Coming Right Up, Book of 1 Samuel

 Book of 1 Samuel 

Hey folks, if you have been with us here at TAG, {The Truth According to God} for the past 16 weeks, congratulations, you just read through the entire book of Mark. That's right, we wrapped up Mark last week.

Some people find reading through the Word of God difficult, and some see it as nearly impossible. They struggle to stay on target and find themselves falling away and failing to complete what they start out wanting to do so badly. There are a few reasons for this.

1 - The Word of God is not natural. It is supernatural. It is alive. It is real and ever working in this world and in people's lives.

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

We are natural and we crave the things of the flesh, which is opposite of the things of God. Sometimes we pick up the Bible and try to read it with our carnal minds. This is a problem.

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:5-8

When you pick up this book {Holding up the Bible} you should pray about it. Ask God to give you eyes to see, and a spirit to receive His Word. Ask Him to give you the Holy Spirit to interpret and understand what His Word is telling you. The Word declares that God is willing to give wisdom and understanding to those who ask Him.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him." James 1:5

2 - The Cares for this world.

“Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 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. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” Matthew 13:18-23

Again, when you read God's word, you should pray to Him and ask for guidance and even time to do so. Set a routine. Get up an hour earlier. Go to bed an hour later. Skip that TV show. Miss that next newscast. Make it a priority to read God's Word, and His guidance for your understanding, and never forget that God's Word is absolute and just. Therefore, if it says something that offends you, or goes against what the world says, it is true. The world is wrong. It IS just that simple.

3 - Offensive content

To elaborate a bit more on the last topic, you may become offended at something you read in the word. Abortion is murder. Psalm 139:13-18, Exodus 21:22-25, Homosexuality is sin, Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, Ezekiel 16:48-51, {Think America} Romans 1: 18-32. Jesus IS the only way to Heaven? John 14:6, Matthew 7:21–27, John 6:63, He promised that those who believe in Him will have eternal life John 3:14–15. He is the gate of the sheep John 10:7; The Bread of Life John 6:35; and the Resurrection John 11:25.

It really is simple. It is in the Book. If The Bible tells you it is sin. It is a sin. It does not matter one iota what you may think about it, what man says about it, what even the courts say about it. It does not matter what world leaders, the news, or famous people say about it. If the world chooses to ignore the word of God, it doesn't change sin to good. Rather it heaps up the punishment that will eventually come. If you become offended at something you read, pray about it. Ask God why. Seriously look in the mirror. God is always right and just. His Word is always right and just.

4 - Compassion for others.

Wait. What? Yup. Having a false sense of compassion for others can stop you from reading God's word. Why? See above. I believe in God. I even believe in Jesus. However, my mother believes in Buddha or my best friend is gay and believes in a loving God where all are welcome and encouraged to just be themselves. There is nothing wrong with that in my eyes. Or you may have something in your past or know someone that you know the Bible will talk against. Well, I just do not believe that this or that is really sinning. I'm just going to live my life and let God sort it out in the end. That is simply judging the Bible based on what others have told you.

In today's society, Jesus would have detractors on every side. Pretty much like He did then. Jesus does not measure compassion in a merely temporal, circumstantial way. His measure of compassion is eternal and transcendent. His goal, His mission, His compassion, is rooted in something deeper than a feeling. It is based on holiness and goodness. Absolute righteousness. Try reading it for yourself and ask God to put it in proper context and help you to understand. It will change your life.

Book of 1 Samuel

If you have been here for the past 16 weeks, you read through the entire book of Mark. Congrats. We will be diving into the book of 1 Samuel starting next week. Join us for the next 31 weeks and let's read the book of 1 Samuel together. One chapter a week. That's it. That's all. Not too tough if you choose you really want to do it. Remember, pray. Ask God to show you what He wants you to see as we go through 1 Samuel together.

Until next time. Be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus IS Lord!

