Jesus in the Old Testament, Ecclesiastes

Jesus in Ecclesiastes

Jesus said this,

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,” {John 5:39}

We have been going through all the Books of the Old Testament and we have come to Ecclesiastes. Now, many say Ecclesiastes is a Pessimistic Book that does not even belong in Divine Scripture. Let's see how it begins?

“The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?”

No doubt you've heard this line before. “Vanity of vanities; all is vanity.” Many of you contribute this to Shakespeare. Though Shakespeare does lament about the meaningless of Man’s efforts in Life, it IS from the Bible. King Solomon is often proclaimed to be the Author, yet many deny this. Since The Word is NOT clear, we can only Speculate. Yes, it says “The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.” Yet, Son of David can be used to describe anyone in the Lineage of David. Jesus is said to be “Son of David” as well.

However, when it talks about all is Vanity, it is not talking about Arrogant Selfish Ambition, yet rather, the pointlessness of Human only activity.

“One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth forever. The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose. The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirls about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits. All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.”

Jesus said it this way.

“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” {John 3:8}

Yet He controls the Wind. He created all things.

“All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.” {John 1:3}

We can see the Wind and Storms. We can feel the Waves crashing in. He controls them. Our efforts are pointless and meaningless. He, however, can do whatever He wishes. Remember the Boat? A Storm arose and is tossing the Boat to and fro. They just “knew” they were all in trouble and about to Die!

“And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.

And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.”

So yeah, Ecclesiastes may very well be all about the meaningless of Man and our own efforts, but this is the whole reason we must rely on, and trust in, Jesus. God. His Word. Jesus tells us,

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” {Matthew 6:25-34}

Jesus also told us this in Matthew 19:26

“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Yes. “vanity of vanities; all is vanity.” if you are trusting in and relying on yourself, or other Created Beings, instead of trusting in and relying on the Creator. God. I also want to highlight this passage from Ecclesiastes 2

“So I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly. For what can the man do who comes after the king? Only what has already been done. Then I saw that there is more gain in wisdom than in folly, as there is more gain in light than in darkness. The wise person has his eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. And yet I perceived that the same event happens to all of them. Then I said in my heart, “What happens to the fool will happen to me also. Why then have I been so very wise?” And I said in my heart that this also is vanity. For of the wise as of the fool there is no enduring remembrance, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. How the wise dies just like the fool! So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me, for all is vanity and a striving after wind.”

Remember, he is talking Worldly, Manly, or Human Wisdom. Remember what The Word says about World Wisdom?

“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” {1 Corinthians 3:18-19}

Christ is our Wisdom. Not what Man says, but what God says to us through His Word. In Ecclesiastes 3 we get the famous “Everything has a time.”

“a time to be born, and a time to die;”

Etc. It goes on to say.

“All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return.”

This is why we NEED Jesus. Why we NEED to allow Jesus’s Sacrifice to be ours. To allow His Death to be ours. Yet rather, His Resurrection to be ours. We are nothing more than helpless, wretched Sinners, worthy of, and in route to Hell.

We need the Fear of God {Ecclesiastes 5} Forget the “Vanity of Riches” Jesus Promises you will have Treasures in Heaven by Tithing and doing good Works such as helping the Poor.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

Again, there is a Contrast in Wisdom of the World or “Folly” and the Wisdom of God. Following Jesus and His Teachings. {Eccl 7} Follow the King's Command. {Eccl 8} Following God will end well and Man alone cannot know God without Jesus. {Eccl 9} death comes to all. Are you ready? Cast your Cares unto Earthly things or God? {Eccl 10 - 11} Know God, Jesus, from your Youth on.

Yes, Ecclesiastes is Pessimistic. Yes, it is all about the shortcomings and meaningless of Man relying on Man and the Natural World. The whole point to the Book of Ecclesiastes is this in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

"The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with  every secret thing, whether good or evil."

