Knowing Your Lazarus

Hello Rich Person. 

Hello Rich Person. Yes, I am talking to you. Did you know this fact? If you make only $10,000 dollars a year, you are in the One Percent of the Riches people on the Earth. Yup. Ten Thousand Dollars a year. That is roughly $800 a month Not a Paycheck. A Month. How much do you make?

Think about this. Most Poor around the world have no home, running water, electric, a ready source of food. They eat garbage, bugs, and dirt. Whatever they can find, or they DIE. Our Poor? American Poor? Here is the legal and actual definition of American Poor. People that make less than the following.

$12,486 for a single individual under age 65,
$14,507 a household of two people with a householder 65 years or older with no children,
$24,339 for a family of four with two children under age 18,

American Poor, have a home, running water, and a ready source of food. We have a car, sometimes two, cell phones, laptops, access to the Internet. No one is walking around naked. No one is starving to death. In this country, if you do not work, the Government will take care of you and your family. Other places around the world? They follow what the Bible says.

"For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat." 2 Thessalonians 3:10

Now, of course, I'm not referring to those who cannot work for various reason. I'm speaking of those who chose not to. Think about this really harsh story Jesus told us.

"There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." Luke 16:19-31

Think about that for a second. Jesus was referring to YOU. He was talking about someone who has a Home, ready access to food and water. Wearing nice clothes. Living in comfort. Who KNEW. Knowing to be a key here. Knew that Lazarus was suffering, having nothing, and he did nothing about it.

Jesus tells us plainly that in the end times, how we treat others will be a HUGE deciding factor in where we spend Eternity.

"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Matthew 25:31-46

There is so much more to life than going out and working 8 to 10 hours a day for someone else, and coming home to paid bills. There is so much more. If this is all your life consists of, can I recommend that you pray about it and see God and His plan for you and your life? He will show you.

Seriously think about this. As a child of God, as a "Christian" for the lack of a better term, how can you say you are, and NOT do anything to help others? To serve others. James put it this way.

"If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." James 2:15-16

Religion for religion sake is pointless. Saying that you love God and are a child of God, without loving others is pointless and may even prove what you think and say as false. You are the Rich. Lazarus is the Poor. Who you know. Who you see. What are you doing for him? How are you serving Jesus?

We get so tied up thinking about and worrying about ourselves and paying bills. We work and wonder "What's for dinner." Others worry where and when our next meal is coming from. We are Rich. They are poor. Our Daddy is the Alfa and the Omega. The great "I Am." He is the God of gods and the LORD of lords. The Creator of all that is, was and will be. Who is their daddy? What do they truly have? What are you doing to serve them? Jesus may be one of those you see, in person, waiting to see how you respond. Be careful, Child of God. Think about how you are treating the poor.

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 heal 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 just 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, Joel

Jesus in Joel,

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,"

We come now to the Book of Joel. This is another one of those seldom read, or taught on, Books in the Bible. It is only three chapters long. Joel unfolds and develops a new concept, ''the Day of the Lord,'' as do the Prophets that follow him.

To fully understand the mass destruction that is to come, you have to understand that this was the "Land of Milk and Honey." This land had rolling hills filled with Fig and Olive Trees, Trees of various kinds of fruit, and they had vibrate and full Vineyards. It was a truly beautiful and greatly desired land. Think about the Garden of Eden.

Joel 1, because of their Sins.

"Be ashamed, O tillers of the soil; wail, O vinedressers, for the wheat and the barley, because the harvest of the field has perished. The vine dries up; the fig tree languishes. Pomegranate, palm, and apple, all the trees of the field are dried up, and gladness dries up from the children of man."

Joel sees all this destruction and calls his People to Repent.

"Put on sackcloth and lament, O priests; wail, O ministers of the altar. Go in, pass the night in sackcloth, O ministers of my God! Because grain offering and drink offering are withheld from the house of your God. Consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord. Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is near, and as destruction from the Almighty it comes."

When God created everything, He created Man, us, and gave us authority over everything. The whole Earth was perfect and beautiful and there was no Sin, nor Death, nor Sorrow nor Pain. Yet we gave all of our authority over this beautiful land to the Evil One, and we set a Day of the Lord, a day of destruction, to come.

