Raising Children, The Moral Decline

There is a moral decline.

It is speeding up too. We live in a country where we call sin good, and good sin. We live in a country where we teach our young, that from nothing, came one single cell of something, and from that, came all life as we know it today. Setting aside that the Theory of Evolution is both scientifically and mathematically impossible, there is no God.

As a nation, we also violate the Ten Commandments daily. So to recap. We violate God's Laws. Remove God from public life. We have stopped teaching Him in our schools. We attack those that are His children and those that believe in Him. We declare "One Nation Under God," and "In God We Trust." Yet, we do all these things, and we wonder WHY there is a moral decline in this country.

The moral decline has seemingly sped up to warp speed. Ever wonder why sin is being called good, and good sin? Ever wonder why things that would have just simply been accepted as wrong, are now either gray or outright OK? What has happened to our schools where chewing gum and talking used to be things of the conference, to where now shootings and even rape are the trends?

One of the main answers is simple. We removed God. Remember, it was our founding fathers that put God in schools. Thomas Jefferson called the Bible the cornerstone for American liberty and then put it in our schools as a light. God was never to be out of the public.

Of the 55 men who formed the constitution, 52 were active members of their church. Noah Webster who wrote the first dictionary could literally quote the Bible chapter and verse. James Madison said,

"We've staked our future on our ability to follow the ten commandments with all our heart.” 

In his farewell address, Washington said, 

"You can't have national morality apart from religious principle."

Remember what President Abe Lincoln said? 

“The philosophy of the schoolroom in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next”

This is why they removed God from our schools, so they can fill our children’s little growing brains with their agendas and shape the future into a godless, in their opinion, the utopia of a secular nation to live as you will.

Another one of the main issues, that goes right along with the removal of God, is this. It is the crumbling foundation that used to be taught at home. He who controls the youth controls the future. It really is that simple. It all starts at home. It all starts with you. It starts with the parents. It all starts with the success or the failure of the parents in laying a solid foundation for their kids. Where do you start?

“In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1

Teach them there is a God. Even though some like to say "there is no God," even though science and mathematics DISPROVE that evolution could have taken place without Him. Something from something is something, but nothing from or added to nothing is still nothing. So there had to be, and there is a something, and His name is God. He is real. He is the truth. He is righteous. He is Love. He is our Father {If you accept His plan of salvation}.

Then, God said this.

“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Deuteronomy 6: 6-7

What words? The ten commandments

1-   Have no other god before God.
2-   Do not commit Idolatry.
3-   Do not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
4-   Remember the sabbath day and keep it Holy.
5-   Honour your Father and Mother, that your days may be long on the earth.
6-   Do not murder.
7-   Do not commit adultery.
8-   Do not steal.
9-   Do not lie.
10- Do not covet.

You can find the list in Exodus 20. Or as Jesus said?

“And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39

You have to teach your children that there is a God, that through the adoption of the Holy Spirit, God becomes their Father, and that HE will be with them always. You have to teach them that God's Word on all things is final and absolute. No matter what man may have to say about it. Why is this so important? Because if you know the truth, you will not fall for the lies.

We, as a nation, violate the ten commandments daily. America today says things like this.

1- Have no other god before God. “Who’s god? Believe in any god you want but keep it home, No one needs to hear about it.”

2- Do not commit Idolatry. Everyone wants to be famous with many “followers.” Self is growing and perhaps one of the most dangerous kinds of idolatry. Or course we also have a love of money. Banks have become like churches to some.

3- Do not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. “Who cares? It is just words. Come on. Get over yourself. We do not even believe there is a god to offend so blank off.”

4- Remember the sabbath day and keep it Holy. “You mean I should not do anything on Saturday? Seriously? We work and live in a 24 / 7 society. Got to make that money.” And that's my party day.