Jesus is the answer to all our failing efforts to control the uncontrollable. Including and up to death itself. Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a Sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus and His Sacrifice for me. I believe that He raised from the Dead. I repent my Sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen.{2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

God vs World

Is this Sin? 

I hear this often. "Do you think this is Sin?" Sometimes like this. "You know, it's not the dark ages anymore. It is 2019. Why do you still call, this or that, Sin? Not only is it not Sin, but it is also celebrated today." Or "The Supreme Court says it's OK. Who are you?"

Here are a few examples.

Having any God before God?
Do as you Will?
Abortion?
Homosexuality?

"You know, the Bible was written over two thousand years ago. Who cares what it says? Get with the times' man."

First, the Bible is NOT just a Book. It is The living Word of God.

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness," {2 Timothy 3:16}

We received it from God. Man wrote it by his hand but it was God who lead him to write it.

"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.

But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ." {1 Corinthians 2:12-16}

Second, God never changes. Neither does His Word. Hebrews 13:8

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

What was Sin, is still Sin. In some cases, will even kill you quicker, or cause more pain and destruction now, than ever before. It doesn't really matter what Man said or says, what matters is God.

It really is simple. It is in the Book. If The Bible tells you it is Sin. It is Sin. It does not matter one iota what you may think about it. What Man says about it. What even the Courts say about it. It does not matter what World Leaders, the News, or Famous People say about it. If the World chooses to ignore The Word of God, it doesn't change Sin to Good. Rather it heaps up the punishment that will eventually come.

Just looking at our examples really briefly. Each one alone could be a whole Sermon Series.

God says, Exodus 20

“You shall have no other gods before me."

You shall not make for yourself a carved image or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain."

Man says, "Worship any or no God, as you wish. Do not say anything against anyone's Religion and treat all equally, or better yet, have NO Religion in Public at all.

If you want to have a Statue of say, Mary or even Jesus, and you want to bow down before them and Pray to this or that Saint, god, or Spirit? Who cares. Have at it. Just do not tell me I have to.

As for the whole swearing thing? Come on. Really? Word are words. If I want to say GD or call out the name of Jesus in anger, who cares? Right?"

God cares. God says this.

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." {John14:15-17}

Also this. {Church} James 2:20

"Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?"

Also this. James 4:17

"So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin."

Man says, "If it feels good, do it. Do whatever you want. Try not to hurt anyone of course, but who is anyone to tell anyone what is right and wrong? What might be wrong for you may be perfectly fine for someone else."

God says? Exodus 20:13

"Thou shalt not Murder."

Not only does Man say it's OK for a Woman to slaughter her unborn innocent Child, we made it Legal for her to do so, we actually call it a "Right." This in no way makes it Lawful in God's eyes. He sees it as the Murder of the most innocent of all Life. Genesis 9:5-6, 26, Psalm 139:13-16, Exodus 21:23-25, just a few places where God tells us how reprehensible He sees Abortion.

God says Homosexuality is against Him and Nature itself. I will let you read it yourselves. Leviticus 18:1-5, 22-24, 29, Leviticus 20:13, Ezekiel 16:49-51, Romans 1:18-32, just to name a few.

Man says "Homosexuality, now Trans-everything and or, however you "identify" yourself, is OK. Not only is it OK, but it's also the LAW. You have no right to speak out against it. You Hate filled, Racist, Chauvinistic, Backwoods Hick. Everyone has a "Right" to do whatever they choose. You are the one with the problem. Not them. They are to be accepted and praised for their "Bravery" and for them being so special." God is CLEAR on Homosexuality. Leviticus 18:1-5, 22-24, 29, Leviticus 20:13, Ezekiel 16:49-51, Romans 1:18-32, just to name a few.

If you really want to know if something is Lawful, or if it is a Sin, do not look toward Man, but rather look toward God. For as Paul warned us in Romans 1...

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen."

