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! 

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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