5- Honour your Father and Mother, that your days may be long on the earth. “Says who. I did not ask to be born. I do not even know who my father is. When my mom gets old I will help her out. You know put her somewhere or something. You need to get with the current times.”

6- Do not murder. “You call it murder. I do not. We do not care what the supreme court says. We will fight to restore the right to murder, uh abort unwanted children.”

7- Do not commit adultery. “What happens between two grown adults is their business. Not yours.”

8- Do not steal. “From who? Oh, that person that has billions and should just give it to others who cannot pay their growing electric bill? Yeah, I say take it.”

9- Do not lie. “Seriously? Come on. We have whole TV shows about lying AND cheating and doing whatever. Nothing wrong with certain lies. Again, get with today.”

10- Do not covet. “Keeping up with the Jones is good and healthy. It gives us something to strive for. Something to work for.”

This is America today. Just in this aspect of violating the ten commandments. This is why we must lay this foundation with our children. As they grow, you need to use the Word of God to answer their questions as often as you can. Why? Because when they grow, they will then fully understand that if something arises in their life, and they have a question about it, they can go to The Word themselves to seek the answers.

"Why did little Johnny break my new toy?" You can take him to The Word, teach him that little Johnny may have done this because of covetousness, and use this as a teachable moment on what jealousy can lead to. "Grandma just died. What happens after?" Jesus. You get the point.

If you start early, feeding your children on The Word of God, it will become part of who they are. They will be ready for the things they may face. It will be as usual for them, as it is for little Johnny to accept the lie. For they will have the Truth to rely on. If you chose not to? They will not know what the truth is and then they may end up believing the lies.

As we get further into this study, we will be dealing with some overriding specific sins and the aspects of society that seem to have completely flipped from sin to good. Remember we were told these days were coming and I suggest to you, they are here. Some of the things we will be discussing?

Marriage. God’s plan for Family.
The Idol of Self
Money
Witchcraft.
Homosexuality.
Transgenderism.

Yes, I am aware that some of these may offend some people. I get that. Some of these may be difficult to hear. Some may be deemed as hurtful by some. However, none of that makes them less true. Less important. As a matter of fact, it may make them even MORE important.

As we go through this series, always really, but as we go through this series I highly encourage you to follow along in the Word of God. Read it for yourself. See what God actually says about these topics. If you find yourself getting offended, then please understand, it IS God. It is HIS Word. It is not a matter of opinion, a point of view, or something you feel is a religious ploy to control people. It is the Bible. It is reality. It is how God sees these things, and how He tells us we should as well.

Of course, without Jesus, none of this really matters. If you have not already done so, you need to ask Jesus into your life, then 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 rose 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 you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall 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

Brand new Email if you wish to contact me, it's truthbygod1@gmail.com 

May the comfort of the Holy Ghost, and the peace of our Lord Jesus, be with you all. May God bless and be with you, always.

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

Book of Luke, Chapter 24

 Chapter 24

The Resurrection

1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third-day rise.” 8 And they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, 11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves, and he went home marveling at what had happened.

On the Road to Emmaus

13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 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. 18 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?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate before them.

44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

The Ascension

50 And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51 While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple blessing God.

Raising Children in Today's Reality

 Don’t fight reality.

You are not likely to change it. Lay a foundation. Give them the Truth to take with them. Show them how to use the shield and the whole armor of God. Equip them with the difference between right and wrong, righteousness and sin. Teach them what genuine compassion really is. What true love really is. If you do not teach them what they need to know, the world will teach them what it wants them to be.

I understand it is very frustrating. You are raising kids in today’s reality. If you believe in God, and you read the Word of God or the Bible, and raise your kids without passing that on, once they leave your house, usually at about age 5, the world will start teaching them what the world wants them to be. When this happens, they will simply accept what the world says and they will start believing what the world says because that is what everyone they are surrounded with, believes.