Living in a Foreign World 4

 Religion is NOT salvation 

The Truth of Salvation is complicated. It is so simple that we have to complicate it. It is in this simplicity, that so many good people get lost. You can accept it. Reject it. Analyze it. Dissect it. Study it. Teach it. Speak about it. Think about it. Ignore it. Hate it. Whatever you choose to do. But it remains what it is.

Look at Gravity. The truth is that gravity is real. It exists. It is what it is. You can accept it. Reject it. Analyze it. Dissect it. Study it. Teach it. Speak about it. Think about it. Ignore it. Hate it. Whatever you choose to do. But it remains what it is.

Gravity is no respecter of persons. It does not care if you are black or white, male or female, rich or poor. It does not even care if you accept it. Reject it. Analyze it. Dissect it. Study it. Teach it. Speak about it. Think about it. Ignore it. Hate it. Whatever you choose to do. It WILL affect you, me, and everyone else the same way.

We go up to a high place. Gravity says, "Do not step off. You will fall. You will get hurt or even die." If you obey this "law of gravity" you will not step off. You will be just fine. If I choose not to obey it, I step off, what happens? I fell. I get hurt. Or I die. Why? Because I did not obey the "law of gravity." I did not accept it. I rejected it.

Now some questions. Did gravity kill me due to my lack of obedience? No. Did gravity choose to kill me because I did not accept it? No. Because you chose to accept it, does that make you a better person than me? No. Simply put, gravity is. This is true. You accepted it. You live. I did not accept it. I died.

God is the same way. He is. He said to tell His people His name is "I am." He just is. You can? Say it with me, accept Him. Reject Him. Analyze Him. Dissect Him. Study Him. Teach Him. Speak about Him. Think about Him. Ignore Him. Hate Him. Whatever you choose to do. But He remains who and what He is.

"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons" Acts 10:34

He doesn't care if you are black or white, male or female, rich or poor. He does not even care if you were born into this or that religion. He IS. I have good news for you. It also doesn't matter if you accept Him. Reject Him. Analyze Him. Dissect Him. Study Him. Teach about Him. Speak about Him. Think about Him. Ignore Him. Hate Him. Whatever you choose to do? God loves you. He does. He does not want you to die. He has written all of us a love letter. He has given all of us a manual for life itself. All can read it. All can understand it. All can and have to decide what they are going to do. Accept it, or reject it.

God knows we are weak and we cannot save ourselves. So He made that way simple too. John 3:16-18

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

That's it, Folks. It is just this simple. His name is Yeshua. We translated it as Jesus.

“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. For with the heart, one believes and is justified, and with the mouth, one confesses and is saved. The Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” Romans 10:9-11

Period. End of story. There is nothing else. There is no confusion. There is no complication. This is true. Accept it and live. Reject it and die. There is no hate. There is no judgment. There is only Truth. Simply put. Easy to understand. "Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already" Why? "because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God."

That is it. "What makes you think your Religion is better than all others?" Not talking about Religion. Yeshua is NOT a Religion. He is the ONLY 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

Everything else is man-made traditions that we call religion. Are all religions equal? Yes. I know some want to argue that this religion is greater or lesser than that religion. Most Christians say that Christianity is the only true religion. Truth is, Christianity is not the only true religion. All religions ARE equal. They are all man-made. If your religion does not have Jesus as the cornerstone? Does not have Jesus rising from the dead so that you do not have to? You are in a useless and pointless Man-made tradition that will lead to death. Sorry. Not sorry. I am telling you the Truth.

So many people take this and try to twist it around and say that this is hateful. They say it is too exclusive. That by saying Yeshua is the only way we are "insulting" other religions. First, I do not care about how man-made traditions receive the Truth. Two? It is not exclusive at all. It is totally INCLUSIVE. Remember, God loves YOU. ALL of you. It doesn't matter who you are. Why do you think He is letting all the stuff go on? Why do you think He hasn't come back yet? 2 Peter 3:9

"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."