For this reason, God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature;  and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.

And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them." 

Am I saying that you need not follow the Law of the Land? Surely not. For the most part, we must follow the Law of the Land, to live Free and in Peace. However, we must always remember that what is Legal to Man, is not necessarily Lawful for us, as Children of God. What is Legal for Man, is not necessarily Lawful toward God. Regardless of what Man says, we must follow what God says.

You can Legalize Sin all you want. Even though Man attempts to justify Sin by calling it "Legal," does not change the Fact that it is still Sin in God's Eyes, and America must take a lesson from Samaria. Ezekiel 16:51

"Neither hath Samaria committed half of thy sins; but thou hast multiplied thine abominations more than they, and hast justified thy sisters in all thine abominations which thou hast done."

Be careful Child of God. Be careful. Be careful that in the name of Compassion, or in the name of "Evolving" that you do not condone, nor justify Sin. God tells us that if we do, we "multiply our abominations." We as Children of God, even though our Country or even the World may, we must be careful to NOT change "the truth of God into a lie, and worship and serve the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever."

Still confused? Stop asking the Creation, and start asking the Creator. Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a Sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus and His Sacrifice for me. I believe that He raised from the Dead. I repent my Sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.{2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Jesus in the Old Testament, Proverbs

Jesus in Proverbs

Jesus said this.

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,” {John 5:39}

So where oh where can we find Jesus in the Book of Proverbs? Proverbs is not a Book of Prophecy. There is no direct Prophesy that says Jesus is coming. It’s not a Narrative Book so we can’t point to a Story that foreshadows Jesus coming. Proverbs is a Book of Poetry. It attempts to and succeeds to paint Pictures with its words. We must pause and think about these Passages. It’s in these times of quiet reflection we can be reminded of Jesus.

A Brother in Christ told me that he reads Proverbs daily. Since there are 31, you can read one a day. On the first of the Month Proverbs 1, etc, with two on the 30th on the months with only 30 days.

Proverbs start off with this simple Truth.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Solomon, son of David, King of Israel, wrote Proverbs for this reason.

“To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.”

Every time you see Solomon use the word Wisdom and, or, Lord, you can think Jesus. After all, who is the Lord that we are called to trust? What is his name? Of course, the answer is Jesus.

From Proverbs 1:8-33 Solomon tries to instruct us that there is a VAST difference in walking in the World way and Living by Faith. Jesus told us this. Luke 9:62

“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

The Word tells us again and again, we cannot be both Worldly and walk in Faith. We cannot serve to Masters. It is simply NOT possible.

Look at Proverbs 3:5-12

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.”

Again,  who is the Lord that we are called to trust? What is his name? Of course, the answer is Jesus.

Then we get into Wisdom from the “Father” and Wisdom itself. Of course, where do you find this Wisdom? From God, through His Word. Turn to John 1

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

The Word has always been. It created all things It was both with God and IS God. Then jump ahead a little and read this in John 1:14.

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Who was it that became Flesh? The Word. Who was the Word? God. Who became Flesh and dwelt among us? God. What is His Name? Jesus. Remember Jesus made this Statement, one of many that they wanted to kill Him for. John 8:58

“Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.””

Jesus is, was, and always will be, God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Ghost. He IS, was, and forever will be The Word in the Flesh. The Lord of Lord and the King of Kings. The Lord God Almighty.

Please do not get distracted in the fact that Solomon uses She and Woman in describing Wisdom. He was trying to portray a kind and nurturing nature. As a Mother takes loving care of her Children so will true Wisdom take care of those who cling to it.

Remember we are called “The Bride of Christ.” Does this mean we are Women? No of course not. Remember, Proverbs are Poems and in essence, Works of Art.

Look at this Passage in Proverbs 8. I will change one word.

“I, wisdom, {Change to “ I Jesus”} dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength.

By me kings reign and rulers decree what is just; by me, princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly. I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me. Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice, granting an inheritance to those who love me and filling their treasuries.