I really want you to think about this. The world is a confusing and becoming more confusing place based on mental illness, delusion, and sin. Used to be most agreed that God belongs in public education and society. Used to be most believed that marriage was to be between one man and one woman. Used to be that most would agree that biology is correct and if you are born a male you are male and if you are born a female then you are a female. Used to be that most agreed that Homosexuality was against God and nature and not something to be praised, supported, and protected.

We are going to dive into today's reality and how we need to raise our kids to keep them safe and protected by God. The sad truth is, if you do not lay a good enough foundation and or educate your child well enough, you stand little to no chance. They will accept the lies, the delusions, and the sin as good, right, and even in some cases, holy.

The word says this.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

Our children are a gift from God. Look here.

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” Psalm 127:3-5

We read this in Isaiah.

“All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13

How are our children taught by God? His Word. This {Holding up the Bible} This is how you can have God, teach your children.

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

It really does not matter what we are talking about. God’s plan for families. God’s plan for us to live. God’s plan for salvation. God’s diet for us. God’s wisdom on, well, anything. What about removing God from schools and society? Is it compassion? Is it just? Is it in the Constitution? Is Abortion murder? Is Homosexuality ok? Is Transgenderism normal and good? What about bestiality? What about pedophilia? Is age just a number? These are the things that we will be discussing coming up here at TAG. Let’s start today with this. Is it really in the Constitution that we must have a “Wall of Separation of Church and State?” NO! First, let’s settle the truth of this matter.

We live in a Nation where we have "One Nation Under God," as a stated belief. "In God We Trust," on our money. Our Declaration of Independence starts out like this.

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, and that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

U. S. Constitution

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

AMENDMENT I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Today? We do not even know who God is. We have removed Him from our schools. We have forbidden Him in government, and we have forbidden Him in public life. We attack those that have faith in God, and the Gospels, as simpleton, racist, bigoted, chauvinistic, "homophobes." Who are just too stupid to understand what is best for them and the country.

We live in a country where we call sin good, and good sin. We live in a country where we teach our young, that from nothing, came one single cell of something, and from that, came all life as we know it today. Setting aside that the theory of evolution is both scientifically and mathematically impossible, there is no God.

As a nation, we also violate the Ten Commandments daily. So to recap. We violate God's Laws. Remove God from public life. We have stopped teaching Him in our schools. We attack those that are His children and those that believe in Him. We declare "One Nation Under God," and "In God We Trust." Yet, we do all these things, and we wonder WHY there is a moral decline in this country. Seriously?

The problem is, when you remove God, something else will take His place. It was never intended to be this way. It did not need to be this way. No, there is NO “Wall” in the Constitution. Read it again with me.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,” Stop. This does not say, “Putting one religion over another.” It does not say, “You cannot have religion in public.” “You cannot teach God in Schools, nor have Prayer in Schools.” NO!!! Many of the founding fathers were Christian. Christianity is a part of our country’s heritage.

In John Quincy Adams’ 4th of July address, Adams is speaking to the fact that the United States is the only nation in history established by mostly Christian people, founded upon Biblical principles.

“Is it not that in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? – that it forms a leading event in the progress of the Gospel dispensation? Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer’s mission upon earth? – that it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity?”

While most of us remember Patrick Henry for seven little words, “Give me liberty or give me death!” He said this as well.

“Righteousness alone can exalt [America] as a nation. Reader! Whoever thou art, remember this; and in thy sphere practice virtue thyself, and encourage it in others… the great pillars of all government and of social life: I mean virtue, morality, and religion. This is the armor, my friend, and this alone, that renders us invincible.”

John Adams made this statement in an October 13, 1789 address to the military.

“We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

So what about that “Wall” Thomas Jefferson was a big supporter of religious liberty. Because of this, he made sure that church and state stayed separate in American politics. He said this.

“And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever.”

He advocated for this “Wall” to be there to protect the church from the federal government. Not the federal government from the church. In Thomas Jefferson’s letter to the Danbury Baptist Association, he wrote this now infamous line.

“Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should ʺmake no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,ʺ thus building a wall of separation between Church & State. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation on behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties.”

The whole purpose of this “Wall” was to prevent the Federal Government to create and or take over religion and force with laws on the people of this country to follow what the “religion" or “Church” says. Remember that of which we fled to come here. Remember why we founded this country, to begin with. Religious FREEDOM!

As a matter of fact, the government removing God from school and trying to remove Him from society is actually AGAINST that constitution. Against this very clause that so many like to point to ignorant of the point that it is actually, “prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

What happens when you remove God? You get what we have now. A moral decline in this country. In this series, we will be looking at this moral decline and the “reality” of society today, and how we must live and raise our children. Without God? Without His Word? Without Jesus? We do not stand a chance. Neither do our children. Remember, whosoever controls the youth, controls the future. If you believe that Jesus is the answer and is needed in your life, then 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 rose 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 you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall 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

Brand new Email if you wish to contact me, it's truthbygod1@gmail.com

May the comfort of the Holy Ghost, and the peace of our Lord Jesus, be with you all. May God bless and be with you, always.

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

Book of Luke, Chapter 23

 Chapter 23

Jesus Before Pilate

1 Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.” 3 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.” 5 But they were urgent, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.”

Jesus Before Herod

6 When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7 And when he learned that he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. 8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. 9 So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. 10 The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. 11 And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. 12 And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.

13 Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. 15 Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. 16 I will therefore punish and release him.”

Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified

18 But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— 19 a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. 20 Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, 21 but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” 22 A third time he said to them, “Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.” 23 But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.

The Crucifixion

26 And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. 27 And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. 28 But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ 30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31 For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. 35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”

39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

The Death of Jesus

44 It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. 47 Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!” 48 And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. 49 And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.

Jesus Is Buried

50 Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. 54 It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. 55 The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. 56 Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments.

On the Sabbath, they rested according to the commandment.

Jesus vs God

 Jesus is God

Someone tells you, that there is a man, his name is Peter, and he will bless you with many blessings. They tell you that this Peter is at 123 Lucky Ave. and here are the directions. There is only one way in and one way out. Then they tell you that all you have to do to get those blessings is go to Peter and ask.

Now when some hear this, they say “I do not believe you.” Some say, “I do not want to go that way, I will find another.” Some will say, “I want the blessing, but it cannot be that easy, so we will make up a bunch of dos and don’ts that make sense to us, and we will teach them to those who we want to be with us.” Some will say, “Ok. I believe in all you tell me, except this. I do not believe that Peter is the only one I can get his blessings from. I heard there are others and I like what they say about them. I will find my own Peter.”

Let’s look at some of the things people say.

“I do not believe you.” Well, sorry? Some things are true if you believe them or not.

“I do not want to go that way, I will find another.” Sorry, but there is only one way.

“I want the blessing, but it cannot be that easy, so we will make up a bunch of dos and don’ts that make sense to us, and we will teach them to those who we want to be with us.” Nope. All you have to do is ask because it is not about you, it is about him. His love for you.

“Ok. I believe in all you tell me, except this. I do not believe that Peter is the only one I can get his blessings from. I heard there are others and I like what they say about them. I will find my own Peter.” How will you ever find Peter, if you leave out Peter?

These are some of the things people say about God.

“I do not believe you.” Well, sorry? Some things are true if you believe them or not.

“I do not want to go that way, I will find another.” Sorry, but there is only one 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 14:6

There is no other way. Jesus said HE is the way to God, life, and salvation. He is the Gate or Door, John 10:7, The Light of the world, John 8:12, The resurrection and life. Look here,

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live,” John 11:25

Jesus said he was here before even Abraham was.

“Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:56-58

There is no other way. Without Jesus, you can never find a way to God. It does not matter what you may have heard or even if you believe there is another way, There is not.

