Church!

"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another to provoke [motivate] one another unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together [not staying away from our worship meetings], as the manner of some is; but exhorting [encouraging] one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching [especially now that the day of his return is drawing near]." - Hebrews 10:23-25 KJV

ONE GOD

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." - Deuteronomy 6:4-5 KJV

                                           Put On the Whole Armour of God - Ephesians 6:10-20

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." - Ephesians 6:10-20 KJV

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:4

"And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" - Acts 10:45-47

                                                                 

Whatever bad habit we have allowed ourselves to get into, whatever addiction that may have crept into our life, if we give ourselves to Jesus, through Him we can overcome it and have victory.

"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." - 1 Corinthians 15:57

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

Because Jesus overcame the world, through obedience to the gospel (Acts 2:38), we can overcome the world.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation." - Acts 2:38-40

We must settle in our mind that we are going to do all in our power to turn from sin.

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." - 1 John 2:15-17

When we have been baptized in Jesus name, we have the authority of Jesus name to call on. When we have received the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Jesus in us, we have the power within us that goes beyond our own power, to turn from bad habits and addictions.

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." - Acts 1:8

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13

"And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." - Romans 13:11-14

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." - 1 John 4:4

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? ... Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." - 2 Corinthians 6:14, 17-18

Being filled with the Holy Ghost, going to church and hearing the preaching of the Word of God, assembling and fellowshipping with those of like precious faith, we can receive the wisdom, instruction, and encouragement we need to overcome temptation.

"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." - Romans 8:37

"But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. ... But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." - Romans 6:17, 22

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 KJV

"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;" - Hebrews 12:14-15

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." - Ephesians 4:31-32

Part Two: What is the “First Day” of the week and what events occurred on the “First Day” of the week?

In Genesis 1, we read that God created the heavens and the earth in six days.

"Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made." - Genesis 2:1-2

The seventh day is called the Sabbath. It is Saturday.

The First Day of the week is Sunday.

There are a number of significant events that occurred on the First Day (Sunday) of the week.

Jesus was resurrected on the First Day (Sunday) of the week.

"In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre...

“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 28:1, 5-8

The First Day (Sunday) of the week is when news of Jesus’ resurrection was first proclaimed.

"Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept." - Mark 16:9-10

This is also recorded in Luke 24:1-12.

"Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them." - Luke 24:1

This same day, the First Day (Sunday) of the week, Jesus appeared to two of His followers on the way to Emmaus.

"And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them." - Luke 24:13-15

The First Day (Sunday) of the week is the day in which Jesus first appeared to His disciples.

"And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them... And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread. And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you." - Luke 24:33, 35-36

His appearance to His disciples on the First Day (Sunday) of the week is also recorded by John.

"Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. ... Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained." - John 20:19, 21-23

This is the “Great Commission” as found in the book of John. It is recorded by John that Jesus gave His disciples this “Great Commission” as they were gathered together on the First Day (Sunday) of the week.

"And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you." - John 20:26

John records Jesus’ next appearance to the disciples again on the First Day (Sunday) of the week. (“After eight days”)

It was on this same day, the First Day (Sunday) that Jesus gave His disciples His “Great Commission” as found in the book of Luke.

"And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." - Luke 24:46-49

Luke then records His ascension.

"And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven." - Luke 24:50-51

In the book of Acts, it is recorded that the disciples were assembled together on the First Day (Sunday) of the week to break bread and hear the preaching of Paul.

"And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight." - Acts 20:7

In Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth, he told them to be prepared with an offering on the First Day (Sunday) of the week.

"Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem." - 1 Corinthians 16:1-3

Other translations say, “On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned” and “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up.” The First Day of each week is Sunday.

John records, "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea." - Revelation 1:10-11

“The Lord’s day” (not the same as “The Day of the Lord”) refers to the First Day (Sunday) of the week. “The day on which Christ returned to life, Sunday therefore”. (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)

The “First Day” of the Week - Part One (of 2)

Most Christians go to church on the “First Day” of the week, which is Sunday.

The Jews call Sunday, “Yom Rishon,” which means “First Day.” “Yom” means “Day.”

With the exception of the Sabbath, the Jewish weekdays have no names; they are simply numbered. Thus, the number is the name of the day.

“Yom Rishon” is "First Day" which we call Sunday. “Yom Sheni” is "Second Day" which we call Monday. “Yom Sh'lishi” is "Third Day" which we call Tuesday, and so on. Saturday is the exception, which is called “Shabbat.” Shabbat is the seventh day, but it is always called “Shabbat.”