The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth when there were no springs abounding with water. Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth, before he had made the earth with its fields, or the first of the dust of the world. When he established the heavens, I was there; when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside him, like a master workman,and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the children of man.

And now, O sons, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord, but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death.”

This is clearly a picture of Jesus. Genesis 1:2

“The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.”

Then “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” and Jesus tells us this in John 14:21

“Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”

Sounds Familiar? Jesus also, of course, told us this. John 3:16-18 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”

Believe and live, do not and die.

“For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord, but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death.”

Proverbs 11:2

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”

Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount Matthew 5:5

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

Proverbs 14:16

“One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.”

Matthew 24:13

“But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

Proverbs 15:1

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Jesus?

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.” {Matthew 5:38-45}

Proverbs 16:4

“The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.”

The Lord, Jesus Christ, IS returning. He is coming back. He tells us,

“For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”

He will come to Save the Chosen and Destroy the Wicked. He will judge all according to their own Works and the Sinful and Wicked will be Annihilated.

Just a couple more. Proverbs 18:1

“Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.”

Jesus?

“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” {Matthew 16:25}

You can find many many more examples, like this one in Proverbs 18:10

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.”

Jesus said after His Resurrection in Acts 1:8

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Proverbs 30:4 declares this

“Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son's name? Surely you know!”

Matthew 3:16-17

“And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a Sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus and His Sacrifice for me. I believe that He raised from the Dead. I repent my Sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.{2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

The Foolishness of Christ

Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness.

Why do we do the things we do? How can we POSSIBLY believe in an Invisible man in the sky, sitting on a Throne and choosing who He throws in Hell and who can go to Heaven? Jesus? Really? OK so here is the same God, or Son of God, or whatever, who came to Earth by way of Virgin, and lived his life Sin Free and was killed and hung on a Cross. Yet even better, that He, dead for three days, got up and walked out of the Tomb and flew off into Heaven. Seriously? How can you believe in such foolishness?

There is so much wrong with these statements that we could spend all week discussing them. Most who you encounter, who will say these things, do not believe in God at all. The will tell you that they believe in Evolution and they believe Science proves them right.

First, I ask you, {Them} How do you believe in such Foolishness? How do you even call what you believe true Science? First, without even the consideration that there MAY be a God who Created all things, is faulty Science at best. I call it BS. Bad Science. True Science makes no final determination yet rather examines all evidence, and or possibilities, to come to a hypothesis as to the Nature of the thing being investigated. By excluding God, your Science is BS.

Second, you must take a MAJOR leap of Faith to believe in what IS already Scientifically Impossible, not to mention Mathematically impossible, that there was nothing and something just appeared. Nothing from nothing is nothing. Nothing added to nothing is nothing. So where did the first "Something" come from? "Well, we do not know but definitely NOT God."

OK. so the first something appeared, leap two, going against all DNA Science and again, Mathematical Possibilities, ALL things came from this first universal, single-celled, thing. ALL things from Hot Blooded, Cold Blooded, Man and Mosquitoes, Trees and Fish, ETC.

By this time, the one debating you usually gets really angry and says something like, "We do not have all the answers, but there is NO God." Let's forget for a second Psalm 14:1. Let's move on to Jesus. Remember what the Word tells us about the Resurrection?   

"For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. For it is written, 

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,

and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart." 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men."

So what does this mean? 1 Corinthians 2:14

"But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised."

In Romans, Paul explains it this way. Romans 8:5-8

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God."

Jesus was even more direct. Look at John 8:43-44

"Why do you not understand my speech? even because you cannot hear my word.

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

It really is simple. If you are not called by God or have His Spirit to assist you to receive His Word, you cannot even hear it. Forget understanding it. You cannot even hear it. OK, really quick...