“I want the blessing, but it cannot be that easy, so we will make up a bunch of dos and don’ts that make sense to us, and we will teach them to those who we want to be with us.” It is not about you.

“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person, though perhaps for a good person, one would dare even to die, but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8

We did nothing to earn it. We did nothing to deserve it. He did. He did it all. Out of His love for us. This is why religion is NOT salvation. Look what Jesus said about religion.

“Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.” He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ But you say, ‘If anyone tells his father or his mother, “What you would have gained from me is given to God,” he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition, you have made void the word of God.”

Think about that for a second. That really is religion. We take the Word of God, and we pick and chose what we want to follow and what we want to ignore. Then we create religions to teach these things. Remember, He is talking to religious folks here. Priests, and such.

“You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said:

“‘This people honors me with their lips,

but their heart is far from me;

in vain do they worship me,

teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’” Matthew 15:1-9

“Teaching as doctrines, the commandments of men.” Just because you may be following the traditions of men, doesn't mean you are following God's Word. Or HIS teachings. This is why we are taught in God’s Word that,

“For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

There is nothing you can DO to earn your way to heaven. You can be a good little Muslim, Jew, Buddhist, or even Christian. This does not mean you are saved and on your way to heaven. There is only one way, Jesus. If you do not have Jesus, your religion is worthless and false. Sorry, not sorry. Not an opinion, or a concept. It is simply the truth.

 
“Ok. I believe in all you tell me, except this. I do not believe that Peter is the only one I can get his blessings from. I heard there are others and I like what they say about them. I will find my own Peter.”

I know sounds ridiculous right? But people say this all the time.

“Ok. I believe in all you tell me, except this. I do not believe that Jesus is the only one I can get his blessings from. I heard there are others and I like what they say about them. I will find my own God.”

Jesus IS God. How can you get to God, if you leave out God? Look at this quote.

“The deity of Christ is the key doctrine of the scriptures. Reject it, and the Bible becomes a jumble of words without any unifying theme. Accept it, and the Bible becomes an intelligible and ordered revelation of God in the person of Jesus Christ.” J. Oswald Sanders

In Exodus 3, Moses asked God what His name was, and God answered, “I AM WHO I AM.” Exodus 3:14. Remember what Jesus said to those who claimed He was making Himself more important that the Jewish Patriarch Abraham? He said “I AM” He called Himself by the Jewish name of God. This is why they tried to stone Him. He called Himself, God. Yes, Jesus did indeed call Himself God, regardless of what you may have heard.

Isaiah told us who Jesus would be LONG before Jesus came to earth. He said this.

“For to us a child is born, to us, a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

You cannot get to God, if you leave out Jesus, because Jesus IS God. There is no other way, no other truth, no other life. If you leave out Jesus, you will never truly find God.

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him, the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.” Colossians 2:8-10

Have you decided? Have you come to understand that it is only through faith in Jesus that you can even possibly be saved? Have you accepted Him into your life? Would you like to? 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 rose 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 you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall 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

May the comfort of the Holy Ghost, and the peace of our Lord Jesus, be with you all. May God bless and be with you, always.

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

Book of Luke, Chapter 22

 Chapter 22

The Plot to Kill Jesus

1 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. 2 And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people.

Judas to Betray Jesus

3 Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. 4 He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. 5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6 So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.

The Passover with the Disciples

7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it.” 9 They said to him, “Where will you have us prepare it?” 10 He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters 11 and tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 12 And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.” 13 And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

Institution of the Lord's Supper

14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. 21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. 22 For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” 23 And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.

Who Is the Greatest?

24 A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25 And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

28 “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, 29 and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, 30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial

31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”

Scripture Must Be Fulfilled in Jesus

35 And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” 38 And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”

Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives

39 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

47 While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49 And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”

Peter Denies Jesus

54 Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house, and Peter was following at a distance. 55 And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. 56 Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.” 57 But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” 58 And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” 59 And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.