Read that again. "not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."

God is being patient with us in the hopes of saving as many as possible. We have to decide. We are the ones in control of our destiny. Jesus even said this in Matthew 12:30

"Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters."

The Truth is simple. Easy to understand. Believe and live. Reject and die. Step off that high place and fall, or choose not to. Choose to accept the Truth, and live. It is what it is. He is who He is. Not a religion. Not a story, or concept, or ideal, but The Truth. The whole Truth. There is no other.

Remember, you do not have to do anything to be condemned and on your way to Hell. You do not have to commit murder. You do not have to worship the devil. You can even eat meat on Fridays. All you have to do to be condemned and on your way to Hell is? Do not believe in Jesus. Remember, you are "condemned already". No matter how good the World may say you are. No matter what your religion says. No matter who else you may try to pray to. If it is not Yeshua or Jesus, you are praying to no one

"And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

It is simple. It is easy. It is what it is. It is true. Do not get lost in the simplicity. Just accept it. There is nothing else you can do. There is no other Way, Truth, or Life. There is only Jesus. Even though this foreign world in which we live has many religions, we have a relationship. We should be talking to our Father daily.

“Sing unto God, sing praises to his name:
extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name Jah,
and rejoice before him.
A father of the fatherless,
and a judge of the widows,
is God in his holy habitation.” Psalm 68:4-5

Yes. We live in this world, until the time that Yeshua returns and God calls us home. However?

“Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ! Assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:17-24

We are still here. However, we no longer belong to here. We are new. We are now citizens of Heaven and The Alpha and Omega, The Beginning and the End, The Creator of the Universe, if now our Daddy. We are now His children. Do not be confused with man-made traditions. Be the child of God God calls you to be. Are you? Have you been adopted? 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 Yeshua'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 Yeshua, Amen!"

That's it. It 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

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

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

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

Book of Mark, Chapter 16

 Chapter 16

The Resurrection

16 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

9 Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.

Jesus Appears to Two Disciples

12 After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.

The Great Commission

14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. 15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name, they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.

Living in a Foreign World 3

 We answer to the Highest Authority.

Did you know that as children of God, we are instructed to follow our earthly leaders? We are. Look here.

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” Romans 13:1

I have even heard non-believers quote this scripture. “See. Even your Bible tells you that you have to obey us and do what the government tells you.” They are not wrong. Well, not really.

Does this mean that we have to follow an evil leader? Do we have to follow a government that is trying to remove God from society? Trying to oppress anything “Christian?” The Bible emphasizes the importance of respecting those in authority. Since it does, how can we find the balance between obeying God and respecting earthly authority? This is what we are going to talk about today.

First, let us put Romans 13:1 into context. It is ALWAYS important to look at the context. Especially when it is someone who is not a child of God quoting it to you.

“ Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”

Yes, it absolutely says this. However, keep reading.

“Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.”

So God is serious about us following earthly authority. Right? Keep reading.

“For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,”

Wait what?

“for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.”

God is not talking about evil rulers, but good God-fearing leaders. Keep going

“Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. Because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” Romans 13:1-7

What does God’s Word actually say? Obey earthly authorities IF they are God-fearing, Bible-believing, Holy authorities. Not evil, anti-God ones. Read this. {Holding up the Bible} You can clearly see the difference.

If this meant what some want you to believe then why would God bring the Jews out of Egypt? Think about that. God appointed Pharaoh. Yes, He did. Why did He not just order the Jews to obey Him? Why would God appoint him if He knew he would be evil?

“For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.”

No. He did not tell the Jews that they had to obey Pharaoh. You know the story, plagues, death, and destruction. The exodus of the Jews is something we are still celebrating today. What about this example in The Word?

Daniel 3. This story tells the tale of three young men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who refuse to bow down to an idol, even though the king has commanded them to do so. Their loyalty to God takes precedence over their fear of the king.

