"For verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." - Matthew 17:20 KJV
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Monday, March 30, 2020
Now is a good time to teach our children the scriptures, as
always.
"And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy
children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when
thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest
up." - Deuteronomy 6:7 KJV
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he
is old, he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6 KJV
Paul spoke to Timothy, his son in the faith. (1 Timothy 1:2)
"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures,
which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in
Christ Jesus." - 2 Timothy 3:15 KJV
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all
good works." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV
Sunday, March 29, 2020
The following are links to live services online: (Please
note the time zone so you know what time to tune in.)
Cross Creek Apostolic Church UPCI Beltsville, Maryland
(Eastern Daylight Time) Sunday 11am and Thursday 7pm
The Pentecostals of Cooper City, Florida (Eastern Daylight
Time) Sunday 11am and 6pm, Wednesday 7pm
Christian Life Center, Stockton, California (Pacific
Standard Time) Sunday 9:30 am and Wednesday 7pm
The Rock Church, Elk Grove, California (Pacific Standard
Time) Sunday 10:00 am 6:30 pm Tuesday 7:30 pm. There is also live broadcast of ASL
services.
The Pentecostals of Alexandria, Alexandria, Louisiana (Central
Standard Time) Sunday 10:30am and 6 pm Wednesday between 7:20pm and 7:30pm
Calvary Tabernacle, Indianapolis, Indiana (Eastern Standard
Time) Sunday 10am Wednesday 8pm
Holy Ghost Radio
Abounding Grace, San Francisco, California (Pacific Standard
Time) Sunday 2pm Tuesday 7:45pm
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Wisdom
"Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about
thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: so shalt thou find favour
and good understanding in the sight of God and man." - Proverbs 3:3-4
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not
unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall
direct thy paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6
"Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and
depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy
bones." - Proverbs 3:7-8
"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that
getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise
of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold." - Proverbs 3:13-14
"My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep
sound wisdom and discretion: so shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to
thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not
stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie
down, and thy sleep shall be sweet." - Proverbs 3:21-24
Friday, March 27, 2020
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Remember…
"And we know that ALL things WORK TOGETHER for GOOD to
them that love God, to them who are the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE."
- Romans 8:28 KJV (caps my emphasis)
"In EVERY thing GIVE THANKS: for this is the will of
God in Christ Jesus concerning you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV (caps my
emphasis)
(Because we know that ALL things are working together for
our good, ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE.)
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
The Keys to Death and Hell
Jesus said to Peter,
Matthew 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the
kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in
heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached the first gospel
message. He preached that “by wicked hands” Jesus was “crucified and slain” but
was “raised up” because death could not hold him. Peter concluded his message
by saying that Jesus is Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:23-24, 36)
It was when they heard that Jesus, the One they had
crucified, is both Lord and Christ, that they were pricked in their heart and
said, What shall we do?
Acts 2:38 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.
The keys of the kingdom of heaven is Jesus’ death, burial,
and resurrection. This is the gospel. When we take these keys and turn them in
the lock, the door to the kingdom of heaven is open to us.
John 10:9 KJV - I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he
shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
We do this by identifying our self with Jesus. We follow His
death by becoming dead to (separated from) our sinful life by repenting,
burying our old sinful nature by baptism in Jesus name, and then receiving His
resurrecting Spirit, the Holy Ghost to live a new life in His Spirit. This is
obeying the gospel.
These keys that Jesus gave to Peter open the door to the
kingdom of heaven. These keys are also the keys of hell and of death.
Revelation 1:18 KJV - I am he that liveth, and was dead;
and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of
death.
2 Timothy 1:10 KJV - 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:
Hebrews 2:14-15 KJV - 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.
Peter made the keys available to us on the day of Pentecost.
By our obeying the gospel, we likewise have power over hell and death and power
over the devil. When we obey the gospel, the door is open to us to life and
immortality – the kingdom of heaven.
Monday, March 23, 2020
Jesus gives us His Spirit, the Holy Ghost, so that we can be
witnesses.
"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
When we have repented of our sins, have been baptized in
Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and are full of God’s Holy Spirit, we
are to be holy.
"As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves
according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as he which hath called
you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is
written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." - 1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV (“So you must
live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living
to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then.” 1 Peter 1:14
NLT)
According to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, “manner of conversation”
in this verse means our “'walk,' i. e. manner of life, behavior, conduct.” “Holy”
in this verse means “pure, sinless, upright, holy.”
We are witnesses to the world of the Holy Ghost in us by being
holy in our walk. We walk in the Spirit.
"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not
fulfil the lust of the flesh." - Galatians 5:16 KJV
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which
are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
- Romans 8:1 KJV
"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things
of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the
Spirit." - Romans 8:5 KJV
When Jesus gives us His Spirit, the Holy Ghost, He gives us
the power we need to overcome sin in our life so we can be holy.
