A New Year

 

A new year. A new calendar to open and start fresh. An opportunity to live for God more than we have last year…to do more for His kingdom – praying more, witnessing more, fulfilling our callings, making those things a reality that God put in our minds to do that we never acted on.

A new year. An opportunity to make positive changes in our life. To make clear our focus on what is truly important. To focus on that which is eternal, letting go preoccupation with that which is temporary. 

There is great satisfaction knowing that we have spent our time well. 

Our spiritual life is eternal. Knowing Jesus, His wisdom, His ways, is of infinite value. 

Bringing the gospel of Jesus to the world – the knowledge of His gift of repentance with forgiveness of our sins through His name Jesus in baptism, and the ultimate gift of His Spirit – is truly eternal and the greatest blessing we can share with anyone.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God [because of all he has done for you], 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, [let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think] that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God [Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect]." - Romans 12:1-3

We are here for a purpose.

 

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended [I have not achieved it]: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind [the past], and reaching forth unto those things which are before [looking forward to what lies ahead], I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13-14 

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

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." - 1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV

Revelations of John the Baptist

 

God gave John the Baptist many revelations.

John the Baptist recognized that he was the fulfillment of the prophecy by Isaiah:

"He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias." - John 1:23 KJV

John the Baptist recognized that Jesus is the Lamb of God that would be sacrificed for our sins.

"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." - John 1:29 KJV 

John the Baptist was given the revelation that Jesus is God manifest in flesh and that He would baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire.

"John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:" - Luke 3:16 KJV

"This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me." - John 1:30 KJV

As a man, Jesus came after John the Baptist, as Jesus was born of Mary after John the Baptist was born. As the eternal God, Jesus was before John the Baptist.

John the Baptist was given the revelation that Jesus was the Bridegroom that came to die for His Bride. John the Baptist called himself, "the friend of the Bridegroom."

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;" - Ephesians 5:25 KJV

"He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled." - John 3:29 KJV

New Year

 https://youtu.be/wVL005e_OYQ?t=103

Excellent audio on forgiveness! Just what we need to hear before the New Year!

What us Hanukkah?

 What is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is mentioned in the New Testament as the “feast of the dedication.”

"And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter." - John 10:22 KJV [Another translation: “It was now winter, and Jesus was in Jerusalem at the time of Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication.” – John 10:22 NLT]

“Hanukkah,” also called “Chanukah,” began Sunday, December 23, 2019, at dusk.

It is the Jewish “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods.

The Hebrew word “Hanukkah” means “Dedication.” On this day in 139 BC the Temple was repaired, cleansed and rededicated. This is after the Temple was defiled by the Syrian-Greek king Antiochus IV and his armies, who had tried to forcefully uproot the beliefs and practices of Judaism from the people of Israel. Jewish worship was forbidden, the scrolls of the Law were confiscated and burned, and Sabbath rest, circumcision and the dietary laws were prohibited under penalty of death.

Antiochus sent his General Apolonius to wipe out Judah and his followers, the Maccabees. The Maccabees were a band of Jewish freedom fighters. Though greater in number and equipment than their adversaries, the Syrians were defeated by the Maccabees.

The Maccabees returned to Jerusalem to liberate it. They entered the Temple and cleared it of the idols placed there by the Syrians. Judah and his followers built a new altar, which he dedicated on the 25th of the Hebrew month Kislev, in the year 3622 (139 BC).

All the Temple's oil had also been defiled by the pagan invaders. When the Jews went to re-light the Temple's Golden Candlesticks, they could only find one small cruse of olive oil that was ritually pure. By a miracle of God, it continued to burn for eight days, until new oil was made available. In memory of this, Jewish sages appointed these eight days for annual thanksgiving and for lighting candles.

For eight nights, candles are lit to recall and publicize this great miracle. A menorah holds eight candles, with one additional candle placed above the rest that is used to light the other candles. On the first night, one candle is lit. On the second night, two candles are lit, and so on until the eighth night. It is said that throughout the eight nights, the lights are multiplied, totaling thirty-six lights lit over 8 nights. It is required that the menorah lights be set in a window or doorway so that the world that passes by can see the light. A menorah is lit in every household.

Everlasting Father

 The Everlasting Father would come to earth born as a child. Even though the world was made by Him, the world would not recognize that Jesus is the Father revealed in flesh.