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

The Bible tells us that King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, whose height was nearly 90 feet tall and about 9 feet wide. He set it up on the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. He ordered it into law so that everyone needed to worship it.

Well, three God-fearing men said no. God alone is who we bow before and God alone is who we worship. Because of this, they were thrown into the fiery furnace that was so hot, that the furnace overheated, and the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Yet?

“He answered and said, "But I see four men unbound, walking amid the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods." Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace; he declared, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!" Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire.” Daniel 3:25-26

How about this story in the New Testament?

Acts 4:19-20 This is a powerful scene where Peter and John are brought before the authorities for preaching about Jesus. The authorities command them to stop speaking about Jesus.

"But Peter and John replied, ‘Which is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.'" Acts 4:19-20

How can we discern when God calls us to take a stand, even if it's unpopular? There are many other stories in the Bible of people answering to God more than man. Think about prophets like Elijah and Jeremiah, or the early Christians who faced persecution. What can we learn from their examples?

The short answer as to how we know is right here. The Bible. If, whatever it is, that someone is telling you, is NOT in here, then it is a lie. What an earthly authority tells you, even if they make it a law, goes against this. {Holding up the Bible} Then you need to read this, pray, and follow this. It is getting even more difficult to follow earthly authority because we are in a downward spiral where sin is celebrated and we are being forced to at the least remain silent or face consequences. I say that is the worst thing we, as children of God can do. We HAVE to follow our Father, His Word, and realize, we are no longer a part of this world.

Remember what Jesus told us?

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account." Matthew 5:10-11

If we were blindly following the world then the world would love us and we would not be persecuted or reviled. We should never fear this.

“The fear of man lays a snare,

but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.” Proverbs 29:25

And here?

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28

Remember, it is the fear of God that is the beginning of all wisdom, not the fear of man. The wisdom of this world is complete nonsense and foolishness to God. We are His children now.

“And if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.” Romans 8:17

We are His and there is nothing that can change that.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,

"For your sake, we are being killed all day long;

we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35-39

We are no longer citizens of this world. We are citizens of Heaven and God is our Father and He is it we are to answer to. Yes, obey the speed limit. Yes, pay your taxes. Yes. Follow the laws. However, when the time comes, and it will, when you have to choose who you will serve and who you will answer to, may I suggest you follow God.

Have you gotten your Passport? Are you a citizen of Heaven and are you a child 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 Yeshua'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 Yeshua, Amen!"

That's it. It is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Yeshua, 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

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

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

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

Book of Mark, Chapter 15

 Chapter15

Jesus Delivered to Pilate

1 And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. 2 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 3 And the chief priests accused him of many things. 4 And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you.” 5 But Jesus made no further answer so Pilate was amazed.

Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified

6 Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. 7 And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. 8 And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. 9 And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. 12 And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13 And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” 14 And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” 15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

Jesus Is Mocked

16 And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor's headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion. 17 And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 18 And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.

The Crucifixion

21 And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. 22 And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). 23 And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. 25 And it was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. 29 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.

The Death of Jesus

33 And when the sixth hour[f] had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35 And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” 36 And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” 37 And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

40 There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.

Jesus Is Buried

42 And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. 45 And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. 46 And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.

Living in a Foreign World 2

 You are a citizen of Heaven

We are living in a crazy time and a crazy and confusing world. We have started to call right, wrong, and wrong right. We call sin love, and love hate. How do you live in this world as a child of God? First? Realize that this is no longer your world. You have something in your wallet, purse, or pocket that identifies you as a citizen of this or that land. Many have left their birth land and have moved to another. America is made up of those who did just that.

From time to time, you are required to show proof of citizenship. Many have pride, pull out their ID with a smile, and present their "papers" to prove they belong. They are proud that they are a part of their country. Many that have just come to America, can't wait to show their proof of citizenship. They worked so very hard to get it.