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost
is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me …”
Peter preached how to receive the Holy Ghost.
"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
“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 2:39
Saturday, March 21, 2020
If you aren’t able to attend church, the following are links
to live services online:
The Pentecostals of Cooper City, Florida (Eastern Daylight
Time) Sunday 11am and 6pm, Wednesday 7pm
Christian Life Center, Stockton, California Sunday @ 9:30 am
and Wednesday @ 7pm Pacific Standard Time
The Rock Church, Elk Grove, California Sunday Mornings 10:00
am PST (UTC-8) Sunday Evenings 6:30 pm PST (UTC-8) Tuesday Evenings 7:30 pm PST
(UTC-8) 6:30 pm Pacific Standard Time (Confirm on website for service times).
The Pentecostals of Alexandria, Alexandria, Louisiana @
10:30 and 6 pm Central Standard Time (also Wednesday between 7:20 and 7:30 CST)
Calvary Tabernacle, Indianapolis, Indiana @ 10am and 6:30pm
Eastern Standard Time
Holy Ghost Radio
Abounding Grace Online schedule: Sunday’s at 2pm Tuesday’s
at 7:45pm
Choices
God calls us. (Matthew 22:14). We turn our back on the world
and sin, and turn to Jesus. We are sorrowful for our sins and repent. We are
baptized by immersion in water in Jesus name, the blood of Jesus washing away
our sins (Acts 8:38, Acts 2:38, Revelation 1:5). We receive the gift of His
Spirit, being filled with His Holy Ghost, speaking with other tongues, as His
Spirit gives us utterance. (Acts 2:4, Acts 2:38)
We have made choices. (Joshua 24:15). We love Jesus. We
realize Jesus loves us. (1John 4:19). He loves us very, very much. We were
facing the darkness of judgment and justice for our sins, but Jesus paid the
price of death for our sins, and brought us into the light of His mercy.
(1Peter 2:9-10). Jesus chose us to be His beloved, filling us with His Spirit.
(2Thessalonians 2:13, Acts 2:38).
"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." - 1 John 2:15-16
"And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but
he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." - 1 John 2:17
We should not be surprised if our friends turn their backs
on us, when we quit sinning and start living for God. Jesus has chosen us.
"If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before
it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but
because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world,
therefore the world hateth you." - John 15:18-19
We have answered His call and chosen to change our life from
doing the things of the world, lustful, sinful pleasures. We have chosen to
live for Jesus. We have chosen eternal life. (1 John 2:17, John 10:10). We have
chosen to be faithful.
"These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall
overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are
with him are called, and chosen, and faithful." - Revelation 17:14
Thursday, March 19, 2020
It Is Time to Awake Out of Sleep
You may have thought long ago, that Jesus would appear any
day, any moment. It seemed all was in place for him to call his church home.
And now, things we never imagined have come to our world, supplying pieces for
the finished plan that we didn’t realize were missing, making His appearing
even more imminent.
If we have become lulled to sleep, thinking that the Lord
has delayed His coming, falling into compromise and the pleasures of sin for a
season, now time is running out. We must wake up. Our salvation is nearer than
when we first believed.
Romans 13:11 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.
We must turn from those activities that God would condemn us
for. When we have repented of these sins, by the blood of Jesus that has been
applied to our life by water baptism in Jesus name for the remission of our
sins, we may step back into God’s Mercy, which shields and protects us from any
fiery dart the enemy would throw at us with his accusations.
Romans 13:12 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.
Because we walk in God’s Mercy, we are living a life
pleasing to Him, and an example to all those around us. Because of the Mercy of
Jesus, we are merciful to others, which draws them to our heavenly Father.
Because we are of the day and walking in the light of Jesus, we must separate
ourselves from wild parties and drunkenness, from sexual promiscuity and
immoral living, from quarreling and jealousy.
Romans 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in
rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and
envying.
We must remember that we carry the name of our Father,
“Jesus,” and that we walk in His Spirit. Therefore, we must continually remind
ourselves that sin is not worth shaming God’s name that we carry, or losing the
Spirit of God that He has so graciously blessed us with.
Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make
not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
It is time to wake up, and to live right, and take the
opportunity to do all we can for the kingdom of God. Jesus IS coming soon!
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
One of Jesus’ disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to
pray, as John also taught his disciples.” (Luke 11:1). Jesus answered him with
the things that are important to Him and the things that are why Jesus came to
dwell among His creation.
Jesus’ name is holy and sanctified. (James 2:7). Salvation
is through His name. (Acts 2:38, Matthew 1:21, Acts 4:12). His name Jesus is
above every name, and at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow. (Philippians 2:9,
10). Jesus came to bring His kingdom.