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." - Matthew 1:23

"He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not." - John 1:10-11

God came unto His own, and He was not received, even from His birth. There was no room for them in the inn.

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." - Luke 2:7

"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." - Isaiah 9:6

Jesus

 

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost." - Matthew 1:18 KJV

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." - Matthew 1:21 KJV

"Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." - Matthew 1:22-23 KJV

"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." - Isaiah 9:6 KJV

"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 9:7 KJV

Christmas - Rejoice!

 Celebrating the birth of Jesus!

Some people say that there isn't anywhere in the Bible that says that the birth of Jesus was celebrated. 

But what does the Bible say?

The Bible says there was GREAT JOY at the birth of Jesus! 

.

The  GLORY of the Lord shone round about the shepherds!

"And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:.. " - Luke 2:9 

The angel brought good tidings of GREAT JOY! 

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." - Luke 2:10 

At the birth of Jesus there was a MULTITUDE of the heavenly host praising God! 

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." - Luke 2:13-14 

"And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them." - Luke 2:20 KJV

Glorifying: " to praise, extol, magnify, celebrate: for something, Luke 2:20” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon).

REJOICE!! 

Bethlehem - Part 3

 

Bethlehem – Part 3 “House of Bread”

On the night Christ was born, angels appeared to shepherds in the fields, watching over their flocks by night. The angel of the Lord announced to them the birth of Christ in the city of David, which is Bethlehem. 

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." - Luke 2:11 KJV

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." - Luke 2:13-14 KJV

"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." - Luke 2:15 KJV

"And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger." - Luke 2:16 KJV

Bethlehem is a Hebrew word meaning “House of bread.” 

Jesus, the “Bread of Life,” was born in Bethlehem, the “House of Bread.” Jesus is the Living Bread. 

"And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." - John 6:35 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

Jesus spoke symbolically of His body being bread. 

"And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me." - Luke 22:19 KJV

Bethlehem - Part 2 Prophesy

 

Bethlehem – Part 2 Prophecy

The prophecy of Christ being born in Bethlehem is mentioned in Matthew.

Herod the king gathered all the chief priests and scribes together and demanded of them where Christ should be born. (Matthew 2:3-4).

"And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 

“And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel." - Matthew 2:5-6 KJV

Isaiah also prophesied:

"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 KJV

Jesus – the Wonderful Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace – came to bring His government, the kingdom of God. He brought it with judgment and with justice when He took the judgment and justice for our sins upon Himself so that we could enter His kingdom.

Jesus explained that to enter into His kingdom there is a spiritual birth, for His kingdom is a spiritual kingdom.

"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

He gave Peter the keys to the kingdom which Peter revealed on the day of Pentecost, when God’s Spirit was first poured out. (Matthew 16:19, Acts 2).

"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

The government “upon his shoulder” is as a yoke. (Gesenius').

Jesus said,

"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." - Matthew 11:29-30 KJV

We take His yoke upon us when we covenant with Jesus by repentance and water baptism. We find His rest when we receive His Spirit, the Holy Ghost.

Jesus is our Governor - Wonderful Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

Bethlehem- Part One

 

Bethlehem – Part 1

The Bible records that Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered." - Luke 2:4-5 KJV

The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem fulfills the prophecy of Christ the Messiah being born in Bethlehem.

"Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?" - John 7:42 KJV

The scripture that says Christ comes out of the town of Bethlehem is found in Micah.

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." - Micah 5:2 KJV

The everlasting Father was revealed when Jesus was born. “Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father…” John 14:9.

"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." - Isaiah 9:6 KJV

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh part 1

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." - Matthew 2:1-2 KJV

The three gifts that the wise men brought Jesus spoke of His identity, His mission, and His future.

One of the gifts the wise men brought to Jesus was gold – gold for a king.

"When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel." - Matthew 2:3-6 KJV

The prophet Micah foretold of the Messiah – the Father manifest in flesh – coming out of Bethlehem to rule Israel.

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." - Micah 5:2 KJV

Isaiah prophesied this king would be the Mighty God, born as a child, to rule and reign upon the throne of David.

"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 KJV

"Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. 

“When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." - Matthew 2:7-11 KJV

Gold for a king – and Jesus is King of kings – reigning forever!