Here is the thing. Talking to you child of God. You are not a citizen. Not anymore. Not even dual citizenship. You are now a stranger in a strange land. But I am not talking about the country you live in. I'm talking about the whole world. Remember what Jesus told us?

"If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." John 15:19

In His Prayer, Jesus said this.

"I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” John 17:14-18

Notice He said, twice, "They are not of the world." However, He did NOT say you would be taken out of the world, but that He was sending you into the world. This is where the popular phrase "In the World, not of it." comes from. We are no longer OF the world and this is why the world hates us so.

Once you accept Jesus, once you receive The Spirit of Adoption, once you become able to call the Alpha and Omega, The beginning and the end. The Creator of all that is, was, or ever will be, Daddy, you are no longer a citizen of earth.

"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him." Romans 8-14:17

Paul wrote to the Church in Ephesus

"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God," Ephesians 2:19

You are a citizen of heaven. The Lord of lords, and the King of kings, is your Daddy. You are a Prince or Princess of HEAVEN. It doesn't matter who you are, or rather who you were.

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28

We are all the same. We have all been washed clean with the blood of Christ. The blood of Jesus. We have all been adopted into the Family of God. We are all now citizens of Heaven. This is why we are not to be conformed to this world.

" 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. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:1-2

We are not to do the things they do. We are to be the NEW Creatures God made us to be. His children. James warned us about being a friend of the World.

"You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." James 4:4

Let the world be the world. Its fate is sealed. Let the dead bury the dead. Their fate is sealed. Let them love money, their fate is sealed. Let them play dress up. Their fate is sealed. Be the child of God HE called you to be. Be a Prince or Princess of Heaven. Be an ambassador. Be a sower of the seed. Teller of the truth.

If someone asks you to show them your papers? Show them your works. As James told someone who asked for proof.

"But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have work.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." James 2:18

Jesus said,

"Wherefore by their fruits, you shall know them." Matthew 7:20

What fruit?

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: " Galatians 5:22-23

If someone claims that they are fellow citizens, and yet, you see they are not producing any fruit, I would think twice before believing them. If they are of the world and not of God, you should have nothing to do with people like this.

You have citizenship in Heaven. Your treasure is in Heaven. Your reward is in Heaven. You are on your way home. Be the hand of God you are. Produce good fruit. Do your Father's Will. Keep Yeshua or Jesus's sayings. Rest in the fact that you are now a stranger in a strange land. Your Home is not here. It is waiting for you to come.

Are you a citizen of Heaven? Do you know Yeshua, or as translated, 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 Yeshua'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 is that simple. Now tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Yeshua, 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 Yeshua, be with you all. May God bless and be with you, always.

The Email if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

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

Book of Mark, Chapter 14

 Chapter 14

The Plot to Kill Jesus

14 It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him, 2 for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.”

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at the table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. 4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. 9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”

Judas to Betray Jesus

10 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. 11 And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.

The Passover with the Disciples

12 And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, “Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 13 And he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, 14, and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15 And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us.” 16 And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

17 And when it was evening, he came with the twelve. 18 And as they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” 19 They began to be sorrowful and to say to him one after another, “Is it I?” 20 He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. 21 For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”

Institution of the Lord's Supper

22 And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. 24 And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial

26 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27 And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 29 Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” 30 And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” 31 But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same.

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

32 And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34 And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” 35 And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” 37 And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. 41 And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer, is at hand.”

Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

43 And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.” 45 And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 46 And they laid hands on him and seized him. 47 But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 48 And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.” 50 And they all left him and fled.

A Young Man Flees

51 And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him, 52 but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked.

Jesus Before the Council

53 And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. 54 And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire. 55 Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. 56 For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. 57 And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying, 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’” 59 Yet even about this their testimony did not agree. 60 And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 61 But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62 And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” 63 And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? 64 You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. 65 And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows.