Jesus Is Mocked

63 Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. 64 They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” 65 And they said many other things against him, blaspheming him.

Jesus Before the Council

66 When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. And they led him away to their council, and they said, 67 “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, 68 and if I ask you, you will not answer. 69 But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” 70 So they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” And he said to them, “You say that I am.” 71 Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.”

Happy Easter 2023

 Happy Easter 2023

Happy Easter! First? Is there anything wrong with Easter Egg Hunts? Nope. Is there anything wrong with Easter Bunnies and Easter Baskets for the little ones? Again, nope. There is nothing wrong with these fun family traditions, as long as with all this, you instill the truth of what Easter is actually all about. We celebrate Easter to celebrate Jesus coming to earth, and although He could have called down angels to wipe out those that were trying to kill Him, He allowed them to kill Him. Not just kill Him, but torture and humiliate and nail Him to a cross. He allowed this, well look here what He told Peter in the garden when they came to take Him. 

"Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. All who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” Matthew 26:52-56

 Which scriptures? Isaiah 53 is a good one to start. 

"Who has believed what he has heard from us?
And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
For he grew up before him like a young plant,
and like a root out of the dry ground;
he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
and no beauty that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Surely he has borne our grief
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds, we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—everyone—to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers are silent,
so he opened not his mouth.
By oppression and judgment he was taken away;
and as for his generation, who considered
that he was cut off out of the land of the living,
stricken for the transgression of my people?
And they made his grave with the wicked
and with a rich man in his death,
although he had done no violence,
and there was no deceit in his mouth.

Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him;
he has put him to grief;
when his soul makes an offering for guilt,
he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;
the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;
by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,
make many to be accounted righteous,
and he shall bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,
because he poured out his soul to death
and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
and makes intercession for the transgressors."

Why? Why would God lay down His Godhood, come to earth and live as one of us, and allow His own creation to do all we did to Him? 

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

And 

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:1-4, 10-14

So Jesus came into the world, healed the sick, raised the dead, and gave sight to the blind. Then, He fulfilled His main purpose of coming. He was killed for our Sins. He went to the cross to pay the price for all sin and shed His blood for us all. He did so for YOU.

If you allow His blood to be your blood, His payment for all sin to be your payment for your sin, and His death to be your death, you will have everlasting peace and happiness with Him. Easter is the day we have set aside to remember what happened.

"But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.  And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?  He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.”  And they remembered his words,  and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.

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?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.  They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate before them.

Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24

This is what Easter is all about. The greatest gift you will ever receive. The gift of forgiveness and salvation. The gift of eternal life. He did all these things and suffered all things so that you can enter Heaven. So that you will not die, but have everlasting life. He paid the ultimate price so you do not have to. The greatest and final sacrifice, ever.

Next week we will discuss the simple fact that Jesus is, in fact, God Himself and without Him, you cannot nor will you ever, get to God or heaven without, well, God. 

Do you know Jesus? The real Jesus. 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 rose 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 you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall 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

May the comfort of the Holy Ghost, and the peace of our Lord Jesus, be with you all. May God bless and be with you, always.

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

Book of Luke, Chapter 21

 Chapter 21

The Widow's Offering

1 Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, 2 and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

Jesus Foretells Destruction of the Temple

And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”

Jesus Foretells Wars and Persecution

Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness.  Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer,  for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death.  You will be hated by all for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.

Jesus Foretells Destruction of Jerusalem

“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

The Coming of the Son of Man

“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves,  people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.  Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Watch Yourselves

“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. And early in the morning, all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.

Jesus AKA The Bible Vs Religious Books

Any other book is a man-made guide to religion.

                                 


Hello, welcome today, Today we are continuing our series that could simply be called “Jesus.” I know, I know, that covers a lot of ground. Better title? Maybe “Jesus vs”? We already discussed the very distinct difference between authentic faith in Jesus and a man-made tradition called religion. We discussed last time the very distinct difference between Jesus and Christianity. Yes, there is a difference.