God Created all things. He Created Man and gave Man Domination over all things. There were no Sickness and or Diseases. No Pain or Sorrow. No Death even. Everything was Perfect. Genesis 1&2

Then, Having been given all authority over all things of this Earth, {Genesis 1:28}Man NOW had all Authority. When the Devil came before him and Eve, he could have simply commanded the Snake out of the Garden. Instead, He chose to ignore God's Commandment, and follow the Devil, causing the Original Sin, that of which got Lucifer cast out of Heaven, Pride, to be passed into Mankind, and in essence, gave all Authority over to the Devil himself. {Genesis 3}

Now he is called the "Prince of the power of the air" {Ephesians 2:1,2} "Ruler of this world" {John 12:31,32} So when we are born into this World, we are born into the Family of the Devil and separated from God from the beginning. This is why Jesus tells us those that do not believe in Him,

"Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God." {John 3:18}

You do not have to do anything. You do not have to Worship the Devil. You do not have to dance Naked around a Fire. You do not have to Sin a Great Sin. You are Condemned from Birth. The ONLY way that you can avoid this IS through Jesus and His Sacrifice.

"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." {Romans 10:9}

This is both the most INCLUSIVE and exclusive thing in the Universe. Simply believe in Jesus and His Resurrection, no matter who you are, where you are from, or even what "Religion" you were Born into, and you are Saved. Do not believe, and you are not. It really is, just that simple.

Jesus said if we do not become as Children, we will by no means enter into Heaven. Why? Because whenever I tell my Children something, they believe it. Why? Daddy said so. That's it. No other reason. Daddy said so, so it IS so. Jesus said this during one of His Prayers in Matthew 11:25-26

"I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure."

Yes, the Cross and all the things of God, are indeed Foolishness to the World. But it was for this very purpose that God made it this way. So the World may have Eyes and not See, Ears and not Hear, and a Mind that cannot understand.

The Good News is, you DO have Eyes to See, Ears to Hear, and a Spirit to Recieve and Understand the Mysteries of God. You DO have the ability to understand and accept Jesus Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a Sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus and His Sacrifice for me. I believe that He raised from the Dead. I repent my Sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"
That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.{2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Jesus in the Old Testament, Psalms

Jesus in Psalms 

We are currently examining this Statement from Jesus.

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,” {John 5:39}

We have arrived to Psalms. Now the Book of Psalms is a collection of Songs and Prayers. Mostly written by David, before and after he was King. However, we can CLEARLY see Jesus all through the Psalms. Let's start in Psalm 2:7

“I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father.”

This clearly indicates that Christ would be the Son of God. This was fulfilled in Matthew 17:5

“He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”:”

We are just going to hit a few of these in the interest of time. I encourage you to read all of the Psalms and you will see some on your own as well. Let’s look at Psalm 16

“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.” {8-10}

The Christ, or The Messiah, would be Resurrected Let’s look at these Passages, Acts 13:30-37

"But God raised him from the dead, and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers,  this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm,

“‘You are my Son,  today I have begotten you.’

And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way,

“‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’

Therefore he says also in another psalm,

“‘You will not let your Holy One see corruption.’

 For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption,  but he whom God raised up did not see corruption.

Then jump a little ahead to Psalm 22. Picture Jesus on the Cross when you read Verse 1

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?”

Jesus cried out on the Cross,

“Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” {Matthew 27:46}

Then Verses 7-8?

“All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads.“He trusts in the Lord,” they say, “let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him since he delights in him.”

Matthew 27:39-43

“And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.”

Both in this Palm “But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people.” We read this in Psalm 69:4

“More in number than the hairs of my head are those who hate me without cause; mighty are those who would destroy me, those who attack me with lies. What I did not steal must I now restore?”

Let’s read of Jesus before Pilate in Luke 23:13-22

“Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. I will therefore punish and release him.”

But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas” a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” A third time he said to them, “Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.”