We have had many, many Prophets rise up and warn us, that the Day of the Lord is coming.

"Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; and they said to the mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" Revelation 6:15-17

Jesus Himself tells us of this Day. His Day.

"On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’" Matthew 7:22-23

And again here in John 12:48

"He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day."

Jesus tells us that this "Day of the Lord." refers directly to Him and His return to judge the Earth and all that is in it, each according to their own deeds.

In Joel 2 we see the coming of The Day of the Lord.

"Blow a trumpet in Zion; sound an alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming; it is near, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness! Like blackness, there is spread upon the mountains a great and powerful people; their like has never been before, nor will be again after them through the years of all generations. Fire devours before them and behind them a flame burns. The land is like the garden of Eden before them, but behind them, a desolate wilderness, and nothing escapes them. Their appearance is like the appearance of horses, and like war horses they run."

Again, read Revelations and you will see the Vision that John had matches this pretty clearly of the End Times. From Locast to Horses. From Wrath to Plages and Food and water drying up and becoming blood and useless.

Jesus came to warn us all that this day was coming and He wants us to return to Him and to become Children of God. Look at this passage from Joel. Joel 2:12-13

"“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."

Then look at this in Joel 2:

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days, I will pour out my Spirit."

Look at Acts 2 and you will see this come to pass.

"For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’"

We receive who? what? The Holy Spirit. Who is the Holy Spirit? God. We literally receive into ourselves, the Holy Spirit that is Jesus, God, who endows us with great Power and the Freedom over even Death itself.

The only thing you have to do, the only thing you can do, is to accept God's Plan for you and your Life. Accept Jesus's Sacrifice for you. Repent your Sins, and Believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. Then you can rest assured that you will receive the forgiveness of God and not the/Wrath to come. You can rest assured that in "The Day of the Lord" you will rejoice and not run. Celebrate and not cower. Free yourself from the bonds of this Earth, and not fear the destruction to come.

As Joel saw the beautiful land destroyed and the people slaughtered who did not repent, the entire earth will be suffering the same Wrath of God. The "Day of the Lord" is coming. Are you ready? 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 heal 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 just 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!

Your 401 E

What are you working for? 

If I ask you, most people, "How is your 401 K?" you, and most people, would be able to tell me. Pretty good. Lost some but building back. Could be better. ETC. Most people are fully aware of their financial status looking ahead to the future.

We have people whose entire career is to manage your money today, so you have the most possible for tomorrow. Our Stock Market and Banks have become like Churches for most. Money is their God. The worry of tomorrow has some paralyzed in dealing with today. People tell you all the time that you must do this or that. Set 10 percent of our salary aside. 20 percent. 30 if you can. You need to save as much as you can now, while you can, while there is income coming in so when there is not, we will be OK.

You seem to have your 401 K down. What about your 401 E? Your Eternal Retirement Plan. Oh, there is such a thing. Remember what Jesus taught us? Luke 12:16-21

"And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

Why would Jesus tell us this? Turn to Matthew 6:19-21

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

Have you ever thought about that? "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also?" Sounds like this. Does it not? Matthew 6:24

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

There will be a very distinct difference in Reward. But there will be a Reward. Look at John 5:28-29 again.

"Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation."

Wait. Have you ever heard it put this way? "those who have done good, to the resurrection of life and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation." Oh, there will be a Resurrection for all. Some Translations say "Rise" "Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment."

We will all "Rise." We are all Eternal Beings. There IS a Resurrection for every Man, Woman, and Child. Are you thinking Up? Planning for your Eternal Retirement Plan? Or are you thinking down? Are you storing up for yourselves treasures in heaven, or, are you trying to build Barns?

According to 2 Corinthians 5:10

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad."

John gives us a behind the scenes peek at this in Revelation 20:12-13

"And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. According to his Deeds."

You see, the choice is yours. You can think about yourself, and today, and or, you can think up. This next story I would like to share with you is a tough one. It really is. Jesus told us this story in Luke 16:19-31

"There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead."