There are some instances where the “First Day” is “Yom 'Echad”, which is “Day One.” This is the case of the “First Day” in Genesis 1:5.

On the “First Day” of creation God said, “Let there be light.”

"And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day." - Genesis 1:3-5

The light was not something that was created, for God is light. Rather, light was manifested out of the darkness from where it had been concealed.

In the New Testament, this manifesting of light to shine out of darkness appears to refer to the mercy and glory of God in Christ.

"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 4:6

Through the infilling of Jesus' Spirit, the Holy Ghost, we have this same light and glory of God in us.

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." - 2 Corinthians 4:7 KJV

[We are like clay jars containing this great treasure, making it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.]

Jesus is the Light, and we are to be His light to this world. The only way we can be the light of Jesus to the world, is for us to turn from sin, to be baptized in Jesus name for the remission (washing away) of our sins, and to be filled with the Spirit of Jesus, the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

Thus, it seems appropriate for us to gather together as the church on the “First Day” of the week. The first day is when light appeared, and church is where we can learn about the true Light – Jesus!

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." - John 8:12

Church is where we can hear the gospel, where we can repent, be baptized in Jesus name, and receive the gift of His Holy Ghost, we too becoming light to the world!

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. ... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 5:14, 16

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call...

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:38-39, 42

(To be continued)

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." - John 3:5 KJV

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

"And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

“And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

“And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.

“But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you." - Mark 16:2-7 KJV

The message as we celebrate this Resurrection Morning?

Jesus of Nazareth which was crucified, He is risen! Go and tell!

"And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;

“Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;

“In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." - Genesis 3:17-19 KJV

Jesus, "the last Adam" died for the sin brought on by "first man Adam."

"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." - 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 KJV

"And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. ... The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven." - 1 Corinthians 15:45, 47 KJV

Jesus became cursed, just as the ground was cursed out of which Adam was formed.

"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:" - Galatians 3:13 KJV

"And unto Adam he said…cursed is the ground for thy sake…" - Genesis 3:17 KJV

Thorns came forth from the cursed ground, and Jesus was crowned with thorns.

“Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee…”- Genesis 3:18 KJV

"In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." - Genesis 3:19 KJV

"Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!" - John 19:5 KJV

Becoming cursed for us became His crown of glory.

"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man." - Hebrews 2:9 KJV (Psa 8:5)

In the garden of Gethsemane He sweat as it were great drops of blood, praying for the life of the world and the strength to offer His flesh - the bread - that He would give for the life of the world.

"And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground." - Luke 22:44 KJV

"I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." - John 6:51 KJV

"By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." - Hebrews 10:10 KJV

"But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Romans 6:22-23 KJV

In the days of the Temple, the Jews would eat bitter herbs with the Passover lamb to remind them of the bitter bondage from which God delivered them. Jesus our Passover Lamb was given vinegar to drink to remind us of the bitter bondage of sin from which God delivers us from.

The sponge with vinegar was put on hyssop, which was used in Egypt to spread the blood of the Passover lamb on the doorposts. (Exodus 12:22-23) When Jesus received the vinegar, He said, “It is finished.”

By Christ’s death and shedding of blood, the bitterness and bondage of sin was finished. We are slaves set free by the blood of Jesus. When we apply His blood upon the "doorposts of our house" by baptism in Jesus name (our Passover Lamb – “Christ our Passover”), the death angel must pass over us - we are saved by the blood of the Lamb!

"Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost." - John 19:29-30 KJV

"And they shall eat the flesh [of the lamb] in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it." - Exodus 12:8 KJV

"Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:" - 1 Corinthians 5:7 KJV

As a fulfillment of Christ being the Passover lamb, His bones were not broken.

"They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it: according to all the ordinances of the passover they shall keep it." - Numbers 9:12

"But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs…For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken." - John 19:33, 36

Instead of breaking His leg bones, they pierced His side.

From His side came blood and water, reminding us that while Adam’s bride Eve came from his side, the Bride of Christ came His side. (Revelation 1:5, John 7:38-39 – water and Spirit baptism)

"But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water." - John 19:34

"And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced." - John 19:37 (Zechariah 12:10)

"For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet." - Psalm 22:16

"And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none. For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. ... And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands." - Mark 14:55-56, 65 KJV

"And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate." - Mark 15:1 KJV

"Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him." - John 19:1 KJV

The number of stripes allowed by Jewish law was forty (Deut. 25:3). Scourging by the Romans, however, had no legal limit to the number of blows.

Their leather whips would be knotted with sharp pieces of metal designed to tear the flesh from the muscles, leaving deep lacerations and the loss of much blood. The victim of Roman scourging would be left "half-dead," while death was often the result.

