; and, behold, He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see Him: lo, I have told you.”  And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring His disciples word.
Matthew 28:5-8

It would have been a wonderful thing to have walked with Jesus while He walked here on this planet He loved so strongly, that He was willing to give His life for all who would believe in Him.

O, what a sad, and grievous day. It was the day He was crucified, and died after going through such treacherous torture, and abuse at the hands of men who hated Him, despised and rejected Him. The One who had did no sin, having become sin for us died a brutal and cruel death, and the rejection of His Father to the extent that He cries out in the darkness, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me” (Matthew 27:45-46). He could have called ten thousand to His aid, but He did not. He was faithful to the Father through the abuse and the lies told about Him, and through the rejection of the Father; because He cannot “Look upon sin” (Habakkuk 1:13).

Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb given to Him by a wealthy man, thus fulfilling the Scriptures of Isaiah 53:9. In the life of Jesus, and in His death He  fulfilled all the prophecies of the Old Testament concerning the coming of the Messiah; even in His death.

Something happened three days following His death. It was a glorious event, a marvelous thing that happened. I personally would call it the greatest event in human history. Jesus came out of that tomb alive. He had gotten up off of that stone bed, and still wrapped in His burial wraps, took them off, and laid them aside with head wrap, folded and by itself laid aside.

Then women came to the tomb to see it, and to see about rolling the stone away from the door, so they could enter. This took place on the first day of the week [Sunday]. When they arrived at the sepulcher and the stone rolled away by an angel, and they begin to be afraid. This being, this angel tells them, “Fear not. You look for Jesus. He is not here, for He has risen just as He said.” O, the shock, and the awe of that moment when they see this man/angel, then hear him speak saying that Jesus is not here. He has risen just as He said.

Then, the women follow the instructions given them my this heavenly messenger. They go and tell the disciples. As they were going to tell the disciples what the visitor had said, they met Jesus alive, fall down and worship Him, holding onto His feet, and He gives the women the same message the angel had given them, “Go into Galilee, and they shall see Me” (Matthew 28:8-9).

You may have trouble understanding the gospel of Jesus Christ, however it is the only means by which we can be saved unto Christ, and eternal life. You are not as good as you think you are. You are more evil than you believe yourself to be. You will become a hateful, negative, despiteful human being, full of sin, and  hardened heart toward all that is holy and righteous, if you continue to reject Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.

Will you call on His name today?

Fig Trees and Mountains

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Jesus answered and said unto them, “Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, ‘Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea;’ it shall be done.  And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”
Matthew 21:21-22

These words of Jesus are spoken by Jesus as they leave Bethany, He has seen a fig tree from a distance, it has leaves, but when Jesus gets there it has no figs. He was wanting a fig to eat. The tree was advertising that it had something it did not have. Jesus said the the fig tree, “Let no fruit grow on you henceforward forever,” and the fig tree wilted.

This caught the disciples attention, and they were amazed I am sure. Then Jesus tells us that not only can He do that if we have faith without doubting then we can say to a mountain “Be cast into the sea;’ and it shall be done.” Now this seems almost unbelievable, but so does many things that Jesus did. He did it with faith, believing that He is the Son of God, the Son of Man. Here stood the Incarnation of the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and all things submitted to His authority. His words cause me to rejoice that that authority is given to me, but I feel that I doubt too much as well.

I have faith that what  He says is true. Everything He does is true. I trust Him. We need to know that faith is a gift from God, so our faith, must be in Him alone. We do not have faith in faith, that is idolatry. We are to have faith in God, and His Son, and the Holy Spirit. Faith in the Trinity of God means that we will not selfishly pray for stuff we do not need, nor things that might be harmful to us; but for things according to His name.

When things are prayed for according to His will, or that is, in His name, then we will see wilted fig trees and moving mountains.

These things are not possible without knowing Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord of your life. Believe that He died on the cross for your sins, that He was buried, and that He rose and came out of the grave alive forever more. Call on His name turning away from Your sin to Him..

Going Up To Jerusalem

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I have heard froAnd Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,
“Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of Man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn Him to death, and shall deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify Him: and the third day He shall rise again.”
Matthew 20:17-19
m Bible scholars, and teachers, many of whom have been to Jerusalem; that no matter from which we you are coming to Jerusalem, you are always going up to Jerusalem.

The Lord Jesus had His eyes set on the one day that He would go to the city one final time, and He would give His life that the world might be saved.

Hear what Jesus says,

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

Though, it is not written as the words of Jesus chapter 16:21 tells us that Jesus told them that He was going to Jerusalem, suffer and die, and that He would rise again. It never seemed to sink into their understanding. Then He tells them once again in chapter 17:22-23 and they still do not get it. They believed that He was the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:13-19).

The twelve disciples were blinded by their own understanding of what the Messiah was supposed to do. They were possibly come to understand, and believe that the Messiah was only a Savior for the Jew, and not the Gentile. They did not understand the meanings of the prophecies of His first coming, they were thinking the Christ was coming to conquer Rome and deliver Israel and set up His kingdom on earth. They were wrong, and soon found that out.

Every prophecy concerning the Messiah was fulfilled in the coming of Christ as a suffering Servant, and He was faithful, even to death on the cross (Philippians 2:8).

As we are getting near the end of the Gospel according to Matthew, we know that what Jesus spoke was true, and is still true; Christ Jesus died for our sins. It is not the best way of salvation; it is the only way of salvation. No one will be saved by keeping the law, or by living by the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus and His death, burial, and resurrection is the only way.