"And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." - Luke 1:30-33 KJV

"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 KJV

You Shall Receive Power

 

All the fullness of the Father was within the body of Christ. (Colossians 1:19, Colossians 2:8-9) From the womb He was holy and without sin. (Luke 1:35) Throughout His life He was in all points tempted, yet remained without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

The way Jesus in the body of human flesh was able to live in this world with all its temptations, and still remain holy and without sin, was by the power of His Spirit, the Father within.

While the body of Jesus was born from Mary's womb as the Son of God, the Father gives us power to BECOME sons of God when we are born AGAIN.

"He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." - John 1:10-13 KJV

We become born of God when we are born of water and of the Spirit. (John 3:3, 5) We are born of water when we are buried with Him by baptism, the name of Jesus called upon us, His precious blood washing away our sins through His name. (Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12, Acts 22:16, Matthew 26:28, Acts 2:38, Revelation 1:5) We are born of the Spirit when we are filled with the same power that gave the body of Christ power over temptation and sin. We receive the gift of His Holy Ghost, speaking in other tongues as His Spirit gives us utterance. (Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, Acts 2:38-39, Acts 2:4, Acts 10:45-46, Acts 19:6)

When we have the Spirit of God within us, we have the Father in us. (Matthew 10:18-20).

Just as Christ is the temple of God, we become the temple of God when we are born again of water and of the Spirit. (John 2:19-21, 1Corinthians 3:17, 2Corinthians 6:16, 1Corinthians 6:19) Because we have come out from among the world and been born again, the Father receives us as His sons and daughters and dwells within us. (2Corinthians 6:14-18, 1John 2:15-17)

When Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father, Jesus answered,

"Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father…" - John 14:9 KJV

With the name of Jesus upon us, and the Father within us, we have the power to overcome and live a holy life. We have become the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17) Are we able to say, When you have seen me, you have seen the Father? (Acts 1:8)

Bethlehem - House of Bread

  BETHLEHEM - "HOUSE OF BREAD"

Jesus was born in Bethlehem. 

"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

"And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn". - Luke 2:4-7

God Himself, the Everlasting Father, would put on flesh and be born a baby.

The King of kings and Lord of lords would be born King of the Jews.

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting". - Micah 5:2

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him". - Matthew 2:1-2

"Bethlehem" in Hebrew means "house of bread." (“Beth” means “house” and “lehem” means “bread”).

Jesus is the "Bread of Life." 

"I am that bread of life." - John 6:48 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

Acts 2:38

The Manger

 

The Manger

The word “manger” is mentioned three times in Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus. In Luke 2:12 it says it is a sign!

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no roomq for them in the inn. ... And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. ... And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger." - Luke 2:7, 12, 16 

According to Thayer’s Lexicon, the word "manger" is compared to “crib”. "Crib" is found in Isaiah 1:3. 

"Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider." - Isaiah 1:2-3 

“Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” - the “master’s crib.”

Rebellion brings spiritual blindness. Israel would not recognize their God had come to bring them salvation.

"He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not." - John 1:10-11 

“There was no room for them in the inn.” The world does not have room for a Savior that requires repentance for salvation.

Yet the shepherds “came with haste” and found Him! The Lord revealed Himself to the shepherds – the pastors of the sheep, those whose lives are dedicated to the Chief Shepherd.

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." - John 1:12-13 

How do we receive Jesus into our life?

"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

Peace

 

PEACE. 

Isaiah prophesied of the birth of Jesus.

"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." - Isaiah 9:6 KJV

Isaiah said Jesus would be The Prince of Peace. Jesus made peace by His blood on the cross.

"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." - Colossians 1:20 KJV

Jesus brought peace between Himself and man when He shed His sinless blood to pay the price for our sins. He reconciled us back to Himself.

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." - 2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV

The Wonderful Counsellor that is The mighty God and The everlasting Father took upon Himself the form of man, and brought peace between Himself and man. Jesus is The Prince of Peace.

Jesus - The Image of God

"In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God" - Colossians 1:14-15a

Time for Church!

 Time for Church!

"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 [when we became believers]. 

“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. [the day of the Lord’s return is at hand “So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.”]

“Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. [“Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.”]

“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” [“Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.”] - Romans 13:11-14 

Make sure, to begin with, you have “put on Christ” and you are not making “provision for the flesh.”