"I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting." - Isaiah 50:6

"The plowers plowed upon my back: they made long their furrows." - Psalm 129:3

"As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:" - Isaiah 52:14 KJV (“…his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness" - Isaiah 52:14 NLT)

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." - Isaiah 53:5

To fulfill prophecy, Jesus went from scourging on to crucifixion.

"And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified." - Mark 15:15 KJV

While we faced the curse that comes with the law, Jesus took our place and became a curse for us, hanging on the cross fashioned from a tree. (Galatians 3:10)

"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:" - Galatians 3:13 (Deuteronomy 21:23)

"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." - 1 Peter 2:24

To be continued…

The calendar of events this week is comparable to the calendar at the time of Christ. The Jews celebrated Passover this past Monday. Jesus was crucified at the time of the Passover. It was in God’s divine timing that He chose to shed His blood for His people as the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world, the Passover Lamb, at the time of Passover.

Here are events that occurred during this time.

Jesus spoke to his disciples,

Luke 22:15 KJV - And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:

The Passover is a holy day recalling how the Lord passed over all the Hebrew homes which had the blood of the Lamb on their door posts, not allowing the destroyer to enter their house to smite them. Death came to all the firstborn males in Egypt that did not have the blood covering upon their house. (Exodus 12:12-14)

Just as a lamb was killed to save the firstborn males in the Hebrew homes, Jesus the Lamb of God was killed to save all those that apply his blood to their lives by baptism in Jesus name. Jesus is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29, Revelation 1:5)

The “arm of the LORD,” God in a human body, the “Son of man,” had a mission.

"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 20:18-19

"And in the evening he cometh with the twelve. And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me." - Mark 14:17-18 KJV

The bread at Passover – matzah – is called many names: "bread of affliction" "bread of poverty" "bread of proclamation" "bread of humility" "bread of faith" and the "bread of healing."

"And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body." - Mark 14:22 KJV

The fruit of the vine that is drank at Passover is usually red, since that is the color of blood. It is a reminder of slavery, when Israelite slaves were beaten and bled. It is a reminder of the freedom that came on the night before the Exodus when the Israelites were commanded to kill a sheep or goat and to smear its blood upon the door posts of their houses. This was the sign that the Israelite homes would be saved from the plague of the death that would come upon all the first-born sons of the Egyptians. And then the freedom that came when they left Egypt.

"And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many." - Mark 14:23-24 KJV

After the Passover Seder, they went out to the mount of Olives where He prayed.

"And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt." - Mark 14:36 KJV

"And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground." - Luke 22:44 KJV

When Jesus finished praying He said,

"Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand. And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders." - Mark 14:42-43 KJV

To be continued…

Jesus Cleansing the House of God

Before the Passover, Jews were to do an intensive cleaning, searching every room, every crevice, to be certain there was no leaven at all in the house. One symbol of leaven is sin.

"Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters." - Exodus 13:7

Before the Passover, Jesus went up to the temple in Jerusalem, the house of God, and conducted an intensive cleaning to make sure there was no “leaven” in the house. We become the house of God when we repent of our sins, and are cleansed by the blood of Jesus by water baptism in Jesus name, and are filled with His Spirit. Our “house” must be cleansed spiritually of all sin.

When Jesus cleansed God’s temple, it appeared to be full of mammon (money, treasure). There is only room for one God in His temple.

Our temple, which has become God’s house when we obey the gospel, must be cleansed of mammon and any other god substitutes that we have allowed to enter in.

"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 6:19-20 KJV

"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates [not standing the test, rejected]?" - 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." - Matthew 6:24 KJV

"And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, and found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: and when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; and said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal [passion] of thine house hath eaten me up [consumed me]." - John 2:13-17 KJV [From: Psalm 69:9]

What is, “The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up”? (“Passion for God’s house has consumed me.” NLT) Jesus with passion suffered and died so that we as God’s house could be cleansed of sin. (Acts 2:38)

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." - Matthew 6:19-21 KJV

"And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; and would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? [Isaiah 56:7] but ye have made it a den of thieves [Jeremiah 7:11]." - Mark 11:15-17 KJV (Also: Matthew 21:12-13)

Weeks before Passover, a search begins for “chametz” to eradicate it from our living space. Chametz means “leavened grain.”

"Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters." - Exodus 13:7

There is an intensive cleaning in Jewish homes throughout the world in obedience to this command to the Israelites. They search every room, every crevice of the home, car, office, backpacks, and handbags; any area that food could have been brought, to be sure there is no crumb of leaven found in all their living space. The eve of Passover is the deadline for completion. These living areas are to remain clean of leaven for seven days.