I can hear some people reading this thinking, or even coming right out and saying something like this. “You are trying to defend your religion using your religious book. There are many out there. What makes you think yours is the truth and all others are false? I do not have to believe what your book says. It is the same as all the others.”

Well? There are many differences. However, there is one that makes it absolutely final. Let’s talk about this today. Everything you need to ever know is right here {Holding up the Bible.} Now what about those who are going to feel the Bible is nothing more than just another "religious book" and means little to nothing? Some will tell you that the Bible is full of contradictions and false information. Not true. There is not one single contradiction in the Bible. No not one. There are misunderstandings, differing points of view, and poor translations, but zero contradictions. Then you are going to have those who honestly ask, why should we believe the Bible? Why should we put the Bible over every other religious book? How do we know for a fact, that the Bible is true?

One of the easiest ways to disprove the Bible is also one of the easiest ways to prove the Bible is the Truth. You see. there are 1,239 prophecies in the Old Testament and 578 prophecies in the New Testament for a total of 1,817. This is according to “The Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy” by J. Barton Payne.

If the Bible makes all these predictions, and they are proven false, then the Bible is indeed false. However, if the Bible makes all these predictions, some 26 percent of the total Bible is made up of prophecies, then predictions that have been proven correct prove the bible true. Here are some examples. General, Babylon Will Rule Over Judah for 70 Years.Jeremiah 25:11-12. Babylon then began to take many Jews as captives to Babylon and destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple. This domination of the Jews ended in 539 BC, when Cyrus, a leader of Persians and Medes, conquered Babylon, bringing an end to the empire. This was predicted in Isaiah 45:1. Jeremiah 49:15-20; Ezekiel 25:12-14 both tell of how the luscious and beautiful land of Edom, today a part of Jordan, would become a desert and wasteland.

Isreal itself is a prophecy fulfilled. Isreal? As we know it today? The exact location and construction sequence of Jerusalem's nine suburbs was predicted by Jeremiah about 2600 years ago. Jeremiah 31:38-40, Ezekiel 37:21-22. Isaiah 66:7-8 describes this taking place in one day. This rebirth became history in 1948, in one day, and the construction of the nine suburbs has gone forward precisely in the locations and in the sequence predicted. Jesus and His life? Isaiah 53. To name one.

Scientific? How about Covid 19? Quarantine is needed to keep the majority safe. Leviticus 13:45-46. Let's stick with health for a sec. Also in Leviticus, Leviticus 17:11, again, Leviticus was written somewhere between 538–332 BC. During that time and many years after, it was thought to heal a sick person would be to bleed them. Actually removing their life force instead of attempting to heal the disease. While we are at it. Was Jesus sweating blood? Luke 22:44

Commonly referred to as Hematidrosis or Hemohidrosis, this condition results in the excretion of blood or blood pigment in the sweat. Under conditions of great emotional stress, tiny capillaries in the sweat glands can rupture, thus mixing blood with perspiration. This condition has been reported in extreme instances of stress. 76 cases of Hematidrosis were studied and classified into categories according to causative factors. The most frequent causes of the phenomenon were found to be “acute fear” and “intense mental contemplation.” So yes, Jesus facing all He was about to, including the Cross, did indeed sweat blood.

God created animals “after their kind.” Genesis 1:11-13 Nineteenth-century biologists argued that animals evolved from other, very different animals, but today biology confirms that creatures reproduce within their own kind. Mankind? Genesis 3:20, 1 Corinthians 15:45, The Bible claims that all humans are “one blood” descended from one man and one woman. Some nineteenth-century biologists argued that different races descended from lower animals, but today genetics has verified that there is only one human race.