You do this by repenting of your sins, being baptized in the name of “JESUS” for the remission of your sins, and being baptized with His Spirit (being filled with the Holy Ghost, speaking in tongues as His Spirit gives you the utterance Acts 2:4).

"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." - Galatians 3:27 

"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 

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." - Galatians 5:16 

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." - Galatians 6:9 

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. - Hebrews 10:25

Salvation - A One, Two, Three Step Plan

 

"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

Happy Thanksgiving

Today is a special day to give our sincere thanks to the awesome God we serve. Jesus is full of mercy and love. He has blessed us in so many ways today and over the years that it will take eternity to thank Him. 

Today as we give thanks to the Lord, may each and every one of you feel His loving presence and His precious joy!

"Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms." - Psalm 95:2 

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." - Psalm 100:4 

"And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing." - Psalm 107:22 

"I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD." - Psalm 116:17

In Everything...With Thanksgiving...

 

Jesus works things out for us in every situation when we ask Him to help us. When we go one step further and pray in the Holy Ghost, we find the peace of God which passes understanding.

We find confidence that Jesus is taking care of the problems in our life that we are turning over to Him - situations that were too big for us to handle, too stressful, seemingly impossible to deal with.

Through His Spirit, He guards our mind and thoughts from fear and doubt, keeping our confidence in Him and His power to take care of our every situation.

There is nothing too big or too small to ask Jesus for help with. His faithfulness and all that He does for us is a reason for every request to be made with thanksgiving.

"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

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit" - Ephesians 6:18 KJV

"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost," - Jude 1:20 KJV

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." - Colossians 3:15 KJV

Birth of the Church

 From: Exploring God's Word Bible study.

Church!

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with THANKSGIVING, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." - Psalm 100:1-5 KJV (my caps)

 

The "Christmas Tree"

 The “Christmas Tree” is secured upright and placed as a centerpiece in the home where family and friends may gather around it in awe of its glory. Adorned with gold, silver, and lights, gifts placed at its foot and a heav⁵enly star for a crown. Even a song, "O Christmas tree”. 

It has long been a pagan custom to set an evergreen tree inside the house during Winter Solstice celebrations, honoring the woodland spirits. (When all the other trees were dead, it was alive – “by a spirit”)

"The idea of bringing the evergreen into the house represents fertility and new life in the darkness of winter, which was much more of the pagan themes," Dr Dominique Wilson from the University of Sydney said.

What does Jeremiah say about this? "Learn not the way of the heathen..." Jeremiah 10:2-6

"Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. 

"For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. 

"They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. 

"They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good. 

"Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might."

In EVERYTHING give thanks!

 

In EVERYTHING give thanks!

When things are going good, it is easy to give thanks to Jesus. What about when things are going not so good?

There is a story about a certain Rabbi (From: Jewishhistory.org):

“Rabbi Akiva’s favorite maxim was, “All that God does He does for the good.” Once, after he was unable to find any place to sleep in a certain city, he passed the night alone in the forest and repeated his maxim calmly, “All that God does is for the good.” Then, one after another, a lion devoured his donkey, a cat killed his rooster and the wind extinguished his candle. Each time he said, “All that God does is for the good.” When dawn arrived he discovered that a band of robbers had fallen upon the city and carried its inhabitants into captivity. Only he had escaped because his donkey and rooster were not around to make any noises and his extinguished candle did not give away his location (Berachos 60b).”

If we think about it, we can remember events in our life that appeared bad at the time, but later worked out to be a blessing. Some of these events were financial. Some of these events were spiritual. People have been delayed and missed being involved in bad accidents. Others that have turned their back on God, their life going in a bad direction, have experienced a catastrophe in their life that turned them back to God saving their life and soul from destruction. God has a purpose, and ALL things work together for our good.

"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

This is why we can and should give thanks in everything! God is working things out in our life for a purpose and for our good.

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV

Thanksgiving

 

When we make our requests to God, we show COMPLETE faith when we give thanks WHEN we pray. 

Another important thing we are to include when we pray, is to ask ACCORDING TO GOD’S WILL.

"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:" - 1 John 5:14 

Jesus knows the future, He knows what is best for us and best for everyone. WE IMAGINE what is best for what we are praying about, but Jesus KNOWS what is best.

This is why we can give thanks when we pray. We know that Jesus is going to answer our prayer according to what is best!

And this is why we can have peace – that passes all understanding! It is because we have faith that Jesus is going to answer our prayers the best way there is.