This spring cleaning in the spiritual sense is a command to all people today, Jews and Gentiles. We are to search ourselves and repent of any sin or evil we may find in our heart or our life.

"Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD." - Lamentations 3:40

"And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten." - Exodus 13:3

We can compare our spiritual journey with Christ to the journey of Passover. Jesus brought us out spiritual Egypt – the world, and out of the house of bondage of sin. He did this by the strength of His arm – “the arm of the LORD” – by paying the price of His blood for our sins.

Jesus brought us out of the bondage of sin, and death from sin, when He gave His life on the cross. Jesus is our Passover.

We follow Jesus, crucifying our flesh by repentance, following His burial by being buried with Him by baptism, following His resurrection by being filled with His Spirit. We are no longer slaves to sin.

"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." - Romans 6:6 KJV [“We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.” – Romans 6:6 NLT]

Just as the Israelites placed the blood of the lamb upon their house, we place the blood of the Lamb upon our house, our body. Just as lives were spared from death by the blood of the lamb applied to the doorposts and lintel, our lives are spared from spiritual death by the blood of the Lamb applied to our life by baptism in Jesus name.

The command, “there shall no leavened bread be eaten” can be compared to our new life in Christ, living a holy life overcoming sin, as Jesus told the man he healed at the pool of Bethesda, “Sin no more.”

"Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee." - John 5:14 KJV

And as Jesus told the woman taken in adultery, “Go, and sin no more.”

"When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?  She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." - John 8:10-11 KJV

The number seven represents completion. The Israelites were to have no leaven in their living space for seven days. In the spiritual, we are to completely remove sin from our life. Spiritually, we are to be unleavened.

"Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters." - Exodus 13:7

"Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." - 1 Corinthians 5:7-8

What is Passover – part 2

Passover has what is called a “Seder,” which is a dinner after nightfall on the first two nights of Passover. The “Seder plate” contains various foods symbolic of Passover. It includes matzah (unleavened bread) and “maror” (bitter herbs). In Hebrew, Passover is called “Pesach” which means “to pass over.” This is because God passed over the Jewish homes when killing the Egyptian firstborn on the very first Passover night.

Here is the Bible account of Passover:

"Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house...

And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it...

And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD'S passover...

And the blood shall be to you for a token [a sign] upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever. Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel...

And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever." - Exodus 12:3, 7-8, 11, 13-15, 17 KJV

During all the days of Passover, chametz (leaven) is strictly avoided. Leaven is the yeast that bread contains that makes it rise.

"Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." - 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 KJV

What is Passover?

Passover is an eight-day Jewish holiday that is celebrated in early spring. The Hebrew word for Passover is Pesach, which means “to pass over.” The holiday is called this because God passed over the Jewish homes when killing the Egyptian firstborn on the very first Passover night. This year, Passover begins on Monday, April 10^th after nightfall. Passover celebrates the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. It is described as the Festival of Liberation, the Festival of Freedom.

We can see many types and shadows in both the Old Testament account of Passover, as well as in the Jewish traditions for celebrating Passover today.

Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples.

"Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat... And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: for I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God." - Luke 22:7-8, 14-16 KJV

Jesus was crucified at the time of Passover.

"Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified." - Matthew 26:2 KJV

Jesus is called “our Passover.”

"Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:" - 1 Corinthians 5:7 KJV

To be continued…

Palm Sunday part 2

When king David was on his deathbed, his older son Adonijah attempted to take over the throne of Israel, even though his other son Solomon had been chosen by God to be the next king.

To show all of Israel that Solomon was the chosen king of Israel, David had Solomon ride into Jerusalem on his personal mule that only king David rode on.

"And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel." - 1 Chronicles 28:5

Bathsheba, the wife of David and mother of Solomon, spoke to David:

"And thou, my lord, O king, the eyes of all Israel are upon thee, that thou shouldest tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. ...

David called Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah:

“The king also said unto them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule, and bring him down to Gihon...

“And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon.

"And all the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth rent with the sound of them." - 1 Kings 1:20, 33, 39-40 [See 1Kings chapter one for the complete account]

This account of Solomon is a type and shadow of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on the donkey. Jesus is the promised son of David, the king of kings that brings salvation. His throne is forever, and His kingdom is forever.

To show all of Israel that Jesus is the chosen king of Israel, Jesus told his disciples to bring him a donkey that no man had ridden on.