The Fruit of Words

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People, we have gotten careless with our words. We disagree with a friend or foe, and we suddenly find ourselves in the middle of a personal war, not understanding what has been said, by another. Accusing another of saying something they did not say.

Cursing and swearing and using the name of the Lord God in vain. I am not so sure that cursing a neighbor might be taking the Lord’s name in vain as well.

We all need to learn to listen, more than speak. Well what is the fruit of our words? Let us see what Jesus says,

Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.  O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.  A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.  For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Matthew 12:33-37

What we speak comes from the heart. The abundance of the heart comes from what we put into our lives. If you spend your life after things, objects to possess, or finding a way to be more attractive, wealthy, or powerful, then the abundance of your heart will have you speaking words of death, and not life.

As Christians we need to be feeding our thinking and thoughts with the word of God, so that when we speak we speak words of the abundance of wealth that we have through Jesus Christ. Wealth is not necessarily material. It also can be a life that is at peace with God, one’s self, and with others; speaking words of life.

Jesus says, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” so if that be the case fill your heart with the holy and good things. Words that glorify God, will be a step in the right direction. Songs with words that lift up the name of Jesus will be a way of filling your heart.

Note that Jesus also says, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

We had at best be watching what and how we use our words. When we use name calling someone something that is a way of ruining their person or character that is the kind of words that lead to destruction. When we speak words of truth with the love of God upon them, then that leads to justification.

When we have Jesus as our Lord and Savior, then we ought always speak the words that lead to life and godliness.

If you have not heard; Jesus is the Incarnation of God who came to earth to die for the sins of Adam’s race that we might receive forgiveness for our sin, and be justified by God. He died, He was buried, and He rose again. Call on Him today and you will receive eternal life, freedom from the bondage of sin and death.

The Fulfilling of the Law, and the Prophets

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Think not that I am come to destroy the Law, or the Prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.  For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:17-20

The following is from October 10, 2017. There is one verse from the Revelation that I feel compelled to add, and that is

And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, “See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. ” Revelation 19:10

Many a man and woman have said something like this, “I live by the Sermon on the mount”. My thought when I hear that, though I usually say nothing is, “O really.” Do we think about what Jesus says in the sermon? It is stronger than the law. The law says, “Do not commit adultery”. Jesus says, “If a man looks at a woman with lust he is guilty of adultery”. Now tell me that you live by the Sermon on the Mount.

In the words of Jesus above Jesus is declaring that He is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. He did not destroy them, or lay them aside, He is their fulfillment. Jesus is what they spoke of and what they speak of.

When reading the Scriptures from Genesis through the Revelation we can see Jesus. He is creating in Genesis 1, and He is finishing His great salvation in Revelation 22.

From the comma to the final period of the law, all will be fulfilled, and it will take place while there is a heaven and an earth. All through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Righteousness is a good thing. True righteousness comes through the faith of Jesus Christ. All the righteousnesses of sinful men is as filthy rags before holy God (Isaiah 64:6). Our righteousness must come through the cross of Jesus. It must be given us by God Himself. Through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus we enter the kingdom of heaven.

Refiners Fire

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“Behold, I will send My messenger, and he shall prepare the way before Me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, He shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.  But who may abide the day of His coming, and who shall stand when He appeareth? For He is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: and He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.  Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.  And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not Me,” saith the LORD of hosts.
Malachi 3:1-5

“My messenger” mentioned in our text today was spoken of four hundred years before he came. His name is John, known as John the baptizer of the Baptist. The One that shall suddenly come to His temple is Jesus the Christ who sets up a New Covenant for His kingdom. That makes that same Jesus the Messenger of the covenant.

Malachi says that the messenger who is John is the one who is to get the people ready for the coming of Messiah,  and that the Lord is coming suddenly to His temple. “He shall come,”  saith the LORD of hosts.

John the Baptist is born to Zechariah and Elisabeth though they were of a great age, really a miraculous birth (Luke 1). It is marvelous and amazing and spectacular that God shows up in a place that the people have prayed for, yet many miss out on the events.  Six months after Elisabeth conceives John, a young family member of Elisabeth’s, by the name of Mary who is betrothed to Joseph, is confronted by Gabriel an angel of the Lord, and is told that she will have a Son, and that He is the Son of God, Most High. Mary is a virgin, she has never been with a man, and tells the angel so. The Holy Spirit of God comes on her, and she conceives, and about six months after John’s birth, Jesus is born.

John and Jesus may have played together as children. John was a sinner. Jesus was without sin. John preached along the Jordan River, and many people heard His words of warning and great promise of One who was coming that was greater than he. Jesus came walking to see John, and as he saw Jesus coming he says, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29, 36).

The religious leaders, most of them, hated Jesus and all that He taught the people. Much of their hatred for Him was envy, because He could draw a crowd, with signs and wonders, miracles of healing, and healing lepers, casting out demons, ever raising the dead to life. He did no evil. He is the Son of God and He  is God the Son. One with the Father (John 14:9-11).

Herod killed the Baptist by beheading him, and Jesus Christ died on a cross, becoming sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. He was buried, and He rose from the grave proving that all that He taught, all that He said was truth. Without the work of Jesus Christ on the cross, without the burial, and without the resurrection of Jesus Christ there is no hope for Adam’s race (mankind).

Will you make a one hundred eighty degree turn from your broken, sin filled life to Jesus. He will comfort, encourage and strength you, your life will change for the good, and you will have eternal life. Will you call on His name today?