"Be careful for nothing [Don’t be anxious]; 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 (caps my emphasis).

Overcoming Temptation

  How can I overcome temptation?

As it has been said, our battles are in our mind.

The Bible often speaks of the heart. In many verses, the heart is describing our mind where our thoughts are. For example, "And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?" - Matthew 9:4 KJV (Luke 24:38, Act 8:22, James 4:8).

One of Thayer’s definitions of heart is, “the center and seat of spiritual life, the soul or mind, as it is the fountain and seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavors…”

Proverbs speaks of our heart, but we can see the meaning is our mind:

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." - Proverbs 4:23 KJV Another translation of this verse, "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." - Proverbs 4:23 NLT

We need to guard our mind. Our senses are exposed to the world around us. We can make choices that limit temptations, by choosing carefully what we look at, and what we listen to.

Often, we do not choose the things we are exposed to (what we see, what we hear). We can, however, choose if we will allow our mind to think on these things. We must guard our minds, continually being aware of our thoughts. If we are being tempted, or having an evil thought, we must put it out of our mind. 

"Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man [And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else]: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust [desires], and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin [These desires give birth to sinful actions]: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." - James 1:13-15 KJV

When we are an overcomer of temptations, Jesus gives us His promise.

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation [who remains steadfast under trial]: for when he is tried [for when he has stood the test], he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." - James 1:12 KJV

[God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. NLT]

Added to the Church

How in the Bible were they added to the church?

On the Day of Pentecost, when the church began, Peter preached the gospel.

"Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it." - Acts 2:22-24 

Peter preached to them the gospel of Jesus, of His death, burial, and resurrection.

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." - Acts 2:36 

They responded with repentant hearts.

"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?" - Acts 2:37 

Peter told them how to obey the gospel.

"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 

Peter told them of the promise 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 2:39 

He urged them to obey the gospel.

"And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation." - Acts 2:40 

They then received the gospel and obeyed it. (Mark 16:15-16).

"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." - Acts 2:41 

This is how they were added to the church.

"And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. ... praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." - Acts 2:42, 47

One God - His Name is Jesus

"Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me." - John 12:44-45 KJV

"I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins." - John 8:24 KJV

Church!

Sunday is Time for Church!

When Solomon dedicated the Temple of God by prayer, fire came down from heaven consuming the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the house. The sacrifices he offered were acceptable to God.

"Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house." - 2 Chronicles 7:1 KJV

On the Day of Pentecost, when the 120 were praying in the upper room, cloven tongues like as of fire sat upon each of them, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost. 

"And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:2-4 KJV

Because they were acceptable living sacrifices, Jesus consumed them with the fire of His Spirit. (Matthew 3:11). The sign of His acceptance was their speaking in tongues as His Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:4, Acts 10:43-48, Acts 11:15-17, Acts 19:1-7, Acts 2:38-39).

Time for church! Let’s worship Jesus and be consumed with the fire of the Holy Ghost!

There is One God - Jesus is His Name

 

The Wrath of the Lamb

 The Wrath of the Lamb

How could a lamb, the symbol of gentleness, have wrath?

Jesus is "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1:29). As the Lamb, His visitation to man is one of gentleness and mercy.

Yet Jesus, the Creator of the Universe, has two Divine Attributes. He has the Divine Attribute of Mercy, as well as the Divine Attribute of Justice and Judgement.

Jesus told His people when He dwelt among them that He did not come to walk among them in judgment; He came to them in mercy, love, and forgiveness.

"…for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world." - John 12:47 

Jesus took up a cross and died for our sins, was buried, and on the third day He rose from the dead. After 40 days of witnessing of the power of His resurrection, His disciples watched Him ascend up to heaven. We will see Him again in the clouds at the time of the rapture, the first resurrection.

"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus [believers who have died] will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord [still living when the Lord returns] shall not prevent them which are asleep [will not meet Him ahead of those who have died].

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ [believers who have died] shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." - 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17 

Those that are caught up to meet the Lord in the air, know Him in His Divine Attribute of Mercy.

Those that are left in the world, shall meet the Lamb of God with His Divine Attribute of Judgment.

"And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" - Revelation 6:15-17 

"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." - 2 Corinthians 6:2 

"… Men and brethren, what shall we do? 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 2:37-39