Jesus warned us also, that the World would HATE us also without cause simply for following Him. Matthew 10:22, Luke 21:17 and Mark 13:13. In all three of these Scriptures, Jesus says "All men will hate you because of me..." "And ye shall be hated of all men,...."

“and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

“You will be hated by all for my name's sake.“

“And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

Jesus told us this is because the World hated Him first, and we are not greater than He, so the World will hate us as much.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” {John 13:16}

It will happen. So be ready for it. Do not be caught off guard. Do not be surprised. Jesus told us these things before they happen.

Jump ahead to Psalm 110:1

“The Lord says to my lord:“Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.””

Then verse 5 says

“The Lord is at your right hand; he will crush kings on the day of his wrath. He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead and crushing the rulers of the whole earth.”

Christ the Messiah would be Lord, seated at the right hand of God. In 1 Peter 3:21-22

“Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.”

The Christ, The Messiah, would be in the line of Melchizedek. In Psalm 110:4

“The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.””

We read this in Hebrews 6:17-20

“So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”

I love this one. Psalm 118:22?

“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone”

Flip over to Matthew 21:42-43

“Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:

‘The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstonethis was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits.”

It was not us that Jesus came for. I know this is a hard Teaching and hard to Hear, but it IS the Truth. Remember the “Canaanite Woman?” The Non-Jewish Woman that was following after Jesus and Crying out because her Daughter was Demon Possessed. He ignored her. He insulted her. He was downright rude to her. Well, here, Matthew 15

“He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.””

He does go on to heal the Girl because of the Mother’s Faith, but he was not here for her. He was not here for you. Unless you are Jewish. It was because His own people, the Jewish people, rejected Him, that He was able to open up Salvation to all.

“What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, as it is written,

“God gave them a spirit of stupor,eyes that would not seeand ears that would not hear,down to this very day.”

And David says,

“Let their table become a snare and a trap,a stumbling block and a retribution for them;let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see,and bend their backs forever.”

So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!”

Jews first but also the Non-Jews, whatever name you wish to call us, are all able to obtain Salvation through Jesus the Christ and His Sacrifice for us all.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a Sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus and His Sacrifice for me. I believe that He raised from the Dead. I repent my Sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.{2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Chat With Peter 061219

Coming Up on Wednesdays on TAG. 

Hey Folks,

As you know we just wrapped up the entire Book of Psalms, one a week for the past 150 weeks. We did the entire Book of Proverbs before that. So what is next? Truthfully? I'm not entirely sure. For now, as we continue to go through the entire Old Testament, on Sundays, searching out this Statement by Jesus,

"You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,” {John 5:39}

perhaps we will simply dive into some common Sermons in which we examine everyday Life and the Word of God. However, if God leads me to post another entire Book of the Bible Verse for Verse, then that is what we will do.

Right now I feel lead to offer this Prayer for you. Yes, YOU. You, who are reading this Post right now.

Oh Heavenly Father, Lord God, I give you all the Praise and Glory on all things that are in this World, for you created all that is, was, and ever will be. The Heavens cry out for your Majesty, and the Earth, the Sea, and all that is in them shine in your Glory. Creation itself testifies of its Creator, you Father. 
  
Father, I thank you for Life itself. My earthly Life and all that I have experienced and all the People I have met, and of course for my Life Eternal. Thank you, Jesus, for coming to Earth and dying for my Sins, yet rather rising up to Conquer the Grave, Death, and Hell for me, that I may live.  

Father, I come before you this day and Pray for those you have called. For those who you lead to read the words on this Blog. Please Bless them. Bless them with your Grace, Mercy, and Agape Love. If they do not yet know you Father or have not yet understood the necessity of understanding and accepting Jesus's Sacrifice, I Pray you to guide them in that direction. Be it here at TAG, a local Church, or simply by your Word alone. 

Father, I also Pray for all your Children that may be struggling with Sin or Doubt, or Persecution, or Hatred, Sickness or even Death, I Pray that they have the Strength, Comfort, and Peace they need at this time. 