Now that is a harsh story. It really is. But it is simply a matter of choice. The Rich man saw Lazarus every day. He never concerned himself with anything more than himself. Also, the Rich Man knew the Word of God. He chose to not accept it. Lazarus was obviously faithful enough to be saved by God. All about choices. Which direction do you choose to think? Earthly or Heavenly?

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 heal 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 just 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, Hosea

Jesus in Hosea.

Hosea is the first and the longest of the group of Books in the Bible that are called "The Minor Prophets.'' The name ''Hosea'' means ''Deliverance'' or even ''Salvation.'' You most likely have heard the name of his unfaithful Wife Gomer. No matter how much she Sinned and was unfaithful to him, Hosea not only loved her but Cherished her as well. Even to the point of going to the Slave Market to find her. But I am getting ahead of myself.

Let us jump into Hosea 1:2

"When the Lord first spoke through Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea, “Go, take to yourself a wife of whoredom and have children of whoredom, for the land commits great whoredom by forsaking the Lord.”

Now hold on a second. God told Hosea to go into the World and become Married to a Sinful Wife. Think about this for a second. The Word declares that we ALL Sin.

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23

Genesis tells us that when God looked at us following the Great Flood,

"And when the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, the LORD said in his heart, “I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done." Genesis 8:21

None of us are good or Holy.

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

We are a people of Whoredom. We have many other gods we Worship. We do many things contrary to what God would have us do. James 4:4 put's it this way.

"You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."

Yet, God "told" Jesus, to come into the World, and "Go, take to yourself a wife of whoredom." Remember, He is our Bridegroom, we are His Bride.

Just like Hosea, Jesus came and did what God "told" Him to do. He took us for a Wife. Yet, like Gomer, we continued to play the Whore and became unfaithful to God. In Chapter Three, we see God tell Hosea, to go to where his Wife had gone, and buy her back.

"And the Lord said to me, “Go again, love a woman who is loved by another man and is an adulteress, even as the Lord loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other gods and love cakes of raisins.” So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and a homer and a lethech of barley. And I said to her, “You must dwell as mine for many days. You shall not play the whore, or belong to another man; so will I also be to you.” For the children of Israel shall dwell many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or pillar, without ephod or household gods. Afterward the children of Israel shall return and seek the Lord their God, and David their king, and they shall come in fear to the Lord and to His goodness in the latter days."

Jesus came to where we were. In the middle of our Sin, and He bought us, with a price, which is His Blood, and brought us in to be His Wife. He died for our Sins, and raised from the Dead our Spirits into Eternal Life with Him and God the Father.

"You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men." 1 Corinthians 7:23

We see that even though God so loved Isreal, they continuously Sinned and turned away. Yet His Love never fails. It never fades. He will still love us no matter what. Yet there is coming a time when all we know and all we see will be removed. Those that remain unrepentant will run out of time and face destruction. Yet, those God so loves, those that accepted the Marriage to Jesus will be Saved and loved by God. Always. Hosea 11 starts out this way.

"When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt, I called my son. The more they were called, the more they went away; they kept sacrificing to the Baals and burning offerings to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them up by their arms, but they did not know that I healed them. I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love, and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them."

John 3:16-17?

"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."

Be careful though. We all have Free Will. You do not have to believe. John18?

"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."

Even though God loves us, Created us, and wants to save us from destruction and Eternal Damnation, we can still say no. We can still choose to refuse the Wedding. To, reject God and His Plan. To simply, not believe. Remember,

"Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." 1 Peter 2:10

Yes, we were, and continue, to be a Sinner. We continue to Sin and play the Whore. HE came and bought us with a Price, and took us to be His Wife. In doing so, we received the Spirit of Adoption.

"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him." Romans 8:15-17

There is no other way. There is only Jesus and accepting the invitation to be His Bride. To be the one He paid for with the price of His Blood.

"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" 1 Timothy 2:5

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 heal 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 just 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!

Meeting God

Ever thought of this?

Read Pauls encounter when he met Jesus.

