Book of Matthew, Chapter 5

Chapter 5

1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

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

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. 26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.

31 “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ 34 But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 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. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Planing for the Future, A Work Plan, Part C

How do you achieve the best results?

We have already talked about this. What is the job? Make disciples. Be a shower of the way, a teller of truth, and sharer of the Gospel.

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

What is the Mission Statement?

"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

There is no other way. There is no Plan B.

Last time we talked about the S.O.P. or the Standard Operating Procedure.

1- Tell the Truth.
2- Give it out freely.
3- Do it with gentleness and love.

What is your Part?

EVERYTHING. It is totally up to you. You ARE the Child of God. You may very well be the only Jesus someone will ever see and or meet in their life. You are IT. It is your Job.

This leaves us with this question. What is the best way to achieve the best results?

Hitting someone in the head with the Bible never works. Shoving the Word down someone's throat never works. Hounding, arguing, screaming at someone, even threatening someone with fire and Brimstone doesn't work.

However, not telling them about Hell doesn't work either. Hell IS a very real place. Did you know that Jesus talked more vividly about Hell than He did about Heaven? Some say, and I see this as accurate, Jesus talked more about Hell than He did Heaven. Why? Because of His great love for us and His desire that none of us go there. This is also why some see Him as delaying His return.

"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." 2 Peter 3:9

It is never compassion to stand back and watch someone do something that will harm them. Fire is beautiful. My kids love it. They love when Daddy grills, and or when we have a fire outback. I was watching my kids play one day and my 9-year-old boy decided he wanted to go and play with the fire. He went over to it and I called to him to stop. "But Daddy? It's so pretty. I just want to make a torch." No Son. You will get burned if you go to close." "But Daddy?" It is not compassion to just allow him to go and play with the fire because he really desires to do so or that it may hurt his feels if I tell him about the dangers of the fire. It IS compassion to try to stop him from burning. Same thing with Hell.

It is not compassion to say something like, "Well, the world says it is ok, and they really like it or believe that it is ok, so, I won't say anything. They will find out somehow somewhere else." It is compassion to tell people, especially those you claim to love, that there really is a place called Hell and if you get too close you will burn. There is compassion in explaining the dangers. There is compassion in trying to stop someone from behaviors that are dangerous, and that there is a far better way.

Yet as we talked about before, this cannot be done by getting in people's faces and yelling and screaming. It has to be done with love and kindness. It is your job to sow the seed.

"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building." 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Here is the important detail that many leave out.

Leading by example.

I can be as compassionate and on fire as I want. You may even like what I'm are saying. I may have opened a door. But then? A little bit later? You come to the local store and see me buying two 12 packs of Beer. Or you go to a neighborhood BBQ and see me there smoking, drinking, and pretty much raising a little Hell. You know, just "having fun." You come over and try to talk to me, but all of a sudden, I seem to never use the name, Jesus. After all, this is not the time or the place. After all, this is Soandso's BBQ and they do not believe. I do not want to offend them.

So now what? What do you think the person is gonna think of me? More importantly, what are they gonna think of the Message? Is it real? Is it simply like any other religion? What is the difference in me, and anyone else out there? Worst yet, what is the difference in me, and them? The lost?

This is why we are told as Children of God, to live for God.

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." {Romans 12:1}

We are to be different. We are to be unique. We should stand out. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said,

“I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people.
Therefore go out from their midst,
and be separate from them, says the Lord,
and touch no unclean thing;
then I will welcome you,
and you shall be sons and daughters to me,
says the Lord Almighty.”."

God calls us the "Salt of the Earth" {Matthew 5:13} He calls us "Children of Light" {Ephesians 5:8} He calls us equal to Jesus Christ Himself {Romans 8:14-17} We "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} This is why Jesus taught us things like "Turn the other Cheek." and to "Love our Enemies." In Matthew 5:43-48

“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. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Who is first in your life? Are you looking to serve yourself or do you serve others? Are you living by example, or are you attempting to tell people "Do as I say, not as I do?" Can people clearly see that you ARE the "Salt of the Earth," "Children of Light," equal to Jesus Christ Himself? Do they see ANY difference whatsoever?

Tell them the truth. Show them compassion. Love them. Lead them by example. Let them see you are different. Let them see how God works in your life. Be the child of God you are.

Just as your earthly job. You are working towards retirement. You know your 401 k. How about your 401E? More on that next time.

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 believed 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!

Book of Matthew, Chapter 4

Chapter 4 

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written,

“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
    but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,’

and

“‘On their hands they will bear you up,
    lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”

7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written,

“‘You shall worship the Lord your God
    and him only shall you serve.’”

11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.

12 Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
    the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
16 the people dwelling in darkness
    have seen a great light,
and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death,
    on them a light has dawned.”

17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

23 And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. 24 So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them. 25 And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.

Planning for the Future, A Work Plan, Part B

S.O.P

You wake up. You shower or don't. You get dressed. You have Coffee or not. You eat or not. Get the spouse and or kids up and ready or not. You head off to work. You work 8 to 10 hours a day and sometimes have a second job. You work really hard till you get paid. You then sit home and figure out what bills need to be paid and you repeat.