Peter Denies Jesus

66 And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, 67 and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you mean.” And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed. 69 And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” 70 But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” 71 But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” 72 And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.

Living in a Foreign World

 You are no longer a citizen of this world

Hello. Welcome, today. Today we will start a new series of messages. I am speaking, and will be speaking, directly to children of God. If you are not a child of God, that is ok too. You can be, and I hope you will be, by the end of this series.

Another June has passed. You know, “Mental Health Awareness Month.” Also known now as “Pride Month.” No, you can not avoid this. We are living in it. Our children are living in it. So how do you respond to it? Do you throw the Bible at people? Do you rip down flags? Knockover displays? After all, Jesus did turn over the tables. So how do we as children of God live in such a crazy time as June? Why are you only asking about June? Do you not know that the world is crazy all the time?

This is what we are talking about in this series. How do we live in this increasingly foreign world as children of God? How should we raise our children in the increasingly foreign world?

We will start today with Paul’s warning to the people of Laodicea. Laodicea was a wealthy, dynamic city in the province of Phrygia in the Lycos Valley, approximately 9 miles from Colossae, in a region now known as Denizli, Turkey. It seems to have had a church there, however, they became lukewarm in their living for Christ. They were letting the world in. They were allowing sin to enter into the church. They stopped teaching God's whole truth and started to water down the message. Look what God Himself said about them in Revelations.

“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation.

"'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him, and he will be with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'" Revelations 3:14-22

It is not hard to look around and see America today sounds a lot like Laodicea. Not only have we as a nation become lukewarm in our service to God, we have started to let sin into our churches.

Make no mistake about it, any church that explains away, celebrates, or accepts sin is not a real church. Any church that denies the devil or hell is not a real church. Any church that does not have the Jesus or Yeshua, of the Bible is not a real church. Do not walk away from these churches. RUN!.

Here is Paul’s warning to the church in Laodicea.

“For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. 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.

In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands.

This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations, "Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch" (referring to things that all perish as they are used)--according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.” Colossians 2

This is what we will be talking about in this series. Living in this crazy world.

We are not of the world. {We are a Citizen of Heaven}
We answer to a higher authority {God over Man no matter what cost}
Religion is not salvation. {Relationship, not Religion}
Laying a solid foundation for our kids. {Living, Teaching, Praying.}
Being a Peacemaker.

Speaking a Heavenly Language  
Finding Peace in chaos.
Victory is ours.

Let’s look at these things a bit closer.

“I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline,” and here, “being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of the full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

He is talking about the Wisdom of God. He is not talking about gold and silver. He is talking about the wisdom of God.

“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,
and the one who gets understanding,
for the gain from her is better than the gain from silver
and her profit is better than gold.
She is more precious than jewels,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;
those who hold her fast are called blessed.” Proverbs 3:13-18

The wisdom of God is far more profitable to you than any amount in your bank account. Look here.

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17

We need to read this. {Holding up the Bible} We need to have a foundation in the Truth according to God and not man. Why? If you know the truth you will not fall for a lie. This is what he meant when he said this. “I say this so that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.” A lot of our churches today preach to “itchy ears.” The prosperity gospel, no devil, no hell, no sin. Homosexuality is ok and good. You do not need the Bible. ETC. “Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind,” “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.” Look how Jesus put this one.

“And he said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, "'These people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men." And he said to them, "You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God to establish your tradition!” Mark 7:6-9

These are the churches that “have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.”

Listen, child of God. Look around. See what is going on, This is a crazy world that you are no longer part of. Oh, you are still in it. Do not be of it. You are now a stranger in a strange land. Join us next time for this aspect of what we are talking about. Make no mistake about it.

“For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” 1 Corinthians 3:19

Do not be fooled child of God. Do not be misled. Do not be deceived. If you are not a child of God, you really should start there, for,

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.”Proverbs 1:7

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

The Email if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

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