"But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank." Acts 9:1-9

Ever think about this? How incredible it would be. How amazing. How amazing it would be to actually meet Jesus. To meet God face to face? Actually? It happens all the time. Just a few places? Walking in the Garden in Genisis. Talking with Abraham Genesis 18:1-14. He fought for Joshua Joshua 5:13-15. He fought for Gideon & Israel Judges 6:11-22. He was there in the Fiery Furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Daniel 3:23-28.

I know I know. You are thinking this is great. However, this is all Old Testament stuff. Of course, Jesus appeared to people in the New Testament, when He actually came to Earth in the form of Man. But what does any of that have to do with me? Jesus no longer appears to anyone?

Are you sure about that? Jesus is all around us. God is everywhere. Go outside and look around. His creation cries out His name. The Sun, the Moon, the Stars. The Birds of the Air and the Fish in the Sea. Don't want to go outside? Look in the Mirror.

“Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." Genesis 1:26-27

Side note: Who was God talking to when He said: "Let US make man in OUR image and OUR likeness"? Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Yes. They have always been as well.

I am talking about ACTUALLY meeting Jesus. Actually Meeting God. Not some concept or idea. No. Actually meeting God. It happens all the time. You HAVE already met Him. He came to you in one of three forms. Of course, the easiest for most people to accept is the concept of meeting The God of Heaven in the form of the Word. Reading the Bible, talking directly to Him. Praying. Most understand that God answers Prayers. If you do not know this, I assure you He ALWAYS does. Some times the answer is NO. But He always does.

Then you have the Holy Spirit. The whisper in your ear. Tough at your Spirit. Call to come to Church. The thought of Right and Wrong. The thought or Passage that just pops into your head. That is the Holy Spirit trying to call you out of the World and to God Himself. That is the Holy Spirit that Jesus told us about in John 14

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 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.”

In Verse 23, read this and understand.

“If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him."

Notice He says "I" Jesus, "I" will come. Then He says "We" God the Father, Jesus, and He is referring to the Holy Spirit, will come, and "Make our home with him." Who? You.

Third? The Third way Jesus can come to you is to ACTUALLY come to you. In-person. In Human form. Yes. He can and still does do this. Now do not be mislead. Will He come and appear all in White with a blinding light with the sounds of Angels Praising and Singing to and about Him? He could.

However, He could, and more likely, He could appear to you looking like, well, you. Looking like me. Looking like anyone. Remember when Jesus appeared to His disciples following His Crucifixion?

"That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And he said to them, “What things?”"

They go on to tell Him all the things that happened with them and Jesus. To? Jesus. They were walking with and talking to the same Jesus that they spent nearly three years with, daily. They did not know who He was.

Jesus can and will come to you in the form of a stranger if it is in His Will. Remember this warning of Paul in his letter to the Hebrews.

"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Hebrews 13:2

In a lot of cases in the Word, when we are told stories of Angels visiting, it turns out that it is actually Christ Himself. He is the same Yesterday, Today, and Forevermore. Do not be surprised if He comes to visit you face to face. As a matter of fact, Jesus makes this statement in Revelations 3:20

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him, and he with me."

Then you also have this little tidbit. Did you know that when someone meets YOU, they are meeting Jesus? You may be the only Jesus that they will ever meet. Remember, Jesus said this about YOU.

"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.”

The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, is in you. Remember, "I" and "We" are in you. God, Himself, is in you. We someone meets you, they are meeting the Spirit of Jesus. What kind of Jesus are they meeting? Think about that.

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 heal 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 just 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, Daniel

Jesus in the Book of Daniel

We are searching out the Old Testament, in light of this Statement of Jesus.

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

We have come to another Book of Prophecy called the Book of Daniel. Many feel that this is one of the most important Books in the entire Word of God. It introduces us to the realm of New Testament Prophecy. Like Ezekiel, the Author was just a Child during the Captivity of God's Chosen People.

He would introduce us to ''the time of the Gentiles.'' A completely new, and until this, unthought of, new Era in God's Redemptive Plan. One of the things I learned and found fascinating when Studying this is that from Verse 4 of Chapter 2 to the close of Chapter 7, the original Writing was not in Hebrew but in Chaldean, the language of Babylon. It is like God was telling us in advance that all the Kingdoms of the world would read His Word in their own Language.