For those who are trying to be a Blessing to others, I Pray a very Speical Blessing to them. All the Praise and Glory be to you Father, in Jesus Name, 
Amen!

Until next time. be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord.

Jesus in the Old Testament, Job

Jesus in the Book of Job

We are examining this Statement from Jesus.

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,” {John 5:39}

We have come all through the Old Testament to here, the Book of Job. I love the Book of Job. Most people, understand that it is about a Godly Faithful Man suffering a great deal, and overcoming and being richly Blessed in the end. Yes? And No. But that is the gist of it for most who have heard the Story. Just staying on this outline, we can clearly see Job being a Shadow of Christ.

Right in the beginning, we see Job is Holy and Faithful. Job 1:1

“There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.”

Jesus was Holy and Faithful.

Satan tests Job, but notice what God actually says to Satan about Job.

“And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?”

"None like him on the earth"We see the Holiest Man being tempted by Satan, consider this in Matthew 4

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”

Then in Chapter two, we read how much Job suffered and that he was so disfigured that his friends could not even recognize him. 2:12

“And when they saw him from a distance, they did not recognize him. And they raised their voices and wept, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads toward heaven.”

We know that when Jesus was beating, he suffered so much that He also was disfigured beyond recognition. In Isaiah 52:14 when describing how Jesus was going to be beaten, it says this.

“As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:”

We could spend weeks just on Isaiah when talking about Jesus in the Old Testament Books. The number of blows given to Jesus is not recorded; however, the number of blows in Jewish law was 39. Not to get too graphic, during the scourging, the skin of the “Offender” was ripped from the Back, exposing a bloody mass of Tissue and Bone. Just this act often causing death or at least unconsciousness. In addition to the flogging, Jesus also faced severe beating and torment by the Roman soldiers, including the plucking of His Beard and the piercing of His head with a Crown of Thorns.

In Job 5, we read how Eliphaz taunted him and told him to,

“Call now; is there anyone who will answer you? To which of the holy ones will you turn?”

When Christ was at the point of His Death, they taunted Him. Matthew 27:43

“He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.”

We see how Job’s friends failed him when he needed them the most, as we see all of Jesus’s friends flee at His Arrest.

We see Job cry this out in Job 13:24

“Why do you hide your face and count me as your enemy?”

As we read Jesus cried this out in Matthew 27:46

“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

If you look at the total of Job’s suffering, we can see clearly that he is attacked on three fronts. People, Satan, and even God Himself. Jesus was attacked by the Jews, Romans, Satan, and even “God.” When Jesus asked if there was any other way, the answer was No. Jesus HAD to suffer the things He did because,

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” {John 3:16}

Jump ahead to Job 42.

“My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. Now therefore take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves. And my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.”

Jesus came and Died for our Sins. Although we are guilty unto death, God will NOT “deal with us according to our folly.” When God accepted Job He raised him up. When God accepted Christ’s sacrifice He raised Him up.

Job suffered more than any man on the Face of the Earth from the Beginning to Jesus. Jesus suffered even more than Job. Both were completely Faithful to God and even though their suffering was so great, they did it because they accepted that it was the Will of God. Jesus said this during His Prayer before His arrest and suffering, Matthew 26:38

“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

As we know, Job was restored.

“And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.”

When Jesus died for His Friends, that would be me and you, He was raised from the Dead and is now at the Right hand of God in Heaven. Acts 7:55–56, Romans 8:34, Ephesians 1:20, Colossians 3:1, Hebrews 1:3, Hebrews 8:1.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus sacrifice for me. I repent of my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, Be Blessed, Be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord!

Psalm 150

Psalm 150

1 Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.

3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.

4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.

6 Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.

Jesus in the Old Testament, Esther

Jesus in Esther

Welcome. We are currently going through the entire Old Testament, from Genesis all the way through to Malachi. We are studying this Statement from Jesus, John 5:39.