One of my favorites? How about the flat earth? The flat earth model is an archaic conception of the earth's shape as a plane or disk. Many ancient cultures subscribed to a flat earth cosmography, including Greece until the classical period 323 BC, the Bronze Age and Iron Age civilizations of the Near East until the Hellenistic period 31 BC, India until the Gupta period (early centuries AD), and China until the 17th century. Believe it or not, there is still some today that believes this to be true.

What does the Bible say? Isaiah 40:22

"It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in;"

Wait, it says "he who sits above the circle of the earth" The Circle. No question there. We could go on and on. Every prediction that the Bible has predicted has come to pass. If so, then we had better be looking forward to those still to come. Don’t you think?

Then you have Jesus Himself. Who is he, Where does He come from? How does He live? How does He die? How does He raise from the dead? These are all in the Bible, Thousands of years before Jesus is even born. In extreme detail. As a matter of fact, Jesus is in the entire Bible. Yes, the Old Testament as well as the New. Without Jesus, there is no Bible. No other “religious book” can say this. Others are written telling stories of their leaders, teachers, and messiahs. But the Bible IS Jesus. Therein lies the difference. Jesus IS the Bible. He IS The Word of God. He was with God, is with God, and IS God. There is no Bible, New or Old Testament without Jesus.

Here is something that some have a hard time understanding. Jesus was there in the beginning.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.” John 1:1-3

"All things were made by him;" The Word is a Him??? "and without him was not anything made that was made." "Without HIM, was NOTHING Made." Then a little bit later, John makes it clear. , Look here,

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14.

Jesus even tells us directly that the Bible is all about Him.

"And the Father himself, who has sent me, has borne witness of me. You have neither heard his voice at any time nor seen his form. And you have not his word abiding in you: for whom he has sent, him you believe not. Search the scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And you will not come to me, that you might have life." John 5:37-40

What is Jesus saying here? He is saying, you, the religious folks, look to the Bible, for salvation, yet reject Jesus Himself. He said you can't do that. Why? Because all Scripture point to Him. He is saying that if you reject Him, then you must reject the very Word of God because HE is the Word of God. He, Jesus, IS the Word of God in the flesh. The Bible IS the very Word of God, who IS, Jesus in the flesh. Are you following??

Paul even tells us that it was Jesus that created all things.

"And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:" Ephesians 3:9

In his letter to the Colossians, he wrote this.

"For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him." Colossians 1:16.

Jesus IS God. Jesus IS the Holy Spirit. We have discussed this before. Here is a brief summary.

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” John 14:18

He said "I" shall come to you. He is already there? Of course. So what He is telling them, is that the Holy Spirit is Him, He is God. Three yet one. That when the flesh dies, and He goes to be with the Father, the Spirit, who never dies, will come and dwell in us.

“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.” John 14:19-20

Again, "I" in you. Not some spook. "I." Jesus. The Holy Spirit is equal to Jesus. He IS Jesus. Jesus IS God. Are you following?

“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.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “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.”John14:21-23

Read that again. "If a man loves me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and WE will come unto him, and make OUR abode with him." What is He saying? Remember, OUR means three or more. Jesus said WE will make OUR abode with him. The very real person Jesus, the very real person the Holy Spirit, and even God Himself will live in us.

You cannot separate God, The Son Jesus, and the Spirit of God, for they are all one. You cannot separate God, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible, because the Bible IS the Word of God and IS Jesus. All three are Jesus. This is the main reason that the Bible is the living Word of the Living God and all other “religious books” are that, religious books.

To recap a bit,

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” John14:6-7

Jesus is the Way;

Not Religion.
Not Christianity.

Jesus is the Truth;

Not religious books.
Not man-made religious traditions.

Jesus is Life.

We will be talking about this next time. You cannot get to God if you leave God out of the equation.

Do you know Jesus? The real Jesus. 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 rose 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 you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall 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

May the comfort of the Holy Ghost, and the peace of our Lord Jesus, be with you all. May God bless and be with you, always.

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