The Book of Daniel has two major divisions. Historical, Chapters 1 - 6, and then Prophetical, Chapters 7 - 12. Be careful though, even the Historical parts contain Prophecy. Let's jump in here to Daniel Chapter 2.

Now we see that Daniel is in Captivity and at this time the King, Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that disturbed him greatly and he could not find anyone to Interprete the dream. Daniel was shown the Message of the dream by God and went to told the King. Daniel 2:47-48

"Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery.” Then the king gave Daniel high honors and many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon."

So how do we go from this to the Furnace? King Nebuchadnezzar had made an image of Gold, and set it up on the plain of Dura, in the Province of Babylon. Most likely of Himself. At the Dedication of the Golden Image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, the Herald proclaimed aloud

“You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. And whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace.” Daniel 3:4-6

When all heard the sound of the Music, all fell down and Worshiped the Golden Image. Of course, the Jews, or God's Chosen People, would never do this. Certain Chaldeans came forward and informed the King this.

"O king, live forever! You, O king, have made a decree, that every man who hears the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image. And whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into a burning fiery furnace. There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." Daniel 3:8-12

The King even gave them a chance. He asked if the allegations were true, then even gave them another chance and in essence, said "Look. This is my decree, if you do this, all is good. If not, I will have no choice but to follow through with the Comand that those who do not will be cast into the Furnace. They responded to the King this way.

"O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."

King Nebuchadnezzar was so angry with their insubordination and what he perceived to be disrespect, that not only did he order them bound and cast into the Furnace, he commanded that the Furnace heated seven times more than it was usually heated. He wanted nothing left of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They were bound and thrown into the Furnace. The fire was so hot that it actually killed the Men that took Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego up to be thrown in.

"Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”

Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace; he declared, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire. And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king's counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men. The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them." Daniel 3:24-27

Notice this as a bit of a side note. Outside there were Three, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Inside there were Four, and outside there were Three again. Jesus never manifests Himself except inside the Firery Furnace, at the very moment when He was needed the most. When we come to the Firery Furnaces of Life, we may go in alone, however, if you are a Child of God, Jesus will be there waiting for you. 

"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Can you imagine this? They were cast to certain death and yet Jesus showed up and said: "Nah, not today." Not even the smell of Smoke was on them. Remember, this Furnace was so hot it killed those that brought them up to throw them in. Yet because Jesus was there, no harm came to them. Notice this also. Why? For the Praise and Glory of God. Look what happens right after this. 

"Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king's command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God. Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins, for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way.” Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon."

God received the Glory. It was not for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. No, it was for the Glory of God to be made known. Sometimes when we go through the Storms, Tests, Trials, of Life, it may not have anything to do with us at all, but for the very Glory of God. Think about that.

Look at this in Chapter 7. There can be no denying what Daniel sees here is the Return of Christ,

"As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened." Daniel 7:9-10

Then look at this.

"I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed." Daniel 7:13-14

Now look at Revelation 5:1-7

"Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”

And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne."

In Daniel 9, he foretells the death of Messiah, the Prince. {24-27} Then we see that the Lord Jesus Himself quoted from the book of Daniel {Matthew 24:14,15,30, Luke 21:24-27, Mathew 26:63,64}. He used the prophecy of Daniel, about the coming of the Son of Man in Clouds of Heaven, as proof of His Messiahship and Deity. There is no doubt.

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!

Two Paths

We are all responsible for ourselves. 

Jesus said this.

"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." Matthew 7:13-14

Did you know this? Seriously. Have you thought about this? We live in a society that for the most part, operates in and on trends. Everyone jumps on the Band Wagon. The 60s was Burning Bras, Free Love, ETC. The 70s were Grovey with Bellbottoms. 80's the Me started to emerge. 90s, 2000, So on.