(John 3:5, Luke 17:21, Romans 14:17). We are to do the will of His Spirit, not
the will of flesh. (Galatians 5:16). He is the one we are to seek for daily provision,
both physical and spiritual. (Matthew 4:4). When we sin against Jesus, we look
to Him to forgive us. We in turn must forgive others when they sin against us. (Mark
11:25-26). Through Jesus, we are able to not yield to temptation. (1
Corinthians 10:13, Acts 1:8). It is Jesus that will deliver us from evil. (2
Thessalonians 3:3, 2 Timothy 4:18). The kingdom, the power, and the glory,
forever all belong to Jesus. (Luke 1:33, 2 Peter 3:18).
Jesus answered, “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our
Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be
done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And
forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into
temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever. Amen." - Matthew 6:9-13 KJV (Also: Luke 11:1-4)
Monday, March 16, 2020
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 KJV
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." - 1 Timothy 2:1-2 KJV
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 KJV
Prayer
The Bible says we are to be strong in the Lord and in the
power of His might. (Ephesians 6:10).
When we have entered the kingdom of God by obeying the
gospel (Acts 2:38, John 3:5), we do not wrestle against flesh and blood
enemies, but rather we wrestle against spiritual wickedness in the unseen
world. (Ephesians 6:12).
Jesus equips us with spiritual armour to battle victoriously
against these spirits (Ephesians 6:13-17). Then the Bible says we are to pray.
Actually, we are to be “praying always” “in the Spirit.”
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the
Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all
saints;" - Ephesians 6:18 KJV
How does one pray in the Spirit?
On the Day of Pentecost in the upper room, as the believers
were all praying, the Holy Ghost filled them and they began speaking (praying)
in tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
"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 KJV
By praying in the Spirit (praying in the Holy Ghost), we
build up our faith to shield us from the darts of the wicked.
"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most
holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost," - Jude 1:20 KJV
"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye
shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." - Ephesians
6:16 KJV
In these days, prayer is essential.
"But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore
sober, and watch unto prayer." - 1 Peter 4:7 KJV ("The end of the
world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your
prayers." - 1 Peter 4:7 NLT)
Saturday, March 14, 2020
If you aren’t able to attend church, the following are links
to live services online:
The Pentecostals of Cooper City, Florida (Eastern Daylight
Time) Sunday 11am and 6pm, Wednesday 7pm
Christian Life Center, Stockton, California Sunday @ 9:30 am
Pacific Standard Time
http://www.clministry.com/church/media_center/live.php
The Rock Church, Elk Grove, California Sunday Mornings 10:00
am PST (UTC-8) Sunday Evenings 6:30 pm PST (UTC-8) Tuesday Evenings 7:30 pm PST
(UTC-8) 6:30 pm Pacific Standard Time
http://therockchurch.org/watch-online/
The Pentecostals of Alexandria, Alexandria, Louisiana @
10:30 and 6 pm Central Standard Time (also Wednesday between 7:20 and 7:30 CST)
Calvary Tabernacle, Indianapolis, Indiana @ 10am and 6:30pm
Eastern Standard Time
Holy Ghost Radio
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer
and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto
God." - Philippians 4:6 KJV
"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7
KJV
"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for
you." - 1 Peter 5:7 KJV
"I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me
from all my fears." - Psalm 34:4 KJV
"This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved
him out of all his troubles." - Psalm 34:6 KJV
"O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the
man that trusteth in him." - Psalm 34:8 KJV
"Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your
heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah." - Psalm 62:8 KJV
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the
Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all
saints;" - Ephesians 6:18 KJV
"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most
holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost," - Jude 1:20 KJV
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
A Willing Vessel for the Lord
Those that have obeyed the gospel – have repented of their
sins, are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins, and are filled with
the Holy Ghost – have offered themselves as a willing vessel for the Lord.
To be used by God, we must keep our mind open to hear His
voice and must stay full of His Spirit so we may have the courage and the
boldness to do His will. Ananias was such a vessel.
"And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named
Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I
am here, Lord.
“And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street
which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called
Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, and hath seen in a vision a man named
Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his
sight.
“Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this
man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: and here he hath
authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
“But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen
vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the
children of Israel: for I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my
name's sake.
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and
putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that
appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest
receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
“And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been
scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized." -
Acts 9:10-18
If we stay full of His Spirit and listen and courageously
obey His voice, Jesus can do great things through us!
Purim
Beginning last night at sunset and ending today at sunset, (extended
to tomorrow at sunset in Jerusalem), Jews all around the world are celebrating
Purim. Purim has been celebrated since the time of the Old Testament book of
Esther.
“The festival of Purim celebrates the salvation of the
Jewish people from Haman's plot "to destroy, kill and annihilate all the
Jews, young and old, infants and women, in a single day."” (Chabad)
The next verses summarize what Purim is about, as told in
the book of Esther:
"And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto
all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh
and far, to stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day
of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly, as the days
wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto
them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should
make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and
gifts to the poor.