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,”

Today we find ourselves in the Book of Esther. As we look into this more closely, you will see that we can see shadows of Jesus in the Life of Mordecai and Esther. Let’s begin.

First, notice that God is never even mentioned by name, in the entire Book. Yet we can clearly see that God’s Hand is in all situations involving Esther. We also see their reliance on nothing more than God in their Fasting and Praying. Fasting was, and still is, a way of reaching out to God, of humbling oneself and acknowledging complete dependence on Him.

This Fasting took place when now Queen Esther, learned of the Plot by the Haman to kill all the Jews because Mordecai refused to bow down to and worship him. You can read of this in Chapter 3 and 4. This follows the Contest to Crown a New Queen of which Esther Won.

Now in Chapter 6, we read this.

“On that night the king could not sleep. And he gave orders to bring the book of memorable deeds, the chronicles, and they were read before the king. And it was found written how Mordecai had told about Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, and who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. And the king said, “What honor or distinction has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?” The king's young men who attended him said, “Nothing has been done for him.””

Now at this time, Haman was plotting to Hang Mordecai for his perceived disrespect. He even went so far as to have Gallows made for this purpose. He goes in to ask the King to permission to, read on from Verse 4

“And the king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king's palace to speak to the king about having Mordecai hanged on the gallows that he had prepared for him. And the king's young men told him, “Haman is there, standing in the court.” And the king said, “Let him come in.” So Haman came in, and the king said to him, “What should be done to the man whom the king delights to honor?” And Haman said to himself, “Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?” And Haman said to the king, “For the man whom the king delights to honor, let royal robes be brought, which the king has worn, and the horse that the king has ridden, and on whose head a royal crown is set. And let the robes and the horse be handed over to one of the king's most noble officials. Let them dress the man whom the king delights to honor, and let them lead him on the horse through the square of the city, proclaiming before him: ‘Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.’” Then the king said to Haman, “Hurry; take the robes and the horse, as you have said, and do so to Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king's gate. Leave out nothing that you have mentioned.” So Haman took the robes and the horse, and he dressed Mordecai and led him through the square of the city, proclaiming before him, “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.”

Now several things come to mind with just this one passage. First, we see the original Sin here. Pride. The King made Haman a person of great authority. However, he was NOT the King. Yet, he desired to be worshiped as the King and became enraged when this did not happen. Think Lucifer.

Second, it was the King who Honored Mordecai. Not Mordecai himself. Look at this warning that Jesus warned us of in Luke 14:8

“When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Mordecai was just being obedient and following God. As Peter writes, we should all do this as well. 1 Peter 5:6

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,”

Third, we can also see Jesus in the role of Mordecai as well in this situation. Again, he was simply following God and going about God’s Will when Mankind, AKA Haman, sought his life. In this case, the King, in Jesus case, the King of Kings, God Himself, Glorified his faithful Servant in the end. He will do the same for us. Interesting side note, Hanam is hanged and Judas hung himself.

In Chapter 8, we see Esther go before the King on behalf of God’s Chosen people. She falls at the King's feet and Prays to the King for the Salvation of the Jews.

“If it please the king, and if I have found favor in his sight, and if the thing seems right before the king, and I am pleasing in his eyes, let an order be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the provinces of the king. For how can I bear to see the calamity that is coming to my people? Or how can I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?”

Jesus bowed Himself down and Prayed to THE King for the Salvation of His People. Both Jews, and all of those that accept Jesus’s Sacrifice. John 17

“Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

Not only can we see Jesus in the Life of Esther, but Mordecai as well. As we see at the end for Esther.

“For Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Ahasuerus, and he was great among the Jews and popular with the multitude of his brothers, for he sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people.”

We know that Jesus has overcome all and is now sitting on the Right Hand of God.

“So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.”

Join us next time as we examine the Book of Job. Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!!