Now we live in a Digital Me Generation. Everyone wants to be Famous. "Look at me? Look how many Views, Likes, Thumbs Up, whatever, I have." We literally have people getting Rich making Videos of them playing with Toys. Some thought my Generation was getting Lazy because we got to start playing Video Games and maybe watching too much TV at the end of the 80s and 90s. Now? Now our kids are so lazy that they no longer sit around playing Video Games. They lay around watching Videos of OTHER PEOPLE playing Video Games.

Worse yet, we have all but removed God from Society so all and anything goes. You want to Prostitue your kid on Social Media to make money, all good. If your 13-year-old girl wants to go around showing off all she has, so be it. If your 13-year-old or younger Girl or Boy want to claim to be a Boy or Girl? So be it.

Nothing is your fault. EVER. Nothing is Sin. EVER. There is no God. There is no Hell. There is only you. All of us are the same. None are different or better or anything. If it feels good, do it. No worries.

Problem is? Sin is still Sin. God is real. Hell is real. Morals and Righteous are real and just because all these people are walking down the broad and Easy Path, does not mean you should join them. Romans 8

"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." 7-8

Those walking down the Broad Path cannot please God, for they do not know Him. If they do hear of Him, they reject what they hear, in exchange for themselves. But you Child of God, are not to be like them.

"You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you." 9-11

It does not matter how popular a Trend is. It does not matter what the World tells you. The World will tell you that Sin is Good and Good is Sin. Forget what the World says. You ARE responsible for your actions and saying, "Well, everyone else is doing it." isn't going to cut it when you stand before your God.

"For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God."13-14

In John 8 Jesus gets real with those who were not just Religious Folks of His time, but Religious Leaders. Jesus told them this.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are offspring of Abraham, yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.” 34-38

Needless to say, this did not go over well. They are the Chosen People. They are Children of Abraham. Therefore Children of God. Jesus tells them this.

"If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word." 42-43

Stop there for a second. Did you ever try to share God's Word with someone and it seemed like they couldn't even hear what you were telling them? This is why. Read that one part again.

"Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word." Later he will finish this statement with this. "Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” 43, 47

The World does not receive God's Word, His Truth, His Righteousness, or even His Grace, for one simple reason. They are of the World, and NOT of His. But you are not a Slave to Sin. Or a Slave to this World. You have been set free from all that. Romans 8:15

"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

DADDY! That is literally what Abba Father means. Daddy. Follow your Big Brother Jesus, down that "Narrow" and "Hard" Path that leads to Truth and Life. Be the few that find it. Be the Child of God you are meant to be. Forget what the World says. Learn what your Daddy says and step off that wide and easy Path. It might be wide. It might be easy. But at the end of the Path lays Death and Destruction. Choose wisely, which Path you want to be on.

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 heal 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, Ezekiel

Jesus in Ezekiel 

Welcome. We have been examining this Statement by 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,"

Ezekiel means ''God shall strengthen'' or ''strength of God.'' Like Isaiah before him, Ezekiel was granted a vision of God. Isaiah's experience focused upon the Holiness of God. Ezekiel's centered not only upon Holiness but also upon God's Glory. There is no other Book in the Bible except Revelation, that may be harder for the reader to fully understand due to all the Symbolisms and Visions.

Here are some of the parallels:

Both Ezekiel and John saw the Rainbow, a sign of the Covenant.

Both saw the blazing purity of God’s Presence. To Ezekiel, a dazzling brightness above; to John, like a Sea of Glass.

Both had a vision of Lamps representing God’s Spirit.

Both saw four living Creatures, whose sound was like rushing Water {Ezekiel 1:24; Revelation 19:4-6}

Both were given a Scroll to eat, and then told to go and Prophesied {Ezekiel 1:28; 2:1, 8-10; 3:1-4; Revelation 10:1-2, 8-11}

Like John, Ezekiel finds it difficult to describe what he has seen. He speaks of “the figure like that of a man” who had ”the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord” {Ezekiel 1:28}. The ”glory of the Lord”, here clearly refers to the presence of God revealed in a person.

In the very first Verse, Ezekiel says this.

"In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the exiles by the Chebar canal, the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God."

He goes on to say this.