“And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as
Mordecai had written unto them; because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the
Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy
them, and had cast Pur, that is, the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them;
but when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked
device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and
that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
“Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur.
Therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen
concerning this matter, and which had come unto them, the Jews ordained, and
took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves
unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days
according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year; and
that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation,
every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim
should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their
seed.
“Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and
Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of
Purim." - Esther 9:20-29 KJV
Monday, March 9, 2020
"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
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that
grace may abound?
“God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any
longer therein?
“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus
Christ were baptized into his death?
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:
that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father,
even so we also should walk in newness of life.
“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his
death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 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 6:1-6 KJV
Saturday, March 7, 2020
The Yoke of Jesus That Brings Rest to Our Soul
Isaiah prophesied of the gift of the Holy Ghost that is
promised when we yoke ourselves together with Jesus. He prophesied the Spirit of
Jesus brings rest. This rest is the refreshing. This rest is glorious.
Isaiah 28:11-12 ¶For with stammering lips and another tongue
will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye
may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not
hear.
Isaiah 11:10 ¶And in that day there shall be a root of
Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles
seek: and his rest shall be glorious.
After the Gentiles entered the New Covenant, there was
pressure put on the Gentiles to take on the yoke of the Commandments – the Jewish
Law. Peter went before the apostles and elders to speak to them about this
pressure on the Gentile disciples.
Acts 15:10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke
upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to
bear?
The Apostle James answered,
Act 15:19-20 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not
them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: but that we write unto them,
that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from
things strangled, and from blood. (See also: Acts 15:28-29, Acts 21:25).
Jesus’ yoke of the Gospel is light and easy and brings rest
for our souls. The Jews were in bondage to the yoke of the Law. Because it was
not possible to keep every commandment in the Law, the Law brought death. (Galatians
3:10, Colossians 2:14, James 2:10).
When we repent and covenant with Jesus by water baptism in
Jesus name, our sins are remitted. (Acts 2:38). Jesus’ gift of His Holy Ghost
gives us power to live for Him, the power we need to overcome sin, and power to
live a holy life. (Acts 1:8). Yoking our self with Jesus brings a life of
liberty and makes us free. We have been released from the Law, now living in
the Spirit. (Romans 7:6).
Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith
Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are
heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;
for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For
my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Friday, March 6, 2020
The Yoke
The Jews refer to the covenant of the Law as taking the yoke
of the Commandments upon them. They count 613 Commandments in the Law. Their
acceptance of the yoke of the Commandments is an acceptance of fulfilling these
Commandments.
The yoke of the Law comes with a curse:
Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law
are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not
in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. (Acts
15:10).
James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet
offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
When a Jew repents of his sins, and is baptized in Jesus
name, he is no longer bound to the Law. (Galatians 5:1). He receives the gift
of the Holy Ghost to serve God in newness of Spirit. This is the yoke of Jesus.
(Romans 7:1-6).
Romans 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being
dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not
in the oldness of the letter.
All the ordinances of the Law that were against us were
nailed to the cross of Jesus.
Colossians 2:14 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;
Jesus said,
Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are
heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;
for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For
my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
We yoke ourselves together with Jesus when we repent of our
sins, turning our back on the world, and are baptized in Jesus name. When we
yoke ourselves together with Jesus, He gives us the promise of His Spirit, the
Holy Ghost. In the Holy Ghost, we find rest for our souls.
Acts 2:38-39 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.
Thursday, March 5, 2020
It is not enough to be sorry for sin. We must turn away from
sin, and not continue in it. Godly sorrow brings about a change in our life.
Godly sorrow brings repentance, which leads to salvation.
For a person who is turning to Jesus, after repentance we need to be born of
the water and of the Spirit by being baptized in Jesus name for the remission
(washing away/burial) of our sins and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For a person that has already been baptized in Jesus name,
the blood of Jesus cleanses us as the Holy Ghost convicts us of sin so we can
become more and more like Christ. Conviction by the Holy Ghost enables us to repent
and stay clean of sin.
The sorrow of the world results in spiritual death, because
there is no repentance, no changed life. Because Jesus loves us and wants us to
be saved, He wants our sorrow over our sin to lead us to change our actions.
2 Corinthians 7:9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made
sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly
manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to
salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be
zealous therefore, and repent.
James 1:23-24 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a
doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he
beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of
man he was.
James 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of
liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of
the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as
some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any
should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and
forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth
thee to repentance?
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.
Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
1 Timothy 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where,
lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as
in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to
glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and
doeth it not, to him it is sin. [Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to
do and then not do it.]
Acts 2:38 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.
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
There is only one God. His name is Jesus.
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." - Colossians 2:8-9 KJV ["For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body."]
Ephesians 6:10-18:
"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;" - Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV
Monday, March 2, 2020
Sunday, March 1, 2020
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