"And it came to pass, when He drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, that He sent two of His disciples, saying, "Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here. "And if anyone asks you, 'Why are you loosing it?' thus you shall say to him, 'Because the Lord has need of it.' "" - Luke 19:29-31 NKJV (also Mark 11:2-3)

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the donkey, He displayed that He is the chosen king of Israel.

"The next day a great multitude that had come to the [Passover] feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: "Hosanna! 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!' The King of Israel!" Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written (Psalm 118:26): "Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, Sitting on a donkey's colt."" - John 12:12-15 NKJV

"Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying: " 'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD!' Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"" - Luke 19:37-38 NKJV

Palm Sunday and the Sign of God’s Chosen King - Part One

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on what we call Palm Sunday, He fulfilled the prophecy of Zachariah.

""Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey." - Zechariah 9:9 NKJV

Jesus not only fulfilled Zechariah’s prophesy, He also fulfilled the type and shadow of 1 Kings 1:32-47, as the son of David that is the chosen King of Israel.

Solomon, as the son of David, is a “type and shadow” of Jesus, also called the son of David.

Jesus is called the son of David because according to the lineage of His flesh, He is a descendent of King David. God promised King David that his throne would be established forever. This would be made possible by Messiah. Thus, the Jews look for Messiah from the lineage of King David.

"And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever. According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David." - 2 Samuel 7:16-17

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." - Isaiah 9:6-7

What is Palm Sunday?

Palm Sunday is the week before Easter Sunday. This year, Palm Sunday is on April 9, 2017. It was on this day that Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This event is recorded in Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-40; and John 12:12-19.  Jesus was welcomed by multitudes cutting down branches of palm trees and spreading them on the road that He entered into Jerusalem on.

"Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. "And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord has need of them,' and immediately he will send them."

“All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: "Tell the daughter of Zion, 'Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.'" [Zachariah 9:9]

“So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road [act of homage for royalty - 2 Kings 9:13]; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road." - Matthew 21:1-8 NKJV

John records in his gospel,

"The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: "Hosanna! 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!' The King of Israel!"" - John 12:12-13 NKJV

Matthew records in his gospel,

“Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: "Hosanna to the Son of David! 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!' Hosanna in the highest!"

Mark records,

"Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: "Hosanna! 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!' Blessed is the kingdom of our father David That comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"" - Mark 11:9-10 NKJV

Luke records,

"Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying: " 'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD!' Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples." But He answered and said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out."" - Luke 19:37-40 NKJV

Justice and Mercy – part 13

When Adam and Eve received God’s justice and judgment for their disobedience, they also received the promise of God’s mercy.

The LORD God said to the serpent,

"And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." - Genesis 3:15 KJV

We find that the seed of the woman is Christ.

"But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law," - Galatians 4:4 KJV

While satan bruised His heel, Jesus gave a death blow to the head of the serpent, the devil.

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." - Hebrews 2:14-15 KJV

Because Jesus paid the price of death for our sins, we can be delivered from bondage to the devil and fear of death.

"Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." - Colossians 2:14-15 KJV

Jesus canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by His victory over them on the cross. (NLT)

"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." - 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 KJV

The devil, the accuser that accuses us of sin, no longer has anything against us when we have repented of our sins, been baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and are filled with the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

"But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:" - 2 Timothy 1:10 KJV

"And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." - Revelation 12:10-11 KJV

Jesus told His disciples that His Spirit in them, the “Comforter,” would be as a Defense Attorney against the devil. The devil is referred to by the Jews as the “Prosecutor.” As the Bible says, he is the accuser of the brethren. When satan comes against us, the power of the Holy Ghost testifies that by our water baptism in Jesus name, the blood of Jesus has washed away all our sins! Jesus pleads His blood! And the devil has nothing to accuse us of.

"Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood," - Revelation 1:5 KJV

"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:" - John 15:26 KJV

Justice and Mercy – part 12

Where does the serpent appear in the Bible and what does the serpent represent?

The first time the serpent is mentioned is in Genesis 3:1.

"Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" - Genesis 3:1 KJV

The final result of this encounter was man was judged.

The serpent was the perpetrator of a chain of events that resulted in justice and judgment for both Adam and Eve as well as for the serpent.

The serpent is actually a form of the devil.

"And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." - Revelation 12:9 KJV

Jesus spoke to the Jews that were seeking to kill Him of the beginning of the devil.

"Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." - John 8:44 KJV

The devil, in the form of the serpent, lied to Eve telling her she would not die if she ate of the tree God commanded not to eat of. In effect, the devil was a murderer.

"And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." - Genesis 2:16-17 KJV

"And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:" - Genesis 3:4 KJV

To be continued...