"And above the expanse over their heads there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness with a human appearance. And upward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were gleaming metal, like the appearance of fire enclosed all around. And downward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness around him. Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around.

Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking." Ezekiel 1:26-28

He literally saw Jesus there. Sitting on His Thrown. Turn to Revelations 1. John sees into Heaven and sees Jesus.

"Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest."

Jesus even tells John, in case there was any doubt, exactly who He is.

"When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades."

In Chapter 2 we see Ezekiel's Call from God.

"And he said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.” And as he spoke to me, the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me. And he said to me, “Son of man, I send you to the people of Israel, to nations of rebels, who have rebelled against me."

What did Jesus call Himself over and over? "Son of Man." Remember when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist? 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.”"

Remember what Jesus told those who he was walking with when the Canaanite Woman approached them?

“I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

In Chapter 7 we see God warning us through Ezekiel, the end is coming.

"The word of the Lord came to me: “And you, O son of man, thus says the Lord God to the land of Israel: An end! The end has come upon the four corners of the land. Now the end is upon you, and I will send my anger upon you; I will judge you according to your ways, and I will punish you for all your abominations."

Jesus tells us that the End is coming.

"For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done."

In Chapter 13 we see a warning of False Prophets.

"They say, ‘Declares the Lord,’ when the Lord has not sent them, and yet they expect him to fulfill their word. Have you not seen a false vision and uttered a lying divination, whenever you have said, ‘Declares the Lord,’ although I have not spoken?”"

Jesus warns us of the False Prophets as well.

"See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray." Matthew 24:4-5

"For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect." {24}

In Chapter 16 we see that God calls us to be His Bride. Yet even though He prepared us, we failed to be worthy and Sinner. Auderated ourselves with others. So Jesus came to be our Bridegroom and Wash us and prepare us again for the Wedding.

In Chapter 18, we read this.

"If a man is righteous and does what is just and right if he does not eat upon the mountains or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, does not defile his neighbor's wife or approach a woman in her time of menstrual impurity, does not oppress anyone, but restores to the debtor his pledge, commits no robbery, gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment, does not lend at interest or take any profit, withholds his hand from injustice, executes true justice between man and man, walks in my statutes, and keeps my rules by acting faithfully—he is righteous; he shall surely live, declares the Lord God.

If he fathers a son who is violent, a shedder of blood, who does any of these things (though he himself did none of these things), who even eats upon the mountains, defiles his neighbor's wife, oppresses the poor and needy, commits robbery, does not restore the pledge, lifts up his eyes to the idols, commits abomination, lends at interest, and takes profit; shall he then live? He shall not live. He has done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon himself."

Remember what Jesus taught us He will say at the Day of Judgement?

"Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

In 34 we see a Warning against the False Sheppards. We know that Jesus is the Good Sheppard. {John 10}

God warned us through Ezekiel this in Ezekiel 39:7-8

“And my holy name I will make known in the midst of my people Israel, and I will not let my holy name be profaned anymore. And the nations shall know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel. Behold, it is coming and it will be brought about, declares the Lord God. That is the day of which I have spoken."

Jesus tells us that on this day.

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations,"

In Ezekiel’s Vision, he sees the Lord Jesus revealed as the Heavenly God in the form of Man. He sees the Divine God who would become a Human Being. Ezekiel Prophesies that Jesus will be revered as the "Good Shepherd" who will give his life for God’s Chosen People. Then Ezekiel sees the Work of Jesus represented by a Glorious Temple, enhancing the Revelation of the other Hebrew Patriarchs and Prophets who present Jesus as the Cornerstone, our Ransom Sacrifice, the Scapegoat, our Passover Lamb, our great High Priest. Christ is indeed in all the Scriptures as we are finding out, Clearly, for all those who can recognize Him, for all those who worship Him, and for all those who Obey His Commands.

For others, who are still Blind, the Lord Jesus remains a Mystery, and a Stumbling Block, Which is why so many of his Apostles and Prophets, like Ezekiel, were treated with such disdain. Ezekiel was rejected by God’s People, even as he preached the Truth that is Jesus Christ.

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 and Be a Blessing to another. Jesus IS Lord!