Is this life? Is this really the only thing there is to life? I submit to you the answer is no. You are a Child 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 8:17

Now as we discussed last time, am I telling you to quit your job? No. Is God? You need to spend time with Him and Pray about that. However, regardless of the answer "Yes, or "No," it is still now your job, as a Child of God, to do the Works of your Father. It IS your job, to tell the truth, show the way, sow the seed, share the Gospel.

So?

What is the Job?
What is the Mission Statement?
What is S.O.P?
What is your Part?
How do you achieve the best results?

What is the job? Make disciples. Be a shower of the way, a teller of truth, and sharer of the Gospel.

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

What is the Mission Statement?

"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

There is no other way. There is no Plan B.

Now we come to the S.O.P. What are the Standard Operating Procedures for a Disciple of Jesus?

1- Tell the Truth.

Tell the truth. The whole truth, and nothing but the truth. This is the truth. Jesus IS the only way. John 1. John 3:16. John 10. John 14:6.

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you unless ye have believed in vain.

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:" 1 Corinthians 15:1-5

This is it. Do be careful Brother or Sister. God is final. His Word is final. Do not be mislead. God warns us this.

“Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it." Deuteronomy 12:32

There is no need. God said it, it is so.

"Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar." Proverbs 30:5-6

God is extremely serious about this.

"I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book." Revelation 22:18-19

Simply read, learn, and teach, this {Holding up the Bible} Do not add to it. Do not include man-made traditions called religion. Do not water down, exclude, or dismiss, parts of this, {Holding up the Bible} in the name of compassion, or out of fear, or because you may not agree. It IS what it is. It says what it says, there is no other truth.

"not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed." Galatians 1:7-8

2- Give it out freely.

God called you out. Jesus came to earth and gave up His life freely for you.

"No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” John 10:18

God continues to freely give to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

"He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness." 2 Corinthians 9:10

Jesus tells us straight out.

"Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give." Matthew 10:8

Peter told this to the beggar

"But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!" Acts 3:6

Never do it for profit or fame.

"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 6:1

3- Do it with gentleness and love.

"But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect," 1 Peter 3:14-17

It never works. Hitting someone in the head with the Bible, NEVER works. Shoving the Word down someone's throat, NEVER works. Hounding, arguing, screaming at, none of this EVER works. Jesus told those He sent out this.

"If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them." Luke 9:5

And here

"But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town." Luke 10:10-12

It is your obligation to tell people the truth. It is NOT your responsibility to ensure they accept it. That is simply between them and God.

What is your Part?

EVERYTHING. It is totally up to you. You ARE the Child of God. You may very well be the only Jesus someone will ever see and or meet in their life. You are IT. It is your Job.

How do you achieve the best results? That is what we will be discussing next time.

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 believed 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!

Book of Matthew, Chapter 3

Chapter 3

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said,

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
    make his paths straight.’”

4 Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 10 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 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; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Planing for The Future, A Work Plan, Part A

A work plan

This is a picture of a typical work plan. Most jobs have what is called an S.O.P. Standard Operational Procedures. When you start the job, they train you on all this. They tell you their Mission Statement. They tell you what they do, what their goals are, and how you are to become a part of it.

Now last time we got together, we discussed the fact that you are no longer of the flesh. You are still in the flesh but you are, at least I hope, you are starting to work on the spiritual aspect of your soul. It is not just about going to church and singing songs. Instead of asking what has God done for you lately. You should be asking what have you done for God? Religion for religion sake is useless and means nothing.

Well? What are you working for? Seriously think about this. What is it you are working for? Are you getting up, going to a job you really do not like? Are you working 8 to 10 hours a day, 5 to 6 days a week, just to get paid, pay bills, and do it again? Is this really all there is to life?

I know some people that spend their entire life working one, two, even three jobs sometimes, just to afford the lifestyle they think they need. But is this life? Is this what we should be striving for?

“Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15

Jesus also tells us this in John 10:10

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

Is Jesus concerned with that package rolling down the assembly line? Does He really care if the grass is cut? What about if the Sales Projection is good or not? Is He concerned with your earthly career? Whatever that maybe?

Please do not misunderstand, but I have to tell you the truth. Let me point something out to you.

"While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him." Matthew 4 18-20

Then as He walked?

"And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him." Matthew 4:21-22

Then we read this.

"As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him." Matthew 9:9

Notice this. Here are all these people that were doing nothing extraordinary. They were simply going through their lives. Fishermen, Salesmen, Boat Operators, Tax Collectors. They were not saving the World. But they were working hard days work for honest pay. Yes, even the Tax Collector. Not sure Jesus would have called him to follow if he was corrupt. Then notice this. Jesus said, "Follow Me." They did what? "Immediately they left their nets and followed him." "Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him." "And he rose and followed him." They did not say "Hey Jesus, Thanks for saving me," and go back to what they were doing.

I know I hear some of you. "That was then this is now." Do you know what Jesus is saying to you? Yes, you. Whatever you are doing, wherever you may be, that same Jesus is looking in your eyes right now saying this.

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

Again, do not misunderstand. Am I telling you to quit your job? No. I'm not. But God very well may be. If you feel He is, then I simply suggest you do it. But laying cable or even catching speeders, or even fighting fires should be secondary to serving God. Nothing should come before that.

"but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect," 1 Peter 3:15

Always. "But you do not understand. If I start talking about God I will lose friends and family and most likely, I will not have to quit, I will be fired." Peter asked Jesus what happens if these things happen to someone who chooses to leave all and follow Jesus, and Jesus said this.

“Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life." Mark 10:29-30

Do you really think God is NOT going to bless you and take care of you as long as you are seeking Him and His Will in your life? He wants a one on one relationship with you. Nothing more, nothing less. He wants you to be His Child. He wants you to do His work.

What does it mean to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations." He means to tell them the Truth. Teach them the Gospel. It can be as simple as this. Go up to them and say this.

"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." John 3:16-18

Tell them that there is no other way.

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:16

You simply tell them the Truth.

"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

Again, am I telling you to quit your job and go into the world as a Missionary or something to that effect? No. What I am saying is that God IS calling you to be His child and in turn, Jesus IS calling you out to make disciples. This is just a fact. So you need a Work Plan.

What is the Job?
What is the Mission Statement?
What is S.O.P?
What is your Part?
How do you achieve the best results?

Now again, if you feel God is calling you to walk away from your job, do it. If you are worried about losing your job, DON'T BE. Why?

“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."

What is the job? Make disciples. Be a shower of the way, a teller of truth, and sharer of the Gospel.

What is the Mission Statement?

"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." John 3:16-18

"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."

There is no other way. There is no Plan B.

We will be talking about the S.O.P. next time.

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 believed 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!

Book of Matthew Chapter 2

Chapter 2,

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:

18 “A voice was heard in Ramah,
    weeping and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
    she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.”

19 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead.” 21 And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. 23 And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.

Planing for The Future, Condition of Soul

The Condition of Our Soul,

Once saved, all good. Right? I got in. I'm good. Right? Hey, I accepted Jesus, I believe he rose from the dead, so I'm saved, right? After all, I was told the Bible says this.

"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

OK. So you are saved. Good for you. Now what? You go to church on Sundays and sing Praise and Worship songs and then leave and go to the BBQ? Go to work on Monday and do whatever you can do to get ahead and you try to plan out the next big step. You strive for the promotion and or raise. You plan for the next day off. You strive to be the best {Instert job here} you can be.

Oh wait, it is Sunday already? Well, let's put on our best clothes and praise God. We have to leave a little early though, you know, the big game is on. I wonder if the Big Boss got my message. I really need that raise.

Then what happens when the Boss says, Ok, you can get the promotion and a nice raise but you have to work every Sunday. No more of this Church talk stuff. OK? What do you do? Seriously. What do you do? Do you take the Promotion and the Raise and forgo Church?

Sorry. But if you said yes, your soul is not right. You are living for the World and not for God. You are allowing the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches to control you. Remember what Jesus said would happen to people like this?

"As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful." Matthew 13:22

Some even completely fall away. Why? Their Soul is not right. They are not thinking of their eternal Soul but rather their flesh. If you have any hope whatsoever of spending an eternity with God, in Paradise, you have to first be concerned with your Soul. Jesus told us plainly.

"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." Matthew 6:24

He tells us this just a bit later.

"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." Matthew 6:31-33

It is not just about going to church and singing songs. Instead of asking what has God done for you lately. You should be asking what have you done for God? Religion for religion's sake is useless and means nothing.

"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 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 2:14-17

We must learn who God truly is by going to church, praying, and spending time growing in Faith and Wisdom. We must lay a solid foundation to build on. Then we must learn to put God first. To truly "Follow Jesus." We must do what He did. Walk the way He walked. Pray the way He taught us. We must learn to always be alert and ready.

“Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Luke 12:35-40

Have you ever had someone just show up at your door? Seriously. Let me ask you this. Holidays just passed. If you are like me, you had friends and family come to visit. What did we do the day before? CLEAN! Clean and rearrange and make ready. Why? Because it was not presentable or ready for the company. So now thinking of that, what happens if someone just showed up? What if it was someone really important? Are you ready?

Jesus tells us that at the time when He comes,

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20

Are you ready? Knock knock knock. Are you ready? Jesus, the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings, is standing there. Waiting on you to open the door. Are you ready?

“Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks."

So Jesus can "come into" You "and eat with" YOU. This is real folks. It is not about going to church. It is not about being a good little {Incert Religion here} It is about a one-on-one relationship with God Himself. It is about doing God's Will. It is about filling up with the Word of God. It is about conditioning your soul to get it ready. Like your body starts out as an infant sucking milk, then going mushy food, then solids, so to your soul needs to grow and grow in more and more nutritional types of truths and wisdom in the Word of God.

Planning for the future makes no sense whatsoever if your soul is not right. If it is, then your perspective of the future will change. What you are working, on and why, could be drastically different. What is your Job? What is the reason you are doing it? Who or what are you working for? Are you sure?

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 believe He was 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, comment, questions, 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!